bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of bioluminescent chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models for primary pancreatic cancer cells: a platform for drug testing
Authors: Rovithi Maria , Avan Amir , Funel Niccola , Leon Leticia G. , Gomez Valentina E. , Wurdinger Thomas , Griffioen Arjan W. , Verheul Henk M. W. , Giovannetti Elisa 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to develop chick-embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) bioluminescent tumor models employing low passage cell cultures obtained from primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Primary PDAC cells transduced with lentivirus expressing Firefly-luciferase (Fluc) were established and inoculated onto the CAM membrane, with >80% engraftment. Fluc signal reliably correlated with tumor growth. Tumor features were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and genetic analyses, including analysis of mutations and mRNA expression of PDAC pivotal genes, as well as microRNA (miRNA) profiling. These studies showed that CAM tumors had histopathological and genetic characteristic comparable to the original tumors. We subsequently tested the modulation of key miRNAs and the activity of gemcitabine and crizotinib on CAM tumors, showing that combination treatment resulted in 63% inhibition of tumor growth as compared to control (p < 0.01). These results were associated with reduced expression of miR-21 and increased expression of miR-155. Our study provides the first evidence that transduced primary PDAC cells can form tumors on the CAM, retaining several histopathological and (epi)genetic characteristics of original tumors. Moreover, our results support the use of these models for drug testing, providing insights on molecular mechanisms underlying antitumor activity of new drugs/combinations.
Tuning Coupling Behavior of Stacked Heterostructures Based on MoS2, WS2, and WSe2
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Junyong , Guo Shuang , Zhang Jinzhong , Hu Zhigao , Chu Junhao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe interlayer interaction of vertically stacked heterojunctions is very sensitive to the interlayer spacing, which will affect the coupling between the monolayers and allow band structure modulation. Here, with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, an interesting phenomenon is found that MoS2-WS2, MoS2-WSe2, and WS2-WSe2 heterostructures turn into direct-gap semiconductors from indirect-gap semiconductors with increasing the interlayer space. Moreover, the electronic structure changing process with interlayer spacing of MoS2-WS2, MoS2-WSe2, and WS2-WSe2 is different from each other. With the help of variable-temperature spectral experiment, different electronic transition properties of MoS2-WS2, MoS2-WSe2, and WS2-WSe2 have been demonstrated. The transition transformation from indirect to direct can be only observed in the MoS2-WS2 heterostructure, as the valence band maximum (VBM) at the Γ point in the MoS2-WSe2 and WS2-WSe2 heterostructure is less sensitive to the interlayer spacing than those from the MoS2-WS2 heterostructure. The present work highlights the significance of the temperature tuning in interlayer coupling and advance the research of MoS2-WS2, MoS2-WSe2, and WS2-WSe2 based device applications.
Sophisticated Clean Air Strategies Required to Mitigate Against Particulate Organic Pollution
Authors: Grigas T. , Ovadnevaite J. , Ceburnis D. , Moran E. , McGovern F. M. , Jennings S. G. , O’Dowd C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSince the 1980’s, measures mitigating the impact of transboundary air pollution have been implemented successfully as evidenced in the 1980–2014 record of atmospheric sulphur pollution over the NE-Atlantic, a key region for monitoring background northern-hemisphere pollution levels. The record reveals a 72–79% reduction in annual-average airborne sulphur pollution (SO4 and SO2, respectively) over the 35-year period. The NE-Atlantic, as observed from the Mace Head research station on the Irish coast, can be considered