bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Copies of the Mst77F Gene on the Y Chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Krsticevic Flavia J , Santos Henrique L , Januário Suelen , Schrago Carlos G , Carvalho A Bernardo 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The Y chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster has &lt;20 protein-coding genes. These genes originated from the duplication of autosomal genes and have male-related functions. In 1993, Russell and Kaiser found three Y-linked pseudogenes of the Mst77F gene, which is a testis-expressed autosomal gene that is essential for male fertility. We did a thorough search using experimental and computational methods and found 18 Y-linked copies of this gene (named Mst77Y-1–Mst77Y-18). Ten Mst77Y genes encode defective proteins and the other eight are potentially functional. These eight genes produce ∼20% of the functional Mst77F-like mRNA, and molecular evolutionary analysis shows that they evolved under purifying selection. Hence several Mst77Y genes have all the features of functional genes. Mst77Y genes are present only in D. melanogaster, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the duplication is a recent event. The identification of functional Mst77Y genes reinforces the previous finding that gene gains play a prominent role in the evolution of the Drosophila Y chromosome.
Control of Wing Size and Proportions by Drosophila Myc
Authors: Wu D Christine , Johnston Laura A 
Published: November 2009

AbstractGeneration of an organ of appropriate size and shape requires mechanisms that coordinate growth and patterning, but how this is achieved is not understood. Here we examine the role of the growth regulator dMyc in this process during Drosophila wing imaginal disc development. We find that dMyc is expressed in a dynamic pattern that correlates with fate specification of different regions of the wing disc, leading us to hypothesize that dMyc expression in each region directs its growth. Consistent with this view, clonal analysis of growth in each region demonstrated distinct temporal requirements for dMyc that match its expression. Surprisingly, however, experiments in which dMyc expression is manipulated reveal that the endogenous pattern has only a minor influence on wing shape. Indeed, when dMyc function is completely lacking in the wing disc over most of its development, the discs grow slowly and are small in size but appear morphologically normal. Our experiments indicate, therefore, that rather than directly influence differential growth in the wing disc, the pattern of dMyc expression augments growth directed by other regulators. Overall, however, an appropriate level of dMyc expression in the wing disc is necessary for each region to achieve a proportionately correct size.
Long-Term Outcomes in Stage IIIB Breast Cancer Patients Who Achieved Less Than a Pathological Complete Response (&lt;pCR) After Primary Chemotherapy
Authors: Ionta Maria Teresa , Atzori Francesco , Deidda Maria Cristina , Pusceddu Valeria , Palmeri Sergio , Frau Barbara , Murgia Monica , Barca Michela , Minerba Luigi , Massidda Bruno 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Summarize the main risk factors for relapse in patients with T4 breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Evaluate the role of hormone receptors and HER-2 as determinants of risk of relapse after neoadjuvant treatment.Compare the difference in outcomes between patients who achieve less than pCR in relation to receptor status.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.

Purpose.
Pathological complete response (pCR) to primary chemotherapy is the main determinant for improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The primary endpoints of our study were the long-term DFS and OS rates in homogeneously treated stage IIIB breast cancer patients who failed to achieve a pCR (&lt;pCR), in relation to residual tumor burden. The secondary endpoint was the prognostic relevance of hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 status.

Methods.
We analyzed 58 of 74 consecutive stage IIIB patients treated between 1996 and 2001 who achieved &lt;pCR following a primary cisplatin, epirubicin, and vinorelbine regimen for up to six cycles. At the time of patient accrual, trastuzumab was not available. After definitive surgery, pathological residual disease remained in 40 (69%) patients in both the breast and axilla, in 14 (24%) patients in only the breast, and in four (7%) patients in only the axilla.

