bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Escape behaviour of aposematic (Oophaga pumilio) and cryptic (Craugastor sp.) frogs in response to simulated predator approach
Authors: Blanchette Annelise , Becza Noémi , Saporito Ralph A. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract:Crypsis and aposematism are common antipredator strategies that can each be coupled with behaviours that maximize predator deterrence or avoidance. Cryptic animals employ camouflage to conceal themselves within their environment and generally rely on immobility to avoid detection by predators. Alternatively, aposematic animals tend to rely on an association between conspicuous colouration and secondary defence to deter potential predators, and tend to exhibit slow movements in response to predators. The goal of the present study was to determine how cryptic Craugastor sp. and aposematic Oophaga pumilio respond to simulated human and bird model predators. Oophaga pumilio responded more often with movement to both the human (17/22) and bird (9/25) predators than Craugastor sp. (human: 2/21; bird: 0/21). The increased movement resulted in a greater average flight initiation distance, latency to move, and distance fled in O. pumilio. These findings suggest that cryptic Craugastor sp. rely on immobility to avoid detection, whereas aposematic O. pumilio utilize movement, possibly as a mechanism to increase the visibility of their warning signals to potential predators. Furthermore, O. pumilio exhibited greater movement in response to humans, suggesting that they actively avoid trampling by large threats, rather than considering them predators.
Passive range of motion exercise to enhance growth in infants following the Norwood procedure: a safety and feasibility trial
Authors: Lambert Linda M. , Trachtenberg Felicia L. , Pemberton Victoria L. , Wood Janine , Andreas Shelley , Schlosser Robin , Barnard Teresa , Daniels Kaitlyn , Harrington Ann T. , Dagincourt Nicholas , Miller Thomas A. ,   for the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a passive range of motion exercise programme for infants with CHD.Study designThis non-randomised pilot study enrolled 20 neonates following Stage I palliation for single-ventricle physiology. Trained physical therapists administered standardised 15–20-minute passive range of motion protocol, for up to 21 days or until hospital discharge. Safety assessments included vital signs measured before, during, and after the exercise as well as adverse events recorded through the pre-Stage II follow-up. Feasibility was determined by the percent of days that >75% of the passive range of motion protocol was completed.ResultsA total of 20 infants were enrolled (70% males) for the present study. The median age at enrolment was 8 days (with a range from 5 to 23), with a median start of intervention at postoperative day 4 (with a range from 2 to 12). The median hospital length of stay following surgery was 15 days (with a range from 9 to 131), with an average of 13.4 (with a range from 3 to 21) in-hospital days per patient. Completion of >75% of the protocol was achieved on 88% of eligible days. Of 11 adverse events reported in six patients, 10 were expected with one determined to be possibly related to the study intervention. There were no clinically significant changes in vital signs. At pre-Stage II follow-up, weight-for-age z-score (−0.84±1.20) and length-for-age z-score (−0.83±1.31) were higher compared with historical controls from two earlier trials.ConclusionA passive range of motion exercise programme is safe and feasible in infants with single-ventricle physiology. Larger studies are needed to determine the optimal duration of passive range of motion and its effect on somatic growth.
Dosimetric comparison of helical tomotherapy using different techniques, simultaneous integrated boost and sequential boost for craniospinal irradiation: a single institution experience
Authors: Jia-Mahasap Bongkot , Chitapanarux Imjai , Tharavichitkul Ekkasit , Chakrabandhu Somvilai , Klunklin Pitchayaponne , Onchan Wimrak , Watcharawipha Anirut , Wanwilairat Somsak , Traisathit Patrinee 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeCraniospinal irradiation (CSI) has become an important and challenging radiation technique for radiation oncologists. Helical tomotherapy (HT) seems to have dosimetric advantage for CSI compared with other radiation modalities. The purpose of this study was to compare dosimetric data between two different HT plans; simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) and sequential boost (Sq).MethodTwelve previously treated CSI contoured datasets by SIB technique were replanned. Dosimetric comparative parameters of targets were conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI). For organ at risk (OARs), the mean dose of parallel organs, D2% of serial organs and whole body integral dose (ID) were also investigated.ResultSIB plan significantly provided more conformed dose to CSI and tumour boost while resulting in a similar CI in spinal boost region compared with Sq plan. The HI showed no differences between two plans. Radiation exposure to serial organs and ID were also significantly lower in SIB plan.ConclusionCSI treatment using HT, SIB technique was feasible and had more target coverage while minimising the radiation dose to healthy tissues.
