bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peptide‐modified, hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogels as a 3D culture platform for neural stem/progenitor cell engineering
Authors: Seidlits Stephanie K. , Liang Jesse , Bierman Rebecca D. , Sohrabi Alireza , Karam Joshua , Holley Sandra M. , Cepeda Carlos , Walthers Christopher M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNeural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC)‐based therapies have shown exciting potential for regeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) and NS/PC cultures represent an important resource for disease modeling and drug screening. However, significant challenges limiting clinical translation remain, such as generating large numbers of cells required for model cultures or transplantation, maintaining physiologically representative phenotypesex vivoand directing NS/PC differentiation into specific fates. Here, we report that culture of human NS/PCs in 3D, hyaluronic acid (HA)‐rich biomaterial microenvironments increased differentiation toward oligodendrocytes and neurons over 2D cultures on laminin‐coated glass. Moreover, NS/PCs in 3D culture exhibited a significant reduction in differentiation into reactive astrocytes. Many NS/PC‐derived neurons in 3D, HA‐based hydrogels expressed synaptophysin, indicating synapse formation, and displayed electrophysiological characteristics of immature neurons. While inclusion of integrin‐binding, RGD peptides into hydrogels resulted in a modest increase in numbers of viable NS/PCs, no combination of laminin‐derived, adhesive peptides affected differentiation outcomes. Notably, 3D cultures of differentiating NS/PCs were maintained for at least 70 days in medium with minimal growth factor supplementation. In sum, results demonstrate the use of 3D, HA‐based biomaterials for long‐term expansion and differentiation of NS/PCs toward oligodendroglial and neuronal fates, while inhibiting astroglial fates. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 704–718, 2019.
Efficacy of a selective imaging paradigm prior to pediatric cochlear implantation
Authors: Siu Jennifer M. , Blaser Susan I. , Gordon Karen A. , Papsin Blake C. , Cushing Sharon L. 
Published: January 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThere is no consensus on the necessary preoperative imaging in children being evaluated for cochlear implantation (CI). Dual‐imaging protocols that implement both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) create diagnostic redundancy in the face of potentially unnecessary radiation and anaesthetic exposure. The objectives of the current study were to examine the efficacy of an MRI‐predominant with selective HRCT imaging protocol.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsThe protocol was implemented over a 4‐year period, during which HRCT was obtained in addition to MRI only if specific risk factors on clinical assessment were identified or if imaging findings in need of further evaluation were detected on initial MRI evaluation. Retrospective review of operative reports and prospective review of imaging were performed; anesthetic exposure and costing information were also obtained.ResultsOf the 240 patients who underwent assessment, seven (2.9%) had combined HRCT and MRI performed concurrently based on initial clinical assessment, 15 (6.3%) underwent HRCT based on imaging anomalies found on MRI, and MRI alone was ordered for the remaining 218 (90.1%). All patients were implanted without complication. Overall, radiation exposure, general anesthesia (GA), and healthcare costs were reduced.ConclusionsMRI alone can be used in the vast majority of cases for preoperative evaluation of pediatric CI candidates resulting in a significant reduction in healthcare costs, radiation, and GA exposure in children. The additional need for HRCT occurs in a small proportion and can be predicted up front on clinical assessment or on initial MRI.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:2627–2633, 2019
Lubricin/proteoglycan 4 detected in vocal folds of humans and five other mammals
Authors: Kobler James B. , Tynan Monica A. , Zeitels Steven M. , Liss Andrew S. , Gianatasio Maria T. , Morin Alyssa A. , Schmidt Tannin A. 