Results.
Fifty-eight (78%) of 74 patients achieved &lt;pCR and 16 (22%) had pCR both in the breast and axilla. After a median follow-up of 99 months (range, 72–134 months), in patients with &lt;pCR the estimated 10-year DFS and OS rates were 37.6% and 50.3%, respectively, significantly worse than in the pCR group (p = .003 and p = .008, respectively). Patients with four or more axillary nodes involved had a significantly worse 10-year DFS rate (28.9% versus 62.7%; p = .036). Patients with HR− tumors had significantly lower 10-year DFS (17.3% versus 46.4%; p = .018) and OS (17.3% versus 70.2%; p = .002) rates. Overall, the triple-negative (TN) group showed only a marginally significantly worse OS rate (p = .048). HER-2 status alone, in the absence of trastuzumab, did not appear to significantly affect outcomes.

Conclusions.
Our data suggest that, in stage IIIB patients who achieve &lt;pCR, the number of residual nodes and HR− status are strong predictors of poor outcomes. After a long follow-up time, HER-2 expression does not appear to significantly affect DFS and OS. TN patients showed a trend toward early recurrence and death.
FDA Drug Approval Summary: Bevacizumab (Avastin®) as Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Cohen Martin H. , Shen Yuan Li , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss and compare currently approved drugs for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and explain the advantages of bevacizumab for GBM treatment.Debate the use of response rate as an endpoint for GBM treatment with bevacizumab.Differentiate between accelerated and regular drug approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.
On May 5, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to bevacizumab injection (Avastin®; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) as a single agent for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with progressive disease following prior therapy. The approval was based on durable objective responses (independent radiologic review with stable or decreasing corticosteroid use). Two trials evaluating bevacizumab, 10 mg/kg by i.v. infusion every 2 weeks, were submitted. One trial also randomized patients to bevacizumab plus irinotecan treatment. All patients had received prior surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide. Patients with active brain hemorrhage were excluded. One trial enrolled 78 independently confirmed GBM patients. Partial responses were observed in 25.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.0%–36.1%) of the patients. The median response duration was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.0–5.7 months). The second trial enrolled 56 GBM patients. Partial responses were observed in 19.6% (95% CI, 10.9%–31.3%) of the patients. The median response duration was 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.4–17.4 months). Safety data were provided for the first study. The most frequently reported bevacizumab adverse events of any grade were infection, fatigue, headache, hypertension, epistaxis, and diarrhea. Grade 3–5 bevacizumab-related adverse events included bleeding/hemorrhage, central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage, hypertension, venous and arterial thromboembolic events, wound-healing complications, proteinuria, gastrointestinal perforation, and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. The attribution of certain adverse events (e.g., CNS hemorrhage, wound-healing complications, and thromboembolic events) to either bevacizumab, underlying disease, or both could not be determined because of the single-arm, noncomparative study design.
Editorial
Authors: Nicogossian Arnauld , Kloiber Otmar , Zimmerman Tom , Koizumi Naoru 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe World Medical & Health Policy Journal fills a unique niche dedicated to the interdisciplinary intersection of politics, policy, research, medicine and global public health. The Editors hope that this first issue, with notable contributors from around the world and a distinguished group of expert advisors, will help to shed light on some of the difficult decisions health care providers make on a routine basis.
Accuracy of p-values of approximate tests in testing for equality of means under unequal variances
Authors: Volaufová Júlia 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Seemingly, testing for fixed effects in linear models with variance-covariance components has been solved for decades. However, even in simple situations such as in fixed one-way model with heteroscedastic variances (a multiple means case of the Behrens-Fisher problem) the questions of statistical properties of various approximations of test statistics are still alive. Here we present a brief overview of several approaches suggested in the literature as well as those available in statistical software, accompanied by a simulation study in which the accuracy of p-values is studied. Our interest is limited here to the Welch’s test, the Satterthwaite-Fai-Cornelius test, the Kenward-Roger test, the simple ANOVA F-test, and the parametric bootstrap test. We conclude that for small sample sizes, regardless the number of compared means and the heterogeneity of variance, the ANOVA F-test p-value performs the best. For higher sample sizes (at least 5 per group), the parametric bootstrap performs well, and the Kenward-Roger test also performs well.
Protocol for purification of a rat blood serum protein fraction enriched in gamma-butyrobetaine esterase activity
Authors: Bagdonienė Lida , Labeikytė Danutė , Kalviņš Ivars , Juodka Benediktas , Sjakste Nikolajs 
Published: November 2009

