bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is UV signalling involved in male-male territorial conflict in the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)? A new experimental approach
Authors: Dijkstra Thomas , Korsten Peter , Komdeur Jan 
Published: May 2007

Structurally-based ultraviolet (UV) coloration of plumage can signal male quality and plays a role in female mate choice in many bird species. UV-reflecting badges could also be important signals in male-male competition. We tested if territorial blue tit (
Cyanistes caeruleus
) males discriminate between conspecific male intruders which differ in the UV reflectance of their crown feathers. To this aim, we used a new experimental approach in which we simultaneously (instead of sequentially) introduced two male blue tit taxidermic mounts in the territories of resident males during the female fertile period; one mount with natural crown UV reflectance and one mount with reduced crown UV. The two mounts provoked strong aggressive reactions from resident males. Males specifically directed their aggression to conspecific intruders, as a male blue tit mount received substantially more aggression than a mount of a European robin (
Erithacus rubecula
). However, aggression of resident males did not vary between the UV-reduced and the control mount. Furthermore, the variation in natural crown UV reflectance of the resident males did not predict the intensity of their aggressive response. Contrary to previous findings our results suggest that UV signals play only a limited role in male-male interactions during territorial intrusions in the female fertile period.
Is broodmate aggression really associated with direct feeding?
Authors: Gonzalez-Voyer Alejandro , Drummond Hugh 
Published: May 2007

The Feeding Method hypothesis (FMH) proposes that the way parents transfer food to chicks influences whether broodmates compete for it aggressively or non-aggressively. The FMH assumes that aggression is more efficient for securing a large share of food when prey items pass from bill to bill (direct feeds) than when prey is deposited on the nest floor (indirect feeds). In species with a developmental transition from indirect to direct feeding, the hypothesis predicts more aggression during direct than indirect feeds and an increase in rates of aggression as feeding becomes increasingly direct. We quantified development of aggression and feeding in two-chick cattle egret (
Bubulcus ibis
) broods in order to test the FMH's assumption and its two developmental predictions. We also examined whether changes in rates of aggression early in the nestling period are better predicted by the Feeding Method, Food Amount or Early Dominance Establishment hypotheses. Neither the assumption nor either of the predictions of the FMH was supported and, if anything, senior broodmates were more aggressive early in the nestling period when feeding was indirect. These observations cast doubt on the ultimate influence of feeding method on use of aggression and, especially, on the role of direct feeding as a proximate trigger for aggression. Rates of aggression better fitted the temporal patterns predicted by Early Dominance Establishment and Food Amount hypotheses.
Estimation of Seasonal Precipitation Tercile-Based Categorical Probabilities from Ensembles
Authors: Tippett Michael K. , Barnston Anthony G. , Robertson Andrew W. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEnsemble simulations and forecasts provide probabilistic information about the inherently uncertain climate system. Counting the number of ensemble members in a category is a simple nonparametric method of using an ensemble to assign categorical probabilities. Parametric methods of assigning quantile-based categorical probabilities include distribution fitting and generalized linear regression. Here the accuracy of counting and parametric estimates of tercile category probabilities is compared. The methods are first compared in an idealized setting where analytical results show how ensemble size and level of predictability control the accuracy of both methods. The authors also show how categorical probability estimate errors degrade the rank probability skill score. The analytical results provide a good description of the behavior of the methods applied to seasonal precipitation from a 53-yr, 79-member ensemble of general circulation model simulations. Parametric estimates of seasonal precipitation tercile category probabilities are generally more accurate than the counting estimate. In addition to determining the relative accuracies of the different methods, the analysis quantifies the relative importance of the ensemble mean and variance in determining tercile probabilities. Ensemble variance is shown to be a weak factor in determining seasonal precipitation probabilities, meaning that differences between the tercile probabilities and the equal-odds probabilities are due mainly to shifts of the forecast mean away from its climatological value.
The Health Status of Retired American Football Players
Authors: Nicholas Stephen J. , Nicholas James A. , Nicholas Calvin , Diecchio Jennifer R. , McHugh Malachy P. 
Published: May 2007

