bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of silenced tumor suppressor genes in prostate cancer cells by a novel energy restriction‐mimetic agent
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Kuo Yi‐Chiu , Weng Yu‐I , Lai I‐Lu , Huang Tim H.‐M. , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Niu Dau‐Ming , Chen Ching‐Shih 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDTargeting tumor metabolism by energy restriction‐mimetic agents (ERMAs) has emerged as a strategy for cancer therapy/prevention. Evidence suggests a mechanistic link between ERMA‐mediated antitumor effects and epigenetic gene regulation.METHODSMicroarray analysis showed that a novel thiazolidinedione‐derived ERMA, CG‐12, and glucose deprivation could suppress DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1 expression and reactivate DNA methylation‐silenced tumor suppressor genes in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Thus, we investigated the effects of a potent CG‐12 derivative, CG‐5, vis‐à‐vis 2‐deoxyglucose, glucose deprivation and/or 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine, on DNMT isoform expression (Western blotting, RT‐PCR), DNMT1 transcriptional activation (luciferase reporter assay), and expression of genes frequently hypermethylated in prostate cancer (quantitative real‐time PCR). Promoter methylation was assessed by pyrosequencing analysis. SiRNA‐mediated knockdown and ectopic expression of DNMT1 were used to validate DNMT1 as a target of CG‐5.RESULTSCG‐5 and glucose deprivation upregulated the expression of DNA methylation‐silenced tumor suppressor genes, including GADD45a, GADD45b, IGFBP3, LAMB3, BASP1, GPX3, and GSTP1, but also downregulated methylated tumor/invasion‐promoting genes, including CD44, S100A4, and TACSTD2. In contrast, 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine induced global reactivation of these genes. CG‐5 mediated these epigenetic effects by transcriptional repression of DNMT1, which was associated with reduced expression of Sp1 and E2F1. SiRNA‐mediated knockdown and ectopic expression of DNMT1 corroborated DNMT1's role in the modulation of gene expression by CG‐5. Pyrosequencing revealed differential effects of CG‐5 versus 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine on promoter methylation in these genes.CONCLUSIONSThese findings reveal a previously uncharacterized epigenetic effect of ERMAs on DNA methylation‐silenced tumor suppressor genes, which may foster novel strategies for prostate cancer therapy. Prostate 72:1767–1778, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Update on mechanisms of azole resistance in Mycosphaerella graminicola and implications for future control
Authors: Cools Hans J , Fraaije Bart A 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis review summarises recent investigations into the molecular mechanisms responsible for the decline in sensitivity to azole (imidazole and triazole) fungicides in European populations of the Septoria leaf blotch pathogen, Mycosphaerella graminicola. The complex recent evolution of the azole target sterol 14α‐demethylase (MgCYP51) enzyme in response to selection by the sequential introduction of progressively more effective azoles is described, and the contribution of individual MgCYP51 amino acid alterations and their combinations to azole resistance phenotypes and intrinsic enzyme activity is discussed. In addition, the recent identification of mechanisms independent of changes in MgCYP51 structure correlated with novel azole cross‐resistant phenotypes suggests that the further evolution of M. graminicola under continued selection by azole fungicides could involve multiple mechanisms. The prospects for azole fungicides in controlling European M. graminicola populations in the future are discussed in the context of these new findings. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Incidence of pyrethroid‐resistant oilseed rape pests in Germany
Authors: Heimbach Udo , Müller Andreas 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Failures in pollen beetle control using pyrethroids since 2005 indicated pyrethroid resistance in Germany. Therefore, resistance monitoring using bioassays was established in Germany for oilseed rape pest insects.RESULTS: The spread and intensity of pyrethroid resistance of Meligethes aeneus increased from 2005 onwards, with no sensitive samples left in any region of Germany in 2011. Sensitivity also declined for the newly introduced actives bifenthrin, etofenprox (both class‐I pyrethroids) and tau‐fluvalinate; all three claimed to be less affected by resistance, although there was no clear cross‐resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin (class‐II pyrethroid). In the German region with the longest tradition and high intensity of oilseed rape production, pyrethroid resistance of Psylliodes chrysocephala and Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, with resistance factors of up to 81 and 140 respectively, was detected.CONCLUSION: The intensive use of only one mode of action for many years is risky, because even pest insects with a low intrinsic resistance risk may develop resistance. Therefore, resistance strategies need to include several control options for pest insects needing regular treatments. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Selectivity of diacylhydrazine insecticides to the predatory bug Orius laevigatus: in vivo and modelling/docking experiments