Protocol for purification of a rat blood serum protein fraction enriched in gamma-butyrobetaine esterase activity
Although described some time ago, gamma-butyrobetaine esters and related compounds have not gained much attention from researchers, and their physiological function remains obscure. Formerly we detected GBB-esterase enzymatic activity in rat blood serum. The aim of the present work was to develop a protocol that would enable purification of the protein fraction enriched in GBB esterase activity from rat blood serum. Chromatography on DEAE Sepharose at pH 4.2 enabled to purify a protein fraction enriched in enzymatic activity, but represented by numerous polypeptides. Following separation of this fraction by means of chromatography on DEAE Sepharose at pH 6.5 or heparin Sepharose chromatography at pH 7.0 did not lead to significant decrease of polypeptide number. When the above fraction was further fractionated by means of DEAE Sepharose chromatography at pH 7.4 or Bio Gel P150 chromatography the enzymatic activity was lost. Combination of DEAE Sepharose at pH 4.2 and affinity chromatography with procainamide appears to be the most suitable approach.
Haplotypic variability and population genetic structure of Garganey Anas querquedula and common pochard Aythyla ferina in the Western Palearctic
Authors: Sruoga Aniolas , Rashal Isaak , Butkauskas Dalius , Vīksne Jānis , Žalakevičius Mečislovas , Švažas Saulius , Kaminskaitė Monika 
Published: November 2009

Haplotypic variability and population genetic structure of Garganey Anas querquedula and common pochard Aythyla ferina in the Western Palearctic
The mitochondrial DNA (D-loop of mtDNA) sequencing method was used for investigation of various populations of Garganey Anas querquedula and Common Pochard Aythya ferina in the Western Palearctic. Reconstructed phylogenetic relationships based on comparison of D-loop sequences enabled to identify genetic similarity on the level of individual birds and to designate populations with different genetic structure. Identified haplotypic variability indicated the existence of two populations of Garganey with a different genetic structure in Europe. Some genetic variability was also observed among populations of Common Pochard of different origin. Haplotypic variability at different levels was found in both investigated species, despite a considerable overlap in wintering sites used by Garganeys and Common Pochards breeding in various regions.
Genetic alteration in melanoma development
Authors: Pjanova Dace , Azarjana Kristīne , Čēma Ingrīda , Heisele Olita 
Published: November 2009

Genetic alteration in melanoma developmentThe transition from a normal to a neoplastic cell is a complex process and involves many sequential genetic events. Over the last several years, substantial progress has been made in the understanding of molecular biology of melanoma including its development, progression, and resistance to therapy. An important step in cancer development appears to be senescence — a crucial barrier that prevents the proliferation of cells that are at different stages of malignancy. This review is mainly focused on patterns of molecular changes in the different steps of neoplastic transformation in melanoma and provides an up-to-date view on our understanding of the molecular genetics of melanoma development as well as therapeutic approaches based on this knowledge.
The influence of sentential context and frequency of occurrence on the recognition of words with scrambled letters
Authors: Paciorek Wiktor , Rączaszek-Leonardi Joanna 
Published: November 2009

The influence of sentential context and frequency of occurrence on the recognition of words with scrambled letters
In this paper we examine the "jumbled words" effect which denotes human ability to easily read words whose internal letters have been re-arranged as long as external letters remain in their positions. Hitherto, many explanations for this effect have focussed on the processes that operate "bottom-up". Here we suggest that "top-down" processes also play an important role and demonstrate this experimentally. First, we briefly describe the main types of word-recognition models and consider which model best explains the effect. Then, we present an experiment in which jumbled words of different frequency of occurrence were immersed in various types of contexts. Results indicate that both the frequency and semantic sentential context are involved in jumbled word recognition. The implications of these findings for word recognition models are discussed.
Introduction: The Ecology of Shrinkage
Authors: Rink Dieter , Kabisch Sigrun 
Published: November 2009