Background Despite a perception that retired professional football players have poor health, there are little supporting data. Hypothesis Retired football players have poor health compared with age-matched population norms. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Thirty-six of 41 members of the 1969 Super Bowl winning team were contacted 35 years after that event (3 were deceased, and no contact information was available for 2). Players completed an SF-36 health survey and a medical history and football-specific questionnaire. Each player's football-related injury history before 1969 was documented from medical records. It was estimated that there was 80% power to detect a 10% difference in physical and mental health scores between the retired football players (age, 62 ± 3 y) and population norms (n = 741) at an alpha level of 0.05. Results SF-36 scores for physical and mental health were not different from age-matched norms (physical health P = .69; mental health P = .49). The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (24 of 36 players), hypertension (13 of 36 players), and chronic low back pain (13 of 36 players). SF-36 physical health scores were 21% lower in players with arthritis (P < .01) and back pain (P < .05) compared with the other players. Physical health scores were 19% above normal for players without arthritis (P < .01) and not different from normal for players with arthritis (6% lower; P = .6). Four of 8 players who had major ligamentous injuries to the knee before 1969 had total knee arthroplasty in the intervening years, compared with 3 of the remaining 28 players (P < .05). The men played professional football for 8.3 ± 3.8 years, and 33 players (94%) reported having had “very fulfilling” (n = 24) or “somewhat fulfilling” (n = 9) careers. Conclusion These professional football players had long and fulfilling careers with no apparent long-term detrimental effects on physical or mental health scores despite a high prevalence of arthritis.
Nonirradiated versus Irradiated Achilles Allograft
Authors: Rappe Matthew , Horodyski MaryBeth , Meister Keith , Indelicato Peter A. 
Published: May 2007

