bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel sequences of subgroup J avian leukosis viruses associated with hemangioma in Chinese layer hens
Authors: Pan Wei , Gao Yulong , Sun Fenfen , Qin Litin , Liu Zaisi , Yun Bingling , Wang Yongqiang , Qi Xiaole , Gao Honglei , Wang Xiaomei 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) preferentially induces myeloid leukosis (ML) in meat-type birds. Since 2008, many clinical cases of hemangioma rather than ML have frequently been reported in association with ALV-J infection in Chinese layer flocks.

Results
Three ALV-J strains associated with hemangioma were isolated and their proviral genomic sequences were determined. The three isolates, JL093-1, SD09DP03 and HLJ09MDJ-1, were 7,670, 7,670, and 7,633 nt in length. Their gag and pol genes were well conserved, with identities of 94.5-98.6% and 97.1-99.5%, respectively, with other ALV-J strains at the amino acid level (aa), while the env genes of the three isolates shared a higher aa identity with the env genes of other hemangioma strains than with those of ML strains. Interestingly, two novel 19-bp insertions in the U3 region in the LTR and 5' UTR, most likely derived from other retroviruses, were found in all the three isolates, thereby separately introducing one E2BP binding site in the U3 region in the LTR and RNA polymerase II transcription factor IIB and core promoter motif ten elements in the 5' UTR. Meanwhile, two binding sites in the U3 LTRs of the three isolates for NFAP-1 and AIB REP1 were lost, and a 1-base deletion in the E element of the 3' UTR of JL093-1 and SD09DP03 introduced a binding site for c-Ets-1. In addition to the changes listed above, the rTM of the 3' UTR was deleted in each of the three isolates.

Conclusion
Our study is the first to discovery the coexistence of two novel insertions in the U3 region in the LTR and the 5' UTR of ALV-J associated with hemangioma symptoms, and the transcriptional regulatory elements introduced should be taken into consideration in the occurrence of hemangioma.
Recombinant human erythropoietin promotes the acquisition of a malignant phenotype in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines in vitro
Authors: Abhold Eric , Rahimy Elham , Wang-Rodriguez Jessica , Blair Katherine J , Yu Michael A , Brumund Kevin T , Weisman Robert A , Ongkeko Weg M 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies indicate an increase in tumor progression and recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) of cancer patients taking recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) for anemia. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential role of rhEpo in invasion, proliferation, and cisplatin-induced cell death in HNSCC cell lines.MethodsThe following experiments were performed with two HNSCC cell lines, UMSCC-10B and UMSCC-22B. Presence of EpoR in both cell lines was determined by western blot and quantitative PCR. Colorimetric MTS assays and clonogenic assays were used to study the effect of rhEpo at pharmacologically relevant doses on cell proliferation. Matrigel invasion assays were performed in order to determine effects of exogenous rhEpo on invasive abilities. Clonogenic assays were also used to study potential cytoprotective effects of rhEpo against cisplatin. Immunoblotting was done to analyze the effect of rhEpo on Akt phosphorylation. Finally, MTS and TUNEL assays were performed to test our hypothesis that Akt activation by PI3K was involved in rhEpo-mediated cisplatin resistance.ResultsHNSCC cell lines were shown to express Epo receptor (EpoR). RhEpo increased invasion 1.8-fold in UMSCC-10B and 2.6-fold in UMSCC-22B compared to control. RhEpo at 10 U/ml increased cell proliferation by 41% and 53% in UMSCC-10B and UMSCC-22B, respectively, and colony formation by 1.5-fold and 1.8-fold. UMSCC-10B treated with cisplatin and exposed to rhEpo at 1 and 10 U/ml resulted in a 1.7-fold and 3.0-fold increase in colony number compared to control, respectively. UMSCC-22B treated with cisplatin and rhEpo at 1 or 10 U/ml resulted in ~2.5-fold increase in colony number. A TUNEL assay demonstrated a 30.5% and 76.5% increase in survival in UMSCC-10B and UMSCC-22B cells, respectively, in cisplatin and rhEpo-treated cells compared to cisplatin alone. MTS assay showed similar cytoprotective effects. Western blot revealed increased phosphorylation of Akt upon exposure of HNSCC cell lines to rhEpo. MTS assay and TUNEL analyses implicate Akt as a likely contributor to regulation of rhEpo-mediated cytoprotection.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that, in HNSCC cells expressing functional EpoR, rhEpo promotes invasion, cell proliferation, and induces resistance to cisplatin, which may contribute to tumor progression.
Methoxyflavone derivatives modulate the effect of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human leukemic cell lines
Authors: Wudtiwai Benjawan , Sripanidkulchai Bungorn , Kongtawelert Prachya , Banjerdpongchai Ratana 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in various tumor cells, but does not affect normal cells or human leukemic cells, such as MOLT-4 and U937 cells, which are relatively resistant to TRAIL. Three flavonoids extracted from the rhizome of K. parviflora were 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (DMF), 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (TMF) and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone (PMF), and synthetic flavonoids including 5-methoxyflavone (5-MF) and 2'-methoxyflavone (2"-MF) were chosen for testing in this study. The aims of this study were to examine whether the treatment of TRAIL-resistant leukemia MOLT-4 and U937 cells, with methoxyflavone derivatives could enhance the apoptotic response and to identify the mechanism involved.