clean for 64% of the time during which sulphate dominates PM1 levels, contributing 42% of the mass, and for the remainder of the time, under polluted conditions, a carbonaceous (organic matter and Black Carbon) aerosol prevails, contributing 60% to 90% of the PM1 mass and exhibiting a trend whereby its contribution increases with increasing pollution levels. The carbonaceous aerosol is known to be diverse in source and nature and requires sophisticated air pollution policies underpinned by sophisticated characterisation and source apportionment capabilities to inform selective emissions-reduction strategies. Inauspiciously, however, this carbonaceous concoction is not measured in regulatory Air Quality networks.
Signature of an aggregation-prone conformation of tau
Authors: Eschmann Neil A. , Georgieva Elka R. , Ganguly Pritam , Borbat Peter P. , Rappaport Maxime D. , Akdogan Yasar , Freed Jack H. , Shea Joan-Emma , Han Songi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe self-assembly of the microtubule associated tau protein into fibrillar cell inclusions is linked to a number of devastating neurodegenerative disorders collectively known as tauopathies. The mechanism by which tau self-assembles into pathological entities is a matter of much debate, largely due to the lack of direct experimental insights into the earliest stages of aggregation. We present pulsed double electron-electron resonance measurements of two key fibril-forming regions of tau, PHF6 and PHF6*, in transient as aggregation happens. By monitoring the end-to-end distance distribution of these segments as a function of aggregation time, we show that the PHF6(*) regions dramatically extend to distances commensurate with extended β-strand structures within the earliest stages of aggregation, well before fibril formation. Combined with simulations, our experiments show that the extended β-strand conformational state of PHF6(*) is readily populated under aggregating conditions, constituting a defining signature of aggregation-prone tau, and as such, a possible target for therapeutic interventions.
Lentiviral vectors can be used for full-length dystrophin gene therapy
Authors: Counsell John R. , Asgarian Zeinab , Meng Jinhong , Ferrer Veronica , Vink Conrad A. , Howe Steven J. , Waddington Simon N. , Thrasher Adrian J. , Muntoni Francesco , Morgan Jennifer E. , Danos Olivier 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a lack of dystrophin expression in patient muscle fibres. Current DMD gene therapy strategies rely on the expression of internally deleted forms of dystrophin, missing important functional domains. Viral gene transfer of full-length dystrophin could restore wild-type functionality, although this approach is restricted by the limited capacity of recombinant viral vectors. Lentiviral vectors can package larger transgenes than adeno-associated viruses, yet lentiviral vectors remain largely unexplored for full-length dystrophin delivery. In our work, we have demonstrated that lentiviral vectors can package and deliver inserts of a similar size to dystrophin. We report a novel approach for delivering large transgenes in lentiviruses, in which we demonstrate proof-of-concept for a ‘template-switching’ lentiviral vector that harnesses recombination events during reverse-transcription. During this work, we discovered that a standard, unmodified lentiviral vector was efficient in delivering full-length dystrophin to target cells, within a total genomic load of more than 15,000 base pairs. We have demonstrated gene therapy with this vector by restoring dystrophin expression in DMD myoblasts, where dystrophin was expressed at the sarcolemma of myotubes after myogenic differentiation. Ultimately, our work demonstrates proof-of-concept that lentiviruses can be used for permanent full-length dystrophin gene therapy, which presents a significant advancement in developing an effective treatment for DMD.
Compact dual‐mode dual‐band bandpass filter with inside–outside–reversed dual‐ring topology
Authors: Gao Shan‐Shan , Sun Sheng , Li Jia‐Lin , Yan Tao 
Published: March 2017

