bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibiting transforming growth factor‐β signaling regulates in vitro maintenance and differentiation of bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Xin , An Xing‐Lan , Zhu Xian‐Chun , Jiang Yu , Zhai Yan‐Hui , Zhang Sheng , Cai Ning‐Ning , Tang Bo , Li Zi‐Yi , Zhang Xue‐Ming 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bBMSC) are potential stem cell source which can be used for multipurpose. However, their application is limited because the in vitro maintenance of these cells is usually accompanied by aging and multipotency losing. Considering transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) pathway inhibitor Repsox is beneficial for cell reprogramming, here we investigated its impacts on the maintenance and differentiation of bBMSC. The bBMSC were enriched and characterized by morphology, immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and multilineage differentiation. The impacts of Repsox on their proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, multipotency, and differentiation were examined by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), real‐time polymerase chain reaction, induced differentiation and specific staining. The results showed that highly purified cluster of diffrentiation 73+ (CD73
+)/CD90
+/CD105
+/CD34
−/CD45
− bBMSC with adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacities were enriched. Repsox treatments (5 μM, 48 hr) enhanced the messenger RNA mRNA levels of the proliferation gene (telomerase reverse transcriptase [
TERT]; basic fibroblast growth factor [
bFGF]), apoptosis‐related gene (
bax and
Bcl2), antiapoptosis ratio (
Bcl2/bax), and pluripotency marker gene (
Oct4, Sox2, and
Nanog), instead of changing the cell cycle, in bBMSC. Repsox treatments also enhanced the osteogenic differentiation but attenuated the chondrogenic differentiation of bBMSC, concomitant with decreased Smad2 and increased Smad3/4 expressions in TGF‐β pathway. Collectively, inhibiting TGF‐β/Smad signaling by Repsox regulates the in vitro maintenance and differentiation of bBMSC.
Upper bounds on the uniquely restricted chromatic index
Authors: Baste Julien , Rautenbach Dieter , Sau Ignasi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGolumbic, Hirst, and Lewenstein define a matching in a simple, finite, and undirected graph to be uniquely restricted if no other matching covers exactly the same set of vertices. We consider uniquely restricted edge‐colorings of , defined as partitions of its edge set into uniquely restricted matchings, and study the uniquely restricted chromatic index of , defined as the minimum number of uniquely restricted matchings required for such a partition. For every graph , urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt22429:jgt22429-math-0006 where is the classical chromatic index, the acyclic chromatic index, and the strong chromatic index of . While Vizing's famous theorem states that is either the maximum degree of or , two famous open conjectures due to Alon, Sudakov, and Zaks, and to Erdős and Nešetřil concern upper bounds on and in terms of . Since is sandwiched between these two parameters, studying upper bounds in terms of is a natural problem. We show that with equality if and only if some component of is . If is connected, bipartite, and distinct from , and is at least , then, adapting Lovász's elegant proof of Brooks’ theorem, we show that . Our proofs are constructive and yield efficient algorithms to determine the corresponding edge‐colorings.
Skull variation in a shovel‐headed amphisbaenian genus, inferred from the geometric morphometric analysis of five South American Leposternon species
Authors: Hohl Leandro S. L. , Barros‐Filho José D. , Rocha‐Barbosa Oscar 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAmphisabenia is a group of squamates adapted for a fossorial lifestyle. The skull is the animal's the main digging tool, and can present one of four principal shapes. The shovel‐headed shape is considered to be the most specialized for digging. The South American genus Leposternon presents a shovel‐headed morphotype, and is widely distributed on this continent. The general shovel‐headed skull pattern may vary considerably, even within the same genus, and we hypothesized that this variation may be influenced primarily by body size and geographical factors. This study investigated the variation in skull size and shape among five Leposternon species, and examined the potential relationship between this variation and the size of the specimens and bioclimatic variables, through a geometric morphometric approach. Significant morphological variation was found among the species, and was also related systematically to body size and the geographical distribution of the specimens. As even subtle differences in the skull size or shape may represent significant modification in bite force and digging capacity and digging speed, the cranial variation found among the Leposternon species and specimens may have a direct influence on their diet and locomotor performance. Our results, together with direct observations of some of these species, suggest that shovel‐headed amphisbaenians may be able to penetrate different soil types under a range of climatic conditions, especially considering the ample, but often sympatric distribution of the species studied here.