Background Many studies suggest that gamma irradiation decreases allograft strength in a dose-dependent manner. No study has demonstrated that this decrease in strength translates into higher clinical failures. Hypothesis Irradiation of allograft tissue will lead to higher early clinical failure in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Medical records were reviewed for 90 consecutive patients who had received Achilles allograft reconstruction for unilateral primary ACL injuries at one institution between July 2001 and June 2002. One half of patients received nonirradiated Achilles allograft and the other half received irradiated Achilles allograft at a dose range of 2.0 to 2.5 Mrad. The ACL allograft reconstructions were performed using the same surgical technique. The rehabilitation program was identical for both groups. All clinical failures were recorded. Results At least 6 months’ follow-up was available on 42 subjects in the nonirradiated group and 33 subjects in the irradiated group. A significant difference was noted in early failure rates between the groups (P < .01). The nonirradiated group had 1 in 42 (2.4%) catastrophic failure. In the irradiated group, 11 of 33 (33%) Achilles tendon grafts failed. Conclusions Less than satisfactory results led the senior authors to discontinue the use of irradiated allografts in ACL surgery. Continued research into alternatives to gamma irradiation is needed.
One-year acyclovir prophylaxis for preventing varicella-zoster virus disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation: no evidence of rebound varicella-zoster virus disease after drug discontinuation
Authors: Erard Veronique , Guthrie Katherine A. , Varley Cara , Heugel Judson , Wald Anna , Flowers Mary E. D. , Corey Lawrence , Boeckh Michael 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
No consensus exists on whether acyclovir prophylaxis should be given for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) prophylaxis after hematopoietic cell transplantation because of the concern of “rebound” VZV disease after discontinuation of prophylaxis. To determine whether rebound VZV disease is an important clinical problem and whether prolonging prophylaxis beyond 1 year is beneficial, we examined 3 sequential cohorts receiving acyclovir from day of transplantation until engraftment for prevention of herpes simplex virus reactivation (n = 932); acyclovir or valacyclovir 1 year (n = 1117); or acyclovir/valacyclovir for at least 1 year or longer if patients remained on immunosuppressive drugs (n = 586). In multivariable statistical models, prophylaxis given for 1 year significantly reduced VZV disease (P < .001) without evidence of rebound VZV disease. Continuation of prophylaxis beyond 1 year in allogeneic recipients who remained on immunosuppressive drugs led to a further reduction in VZV disease (P = .01) but VZV disease developed in 6.1% during the second year while receiving this strategy. In conclusion, acyclovir/valacyclovir prophylaxis given for 1 year led to a persistent benefit after drug discontinuation and no evidence of a rebound effect. To effectively prevent VZV disease in long-term hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors, additional approaches such as vaccination will probably be required.
Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a widely expressed and potent tumor-associated antigen in multiple myeloma
Authors: Qian Jianfei , Xie Jin , Hong Sungyoul , Yang Jing , Zhang Liang , Han Xiaohong , Wang Michael , Zhan Fenghuang , Shaughnessy John D. , Epstein Joshua , Kwak Larry W. , Yi Qing 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe identification of novel tumor-associated antigens, especially those shared among patients, is urgently needed to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we examined whether Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a protein that is not expressed in most normal tissues but is expressed by tumor cells from almost all patients with myeloma, could be a good candidate. We identified and synthesized DKK1 peptides for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–A*0201 and confirmed their immunogenicity by in vivo immunization in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice. We detected, using peptidetetramers, low frequencies of DKK1 peptide-specific CD8-positive (CD8+) T cells in patients with myeloma and generated peptide-specific T-cell lines and clones from HLA-A*0201-positive (HLA-A*0201+) blood donors and patients with myeloma. These T cells efficiently lysed peptide-pulsed but not unpulsed T2 or autologous dendritic cells, DKK1-positive (DKK1+)/HLA-A*0201+ myeloma cell lines U266 and IM-9, and, more importantly, HLA-A*0201+ primary myeloma cells from patients. No killing was observed on DKK1+/HLA-A*0201-negative (HLA-A*0201−) myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells or HLA-A*0201+ normal lymphocytes, including B cells. These results indicate that these T cells were potent cytotoxic T cells and recognized DKK1 peptides naturally presented by myeloma cells in the context of HLA-A*0201 molecules. Hence, our study identifies DKK1 as a potentially important antigen for immunotherapy in MM.
Live imaging of Drosophilagonad formation reveals roles for Six4 in regulating germline and somatic cell migration
Authors: Clark Ivan BN , Jarman Andrew P , Finnegan David J 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Movement of cells, either as amoeboid individuals or in organised groups, is a key feature of organ formation. Both modes of migration occur during Drosophila embryonic gonad development, which therefore provides a paradigm for understanding the contribution of these processes to organ morphogenesis. Gonads of Drosophila are formed from three distinct cell types: primordial germ cells (PGCs), somatic gonadal precursors (SGPs), and in males, male-specific somatic gonadal precursors (msSGPs). These originate in distinct locations and migrate to associate in two intermingled clusters which then compact to form the spherical primitive gonads. PGC movements are well studied, but much less is known of the migratory events and other interactions undergone by their somatic partners. These appear to move in organised groups like, for example, lateral line cells in zebra fish or Drosophila ovarian border cells.

Results
We have used time-lapse fluorescence imaging to characterise gonadal cell behaviour in wild type and mutant embryos. We show that the homeodomain transcription factor Six4 is required for the migration of the PGCs and the msSGPs towards the SGPs. We have identified a likely cause of this in the case of PGCs as we have found that Six4 is required for expression of Hmgcr which codes for HMGCoA reductase and is necessary for attraction of PGCs by SGPs. Six4 affects msSGP migration by a different pathway as these move normally in Hmgcr mutant embryos. Additionally, embryos lacking fully functional Six4 show a novel phenotype in which the SGPs, which originate in distinct clusters, fail to coalesce to form unified gonads.

