bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on gelatin/glycosaminoglycan electrospun nanofibers with different amount of glycosaminoglycan
Authors: Honarpardaz Ali , Irani Shiva , Pezeshki‐Modaress Mohamad , Zandi Mojgan , Sadeghi Amin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTissue engineering is a new technique to help damaged cartilage treatment using cells and scaffolds. In this study we tried to evaluate electrospun scaffolds composed of gelatin/glycosaminoglycan (G/GAG) blend nanofibers in chondrogenesis of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning technique with different concentration of glycosaminoglycan (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) in gelatin matrix. BMMSCs were cultured on the scaffolds for chondrogenesis process. MTT assay was done for scaffold's biocompatibility and cells viability evaluation. Alcian blue staining was carried out to determine the release of GAG and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was done for expression ofCOL2A1and also immunocytochemistry assay were used to confirm expression of type II collagen. Scaffold with 15% GAG showed better result for biocompatibility (p=0.02). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that MSCs have good attachment to the scaffolds. Alcian blue staining result confirmed that cells produce GAG during differentiation time different from GAG in the scaffolds. Also the results for RT‐PCR showed the expression ofCOL2A1marker. Immunocytochemistry assay for type II collagen confirm that this protein expressed. Scaffold comprising 15% GAG is better results for chondrogenesis and it can be a good applicant for cartilage tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 38–48, 2019.
Saponins enriched in the epidermal layer of Holothuria leucospilota body wall
Authors: Sroyraya Morakot , Kaewphalug Wanita , Anantachoke Natthinee , Poomtong Tanes , Sobhon Prasert , Srimongkol Atthapol , Suphamungmee Worawit 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSaponins are secondary metabolites that provide medicinal benefits in controlling body homeostasis and metabolic functions. Sea cucumber has been consumed in many Asian countries due to their health benefits. Active chemicals found in sea cucumber include natural source of saponins which are enriched in their tissues, including the Cuvierian tubules and the body wall. Tissue origin of the saponin biosynthesis and accumulation is limitedly known. The present study is to indicate major compositions and distributions of saponins in the body wall of Holothuria leucospilota. Structurally, their body wall consisted of the pigmented layer of the epidermis, the dermal connective tissues, and inner muscular layers. Interestingly, release of the pigmented granules from the epidermis was related to detection of epidermal saponins. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) revealed identical mass spectra in the saponin extracts and compared to the known compounds of holothurians. To investigate the release of epidermal saponins, the epidermis dissolved in either butanol or distilled water were analyzed and presented the saponin masses with two prominent masses of m/z 1,243.3 (holothurin A and scabraside B) and 1,259.3 (holothurin A3). MALDI‐IMS also demonstrated strong signals of the known saponins which were only localized in the epidermis of the body wall. Taken together, this study shows that granule release from epidermal pigmented cells is somehow related to the amount of epidermal saponins released to surrounding seawater. Hence, the future research in the sea cucumber better focuses on epidermal cells that are the enriched site of saponins, although several active compounds require further investigation.
Structural and chemical characterization of rice and potato starch granules using microscopy and spectroscopy
Authors: Kowsik Prarthana V. , Mazumder Nirmal 
Published: November 2018

AbstractStarch is a polysaccharide that plays an important role in our diet and aids in determining the blood glucose levels and is the main source of energy to humans and plants. Starch is broken down by hydrolases which are present in our digestive system. We have used α‐amylase for investigating the rate of hydrolysis of rice and potato starch granules. It is found that the hydrolysis depends on the morphology and composition of the starch granules by means of the action of α‐amylase. The micro‐scale structure of starch granules was observed under an optical microscope and their average sizes were in the range, 1–100 μm. The surface topological structures of starches with micro holes due to the effect of α‐ amylase were also visualized under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical and structural composition of rice and potato starches before and after hydrolysis is characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, respectively. The potato starch is more resistant to α‐amylase than rice starch. The XRD spectra of native and hydrolyzed starch granules remain same which suggests that the degradation occurs mostly in amorphous regions but not in crystalline. Compactly bound water in starch was attributed to the sharp band at 1,458 cm−1 in FTIR spectra. Bands at 920–980 cm−1 associated to α‐(1–4) glycosidic linkage (C‐O‐C) and skeletal mode vibrations in both potato and rice starches.