The use of 3D printing within radiation therapy to improve bolus conformity: a literature review
Authors: Pugh Rebecca , Lloyd Kelly , Collins Mark , Duxbury Angela 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and purposeIn radiotherapy (RT) bolus material is used to increase skin dose and eliminate the ‘skin-sparing’ effect. Bolus fabrication is limited to the expertise of the practitioner and is time and resource intensive for both patients and staff to construct bolus. In addition, prefabricated bolus does not always conform to irregular surfaces resulting in variations to dose distribution at the skin surface. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether it is feasible to improve bolus conformity within radiation therapy by using a 3D printer to fabricate bolus.MethodA literature review was conducted that utilised Boolean terminology and included keywords; (‘3d’ OR ‘3-dimensional’ OR ‘three dimensional’) ‘bolus’ OR ‘boli’ conform*, (‘Radiation therapy’ OR ‘radiotherapy’) Printing.ResultsSeveral key papers were identified and critically evaluated based of the title of the feasibility of improving bolus conformity with the used of 3D printing. Several fabrication material devices were explored.FindingsThe literature advocates that fused deposition modelling fabrication device clear polylactic acid material to be an adequate product to construct 3D printed bolus and conform to irregular surfaces. 3D bolus would prove advantageous for volumetric arc therapy/intensity modulated radiation therapy techniques as literature has shown the presence of air gaps, small field sizes and large beam obliquity can result in a >10% dose reduction at skin surface.
Raising more domestic money for health: prospects for low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Elovainio Riku , Evans David B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSince the 2007/2008 financial crisis, the rhetoric in the development assistance dialogue has shifted away from raising more international funding for health, to requesting countries to move toward self-sufficiency. This paper examines the potential of 46 countries identified by an international panel in 2009 as being of high need to raise additional funding for health from domestic sources. Economic growth alone would allow 12 of them to reach a level of health spending where their populations could have access to a very basic set of health services. All of them have the potential to raise additional domestic funds through a range of measures that have been tried successfully in other low- and middle-income countries, but they would all remain well below the eventual objective of universal health coverage without increased and predictable external financial support.
Distributing development assistance for health: simulating the implications of 11 criteria
Authors: Ottersen Trygve , Moon Suerie , Røttingen John-Arne 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAfter years of unprecedented growth in development assistance for health (DAH), the DAH system is challenged on several fronts: by the economic downturn and stagnation of DAH, by the epidemiological transition and increase in non-communicable diseases and by the economic transition and rise of the middle-income countries. Central to any potent response is a fair and effective allocation of DAH across countries. A myriad of criteria has been proposed or is currently used, but there have been no comprehensive assessment of their distributional implications. We simulated the implications of 11 quantitative allocation criteria across countries and country categories. We found that the distributions varied profoundly. The group of low-income countries received most DAH from needs-based criteria linked to domestic capacity, while the group of upper-middle-income countries was most favoured by an income-inequality criterion. Compared to a baseline distribution guided by gross national income per capita, low-income countries received less DAH by almost all criteria. The findings can inform funders when examining and revising the criteria they use, and provide input to the broader debate about what criteria should be used.
