bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parasitization by Macrocentrus cingulum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) influences expression of prophenoloxidase in Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Feng Congjing , Huang Jianhua , Song Qisheng , Stanley David , Lü Wenjing , Zhang Yong , Huang Yongping 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA prophenoloxidase (PPO) cDNA (OfPPO) was cloned from the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis. Sequence analysis revealed a full length transcript of the OfPPO cDNA with 2,686 bp, containing a 2,079 bp open reading frame (ORF), a 73‐bp 5′‐untranslated region, and a 534‐bp 3′‐untranslated region with a poly(A) signal. The ORF encodes a 693‐amino acid polypeptide, containing two distinct copper‐binding regions, a plausible thiol ester site, two proteolytic activation sites, and a conserved C‐terminal region, but lacks a signal peptide sequence. Expression of the OfPPO transcript in the plasma, hemocytes, fat body and midgut was inhibited by Macrocentrus cingulum at 4 h post‐parasitization (pp). In situ hybridization analysis showed that the hemocytes, especially the oenocytoids, hybridized strongly with the DNA probes of the OfPPO gene. No signal was detected in the cuticular epithelium or fat body of the parasitized larvae. Colloidal gold particles were used to visualize the PPO by immunoelectron microscopy. The time course study revealed a decrease in the labeling of the OfPPO at 4, 6, 8, 12, and 1 day pp in the larval integument and midgut parasitized by M. cingulum. We infer from time course studies of OfPPO gene expression and PO enzymatic activity that OfPPO in the integument is released from hemocytes and that the OfPPO expression was influenced at the transcriptional, translational, and then the post‐translational level by parasitization challenge. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy comic strips
Authors: Park Jin Seo , Kim Dae Hyun , Chung Min Suk 
Published: June 2011

AbstractComics are powerful visual messages that convey immediate visceral meaning in ways that conventional texts often cannot. This article's authors created comic strips to teach anatomy more interestingly and effectively. Four‐frame comic strips were conceptualized from a set of anatomy‐related humorous stories gathered from the authors' collective imagination. The comics were drawn on paper and then recreated with digital graphics software. More than 500 comic strips have been drawn and labeled in Korean language, and some of them have been translated into English. All comic strips can be viewed on the Department of Anatomy homepage at the Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea. The comic strips were written and drawn by experienced anatomists, and responses from viewers have generally been favorable. These anatomy comic strips, designed to help students learn the complexities of anatomy in a straightforward and humorous way, are expected to be improved further by the authors and other interested anatomists. Anat Sci Educ, 2011. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Guaranteed‐cost fuzzy controller design for a self‐sustaining bicycle with practical constraints
Authors: Chen Ying‐Jen , Wang Wen‐June , Chang Chung‐Lung 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis study presents a guaranteed‐cost fuzzy controller for a self‐sustaining bicycle. First, the nonlinear dynamics of the bicycle are exactly transformed into a T‐S fuzzy system with model uncertainty. The guaranteed‐cost fuzzy controller is then designed for the transformed T‐S fuzzy system. For practical considerations, the input/state constraints are also satisfied in the design. The main contribution of this study is the guaranteed‐cost control design for a T‐S fuzzy system with model uncertainty and input/state constraints. Finally, simulation results show the validity of the proposed controller design method.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Sentinel lymph node biopsy and survival in elderly patients with cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Koskivuo I , Hernberg M , Vihinen P , Virolainen S , Talve L , Seppänen M , Vahlberg T , Jahkola T 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) is a widely adopted staging procedure in patients with cutaneous melanoma. The benefits of SNB have not been evaluated thoroughly in older age groups.

Methods
This was a two-centre retrospective observational study of patients with melanoma aged at least 70 years undergoing SNB.