T1ρ and T2 mapping for the determination of articular cartilage denaturalization with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A prospective controlled trial
Authors: Han Xiaorui , Hong Guoju , Chen Leilei , Zhao Man , Guo Yuan , Xu Ling , Wu Mei , Leng Xiaoming , Sun Ping 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundIn the future, biochemical MRI might provide a valuable noninvasive quantitative analysis of the biochemical composition of cartilage in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).PurposeTo investigate the diagnostic performance of T1ρ and T2 mapping in cartilage denaturalization with ONFH and to determine the correlation between T1ρ and T2 mapping and the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsForty‐seven patients with ONFH (stage I to III according to the ARCO criteria) and 24 volunteers (control group) were recruited for the prospective study.SequenceConventional MRI, multiple echo recalled gradient echo (MERGE), and T1ρ and T2 mapping sequences.AssessmentPseudocolor images and MERGE images were combined in the AW4.5 workstation. The region of interest (ROI) of the hip cartilage was 4–6 mm². The sagittal T1ρ and T2 mapping values were calculated by the two first authors.Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), LSD t‐tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.ResultsThe T1ρ and T2 mapping values of the ONFH group were significantly higher than the values of the control group (P = 0.000). Regarding the assessment of the severity of ARCO staging, both T1ρ (r = 0.66, P = 0.004) and T2 mapping (r = 0.501, P = 0.002) were positively associated with disease severity. The T1ρ values were positively correlated with the T2 mapping values (r = 0.381, P = 0.000). The areas under the curve (AUC) for the T1ρ and T2 mapping values were 0.822 and 0.791, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 72.34% and 70.83% for T1ρ mapping and 72.34% and 58.33%, respectively, for T2 mapping.Data ConclusionBoth T1ρ and T2 mapping performed well in diagnosing the cartilage denaturalization in ARCO stage I‐III ONFH patients. T1ρ mapping had a higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity than T2 mapping.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:760–767.
Activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway alleviates the cognitive deficits in PS1V97L‐Tg mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease through modulation of oxidative stress
Authors: Tian Yuanruhua , Wang Wei , Xu Lingzhi , Li Haitao , Wei Yiping , Wu Qiaoqi , Jia Jianping 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOxidative stress refers to an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative systems due to environmental factors. Although oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), its precise role is not yet understood. We aimed to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of the oxidative stress by using in vitro cultured neurons and in vivo AD models of PS1V97L‐transgenic (Tg) mice. Our results showed that when oxidative stress became increasingly evident, the endogenous protective pathway of nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) decreased in 10‐month‐old PS1V97L‐Tg mice. Activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway suppressed oxidative stress, decreased amyloid‐β (Aβ), and improved the cognitive function of the PS1V97L‐Tg mice. In contrast, blocking the Nrf2/ARE pathway augmented oxidative injury and decreased the cell viability of PS1V97L‐Tg neurons. Our results highlight the role of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in regulating oxidative stress of the PS1V97L‐Tg mice and may indicate a potential therapeutic avenue for AD treatment.