Conclusion
Our work establishes the Drosophila gonad as a model system for the analysis of coordinated cell migrations and morphogenesis using live imaging and demonstrates that Six4 is a key regulator of somatic cell function during gonadogenesis. Our data suggest that the initial association of SGP clusters is under distinct control from the movements that drive gonad compaction.
STATc is a key regulator of the transcriptional response to hyperosmotic shock
Authors: Na Jianbo , Tunggal Budi , Eichinger Ludwig 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background

Dictyostelium discoideum is frequently subjected to environmental changes in its natural habitat, the forest soil. In order to survive, the organism had to develop effective mechanisms to sense and respond to such changes. When cells are faced with a hypertonic environment a complex response is triggered. It starts with signal sensing and transduction and leads to changes in cell shape, the cytoskeleton, transport processes, metabolism and gene expression. Certain aspects of the Dictyostelium osmotic stress response have been elucidated, however, no comprehensive picture was available up to now.

Results
To better understand the D. discoideum response to hyperosmotic conditions, we performed gene expression profiling using DNA microarrays. The transcriptional profile of cells treated with 200 mM sorbitol during a 2-hour time course revealed a time-dependent induction or repression of 809 genes, more than 15% of the genes on the array, which peaked 45 to 60 minutes after the hyperosmotic shock. The differentially regulated genes were applied to cluster analysis and functional annotation using gene GO terms. Two main responses appear to be the down-regulation of the metabolic machinery and the up-regulation of the stress response system, including STATc. Further analysis of STATc revealed that it is a key regulator of the transcriptional response to hyperosmotic shock. Approximately 20% of the differentially regulated genes were dependent on the presence of STATc.

Conclusion
At least two signalling pathways are activated in Dictyostelium cells subjected to hypertonicity. STATc is responsible for the transcriptional changes of one of them.
bZIPDB : A database of regulatory information for human bZIP transcription factors
Authors: Ryu Taewoo , Jung Juhyun , Lee Sunjae , Nam Ho Jung , Hong Sun Woo , Yoo Jae Wook , Lee Dong-ki , Lee Doheon 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) proteins are a class of transcription factors (TFs) that play diverse roles in eukaryotes. Malfunctions in these proteins lead to cancer and various other diseases. For detailed characterization of these TFs, further public resources are required.

Description
We constructed a database, designated bZIPDB, containing information on 49 human bZIP TFs, by means of automated literature collection and manual curation. bZIPDB aims to provide public data required for deciphering the gene regulatory network of the human bZIP family, e.g., evaluation or reference information for the identification of regulatory modules. The resources provided by bZIPDB include (1) protein interaction data including direct binding, phosphorylation and functional associations between bZIP TFs and other cellular proteins, along with other types of interactions, (2) bZIP TF-target gene relationships, (3) the cellular network of bZIP TFs in particular cell lines, and (4) gene information and ontology. In the current version of the database, 721 protein interactions and 560 TF-target gene relationships are recorded. bZIPDB is annually updated for the newly discovered information.

Conclusion
bZIPDB is a repository of detailed regulatory information for human bZIP TFs that is collected and processed from the literature, designed to facilitate analysis of this protein family. bZIPDB is available for public use at http://biosoft.kaist.ac.kr/bzipdb.
Down-regulation of human topoisomerase IIα expression correlates with relative amounts of specificity factors Sp1 and Sp3 bound at proximal and distal promoter regions
Authors: Williams Amram O , Isaacs Richard J , Stowell Kathryn M 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Topoisomerase IIα has been shown to be down-regulated in doxorubicin-resistant cell lines. The specificity proteins Sp1 and Sp3 have been implicated in regulation of topoisomerase IIα transcription, although the mechanism by which they regulate expression is not fully understood. Sp1 has been shown to bind specifically to both proximal and distal GC elements of the human topoisomerase IIα promoter in vitro, while Sp3 binds only to the distal GC element unless additional flanking sequences are included. While Sp1 is thought to be an activator of human topoisomerase IIα, the functional significance of Sp3 binding is not known. Therefore, we sought to determine the functional relationship between Sp1 and Sp3 binding to the topoisomerase IIα promoter in vivo. We investigated endogenous levels of Sp1, Sp3 and topoisomerase IIα as well as binding of both Sp1 and Sp3 to the GC boxes of the topoisomerase IIα promoter in breast cancer cell lines in vivo after short term doxorubicin exposure.