Authors: Amor Fermín , Christiaens Olivier , Bengochea Paloma , Medina Pilar , Rougé Pierre , Viñuela Elisa , Smagghe Guy 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Knowledge of pesticide selectivity to natural enemies is necessary for a successful implementation of biological and chemical control methods in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Diacylhydrazine (DAH)‐based ecdysone agonists, also known as moulting‐accelerating compounds (MACs), are considered to be a selective group of insecticides, and their compatibility with predatory Heteroptera, which are used as biological control agents, is known. However, their molecular mode of action has not been explored in beneficial insects such as Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae).RESULTS: In this project, in vivo toxicity assays demonstrated that the DAH‐based RH‐5849, tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide have no toxic effect against O. laevigatus. The ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) of O. laevigatus was sequenced, and a homology protein model was constructed that confirmed a cavity structure with 12 α‐helices, harbouring the natural insect moulting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone. However, docking studies showed that a steric clash occurred for the DAH‐based insecticides owing to a restricted extent of the ligand‐binding cavity of the EcR of O. laevigatus.CONCLUSIONS: The insect toxicity assays demonstrated that MACs are selective for O. laevigatus. The modelling/docking experiments are indications that these pesticides do not bind with the LBD‐EcR of O. laevigatus and support the supposition that they show no biological effects in the predatory bug. These data help in explaining the compatible use of MACs together with predatory bugs in IPM programmes. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of extrastriatal D2 in vivo specific binding of [18F](N‐methyl)benperidol using PET
Authors: Eisenstein Sarah A. , Koller Jon M. , Piccirillo Marilyn , Kim Ana , Antenor‐Dorsey Jo Ann V. , Videen Tom O. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Karimi Morvarid , Moerlein Stephen M. , Black Kevin J. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Hershey Tamara 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPET imaging studies of the role of the dopamine D2 receptor family in movement and neuropsychiatric disorders are limited by the use of radioligands that have near‐equal affinities for D2 and D3 receptor subtypes and are susceptible to competition with endogenous dopamine. By contrast, the radioligand [18F]N‐methylbenperidol ([18F]NMB) has high selectivity and affinity for the D2 receptor subtype (D2R) and is not sensitive to endogenous dopamine. Although [18F]NMB has high binding levels in striatum, its utility for measuring D2R in extrastriatal regions is unknown. A composite MR‐PET image was constructed across 14 healthy adult participants representing average NMB uptake 60 to 120 min after [18F]NMB injection. Regional peak radioactivity was identified using a peak‐finding algorithm. FreeSurfer and manual tracing identified a priori regions of interest (ROI) on each individual's MR image and tissue activity curves were extracted from coregistered PET images. [18F]NMB binding potentials (BPNDs) were calculated using the Logan graphical method with cerebellum as reference region. In eight unique participants, extrastriatal BPND estimates were compared between Logan graphical methods and a three‐compartment kinetic tracer model. Radioactivity and BPND levels were highest in striatum, lower in extrastriatal subcortical regions, and lowest in cortical regions relative to cerebellum. Age negatively correlated with striatal BPNDs. BPND estimates for extrastriatal ROIs were highly correlated across kinetic and graphical methods. Our findings indicate that PET with [18F]NMB measures specific binding in extrastriatal regions, making it a viable radioligand to study extrastriatal D2R levels in healthy and diseased states. Synapse 66:770–780, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance improvement of (linear low‐density polyethylene)/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends by in situ silane crosslinking
Authors: Nordin Razif , Ismail Hanafi , Ahmad Zukifli , Rashid Azura 
Published: April 2012

