bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Nanog is required for zebrafish embryo architecture and for cell viability during gastrulation
Authors: Veil Marina , Schaechtle Melanie Anna , Gao Meijiang , Kirner Viola , Buryanova Lenka , Grethen Rachel , Onichtchouk Daria 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
Nanog has been implicated in establishment of pluripotency in mammals and in zygotic genome activation in zebrafish. In this study, we characterize the development of MZnanog (maternal and zygotic null) mutant zebrafish embryos. Without functional Nanog, epiboly is severely affected, embryo axes do not form and massive cell death starts at the end of gastrulation. We show that three independent defects in MZnanog mutants contribute to epiboly failure: yolk microtubule organization required for epiboly is abnormal, maternal mRNA fails to degrade owing to the absence of miR-430, and actin structure of the yolk syncytial layer does not form properly. We further demonstrate that the cell death in MZnanog embryos is cell-autonomous. Nanog is necessary for correct spatial expression of the ventral-specifying genes bmp2b, vox and vent, and the neural transcription factor her3. It is also required for the correctly timed activation of endoderm genes and for the degradation of maternal eomesa mRNA via miR-430. Our findings suggest that maternal Nanog coordinates several gene regulatory networks that shape the embryo during gastrulation.
Uhrf1 is indispensable for normal limb growth by regulating chondrocyte differentiation through specific gene expression
Authors: Yamashita Michiko , Inoue Kazuki , Saeki Noritaka , Ideta-Otsuka Maky , Yanagihara Yuta , Sawada Yuichiro , Sakakibara Iori , Lee Jiwon , Ichikawa Koichi , Kamei Yoshiaki , Iimura Tadahiro , Igarashi Katsuhide , Takada Yasutsugu , Imai Yuuki 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
Transcriptional regulation can be tightly orchestrated by epigenetic regulators. Among these, ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1 (Uhrf1) is reported to have diverse epigenetic functions, including regulation of DNA methylation. However, the physiological functions of Uhrf1 in skeletal tissues remain unclear. Here, we show that limb mesenchymal cell-specific Uhrf1 conditional knockout mice (Uhrf1ΔLimb/ΔLimb) exhibit remarkably shortened long bones that have morphological deformities due to dysregulated chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation. RNA-seq performed on primary cultured chondrocytes obtained from Uhrf1ΔLimb/ΔLimb mice showed abnormal chondrocyte differentiation. In addition, integrative analyses using RNA-seq and MBD-seq revealed that Uhrf1 deficiency decreased genome-wide DNA methylation and increased gene expression through reduced DNA methylation in the promoter regions of 28 genes, including Hspb1, which is reported to be an IL1-related gene and to affect chondrocyte differentiation. Hspb1 knockdown in cKO chondrocytes can normalize abnormal expression of genes involved in chondrocyte differentiation, such as Mmp13. These results indicate that Uhrf1 governs cell type-specific transcriptional regulation by controlling the genome-wide DNA methylation status and regulating consequent cell differentiation and skeletal maturation.
Breast tissue density change after oophorectomy in BRCA mutation carrier patients using visual and volumetric analysis
Authors: Lecler Augustin , Dunant Ariane , Delaloge Suzette , Wehrer Delphine , Moussa Tania , Caron Olivier , Balleyguier Corinne 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
BRCA1/2 mutations account for 30–50% of hereditary breast cancers and bilateral oophorectomy is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in these patients. Breast density is a well-established breast cancer risk factor and is also associated with increased risk in BRCA carriers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of oophorectomy on mammographic breast density and to assess which method of breast density assessment is more sensitive to change over time.

Methods:
Retrospective study of 50 BRCA1/2 patients who underwent bilateral oophorectomy and had at least a baseline and post-surgery mammogram. Mammographic breast density was determined by Volpara and consensus visual assessment by two radiologists. The primary endpoint was change in density between baseline and the first mammogram post-surgery.

