bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR‐615‐3p inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of human lumbar ligamentum flavum cells via suppression of osteogenic regulators GDF5 and FOXO1
Authors: Yin Jichao , Zhuang Guihua , Zhu Yi , Hu Xinglv , Zhao Hongmou , Zhang Rongqiang , Guo Hao , Fan Xiaochen , Cao Yi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOssification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a disease of heterotopic ossification in spinal ligaments. The key of the OLF pathogenesis is the differentiation of fibroblasts into osteoblasts. In this study, we explored the role of miR‐615‐3p in the osteogenic differentiation of human LF cells. The expression of miR‐615‐3p was detected during the osteogenic differentiation of hFOB1.19 human osteoblasts, human BMSCs, and human LF cells. The qPCR results showed that miR‐615‐3p was being decreased during the osteogenic differentiation of these cell lineages. Then, both gain‐ and loss‐function experiments, respectively performed by single‐strand miR‐615‐3p mimic and antagomir, revealed that miR‐615‐3p negatively regulated the osteogenesis of hLF cells, manifested by a lighter staining degree with Alizarin Red and a decreased level of osteogenic marker genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), RUNX2, osterix (ostx), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN). Subsequently, our data on bioinformatic analysis, 3′‐UTR luciferase activity assay, and protein level detection indicated that miR‐615‐3p directly targeted and suppressed the expression of FOXO1 and GDF5. Furthermore, knockdown of either FOXO1 or GDF5 could inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of hLF cells, which displayed a similar effect with the miR‐615‐3p mimic. In conclusion, miR‐615‐3p negatively regulates the osteogenic differentiation of hLF cells through post‐transcriptionally suppressing osteogenic regulators GDF5 and FOXO1. It can be regarded as a potential target for human OLF therapy.
Invasive plant species in the West Indies: geographical, ecological, and floristic insights
Authors: Rojas‐Sandoval Julissa , Tremblay Raymond L. , Acevedo‐Rodríguez Pedro , Díaz‐Soltero Hilda 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe level of invasion (number or proportion of invasive species) in a given area depends on features of the invaded community, propagule pressure, and climate. In this study, we assess the invasive flora of nine islands in the West Indies to identify invasion patterns and evaluate whether invasive species diversity is related to geographical, ecological, and socioeconomic factors. We compiled a database of invasive plant species including information on their taxonomy, origin, pathways of introduction, habitats, and life history. This database was used to evaluate the similarity of invasive floras between islands and to identify invasion patterns at regional (West Indies) and local (island) scales. We found a total of 516 alien plant species that are invasive on at least one of the nine islands studied, with between 24 to 306 invasive species per island. The invasive flora on these islands includes a wide range of taxonomic groups, life forms, and habitats. We detected low similarity in invasive species diversity between islands, with most invasive species (>60%) occurring on a single island and 6% occurring on at least five islands. To assess the importance of different models in predicting patterns of invasive species diversity among islands, we used generalized linear models. Our analyses revealed that invasive species diversity was well predicted by a combination of island area and economic development (gross domestic product per capita and kilometers of paved roadways). Our results provide strong evidence for the roles of geographical, ecological, and socioeconomic factors in determining the distribution and spread of invasive species on these islands. Anthropogenic disturbance and economic development seem to be the major drivers facilitating the spread and predominance of invasive species over native species.