Methods
The cytotoxic effect of methoxyflavone (MF) derivatives in MOLT-4, U937 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was analyzed by the MTT assay. The induction of apoptosis and the reduction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) after staining with annexin V FITC and propidium iodide (PI), and 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC6), respectively, were performed using flow cytometry. ROS production was determined by staining with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and processed with a flow cytometer. DR4, DR5, cFLIP, Mcl-1, BAX and Bid expression were demonstrated by immunoblotting. Caspase-8 and -3 activities were determined by using IETD-AFC and DEVD-AFC substrates and the fluorescence intensity was measured.

Results
All methoxyflavone derivatives were cytotoxic to MOLT-4, U937 cells and PBMCs, except DMF, TMF and PMF were not toxic to PBMCs. All MF derivatives induced human leukemic MOLT-4 cell apoptosis, but not in U937 cells. Percentage of MOLT-4 cells with (ΔΨm) was increased when treated with DMF, TMF, PMF, 5-MF and 2'-MF in the presence of TRAIL. 5-MF and 2'-MF enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis through the up-regulation of both DRs and the down-regulation of cFLIP and Mcl-1. Bid was cleaved and BAX was up-regulated, followed by the activation of caspase-8 and -3. Oxidative stress was also increased. 2'-MF gave the same result compared with 5-MF but with a less effect.

