bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of efficiently decellularized whole porcine kidney for tissue engineering
Authors: Hussein Kamal Hany , Saleh Tarek , Ahmed Ebtehal , Kwak Ho‐Hyun , Park Kyung‐Mee , Yang Se‐Ran , Kang Byung‐Jae , Choi Ki‐Young , Kang Kyung‐Sun , Woo Heung‐Myong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWhole kidney decellularization is a promising approach in regenerative medicine for engineering a functional organ. The reaction of the potential host depends on the biocompatibility of these decellularized constructs. Despite the proven ability of decellularized kidney scaffolds to guide cell attachment and growth, little is known about biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of these scaffolds. Our aim is to prepare decellularized kidneys of a clinically relevant size and evaluate its biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Porcine kidneys were cannulated via the renal artery, and then perfused with 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. Hematoxylin and eosin as well as DAPI staining confirmed cellular clearance from native kidneys in addition to preservation of the microstructure. SEM confirmed the absence of any cellular content within the scaffold, which is maintained in a well‐organized 3D architecture. Decellularized kidneys retained the intact renal vasculature upon examination with contrast radiography. The essential structural extracellular matrix molecules were well‐preserved. Scaffolds were susceptible to enzymatic degradation upon collagenase treatment. Scaffolds showed a good hemocompatibility when exposed to porcine blood. Decellularization was efficient to remove 97.7% of DNA from native kidneys in addition to the immunogenic and pathogenic antigens. Scaffolds did not induce the human immune response in vitro. Decellularized kidneys were non‐cytotoxic to pig kidney cells (PKs). PKs were able to grow and proliferate within the decellularized renal scaffolds with maintaining a higher function than cells grown as monolayers. Thus, we have developed a rapid decellularization technique for generating biocompatible kidney scaffolds that represents a step toward development of a transplantable organ. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2034–2047, 2018.
Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in calcium phosphate‐enhanced osteogenic differentiation: A pilot study
Authors: Wang Yu , Pan Jianwei , Zhang Yiqun , Li Xiang , Zhang Zhen , Wang Peng , Qin Zhifan , Li Jihua 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCalcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics are being increasingly used to repair critical bone defect for biocompatibility, biosafety, porous structure and osteoinduction. Wnt and Notch signaling pathways are conservative and classic signaling pathways regulating osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). In this study, we evaluated the expression of Wnt, Notch signal pathways and osteogenic related genes of BMSCs with and without Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1 on CaP ceramics in vitro by real‐time RT‐PCR. Also, we evaluated new bone formation after implantation of CaP ceramics in vivo. The in vitro culture displayed the expression of Wnt, Notch signaling pathways and osteogenic related genes was increased at first and then declined. After adding DKK1 to the culture, the expression was decreased. The in vivo implantation showed significant bone formation on CaP ceramics. These findings reveal that Wnt and Notch signaling pathways play important roles in the CaP‐enhanced osteogenic differentiation but the mechanism of synergistic effect needs to be further explored. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 149–160, 2019.
When Cheap Isn't the Same as Not Expensive: Generic Price Terms and Their Negations
Authors: Weijters Bert , Cabooter Elke , Baumgartner Hans 
Published: March 2018

Generic price terms such as cheap, not expensive, not cheap, and expensive are used frequently in marketing, but little is known about how consumers interpret them. In typical consumer contexts, in which lower prices are preferred, we find that not cheap means essentially the same as expensive (i.e., not cheap = expensive). In contrast, not expensive does not mean the same as cheap, in that cheap is associated with lower prices (i.e., cheap < not expensive). As an implication, in a consumer survey we find different response distributions for rating scales that are anchored with endpoint labels of not expensive versus expensive as compared to cheap versus expensive or cheap versus not cheap (the latter two are equivalent). Furthermore, although cheap is associated with lower prices than not expensive, this does not necessarily translate into higher preferences for options that are described as cheap (vs. not expensive), because cheap may also evoke negative quality perceptions. Finally, we demonstrate an interesting reversal in the way price terms are interpreted: when higher prices are preferred, cheap is equal to not expensive (i.e., cheap = not expensive), whereas not cheap is associated with lower prices than expensive (i.e., not cheap < expensive).
