bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a bioactive porous collagen/β‐tricalcium phosphate bone graft assisting rapid vascularization for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Baheiraei Nafiseh , Nourani Mohamma Reza , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Movahedin Mansoureh , Eyni Hossein , Bagheri Fatemeh , Norahan Mohammad Hadi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe developed collagen (COL) and collagen/beta tricalcium phosphate (COL/β‐TCP) scaffolds with a β‐TCP/collagen weight ratio of 4 by freeze‐drying. Mouse bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) were cultured on these scaffolds for 14 days. Samples were characterized by physicochemical analyses and their biological properties such as cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was, also, examined. Additionally, the vascularization potential of the prepared scaffolds was tested subcutaneously in Wistar rats. We observed a microporous structure with large porosity (∼95–98%) and appropriate pore size (120–200 µm). The COL/β‐TCP scaffolds had a much higher compressive modulus (970 ± 1.20 KPa) than pure COL (0.8 ± 1.82 KPa). In vitro model of apatite formation was established by immersing the composite scaffold in simulated body fluid for 7 days. An ALP assay revealed that porous COL/β‐TCP can effectively activate the differentiation of BMMSCs into osteoblasts. The composite scaffolds also promoted vascularization with good integration with the surrounding tissue. Thus, introduction of β‐TCP powder into the porous collagen matrix effectively improved the mechanical and biological properties of the collagen scaffolds, making them potential bone substitutes for enhanced bone regeneration in orthopedic and dental applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 73–85, 2018.
The effect of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on mechanical behavior and biological performance of porous shape memory polyurethane scaffolds
Authors: Yu Juhong , Xia Hong , Teramoto Akira , Ni Qing‐Qing 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe scaffold which provides space for cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, is a key factor in bone tissue engineering. However, improvements in scaffold design are needed to precisely match the irregular boundaries of bone defects as well as facilitate clinical application. In this study, controllable three‐dimensional (3D) porous shape memory polyurethane/nano‐hydroxyapatite (SMPU/nHAP) composite scaffold was successfully fabricated for bone defect reparation. Detailed studies were performed to evaluate its structure, apparent density, porosity, and mechanical properties, emphasizing the contribution of nHAP particles on shape recovery behaviors and biological performance in vitro. The effect of nHAP particles in porous SMPU/nHAP composite scaffold was found to enhance the compression resistance by 37%, shorten the compression recovery time by 41%, reduce the tensile resistance by 78%, reach the shape recovery ratio of 99%, and promote the cell proliferation by 13% after 7 days of culture. These results revealed that the 3D structure and aperture of as‐prepared scaffold were controllable. And in minimally invasive surgery and bone repair surgery, this porous composite scaffold could significantly reduce the operative time and promote the bone cell growth. Therefore, this porous SMPU/nHAP composite scaffold design has potential applications for the bone tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 244–254, 2018.
The Biomaker: an entry‐level bioprinting device for biotechnological applications
Authors: Radtke Carsten Philipp , Hillebrandt Nils , Hubbuch Jürgen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBACKGROUND3D printing and bioprinting in particular are emerging technologies in the field of biotechnology. The developments of bioprinters and applications lie mostly in the highly observed working fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Until now only little attention has been paid to the application of 3D bioprinting for the investigation of hydrogel–liquid phase interactions in biotechnological applications. This can mostly be attributed to the need for complex and expensive equipment.RESULTSIn this work, an entry‐level bioprinter on the base of a commercially available Fused‐Filament‐Fabrication 3D printer and an easy to handle user interface was designed. This newly developed bioprinter allowed the structuring of bioinks and hydrogels in microwell plates and even complex models were printed. The applicability of the presented printer setup in the field of biotechnology was shown by the encapsulation of β‐galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate based hydrogels. Subsequently, an automated screening of the biocatalytic conversion of the substrate ONPG by the encapsulated enzyme was executed on a liquid handling station. Under varied pH conditions in the surrounding liquid phase highest substrate turnover rates were detected at pH 3 and pH 5 which is in good accordance with previously reported pH optima of β‐galactosidase.CONCLUSIONThis approach shows an easy access to 3D bioprinting in the field of biotechnology and the implementation of 3D printed hydrogels in high‐throughput experimentation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Fractional CO2 laser of the vagina for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Is the out‐of‐pocket cost worth the outcome of treatment?