Sodium‐dependent Vitamin C transporter 2 deficiency impairs myelination and remyelination after injury: Roles of collagen and demethylation
Authors: Röhr Dominik , Halfter Hartmut , Schulz Jörg B. , Young Peter , Gess Burkhard 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPeripheral nerve myelination involves rapid production of tightly bound lipid layers requiring cholesterol biosynthesis and myelin protein expression, but also a collagen‐containing extracellular matrix providing mechanical stability. In previous studies, we showed a function of ascorbic acid in peripheral nerve myelination and extracellular matrix formation in adult mice. Here, we sought the mechanism of action of ascorbic acid in peripheral nerve myelination using different paradigms of myelination in vivo and in vitro. We found impaired myelination and reduced collagen expression in Sodium‐dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 heterozygous mice (SVCT2+/‐) during peripheral nerve development and after peripheral nerve injury. In dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explant cultures, hypo‐myelination could be rescued by precoating with different collagen types. The activity of the ascorbic acid‐dependent demethylating Ten‐eleven‐translocation (Tet) enzymes was reduced in ascorbic acid deprived and SVCT2+/‐ DRG cultures. Further, in ascorbic acid‐deprived DRG cultures, methylation of a CpG island in the collagen alpha1 (IV) and alpha2 (IV) bidirectional promoter region was increased compared to wild‐type and ascorbic acid treated controls. Taken together, these results provide further evidence for the function of ascorbic acid in myelination and extracellular matrix formation in peripheral nerves and suggest a putative molecular mechanism of ascorbic acid function in Tet‐dependent demethylation of collagen promoters.
CRISPR Editing Technology in Biological and Biomedical Investigation
Authors: White Martyn K. , Kaminski Rafal , Young Won‐Bin , Roehm Pamela C. , Khalili Kamel 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe CRISPR or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats system is currently the most advanced approach to genome editing and is notable for providing an unprecedented degree of specificity, effectiveness, and versatility in genetic manipulation. CRISPR evolved as a prokaryotic immune system to provide an acquired immunity and resistance to foreign genetic elements such as bacteriophages. It has recently been developed into a tool for the specific targeting of nucleotide sequences within complex eukaryotic genomes for the purpose of genetic manipulation. The power of CRISPR lies in its simplicity and ease of use, its flexibility to be targeted to any given nucleotide sequence by the choice of an easily synthesized guide RNA, and its ready ability to continue to undergo technical improvements. Applications for CRISPR are numerous including creation of novel transgenic cell animals for research, high‐throughput screening of gene function, potential clinical gene therapy, and nongene‐editing approaches such as modulating gene activity and fluorescent tagging. In this prospect article, we will describe the salient features of the CRISPR system with an emphasis on important drawbacks and considerations with respect to eliminating off‐target events and obtaining efficient CRISPR delivery. We will discuss recent technical developments to the system and we will illustrate some of the most recent applications with an emphasis on approaches to eliminate human viruses including HIV‐1, JCV and HSV‐1 and prospects for the future. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3586–3594, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coupling I‐125 permanent implant prostate brachytherapy Monte Carlo dose calculations with radiobiological models
Authors: Miksys Nelson , Haidari Mehan , Vigneault Eric , Martin Andre‐Guy , Beaulieu Luc , Thomson Rowan M. 
Published: April 2017

PurposeTo investigate the coupling of radiobiological models with patient‐specific Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations for permanent implant prostate brachytherapy (PIPB). To compare radiobiological indices evaluated with different radiobiological models using MC and simulated AAPM TG‐43 dose calculations.MethodsThree‐dimensional dose distributions previously computed using MC techniques with two types of patient models, TG43sim (AAPM TG‐43 water‐based conditions) and MCDmm (realistic tissues and interseed effects), for 613 PIPB patients are coupled with biological dose and tumour control probability (TCP) models. Two approaches and their extensions are considered to evaluate biological doses, biologically effective dose (BED) and isoeffective dose (IED), as well as two methods to evaluate TCP. Three novel extensions of equivalent uniform biologically effective dose (EUBED) are suggested which consider the spatial distribution of doses within the target volume. Adopted radiobiological model parameter values (α, β, etc) are those suggested by AAPM TG‐137, and sensitivity to parameter choice is discussed.ResultsMCDmm dose calculations can reveal low doses in the prostate target volume, due to tissue heterogeneities or inter‐seed effects; considering these low doses in EUBED calculations can lower TCP estimates by up to 70%, with largest differences in patients with calcifications. There are large variations in biological doses and TCPs evaluated over the 613 patient cohort for each radiobiological model considered, reflecting the spectrum of physical doses calculated for these patients with either MCDmm or TG43sim. Depending on the model details, BED, IED and EUBED are, on average, 6.0–9.8%, 7.4–9.2% and 1.8–15% higher, respectively, with TG43sim than MCDmm. TCP estimates computed using MCDmm dose distributions are much lower than expected based on past treatment outcome studies, suggesting a need to re‐assess model parameters when evaluating radiobiological indices coupled with heterogeneous tissue model‐based dose calculations.ConclusionsCohort average differences in biological dose and TCP estimates between radiobiological models are generally larger than differences for any one radiobiological model evaluated with TG43sim or MCDmm dose calculations. However, heterogeneous tissue dose calculations, like MCDmm, can identify clinically‐relevant low dose volumes, e.g., in patients with calcifications, which would otherwise be missed with TG‐43. In addition to affecting physical dose distributions, these low dose volumes can largely impact radiobiological dose and TCP estimates, which further motivates the clinical implementation of model‐based dose calculations for PIPB.