AbstractLinear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blends were prepared by melt mixing. LLDPE/PVA weight ratios between 90/10 and 40/60 were studied. The effects of the silane coupling agent 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate on processability, gel fraction, component interaction, compatibility, thermal stability, tensile properties, and morphology of the LLDPE/PVA blends were investigated. The results indicated that the presence of silane increased the equilibrium torque of the LLDPE/PVA blends because of crosslinking and better compatibility between LLDPE and PVA. The degree of crosslinking was quantified by gel fraction measurements, and crosslinking was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. The melting temperature depression of PVA and LLDPE further suggested the formation of crosslinks. The thermal stability and tensile properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of the blends also increased with the incorporation of silane. Improved compatibility between LLDPE and PVA in the blends with silane was demonstrated by the interconnected rough material observed in scanning electron microscopy images that differed from the morphology of the LLDPE/PVA blends without silane. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of methyl methacrylate grafting and polyamide coating on the interfacial behavior and mechanical properties of jute‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Cui Yihua , Zhang Huihui , Xie Bo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn recent years, environmentally friendly materials have become popular because of the growing environmental demands in human society. Natural fibers are now widely used as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites for their various advantages such as low cost, light weight, abundant resources, and biodegradability. However, the applications of these kinds of composites are limited because of their unsatisfactory mechanical properties, which are caused by the poor interfacial compatibility between the fibers and the thermoplastic matrix. In this paper, three methods, including (i) alkali treatment, (ii) alkali and methyl methacrylate (MMA) treatment, and (iii) alkali and polyamide (PA) treatment (APT), were used to treat jute fibers and improve the interfacial adhesion of jute‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites (JPCs). The mechanical properties of the JPCs were tested, and their impact fracture surfaces were observed. Infrared spectral analysis showed that MMA was grafted and that PA was coated onto the surface of jute fibers. Mechanical tests indicated that the three kinds of pretreated composites presented better mechanical properties than untreated composites. Among them, the APT composite had the best comprehensive properties. Compared with untreated composites, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of APT composite were increased by 24.8, 31.3, and 28.4%, respectively. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed that better interfacial compatibility between jute fibers and PP occured in this kind of composite. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of peroxide crosslinking on the mechanical and morphological properties of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/zeolite composites
Authors: Zaharri Nur Diyana , Othman Nadras , Ishak Zainal Ariffin Mohd 
Published: April 2012

AbstractUncrosslinked and chemically crosslinked ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers (EVAs) with 5–25 volume percentages of zeolite were prepared in a melt‐mixing process and then compression‐molded on a hot‐press machine according to standard test specifications. The mechanical properties measured by tensile test showed a reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break with increasing zeolite content. However, an increasing trend was observed for tensile modulus with addition of zeolite. Experimental results for ultimate stress were compared with those from Pukanszky equation. The experimental data showed a good fit to the Pukanszky model. The improvement in the interfacial interaction for crosslinked composites was also confirmed by this model. Morphological changes of EVA/zeolite composites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The fractured surface of the composites indicated more complex morphology at higher zeolite loading. The influence of crosslinking induced by 2 wt% of dicumyl peroxide on the properties of EVA/zeolite composites was also investigated. The crosslinked composites showed better tensile properties than the uncrosslinked ones, a result which might be an indication of enhanced interaction between the EVA and zeolite. Density measurements, gel content determinations, and Fourier transform infrared analyses were also performed to evaluate the crosslink content of the composites. The changes in the properties of chemically crosslinked EVA/zeolite composites were observed. Meanwhile, SEM micrographs of the crosslinked EVA/zeolite composites showed better interfacial strength between zeolite and the EVA matrix as compared to that of the uncrosslinked composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evolutionary design of decision trees for medical application