Salusin-β contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhao Ming-Xia , Zhou Bing , Ling Li , Xiong Xiao-Qing , Zhang Feng , Chen Qi , Li Yue-Hua , Kang Yu-Ming , Zhu Guo-Qing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSalusin-β accelerates inflammatory responses in vascular endothelial cells, and increases oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells. Plasma salusin-β levels were increased in diabetic patients. This study was designed to determine whether salusin-β is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), and whether knockdown of salusin-β attenuates cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with DCM. H9c2 or neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were incubated with 33.3 mM of glucose to mimic the high glucose (HG) in diabetes. Streptozotocin and high-fat diet were used to induce type 2 diabetes in rats. HG induced salusin-β expression in H9c2 cells. Salusin-β caused greater responses of oxidative stress, NFκB activation and inflammation in HG-treated H9c2 cells than these in control H9c2 cells. Diphenyleneiodonium (a NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor) or N-acetylcysteine (an antioxidant) inhibited the salusin-β-induced NFκB activation and inflammation. Bay11-7082 (a NFκB inhibitor) attenuated salusin-β-induced inflammation but not oxidative stress. Knockdown of salusin-β prevented the HG-induced oxidative stress, NFκB activation and inflammation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Silencing salusin-β with adenoviruse-mediated shRNA had no significant effects on blood glucose and insulin resistance, but attenuated ventricular dysfunction in diabetic rats. Oxidative stress, NFκB activation, inflammation, salusin-β upregulation in myocardium of diabetic rats were prevented by knockdown of salusin-β. These results indicate that salusin-β contributes to inflammation in DCM via NOX2/ROS/NFκB signaling, and that knockdown of salusin-β attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation in DCM.
Radiation-inducible miR-770-5p sensitizes tumors to radiation through direct targeting of PDZ-binding kinase
Authors: Lee Hyung Chul , Her Nam-Gu , Kang Donghee , Jung Seung Hee , Shin Jinwook , Lee Minyoung , Bae In Hwa , Kim Young-Nyun , Park Heon Joo , Ko Young-Gyu , Lee Jae-Seon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRadiotherapy represents the most effective non-surgical modality in cancer treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, and are involved in many biological processes and diseases. To identify miRNAs that influence the radiation response, we performed miRNA array analysis using MCF7 cells at 2, 8, and 24 h post irradiation. We demonstrated that miR-770-5p is a novel radiation-inducible miRNA. When miR-770-5p was overexpressed, relative cell number was reduced due to increased apoptosis in MCF7 and A549 cells. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) might be a possible target of miR-770-5p for regulation of radiosensitivity. PBK regulation mediated by direct targeting of miR-770-5p was demonstrated using luciferase reporter assays along with wild-type and mutant PBK-3′untranslated region constructs. Radiation sensitivity increased and decreased in miR-770-5p- and anti-miR-770-5p-transfected cells, respectively. Consistent with this result, transfection of short interfering RNA against PBK inhibited cell proliferation, while ectopic expression of PBK restored cell survival from miR-770-5p-induced cell death. In addition, miR-770-5p suppressed tumor growth, and miR-770-5p and PBK levels were inversely correlated in xenograft model mice. Altogether, these data demonstrated that miR-770-5p might be a useful therapeutic target miRNA that sensitizes tumors to radiation via negative regulation of PBK.
Profiling protein expression in circulating tumour cells using microfluidic western blotting
Authors: Sinkala Elly , Sollier-Christen Elodie , Renier Corinne , Rosàs-Canyelles Elisabet , Che James , Heirich Kyra , Duncombe Todd A. , Vlassakis Julea , Yamauchi Kevin A. , Huang Haiyan , Jeffrey Stefanie S. , Herr Amy E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCirculating tumour cells (CTCs) are rare tumour cells found in the circulatory system of certain cancer patients. The clinical and functional significance of CTCs is still under investigation. Protein profiling of CTCs would complement the recent advances in enumeration, transcriptomic and genomic characterization of these rare cells and help define their characteristics. Here we describe a microfluidic western blot for an eight-plex protein panel for individual CTCs derived from estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients. The precision handling and analysis reveals a capacity to assay sparingly available patient-derived CTCs, a biophysical CTC phenotype more lysis-resistant than breast cancer cell lines, a capacity to report protein expression on a per CTC basis and two statistically distinct GAPDH subpopulations within the patient-derived CTCs. Targeted single-CTC proteomics with the capacity for archivable, multiplexed protein analysis offers a unique, complementary taxonomy for understanding CTC biology and ascertaining clinical impact.