Efficient adsorption separation of xylene isomers using a facilely fabricated cyclodextrin‐based metal–organic framework
Authors: Chen Le , Zhu Dan‐Dan , Ji Guo‐Jian , Yuan Sheng , Qian Jun‐Feng , He Ming‐Yang , Chen Qun , Zhang Zhi‐Hui 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMetal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are energy‐efficient adsorbents for separating industrial chemical feedstocks. A type of MOF containing an extended porous network of γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) and alkali metal salts, CD‐MOF, has potential applications in adsorption separation processes in the petrochemical industry. This study aims to present the adsorption efficiency of CD‐MOF‐1 in separating xylene regioisomers.ResultsThe adsorption separation of xylene regioisomers on layered CD‐MOF‐1 microcrystals was studied using batch vapor‐phase adsorption and liquid‐phase breakthrough adsorption. CD‐MOF‐1 showed preferable adsorption of o‐xylene over the other two isomers, with adsorption strength in the order o‐xylene (oX) > m‐xylene (mX) > p‐xylene (pX). With increased temperature, high adsorption capacities of oX and mX over pX were detected. However, this also resulted in a decrease of the separation factors of oX/pX and mX/pX.ConclusionThe high resolution and large separation factors for oX/pX and mX/pX make CD‐MOF‐1 an efficient and reliable alternative adsorbent to the isolation protocols for xylene isomers currently used in the petrochemical industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Gonadal histology of box jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) reveals variation between internal fertilizing species Alatina alata (Alatinidae) and Copula sivickisi (Tripedaliidae)
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Jimena , Lewis Ames Cheryl , Marian José Eduardo A. R. , Marques Antonio Carlos 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCubozoans (box jellyfish) are gonochoristic cnidarians with distinct reproductive strategies. This comparative histological study examines the gonad organization of Alatina alata and Copula sivickisi, two box jellyfish species that exhibit different modes of internal fertilization. A. alata reproduces via spermcasting aggregations while C. sivickisi reproduces via copulation; in both cases, internal fertilization occurs in the gastrovascular cavity. Herein, we provide the first histological description of subgastric sacs—structures unique to C. sivickisi. Although previously thought to function as sperm storage sacs, our findings reveal that subgastric sacs are nematocyst nests lacking sperm entirely. Conversely, we discovered that velarial spots in C. sivickisi females correspond to actual sperm storage structures. Histological examination of cubozoan sperm packages revealed that while sperm packages from both species have motile flagella, A. alata males produce nonencapsulated sperm bundles (i.e., “spermatozeugmata”), and C. sivickisi males produce encapsulated packages (i.e., “spermatophores”). Our findings corroborate the presence of several types of nematocysts in C. sivickisi embryo strands and spermatophores, and indicate their provenance to be both female and male gonads respectively, as well as subgastric sacs (i.e., nematocyst nests). In contrast to our findings of velarial spots as sperm storages structures in C. sivickisi females, and of nematocysts in the gonads of both sexes, we report that A. alata medusae lack both sperm storage structures and gonadal nematocysts. Finally, we discuss our findings on reproductive morphology of C. sivickisi and A. alata in light of the respective reproductive behavior of these two cubozoan species.
Spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of mid‐Holocene hydroclimate in western North America
Authors: Hermann Nicholas Wayne , Oster Jessica Leigh , Ibarra Daniel Enrique 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTMid‐Holocene paleoclimate proxy records from drought‐sensitive western North America suggest widespread aridity in areas dominated by winter precipitation. We present spatial comparisons of a diverse network of moisture‐sensitive proxies with 12 global circulation model simulations from the Paleoclimate Model Intercomparison Project to determine the most important atmospheric drivers behind observed mid‐Holocene aridity in this region. Although model‐proxy agreement is low for most models, in part reflecting small mid‐Holocene precipitation anomalies, three show relatively strong agreement by successfully simulating arid conditions across the Pacific Northwest. The model that shows the strongest spatial agreement with the proxy network reveals an anticyclonic wind anomaly that is similar to but weaker than anomalies noted during west‐wide drought episodes of the past 500 years. This model suggests increased transient upper level ridging that reduced winter water vapor transport from the south‐west during the mid‐Holocene. These mechanisms are similar to those suggested to have supported megadrought conditions in western North America during the Medieval Climate Anomaly and which are also simulated in anthropogenic warming scenarios. Future work on quantitative proxy records to enhance temporal and spatial coverage, and explicitly address issues of seasonality, will improve the quality of future climate model–data comparison studies.
Detection on pharyngeal wall floppiness in patients with nonstructural factor‐induced obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome: Difference in position detection
Authors: Lin Zhiqiang , Jiang Kanglun , Zhao Lin , Li Shuna , Shao Shu , Qian Wei , Tao Zezhang 
Published: March 2018

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate changes in pharyngeal wall floppiness (PWF) between patients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome induced by non–upper‐airway structural factors and normal subjects, as well as the clinical significance using acoustic pharyngealmetry technology.Study DesignCohort study.MethodsThe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) group (n = 102) and the normal control group (n = 50) were identified using the Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer measuring instrument. The volume of the pharyngeal cavity in the sitting and supine positions during expiration and inspiration was recorded, respectively, and the PWF index in the sitting and supine positions was calculated for further statistical analysis.ResultsPWF in the sitting (P < .001) and supine positions (P < .001) in the OSA group was notably higher than that in the control group. PWF in the supine position in both the OSA group and control group was remarkably higher than that in the sitting position (P < .001, P = .025, respectively). The difference in PWF between the supine and sitting positions (ΔPWF) (PWF_supine−PWF_sit) was distinctly higher than in control group (P < .01). PWF was positively correlated with age (P < .001) but not with body mass index (P > .05).ConclusionsPWF, quantified as elevated PWF, is an important nonstructural factor for the pathogenesis of OSA patients. PWF in the supine position can more accurately reflect airway collapsibility in OSA patients. Our pilot study of a novel observation may help us in the choice of proper surgical candidates for OSA procedures.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 128:2200–2205, 2018
China's wetlands loss to urban expansion
Authors: Mao Dehua , Wang Zongming , Wu Jianguo , Wu Bingfang , Zeng Yuan , Song Kaishan , Yi Kunpeng , Luo Ling 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHumans benefit from multiple ecosystem services of wetlands, but massive wetland loss has occurred worldwide due to rapid urbanization. To assess the problem, it is necessary to quantify the spatial extent of urbanization‐induced wetland loss. Here, we investigated the amount and pattern of wetland loss in China due to urbanization from 1990 to 2010, based on the China National Land Cover Database (ChinaCover). Our results show that, during these 20 years, China lost 2,883 km2 of wetlands to urban expansion, of which about 2,394 km2 took place in the eastern regions (Northeast China, North China, Southeast China, and South China). The rate of urbanization‐induced wetland loss was 2.8 times higher between 2000 and 2010 (213 km2 year−1) than between 1990 and 2000 (75 km2 yr−1). Of all wetland categories, reservoirs/ponds and marshes suffered the most severe losses. Most of the wetland loss was due to the expansion of urban built‐up areas rather than industrial or transportation lands. Four hotspots of urbanization‐induced wetland loss in China were identified: the Beijing–Tianjin metropolitan region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Jianghan Plain, and the Pearl River Delta. Urbanization and industrialization continue to unfold in China for the next few decades, and the rapid expansion of small‐ and middle‐sized cities and urban traffic networks is expected to encroach on more wetlands. Although great efforts have been made towards wetland conservation in recent years, China must prevent more wetlands from being wiped out by urbanization if the country is to ahieve its sustainable development goals.
