bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transport and kinetics of diflubenzuron and pyriproxyfen in the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua and its predator Podisus maculiventris
Authors: De Clercq P. , Viñuela E. , Smagghe G. , Degheele D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTransport and retention of the insect growth regulators (IGRs) diflubenzuron and pyriproxyfen in larvae of the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) and in nymphs of the predatory bug Podisus maculiventris (Say) were investigated. In a first experiment, the retention of orally administered [14C]radiolabeled isotopes of both compounds in fifth‐instar larvae of the beet armyworm was studied. Rate of excretion of both IGRs in S. exigua caterpillars was high, with a 50% excretion time of approximately 6 h after intake. In a second experiment, the transport of the compounds from prey to predator and their retention inside the predator were studied. Fifth‐instar nymphs of P. maculiventris were allowed to feed on caterpillars that had been given contaminated food. For both diflubenzuron and pyriproxyfen, more than 80% of the amount of radiolabel applied was recovered in consumed prey. Low levels of radioactivity (c. 3% of the applied amount of radiolabel) were also found in the fluid regurgitated by the prey larvae when attacked by the predatory bugs. Relatively small amounts of radiolabel (c. 8 and 15% of the amount orally applied to the prey for diflubenzuron and pyriproxyfen, respectively) were ingested by P. maculiventris nymphs when feeding on beet armyworm caterpillars. The data suggest that the predators did not use gut content as food. The pattern of excretion in nymphs of P. maculiventris differed between compounds. For diflubenzuron, there was a drastic decrease of radioactivity inside the predator body of around 40% within the first 6 h and then the level of retained radiolabel remained stable at 3–4% up to 72 h. For pyriproxyfen, a slow decrease of radioactivity inside the body was observed and at 72 h only 2% of the applied quantity was detected. Results of this study are discussed in relation to the findings from previous studies on the toxicity of both IGRs to P. maculiventris.
Sensilla basiconica (grooved pegs) on the antennae of female mosquitoes: electrophysiology and morphology
Authors: Bowen M. F. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe sensilla basiconica or grooved pegs of mosquitoes consist of two morphologically and functionally distinct classes. Short grooved pegs house sensory cells that are excited by lactic acid whereas lactic acid‐excited cells are absent in long grooved pegs. This correlation was found in four species of mosquito examined: Aedes aegypti, Aedes atropalpus, Aedes epactius, and Culex pipiens. In Aedes epactius, both short and long grooved pegs house receptors that are sensitive to butyric acid.
Selection for non‐diapause in Amblyseius cucumeris and Amblyseius barkeri and exploration of the effectiveness of selected strains for thrips control
Authors: van Houten Yvonne M. , van Stratum Pam , Bruin Jan , Veerman Alfred 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn Europe and North America the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is an important pest in various greenhouse crops, such as sweet pepper and cucumber. Two species of predatory mite are commercially applied for biological control of this pest: Amblyseius cucumeris and A. barkeri. Thrips control is generally successful from March onwards. During winter, however, thrips control by these predatory mites is less effective. An important reason for this is that the commercially applied strains of both mite species enter reproductive diapause under short‐day photoperiods, whereas the western flower thrips does not enter diapause. In this paper we report on selection experiments for non‐diapause in strains of both mite species, aimed at obtaining predators that do not enter diapause under light‐ and temperature conditions prevailing in winter. Additional experiments were done to estimate the potential of the selected lines as control agents of F. occidentalis. Selection for non‐diapause proved highly successful in both predatory mite species. In a New Zealand strain of A. cucumeris diapause incidence decreased from 41% to 0% in about ten generations; in a Dutch strain of A. barkeri diapause incidence decreased from 67% to 0% in about six generations. Furthermore, selection for non‐diapause had no influence on predator performance, measured as predation rate and oviposition rate on a diet of first instar thirps larvae. Rates of predation and oviposition were the same for selected and unselected lines in both species; rates of predation and oviposition were higher for A. cucumeris than for A. barkeri. After 18 months under non‐diapause conditions, no less than 92% of a sample of the selected non‐diapause line of A. cucumeris did not enter diapause when tested under diapause‐inducing conditions. This indicates that ‘non‐diapause’ is a stable trait in these predatory mites. Finally, a small‐scale greenhouse experiment in a sweet pepper crop showed that the selected non‐diapause line of A. cucumeris established successfully under diapause‐inducing short‐day conditions.
THE THOMPSON–HIGMAN MONOIDS Mk,i: THE ${\mathcal J}$-ORDER, THE ${\mathcal D}$-RELATION, AND THEIR COMPLEXITY
Authors: BIRGET JEAN-CAMILLE 
Published: April 2011