Since about the 1980s, shrinkage processes have been observed mainlyin the developed countries. Although population decreases has beenthe main focus, other phenomena—such as the reduction of jobs, therestructuring of industrial and urban regions, and the scarcity of publiccommodities and natural resources—also deserve attention. Shrinkageis by no means becoming the dominant mode of developmentthough some regional exceptions do exist. In this sense, it is comparableto the modern growth processes that do not run concordantly.Modern shrinkage processes are concentrated in certain economicbranches, institutions, social groups, and last but not least, regions.Consequently, we find profound disparities with some countries whereparts of society face shrinkage processes while others face growthprocesses. As observed by some scholars (e.g., Oswalt 2008), the growthmode is losing its dominance in modern societies. However, a paradigmshift toward shrinkage has not yet taken place. Rather one hasto assume a longer phase of side-by-side, contra-, and co-operativegrowth and shrinkage processes. This phase may be shaped by its owncontradictions and conflicts, in particular by a high level of uncertainty.In contrast to the social growth phase roughly until the early1970s, this phase will probably be less easy to steer. Although growthcoalitions, typical for the previous phase, were based on the assumptionthat profits were redistributed as welfare, the shrinkage alliancesare confronted with the financing of losses. Shrinkage processes challengeoperational routines and bring with them new positions of interestthat require novel coalitions among actors.
USE OF STANDARD TEMPERATURE THRESHOLDS AND PHENOLOGICAL PREDICTION FOR THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER (OSTRINIA NUBILALIS HÜBNER) IN ALBERTA
Authors: Kelker Douglas H. , Lee Dennis A. , Spence John R. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA degree-day model was developed for Alberta populations of Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner. Starting with overwintered fifth-instar larvae, the model calculates the temporal distribution of first- and second-instar larvae which are the stages most vulnerable to chemical suppression. Predictions from three alternative models were compared against field data from southern Alberta. Use of a standard 10°C growth threshold to calculate physiological time scales allowed predictions as accurate as those obtained using either a pooled threshold (11.4°C) calculated specifically from Alberta populations, or a model using two thresholds (12.3°C for fifth-instar larvae to adult and 10.2°C for eggs to second-instar larvae) that incorporated significant differences in growth characteristics observed among life stages. We conclude that standard thresholds are sufficient for degree-day models for northern populations of O. nubilalis. The standard model (t0 = 10°C) predicts that moth emergence will peak at ca. 145 degree-days after median pupation, and that numbers of eggs, and first- and second-instar larvae should peak at 200, 310, and 450 degree-days, respectively. Model predictions can be used to time sampling effort in support of management decisions.
DIFFERENTIAL ENCAPSULATION OF TWO BATHYPLECTES PARASITOIDS AMONG ALFALFA WEEVIL STRAINS, HYPERA POSTICA (GYLLENHAL)
Authors: Maund Christopher M. , Hsiao T.H. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEncapsulation of Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) and B. anurus (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was investigated by dissecting parasitized larvae of three strains of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). In laboratory studies, there was no encapsulation of B. curculionis in the western strain of the weevil, a significant level of encapsulation in the eastern strain of the weevil, and nearly complete encapsulation in the Egyptian strain of the weevil. The rickettsia, Wolbachia postica Hsiao and Hsiao, found only in the western strain, was not involved in encapsulation. Variation in encapsulation was due to biological differences between weevil strains. Encapsulation rates among field populations of the western and Egyptian weevils were lower than in the laboratory. Encapsulation rates of weevil populations from zones in which western and Egyptian strains overlap in southern Utah, and between eastern and western strains in Colorado, were intermediate to rates of parental strains. These results imply that B. curculionis effectiveness against the western alfalfa weevil will decline with mixing of weevil strains. Bathyplectes anurus did not evoke encapsulation and was able to develop equally well in all three weevil strains. Our findings illustrate the importance of investigating the compatibility between alfalfa weevil strains and their parasitoids in devising a sound biological control strategy.
THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF LIMOTHRIPS DENTICORNIS HALIDAY (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE) EGGS ON SPRING BARLEY
Authors: Bates Barbara A. , Weiss Michael J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe within-plant spatial distribution of Limothrips denticornis Haliday eggs on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in North Dakota was examined during the growing seasons of 1987 and 1988. In both years, most eggs were found during inflorescence emergence (growth stages 10–10.5 on the Feekes scale), although eggs were detected both prior to and after these growth stages. Once inflorescence emergence was initiated, over 8.5% of the eggs were found in the top two leaf sheaths, with the majority in the flag leaf sheath. Over all barley growth stages, significantly more eggs (P≤0.05) were found in the middle third than in either the top or bottom third of the flag leaf sheath. No difference (P≥0.05) in the within-sheath location of eggs on lower leaves was detected.
COSTS OF ENERGY SHORTFALL FOR BUMBLE BEE COLONIES: PREDATION, SOCIAL PARASITISM, AND BROOD DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Cartar Ralph V. , Dill Lawrence M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBumble bees rely on stored nectar to maintain high colony temperatures. This study examines some of the costs associated with exhausting stored nectar for a day in confined colonies of Bombus occidentalis Greene and B. melanopygus Nylander. Workers from energy-deprived colonies ceased incubating and allowed brood temperatures to drop to ambient levels. Workers from energy-rich colonies responded to a simulated vertebrate predator by actively moving about and buzzing loudly (apparently searching for the source of disturbance), but those from energy-depleted colonies mostly remained stationary on the comb. Workers from energy-rich colonies responded to an intruding social parasite (a Psithyrus insularis Smith queen) by chasing and attacking it, whereas those from energy-depleted colonies adopted stationary threat postures. In both cases, the more successful defensive strategy of simultaneous attack by several workers was not employed by nectar-depleted colonies. Cooling of final-instar larvae and pupae added to their development times (disproportionately so in the case of pupae), but low temperature per se did not affect their probability of survival. Hence, the costs of short-term energy shortfall include increased susceptibility to predators and parasites and a lengthened period of development. These costs probably relate to energy stores in a nonlinear manner, providing the foundation upon which risk-sensitive foraging decisions can be based.
CARPENTER ANTS AS PREDATORS OF SPRUCE BUDWORM IN THE BOREAL FOREST OF NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Authors: Sanders C.J. , Pang A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn the boreal forest of northwestern Ontario, where carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) construct extensive underground tunnels, few worker ants were seen on the aerial portions of trees containing colonies of the ants or on neighboring trees, even though the trees were infested by large numbers of spruce budworm [Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)] larvae. Immunochemical techniques detected less spruce budworm soluble protein in worker ants from this area than in a laboratory colony that had been fed budworm larvae, or in a colony located in a spruce tree that was surrounded by gravel where the ants were unable to build underground tunnels and instead foraged extensively in the tree crown. This suggests that, in contrast to evidence from western North America, carpenter ants in the boreal forests of northwestern Ontario, and perhaps elsewhere throughout the range of the spruce budworm, are of limited importance as predators of the spruce budworm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE LARVAL STAGES OF HYDROPORUS (HETEROSTERNUTA) COCHECONIS FALL 1917 (COLEOPTERA: DYTISCIDAE: HYDROPORINAE) WITH A KEY TO THE KNOWN LARVAE OF HETEROSTERNUTA STRAND
Authors: Alarie Yves 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDescription of structures of all three larval instars of Hydroporus (Heterosternuta) cocheconis Fall 1917 is presented. The chaetotaxy and porotaxy of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment, and urogomphi are discussed in detail. Hydroporus cocheconis is compared with Hydroporus (Heterosternuta) wickhami Zaitzev 1907. Both species share a very short and constricted siphon; this character state is suggested as a synapomorphy of the subgenus Heterosternuta Strand 1935.