bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skeletal muscle patch engineering on synthetic and acellular human skeletal muscle originated scaffolds
Authors: Ay Birol , Karaoz Erdal , Kesemenli Cumhur C. , Kenar Halime 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe reconstruction of skeletal muscle tissue is currently performed by transplanting a muscle tissue graft from local or distant sites of the patient's body, but this practice leads to donor site morbidity in case of large defects. With the aim of providing an alternative treatment approach, skeletal muscle tissue formation potential of human myoblasts and human menstrual blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMB‐MSCs) on synthetic [poly(l‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone), 70:30] scaffolds with oriented microfibers, human muscle extracellular matrix (ECM), and their hybrids was investigated in this study. The reactive muscle ECM pieces were chemically crosslinked to the synthetic scaffolds to produce the hybrids. Cell proliferation assay WST‐1, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and immunostaining were carried out after culturing the cells on the scaffolds. The ECM and the synthetic scaffolds were effective in promoting spontaneous myotube formation from human myoblasts. Anisotropic muscle patch formation was more successful when human myoblasts were grown on the synthetic scaffolds. Nonetheless, spontaneous differentiation could not be induced in hMB‐MSCs on any type of the scaffolds. Human myoblast‐synthetic scaffold combination is promising as a skeletal muscle patch, and can be improved further to serve as a fast integrating functional patch by introducing vascular and neuronal networks to the structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 879–890, 2017.
Undergraduate Students' Beliefs about Engineering Problem Solving
Authors: McNeill Nathan J. , Douglas Elliot P. , Koro‐Ljungberg Mirka , Therriault David J. , Krause Ilana 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundProblem solving is considered to be a central activity of engineering practice. While some studies have shown how various beliefs affect students' abilities to solve problems, studies are needed that explicitly examine the beliefs and assumptions students bring to the problem‐solving process.Purpose/HypothesisThe purpose of this qualitative research was to describe students' engineering problem‐solving processes and develop a conceptual model that illustrates students' beliefs about problem solving. Our research question was, What beliefs do students have about engineering problem solving?Design/MethodWe analyzed data from retrospective semistructured interviews carried out after a problem‐solving session. We interviewed nine engineering students about the processes they used to solve the problems and the assumptions and beliefs that guided their problem solving. We then used grounded theory to identify and analyze statements from the interviews and to develop a conceptual model of student beliefs.ResultsThe resulting model has five major categories: the problem‐solving process itself, the role of classroom problems, the role of workplace problems, personal characteristics that affect problem solving, and resources that assist problem solving. Students identify a sharp distinction between classroom problems and workplace problems.ConclusionsOur conceptual model provides an initial framework for understanding how students' beliefs affect their approaches to engineering problems. In contrast to stage models, our model shows that students' epistemic beliefs about problem solving are contextual. Future work is needed to understand the limits and extend the applicability of our model.
The need for organization of laparoscopic liver resection
Authors: Cherqui Daniel , Wakabayashi Go , Geller David A. , Buell Joseph F. , Han Ho‐Seong , Soubrane Olivier , O'Rourke Nicholas ,   on behalf of the International Laparoscopic Liver Society
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this article, we present the rationale for creating a new society aiming at organizing laparoscopic liver surgery. It has been named International Laparoscopic Liver Society (ILLS). Its main mission is to facilitate the diffusion and education of laparoscopic liver resection for meaningful improvements in patient care. This will include organization of a biannual congress dedicated to laparoscopic liver resection, coordination of international registries, helping in the education of surgeons wishing to learn these techniques including travel grants, provide a website serving as a forum supporting collaboration between surgeons interested in the advancement of laparoscopic liver resection techniques (http://www.ills.global/). ILLS aims at working in collaboration with existing HPB societies.