Contrasting suspended sediment export in two small agricultural catchments: Cross‐influence of hydrological behaviour and landscape degradation or stream bank management
Authors: Vongvixay Amphone , Grimaldi Catherine , Dupas Rémi , Fovet Ophélie , Birgand François , Gilliet Nicolas , Gascuel‐Odoux Chantal 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe study aimed to identify hydrological and landscape factors that influence sediment transport in 2 agricultural catchments in north‐western France—Moulinet and Kervidy‐Naizin—with the same climate, size, and bedrock but with contrasting suspended sediment (SS) fluxes. Discharge and SS concentrations were continuously monitored at the catchment outlets for 9 hydrological years. Data were examined at annual, seasonal, and individual storm‐flow event scales. Storm events were classified into 3 types—single small, successive, and major events—whose effect on sediment transport was studied. At the annual scale, SS yields were higher in Moulinet (16–63 × 103 kg km−2) than in Kervidy‐Naizin (3–22 × 103 kg km−2) despite similar water fluxes. However, Kervidy‐Naizin had higher potential for hillslope erosion because of more frequent occurrence of saturation excess runoff, more frequent bare soil in cultivated area, and fewer hedgerows. Major storm events were also stronger in this catchment. Although high SS concentrations and fluxes occurred only during a few major events in Kervidy‐Naizin, SS export was always substantial throughout the year in Moulinet. We hypothesised that bank degradation due to cattle trampling generated the higher SS export in the Moulinet catchment. This hypothesis was confirmed by the large decrease in SS fluxes following construction of watering troughs in the middle of the study period. In the Kervidy‐Naizin catchment, natural woody vegetation or grass buffer strips along the stream effectively protect the stream from bank erosion or a possible influx of hillslope erosion particles, except during some major events in winter.
An improved method for determination of aggregate stability using laser diffraction
Authors: Bieganowski Andrzej , Zaleski Tomasz , Kajdas Bartłomiej , Sochan Agata , Józefowska Agnieszka , Beczek Michał , Lipiec Jerzy , Turski Marcin , Ryżak Magdalena 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSoil aggregate water stability is very important from both scientific and practical points of view. This stability is a critical factor in a soil's susceptibility to water erosion and, in turn, land degradation. The most popular measure of soil aggregate stability is the water resistance index (WRI), which is commonly measured using the wet‐sieving method. Using the laser diffraction method in order to observe changes in the median of the particle size distribution and determine soil aggregate stability was first proposed in 2010. However, the method was not suitable for weak aggregates. The aim of this study was to present a measure of aggregate stability using laser diffractometry, aggregate stability index (ASILD). Determination of the ASILD is based on the calculation of the directional coefficient of the straight line interpolated from 2 points: (a) the value calculated as the mean of the lower and upper nominal sieve sizes used for soil aggregate separation and (b) the median of the first measurement after the adding of the dry aggregates into the measuring system of the laser diffractometer.This proposed method for the calculation of the ASILD can be applied to very weak aggregates (i.e., aggregates that, in practice, are not at all water resistant). For weak and moderately stable aggregates, the correlation between ASILD and WRI is higher than 0.9. This method also enables differentiation between the water resistance of aggregates which, by the wet‐sieving method, are indistinguishable (i.e., those which have the maximum WRI).