Published: January 2019

Objectives/HypothesisLubricin/proteoglycan‐4 (PRG4) lubricates connective tissues such as joints and tendon sheaths, enabling them to better withstand shearing and frictional forces during motion. We wondered whether PRG4 might play a role in phonation, as normal vocal folds withstand repetitive, high‐velocity deformations remarkably well. As a first step, we tested whether PRG4 is expressed in vocal folds.Study DesignLaboratory study.MethodsAnatomical and molecular methods were applied to 47 larynges from humans, macaque (Macaca fascicularis), canines, pigs, calves, and rats. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) methods were used to test for the presence of PRG4.ResultsIn all species, the true vocal fold lamina propria (TVF‐LP) was positive for PRG4 by IHC, whereas immunoreactivity of the false vocal fold was weak or absent, depending on the species. Human TVF‐LP was strongly stained across all layers. Immunoreactivity was seen variably on the vocal fold surface and within the vocal fold epithelium, in the conus elasticus and thyroglottic ligament, and at the tip of vocal process. Western blots of four humans and six pigs demonstrated immunoreactivity at appropriate molecular weight. qRT‐PCR of pig tissues confirmed PRG4 mRNA expression, which was highest in the TVF‐LP.ConclusionsPRG4 was found in phonatory tissues of six mammals. We suggest it might act as a lubricant within the lamina propria and possibly on the vocal fold surface, limiting phonation‐related damage to vocal fold extracellular matrix and epithelium, and enhancing vocal efficiency by reducing internal friction (viscosity) within the vocal fold.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:E229–E237, 2019
Control of speech and voice in cochlear implant patients
Authors: Gautam Anirudh , Naples James G. , Eliades Steven J. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveHearing plays an important role in the learning and production of speech, but the benefits of cochlear implantation for such vocal control are unclear. Here, we present a perspective and review of recent work on the control of speech and voice following cochlear implantation. We further discuss insights provided on the mechanisms of normal vocal control and implications for future rehabilitative approaches.Data SourcesPeer‐reviewed articles on speech and voice production in cochlear implant patients were identified from PUBMED. Relevant articles were supplemented with selected publications describing normal vocal control mechanisms and behaviors.Review MethodsPublications that discussed speech and voice outcomes following cochlear implantation were chosen, with a focus on those presenting measurements of specific speech or voice parameters.ResultsRecent studies demonstrate that hearing restoration by cochlear implantation has significant effects on many aspects of voice and speech production. These include changes in vocal pitch and loudness, as well as improved control of both vowels and consonants. Despite these improvements, however, the speech of many implant recipients remains abnormal as compared to normal hearing individuals. Such differences likely result from the impoverished auditory feedback provided by the implant.ConclusionsCochlear implants provide valuable insights into the role of hearing in vocal production. Although implants improve vocal production for most patients, there remains considerable room for future study and therapeutic improvement.Laryngoscope, 129:2158–2163, 2019
Sinkhole susceptibility mapping: A comparison between Bayes‐based machine learning algorithms
Authors: Taheri Kamal , Shahabi Himan , Chapi Kamran , Shirzadi Ataollah , Gutiérrez Francisco , Khosravi Khabat 
Published: January 2019

AbstractLand degradation has been recognized as one of the most adverse environmental impacts during the last century. The occurrence of sinkholes is increasing dramatically in many regions worldwide contributing to land degradation. The rise in the sinkhole frequency is largely due to human‐induced hydrological alterations that favour dissolution and subsidence processes. Mitigating detrimental impacts associated with sinkholes requires understanding different aspects of this phenomenon such as the controlling factors and the spatial distribution patterns. This research illustrates the development and validation of sinkhole susceptibility models in Hamadan Province, Iran, where a large number of sinkholes are occurring under poorly understood circumstances. Several susceptibility models were developed with a training sample of sinkholes, a number of conditioning factors, and four different statistical approaches: naïve Bayes, Bayes net (BN), logistic regression, and Bayesian logistic regression. Ten conditioning factors were initially considered. Factors with negligible contribution to the quality of predictions, according to the information gain ratio technique, were discarded for the development of the final models. The validation of susceptibility models, performed using different statistical indices and receiver operating characteristic curves, revealed that the BN model has the highest prediction capability in the study area. This model provides reliable predictions on the future distribution of sinkholes, which can be used by watershed and land use managers for designing hazard and land‐degradation mitigation plans.