Results:
At baseline, there was a non-significant trend for decreased density with increasing age. Volumetric breast density (VBD) significantly decreased after oophorectomy from a median VBD of 12.5% at baseline to 10.2% post-surgery which was driven by a reduction in fibroglandular volume. There was a higher absolute decrease in VBD in patients aged between 40–50 (p &lt; 0.01). Using Volpara Density Grades (analogous to BI-RADS 4th edition density categories), 84% of females displayed a decrease in density category over the study period compared to only 76% using the radiologists’ visual classification (p &lt; 0.001)

Conclusion:
Oophorectomy is associated with a decrease in breast density and younger patients exhibit a larger absolute decrease. Volpara is more sensitive to identify change over time compared to visual assessment.

Advances in knowledge:
Oophorectomy is associated with a significant decrease in VBD in patients with BRCA mutations and Volpara Density Grades were more sensitive to identify decreases in density compared to visually assessed BI-RADS categories. Decreases in breast density following oophorectomy surgery in BRCA patients may be one of the mechanisms contributing to the observed decreased breast cancer risk after surgery. However, further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between breast density, oophorectomy and breast cancer risk in BRCA patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting anterior cruciate ligament injuries
Authors: Ahmed Ashfaq , Razzaque Muhammad A. , Kaleem Muhammad , Zaman Atiq U. , Akram Rizwan , Javed Shahzad 
Published: November 2017