Conclusion
Methoxyflavone derivatives enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human leukemic MOLT-4 cells through the death receptors and mitochondrial pathways.
Difference in symptom severity between early and late grass pollen season in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: de Weger Letty A , Beerthuizen Thijs , Gast‐Strookman Jeannette M , van der Plas Dirk T , Terreehorst Ingrid , Hiemstra Pieter S , Sont Jacob K 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundFor the development of forecasts for seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms, it is essential to understand the relationship between grass pollen concentrations and the symptoms of grass pollen allergic patients.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to delineate this relationship between seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms and grass pollen concentrations in the Netherlands.MethodsGrass pollen allergic patients (n = 80 [2007] ‐ 84 [2008]) were enrolled into the study. They were asked to enter their seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, blocked nose, post nasal drip, and eye symptoms) daily on a scale from 0 to 3 to the study centre either by short message service (SMS) or by internet from May‐July 2007 and April‐July 2008. Daily pollen counts were used to define the early and the late grass pollen season as the period ‘before and during’ respectively ‘after’ the first grass pollen peak (more than 150 pollen/m3).ResultsAt similar grass pollen concentrations, the daily mean of the individual maximum symptom scores reported in the early season were higher as compared to that reported in the late season [differences of ‐0.41 (2007) and ‐0.30 (2008)]. This difference could not be explained by medication use by the patients nor by co‐sensitization to birch.ConclusionsWe conclude that seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms at similar grass pollen concentrations are more severe in the early flowering season as compared to those in the late flowering season. This finding is not only relevant for development of forecasts for seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms but also for understanding symptom development and planning and analysis of clinical studies.
Performance and three-dimensional kinematics of bipedal lizards during obstacle negotiation
Authors: Olberding Jeffrey P. , McBrayer Lance D. , Higham Timothy E. 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYBipedal running is common among lizard species, but although the kinematics and performance of this gait have been well characterized, the advantages in biologically relevant situations are still unclear. Obstacle negotiation is a task that is ecologically relevant to many animals while moving at high speeds, such as during bipedal running, yet little is known about how obstacles impact locomotion and performance. We examined the effects of obstacle negotiation on the kinematics and performance of lizards during bipedal locomotion. We quantified three-dimensional kinematics from high-speed video (500 Hz) of six-lined racerunners (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) running on a 3 m racetrack both with and without an obstacle spanning the width of the track. The lizards did not alter their kinematics prior to contacting the obstacle. Although contact with the obstacle caused changes to the hindlimb kinematics, mean forward speed did not differ between treatments. The deviation of the vertical position of the body center of mass did not differ between treatments, suggesting that in the absence of a cost to overall performance, lizards forgo maintaining normal kinematics while negotiating obstacles in favor of a steady body center of mass height to avoid destabilizing locomotion.
Echinocandin Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Caudle Kelly E , Inger Amanda G , Butler Dawn R , Rogers P David 
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature regarding the use of echinocandins to treat invasive fungal infections caused by Candida spp. in patients in the neonatal intensive care unit. DATA SOURCES: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (Jan 2000-September 2011) using the search terms echinocandin, caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin, and neonate with limits for age group (ie, birth to 1 month). Reference citations from identified articles were also reviewed. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant information on the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of echinocandins in neonates was selected. Prospective studies, retrospective studies, and case series in English identified from MEDLINE were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS: Neonates, especially preterm neonates, have many risk factors that predispose them for invasive fungal infections caused by Candida spp. To date, the only antifungals recommended for use in neonates for treatment of candidiasis are amphotericin B (deoxycholate or a lipid formulation) and fluconazole; however, the toxicities associated with amphotericin B and resistance of certain Candida spp. to fluconazole limit their use in neonates. There is a need for a broad-spectrum antifungal agent with limited toxicity for use in this patient population. The echinocandins may represent such a class of antifungals. To date, micafungin is the most studied echinocandin in the neonatal population, followed by caspofungin; however, studies evaluating their efficacy and pharmacokinetic parameters in neonates are few. CONCLUSIONS: Although studies suggest that the echinocandins may have a favorable safety profile, the lack of pharmacokinetic data and standardized study designs limit current recommendations of use of echinocandins as first-line agents in neonates in the treatment of fungal infections. However, if an echinocandin is to be used in this population, the data presented in this review suggest the use of micafungin over the other echinocandins, and higher doses of micafungin (10-15 mg/kg/day) should be used when central nervous system involvement is suspected.
Examining Local Transferability of Predictive Species Distribution Models for Invasive Plants: An Example with Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica)
Authors: Ervin Gary N. , Holly D. Christopher 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSpecies distribution modeling is a tool that is gaining widespread use in the projection of future distributions of invasive species and has important potential as a tool for monitoring invasive species spread. However, the transferability of models from one area to another has been inadequately investigated. This study aimed to determine the degree to which species distribution models (SDMs) for cogongrass, developed with distribution data from Mississippi (USA), could be applied to a similar area in neighboring Alabama. Cogongrass distribution data collected in Mississippi were used to train an SDM that was then tested for accuracy and transferability with cogongrass distribution data collected by a forest management company in Alabama. Analyses indicated the SDM had a relatively high predictive ability within the region of the training data but had poor transferability to the Alabama data. Analysis of the Alabama data, via independent SDM development, indicated that predicted cogongrass distribution in Alabama was more strongly correlated with soil variables than was the case in Mississippi, where the SDM was most strongly correlated with tree canopy cover. Results suggest that model transferability is influenced strongly by (1) data collection methods, (2) landscape context of the survey data, and (3) variations in qualitative aspects of environmental data used in model development.
Herbicides and Mowing to Control Barb Goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis) and Restore Native Plants in Serpentine Grasslands
Authors: Aigner Paul A. , Woerly Rhett J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSerpentine grasslands are relatively free of the invasive species that typify other California grasslands, but recently are threatened by the spread of barb goatgrass, a Eurasian annual that is unique in its tolerance of serpentine soils. We evaluated two graminicides (clethodim and fluazifop), one broad-spectrum herbicide (glyphosate), mowing, and hand pulling for their effectiveness in controlling barb goatgrass and for restoring native species cover and diversity. We also evaluated application timing for the graminicides: before goatgrass flowering (early season), at flower initiation (midseason), and at early seed development (late season). Glyphosate was applied at early seed development. The 10 treatment combinations were applied to 10 blocks of 4-m2(43-ft2) experimental plots in an inner Coast Range serpentine grassland with high cover of barb goatgrass but few other nonnative species. After 2 yr of treatment, all treatments except glyphosate reduced goatgrass frequency. Hand pulling, fluazifop, and mowing were most effective at controlling goatgrass, reducing frequency by 60, 51, and 48%, respectively (compared to a 30% increase on control plots). Midseason applications of clethodim and fluazifop were more effective than those applied early or late. Hand pulling, fluazifop, and clethodim increased native forb frequency by 31, 46, and 74%, respectively, with the benefit of the graminicides decreasing with later applications. Native grasses were at least partially resistant to the graminicides. Cover of one sided blue grass (Poa secunda), the most widespread native grass, might have been reduced slightly by early-season applications but was increased by late-season applications. Cover of soft brome (Bromus hordeaceus), the only other widespread nonnative species in the study, was reduced by early-season applications of the graminicides. Clethodim and fluazifop show great potential to selectively remove barb goatgrass and other nonnative annual grasses in grasslands that are otherwise dominated by native grasses and forbs. Mowing is a less selective, but viable alternative.
Optimization-based approach to path planning for closed chain robot systems
Authors: Szynkiewicz Wojciech , Błaszczyk Jacek 
Published: December 2011