A survey on blockchain cybersecurity vulnerabilities and possible countermeasures
Authors: Hasanova Huru , Baek Ui‐jun , Shin Mu‐gon , Cho Kyunghee , Kim Myung‐Sup 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBlockchain technology has attracted considerable attention owing to its wide range of potential applications. It first appeared as a cryptocurrency, called Bitcoin, but has since been used in many other business and nonbusiness applications. Unlike most existing systems that are based on centralized frameworks, this new technology utilizes peer‐to‐peer networks and distributed systems which includes blockchain registers to store transactions. Its structure is designed as a digital log file and stored as a series of linked groups, called blocks. Each individual block is locked cryptographically with the previous block. Once a block has been added, it cannot be altered. Many security experts speculate that the inherent cryptographic nature of the blockchain system is sufficient to withstand constant hacking and security threats. However, previous studies on the security and privacy of blockchain technology have shown that many applications have fallen victim to successful cyberattacks. Owing to the increasing demand for cryptocurrency and its current security challenges, previous studies have not focused on blockchain technology cybersecurity vulnerabilities extensively. Here, our study extends upon the previous studies on vulnerabilities and investigates the types of potential attacks. Our study then provides further direction to highlight possible countermeasures against blockchain technology vulnerability to cybersecurity.
Hydrophobic Functionalization of ZnO Nanosheets by In Situ Center‐Substituted Synthesis for Selective Photocatalysis under Visible Irradiation
Authors: Xu Yuanjie , Li Chaochao , Huang Huihan , Huang Lei , Peng Luming , Pan Haibo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe selective degradation of specific substances in mixed contaminants is quite challenging. And a general approach for sensitized oxide semiconductor relies on dip‐coating method with sensitizer. Here, hydrophilic 2D, nest‐like architecture ZnO (ZnO NA) was hydrophobicly functioned by monomolecular–layer tetraphenylporphyrin zinc (ZnTPP), where ZnTPP was synthesized by means of an in situ center‐substituted (ISCS) process., i.e., the hydrogen atoms in the core of metal‐free tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) are substituted by the unsaturated zinc ions in ZnO NAs. ZnTPP/ZnO NA was exhibited with significant hydrophobicity, benefitting to absorb hydrophobic phenol (PL). Further, it is realized to selectively photodegradate PL in the mixture by ZnTPP/ZnO NAs under visible irradiation. Note that the rate of degradation to hydrophobic PL by ZnTPP/ZnO NA is 9.17 times of that for ZnO NA within 150 min; on the contrary, the degradation rate of hydrophilic rhodamine B (RhB) by ZnTPP/ZnO is reduced by 40%. Radiative lifetime of photogenerated charges is obviously increased by ZnTPP/ZnO NA compared with that of ZnTPP, indicating the effective charge separation for ZnTPP/ZnO NAs. In addition, ZnTPP/ZnO NA produced more superoxide radicals (·O2−) in comparison to ZnO NA. With surface functionalization, the feasibility of selective photocatalysis under visible irradiation is demonstrated.
Interleukin‐4 ‐590C/T gene polymorphism in Egyptian children with acute lower respiratory infection: A multicenter study
Authors: Emam Ahmed A. , Shehab Mohamed M. M. , Allah Mayy A. N. , Elkoumi Mohamed A. , Abdelaal NourEldin M. , Mosabah Amira A. A. , Zakaria Mervat T. , Sherif Ashraf M. , Soliman Mohammed M. , El‐Kaffas Rania M. H. , Abouzeid Heba , Abdou Mohammed A. , Abdalmonem Nermin , Abdelbaset Heba R. , Mohamed Soma A. , Soliman Attia A. , Elashkar Shaimaa S. A. , Hegab Mohamed S. , Khalil Atef M. , Abdel‐Aziz Alsayed , Anany Heba G. , Salah Hossam E. , Abdou Adel M. , Elshehawy Naglaa A. , Elbasyouni Hany A. A. , Hafez Sahbaa F. M. , Abo‐Alella Doaa A. , Fawzi Maggie M. , Morsi Samar S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundAcute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is the leading cause of child mortality, especially in the developing world. Polymorphisms in the interleukin 4 (IL‐4) gene have been linked to a variety of human diseases.ObjectivesTo investigate whether the IL‐4 ‐590C/T (rs2243250) polymorphism could be a genetic marker for susceptibility to ALRIs in young Egyptian children.MethodsThis was a multicenter study conducted on 480 children diagnosed with pneumonia or bronchiolitis, and 480 well‐matched healthy control children. Using PCR‐RFLP analysis, we genotyped a ‐590C/T (rs2243250) single nucleotide polymorphism of the IL‐4 gene promoter, meanwhile the serum IL‐4concentration was measured by ELISA.ResultsThe frequency of the IL‐4 ‐590 T/T genotype and T allele were overrepresented in patients with ALRIs in comparison to the control group (OR = 2.0; [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38‐2.96]; for the T/T genotype) and (OR: 1.3; [95%CI: 1.07‐1.56]; for the T allele; P < 0.01). The IL‐4 ‐590 T/T genotype was associated with significantly higher mean serum IL‐4 concentration (58.7 ± 13.4 pg/mL) compared to the C/T genotype (47.6 ± 11 pg/mL) and the C/C genotype (34.8 ± 9.6 pg/mL); P < 0.01.ConclusionThe IL‐4 −590C/T (rs2243250) polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to ALRIs in young Egyptian children.