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stabilizes the joint during hyperextension and prevents anterior translation over femur. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting ACL injury by taking arthroscopy as gold standard in patients with traumatic knee injury.Methods: Patients fulfilling the study criteria were treated with clinical examination, MRI and then arthroscopy at the Department of Orthopedics and Spine in the Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing the anterior cruciate ligament injury were calculated based on arthroscopic findings. All the data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 version.Results: A total 185 patients were included. 91.1% were males and 8.9% were females with Mean age of 28.25±0.433. The accuracy of MRI in diagnosing the anterior cruciate ligament was 91.89%, with sensitivity of 93.33%, specificity of 85.71%, positive predictive value of 96.55% and the negative predictive value of 75%.Conclusion: MRI is accurate and non-invasive modality for the assessment of ligamentous injuries. It can be used as a first line investigation to patients with suspicion of ACL injury.
Patrones de ergatividad en el español peninsular
Authors: Lara Victor 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWestern Peninsular Spanish possesses a type of causative construction in which an intransitive lexeme is used as transitive. Specifically, the verbscaer(‘to fall’),quedar(‘to stay’) andentrar(‘to enter) can induce a direct object in detriment of the standard verbstirar(‘to throw’),dejar(‘to leave’) andmeter(‘to put in’). This phenomenon (called lability) has not been investigated in depth for Spanish and, with this paper I attempt to pinpoint its current geographical extension as well as the semantic factors that favour the transitivisation of these verbs.
Military Provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in Non-Conflict Crises
Authors: Canyon Deon V. , Ryan Benjamin J. , Burkle Frederick M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere is an upward trend in the use of military personnel and assets to provide domestic and international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. International humanitarian law has constrained military involvement by imposing particular obligations when it comes to providing assistance. In nonconflict situations, however, these constraints are becoming increasingly unreasonable given that the priority is to fill the gap between global humanitarian capacity and actual community need. Militaries in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region have been proactively assessing their performance in humanitarian missions, and some have made significant progress in advancing civilian-military coordination. Future efforts must focus on improving the integration of military modes of operation and assets into emerging frameworks for disaster management and humanitarian efforts. Military policy makers need to assume a more active role in expanding their focus beyond response to all phases of disasters: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Deadline Constrained Task Scheduling Method Using a Combination of Center-Based Genetic Algorithm and Group Search Optimization
Authors: Parthasarathy Sellaperumal , Venkateswaran Chinnasami Jothi 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The present paper describes a hybrid group search optimization (GSO) and center-based genetic algorithm (CBGA)-based model for task scheduling in cloud computing. The proposed hybrid model combines the GSO, which has been successful in its application in task scheduling, with the use of the CBGA. The basic scheme of our approach is to utilize the benefits of both the GSO algorithm and CBGA excluding their disadvantages. In our work, we introduce the hybrid clouds, which are needed to determine which task to be outsourced and to what cloud provider. These choices ought to minimize the expense of running an allotment of the aggregate task on one or various public cloud providers while considering the application prerequisites, e.g. deadline constraints and data requirements. In the hybridization approach (HGSOCBGA), each dimension of a solution represents a task and the solution as a whole signifies all the task priorities. The vital issue is how to allocate the user tasks to exploit the profit of the infrastructure as a service (IaaS) provider while promising the quality of service (QoS). The generated solution proficiently assures the user-level QoS and improves the IaaS providers’ credibility and economic benefit. The HGSOCBGA method also designs the hybridization process and suitable fitness function of the corresponding task. According to the evolved results, it has been found that our algorithm always outperforms the traditional algorithms.
Diagnostic efficiency in models for permissible measurement uncertainty
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner , Gurr Eberhard 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Limits for measurement uncertainty related to analytical imprecision and bias are most appropriately defined by the magnitude of tolerable diagnostic errors. A common mean to characterize the consequence of these errors is the diagnostic efficiency, which, in the case of data from a non-diseased population, is the rate of true-positive results (specificity). Three models have been identified by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) for defining permissible uncertainty limits. Their model 1 is based on diagnostic requirements whereas models 2 and 3 do not primarily consider diagnostic errors. The present report links tolerable diagnostic error, empirical biological variation and the technical state of the art to derive the limits for measurement uncertainty. This approach combines the essential aspects of all three EFLM models and uses the diagnostic error, the clinically most relevant aspect, as the crucial criterion for the characterization of measurement uncertainty limits. The present approach is designed for the sole purpose of quality assurance.
Funktion von extrazellulären Vesikeln und Bedeutung für die labormedizinische Diagnostik
Authors: Reiners Katrin S. , Dassler-Plenker Juliane , Coch Christoph , Hartmann Gunther 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung:
Gesunde und pathologisch veränderte Zellen des Körpers setzen extrazelluläre Vesikel (EV) frei, welche eine Vielzahl an Botenstoffen wie Proteine, Nukleinsäuren und Lipiden beinhalten. Diese beeinflussen nicht nur das umgebende Gewebe, in dem sie freigesetzt werden, sondern haben auch systemische Funktionen. Zahlreiche Studien belegen, dass EV im gesunden wie im pathologischen Kontext als Mediatoren in der interzellulären Kommunikation von großer Bedeutung sind. Ihre Funktion ist durch ihre spezifische Zusammensetzung bestimmt, die nicht allein Zelltyp-, sondern auch Kontext-abhängig ist und von Zellstress und Mutationen beeinflusst wird. EV pathologisch veränderter Zellen unterscheiden sich damit von EV gesunder Zellen. Aufgrund dieser Eigenschaft sind extrazelluläre Vesikel prinzipiell auch als Biomarker in der klinischen Diagnostik interessant. In diesem Übersichtsartikel fassen wir das aktuelle Verständnis der physiologischen Funktion von EV zusammen und erörtern den möglichen Einsatz von EV als prognostische und diagnostische Biomarker.
Standard-Arbeitsanleitung zur peripher venösen Blutentnahme für die labormedizinische Diagnostik
Authors: von Meyer Alexander , Cadamuro Janne , Streichert Thomas , Gurr Eberhard , Fiedler G. Martin , Leichtle Alexander , Petersmann Astrid , Pick Karl-Heinz , Orth Matthias , Risch Lorenz , Sonntag Oswald , Schmitt York , Wiegel Bernhard , Töpfer Gottfried , Guder Walter G. 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung:
Für die Gewinnung von Blut für die Diagnostik ist die periphere venöse Blutentnahme das häufigste Vorgehen. Eine fehlerhafte Blutentnahme ist eine relevante Quelle fehlerhafter Befunde. Aus diesem Grund werden als Anleitung für die Abnehmenden die wichtigen Schritte praxisnah detailliert beschrieben. Zu den dargestellten Schritten zählen Verantwortlichkeiten, klinische Fragestellung und Testauswahl, Vorbereitung und Identifikation des Patienten, Durchführung der Entnahme und Probentransport.
Association of peripheral blood cell count-derived ratios, biomarkers of inflammatory response and tumor growth with outcome in previously treated metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients receiving cetuximab
Authors: Melichar Bohuslav , Hrůzová Klára , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Javorská Lenka , Pešková Eliška , Solichová Dagmar , Hyšpler Radomír , Malířová Eva , Vošmik Milan , Bartoušková Marie , Klos Dušan , Študentová Hana 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of peripheral-blood cell count (PBC)-derived ratios, other biomarkers of inflammation and biomarkers of tumor growth with outcome in a cohort of patients presenting for the next line of therapy after the failure of prior systemic treatment. The data of 51 patients with advanced/metastatic colorectal carcinoma treated with cetuximab in the second or higher line of therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The median duration of cetuximab therapy and the median survival were 5.1 and 12.1 months, respectively. C-reactive protein (CRP), but not urinary neopterin correlated significantly with PBC-derived ratios. Both CRP and urinary neopterin correlated positively with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentrations and biomarkers of liver dysfunction. Although a number of parameters predicted overall survival in univariate analysis, only hemoglobin, CEA change and serum bilirubin were independent predictors of survival. In conclusion, in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma and predominantly liver metastases, the outcome of therapy in the advanced line setting was associated with initial hemoglobin level, a decrease of CEA concentration and initial presence of liver dysfunction. Urinary neopterin did not correlate with PBC-derived ratios, in contrast to CRP, but both urinary neopterin and serum CRP concentrations correlated with laboratory parameters of liver dysfunction.
Phytotherapeutics oridonin and ponicidin show additive effects combined with irradiation in pancreatic cancer in vitro
Authors: Liermann Jakob , Naumann Patrick , Fortunato Franco , Schmid Thomas E. , Weber Klaus-Josef , Debus Jürgen , Combs Stephanie E. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background
Chemoradiation of locally advanced non-metastatic pancreatic cancer can lead to secondary operability by tumor mass reduction. Here, we analyzed radiomodulating effects of oridonin and ponicidin in pancreatic cancer in vitro. Both agents are ent-kaurane diterpenoids, extracted from Isodon rubescens, a plant that is well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cytotoxic effects have recently been shown in different tumor entities for both agents.