Results
A total of 423 patients were included. SNB was successful in 405 patients (95·7 per cent), of whom 88 (21·7 per cent) had sentinel node metastasis. During a median follow-up of 2·5 years, recurrence developed in 80 patients (18·9 per cent). Nodal recurrence developed in eight sentinel node-negative patients, giving a false-negative rate of 8·3 per cent, a sensitivity of 91·7 per cent and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98·0 per cent. A total of 46 patients (10·9 per cent) died from melanoma and 42 (9·9 per cent) from other causes. At 5 years, the relapse-free survival rate was 80·0 per cent in sentinel node-negative patients and 39 per cent in node-positive patients; cancer-specific survival rates were 88·6 per cent and 46 per cent respectively (P &lt; 0·001). In multivariable analysis, sentinel node metastasis (P &lt; 0·001), a Breslow thickness of at least 2·0 mm (P = 0·007) and presence of ulceration (P = 0·012) were independent prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival.

Conclusion
SNB is a feasible and accurate technique for detecting nodal metastases in older patients with melanoma. Sentinel node status is the most important predictor of cancer-specific outcome in the elderly.
Diverse protective roles of the actin cytoskeleton during oxidative stress
Authors: Farah Michelle E. , Sirotkin Vladimir , Haarer Brian , Kakhniashvili David , Amberg David C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractActin oxidation is known to result in changes in cytoskeleton organization and dynamics. Actin oxidation is clinically relevant since it occurs in the erythrocytes of sickle cell patients and may be the direct cause of the lack of morphological plasticity observed in irreversibly sickled red blood cells (ISCs). During episodes of crisis, ISCs accumulate C284‐C373 intramolecularly disulfide bonded actin, which reduces actin filament dynamics. Actin cysteines 284 and 373 (285 and 374 in yeast) are conserved, suggesting that they play an important functional role. We have been investigating the physiological roles of these cysteines using the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to oxidative stress load. During acute oxidative stress, all of the F‐actin in wild‐type cells collapses into a few puncta that we call oxidation‐induced actin bodies (OABs). In contrast, during acute oxidative stress the actin cytoskeleton in Cys‐to‐Ala actin mutants remains polarized longer, OABs are slower to form, and the cells recover more slowly than wild‐type cells, suggesting that the OABs play a protective role. Live cell imaging revealed that OABs are large, immobile structures that contain actin‐binding proteins and that can form by the fusion of actin cortical patches. We propose that actin's C285 and C374 may help to protect the cell from oxidative stress arising from normal oxidative metabolism and contribute to the cell's general adaptive response to oxidative stress. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Confocal backscattering‐based detection of leukemic cells in flowing blood samples
Authors: Greiner Cherry , Hunter Martin , Rius Francisca , Huang Peter , Georgakoudi Irene 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe prognostic value of assessing minimal residual disease (MRD) in leukemia has been established with advancements in flow cytometry and PCR. Nonetheless, these techniques are limited by high equipment costs, complex, and costly cell processing and the need for highly trained personnel. Here, we demonstrate the potential of exploiting differences in the relative intensities of backscattered light at three wavelengths to detect the presence of leukemic cells in samples containing varying mixtures of white blood cells (WBCs) and leukemic cells flowing through microfluidic channels. Using 405, 488, and 633 nm illumination, we identify distinct light scattering intensity distributions for Nalm‐6 leukemic cells, normal mononuclear (PBMC) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) white blood cells and red blood cells. We exploit these differences to develop cell classification algorithms, whose performance is evaluated based on simultaneous acquisition of light scattering and fluorescence flow cytometry data. When this algorithm is used prospectively for the analysis of samples consisting of mixtures of PBMCs and leukemic cells, we achieve an average specificity and sensitivity of leukemic cell detection of 99.6 and 45.2%, respectively. When we consider samples that include leukemic cells along with PMNs and PBMCs, which can be acquired using a simple red blood cell lysis step following venipuncture, the specificity and sensitivity of the approach decreases to 91.6 and 39.5%, respectively. On the basis of the performance of these algorithms, we estimate that 42 or 71 μL of blood would be adequate to confirm the presence of leukemia at an 80% power level in samples containing 0.01% leukemia to either PBMCs or PBMCs and PMNs, respectively. Therefore, light scattering‐based flow cytometry in a microfluidic platform could provide a low cost, highly portable, minimally invasive approach for detection and monitoring of leukemic patients. This could offer significant improvements especially for pediatric patients and for patients in developing countries. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Cell‐cycle distribution of different cell compartments in normal versus reactive bone marrow: A frame of reference for the study of dysplastic hematopoiesis
Authors: Matarraz Sergio , Fernandez Carlos , Albors Manuel , Teodosio Cristina , López Antonio , Jara‐Acevedo María , Cervero Carlos , Caballero Gonzalo , Gutierrez Oliver , Orfao Alberto 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLimited information is currently available about the proliferation activity and cell‐cycle distribution of different bone marrow (BM) cell subsets defined according to their lineage and maturation stage in normal versus cytopenia‐associated reactive BM samples. Here, we report a three‐color flow cytometry approach to investigate the cell‐cycle distribution of different BM cell compartments—CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor and precursor cells (HPC), maturing neutrophils and monocytic cells, mature lymphocytes, eosinophils, and nucleated red blood cell precursors (NRBC)—from normal (n = 47) versus cytopenia‐associated reactive (n = 47) BM samples. Highly similar proliferation profiles were detected in normal versus reactive BM, with a higher proliferation index (PI) for the more immature CD34+ HPC, CD11b− maturing neutrophils and NRBC versus other BM cell compartments. The only differences observed between normal and reactive BM were restricted to the more mature (CD13hi/CD11b+) bands/neutrophils and to monocytic cells, which showed an increased PI (0.9% ± 0.8% vs. 0.6% ± 0.5% and 6 ± 3.6 vs. 4.6 ± 4.5, respectively) at the expense of a lower PI of CD34+ HPC in reactive conditions. Of note, bands/mature neutrophils and mature lymphocytes showed either residual numbers or absence of S + G2/M‐phase cells in both normal and reactive BM. Our results suggest that a slight shift of proliferation from the early precursors to the more mature granulomonocytic compartment occurs in reactive BM, which could reflect an attempt of the hematopoietic system to rapidly produce functional neutrophils and monocytes, at the expense of a lower expansion of the minor compartments of CD34+ HPC. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Generation of the tamoxifen‐inducible DBH‐Cre transgenic mouse line DBH‐CT
Authors: Stubbusch Jutta , Majdazari Afsaneh , Schmidt Mirko , Schütz Günther , Deller Thomas , Rohrer Hermann 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe generated transgenic mice bearing a tamoxifen‐dependent Cre recombinase expressed under the control of the dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase promoter. By crossing to the ROSA26 reporter mice we show that tamoxifen‐induced Cre recombinase in adult mice specifically activates β‐galactosidase expression in differentiated noradrenergic neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. Tamoxifen application in adult mice did not induce β‐galactosidase activity in parasympathetic neurons that transiently express DBH during development. Thus, this transgenic mouse line represents a valuable tool to study gene function in mature noradrenergic neurons by conditional inactivation. genesis 49:935–941, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetics of sweet taste preferences
Authors: Bachmanov Alexander A , Bosak Natalia P , Floriano Wely B , Inoue Masashi , Li Xia , Lin Cailu , Murovets Vladimir O , Reed Danielle R , Zolotarev Vasily A , Beauchamp Gary K 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTSweet taste is a powerful factor influencing food acceptance. There is considerable variation in sweet taste perception and preferences within and among species. Although learning and homeostatic mechanisms contribute to this variation in sweet taste, much of it is genetically determined. Recent studies have shown that variation in the T1R genes contributes to within‐ and between‐species differences in sweet taste. In addition, our ongoing studies using the mouse model demonstrate that a significant portion of variation in sweetener preferences depends