Authors: Kokol Peter , Pohorec Sandi , Štiglic Gregor , Podgorelec Vili 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDecision trees (DT) are a type of data classifiers. A typical classifier works in two phases. In the first, the learning phase, the classifier is built according to a preexisting data (training) set. Because decision trees are being induced from a known training set, and the labels on each example are known the first step can also be referred to as supervised learning. The second step is when the induced classifier is used for classification. Usually, prior to the first step several steps should be performed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the classification: data cleaning, redundancy elimination, and data normalization. Classifiers are evaluated for accuracy, speed, robustness, scalability, and interpretability. DTs are widely used for exploratory knowledge discovery where comprehensible knowledge representation is preferred. The main attraction of DTs lies in the intuitive representation that is easy to understand and comprehend. Accuracy, however, is dependent on the learning data. One of the methods to improve the induction and other phases in the creation of a classifier is the use of evolutionary algorithms. They are used because the classic deterministic approach is not necessarily optimal with regard to the quality, accuracy, and complexity of the obtained classifier. In addition to the description of different evolutionary DT induction approaches, this paper also presents multiple examples of evolutionary DT applications in the medical domain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Hierarchies and Trees
Technologies > Classification
EPR Spectroscopy of 4, 4′‐Bis(tert‐butyl)‐2, 2′‐bipyridine‐1, 2‐dithiolatocuprates(II) in Host Lattices with Different Coordination Geometries
Authors: Jawad Awad Duha , Koch Andreas , Mickler Wulfhard , Schilde Uwe , Strauch Peter 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA series of new heteroleptic MN2S2 transition metal complexes with M = Cu2+ for EPR measurements and as diamagnetic hosts Ni2+, Zn2+, and Pd2+ were synthesized and characterized. The ligands are N2 = 4, 4′‐bis(tert‐butyl)‐2, 2′‐bipyridine (tBu2bpy) and S2 =1, 2‐dithiooxalate, (dto), 1, 2‐dithiosquarate, (dtsq), maleonitrile‐1, 2‐dithiolate, or 1, 2‐dicyanoethene‐1, 2‐dithiolate, (mnt). The CuII complexes were studied by EPR in solution and as powders, diamagnetically diluted in the isostructural planar [NiII(tBu2bpy)(S2)] or[PdII(tBu2bpy)(S2)] as well as in tetrahedrally coordinated[ZnII(tBu2bpy)(S2)] host structures to put steric stress on the coordination geometry of the central CuN2S2 unit. The spin density contributions for different geometries calculated from experimental parameters are compared with the electronic situation in the frontier orbital, namely in the semi‐occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) of the copper complex, derived from quantum chemical calculations on different levels (EHT and DFT). One of the hosts, [NiII(tBu2bpy)(mnt)], is characterized by X‐ray structure analysis to prove the coordination geometry. The complex crystallizes in a square‐planar coordination mode in the monoclinic space group P21/a with Z = 4 and the unit cell parameters a = 10.4508(10) Å, b = 18.266(2) Å, c = 12.6566(12) Å, β = 112.095(7)°. Oxidation and reductions potentials of one of the host complexes, [Ni(tBu2bpy)(mnt)], were obtained by cyclovoltammetric measurements.
Synthesis and Characteristics of Bis(2, 2‐dinitroethyl‐N‐nitro)ethylenediamine‐Based Energetic Salts
Authors: Song Jinhong , Zhou Zhiming , Huang Haifeng , Cao Dan , Liang Lixuan , Wang Kai , Zhang Jun , Zhao Fen‐Qui 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNew energetic bis(2, 2‐dinitroethyl‐N‐nitro)ethylenediamine‐based salts exhibiting moderate physical properties, good detonation properties, and relatively low impact sensitivities were synthesized in high yield by direct reactions of bis(2, 2‐dinitroethyl‐N‐nitro)ethylenediamine with organic bases. The resulting salts were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C), vibrational spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and elemental analysis. Solid‐state 15N NMR spectroscopy was used as an effective technique to further determine the structure of some products. Thermal decomposition kinetics and several thermodynamic parameters of some salts were obtained under non‐isothermal conditions by DSC. The densities of the energetic salts paired with organic cations were in the range 1.60–1.89 g·cm–3 as measured with a gas pycnometer. Based on the measured densities and calculated heats of formation, detonation pressures and velocities were calculated using Explo 5.05 and found to be 23.6–44.8 GPa and 7790–9583 m·s–1, respectively, which make them potentially useful as energetic materials.