Who stays proactive after entrepreneurship training? Need for cognition, personal initiative maintenance, and well‐being
Authors: Mensmann Mona , Frese Michael 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPersonal initiative training is a promising way to increase entrepreneurial personal initiative, which is a key behavior for successful entrepreneurship. Although personal initiative training has been shown to promote personal initiative, little is known about how this proactive behavior can be maintained over time and what the consequences are. The training transfer literature suggests that training effects usually decline with time. It is not clear, however, which factors contribute to personal initiative maintenance and which benefits go along with it. In a randomized controlled field experiment with 912 microentrepreneurs in Lomé, Togo, we investigate the influence of need for cognition—a cognitive factor driving proactive behavior—on personal initiative maintenance after training. In addition, we examine the effect of need for cognition on the well‐being consequences of personal initiative maintenance. We show that people high in need for cognition tend to maintain posttraining personal initiative longer than those low in need for cognition. However, contrary to our predictions, need for cognition has no effect on the level of well‐being that results from personal initiative maintenance. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of personal initiative and its maintenance and could be used to increase training effectiveness.
Activity of swallowing‐related neurons in the medulla in the perfused brainstem preparation in rats
Authors: Hashimoto Keiko , Sugiyama Yoichiro , Fuse Shinya , Umezaki Toshiro , Oku Yoshitaka , Dutschmann Mathias , Hirano Shigeru 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisWe aimed to investigate and validate the cellular activity patterns and the potential topographical organization of neurons of the medullary swallowing pattern generator (Sw‐CPG). We used the perfused brainstem preparation as an innovative experimental model that allows for stable neuronal recording in the brainstem.Study DesignAnimal model.MethodsExperiments were conducted in 14 juvenile Wistar rats. The activities of the phrenic, vagus, and hypoglossal nerves were recorded at baseline, and fictive swallowing was elicited by stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve. Extracellular action potentials of 72 swallowing‐related neurons were recorded in the Sw‐CPG of the dorsal medulla oblongata.ResultsNeurons could be classified into three types: sensory relay, and neurons that were excited or inhibited during fictive swallowing. Approximately one‐third of the neurons likely received monosynaptic input from the laryngeal afferents. One‐third of neurons recorded showed respiratory‐related activity, most of which exhibited inspiratory modulation. The neurons were widely distributed in the nucleus tractus solitarius and reticular formation.ConclusionsThe perfused brainstem preparation of rat fully preserves the Sw‐CPG. The recorded cellular activities and general topographical organization of swallowing neurons are in accordance with previous in vivo studies. Thus, the perfused brainstem preparation is an ideal experimental model to advance the understanding of neuronal mechanisms underlying swallowing.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 129:E72–E79, 2019
Does anatomic subsite influence oral cavity cancer mortality? A SEER database analysis
Authors: Farhood Zachary , Simpson Matthew , Ward Gregory M. , Walker Ronald J. , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo determine if there are differences in mortality from oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) based on oral cavity (OC) subsites.MethodsUsing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) 9 database, patients with sequence number 0 or 1 squamous cell OCSCC were analyzed by OC subsite for 5‐year cause‐specific mortality (CSM) from OCSCC. Proportional hazards regression determined the association between 5‐year CSM and OC subsites while controlling for treatment modality, stage, and demographic characteristics using hazard ratios. Significance was set at alpha = 0.05.Results20,647 OC patients were included in the regression analysis. The most commonly diagnosed sites were floor of mouth (34.4%) and oral tongue (34.3%). Floor of mouth, upper gum, and retromolar trigone were associated with lower CSM compared to oral tongue. Not receiving surgery and receiving radiation were associated with increased CSM, and CSM increased with cancer staging when distant or regional disease was compared to localized disease. Also, patients diagnosed at 60 years or older and black patients had increased CSM.ConclusionAmong OCSCC patients, those with oral tongue cancer are more likely to experience CSM than patients with floor of mouth, upper gum, and retromolar trigone cancer. It is important to understand these mortality related differences in the management of OCSCC patients. Understanding subsite‐specific mortality may benefit prognosis counseling of OCSCC patients and elicit subsite‐directed research as a means to improve outcomes.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1400–1406, 2019