The Thompson–Higman groups Gk,ihave a natural generalization to monoids, called Mk,i, and inverse monoids, called Invk,i. We study some structural features of Mk,iand Invk,iand investigate the computational complexity of related decision problems. The main interest of these monoids is their close connection with circuits and circuit complexity.The maximal subgroups of Mk,1and Invk,1are isomorphic to the groups Gk,j(1 ≤ j ≤ k - 1); so we rediscover all the Thompson–Higman groups within Mk,1.Deciding the Green relations [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of Mk,1, when the inputs are words over a finite generating set of Mk,1, is in P.When a circuit-like generating set is used for Mk,1then deciding [Formula: see text] is coDP-complete (where DP is the complexity class consisting of differences of sets in NP). The multiplier search problem for [Formula: see text] is xNPsearch-complete, whereas the multiplier search problems of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are not in xNPsearch unless NP = coNP. The class of search problems xNPsearch is introduced as a slight generalization of NPsearch.Deciding [Formula: see text] for Mk,1when the inputs are words over a circuit-like generating set, is ⊕k-1• NP -complete; for any h ≥ 2, ⊕h•NP is a modular counting complexity class, whose verification problems are in NP. Related problems for partial circuits are the image size problem (which is # • NP-complete), and the image size modulo h problem (which is ⊕h•NP-complete). For Invk,1over a circuit-like generating set, deciding [Formula: see text] is ⊕k-1P-complete. It is interesting that the little known complexity classes coDP and ⊕k-1•NP play a central role in Mk,1.
Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte–Associated Antigen-4
Authors: Salama April K.S. , Hodi F. Stephen 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCancer immunotherapy relies on the ability of the immune system to target tumor-specific antigens to generate an immune response. This initial response requires both binding of the MHC/antigen peptide to T-cell receptor complex, along with a second costimulatory signal created by the binding of CD28 on the T cell, with B7 located on the antigen-presenting cell. Regulatory checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), serve to attenuate this signal, thereby preventing autoimmunity. Its key role in regulating the immune system has made CTLA-4 an attractive therapeutic target for cancer, with the development of fully human monoclonal antibodies that have successfully targeted CTLA-4 in clinical trials. Augmentation of the immune response via blockade of CTLA-4 represents a significant advance in the field of oncology and has shown an improvement in survival for patients with metastatic melanoma. An increased understanding of the components of this pathway and the identification of other methods to modulate the immune system hold great promise for future therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4622–8. ©2011 AACR.
Consistent Changes in the Sea Ice Seasonal Cycle in Response to Global Warming
Authors: Eisenman Ian , Schneider Tapio , Battisti David S. , Bitz Cecilia M. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The Northern Hemisphere sea ice cover has diminished rapidly in recent years and is projected to continue to diminish in the future. The year-to-year retreat of Northern Hemisphere sea ice extent is faster in summer than winter, which has been identified as one of the most striking features of satellite observations as well as of state-of-the-art climate model projections. This is typically understood to imply that the sea ice cover is most sensitive to climate forcing in summertime, and previous studies have explained this by calling on factors such as the surface albedo feedback. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, it is the wintertime sea ice extent that retreats fastest in climate model projections. Here, it is shown that the interhemispheric differences in the model projections can be attributed to differences in coastline geometry, which constrain where sea ice can occur. After accounting for coastline geometry, it is found that the sea ice changes simulated in both hemispheres in most climate models are consistent with sea ice retreat being fastest in winter in the absence of landmasses. These results demonstrate that, despite the widely differing rates of ice retreat among climate model projections, the seasonal structure of the sea ice retreat is robust among the models and is uniform in both hemispheres.
RNA interference of argininosuccinate synthetase restores sensitivity to recombinant arginine deiminase (rADI) in resistant cancer cells
Authors: Wu Fe-Lin Lin , Liang Yu-Fen , Chang Yuan-Chen , Yo Hao-Hsin , Wei Ming-Feng , Shen Li-Jiuan 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Sensitivity of cancer cells to recombinant arginine deiminase (rADI) depends on expression of argininosuccinate synthetase (AS), a rate-limiting enzyme in synthesis of arginine from citrulline. To understand the efficiency of RNA interfering of AS in sensitizing the resistant cancer cells to rADI, the down regulation of AS transiently and permanently were performed in vitro, respectively.