Formation of homogeneous nanocomposite films at ambient temperature via miniemulsion polymerization using graphene oxide as surfactant
Authors: Fadil Yasemin , Man S. H. C. , Jasinski Florent , Minami Hideto , Thickett Stuart C. , Zetterlund Per B. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTA convenient and industrially scalable method for synthesis of homogeneous nanocomposite films comprising poly(styrene‐stat‐butyl acrylate) and nanodimensional graphene oxide (GO) or reduced GO (rGO) is presented. Importantly, the nanocomposite latex undergoes film formation at ambient temperature, thus alleviating any need for high temperature or high pressure methods such as compression molding. The method entails synthesis of an aqueous nanocomposite latex via miniemulsion copolymerization relying on nanodimensional GO sheets as sole surfactant, followed by ambient temperature film formation resulting in homogeneous film. For comparison, a similar latex obtained by physical mixing of a polymer latex with an aqueous GO dispersion results in severe phase separation, illustrating that the miniemulsion approach using GO as surfactant is key to obtaining homogeneous nanocomposite films. Finally, it is demonstrated that the GO sheets can be readily reduced to rGO in situ by heat treatment of the film. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2289–2297
Deep‐blue light‐emitting polyfluorenes containing spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐thioxanthene‐S,S‐dioxide] isomers
Authors: Peng Feng , Xu Jin , Zhang Yuhao , He Ruifeng , Yang Wei , Cao Yong 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBlue light‐emitting polyfluorenes, PPF‐FSOs and PPF‐SOFs were synthesized via introducing spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐thioxanthene‐S,S‐dioxide] isomers (2,7‐diyl and 2′,7′‐diyl) (FSO/SOF) into the poly[9,9‐bis(4‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy) phenyl)fluorene‐2,7‐diyl] (PPF) backbone, respectively. With the increasing contents of FSO and SOF moieties, the absorption and PL spectra of PPF‐FSOs show slight red shift, while that of PPF‐SOFs exhibit blue shift, respectively. The HOMO and LUMO levels reduce gradually with increasing SOF unit in PPF‐SOFs. The polymers emit blue light peaked around 430–445 nm and show an excellent spectral stability with the variation in current densities. The distinctly narrowing EL spectra were observed with the incorporation of isomers in the polymers. The full width at half maximum reduced by 15 nm for PPF‐SOFs, resulting in a blue shift with the CIE coordinates from (0.16, 0.11) to (0.16, 0.08). With a device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/EML/CsF/Al, a maximum luminance efficiency (LEmax) of 2.00 cd A−1, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 3.76% with the CIE coordinates of (0.16, 0.08) for PPF‐SOF15 and a LEmax of 1.68 cd A−1, a EQEmax of 2.38% with CIE (0.16, 0.12) for PPF‐FSO10 were obtained, respectively. The result reveals that spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐thioxanthene‐S,S‐dioxide] isomers are promising blocks for deep‐blue light‐emitting polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2332–2341
Graft polymer synthesis by RAFT transfer‐to
Authors: Foster Jeffrey C. , Radzinski Scott C. , Matson John B. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of graft polymers via controlled polymerization techniques has enabled the facile modification of the surface properties of a variety of substrates. Three grafting methods are typically highlighted in the literature: grafting‐to, grafting‐from, and grafting‐through. However, a fourth method exists when grafting is conducted using reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, which we refer to as transfer‐to. Transfer‐to differs from the other grafting strategies in the types of structural defects and impurities that arise during polymerization. This review addresses important considerations when conducting RAFT transfer‐to, including RAFT chain transfer agent selection, monomer structure, and reaction conditions. In addition, we highlight key mechanistic differences between grafting‐from and transfer‐to and their effects on the structure and sample composition of the resulting graft polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2865–2876