System identification of a low-density jet via its noise-induced dynamics
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Zhu Yuanhang , Li Larry K. B. , Gupta Vikrant 
Published: January 2019

Low-density jets are central to many natural and industrial processes. Under certain conditions, they can develop global oscillations at a limit cycle, behaving as a prototypical example of a self-excited hydrodynamic oscillator. In this study, we perform system identification of a low-density jet using measurements of its noise-induced dynamics in the unconditionally stable regime, prior to both the Hopf and saddle-node points. We show that this approach can enable prediction of (i) the order of nonlinearity, (ii) the locations and types of the bifurcation points (and hence the stability boundaries) and (iii) the resulting limit-cycle oscillations. The only assumption made about the system is that it obeys a Stuart–Landau equation in the vicinity of the Hopf point, thus making the method applicable to a variety of hydrodynamic systems. This study constitutes the first experimental demonstration of system identification using the noise-induced dynamics in only the unconditionally stable regime, i.e. away from the regimes where limit-cycle oscillations may occur. This opens up new possibilities for the prediction and analysis of the stability and nonlinear behaviour of hydrodynamic systems.
SNIFF AND TELL: THE FEASIBILITY OF USING BIO-DETECTION DOGS AS A MOBILE DIAGNOSTIC INTERVENTION FOR ASYMPTOMATIC MALARIA IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Kasstan Ben , Hampshire Kate , Guest Claire , Logan James G. , Pinder Margaret , Williams Kate , D’Alessandro Umberto , Lindsay Steve W. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBio-Detection Dogs (BDDs) are used in some high-income countries as a diagnostic intervention, yet little is known about their potential in low/middle-income countries with limited diagnostic resources. This exploratory study investigated the opportunities and implications of deploying BDDs as a mobile diagnostic intervention to identify people with asymptomatic malaria, particularly at ports of entry, as an important step to malaria elimination in a population. A qualitative study design consisting of participant observation, five focus group discussions and informal conversations was employed in The Gambia in April–May 2017. A disciplined German Shepherd companion dog (not trained as a BDD) was introduced to research participants and their perceptions recorded. Field-notes and discussions were transcribed, translated and analysed thematically. Most research participants viewed positively the possibility of using BDDs to detect malaria, with the major advantage of being non-invasive. Some concerns, however, were raised regarding safety and efficacy, as well as cultural issues around the place of dogs within human society. The Gambia is a rabies-endemic country, and unfamiliar dogs are not usually approached, with implications for how research participants perceived BDDs. Understanding such concerns and working with local people to address such issues must be part of any successful strategy to deploy BDDs in new settings. Bio-Detection Dogs represent a potentially non-invasive diagnostic tool for the detection of asymptomatic or chronic malaria infections, particularly in areas with very low parasite rates. However, it is important to understand local concerns and work closely with communities to address those concerns. Wider deployment of BDDs will also require careful planning and sustained financial support.