Methods
We studied the use of down-regulation of this enzyme by RNA interference in three human cancer cell lines (A375, HeLa, and MCF-7) as a way to restore sensitivity to rADI in resistant cells. The expression of AS at levels of mRNA and protein was determined to understand the effect of RNA interference. Cell viability, cell cycle, and possible mechanism of the restore sensitivity of AS RNA interference in rADI treated cancer cells were evaluated.

Results
AS DNA was present in all cancer cell lines studied, however, the expression of this enzyme at the mRNA and protein level was different. In two rADI-resistant cell lines, one with endogenous AS expression (MCF-7 cells) and one with induced AS expression (HeLa cells), AS small interference RNA (siRNA) inhibited 37-46% of the expression of AS in MCF-7 cells. ASsiRNA did not affect cell viability in MCF-7 which may be due to the certain amount of residual AS protein. In contrast, ASsiRNA down-regulated almost all AS expression in HeLa cells and caused cell death after rADI treatment. Permanently down-regulated AS expression by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) made MCF-7 cells become sensitive to rADI via the inhibition of 4E-BP1-regulated mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that rADI-resistance can be altered via AS RNA interference. Although transient enzyme down-regulation (siRNA) did not affect cell viability in MCF-7 cells, permanent down-regulation (shRNA) overcame the problem of rADI-resistance due to the more efficiency in AS silencing.
Deep sequencing analysis of the developing mouse brain reveals a novel microRNA
Authors: Ling King-Hwa , Brautigan Peter J , Hahn Christopher N , Daish Tasman , Rayner John R , Cheah Pike-See , Raison Joy M , Piltz Sandra , Mann Jeffrey R , Mattiske Deidre M , Thomas Paul Q , Adelson David L , Scott Hamish S 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that can exert multilevel inhibition/repression at a post-transcriptional or protein synthesis level during disease or development. Characterisation of miRNAs in adult mammalian brains by deep sequencing has been reported previously. However, to date, no small RNA profiling of the developing brain has been undertaken using this method. We have performed deep sequencing and small RNA analysis of a developing (E15.5) mouse brain.

Results
We identified the expression of 294 known miRNAs in the E15.5 developing mouse brain, which were mostly represented by let-7 family and other brain-specific miRNAs such as miR-9 and miR-124. We also discovered 4 putative 22-23 nt miRNAs: mm_br_e15_1181, mm_br_e15_279920, mm_br_e15_96719 and mm_br_e15_294354 each with a 70-76 nt predicted pre-miRNA. We validated the 4 putative miRNAs and further characterised one of them, mm_br_e15_1181, throughout embryogenesis. Mm_br_e15_1181 biogenesis was Dicer1-dependent and was expressed in E3.5 blastocysts and E7 whole embryos. Embryo-wide expression patterns were observed at E9.5 and E11.5 followed by a near complete loss of expression by E13.5, with expression restricted to a specialised layer of cells within the developing and early postnatal brain. Mm_br_e15_1181 was upregulated during neurodifferentiation of P19 teratocarcinoma cells. This novel miRNA has been identified as miR-3099.