on genes that are not involved in peripheral taste processing. These genes are likely involved in central mechanisms of sweet taste processing, reward and/or motivation. Genetic variation in sweet taste not only influences food choice and intake, but is also associated with proclivity to drink alcohol. Both peripheral and central mechanisms of sweet taste underlie correlation between sweet‐liking and alcohol consumption in animal models and humans. All these data illustrate complex genetics of sweet taste preferences and its impact on human nutrition and health. Identification of genes responsible for within‐ and between‐species variation in sweet taste can provide tools to better control food acceptance in humans and other animals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy
Authors: Gupta Prateek K. , Smith Russell B. , Gupta Himani , Forse R. Armour , Fang Xiang , Lydiatt William M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundPrevious reports on postoperative outcomes following thyroid and parathyroid surgery are limited by relatively small sample size. We report 30‐day outcomes following thyroid and parathyroid surgery and analyze factors affecting length of stay (LOS) and postoperative adverse events (AEs).MethodsThe multicenter, prospective, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) datasets (2007/2008) were used. Multivariable logistic regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed.ResultsPatients undergoing thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, or both were identified (n = 13,380, 6154, 1535, respectively). Thirty‐day mortality was 0.08%, 0.16%, and 0.2%, respectively; 30‐day morbidity was 3.50%, 3.02%, and 4.04%, respectively. Mean LOS values were 1.1 ± 1.4, 1.1 ± 2.1, and 1.4 ± 3.1 days, respectively. Congestive heart failure, dependent functional status, dialysis dependence, and chronic corticosteroid use were significantly associated with increased LOS and postoperative AE.ConclusionsMorbidity and mortality rates following thyroid and parathyroid surgery are low. These data could be used by third‐party interests, and surgeons should be aware of them to ensure their outcomes are in the national norm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012.
Cellular (FLICE) like inhibitory protein (cFLIP) expression in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma identifies a poor prognostic subset, but fails to predict the molecular subtype
Authors: Harris Jemima , Ibrahim Hazem , Amen Furrat , Karadimitris Anastasios , Naresh Kikkeri N , Macdonald Donald H 
Published: June 2011

AbstractImmunohistochemistry can sub‐classify diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into germinal centre B‐cell like (GCB) and non‐GCB subtypes. The latter consists predominately of the activated B‐cell like subgroup in which nuclear factor kappa‐B activation is its characteristic. Expression of cellular caspase 8 (FLICE)‐like inhibitory protein (cFLIP), a caspase 8 homologue, is regulated by nuclear factor kappa‐B signalling, and it is the main inhibitor of Fas ligand activated apoptosis. To determine if cFLIP expression was confined to non‐GCB subtype, we studied 66 cases of DLBCL. cFLIP expression showed no significant correlation to DLBCL subtypes (GCB or non‐GCB) but was associated with a worse clinical outcome. For cFLIP positive and negative patients, the five‐year event free survival was 20 and 31%, respectively (p = 0.049), and the five‐year overall survival was 20 and 57%, respectively (p = 0.041). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning from peers in signaling game experiments
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Kagel John H. , Lee Lung‐Fei 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYWe investigate peer group effects in laboratory experiments based on Milgrom and Roberts' (1982, Econometrica 50: 443–459) entry limit pricing game. We generalize Heckman's (1981, in Structural Analysis of Discrete Data with Econometric Applications. MIT Press: Cambridge, MA) dynamic discrete‐choice panel data models by introducing time‐lagged social interactions, using the unbiased GHK simulator to implement the computationally cumbersome maximum likelihood estimation. We find that subjects' decisions are significantly influenced by past decisions of peers on several dimensions, including potential entrants' choices and strategic play of like‐type monopolists. The proposed model and estimation method may be applicable to other experiments where peer group effects are likely to play an important role. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel quercetin analogue from a medicinal plant promotes peak bone mass achievement and bone healing after injury and exerts an anabolic effect on osteoporotic bone: The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a mediator of osteogenic action