A compact dual‐mode dual‐band bandpass filter is proposed based on the inside–outside–reversed dual‐ring topology. Different from the traditional design, the total size of the filter is limited by the second passband with shorter wavelength at higher frequency, instead of the first passband with longer wavelength at lower frequency. By loading four square patches in the inner ring, the degenerate modes of the inner ring move down and form the first passband, whereas the second passband is constructed by the outer ring. By utilising the coplanar‐waveguide feeding at ground plane, a prototype of the dual‐band filter with two operating frequencies at 0.92 and 1.47 GHz is designed and verified experimentally.
Naso- or Orbitocutaneous Fistulas after Free Flap Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defects: Retrospective Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gill Kurren , Hsu David , Nyquist Gurston , Krein Howard , Bilyk Jurij , Murchison Anna , Evans James , Heffelfinger Ryan , Curry Joseph , Tassone Patrick 
Published: March 2017

Objective Naso- or orbitocutaneous fistula (NOF) is a challenging complication of orbital exenteration, and it often requires surgical repair. We sought to identify the incidence and risk factors for NOF after orbital exenteration.
Study Design Retrospective chart review, systematic review, meta-analysis.
Setting Tertiary care center.
Participants Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction following orbital exenteration. Records were reviewed for clinicopathologic data, operative details, and outcomes.
Main Outcome Measures Univariate analysis was used to assess risk factors for incidence of postoperative NOF. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for published reports on NOF after orbital exenteration. Rates of fistula and odds ratios for predictive factors were compared in a meta-analysis.
Results Total 7 of 77 patients (9.1%) developed NOF; fistula formation was associated with ethmoid sinus involvement (p < 0.05) and minor wound break down (p < 0.05). On meta-analysis, pooled rates of fistula formation were 5.8% for free flap patients and 12.5% for patients receiving no reconstruction.
Conclusion Immediate postoperative wound complications and medial orbital wall resection increased the risk for NOF. On review and meta-analysis, reconstruction of orbital exenteration defects decreased the risk for fistula formation, but published series did not demonstrate a significant decrease in risk with free flaps compared with other methods of reconstruction.
Persistierende Kreislaufinstabilität bei klinisch instabilem Becken trotz Anlage einer Beckenschlinge
Authors: Kaske S. , Maegele M. 
Published: March 2017

ZusammenfassungUngefähr 8% aller Patienten mit Polytrauma weisen neben anderen Verletzungen eine Beckenfraktur auf. Insbesondere instabile Beckenringfrakturen sind ein unabhängiger Risikofaktor für Morbidität und Mortalität. Aufgrund venöser Sickerblutungen aus dem präsakralen Plexus (80%) sowie arteriellen Blutungen (10 – 20%) kann es zu einem kreislaufrelevanten Blutverlust in das kleine Becken kommen. Im Rahmen der präklinischen Versorgung gilt es daher, instabile Beckenringfrakturen frühstmöglich zu erkennen und das Becken mechanisch zu komprimieren mit dem Ziel, den Blutverlust zu minimieren und den Kreislauf zu stabilisieren. In der vorliegenden Kasuistik wird die Versorgung eines Traumapatienten mit klinisch instabilem Becken und persistierender Kreislaufinstabilität trotz Anlage einer Beckenschlinge geschildert. Neben der Rationale für eine mechanische Beckenkompression bei klinisch instabilem Becken wird auf eine mögliche Ursache für die persistierende Kreislaufinstabilität hingewiesen.
Predation and Prey Selectivity by Nonnative Catfish on Migrating Alosines in an Atlantic Slope Estuary
Authors: Schmitt Joseph D. , Hallerman Eric M. , Bunch Aaron , Moran Zach , Emmel Jason A. , Orth Donald J. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Native to the central USA, the Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus and the Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris have been widely introduced into many Atlantic slope rivers and are now found in several drainages of the Chesapeake Bay. Fisheries managers are concerned that these large, long-lived catfish species may be contributing to observed declines in anadromous species, such as the American Shad Alosa sapidissima, Blueback Herring A. aestivalis, and Alewife A. pseudoharengus, all of which once comprised major U.S. fisheries. We assessed spatiotemporal variability and selectivity in the diets of Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish during the spawning migration of these alosines. Catfish stomachs were collected during March–May in nontidal freshwater, tidal freshwater, oligohaline, and mesohaline portions of the James River. Diet contents were extracted from 2,495 catfish, 69.86% of which had prey items present in their foreguts (N = 1,743). We used DNA barcoding to identify degraded fish prey; nearly 30 taxa that would have otherwise gone undetected were identified in this manner. Blue Catfish had broad, omnivorous diets, whereas Flathead Catfish fed solely on other fish. Alosines were found in 4.46% of Blue Catfish stomachs and 16.67% of Flathead Catfish stomachs. Flathead Catfish selectively preyed on American Shad and, to a lesser degree, river herring. Alosines were consumed more frequently in nontidal freshwater areas, particularly in the high-gradient reach between Bosher Dam and the 14th Street Bridge, and predation on alosines peaked in April. Our results suggest that Flathead Catfish are likely to have a greater per capita impact on depleted alosines. Furthermore, dams and other obstacles to fish movement may increase alosines’ vulnerability to predation by large catfish.
The nocturnal zonation of decapods in the subtidal zone within the reef seascape—abiotic factors defining habitats
Authors: Giraldes Bruno Welter , Coelho Filho Petrônio Alves , Smyth David M. , Coelho Petrônio Alves 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The relationship between populations of marine organisms and physicochemical gradients directly influence distributions of species within associated seascapes. This study examines the impact that exposure to sunlight and substrate type has on the distribution of decapods in a tropical coastal reef environment. The study was performed at night when the species are at their most active using a visual census methodology to observe the natural nocturnal behaviour. The research revealed the existence of three distinct habitats housing specific decapod assemblages within tropical hard substrate environments; the External-Reef habitat which accommodates colonial benthic host decapods; the Crevicular-Reef habitat which accommodates the reef-stygofauna; and the Interface habitat between the reef and soft substrate which is habituated by transient decapod species. The findings extend the previous zonation patterns for decapods to the subtidal zone using physical parameters as the rationale defining allocation. The study collated and reviewed documented taxonomic and ecological evidence which supports this division of decapods into similar reef seascapes worldwide. It further proposes that this format of subtidal zonation may be applicable on a global scale to species which inhabit a comparable ecological niche within tropical zones.
Diving into the oocyte pool
Authors: Kristensen Stine G. , Pors Susanne E. , Andersen Claus Y. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review
The ovarian reserve comprises an enormous surplus of follicles. Despite this, some women produce insufficient numbers of oocytes by conventional fertility treatments. However, recent technical accomplishments may transform assisted reproductive technology (ART) in such a way that oocytes are not necessarily the limiting factor. In this review, we present possible new strategies for enhancing the quantity of mature oocytes, and current views on autologous oocytes as potential sources of mitochondria to lift performance of compromised oocytes.

