bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruption of genital ridge development causes aberrant primordial germ cell proliferation but does not affect their directional migration
Authors: Chen Su-Ren , Zheng Qiao-Song , Zhang Yang , Gao Fei , Liu Yi-Xun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe directional migration and the following development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during gonad formation are key steps for germline development. It has been proposed that the interaction between germ cells and genital ridge (GR) somatic cells plays essential roles in this process. However, thein vivofunctional requirements of GR somatic cells in germ cell development are largely unknown.ResultsWt1mutation (Wt1R394W/R394W) results in GR agenesis through mitotic arrest of coelomic epitheliums. In this study, we employed the GR-deficient mouse model,Wt1R394W/R394W, to investigate the roles of GR somatic cells in PGC migration and proliferation. We found that the number of PGCs was dramatically reduced in GR-deficient embryos at embryonic day (E) 11.5 and E12.5 due to decreased proliferation of PGCs, involving low levels of BMP signaling. In contrast, the germ cells inWt1R394W/R394Wembryos were still mitotically active at E13.5, while all the germ cells in control embryos underwent mitotic arrest at this stage. Strikingly, the directional migration of PGCs was not affected by the absence of GR somatic cells. Most of the PGCs reached the mesenchyme under the coelomic epithelium at E10.5 and no ectopic PGCs were noted in GR-deficient embryos. However, the precise positioning of PGCs was disrupted.ConclusionsOur work providesin vivoevidence that the proliferation of germ cells is precisely regulated by GR somatic cells during different stages of gonad development. GR somatic cells are probably dispensable for the directional migration of PGCs, but they are required for precise positioning of PGCs at the final step of migration.
The efficiency of Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 antagonism does not correlate with the potency of viral control in HIV-2-infected individuals
Authors: Yu Hangxing , Usmani Shariq M , Borch Alexandra , Krämer Julia , Stürzel Christina M , Khalid Mohammad , Li Xuehua , Krnavek Daniela , van der Ende Marchina E , Osterhaus Albert D , Gruters Rob A , Kirchhoff Frank 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of avpxgene distinguishes HIV-2 from HIV-1, the main causative agent of AIDS. Vpx degrades the restriction factor SAMHD1 to boost HIV-2 infection of macrophages and dendritic cells and it has been suggested that the activation of antiviral innate immune responses after Vpx-dependent infection of myeloid cells may explain why most HIV-2-infected individuals efficiently control viral replication and become long-term survivors. However, the role of Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 antagonism in the virological and clinical outcome of HIV-2 infection remained to be investigated.ResultsHere, we analyzed the anti-SAMHD1 activity ofvpxalleles derived from seven viremic and four long-term aviremic HIV-2-infected individuals. We found that effective Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 degradation and enhancement of myeloid cell infection was preserved in most HIV-2-infected individuals including all seven that failed to control the virus and developed AIDS. The only exception werevpxalleles from an aviremic individual that predicted a M68K change in a highly conserved nuclear localization signal which disrupted the ability of Vpx to counteract SAMHD1. We also found that HIV-2 is less effective than HIV-1 in inducing innate immune activation in dendritic cells.ConclusionsEffective immune control of viral replication in HIV-2-infected individuals is not associated with increased Vpx-mediated degradation of SAMHD1.
Risk of second cancer from scattered radiation of intensity-modulated radiotherapies with lung cancer
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Chung Weon Kuu , Shin Dongoh , Hong Seongeon , Park Sung Ho , Park Sung-Yong , Chung Kwangzoo , Lim Young Kyung , Shin Dongho , Lee Se Byeong , Lee Hyun-ho , Yoon Myonggeun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposeTo compare the risk of secondary cancer from scattered and leakage doses following intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) and tomotherapy (TOMO) in patients with lung cancer.MethodsIMRT, VMAT and TOMO were planned for five lung cancer patients. Organ equivalent doses (OEDs) are estimated from the measured corresponding secondary doses during irradiation at various points 20 to 80 cm from the iso-center by using radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeter (RPLGD).ResultsThe secondary dose per Gy from IMRT, VMAT and TOMO for lung cancer, measured 20 to 80 cm from the iso-center, are 0.02~2.03, 0.03~1.35 and 0.04~0.46 cGy, respectively. The mean values of relative OED of secondary dose of VMAT and TOMO, which is normalized by IMRT, ranged between 88.63% and 41.59% revealing 88.63% and 41.59% for thyroid, 82.33% and 41.85% for pancreas, 77.97% and 49.41% for bowel, 73.42% and 72.55% for rectum, 74.16% and 81.51% for prostate. The secondary dose and OED from TOMO became similar to those from IMRT and VMAT as the distance from the field edge increased.ConclusionsOED based estimation suggests that the secondary cancer risk from TOMO is less than or comparable to the risks from conventional IMRT and VMAT.
Antiproliferative activity of hexane extract from Tunisian Cistus libanotis, Cistus monspeliensis and Cistus villosus
Authors: Ben Jemia Mariem , Kchouk Mohamed Elyes , Senatore Felice , Autore Giuseppina , Marzocco Stefania , De Feo Vincenzo , Bruno Maurizio 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
As a part of our investigation on Tunisian medicinal plants, we have carried out a phytochemical investigation of the hexane extracts from leaves of Cistus libanotis, C. villosus and C. monspeliensis, evualuating also their possible antiproliferative activity in vitro.