Materials and methods
Pancreatic cancer cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2 were pretreated with oridonin or ponicidin and irradiated with 2 Gy to 6 Gy. Long-term survival was determined by clonogenic assay. Cell cycle effects and intensity of γH2AX as indicator for DNA double-strand breaks were investigated by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to study the DNA double-strand break repair proteins Ku70, Ku80 and XRCC4.

Results
Oridonin and ponicidin lead to a dose-dependent reduction of clonogenic survival and an increase in γH2AX. Combined with irradiation we observed additive effects and a prolonged G2/M-arrest. No relevant changes in the levels of the DNA double-strand break repair proteins were detected.

Conclusions
Pretreatment with oridonin or ponicidin followed by irradiation lead to an additional reduction in survival of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, presumably explained by an induced prolonged G2/M-arrest. Both agents seem to induce DNA double-strand breaks but do not interact with the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway.
Quality assurance procedures based on dosimetric, gamma analysis as a fast reliable tool for commissioning brachytherapy treatment planning systems
Authors: Zwierzchowski Grzegorz , Bieleda Grzegorz , Skowronek Janusz 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background
Fast and easily repeatable methods for commissioning procedures for brachytherapy (BT) treatment planning systems (TPS) are needed. Radiochromic film dosimetry with gamma analysis is widely used in external beam quality assurance (QA) procedures and planar film dosimetry is also increasingly used for verification of the dose distribution in BT applications. Using the gamma analysis method for comparing calculated and measured dose data could be used for commissioning procedures of the newly developed TG-186 and MBDCA calculation algorithms. The aim of this study was dosimetric verification of the calculation algorithm used in TPS when the CT/MRI ring applicator is used.