A genome-wide screen identifies YAP/WBP2 interplay conferring growth advantage on human epidermal stem cells
Authors: Walko Gernot , Woodhouse Samuel , Pisco Angela Oliveira , Rognoni Emanuel , Liakath-Ali Kifayathullah , Lichtenberger Beate M. , Mishra Ajay , Telerman Stephanie B. , Viswanathan Priyalakshmi , Logtenberg Meike , Renz Lisa M. , Donati Giacomo , Quist Sven R. , Watt Fiona M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIndividual human epidermal cells differ in their self-renewal ability. To uncover the molecular basis for this heterogeneity, we performed genome-wide pooled RNA interference screens and identified genes conferring a clonal growth advantage on normal and neoplastic (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, cSCC) human epidermal cells. The Hippo effector YAP was amongst the top positive growth regulators in both screens. By integrating the Hippo network interactome with our data sets, we identify WW-binding protein 2 (WBP2) as an important co-factor of YAP that enhances YAP/TEAD-mediated gene transcription. YAP and WPB2 are upregulated in actively proliferating cells of mouse and human epidermis and cSCC, and downregulated during terminal differentiation. WBP2 deletion in mouse skin results in reduced proliferation in neonatal and wounded adult epidermis. In reconstituted epidermis YAP/WBP2 activity is controlled by intercellular adhesion rather than canonical Hippo signalling. We propose that defective intercellular adhesion contributes to uncontrolled cSCC growth by preventing inhibition of YAP/WBP2.
Natural variation in CTB4a enhances rice adaptation to cold habitats
Authors: Zhang Zhanying , Li Jinjie , Pan Yinghua , Li Jilong , zhou Lei , Shi Hongli , Zeng Yawen , Guo Haifeng , Yang Shuming , Zheng Weiwei , Yu Jianping , Sun Xingming , Li Gangling , Ding Yanglin , Ma Liang , Shen Shiquan , Dai Luyuan , Zhang Hongliang , Yang Shuhua , Guo Yan , Li Zichao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLow temperature is a major factor limiting rice productivity and geographical distribution. Improved cold tolerance and expanded cultivation to high-altitude or high-latitude regions would help meet growing rice demand. Here we explored a QTL for cold tolerance and cloned the gene, CTB4a (cold tolerance at booting stage), encoding a conserved leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase. We show that different CTB4a alleles confer distinct levels of cold tolerance and selection for variation in the CTB4a promoter region has occurred on the basis of environmental temperature. The newly generated cold-tolerant haplotype Tej-Hap-KMXBG was retained by artificial selection during temperate japonica evolution in cold habitats for low-temperature acclimation. Moreover, CTB4a interacts with AtpB, a beta subunit of ATP synthase. Upregulation of CTB4a correlates with increased ATP synthase activity, ATP content, enhanced seed setting and improved yield under cold stress conditions. These findings suggest strategies to improve cold tolerance in crop plants.
Long-acting protein drugs for the treatment of ocular diseases
Authors: Ghosh Joy G. , Nguyen Andrew A. , Bigelow Chad E. , Poor Stephen , Qiu Yubin , Rangaswamy Nalini , Ornberg Richard , Jackson Brittany , Mak Howard , Ezell Tucker , Kenanova Vania , de la Cruz Elisa , Carrion Ana , Etemad-Gilbertson Bijan , Caro Roxana Garcia , Zhu Kan , George Vinney , Bai Jirong , Sharma-Nahar Radhika , Shen Siyuan , Wang Yiqin , Subramanian Kulandayan K. , Fassbender Elizabeth , Maker Michael , Hanks Shawn , Vrouvlianis Joanna , Leehy Barrett , Long Debby , Prentiss Melissa , Kansara Viral , Jaffee Bruce , Dryja Thaddeus P. , Roguska Michael 
Published: March 2017

AbstractProtein drugs that neutralize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as aflibercept or ranibizumab, rescue vision in patients with retinal vascular diseases. Nonetheless, optimal visual outcomes require intraocular injections as frequently as every month. Here we report a method to extend the intravitreal half-life of protein drugs as an alternative to either encapsulation or chemical modifications with polymers. We combine a 97-amino-acid peptide of human origin that binds hyaluronan, a major macromolecular component of the eye’s vitreous, with therapeutic antibodies and proteins. When administered to rabbit and monkey eyes, the half-life of the modified proteins is increased ∼3–4-fold relative to unmodified proteins. We further show that prototype long-acting anti-VEGF drugs (LAVAs) that include this peptide attenuate VEGF-induced retinal changes in animal models of neovascular retinal disease ∼3–4-fold longer than unmodified drugs. This approach has the potential to reduce the dosing frequency associated with retinal disease treatments.