Conservation gap analysis of crop wild relatives in Turkey
Authors: Tas Necla , West George , Kircalioglu Gun , Topaloglu S. Boyraz , Phillips Jade , Kell Shelagh , Maxted Nigel 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCrop wild relatives (CWR) are wild plant taxa relatively closely related to crops that can contribute beneficial traits for crop improvement, such as biotic and abiotic stress resistance. Turkey has a rich flora of approximately 11,000 higher plant taxa, has two Vavilov centres of crop diversity (i.e. the Mediterranean and the Near East), is recognized as the cradle of agriculture providing the northern boundary of the Fertile Crescent, and has recently been identified as the country with the highest concentration of CWR diversity. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a gap analysis of CWR genetic diversity in Turkey using existing data sources of 458 of the 764 priority CWR taxa with available georeferenced data. In total, 27,597 presence points were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Aegean Agricultural Research Institute in Menemen and Field Crops Central Research Institute, Ankara. Geographic Information System (GIS) software was used to identify taxon richness, sampling bias, future ex situ population collection and location where existing protected sites could form the basis of national network of in situ genetic reserves. CWR taxon richness was located along the Aegean Coast, Syrian border and southern Mediterranean coast. Current ex situ representation of CWR taxa is inadequate and further collection across the entire country is required. The highest priority in situ reserve location is found in Izmir, Sanliurfa and Antalya province, which reflects overall CWR richness.
Biomass Burning Markers and Residential Burning in the WINTER Aircraft Campaign
Authors: Sullivan A. P. , Guo H. , Schroder J. C. , Campuzano‐Jost P. , Jimenez J. L. , Campos T. , Shah V. , Jaeglé L. , Lee B. H. , Lopez‐Hilfiker F. D. , Thornton J. A. , Brown S. S. , Weber R. J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAs part of the WINTER (Wintertime Investigation of Transport, Emissions, and Reactivity) campaign, a Particle‐into‐Liquid Sampler with a fraction collector was flown aboard the National Center for Atmospheric Research C‐130 aircraft. Two‐minute integrated liquid samples containing dissolved fine particulate matter (PM1) species were collected and analyzed off‐line for the smoke marker levoglucosan using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography‐pulsed amperometric detection to compare levoglucosan with aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) biomass burning markers and investigate the contribution from residential burning during the study. Levoglucosan was correlated with AMS organic aerosol (R2 = 0.49) and with carbon monoxide (CO; R2 = 0.51) for all flights. Levoglucosan was not correlated with the inorganic smoke marker water‐soluble potassium but was correlated with the AMS markers ∆C2H4O2+ (high resolution, R2 = 0.60) and ∆m/z 60 (unit mass resolution, R2 = 0.61). However, at low levoglucosan, AMS markers deviated potentially due to interferences from other sources or differences with the species captured by the AMS markers. Analysis of levoglucosan changes relative to carbon monoxide as plumes advected from source regions showed no systematic levoglucosan loss for plumes up to 20 hr old. Based on literature residential burning source ratios and measured levoglucosan, contributions of organic carbon (OC) due to residential burning were estimated. The contribution ranged from ~30 to 100% of the OC, with significant variability depending on the source ratio used; however, the results show that biomass burning was a significant PM1 OC source across the entire sampling region. A GEOS‐Chem model simulation predicted significantly less smoke contribution.
Laboratory Investigation on Effects of Flood Intermittency on Fan Delta Dynamics
Authors: Miller Kimberly Litwin , Kim Wonsuck , McElroy Brandon 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTo simplify the complex hydrological variability of flow conditions, experiments on delta evolution are often conducted using a representative channel‐forming flood flow and results are related to field settings using an intermittency factor, defined as the fraction of time in flood. Although this factor provides an approximation of dominant flow conditions and makes modeling deltas easier by turning their complex hydraulics into a single representative value, little is known about how this generalization affects delta processes. We conducted experiments with periodic flow conditions to determine the effects of intermittent discharges on fan deltas. For each run, the magnitude of floods was held constant, but the duration changed, thus varying the intermittency factor, between 1 and 0.2. Floods consisted of higher water and sediment discharge, while base flow periods had lower water discharge and sediment input ceased, causing the system to become erosional during these periods. We find that as the duration of floods decreases, the delta topset is larger in area with a shallower slope due to reworking on the topset during base flow conditions. During base flows, the experimental system adjusts toward a new equilibrium state that in turn acts as the initial condition for subsequent flood periods. These results suggest that the adjustment timescale is a factor in determining the behavior of deltas and their channels. We conclude that both periods of flood when most of the sediment is supplied to the system and periods of base flow when topset sediment is reworked contribute to delta dynamics.