Recent findings
New discoveries of the signaling pathways activating dormant follicles and breakthroughs in techniques for autologous transfer of mitochondria have opened new doors to unexploited sources of oocytes and attractive ways of revitalizing oocytes. Extended numbers of mature oocytes may be obtained by in-vitro activation of dormant follicles in cortical biopsies or in-vitro maturation of immature oocytes during the natural or stimulated cycle, and used directly for fertility treatment or as a source of autologous mitochondria.

Summary
New approaches utilizing the abundant resources of immature oocytes combined with techniques for revitalizing deficient oocytes may transform ART, and potentially enhance both quantity and quality of fertilizable oocytes; hereby augmenting the pregnancy potential of women with poor reproductive performance.
BMP-7 Preserves Surface Integrity of Degradable-ceramic Cranioplasty in a Göttingen Minipig Model
Authors: Roldán J. Camilo , Schulz Peter , Klünter Tim , Deisinger Ulrike , Diez Claudius , Waiss Waltraud , Kirschneck Christian , Reichert Torsten E. , Detsch Rainer 
Published: March 2017

Background:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the integrity of a craniotomy grafted site in a minipig model using different highly porous calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds either loaded or nonloaded with bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7).

Methods:
Four craniotomies with a diameter of 15 mm (critical-size defect) were grafted with different highly porous (92–94 vol%) calcium phosphate ceramics [hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP; a mixture of HA and TCP)] in 10 Göttingen minipigs: (a) group I (n = 5): HA versus BCP; (b) group II (n = 5): TCP versus BCP. One scaffold of each composition was supplied with 250 μg of BMP-7. In vivo computed tomography scan and fluorochrome bone labeling were performed. Specimens were evaluated 14 weeks after surgery by environmental scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and Giemsa staining histology.