Conclusions
We have generated and analysed the first deep sequencing dataset of small RNA sequences of the developing mouse brain. The analysis revealed a novel miRNA, miR-3099, with potential regulatory effects on early embryogenesis, and involvement in neuronal cell differentiation/function in the brain during late embryonic and early neonatal development.
Housekeeping genes essential for pantothenate biosynthesis are plasmid-encoded in Rhizobium etli and Rhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Villaseñor Tomás , Brom Susana , Dávalos Araceli , Lozano Luis , Romero David , los Santos Alejandro García-de 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundA traditional concept in bacterial genetics states that housekeeping genes, those involved in basic metabolic functions needed for maintenance of the cell, are encoded in the chromosome, whereas genes required for dealing with challenging environmental conditions are located in plasmids. Exceptions to this rule have emerged from genomic sequence data of bacteria with multipartite genomes. The genome sequence ofR. etliCFN42 predicts the presence ofpanCandpanBgenes clustered together on the 642 kb plasmid p42f and a second copy ofpanBon plasmid p42e. They encode putative pantothenate biosynthesis enzymes (pantoate-β-alanine ligase and 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate hydroxymethyltransferase, respectively). Due to their ubiquitous distribution and relevance in the central metabolism of the cell, these genes are considered part of the core genome; thus, their occurrence in a plasmid is noteworthy. In this study we investigate the contribution of these genes to pantothenate biosynthesis, examine whether their presence in plasmids is a prevalent characteristic of theRhizobialeswith multipartite genomes, and assess the possibility that thepanCBgenes may have reached plasmids by horizontal gene transfer.ResultsAnalysis of mutants confirmed that thepanCandpanBgenes located on plasmid p42f are indispensable for the synthesis of pantothenate. A screening of the location ofpanCBgenes among members of theRhizobialesshowed that onlyR. etliandR. leguminosarumstrains carrypanCBgenes in plasmids. ThepanCBphylogeny attested a common origin for chromosomal and plasmid-bornepanCBsequences, suggesting that theR. etliandR. leguminosarum panCBgenes are orthologs rather than xenologs. ThepanCBgenes could not totally restore the ability of a strain cured of plasmid p42f to grow in minimal medium.ConclusionsThis study shows experimental evidence that corepanCBgenes located in plasmids ofR. etliandR. leguminosarumare indispensable for the synthesis of pantothenate. The unusual presence ofpanCBgenes in plasmids ofRhizobialesmay be due to an intragenomic transfer from chromosome to plasmid. Plasmid p42f encodes other functions required for growth in minimal medium. Our results support the hypothesis of cooperation among different replicons for basic cellular functions in multipartite rhizobia genomes.
Images of colonic real-time tissue sonoelastography correlate with those of colonoscopy and may predict response to therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ishikawa Daisuke , Ando Takafumi , Watanabe Osamu , Ishiguro Kazuhiro , Maeda Osamu , Miyake Nobuyuki , Nakamura Masanao , Miyahara Ryoji , Ohmiya Naoki , Hirooka Yoshiki , El-Omar Emad M , Goto Hidemi 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Real-time tissue sonoelastography (EG) is a new non-invasive technique that visualizes differences in tissue strain. We evaluated the usefulness of EG in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) by investigating the association between EG and colonoscopic findings and disease activity.

Methods
Thirty-seven UC patients undergoing EG and colonoscopy were invited to enroll. EG findings were classified as normal, homogeneous, random, or hard, and colonoscopic findings as normal, mucosal edema and erosion, punched-out ulcer, and extensive mucosal abrasion. Clinical findings were evaluated using clinical activity index (CAI) scores for each patient at colonoscopy.

Results
On EG, 10 cases were classified as normal, 11 as homogeneous, 6 as random, and 10 as hard. EG findings showed a significant correlation those of colonoscopy (p < 0.001). Seven of 10 (70%) normal-type patients were in the remission phase, while all 6 random-type patients were in the active phase. Among active-phase patients, 4 of 7 (57%) homogeneous-type patients responded to steroid or leukocytapheresis therapy, while 3 of 6 (50%) random-type patients required treatment with cyclosporine. Three of 10 (30%) hard-type patients required colectomy.