Significance of keratinized mucosa/gingiva on peri‐implant and adjacent periodontal conditions in erratic maintenance compliers
Authors: Monje Alberto , Blasi Gonzalo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundGiven the fact that most patients are not regular compliers in supportive peri‐implant maintenance programs, it is of interest to examine the significance of the peri‐implant soft tissue characteristics in relationship to the onset of peri‐implant diseases.MethodsBased on an a priori statistical power calculation, a cross‐sectional study was conducted on erratic peri‐implant maintenance compliers (<2 times/year) to examine the significance of keratinized mucosa (KM) and gingival tissue (KT) on peri‐implant and adjacent periodontal conditions in implants restored ≥3 years. Seven clinical parameters were recorded around implants and the adjacent buccal sites. Radiographic assessment was performed using periapical X‐rays. In addition, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the impact of KM upon brushing comfort. The case definition used for peri‐implant diseases was in accordance with the 2017 World Workshop on the classification of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases and conditions.ResultsOverall, 37 patients with 45 edentulous gaps restored with 66 implants and 90 adjacent teeth were analyzed. On comparing a KM band of <2 mm versus ≥2 mm, with the exception of suppuration (P = 0.6), all the clinical and radiographic parameters were significantly increased when the KM band was <2 mm (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between KM and KT (r = 0.55), though a lack of KM did not condition a lack of KT. In the presence of peri‐implantitis, only bleeding on probing at the adjacent dentate sites was identified to be increased.ConclusionsThe presence of <2 mm of KM around dental implants in erratic maintenance compliers seems to be associated with peri‐implant diseases. The lack of KM constitutes a site‐specific phenomenon independent of the keratinized tissue present in the adjacent dentition (NCT03501537).
Interactions of Some Hofmeister Cations with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sharker Komol Kanta , Nazrul Islam Md. , Das Shuvo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this work, we have investigated the influence of some alkali metal ions on the Krafft temperature (TK) and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of a classical ionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), over a wide range of temperature. The alkali metal cations such as Li+, Na+, Cs+, and K+ are found to affect the solubility and hence the TK of the surfactant. It was observed that kosmotropic Li+ lowers the TK of the surfactant. Due to the common ion effect, the solubility of SDS decreases in the presence of Na+, resulting in an increase in the TK. On the other hand, chaotropic K+ and Cs+, capable of forming contact ion pairs with the chaotropic dodecyl sulfate ion, lower the solubility and hence elevate the TK. In terms of decreasing the TK, the ions follow the trend: Li+ > Na+ > Cs+ > K+ except for 0.0025 M CsCl. The added cations screen the charge of the micelle surface and facilitate closer packing of the surfactant with a consequent decrease in the CMC. In terms of the effectiveness in lowering the CMC, the ions follow the order: Cs+ > K+ > Na+ > Li+. In the presence of added electrolytes, the γCMC values are found to be lower than the corresponding values in pure water. The thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes) of micellization were calculated to gain insights into the mechanism of the process.
In vitro fermentation of oligosaccharides obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of Opuntia streptacantha mucilage
Authors: Reyes‐Reyes Mónica , Salazar‐Montoya Juan Alfredo , Rodríguez‐Páez Lorena I , Ramos‐Ramírez Emma Gloria 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmong Cactaceae, the genus Opuntia is widely known for the use of its biomass as cattle fodder and in human nutrition (e.g. species such as Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia streptacantha). In particular, O. streptacantha (OS) produces abundant mucilage and, hence, the characterization of its properties and nutritional value is important. Accordingly, determination of the dietary fiber content of the OS mucilage and the fermentability of its hydrolysis products (oligosaccharides, OLI) is important for developing new uses of the crop as a functional food.RESULTSThe values for insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber in the mucilage were 204.6 and 371.6 g kg−1, respectively. After hydrolysis of OS mucilage with α‐amylase, three purified fractions of OLI were evaluated (OLI‐A, OLI‐B and OLI‐C). OLI (1% w/v) stimulated the growth of the commercial probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) in vitro, showing behaviors similar to those of commercial inulin. The production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the fermentation broth was also determined. The final pH of the fermentation broth as well as the identification and concentrations of SCFA depended on the type of OLI and probiotic used.CONCLUSIONThe OS mucilage is an unconventional fiber source and can be used to produce non‐digestible OLI as functional compounds. This knowledge will be useful for proposing new sustainable ways of processing cacti crops for food and industrial purposes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Accumulation, mobilization, and transformation of selenium in rice grain provided with foliar sodium selenite