Authors: Lang Patrick , Dell Jeffrey R. , Rosen Leonard , Weiss Peter , Karram Mickey 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to assess patient's satisfaction treatment outcomes and out‐of‐pocket expense for the fractional CO2 laser (SmartXide) in the treatment of genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM).Materials and MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients who completed a course of three vaginal treatments with the SmartXide11 Fractional CO2 laser. Patients contacted via telephone and asked to participate in questionnaires to evaluate for adverse outcomes since last treatment, symptom severity before and after treatment, patient satisfaction with treatment, patient satisfaction with out‐of‐pocket expense, and sexual function.ResultsOf the 368 patients contacted, 122 agreed to be interviewed. No patients reported seeking emergent medical treatment. Patient reported vaginal dryness significantly improved following treatment (P < 0.05). The frequency of intercourse increased from “once a month” to “few times a month” (P < 0.001). The vast majority of patients reported being satisfied with their treatment results (86%) and with the cost of treatment (78%). Satisfaction with the out‐of‐pocket expense did not correlate with household income (P = 0.07).ConclusionThe SmartXide Fractional CO2 laser is a safe and efficacious treatment for GSM. This treatment is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction with both treatment results and out‐of‐pocket expense. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:882–885, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eusebi Paolo , Giannandrea David , Biscetti Leonardo , Abraha Iosief , Chiasserini Davide , Orso Massimiliano , Calabresi Paolo , Parnetti Lucilla 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe accumulation of misfolded α‐synuclein aggregates is associated with PD. However, the diagnostic value of the α‐synuclein levels in CSF is still under investigation.MethodsA comprehensive search of the literature was performed, yielding 34 studies eligible for meta‐analysis. We included studies that reported data on CSF total, oligomeric and phosphorylated α‐synuclein in patients with PD and healthy participants, neurological controls, or other parkinsonisms. Standardized mean differences were pooled using random‐effects models, and heterogeneity was reported as I2. Bivariate random effects meta‐analysis was also performed on diagnostic data. Methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the QUADAS‐2 tool.ResultsConcentrations of α‐synuclein species in PD did not show significant differences with respect to the levels found in other parkinsonisms. Total α‐synuclein was significantly reduced in PD when compared with controls (standardized mean differences −0.48; P < .001, I2 = 60%). Oligomeric (standardized mean differences 0.57; P < .001, I2 = 44%) and phosphorylated α‐synuclein (standardized mean differences 0.86; P < .001) were significantly increased in PD when compared with controls. Sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing PD and controls were 0.72 and 0.65, respectively, for total α‐synuclein, and 0.71 and 0.64, respectively, for oligomeric α‐syn.ConclusionMost of the studies were at high risk of bias and have concerns regarding applicability. Diagnostic performance of CSF α‐synuclein species is still below what would be considered acceptable for their introduction in clinical practice. Future research should focus on combining α‐synuclein species with other biochemical markers as well on improving the standardization of current assays. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Design and specification compilation of a modular‐prefabricated high‐rise steel frame structure with diagonal braces part II: Elastic–plastic time‐history analysis and joint design
Authors: Liu Xuechun , He Xinning , Zhang Ailin , Tian Chen , Zhang Xun , Tan Yongqiang 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe use of modular‐prefabricated steel structures has distinct advantages, such as rapid construction, industrial production, and environmental protection. Although this type of structure has been extensively employed around the world, it is primarily used for low‐rise buildings; its application in high‐rise buildings is limited. This paper proposes a new type of modular‐prefabricated high‐rise steel frame structure with diagonal braces. An elastic–plastic time‐history analysis of a 30‐storey building during rare earthquakes was performed. The base shear, storey drift, stress, damage characteristics, and other performances of the structure were investigated. According to the mechanism analysis, finite element simulation, and model test, the formulas for the elastic and elastic–plastic design of the truss–column connection, column–column flange connection, and diagonal brace–truss connection are proposed in this paper. The control parameters for the structural design are also discussed. This study provides an important reference for the research and design of this type of modular‐prefabricated high‐rise steel structure. The design method has been compiled into a design specification named Technical Specifications for Prefabricated Steel Frame Structure with Diagonal Bracing Joints, which is unique for this type of structure.