Conclusions
In this small series, EG findings reflected colonoscopic findings and correlated with disease activity among patients with UC.
Isoflurane Preconditioning at Clinically Relevant Doses Induce Protective Effects of Heme Oxygenase-1 on Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Lv Xin , Yang Liqun , Tao Kunming , Liu Yantao , Yang Tian , Chen Guozhong , Yu Weifeng , Lv Hao , Wu Feixiang 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Activation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been proved to reduce damages to the liver in ischemia reperfusion injury. The objective of present study was to determine whether clinic relevant doses of isoflurane treatment could be sufficient to activate HO-1 inducing, which confers protective effect against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Methods
The hepatic artery and portal vein to the left and the median liver lobes of forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were occluded for 60 minutes. Reperfusion was allowed for 4 hours before the animal subjects were sacrificed. Six groups (n = 12) were included in the study. A negative control group received sham operation and positive control group a standard ischemia-reperfusion regimen. The third group was pretreated with isoflurane prior to the ischemia-reperfusion. The fourth group received an HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp) prior to the isoflurane pretreatment and the ischemia-reperfusion. The fifth group received Znpp alone before ischemia-reperfusion procedure, and the sixth group was administrated with a HO-1 inducer hemin prior to IR. HO-1 in the liver was measured using an enzymatic activity assay, a Western blot analysis, as well as immunohistochemical method. Extent of liver damage was estimated by determination of the serum transaminases, liver lipid peroxidation and hepatic histology. Infiltration of the liver by neutrophils was measured using a myeloperoxidase activity assay. TNFα mRNA in the liver was measured using RT-PCR.

Results
Isoflurane pretreatment significantly attenuated the hepatic injuries and inflammatory responses caused by the ischemia reperfusion. Selectively inhibiting HO-1 with ZnPP completed blocked the protective effects of isoflurane. Inducing HO-1 with hemin alone produced protective effects similar in magnitude to that of isoflurane.

Conclusions
Clinic relevant doses of isoflurane attenuate ischemia reperfusion injury in rats by increasing the HO-1 expression and activity.
Anastrozole-related acute hepatitis with autoimmune features: a case report
Authors: Inno Alessandro , Basso Michele , Vecchio Fabio M , Marsico Valentina A , Cerchiaro Eleonora , D'Argento Ettore , Bagalà Cinzia , Barone Carlo 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Two cases of acute hepatitis occurring during treatment with anastrozole have previously been reported, but the underlying mechanisms of liver injury are still uncertain. We report the case of anastrozole-related acute hepatitis with some autoimmune features.

Case presentation
A 70-year-old woman developed acute hepatitis associated with serum antinuclear antibodies during anastrozole treatment; after drug withdrawal, liver function parameters rapidly improved and serum auto-antibodies were no longer detectable.

Conclusions
Anastrozole-induced hepatotoxicity is a very rare event. Drug-drug interactions or metabolically-mediated damage might be involved, with a possible role of individual susceptibility. Our report suggests that an immune-mediated mechanism may also be considered in anastrozole-related liver injury.
Up-regulation of METCAM/MUC18 promotes motility, invasion, and tumorigenesis of human breast cancer cells
Authors: Zeng Guo-fang , Cai Shao-xi , Wu Guang-Jer 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Conflicting research has identified METCAM/MUC18, an integral membrane cell adhesion molecule (CAM) in the Ig-like gene super-family, as both a tumor promoter and a tumor suppressor in the development of breast cancer. To resolve this, we have re-investigated the role of this CAM in the progression of human breast cancer cells.

Methods
Three breast cancer cell lines were used for the tests: one luminal-like breast cancer cell line, MCF7, which did not express any METCAM/MUC18, and two basal-like breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, which expressed moderate levels of the protein.
MCF7 cells were transfected with the human METCAM/MUC18 cDNA to obtain G418-resistant clones which expressed the protein and were used for testing effects of human METCAM/MUC18 expression on in vitro motility and invasiveness, and in vitro and in vivo tumorigenesis. Both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells already expressed METCAM/MUC18. They were directly used for in vitro tests in the presence and absence of an anti-METCAM/MUC18 antibody.

Results
In MCF7 cells, enforced METCAM/MUC18 expression increased in vitro motility, invasiveness, anchorage-independent colony formation (in vitro tumorigenesis), and in vivo tumorigenesis. In both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells, the anti-METCAM/MUC18 antibody inhibited both motility and invasiveness. Though both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells established a disorganized growth in 3D basement membrane culture assay, the introduction of the anti-METCAM/MUC18 antibody completely destroyed their growth in the 3D culture.

Conclusion
These findings support the notion that human METCAM/MUC18 expression promotes the progression of human breast cancer cells by increasing their motility, invasiveness and tumorigenesis.