Assessing the value and pest management window provided by neonicotinoid seed treatments for management of soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) in the Upper Midwestern United States
Authors: Krupke Christian H , Alford Adam M , Cullen Eileen M , Hodgson Erin W , Knodel Janet J , McCornack Brian , Potter Bruce D , Spigler Madeline I , Tilmon Kelley , Welch Kelton 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDA 2‐year, multi‐state study was conducted to assess the benefits of using soybean seed treated with the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam to manage soybean aphid in the upper Midwestern USA and compare this approach with an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that included monitoring soybean aphids and treating with foliar‐applied insecticide only when the economic threshold was reached. Concentrations of thiamethoxam in soybean foliage were also quantified throughout the growing season to estimate the pest management window afforded by insecticidal seed treatments.RESULTSBoth the IPM treatment and thiamethoxam‐treated seed resulted in significant reductions in cumulative aphid days when soybean aphid populations reached threshold levels. However, only the IPM treatment resulted in significant yield increases. Analysis of soybean foliage from thiamethoxam‐treated seeds indicated that tissue concentrations of thiamethoxam were statistically similar to plants grown from untreated seeds beginning at the V2 growth stage, indicating that the period of pest suppression for soybean aphid is likely to be relatively short.CONCLUSIONThese data demonstrate that an IPM approach, combining scouting and foliar‐applied insecticide where necessary, remains the best option for treatment of soybean aphids, both in terms of protecting the yield potential of the crop and of break‐even probability for producers. Furthermore, we found that thiamethoxam concentrations in foliage are unlikely to effectively manage soybean aphids for most of the pests' activity period across the region. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Perspective: Coupled cluster theory for atoms and molecules in strong magnetic fields
Authors: Stopkowicz Stella 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this perspective, the theoretical treatment of atoms and molecules in strong magnetic fields is discussed. As this is a rather unexplored field, accurate predictions from theory are essential. This is particularly important in the context of astrophysics for the interpretation of observational spectra from white‐dwarf stars that can exhibit magnetic fields up to about 1 B0 (
235,000 T). A theoretical treatment beyond the pertubation limit requires methods that can deal with finite magnetic fields. Results obtained using coupled cluster (CC) as well as equation‐of‐motion CC theory are presented with a focus on a discussion of the so‐called “perpendicular paramagnetic bonding mechanism” as well as on the influence of electron correlation on total and binding energies. Additionally, the performance of functionals in current density functional theory is discussed. As exact results are completely unknown, highly accurate benchmarks are essential to assess the quality of density functional theory results. Finally, an outlook on future theoretical developments is given.