The Laterosensory Canal System in Epigean and Subterranean Ituglanis (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), With Comments About Troglomorphism and the Phylogeny of the Genus
Authors: Rizzato Pedro Pereira , Bichuette Maria Elina 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe laterosensory system is a mechanosensory modality involved in many aspects of fish biology and behavior. Laterosensory perception may be crucial for individual survival, especially in habitats where other sensory modalities are generally useless, such as the permanently aphotic subterranean environment. In the present study, we describe the laterosensory canal system of epigean and subterranean species of the genus Ituglanis (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae). With seven independent colonizations of the subterranean environment in a limited geographical range coupled with a high diversity of epigean forms, the genus is an excellent model for the study of morphological specialization to hypogean life. The comparison between epigean and subterranean species reveals a trend toward reduction of the laterosensory canal system in the subterranean species, coupled with higher intraspecific variability and asymmetry. This trend is mirrored in other subterranean fishes and in species living in different confined spaces, like the interstitial environment. Therefore, we propose that the reduction of the laterosensory canal system should be regarded as a troglomorphic (= cave‐related) character for subterranean fishes. We also comment about the patterns of the laterosensory canal system in trichomycterids and use the diversity of this system among species of Ituglanis to infer phylogenetic relationships within the genus. J. Morphol. 278:4–28, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
Herbal and prescription weight loss products: awareness among pharmacists about efficacy and safety
Authors: Shamsher Areeg A. A. , Nadeem Nada , Nadeem Verda , Mutib Khawla O. , Mutib Nasiba O. , Charoo Naseem A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundWeight loss medications that were traditionally considered safe and effective are associated with severe adverse effects.AimThe present work seeks to disseminate awareness about the effectiveness and safety of weight loss medications.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed across the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates involving 250 registered pharmacists. Pre‐designed open‐ended questionnaires comprising of four sections were employed to collect responses from the pharmacists.ResultsThe mean responses indicated that 98% of pharmacists dispense prescription weight loss medications, and 96% of the pharmacists also stock herbal products. The number of pharmacists who provided patient counselling was 32.7% from which feedback was received in 59.2% of cases after the administration of medications. Pharmacists' opinions on the occurrence of adverse effects can be rank ordered as kidney stone > diarrhoea > hypertension > dizziness > weakness > fever. Physical activity and diet control were the preferred weight loss measures. In all, 81.8% reasoned that prescription weight loss products have severe adverse effects and their use should be restricted, thereby leading to the low recommendation level (30.21%). In comparison, 93% believed that adverse effects of herbal products are less. Healthy weight management services were available in only 10.96% of pharmacies although 98.3% of participants recommended such services.ConclusionThe knowledge void pertaining to the use of herbal medications and weight management was discerned in this study and rigorous and quality training for healthcare professionals is proposed.
Predictors of breeding site occupancy by amphibians in montane landscapes
Authors: Groff Luke A. , Loftin Cynthia S. , Calhoun Aram J.K. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTEcological relationships and processes vary across species’ geographic distributions, life stages and spatial, and temporal scales. Montane landscapes are characterized by low wetland densities, rugged topographies, and cold climates. Consequently, aquatic‐dependent and low‐vagility ectothermic species (e.g., pool‐breeding amphibians) may exhibit unique ecological associations in montane landscapes. We evaluated the relative importance of breeding‐ and landscape‐scale features associated with spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) wetland occupancy in Maine's Upper Montane‐Alpine Zone ecoregion, and we determined whether models performed better when the inclusive landscape‐scale covariates were estimated with topography‐weighted or circular buffers. We surveyed 135 potential breeding sites during May 2013–June 2014 and evaluated environmental relationships with multi‐season implicit dynamics occupancy models. Breeding site occupancy by both species was influenced solely by breeding‐scale habitat features. Spotted salamander occupancy probabilities increased with previous or current beaver (Castor canadensis) presence, and models generally were better supported when the inclusive landscape‐scale covariates were estimated with topography‐weighted rather than circular buffers. Wood frog occupancy probabilities increased with site area and percent shallows, but neither buffer type was better supported than the other. Model rank order and support varied between buffer types, but model inferences did not. Our results suggest pool‐breeding amphibian conservation in montane Maine include measures to maintain beaver populations and large wetlands with proportionally large areas of shallows ≤1‐m deep. Inconsistencies between our study and previous studies substantiate the value of region‐specific research for augmenting species’ conservation management plans and suggest the application of out‐of‐region inferences may promote ineffective conservation. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Applying the USLE Family of Models at the Sparacia (South Italy) Experimental Site