Results
The major compounds of hexane extracts were identified and quantified by GC-MS. The composition of the three species, although belonging to the same genus, is completely different. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated against murine monocyte/macrophages (J774.A1), human melanoma cells (A-375), and human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), showing major activity against the human melanoma cell line A-375.

Conclusions
The chemical composition of the hexane extracts from the three Cistus species can be useful in the chemosystematics of this complex genus. The preliminary antiproliferative activity against human melanoma cell line A-375 deserve further investigations in order to determine the compounds, or their combinations, which are the main responsible for the antiproliferative activity and its possible mechanism(s) of action.
Efficient conversion of biomass into lipids by using the simultaneous saccharification and enhanced lipid production process
Authors: Gong Zhiwei , Shen Hongwei , Wang Qian , Yang Xiaobing , Xie Haibo , Zhao Zongbao K 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Microbial lipid production by using lignocellulosic biomass as the feedstock holds a great promise for biodiesel production and biorefinery. This usually involves hydrolysis of biomass into sugar-rich hydrolysates, which are then used by oleaginous microorganisms as the carbon and energy sources to produce lipids. However, the costs of microbial lipids remain prohibitively high for commercialization. More efficient and integrated processes are pivotal for better techno-economics of microbial lipid technology.

Results
Here we describe the simultaneous saccharification and enhanced lipid production (SSELP) process that is highly advantageous in terms of converting cellulosic materials into lipids, as it integrates cellulose biomass hydrolysis and lipid biosynthesis. Specifically, Cryptococcus curvatus cells prepared in a nutrient-rich medium were inoculated at high dosage for lipid production in biomass suspension in the presence of hydrolytic enzymes without auxiliary nutrients. When cellulose was loaded at 32.3 g/L, cellulose conversion, cell mass, lipid content and lipid coefficient reached 98.5%, 12.4 g/L, 59.9% and 204 mg/g, respectively. Lipid yields of the SSELP process were higher than those obtained by using the conventional process where cellulose was hydrolyzed separately. When ionic liquid pretreated corn stover was used, both cellulose and hemicellulose were consumed simultaneously. No xylose was accumulated over time, indicating that glucose effect was circumvented. The lipid yield reached 112 mg/g regenerated corn stover. This process could be performed without sterilization because of the absence of auxiliary nutrients for bacterial contamination.

Conclusions
The SSELP process facilitates direct conversion of both cellulose and hemicellulose of lignocellulosic materials into microbial lipids. It greatly reduces time and capital costs while improves lipid coefficient. Optimization of the SSELP process at different levels should further improve the efficiency of microbial lipid technology, which in turn, promote the biotechnological production of fatty acid-derived products from lignocellulosic biomass.
Canonical Wnt signaling induces BMP-4 to specify slow myofibrogenesis of fetal myoblasts
Authors: Kuroda Kazuki , Kuang Shihuan , Taketo Makoto M , Rudnicki Michael A 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The Wnts are secreted proteins that play important roles in skeletal myogenesis, muscle fiber type diversification, neuromuscular junction formation and muscle stem cell function. How Wnt proteins orchestrate such diverse activities remains poorly understood. Canonical Wnt signaling stabilizes β-catenin, which subsequently translocate to the nucleus to activate the transcription of TCF/LEF family genes.