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Umer , Tang Zhichen , Zeng Rui , Liang Yuanke , Zhang Yujie , Zheng Tengda , Ei Hla H , Ye Xiaoying , Jia Xiaomei , Zhu Jianqing 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSelenium is an indispensable trace element for humans and its deficiency can lead to serious health complications. Nearly 70% of the area of China faces selenium deficiency. To deal with this problem, selenium‐enriched rice has been increasingly incorporated into everyday diets. However, there is a lack of in‐depth studies of the absorption, translocation, and transformation of selenium in the different parts of the rice plant when sprayed with sodium selenite.RESULTSFoliar sodium selenite applied at critical growth stages can significantly improve the total and organic selenium content of plants. Application of 10 mg L−1 sodium selenite led to the most organic selenium (0.03 mg kg−1) in polished rice. Correlation studies of sodium selenite applied to leaves and other plant parts showed that total selenium accumulated most in glume, followed by rice bran, then polished rice, and finally embryo. The behavior of organic selenium was different. Organic selenium accumulated most in polished rice, then embryo, then rice bran, and finally glume. Moreover, 75–85% of the Se found in polished rice and embryo was organic in nature.CONCLUSIONSWe propose that 10 mg L−1 sodium selenite can be recommended as appropriate for foliar fertilization in the organic selenium biofortification of Se‐free rice. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Air access liberalization, marketing promotion and tourism development
Authors: Seetanah Boopen , Sannassee Raja Vinesh , Teeroovengadum Viraiyan , Nunkoo Robin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper in the first place attempts to assess the impact of air access liberalization on tourism development for Mauritius and secondly goes on to analyse the dual impact of the interplay between air access liberalization and marketing promotion efforts as well. Using dynamic time series analysis, namely an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework over the period 1970 to 2015, the results reveal that air access liberalization is an important element for tourism development. The findings also interestingly point to the positive and significant impact of the interplay between air access liberalization and marketing promotion efforts in attracting tourist.
A miniaturized ultra‐high frequency microstrip traveling wave antenna Array for cm‐level two‐dimensional identification and position detection systems
Authors: Jeong Min‐Gyo , Seo Dong‐Geun , Ahn Seong‐Hyeop , Lee Wang‐Sang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this article, a miniaturized ultra‐high frequency (UHF) microstrip traveling wave antenna (TWA) array for cm‐level 2D identification (ID) and position detection systems is proposed. The proposed miniaturized TWA array with nine reading zones for ID and position detection systems has been reduced in size by utilizing LC‐baluns and a microstrip TWA array. It covers the authorized universal UHF radio frequency ID band (840‐960 MHz), has low insertion loss (0.8 dB), and high isolations between TWAs are ≤30 dB. The sensing precision of the proposed TWA array is approximately 1.5 cm and its physical size is 95 × 95 mm2 (~1/4 λ0 at 915 MHz).
High sensitivity strain sensor based on twin hollow microspheres
Authors: Monteiro Catarina S. , Kobelke Jens , Schuster Kay , Bierlich Jörg , Silva Susana O. , Frazão Orlando 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA sensor based on 2 hollow core microspheres is proposed. Each microsphere was produced separately through fusion splicing and then joined. The resultant structure is a Fabry‐Perot interferometer with multiple interferences that can be approximated to a 4‐wave interferometer. Strain characterization was attained for a maximum of 1350 με, achieving a linear response with a sensitivity of 3.39 ± 0.04 pm/με. The fabrication technique, fast and with no chemical hazards, as opposed to other fabrication techniques, makes the proposed sensor a compelling solution for strain measurements in hash environments.
Going through laparoscopic liver resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases—A qualitative study
Authors: Bøe Camilla , Bondevik Hilde , Wahl Astrid Klopstad , Andersen Marit Helen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimColorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Surgery is seen as the only curative treatment. There are two approaches to liver resection: open or laparoscopic surgery. Knowledge from the patient perspective can illuminate how it is experienced going through laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to study patient perspectives of the experience of undergoing laparoscopic liver resection surgery in patients with colorectal liver metastases.DesignThis study has a qualitative research design. Nine patients participated in semi‐structured interviews 6 months after surgery. Data were analysed according to Kvale's five‐step analysis method.ResultsThough the patients were satisfied with the laparoscopic approach, they expressed unmet informational needs about the new technique, time after discharge and surgery outcomes related to having metastatic cancer. Healthcare professionals should provide information and support that recognizes the needs of patients with cancer undergoing laparoscopic liver resection surgery.