The effects of apolipoprotein E genotype, α‐synuclein deficiency, and sex on brain synaptic and Alzheimer's disease–related pathology
Authors: Bar Roni , Boehm‐Cagan Anat , Luz Ishai , Kleper‐Wall Yarden , Michaelson Daniel M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionAlzheimer's disease (AD) and synucleinopathies share common pathological mechanisms. Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), the most prevalent genetic risk factor for AD, also increases the risk for dementia in pure synucleinopathies. We presently examined the effects of α‐synuclein deficiency (α‐syn−/−) and sex on apoE4‐driven pathologies.MethodsAD‐related, synaptic, and vascular markers were analyzed in female and male α‐syn−/− and α‐syn+/+ apoE4, apoE3, and apoE3/E4 mice.ResultsApoE4 was hypolipidated, and this effect was unchanged by α‐syn−/− and sex. The levels of synaptic markers were lower, and the levels of AD‐related parameters were higher in female α‐syn−/− apoE4 mice compared with the corresponding apoE3 mice. By comparison, apoE4 had small effects on the AD parameters of male and female α‐syn+/+ apoE4 mice.DiscussionAlthough α‐syn−/− does not affect the upstream lipidation impairment of apoE4, it acts as a “second hit” enhancer of the subsequent apoE4‐driven pathologies.
THE ORIGINS OF PERCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Schellenberg Susanna 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTI argue that the ground of the epistemic force of perceptual states lies in properties of the perceptual capacities that constitute the relevant perceptual states. I call this view capacitivism, since the notion of a capacity is explanatorily basic: it is because a given subject is employing a mental capacity with a certain nature that her mental states have epistemic force. More specifically, I argue that perceptual states have epistemic force due to being systematically linked to mind-independent, environmental particulars via the perceptual capacities that constitute the perceptual states. Thus, capacitivism shows how the epistemic force of experience is grounded in metaphysical facts about experience. Capacitivism is a distinctive externalist view of evidence and knowledge that does not invoke reliability, remains steadfastly naturalistic, and in recognizing a metaphysically substantive common element between perception and hallucination avoids any commitment to disjunctivism.
PERSPECTIVAL EXTERNALISM IS THE ANTIDOTE FOR RADICAL SKEPTICISM
Authors: Miracchi Lisa 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTHilary Putnam (1981) provides an anti-skeptical argument motivated by semantic externalism. He argues that our best theorizing about what it takes to experience, think, and so on, entails that the world is much as we take it to be. This fact eliminates the possibility of radical skeptical scenarios, where from our perspective everything seems as it does in the actual case, but we are widely and systematically mistaken. I think that this approach is generally correct, and that it is the most promising strategy for undermining radical skepticism. There are, however, well-discussed difficulties with Putnam's way of pursuing this strategy (see especially Anthony Brueckner 1986). I argue that in order to avoid these objections we will have to be more radical externalists than Putnam proposed; in particular, we will have to beperspectival externalists. According to perspectival externalism, a subject's reliable relations to her environment play a crucial role in determining not only the contents of her mental events, but also what it is like for her to grasp those contents. While semantic externalism is widely accepted in epistemology, perspectival externalism is not. I argue that perspectival externalism is independently more plausible than mere semantic externalism, and that such an account can enable us to better pursue Putnam's anti-skeptical strategy.