Methods
We employed TCF-reporter mice and performed analysis of embryos and of muscle groups. We further isolated fetal myoblasts and performed cell and molecular analyses.

Results
We found that canonical Wnt signaling is strongly activated during fetal myogenesis and weakly activated in adult muscles limited to the slow myofibers. Muscle-specific transgenic expression of a stabilized β-catenin protein led to increased oxidative myofibers and reduced muscle mass, suggesting that canonical Wnt signaling promotes slow fiber types and inhibits myogenesis. By TCF-luciferase reporter assay, we identified Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a as potent activators of canonical Wnt signaling in myogenic progenitors. Consistent with in vivo data, constitutive overexpression of Wnt-1 or Wnt-3a inhibited the proliferation of both C2C12 and primary myoblasts. Surprisingly, Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a overexpression up-regulated BMP-4, and inhibition of BMP-4 by shRNA or recombinant Noggin protein rescued the myogenic inhibitory effect of Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a. Importantly, Wnt-3a or BMP-4 recombinant proteins promoted slow myosin heavy chain expression during myogenic differentiation of fetal myoblasts.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate a novel interaction between canonical Wnt and BMP signaling that induces myogenic differentiation towards slow muscle phenotype.
Effects of a novel bacterial phytase expressed in Aspergillus Oryzae on digestibility of calcium and phosphorus in diets fed to weanling or growing pigs
Authors: Almeida Ferdinando Nielsen , Sulabo Rommel Casilda , Stein Hans Henrik 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In 2 experiments, 48 weanling (initial BW: 13.5 ± 2.4 kg, Exp. 1) and 24 growing pigs (initial BW: 36.2 ± 4.0 kg, Exp. 2) were used to determine effects of a novel bacterial 6-phytase expressed in Aspergillus oryzae on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus and calcium in corn-soybean meal diets fed to weanling and growing pigs. In Exp. 1 and 2, pigs were randomly allotted to 6 dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design and a balanced 2 period changeover design, respectively. In both experiments, 6 diets were formulated. The positive control diet was a corn-soybean meal diet with added inorganic phosphorus (Exp. 1: 0.42 and 0.86% standardized total tract digestible phosphorus and total calcium, respectively; Exp. 2: 0.32 and 0.79% standardized total tract digestible phosphorus and total calcium, respectively). A negative control diet and 4 diets with the novel phytase (Ronozyme HiPhos, DSM Nutritional Products Inc., Parsippany, NJ) added to the negative control diet at levels of 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 phytase units (FYT)/kg were also formulated. In Exp. 1, the ATTD of phosphorus was greater (P < 0.01) for the positive control diet (60.5%) than for the negative control diet (40.5%), but increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) as phytase was added to the negative control diet (40.5% vs. 61.6%, 65.1%, 68.7%, and 68.0%). The breakpoint for the ATTD of phosphorus (68.4%) was reached at a phytase inclusion level of 1,016 FYT/kg. In Exp. 2, the ATTD of phosphorus was greater (P < 0.01) for the positive control diet (59.4%) than for the negative control diet (39.8%) and increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) as phytase was added to the negative control diet (39.8% vs. 58.1%, 65.4%, 69.1%, and 72.8%). The breakpoint for the ATTD of phosphorus (69.1%) was reached at a phytase inclusion level of 801 FYT/kg. In conclusion, the novel bacterial 6-phytase improved the ATTD of phosphorus and calcium in both weanling and growing pigs. The optimum level of inclusion for this phytase is 800 to 1,000 FYT/kg of complete feed to maximize ATTD of phosphorus and calcium in weanling and growing pigs.
Preliminary observations on the plasma composition of liza klunzingeri from the strait of Hormuz (Persian gulf)
Authors: Mohammadizadeh Maria , Afkhami Majid , Bastami Kazem Darvish , Ehsanpour Maryam , Esmailpoor Reza 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Serum biochemistry can be used for monitoring changes in the physiological condition of fish and water quality. The aim of this paper was to determine the concentrations of plasma T3 (Thyroid hormone), thyroxin, TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and cholesterol of Liza klunzingeri caught on the northern side of the strait of Hormuz (Persian Gulf). Biochemical values were: T3 0.96 ± 0.58 ng/ml, Thyroxin 76.58 ± 28.26 ng/ml TSH 0.03 ± 0.01 nmol/L, ALT 1.71 ± 0.68 U/L, AST 49.81 ± 5.25 U/L and cholesterol 177.28 ±40.75 mg/di. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) was found between AST and Cholesterol. ALT had a significant and positive correlation with cholesterol and AST (P < 0.01). Thyroxin also had a significant and positive correlation with cholesterol (P < 0.01) and AST (P < 0.01). The results revealed negative correlation between Thyroxin with TSH (P < 0.01). This study provides the first data on this blood chemistry of L. klunzingeri.
Changes in alkaline band formation and calcification of corticated charophyte Chara globularis
Authors: Kawahata Chika , Yamamuro Masumi , Shiraiwa Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Calcification by charophytes improves the quality of water, although most studies on calcification have only examined ecorticate species. We investigated the formation and relationship of alkalines and acids with regard to calcification on internodal cells in Chara corallina, an ecorticate species, and Chara globularis, a corticate species. We observed that alkaline and acidic areas with distinct banding patterns form on the internodal cells of C. corallina. The entire periphery of internodal cells was alkalized, and no distinct acidic area developed in C. globularis. By electron microscopy of these internodal cells, the calcified areas occurred primarily in alkaline areas with a banding pattern in C. coralline. However, phenomenon also occurred homogeneously inside of the entire cortex and cell wall in C. globularis. We also investigated the formation and relatiohship of alkalines and acids with regard to calcification on internodal cells of various ages from a single thallus of C. globularis. For internodal cells of C. globularis, a uniform calcified area lay between the cell wall and cortex on all cells, irrespective of age. In contrast, young cells bore an alkaline area that was uniform and widespread throughout their entire periphery, but the alkaline area in older cells was split into smaller segments in a banding pattern. Acidic areas were absent in young cells. These results indicate that the mechanisms by which alkaline and acid areas form differ in the presence and absence of cortex and between species.
Cisplatin and Radiotherapy With or Without Erlotinib in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Randomized Phase II Trial
Authors: Martins Renato G. , Parvathaneni Upendra , Bauman Julie E. , Sharma Anand K. , Raez Luis E. , Papagikos Michael A. , Yunus Furhan , Kurland Brenda F. , Eaton Keith D. , Liao Jay J. , Mendez Eduardo. , Futran Neal , Wang David X. , Chai Xiaoyu , Wallace Sarah G. , Austin Melissa , Schmidt Rodney , Hayes D. Neil 
Published: March 2013