Authors: Sharan Kunal , Mishra Jay Sharan , Swarnkar Gaurav , Siddiqui Jawed Akhtar , Khan Kainat , Kumari Rashmi , Rawat Preeti , Maurya Rakesh , Sanyal Sabyasachi , Chattopadhyay Naibedya 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
We recently reported that extracts made from the stem bark of Ulmus wallichiana promoted peak bone mass achievement in growing rats and preserved trabecular bone mass and cortical bone strength in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Further, 6-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3S)-(+)-3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanol (GTDF), a novel flavonol-C-glucoside isolated from the extracts, had a nonestrogenic bone-sparing effect on OVX rats. Here we studied the effects of GTDF on osteoblast function and its mode of action and in vivo osteogenic effect. GTDF stimulated osteoblast proliferation, survival, and differentiation but had no effect on osteoclastic or adipocytic differentiation. In cultured osteoblasts, GTDF transactivated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Activation of AhR mediated the stimulatory effect of GTDF on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, GTDF stimulated cAMP production, which mediated osteogenic gene expression. GTDF treatments given to 1- to 2-day-old rats or adult rats increased the mRNA levels of AhR target genes in calvaria or bone marrow stromal cells. In growing female rats, GTDF promoted parameters of peak bone accrual in the appendicular skeleton, including increased longitudinal growth, bone mineral density, bone-formation rate (BFR), cortical deposition, and bone strength. GTDF promoted the process of providing newly generated bone to fill drill holes in the femurs of both estrogen-sufficient and -deficient rats. In osteopenic OVX rats, GTDF increased BFR and significantly restored trabecular bone compared with the ovaries-intact group. Together our data suggest that GTDF stimulates osteoblast growth and differentiation via the AhR and promotes modeling-directed bone accrual, accelerates bone healing after injury, and exerts anabolic effects on osteopenic rats likely by a direct stimulatory effect on osteoprogenitors. Based on these preclinical data, clinical evaluation of GTDF as a potential bone anabolic agent is warranted. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Association of the α2δ1 subunit with Cav3.2 enhances membrane expression and regulates mechanically induced ATP release in MLO-Y4 osteocytes
Authors: Thompson William R , Majid Amber S , Czymmek Kirk J , Ruff Albert L , García Jesús , Duncan Randall L , Farach-Carson Mary C 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) mediate signaling events in bone cells in response to mechanical loading. Osteoblasts predominantly express L-type VSCCs composed of the α1 pore-forming subunit and several auxiliary subunits. Osteocytes, in contrast, express T-type VSCCs and a relatively small amount of L-type α1 subunits. Auxiliary VSCC subunits have several functions, including modulating gating kinetics, trafficking of the channel, and phosphorylation events. The influence of the α2δ auxiliary subunit on T-type VSCCs and the physiologic consequences of that association are incompletely understood and have yet to be investigated in bone. In this study we postulated that the auxiliary α2δ subunit of the VSCC complex modulates mechanically regulated ATP release in osteocytes via its association with the T-type Cav3.2 (α1H) subunit. We demonstrated by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunostaining that MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells express the T-type Cav3.2 (α1H) subunit more abundantly than the L-type Cav1.2 (α1C) subunit. We also demonstrated that the α2δ1 subunit, previously described as an L-type auxiliary subunit, complexes with the T-type Cav3.2 (α1H) subunit in MLO-Y4 cells. Interestingly, siRNA-mediated knockdown of α2δ1 completely abrogated ATP release in response to membrane stretch in MLO-Y4 cells. Additionally, knockdown of the α2δ1 subunit resulted in reduced ERK1/2 activation. Together these data demonstrate a functional VSCC complex. Immunocytochemistry following α2δ1 knockdown showed decreased membrane localization of Cav3.2 (α1H) at the plasma membrane, suggesting that the diminished ATP release and ERK1/2 activation in response to membrane stretch resulted from a lack of Cav3.2 (α1H) at the cell membrane. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research