Authors: Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito , Pampalone Vincenzo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSoil erosion is a key process to understand the land degradation, and modelling of soil erosion will help to understand the process and to foresee its impacts. The applicability of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) at event scale is affected by the fact that USLE rainfall erosivity factor does not take into account runoff explicitly. USLE‐M and USLE‐MM, including the effect of runoff in the event rainfall–runoff erosivity factor, are characterized by a better capacity to predict event soil loss. The specific objectives of this paper were (i) to determine the suitable parameterization of USLE, USLE‐M and USLE‐MM by using the dataseries of Sparacia experimental site and (ii) to evaluate their performances at both event and annual scale. The measurements allowed to establish the relationships for calculating the factors of USLE, USLE‐M and USLE‐MM usable at the Sparacia experimental area. At first, for slope‐length values greater than 33 m, the calibration of USLE model at event scale pointed out that sediment delivery processes, that is processes involving deposition of the transported eroded soil particles, occur. The analysis showed that USLE and USLE‐M tend to overestimate low event soil losses, while for USLE‐MM, this tendency is less pronounced. However, the USLE‐MM performed better than USLE and USLE‐M and was able to reproduce better than other two models the highest soil loss values that are the most interesting from a practical point of view. The results obtained at annual scale were generally consistent with those obtained at event scale. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling Hot Spots of Soil Loss by Wind Erosion (SoLoWind) in Western Saxony, Germany
Authors: Schmidt Simon , Meusburger Katrin , de Figueiredo Tomás , Alewell Christine 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhile it needs yet to be assessed whether or not wind erosion in Western Saxony is a major point of concern regarding land degradation and fertility, it has already been recognized that considerable off‐site effects of wind erosion in the adjacent regions of Saxony‐Anhalt and Brandenburg are connected to the spread of herbicides, pesticides and dust. So far, no wind erosion assessment for Western Saxony, Germany, exists. The wind erosion model previously applied for Germany (DIN standard 19706) is considering neither changes in wind direction over time nor influences of field size. This study aims to provide a first assessment of wind erosion for Western Saxony by extending the existing DIN model to a multidirectional model on soil loss by wind (SoLoWind) with new controlling factors (changing wind directions, soil cover, mean field length and mean protection zone) combined by fuzzy logic. SoLoWind is used for a local off‐site effect evaluation in combination with high‐resolution wind speed and wind direction data at a section of the highway A72. The model attributes 3·6% of the arable fields in Western Saxony to the very‐high‐wind erosion risk class. A relationship between larger fields (greater than 116 ha) and higher proportions (51·7%) of very‐high‐wind erosion risk can be observed. Sections of the highway A72 might be under high risk according to the modelled off‐site effects of wind erosion. The presented applications showed the potential of SoLoWind to support and consult management for protection measures on a regional scale. © 2016 The Authors. Land Degradation and Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processing of multibeam water column image data for automated bubble/seep detection and repeated mapping
Authors: Urban Peter , Köser Kevin , Greinert Jens 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWater Column Imaging Multibeam Echosounder Systems (MBES) are effective and sensitive tools for investigating free gas (bubble) release and its rise through the water column. The main advantages of MBES are the detection range and lateral coverage in the water column and at the seafloor; furthermore, they are becoming increasingly available on research vessels worldwide. However, high noise levels and systematic artefacts due to side‐lobe induced signal interference degrade MBES Water Column Images (WCIs) and hampered automated bubble detection and related gas seepage investigations. We present a new technique advancing automated detection of bubble streams and moving toward a quantitative gas‐release assessment. It is shown that bubble streams can be detected reliably by their spatio‐temporal behavior even when they are discontinuous in WCI data. Using assumptions about the bubble rising trajectories, bubble release spots at the seafloor can be traced even if the source location is obscured by acoustic noise or unwanted acoustic targets. A map with acoustic response and source locations of bubbles being released can be produced and serves as a starting point for more detailed quantitative analyses. The efficiency of the method has been assessed at a methane seep site in the Dutch North Sea. Multiple survey lines are merged to a detailed acoustic map of the area. Processed results are in good agreement with manual investigations of the WCI data as well as ROV‐based video analysis.
Non‐canonical expression patterns and evolutionary rates of sex‐biased genes in a seasonal fish
Authors: Machado Miguel P. , Matos Isa , Grosso Ana R. , Schartl Manfred , Coelho Maria M. 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYSex determination is a highly variable process that utilizes many different mechanisms to initiate the cascade of differentiation processes. The molecular pathways controlling sexual development are less conserved than previously assumed, and appear to require active maintenance in some species; indeed, the developmental decision of gonad phenotype in gonochoristic species is not fixed at an early developmental stage. Much of the knowledge about sex determination mechanisms was derived from research on gonochoristic, non‐seasonal breeders. In this study, the transcriptome of resting adult gonads of a seasonal breeder, the endangered Iberian cyprinid fish Squalius pyrenaicus, was analyzed to assess the expression patterns and evolutionary rates of sex‐biased genes that could be involved in maintenance of gonad identity as well as in sex determination. Remarkably, some crucial female genes—such as aromatase cyp19a1a, estrogen receptor esr1a, and foxl2—were expressed more abundantly in S. pyrenaicus testis than in ovaries. Moreover, contrary to the higher evolutionary rate changes observed in male‐biased genes, higher dN/dS ratios were observed for female‐biased genes than for male‐biased genes in S. pyrenaicus. These results help unravel the impact of seasonality in sex determination mechanisms and the evolution of genes, and highlight the need to study fish at different gonadal maturation states to understand the function of sex‐biased genes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1102–1115, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CREB activity is required for luteinizing hormone‐induced the expression of EGF‐like factors