Epigenetically-driven anatomical diversity of synovial fibroblasts guides joint-specific fibroblast functions
Authors: Frank-Bertoncelj Mojca , Trenkmann Michelle , Klein Kerstin , Karouzakis Emmanuel , Rehrauer Hubert , Bratus Anna , Kolling Christoph , Armaka Maria , Filer Andrew , Michel Beat A. , Gay Renate E. , Buckley Christopher D. , Kollias George , Gay Steffen , Ospelt Caroline 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA number of human diseases, such as arthritis and atherosclerosis, include characteristic pathology in specific anatomical locations. Here we show transcriptomic differences in synovial fibroblasts from different joint locations and that HOX gene signatures reflect the joint-specific origins of mouse and human synovial fibroblasts and synovial tissues. Alongside DNA methylation and histone modifications, bromodomain and extra-terminal reader proteins regulate joint-specific HOX gene expression. Anatomical transcriptional diversity translates into joint-specific synovial fibroblast phenotypes with distinct adhesive, proliferative, chemotactic and matrix-degrading characteristics and differential responsiveness to TNF, creating a unique microenvironment in each joint. These findings indicate that local stroma might control positional disease patterns not only in arthritis but in any disease with a prominent stromal component.
Single-mode dispersive waves and soliton microcomb dynamics
Authors: Yi Xu , Yang Qi-Fan , Zhang Xueyue , Yang Ki Youl , Li Xinbai , Vahala Kerry 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDissipative Kerr solitons are self-sustaining optical wavepackets in resonators. They use the Kerr nonlinearity to both compensate dispersion and offset optical loss. Besides providing insights into nonlinear resonator physics, they can be applied in frequency metrology, precision clocks, and spectroscopy. Like other optical solitons, the dissipative Kerr soliton can radiate power as a dispersive wave through a process that is the optical analogue of Cherenkov radiation. Dispersive waves typically consist of an ensemble of optical modes. Here, a limiting case is studied in which the dispersive wave is concentrated into a single cavity mode. In this limit, its interaction with the soliton induces hysteresis behaviour in the soliton’s spectral and temporal properties. Also, an operating point of enhanced repetition-rate stability occurs through balance of dispersive-wave recoil and Raman-induced soliton-self-frequency shift. The single-mode dispersive wave can therefore provide quiet states of soliton comb operation useful in many applications.
Observation of the reversed Cherenkov radiation
Authors: Duan Zhaoyun , Tang Xianfeng , Wang Zhanliang , Zhang Yabin , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Min , Gong Yubin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractReversed Cherenkov radiation is the exotic electromagnetic radiation that is emitted in the opposite direction of moving charged particles in a left-handed material. Reversed Cherenkov radiation has not previously been observed, mainly due to the absence of both suitable all-metal left-handed materials for beam transport and suitable couplers for extracting the reversed Cherenkov radiation signal. In this paper, we develop an all-metal metamaterial, consisting of a square waveguide loaded with complementary electric split ring resonators. We demonstrate that this metamaterial exhibits a left-handed behaviour, and we directly observe the Cherenkov radiation emitted predominantly near the opposite direction to the movement of a single sheet electron beam bunch in the experiment. These observations confirm the reversed behaviour of Cherenkov radiation. The reversed Cherenkov radiation has many possible applications, such as novel vacuum electronic devices, particle detectors, accelerators and new types of plasmonic couplers.
Dramatic response of metaplastic breast cancer to chemo-immunotherapy
Authors: Adams Sylvia 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFrequent overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 has recently been demonstrated in metaplastic breast cancer, which is a rare breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. This report describes the clinical course of a patient with metastatic metaplastic breast cancer who had a remarkable response to anti-programmed death-1 therapy with pembrolizumab in combination with nab-paclitaxel. Tissue correlates are presented including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and high-programmed death-ligand 1 expression in the tumor.