Optimization-based approach to path planning for closed chain robot systems
An application of advanced optimization techniques to solve the path planning problem for closed chain robot systems is proposed. The approach to path planning is formulated as a "quasi-dynamic" NonLinear Programming (NLP) problem with equality and inequality constraints in terms of the joint variables. The essence of the method is to find joint paths which satisfy the given constraints and minimize the proposed performance index. For numerical solution of the NLP problem, the IPOPT solver is used, which implements a nonlinear primal-dual interior-point method, one of the leading techniques for large-scale nonlinear optimization.
Intelligent decision-making system for autonomous robots
Authors: Kowalczuk Zdzisław , Czubenko Michał 
Published: December 2011

Intelligent decision-making system for autonomous robots
The paper gives an account of research results concerning a project on creating a fully autonomous robotic decision-making system, able to interact with its environment and based on a mathematical model of human cognitive-behavioural psychology, with some key elements of personality psychology included. The principal idea of the paper is focused on the concept of needs, with a certain instrumental role of emotions.
Estimation of feedwater heater parameters based on a grey-box approach
Authors: Barszcz Tomasz , Czop Piotr 
Published: December 2011

Estimation of feedwater heater parameters based on a grey-box approachThe first-principle modeling of a feedwater heater operating in a coal-fired power unit is presented, along with a theoretical discussion concerning its structural simplifications, parameter estimation, and dynamical validation. The model is a part of the component library of modeling environments, called the Virtual Power Plant (VPP). The main purpose of the VPP is simulation of power generation installations intended for early warning diagnostic applications. The model was developed in the Matlab/Simulink package. There are two common problems associated with the modeling of dynamic systems. If an analytical model is chosen, it is very costly to determine all model parameters and that often prevents this approach from being used. If a data model is chosen, one does not have a clear interpretation of the model parameters. The paper uses the so-called grey-box approach, which combines first-principle and data-driven models. The model is represented by nonlinear state-space equations with geometrical and physical parameters deduced from the available documentation of a feedwater heater, as well as adjustable phenomenological parameters (i.e., heat transfer coefficients) that are estimated from measurement data. The paper presents the background of the method, its implementation in the Matlab/Simulink environment, the results of parameter estimation, and a discussion concerning the accuracy of the method.
Models With Varying Parameters as A Tool to Classify Polish Voivodships in 2002-2008
Authors: Batóg Barbara , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna 
Published: December 2011

Models With Varying Parameters as A Tool to Classify Polish Voivodships in 2002-2008
One of the often used measures of economic development is gross domestic product per capita. In Poland the Main Statistical Office collects the data on this variable on several levels of aggregation. The paper shows the application of panel data models in order to classify Polish voivodships according to the level of economic development. As explained variable the regional GDP per capita was used and such variables as structure of employees, unemployment rate or retail sales per capita were the explaining variables. As a result the groups of voivodships with similar pattern of economic development were distinguished.
Polish Pension Funds Investment - is There A Place For Real Property in A Portfolio?
Authors: Zaleczna Magdalena , Wolski Rafał 
Published: December 2011

Polish Pension Funds Investment - is There A Place For Real Property in A Portfolio?The pension fund investments should be characterised by a long term, low risk and profitability, which implicates the necessity of portfolio diversification. In general, pension funds having regular long-term contributions should develop the long-term policy and its effects would be responsible for the economic position of their future beneficiaries. The ways of capital allocation are also critical in terms of the entire economy, as a constant flow of financial resources provided by pension funds stimulates the activity of its recipients. The typical assets in a pension fund's portfolio in the developed economy are stocks, bonds and real property owing to low (negative) correlation between these assets and their diversified potential. The legal investment limits imposed on the Polish pension funds exclude direct investment in real property, which is responsible - in the authors' opinion - for the lower level of diversification and hinders the risk reduction. The authors analyze the Polish pension fund portfolios focusing on risk and return levels. The aim of the study is to find the answer to the important question about the results of hypothetically added real property to the portfolios of pension funds.
Appropriation of Public Urban Space as an Effect of Privatisation and Globalisation
Authors: Mierzejewska Lidia 
Published: December 2011

Appropriation of Public Urban Space as an Effect of Privatisation and Globalisation
The changes taking place in the public space of many cities of the world have been assessed as harmful. They are seen as resulting from modern processes shaping their spatial-functional structure. Among them are advancing privatisation, which leads to various forms of public space appropriation, and globalisation, which transforms the world from a world of cities and places into one of networks (especially the Internet and motorways). In Polish cities, however, the deterioration in the quality and accessibility of public spaces is due not only to the social awareness developing in the conditions of neoliberalism and a market economy, which puts private property above public to get over the experience of feasible socialism, but to some extent also to Polish legislation. The aim of this article is to present forms and ways of appropriation of public urban space in the conditions of privatisation and globalisation, as well as reasons why this development seems to intensify in the Polish conditions.