Authors: Wang Yakun , Hao Xiaoqiong , Yang Jing , Li Jia , Zhang Meijia 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYA surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland induces the expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like factors, which triggers oocyte maturation, cumulus expansion, and ovulation. How LH induces EGF‐like factor expression is unclear. In the present study, a rapid increase of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) was observed after the activation of LH receptor by human chorionic gonadotropin. Large antral follicles from equine chorionic gonadotropin‐primed mice were cultured in medium with LH to stimulate the expression of EGF‐like factors. CREB phosphorylation was increased in granulosa cells; conversely KG‐501, a CREB functional inhibitor, significantly reduced LH‐induced gene expression of EGF‐like factors, oocyte meiotic resumption, and cumulus cell expansion. Reduction of CREB expression by Creb siRNA also repressed LH‐induced expression of EGF‐like factors in cultured granulosa cells. Inactivation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK3/1) by U0126 inhibited LH‐induced CREB phosphorylation and EGF‐like factors gene expression, whereas the activation of LH receptor increased Akt/protein kinase B phosphorylation, which is involved in LH‐induced CREB phosphorylation and the expression of EGF‐like factors. Thus, LH induces MAPK3/1 and Akt activation, both of which are required for the CREB‐promoted expression of EGF‐like factors in granulosa cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1116–1127, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectrally selective three‐dimensional dynamic balanced steady‐state free precession for hyperpolarized C‐13 metabolic imaging with spectrally selective radiofrequency pulses
Authors: Shang Hong , Sukumar Subramaniam , von Morze Cornelius , Bok Robert A. , Marco‐Rius Irene , Kerr Adam , Reed Galen D. , Milshteyn Eugene , Ohliger Michael A. , Kurhanewicz John , Larson Peder E.Z. , Pauly John M. , Vigneron Daniel B. 
Published: October 2016

PurposeBalanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequences can provide superior signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency for hyperpolarized (HP) carbon‐13 (13C) magnetic resonance imaging by efficiently utilizing the nonrecoverable magnetization, but managing their spectral response is challenging in the context of metabolic imaging. A new spectrally selective bSSFP sequence was developed for fast imaging of multiple HP 13C metabolites with high spatiotemporal resolution.Theory and MethodsThis novel approach for bSSFP spectral selectivity incorporates optimized short‐duration spectrally selective radiofrequency pulses within a bSSFP pulse train and a carefully chosen repetition time to avoid banding artifacts.ResultsThe sequence enabled subsecond 3D dynamic spectrally selective imaging of 13C metabolites of copolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and [13C]urea at 2‐mm isotropic resolution, with excellent spectral selectivity (∼100:1). The sequence was successfully tested in phantom studies and in vivo studies with normal mice.ConclusionThis sequence is expected to benefit applications requiring dynamic volumetric imaging of metabolically active 13C compounds at high spatiotemporal resolution, including preclinical studies at high field and, potentially, clinical studies. Magn Reson Med 78:963–975, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female anorectal dysfunction
Authors: Sultan Abdul H. , Monga Ash , Lee Joseph , Emmanuel Anton , Norton Christine , Santoro Giulio , Hull Tracy , Berghmans Bary , Brody Stuart , Haylen Bernard T. 
Published: October 2016

IntroductionThe terminology for anorectal dysfunction in women has long been in need of a specific clinically‐based Consensus Report.MethodsThis Report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted on Committee by experts in their fields to form a Joint IUGA/ICS Working Group on Female Anorectal Terminology. Appropriate core clinical categories and sub classifications were developed to give an alphanumeric coding to each definition. An extensive process of twenty rounds of internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision‐making by collective opinion (consensus).ResultsA Terminology Report for anorectal dysfunction, encompassing over 130 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user‐friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different specialty groups involved in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Female‐specific anorectal investigations and imaging (ultrasound, radiology and MRI) has been included whilst appropriate figures have been included to supplement and help clarify the text. Interval review (5–10 years) is anticipated to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible.ConclusionA consensus‐based Terminology Report for female anorectal dysfunction terminology has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:10–34, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and The International Urogynecological Association.
Exploration of efficient reduced‐order modeling and a posteriori error estimation
Authors: Chaudhry J.H. , Estep D. , Gunzburger M. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryEfficient algorithms are considered for the computation of a reduced‐order model based on the proper orthogonal decomposition methodology for the solution of parameterized elliptic partial differential equations. The method relies on partitioning the parameter space into subdomains based on the properties of the solution space and then forming a reduced basis for each of the subdomains. This yields more efficient offline and online stages for the proper orthogonal decomposition method. We extend these ideas for inexpensive adjoint based a posteriori error estimation of both the expensive finite element method solutions and the reduced‐order model solutions, for a single and multiple quantities of interest. Various numerical results indicate the efficacy of the approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.