Results
Functional effects of Sp1 and Sp3 were studied using transient cotransfection assays using a topoisomerase IIα promoter reporter construct. The in vivo interactions of Sp1 and Sp3 with the GC elements of the topoisomerase IIα promoter were studied in doxorubicin-treated breast cancer cell lines using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Relative amounts of endogenous proteins were measured using immunoblotting. In vivo DNA looping mediated by proteins bound at the GC1 and GC2 elements was studied using the chromatin conformation capture assay. Both Sp1 and Sp3 bound to the GC1 and GC2 regions. Sp1 and Sp3 were transcriptional activators and repressors respectively, with Sp3 repression being dominant over Sp1-mediated activation. The GC1 and GC2 elements are linked in vivo to form a loop, thus bringing distal regulatory elements and their cognate transcription factors into close proximity with the transcription start site.

Conclusion
These observations provide a mechanistic explanation for the modulation of topoisomerase IIα and concomitant down-regulation that can be mediated by topoisomerase II poisons. Competition between Sp1 and Sp3 for the same cognate DNA would result in activation or repression depending on absolute amounts of each transcription factor in cells treated with doxorubicin.
Rad9 modulates the P21
WAF1
pathway by direct association with p53
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuhiro , Ishii Hideshi , Murakumo Yoshiki , Mimori Koshi , Kobayashi Masahiko , Yamamoto Ken-ichi , Mori Masaki , Nishino Hiroshi , Furukawa Yusuke , Ichimura Keiichi 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Previous studies suggest that human RAD9 (hRad9), encoding a DNA damage checkpoint molecule, which is frequently amplified in epithelial tumor cells of breast, lung, head and neck cancer, participates in regulation of the tumor suppressor p53-dependent transactivation of pro-survival P21

WAF1
. This study examined the exact mechanism of the hRad9 function, especially through the phosphorylation of the C-terminus, in the transcription regulation of P21

WAF1
.

Results
The transfection of phosphorylation-defective hRAD9 mutants of C-terminus resulted in reduction of the p53-dependent P21

WAF1
transactivation; the knockdown of total hRad9 elicited an increased P21

WAF1
mRNA expression. Immunoprecipitation and a ChIP assay showed that hRad9 and p53 formed a complex and both were associated with two p53-consensus DNA-binding sequences in the 5' region of P21

WAF1
gene. The association was reduced in the experiment of phosphorylation-defective hRAD9 mutants.

Conclusion
The present study indicates the direct involvement of hRad9 in the p53-dependent P21

WAF1
transcriptional mechanism, presumably via the phosphorylation sites, and alterations of the hRad9 pathway might therefore contribute to the perturbation of checkpoint activation in cancer cells.
The standardized surgical approach improves outcome of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Scheingraber Stefan , Justinger Christoph , Stremovskaia Tatiana , Weinrich Malte , Igna Dorian , Schilling Martin K 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to examine the extent of surgical procedures, pathological findings, complications and outcome of patients treated in the last 12 years for gallbladder cancer.

Methods
The impact of a standardized more aggressive approach compared with historical controls of our center with an individual approach was examined. Of 53 patients, 21 underwent resection for cure and 32 for palliation.

Results
Overall hospital mortality was 9% and procedure related mortality was 4%. The standardized approach in UICC stage IIa, IIb and III led to a significantly improved outcome compared to patients with an individual approach (Median survival: 14 vs. 7 months, mean+/-SEM: 26+/-7 vs. 17+/-5 months, p = 0.014). The main differences between the standardized and the individual approach were anatomical vs. atypical liver resection, performance of systematic lymph dissection of the hepaticoduodenal ligament and the resection of the common bile duct.

Conclusion
Anatomical liver resection, proof for bile duct infiltration and, in case of tumor invasion, radical resection and lymph dissection of the hepaticoduodenal ligament are essential to improve outcome of locally advanced gallbladder cancer.