Donor-Dependent and Other Nondefined Factors Have Greater Influence on the Hepatic Phenotype Than the Starting Cell Type in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cells
Authors: Heslop James A. , Kia Richard , Pridgeon Christopher S. , Sison-Young Rowena L. , Liloglou Triantafillos , Elmasry Mohamed , Fenwick Stephen W. , Mills John S. , Kitteringham Neil R. , Goldring Chris E. , Park B. Kevin 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury is the greatest cause of post-marketing drug withdrawal; therefore, substantial resources are directed toward triaging potentially dangerous new compounds at all stages of drug development. One of the major factors preventing effective screening of new compounds is the lack of a predictive in vitro model of hepatotoxicity. Primary human hepatocytes offer a metabolically relevant model for which the molecular initiating events of hepatotoxicity can be examined; however, these cells vary greatly between donors and dedifferentiate rapidly in culture. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) offer a reproducible, physiologically relevant and genotypically normal model cell; however, current differentiation protocols produce HLCs with a relatively immature phenotype. During the reprogramming of somatic cells, the epigenome undergoes dramatic changes; however, this “resetting” is a gradual process, resulting in an altered differentiation propensity, skewed toward the lineage of origin, particularly in early passage cultures. We, therefore, performed a comparison of human hepatocyte- and dermal fibroblast-derived iPSCs, assessing the impact of epigenetic memory at all stages of HLC differentiation. These results provide the first isogenic assessment of the starting cell type in human iPSC-derived HLCs. Despite a trend toward improvement in hepatic phenotype in albumin secretion and gene expression, few significant differences in hepatic differentiation capacity were found between hepatocyte and fibroblast-derived iPSCs. We conclude that the donor and inter-clonal differences have a greater influence on the hepatocyte phenotypic maturity than the starting cell type. Therefore, it is not necessary to use human hepatocytes for generating iPSC-derived HLCs.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Ballen Karen 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Since the first successful allogeneic transplants performed in Seattle 50 years ago, the field of transplantation has evolved considerably, with improvements in human leukocyte antigen typing, patient selection, reduced intensity regimens, and graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis. A major breakthrough has been the availability of more donor options, first via the National Marrow Donor Program—Be the Match [Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2008;14:2–7]. Then, in the 1990s, unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation became available, first for children and then for adults [New Engl J Med 1996;35:157–166]. More recently mismatched unrelated transplants and haploidentical donor options became available [Blood 2011;118:282–288]. In 2017, there is a donor for almost every patient who needs a transplant. In this review, we will discuss the state of the science (and art) of cord blood transplant, focusing on successes, challenges, and future directions.
Simple and effective solution for diaphragm pacing by that uses the transvenous femoral approach in a patient treated with cardiac resynchronization‐defibrillator therapy: The wrapping method
Authors: Alper Ahmet Taha , Hayıroğlu Mert İlker , Tekkeşin Ahmet İlker , Türkkan Ceyhan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become widespread in patients with heart failure who meet the criteria for implantation. Coronary sinus lead positioning is important to provide the intended biventricular stimulation. Diaphragm pacing is a lead‐related complication which occurs secondary to phrenic nerve stimulation. We present the case of a 58‐year‐old male patient who had diaphragm pacing after CRT with defibrillator implantation. The complication was resolved by using the transvenous femoral approach with the wrapping method.
Impact of baseline renal function on all‐cause mortality in patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bazoukis G. , Letsas K.P. , Korantzopoulos P. , Thomopoulos C. , Vlachos K. , Georgopoulos S. , Karamichalakis N. , Saplaouras A. , Efremidis M. , Sideris A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves both morbidity and mortality in selected patients with heart failure and increased QRS duration. However, chronic kidney disease (CKD) may have an adverse effect on patient outcome. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the existing data regarding the impact of baseline renal function on all‐cause mortality in patients who underwent CRT.MethodsMedline database was searched systematically, and studies evaluating the effect of baseline renal function on all‐cause mortality in patients who underwent CRT were retrieved. We performed three separate analyses according to the comparison groups included in each study. Data were analyzed using Review Manager software (RevMan version 5.3; Oxford, UK).ResultsWe included 16 relevant studies in our analysis. Specifically, 13 studies showed a statistically significant higher risk of all‐cause mortality in patients with impaired baseline renal function who underwent CRT. The remaining three studies did not show a statistically significant result. The quantitative synthesis of five studies showed a 19% decrease in all‐cause mortality per 10‐unit increment in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [HR: 0.81, 95% CI (0.73–0.90), p<0.01, 86% I2]. Additionally, we demonstrated that patients with an eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 had an all‐cause mortality rate of 66% [HR: 1.66, 95% CI (1.37–2.02), p<0.01, 0% I2], which was higher than in those with an eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2.ConclusionBaseline renal dysfunction has an adverse effect on‐all cause mortality in patients who underwent CRT.