Success and Failure for Children Born with Facial Clefts in Africa: A 15‐Year Follow‐up
Authors: de Buys Roessingh Anthony S. , Dolci Mirko , Zbinden‐Trichet Chantal , Bossou Raymond , Meyrat Blaise‐Julien , Hohlfeld Judith 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis study reviews the 15 year program of our Department of Pediatric Surgery for the treatment and follow‐up of children born with a cleft in Benin and Togo.MethodsWe analyzed files of children born in Africa with a cleft. They were referred to us through a nongovernmental organization (NGO) between 1993 and 2008 and assessed in Africa by local pediatricians before and after surgery. Operations were performed by our team.ResultsTwo hundred files were reviewed: 60 cases of unilateral cleft lip, seven of bilateral cleft lip, 44 of unilateral cleft lip palate (UCLP), 29 of bilateral cleft lip palate (BCLP), 53 of cleft palate (CP), three of bilateral oro‐ocular cleft, one of unilateral and two of median clefts (Binder), and one of commissural cleft. Sixty‐nine (35 %) of these cases were not operated in Africa: 25 (12.5 %) had not shown up, 28 (15 %) were considered unfit for surgery (Down’s syndrome, HIV‐positive, malnutrition, cardiac malformation), and 16 (7.5 %) were transferred to Switzerland. Palatal fistula occurred in 20 % of UCLP, 30 % of BCLP, and 16 % of CP. Evaluation of speech after palate surgery gave less than 50 % of socially acceptable speech.ConclusionsOur partnership with a NGO and a local team makes it possible to treat and subsequently follow children born with a cleft in West Africa. Surgery is performed under good conditions. If aesthetic results are a success, functional results after palate surgery need further improvement to promote integration in school and social life.
Fate of metastatic foci after chemotherapy and usefulness of contrast‐enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography to detect minute hepatic lesions
Authors: Uetake Hiroyuki , Tanaka Shinji , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Sugihara Kenichi , Arii Shigeki 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground/purposeAlong with advances in the chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, the strategy for hepatic metastasis has been changed. One of the most striking issues is that initially unresectable hepatic metastases can be resectable after chemotherapy with considerably high frequency. In addition, advanced chemotherapy leads to the downsizing of the metastatic foci in the liver, which is sometimes difficult to detect with conventional intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS). To discover the undetectable hepatic lesions with IOUS, we have introduced contrast‐enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography (CEIOUS). In the present study, we present evidence that viable cancer cells exist in even the shrunken tumors with high frequency and that CEIOUS contributes to detecting the minute foci.MethodsThis study was composed of eight patients; four of them had initially unresectable metastasis, and the remaining four had either H2 or H3 status of hepatic metastases. All of them underwent hepatic resection after chemotherapy.ResultsA total of 57 metastatic lesions were detected before chemotherapy. Thirty lesions were demonstrated by CEIOUS with perflubutane and resected. In the pathological examination, tumor cells were not found in 12 of the 30 resected lesions. The degree of pathological liver damage was grade 1 or less in all patients, and no serious complication occurred after surgery in any of the patients.ConclusionThe present study showed that viable cancer cells remained with high frequency, even in the minute hepatic metastasis which was reduced in size after chemotherapy, and CEIOUS was a useful examination for detecting the minute hepatic foci.