Results:
BMP-7 significantly enhanced bone formation in TCP (P = 0.047). Slightly enhanced bone formation was observed in BCP (P = 0.059) but not in HA implants. BMP-7 enhanced ceramic degradation in TCP (P = 0.05) and BCP (P = 0.05) implants but not in HA implants. Surface integrity of grafted site was observed in all BMP-7-loaded implants after successful creeping substitution by the newly formed bone. In 9 of 10 HA implants without BMP-7, partial collapse of the implant site was observed. All TCP implants without BMP-7 collapsed. Fluorescent labeling showed bone formation at week 1 in BMP-7-stimulated implants.

Conclusions:
BMP-7 supports bone formation, ceramic degradation, implant integration, and surface integrity of the grafted site.
Directly Measured Physical Function in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Rengo Jason L. , Savage Patrick D. , Shaw Joan C. , Ades Philip A. 
Published: March 2017

PURPOSE:
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a strong predictor for risk of physical disability in older adults. Roughly half of individuals participating in phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are 65 years or older, many presenting with low aerobic capacities and may be at increased risk for physical disability.

METHODS:
The cohort consisted of 196 consecutive patients (136 men), aged 65 years or older, entering CR who were prospectively evaluated by the SPPB. Data were also obtained for age, self-reported physical function (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 questionnaire), and peak aerobic capacity. Measures were repeated upon completion of CR for those individuals who completed the program.

RESULTS:
The average age of patients was 74 ± 0.5 years. At baseline, total SPPB score was 9.7 ± 0.2 (out of 12). Followup data were obtained on 133 (68%) patients, with a mean improvement of 0.8 ± 0.1 (P < .0001), which was not clinically significant (≥1 point). Focusing on patients with a low baseline SPPB score, 72 subjects scored ≤9 (7.1 ± 0.2), with 45 completing exit measures. Improvements were found in gait speed (0.5 ± 0.1, P < .0001), chair-stand (1.0 ± 0.1, P < .0001), and total SPPB (1.6 ± 0.3, P < .0001) in this more disabled group. Measures of

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o
2peak were significantly reduced in the low SPPB group (13.5 ± 0.4 vs 17.5 ± 0.4 mL/kg/min, P < .0001). Measured

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o
2peak (R
2 = 26%, P < .0001) and self-reported physical function score (R
2 = 5%, P = .02) were the only multivariate predictors of baseline SPPB.

CONCLUSION:
For patients who enter CR with low SPPB scores (37%), significant improvements in physical function were noted, largely explained by improved walking speed and leg strength (chair-stand).
Implementation and Outcomes of a Community-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Doyle Daniel , Tommarello Chaffee , Broce Mike , Emmett Mary , Pollard Cecil 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
To report on the implementation and clinical outcomes of a community-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in rural Appalachia.

Methods:
Three rural health centers and a large referral hospital worked together to establish pulmonary rehabilitation services based on AACVPR guidelines. Each site hired at least 1 respiratory therapist. To measure clinical outcomes, a retrospective medical record study compared pre- and post-program values for the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea level, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), negative inspiratory force (NIF), respiratory disease knowledge, St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), BODE index (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea and exercise capacity), and smoking status. The percentages of persons completing the program and participating in maintenance exercise after the program were recorded.

Results:
During the first 20 months of the program, 195 unduplicated persons with qualifying chronic lung diseases started the program. Of these, 111 (57%) completed the program. Mean improvements for all 6 measures were highly significant (P < .001) and compared favorably with published results from hospital-based programs: dyspnea level, −1.2; 6MWT, +259 ft; NIF, +11.3 cm H2O; knowledge test, +1.9; SGRQ, −6.2; BODE index, −1.1. Of the 23 smokers, 5 quit by the end of the program.

Conclusions:
Community-based pulmonary rehabilitation in rural health centers is feasible and achieves clinical outcomes similar to programs in large hospitals and academic centers. Furthermore, the addition of respiratory therapists to these primary care teams provides important collateral benefits for the evidence-based care of patients with chronic lung diseases.