Purpose The combination of cisplatin and radiotherapy is a standard treatment for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Cetuximab-radiotherapy is superior to radiotherapy alone in this population, validating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a target. Erlotinib is a small-molecule inhibitor of EGFR. Adding EGFR inhibition to standard cisplatin-radiotherapy may improve efficacy. Patients and Methods Patients with locally advanced SCCHN were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 22, and 43 combined with 70 Gy of radiotherapy (arm A) or the same chemoradiotherapy with erlotinib 150 mg per day, starting 1 week before radiotherapy and continued to its completion (arm B). The primary end point was complete response rate (CRR), evaluated by central review. The secondary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Available tumors were tested for p16 and EGFR by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Results Between December 2006 and October 2011, 204 patients were randomly assigned. Arms were well balanced for all patient characteristics including p16, with the exception of more women on arm A. Patients on arm B had more rash, but treatment arms did not differ regarding rates of other grade 3 or 4 toxicities. Arm A had a CRR of 40% and arm B had a CRR of 52% (P = .08) when evaluated by central review. With a median follow-up time of 26 months and 54 progression events, there was no difference in PFS (hazard ratio, 0.9; P = .71). Conclusion Erlotinib did not increase the toxicity of cisplatin and radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced HNSCC but failed to significantly increase CRR or PFS.
Observation of a Hydrogen-Bonded 3D Structure of Crystalline Glycerol
Authors: Kusukawa Takahiro , Niwa Genki , Sasaki Takato , Oosawa Ryosuke , Himeno Wataru , Kato Masahiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The crystal structure analysis of glycerol was revisited and the hydrogen atoms of three hydroxy groups were observed. A hydrogen-bonded 3D network structure of glycerol was created by the formation of a wave-like sheet structure and its assembly through hydrogen bonding.
Inventory Management for an Assembly System Subject to Supply Disruptions
Authors: DeCroix Gregory A. 
Published: March 2013