Materials and methods
Ring applicators with 26 and 30 mm diameters and a 60 mm intra-uterine tube with 60° angle were used for verification. Gafchromic® EBT films were used as dosimetric media. Dose grids, corresponding to each plane (dosimetric film location), were exported from the TPS as a raw data. Gafchromic® films were digitized after irradiation. gamma analysis of the data were performed using the OMNI Pro I’mRT® system, as recommended by the AAPM TG-119 rapport criterion for gamma analysis of 3%, 3 mm and a level of 95%.

Results
For the 26 mm and 30 mm rings, the average gamma ranged, respectively, from 0.1 to 0.44 and from 0.1 to 0.27. In both cases, 99% of the measured points corresponded with the calculated data.

Conclusions
This analysis showed excellent agreement between the dose distribution calculated with the TPS and the doses measured by Gafchromic films. This finding confirms the viability of using film dosimetry in BT.
Vergleichende Analyse eines Ein- und Mehrkamerasystems zur simultanen, volumetrischen Temperatur- und Geschwindigkeitsmessung für die Mikrofluidik
Authors: Massing Julian , Kähler Christian J. , Cierpka Christian 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung
Im folgenden Artikel wird eine optische Messtechnik vorgestellt und qualifizert, welche die simultane
Bestimmung des dreidimensionalen (3D) Temperaturfeldes und der drei
Komponenten des dreidimensionalen Geschwindigkeitsfeldes (3D3C) in
mikrofluidischen Anwendungen ermöglicht. Dabei wird die Temperatur
über das Verhältnis der Intensität der Lumineszenzsignale von
zweifarbigen Polymerpartikeln ermittelt, während das
Geschwindigkeitsfeld gleichzeitig anhand der Verschiebung
individueller Partikelbilder berechnet werden kann. Um die
Tiefeninformation zu erhalten, wird das etablierte Astigmatismus
particle tracking velocimetry Verfahren verwendet. Mit der
beschriebenen Methode werden simultane, volumetrische Messungen des
Temperatur- und Geschwindigkeitsfeldes in einem temperierten Kanal
durchgeführt und mit numerischen Simulationen verglichen. Dabei werden
zwei unterschiedliche Kamerasysteme verwendet, um die Emission der
lumineszierenden Farbstoffen zu trennen. Einerseits kommt ein
Zweikameraaufbau mit einem dichroitischen Spiegel und andererseits
eine einzelne Farbkamera zum Einsatz. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine gute
qualitative Übereinstimmung zwischen Experiment und Simulation, wobei
die Qualität der Messergebnisse für beide Kamerasysteme vergleichbar
ist. Durch die Verwendung von nur einer Farbkamera kann der
experimentelle Aufwand jedoch stark verringert werden.
Characteristics of Upper-Limb Pull Power and Power Endurance in Japanese Female Wrestlers
Authors: Naka Tatsuki , Kanno Masaaki , Shidochi Shota , Sakae Kazuhito , Shima Norihiro 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Naka, T, Kanno, M, Shidochi, S, Sakae, K, and Shima, N. Characteristics of upper-limb pull power and power endurance in Japanese female wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): e82–e87, 2022—This study aimed at elucidating the characteristics of upper-limb physical strength required by female wrestlers by comparing the pull power, power endurance, and number of repetitions between female wrestlers at world and national levels. The subjects were 20 female wrestlers (8 Olympic- and/or world-class and 12 national-class top-ranking individuals). The subjects assumed a lying prone (face down) position on a bench and pulled a bar from arms length until contact with underside of bench. The weight load was increased in 10-kg steps and the upper-limb pull power was measured for each lift. To measure power endurance, the power to achieve the repetition maximum and the maximum number of repetitions were measured at the load at which they exerted their maximum power. All measurements were obtained using a GymAware power meter (Kinetic Performance Technology, Canberra, Australia). Pull power was greater at 20, 30, 40, and 50 kg in world-class wrestlers than in national-class wrestlers. No difference was observed in the time course of power endurance between the groups; however, the power in world-class wrestlers declined slower than in national-class wrestlers. Repetition maximum also tended to be higher in world-class wrestlers than in national-class wrestlers. Female wrestlers were observed to have greater upper-limb pull power in a range from low to high loads and were able to preserve repetition ability while maintaining high power. Their competitive performance seems to be related to these abilities.