Preclinical assessment of resorbable silk splints for the treatment of pediatric tracheomalacia
Authors: McGill Meghan , Raol Nikhila , Gipson Kevin S. , Bowe Sarah N. , Fulk‐Logan Jackson , Nourmahnad Anahita , Chung Joon Yong , Whalen Michael J. , Kaplan David L. , Hartnick Christopher J. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTracheomalacia is characterized by weakness of the tracheal wall resulting in dynamic airway collapse during respiration; severe cases often require surgical intervention. Off‐label external splinting with degradable implants has been reported in humans; however, there remains a need to develop splints with tunable mechanical properties and degradation profiles for the pediatric population. The objective of this pilot study is to assess the safety and efficacy of silk fibroin‐based splints in a clinically relevant preclinical model of tracheomalacia.MethodsSilk splints were evaluated in a surgically induced model of severe tracheomalacia in N = 3 New Zealand white rabbits for 17, 24, and 31 days. An image‐based assay was developed to quantify the dynamic change in airway area during spontaneous respiration, and histopathology was used to study the surrounding tissue response.ResultsThe average change in area in the native trachea was 23% during spontaneous respiration; surgically induced tracheomalacia resulted in a significant increase to 86% (P < 0.001). The average change in airway area after splint placement was reduced at all terminal time points (17, 24, and 31 days postimplantation), indicating a clinical improvement, and was not statistically different than the native trachea. Histopathology showed a localized inflammatory reaction characterized by neutrophils, eosinophils, and mononuclear cells, with early signs suggestive of fibrosis at the splint and tissue interface.ConclusionThis pilot study indicates that silk fibroin splints are well tolerated and efficacious in a rabbit model of severe tracheomalacia, with marked reduction in airway collapse following implantation and good tolerability over the studied time course.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:2189–2194, 2019
Silk‐Based Antimicrobial Polymers as a New Platform to Design Drug‐Free Materials to Impede Microbial Infections
Authors: Franco Albina R. , Palma Kimmerling Erica , Silva Carla , Rodrigues Fernando J. , Leonor Isabel B. , Reis Rui L. , Kaplan David L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSurgical site infections (SSI) represent a serious health problem that occur after invasive surgery, thus new antimicrobial biomaterials able to prevent SSI are needed. Silks are natural biopolymers with excellent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and controllable biodegradability. Spider silk‐based materials can be bioengineered and functionalized with specific peptides, such as antimicrobial peptides, creating innovative polymers. Herein, we explored new drug‐free multifunctional silk films with antimicrobial properties, specifically tailored to hamper microbial infections. Different spider silk domains derived from the dragline sequence of the spider Nephila clavipes (6mer and 15mer, 27 and 41 kDa proteins, respectively) were fused with the two antimicrobial peptides, Hepcidin (Hep) and Human Neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP1). The self‐assembly features of the spider silk domains (β‐sheets) were maintained after functionalization. The bioengineered 6mer‐HNP1 protein demonstrated inhibitory effects against microbial pathogens. Silk‐based films with 6mer‐HNP1 and different contents of silk fibroin (SF) significantly reduced bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, whereas higher bacterial counts were found on the films prepared with 6mer or SF alone. The silk‐based films showed no cytotoxic effects on human foreskin fibroblasts. The positive cellular response, together with structural and antimicrobial properties, highlight the potential of these multifunctional silk‐based films as new materials for preventing SSI.
Thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐Bridged Conjugated Polymers Based on Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole and Thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione for Polymer Solar Cells: Influence of Side Chains on Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Zhang Li , Liu Shu , Yang Changan , Yi Jianming , Yang Chuluo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTwo new D‐π‐A copolymers combining dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole as donor unit and thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione as acceptor unit are designed and synthesized. The influence of different side chains on the optical properties, the energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbitals and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, electronic structures, morphologies of blend films, and the photovoltaic properties of the conjugated polymers are investigated. As a result, the polymers reveal different light absorption and energy levels, which contributes to the short‐circuit current and the open‐circuit voltage, respectively. The dihedral angles between the donor unit and the π bridge are greatly increased due to the steric effect caused by introducing the alkyl chain to the π bridge. Eventually, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 2.65% is obtained.
Nano‐Sized Lipidated Dendrimers as Potent and Broad‐Spectrum Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Gide Mussie , Nimmagadda Alekhya , Su Ma , Wang Minghui , Teng Peng , Li Chunpu , Gao Ruixuan , Xu Hai , Li Qi , Cai Jianfeng 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThere is considerable interest in the development of antimicrobial polymers including dendrimers due to the ease of synthesis and low manufacturing cost compared to host defense peptides (HDPs). Herein, a new class of nanomaterials—lipidated amphiphilic dendrimers—is presented that mimic the antibacterial mechanism of HDPs by compromising bacterial cell membranes. Unlike conventional dendrimers that are prepared generation by generation symmetrically with molecular weight distribution, these lipidated dendrimers are prepared on the solid phase with a hanging lipid tail and precisely controlled structure. It is shown through rational design that these lipidated dendrimers display potent and selective antimicrobial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, including multidrug‐resistant strains. In addition to antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria, these dendrimers are also shown to inhibit bacterial biofilms effectively. This class of dendrimers as a new class of biomaterials may lead to a useful generation of antibiotic agents with practical applications.
Evaluation of 2‐Thiothiazolidine‐4‐Carboxylic Acid, a Common Metabolite of Isothiocyanates, as a Potential Biomarker of Cruciferous Vegetable Intake
Authors: Palliyaguru Dushani L. , Salvatore Sonia R. , Schopfer Francisco J. , Cheng Xuemei , Zhou Jingyang , Kensler Thomas W. , Wendell Stacy G. 
Published: November 2018

ScopeCruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with favorable health outcomes. Bioactive compounds arising in these, especially isothiocyanates, exert effects that contribute to prevention of disease, in large part through the attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, much about isothiocyanate metabolites and their role as biomarkers of crucifer intake remain unknown.Methods and resultsThe utility and limitations of 2‐thiothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (TTCA) as a urinary biomarker of broccoli beverage intake are tested in a randomized crossover clinical trial where 50 participants consumed either a glucoraphanin‐rich (GRR) or sulforaphane‐rich (SFR) beverage. Compared to run‐in and wash‐out periods, significantly higher urinary TTCA is observed after broccoli beverage consumption. Measurements also show that TTCA is present in beverage powders and in all tested cruciferous vegetables. GRR results in excretion of ≈87% of the ingested TTCA while SFR results in excretion of ≈176%. Elevated urinary TTCA is observed in rats administered 100 µmol kg–1 SFN. Unlike SFN, TTCA does not activate Nrf2‐mediated cytoprotective signaling.ConclusionCollectively, TTCA appears to be a common isothiocyanate‐derived metabolite that has the capacity to be utilized as a biomarker of cruciferous vegetables that would be beneficial for objective and quantitative tracking of intake in studies.