Effects of vegetation buffer strips on concentrated flow hydraulics and gully bed erosion based on in situ scouring experiments
Authors: Dong Yifan , Xiong Donghong , Su Zheng'an , Yang Dan , Zheng Xueyong , Shi Liangtao , Poesen Jean 
Published: March 2018

AbstractVegetation on gully beds could intercept runoff, reduce incision of gully bed, and trap sediment from upstream area. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influences of vegetation buffer strips on concentrated flow hydraulics and gully bed erosion downstream of gully headcuts. Five gully head plots containing different buffer strip widths with similar vegetation density were constructed for in situ scouring experiments. Each plot received 11 tests with 2 discharges (i.e., 7 tests simulating 83.3 L min−1 and 4 tests simulating 166.7 L min−1). Buffer strips clearly decrease flow hydraulics (about 56–70%) and increase flow resistance (1.2 to 1.5 times) according to the selected hydraulic parameters. After 11 tests, total net erosion volume (NEV) and average sediment concentration from each gully bed showed an exponential decreasing relationship with increasing widths of buffer strips. All the selected hydraulic parameters showed a strong correlation with total NEV from the bare soil sections (0.43 < R2 < .61 with significance level reaching .01), whereas the relationship was very weak in the buffer strips. The gross deposition volume in buffer strips showed a linear correlation with upstream NEV (NEVu) and flow velocity (R2 = .91, p < .001). Split flow effects expressed by braid index increased with increasing widths of buffer strips and scouring times. Both bare and vegetated sections suffered from erosion clearly, but the average NEV from buffer strips was about 30.2% of bare soil sections. This indicated the buffer strip effects on reducing erosion were more significant than trapping sediments were in this study.
Ketogenic Diet Based on Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Has No Effects in Young Wistar Rats With Pilocarpine‐Induced Epilepsy
Authors: Melo Isabelle T. , M. Rêgo Elisabete , Bueno Nassib B. , Gomes Tâmara C. , Oliveira Suzana L. , Trindade‐Filho Euclides M. , Cabral‐Jr. Cyro R. , Machado Tacy S. , Galvão Jaqueline A. , R. Ataide Terezinha 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) based on extra virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L., VCO), on the treatment of epileptic rats. Two sets of experiments were conducted. First, male Wistar rats underwent induction of status epilepticus (SE) with the administration of pilocarpine intraperitoneally 21 animals reached spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and were randomly allocated to the dietary regimens and video‐monitored for 19 days. In the second experiment, 24 animals were randomized immediately after the induction of SE and followed for 67 days. Diets were as follows: Control (AIN‐93G; 7% lipid), KetoTAGsoya (KD based on soybean oil; 69.79% lipid), and KetoTAGcoco (KD based on VCO; 69.79% lipid). There were no differences in the latency to the first crisis, total frequency, and duration of the SRS between groups in 2 experiments. The data suggest no effects of KD, with or without VCO, in rats with pilocarpine‐induced epilepsy.
Automatic intraoperative stitching of nonoverlapping cone‐beam CT acquisitions
Authors: Fotouhi Javad , Fuerst Bernhard , Unberath Mathias , Reichenstein Stefan , Lee Sing Chun , Johnson Alex A. , Osgood Greg M. , Armand Mehran , Navab Nassir 
Published: March 2018

PurposeCone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is one of the primary imaging modalities in radiation therapy, dentistry, and orthopedic interventions. While CBCT provides crucial intraoperative information, it is bounded by a limited imaging volume, resulting in reduced effectiveness. This paper introduces an approach allowing real‐time intraoperative stitching of overlapping and nonoverlapping CBCT volumes to enable 3D measurements on large anatomical structures.MethodsA CBCT‐capable mobile C‐arm is augmented with a red‐green‐blue‐depth (RGBD) camera. An offline cocalibration of the two imaging modalities results in coregistered video, infrared, and x‐ray views of the surgical scene. Then, automatic stitching of multiple small, nonoverlapping CBCT volumes is possible by recovering the relative motion of the C‐arm with respect to the patient based on the camera observations. We propose three methods to recover the relative pose: RGB‐based tracking of visual markers that are placed near the surgical site, RGBD‐based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) of the surgical scene which incorporates both color and depth information for pose estimation, and surface tracking of the patient using only depth data provided by the RGBD sensor.ResultsOn an animal cadaver, we show stitching errors as low as 0.33, 0.91, and 1.72 mm when the visual marker, RGBD SLAM, and surface data are used for tracking, respectively.ConclusionsThe proposed method overcomes one of the major limitations of CBCT C‐arm systems by integrating vision‐based tracking and expanding the imaging volume without any intraoperative use of calibration grids or external tracking systems. We believe this solution to be most appropriate for 3D intraoperative verification of several orthopedic procedures.