We consider an assembly system with a single end product and a general assembly structure, where one or more of the component suppliers or (sub)assembly production processes is subject to random supply disruptions. We present a method for reducing the system to an equivalent system with some subsystems replaced by a series structure. This reduction simplifies the computation of optimal ordering policies and can also allow for comparison of disruption impacts across systems with different supply chain structures. We identify conditions under which a state-dependent echelon base-stock policy is optimal. Based on this result, we propose a heuristic policy for solving the assembly system with disruptions and test its performance in numerical trials. Using additional numerical trials, we explore a variety of strategic questions. For example, contrary to what is typically observed in systems without disruptions, we find that choosing a supplier with a longer lead time can sometimes yield lower system costs. We also find that backup supply is more valuable for a supplier with a shorter lead time than one with a longer lead time. In addition, because of component complementarities, we find that choosing suppliers whose disruptions are perfectly correlated yields lower system costs than choosing suppliers whose disruptions are independent, in contrast to the strategy that is typically preferred when choosing backup suppliers for a single product. This paper was accepted by Gérard P. Cachon, operations management.
The Impact of Gender Diversity on the Performance of Business Teams: Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Hoogendoorn Sander , Oosterbeek Hessel , van Praag Mirjam 
Published: March 2013

This paper reports on a field experiment conducted to estimate the impact of the share of women in business teams on their performance. Teams consisting of undergraduate students in business studies start up a venture as part of their curriculum. We manipulated the gender composition of teams and assigned students randomly to teams, conditional on their gender. We find that teams with an equal gender mix perform better than male-dominated teams in terms of sales and profits. We explore various mechanisms suggested in the literature to explain this positive effect of gender diversity on performance (including complementarities, learning, monitoring, and conflicts) but find no support for them. This paper was accepted by Jesper Sørensen, organizations.
Do Hedge Funds Outperform Stocks and Bonds?
Authors: Bali Turan G. , Brown Stephen J. , Demirtas K. Ozgur 
Published: March 2013

Hedge funds' extensive use of derivatives, short selling, and leverage and their dynamic trading strategies create significant nonnormalities in their return distributions. Hence, the traditional performance measures fail to provide an accurate characterization of the relative strength of hedge fund portfolios. This paper uses the utility-based nonparametric and parametric performance measures to determine which hedge fund strategies outperform the U.S. equity and/or bond markets. The results from the realized and simulated return distributions indicate that the long/short equity hedge and emerging markets hedge fund strategies outperform the U.S. equity market, and the long/short equity hedge, multistrategy, managed futures, and global macro hedge fund strategies dominate the U.S. Treasury market. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Congenital lung malformations: an ongoing controversy
Authors: Peters RT , Burge DM , Marven SS 
Published: March 2013

Introduction Congenital lung malformations are rare lesions that are most commonly diagnosed antenatally. Management of such lesions, particularly those that are asymptomatic, remains controversial. We undertook a survey to ascertain current practice of surgeons in the UK and Ireland. Methods All consultant members of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons were asked to complete a survey on congenital lung malformations with respect to antenatal management, symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions, and operative techniques. Results Responses were received from 20 paediatric surgical centres and highlighted the ongoing variability in management of such lesions, particularly those that are asymptomatic. Twenty per cent of surgeons never resect an asymptomatic lesion and twenty-four per cent always do. The remainder intervene selectively, with size being the most commonly stated indication. Most resections are undertaken via thoracotomy although 35% of surgeons use thoracoscopy for some procedures. Conclusions National data based on congenital anomaly registers are needed to determine the natural history of these malformations and to guide future management.