Evaluation of Coded Wire Tag Loss in Brook Trout Tagged Using Automated Methods
Authors: Lane Allen A. , Kornis Matthew S. , Bronte Charles R. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Automated coded-wire-tagging methods were recently applied to Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis for the first time, but information on tag loss and method efficiency is needed. We observed tag loss in Brook Trout over 210 d posttagging to determine the degree of tag loss and when tag loss stabilized for the 2015 year-class. We also evaluated tag loss from two subsequent year-classes. Brook Trout tag loss stabilized (i.e., reached the curve's inflection point) at 1.5% after 15 d posttagging and achieved its asymptotic maximum of 1.6% after 28 d. Tag loss rates for subsequent year-classes were 1.7% and 2.3%. We also described throughput (fish tagged per hour) to evaluate method efficiency. Throughput ranged from 8,449 to 9,395 fish/h for Brook Trout and was comparable to observations on other salmonines; combined with the low rate of tag loss, this demonstrates the efficacy of automated methods for the marking and tagging of this species. In addition, rapid stabilization of tag loss in Brook Trout (15 d) was similar to that observed in Pacific salmonines but distinct from that recorded for other Salvelinus spp. (≥150 d), and underscored the need to directly measure species-specific tag loss and its stabilization period and to avoid using closely related species as proxies.
Adolescent survivors’ information needs for transitions to postsecondary education and employment
Authors: Hauff Marnie , Abel Regina , Hersh Juliana , Isenberg Jill , Spoljaric Debra , Hayashi Robert J. , King Allison A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAdolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of cancer and central nervous system (CNS) tumors endure major life disruptions with their diagnosis, treatment, and the burden of emerging learning difficulties. Survivors and their parents often struggle to obtain more academic support as survivors transition through school. This study explored the knowledge and experience survivors and their parents need as they progress through school to college.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study examined childhood cancer and CNS tumor survivors, aged 11 to 21 years, with a known learning difficulty (Individual Education Plan, 504 Plan) and their parents. We assessed participants’ knowledge of and experience with transition planning for postsecondary education and independent living.ResultsNinety‐two AYA survivors and parents (45 survivors, 47 parents) completed the survey. High school–aged survivors described their learning difficulties better than middle school–aged survivors. Survivors estimated their abilities higher than did their parents. Despite a majority of survivors expecting to attend college, 68.5% of survivors and 57.9% of parents were not certain how to get special accommodations for standardized college entrance exams. Only 20.8% of survivors were aware of what a transition plan includes. Parents understood the transition planning process and when it should begin better than the students (P = 0.001), but many parents (40.0%) were still unsure.ConclusionsAYA survivors and parents lack knowledge necessary to successfully transition to their goals after high school. Greater education is needed.
How low can you go? Estimating impacts of reduced pesticide use
Authors: Frisvold George B 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecent research has suggested that a high proportion of farms can dramatically reduce pesticide applications without reducing crop yields or farm profits. Yet this research has made estimation choices that may systematically bias downwards estimates of the productivity and profitability of pesticides. Fifty years of agricultural economics research provides lessons about how to avoid pitfalls in estimating pesticide productivity. Carefully executed econometric studies have found evidence of overuse, underuse, and near‐optimal use of pesticides in different cropping systems. There are now standard methods to test and correct for sources of biases (either upward or downward) in estimates of pesticide productivity. Ignoring these lessons and methods can seriously bias estimates of the potential for reducing pesticide use at little or no economic cost. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
When should I stop experimenting? Sample size considerations in I‐optimal designs
Authors: Silvestrini Rachel T. , Goantiya Rupansh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe average prediction variance for an I‐optimal design for a specified normal theory linear model decreases nonlinearly with respect to sample size. In this paper, we develop a prediction equation to explain the relationship between average prediction variance and sample size. We investigate methods for determining what sample size is efficient for a given experiment using the average prediction variance (APV) versus sample size curves. The sample size determination is studied assuming a variety of cost structures for the trials in each experiment. For example, in practice, the length of time before an experiment is complete may be considered an implicit cost of experimentation. We provide results for designs and models based on two to five factors. We also present a potential application of the methods using a military system experiment.