Promising approaches to improve the performances of hybrid non‐isocyanate polyurethane
Authors: Ke Jiexi , Li Xiaoyun , Jiang Shuai , Liang Chen , Wang Junwei , Kang Maoqing , Li Qifeng , Zhao Yuhua 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe performances of hybrid non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) materials were improved by using promising approaches. For the ring‐opening reaction of cyclic carbonate with excess amine, methanol was selected as solvent to increase the molar mass of NH2‐terminated NIPU pre‐polymer but also caused the formation of urea as a result of eliminating hydrogen bonding between NIPU chains. Meanwhile, another approach was carried out to reduce the content of urea by altering the introduction mode of reactants, along with further increasing the molar mass of the NIPU pre‐polymer. The final hybrid materials were prepared by adding bisphenol‐A diglycidyl ether into the pre‐polymer. The results indicated that the introduction of methanol and the change of the introduction mode of reactants could improve the performance of the hybrid materials. The hybrid material derived from the forward method has optimal performance with a tensile strength of 10.8 MPa, elongation at break of 167%, a glass transition temperature of 49.1 °C and a crosslinking density of 450 mol m−3as well as presentable thermodynamic stability, ascribed to the high molar mass of the NIPU pre‐polymer, the low urea content and the dense crosslinking network. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of substituents on the UV spectra of supermolecular system: Silver nanoparticles with bi‐aryl Schiff bases containing hydroxyl
Authors: Cao Chao‐Tun , Cheng Shimao , Zhang Jingyuan , Cao Chenzhong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEffect of substituents on the ultraviolet (UV) spectra of supermolecular system involving silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Schiff bases was investigated. AgNPs and 49 samples of model compounds (MC), bi‐aryl Schiff bases containing hydroxyl (XBAY, involving 4‐OHArCHNArY, 2‐OHArCHNArY, XArCHNAr‐4′‐OH, and XArCHNAr‐2′‐OH), were synthesized. The size of AgNPs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the UV absorption spectra of AgNPs, XBAYs, and MC‐AgNPs mixed solutions were measured, respectively. The results show that (1) the size of AgNPs is larger in MC‐AgNPs solutions than that in AgNPs solution due to the distribution of MC molecules on the surface of AgNPs; (2) the UV absorption wavelength of XBAYs changes in the action of AgNPs and their wavelength shift exists limitation between XBAY and MC‐AgNPs solutions; and (3) the wavelength shift limit of MC‐AgNPs (λWSL) is influenced by the substituents X and Y and the position of hydroxyl OH. The wavenumber ΔνWSL of λWSL can be quantified by employing the excited‐state substituent constant
and Hammett constant σ of substituents X and Y. Comparing with the 4‐OH, the 4′‐OH makes the ΔνWSL a red shift, whereas the 2′‐OH, comparing with the 2‐OH, makes the ΔνWSL a blue shift.
Critical parameters controlling the properties of monolithic poly(lactic acid) foams prepared by thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Onder Ozgun Can , Yilgor Emel , Yilgor Iskender 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTMonolithic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) foams were produced by thermally induced phase separation. PLA solutions with concentrations 8–22 wt % were prepared in tetrahydrofuran/methanol (THF/MeOH) solvent/nonsolvent mixtures at 55 °C. Homogenous solutions were quenched at −20 °C to induce phase separation and gelation. Resulting gels were mechanically stabilized by solvent exchange. Subsequent supercritical CO2 drying yielded monolithic PLA foams. Crystal structure and degree of crystallinity of the foams were obtained by x‐ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry. Morphologies were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Tuning the PLA concentration and THF/MeOH ratio enabled preparation of monolithic PLA foams. Depending on the experimental conditions various morphologies, such as: interconnected networks, thin platelets, lamellar stacks, axialites, and spherulites were formed. Monoliths obtained were highly crystalline. By changing the PLA concentration monoliths with controlled average pore sizes (170–1440 nm) and porosities (80–90%) were produced. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 98–108