Quantifying ice cliff evolution with multi-temporal point clouds on the debris-covered Khumbu Glacier, Nepal
Authors: WATSON C. SCOTT , QUINCEY DUNCAN J. , SMITH MARK W. , CARRIVICK JONATHAN L. , ROWAN ANN V. , JAMES MIKE R. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTMeasurements of glacier ice cliff evolution are sparse, but where they do exist, they indicate that such areas of exposed ice contribute a disproportionate amount of melt to the glacier ablation budget. We used Structure from Motion photogrammetry with Multi-View Stereo to derive 3-D point clouds for nine ice cliffs on Khumbu Glacier, Nepal (in November 2015, May 2016 and October 2016). By differencing these clouds, we could quantify the magnitude, seasonality and spatial variability of ice cliff retreat. Mean retreat rates of 0.30–1.49 cm d−1 were observed during the winter interval (November 2015–May 2016) and 0.74–5.18 cm d−1 were observed during the summer (May 2016–October 2016). Four ice cliffs, which all featured supraglacial ponds, persisted over the full study period. In contrast, ice cliffs without a pond or with a steep back-slope degraded over the same period. The rate of thermo-erosional undercutting was over double that of subaerial retreat. Overall, 3-D topographic differencing allowed an improved process-based understanding of cliff evolution and cliff-pond coupling, which will become increasingly important for monitoring and modelling the evolution of thinning debris-covered glaciers.
Field Degassing as a New Sampling Method for14C Analyses in Old Groundwater
Authors: Yokochi Reika , Bernier Ryan , Purtschert Roland , Zappala Jake C. , Yechieli Yoseph , Adar Eilon , Jiang Wei , Lu Zheng-Tian , Mueller Peter , Olack Gerard , Ram Roi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRadiocarbon (14C) activity in groundwater can be used to determine subsurface residence time up to ∼40 kyr, providing crucial information on dynamic properties of groundwater and on paleoclimate. However, commonly applied sampling methods for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC-14C) are prone to low level of modern atmospheric contamination, resulting in underestimation of groundwater ages that cluster around 30–40 kyr. We extract CO2gas from groundwater using a device originally developed for studies of noble gas radionuclides. Carbon is collected in the gas phase, eliminating the possibility of fostering microbial activities and aqueous chemical reactions during sample storage. This method collects CO2-14C and radiokrypton (81Kr and85Kr) samples simultaneously. The presence of any shorter-lived85Kr is used to evaluate the degree of atmospheric contamination during sampling or mixing of young groundwater. Most groundwater samples showed lower CO2-14C activities than those of DIC-14C, presumably due to the absence of atmospheric contamination. Samples with81Kr age exceeding 150 kyr have no detectable CO2-14C except where mixing sources of young groundwater is suspected. These field data serve as confirmations for the reliability of the newly presented sample collection and CO2-14C method, and for the outstanding roles of radiokrypton isotopes in characterizing old groundwater.
Management of paediatric acute mastoiditis: systematic review
Authors: Loh R , Phua M , Shaw C-K L 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground:Acute mastoiditis remains the commonest intratemporal complication of otitis media in the paediatric population. There has been a lack of consensus regarding the diagnosis and management of acute mastoiditis, resulting in considerable disparity in conservative and surgical management.Objectives:To review the current literature, proposing recommendations for the management of paediatric acute mastoiditis and appraising the treatment outcomes.Method:A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases.Results:Twenty-one studies were included, with a total of 564 patients. Cure rates of medical treatment, conservative surgery and mastoidectomy were 95.9 per cent, 96.3 per cent and 89.1 per cent, respectively.Conclusion:Mastoidectomy may be the most definitive treatment available; however, reviewed data suggest that conservative treatment alone has high efficacy as first-line treatment in uncomplicated cases of acute mastoiditis, and conservative therapy may be an appropriate first-line management when treating acute mastoiditis.
Cezanne predicts progression and adjuvant TACE response in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jia-hong , Zhong Xiao-ping , Zhang Yong-fa , Wu Xiao-liang , Li Shao-hua , Jian Pei-en , Ling Yi-hong , Shi Ming , Chen Min-shan , Wei Wei , Guo Rong-ping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe have previously reported that Cezanne could be a prognostic biomarker for survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the role of Cezanne genes in HCC cells and its response to postoperative adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HCC patients remains unknown. In this study, Cezanne expression was detected in human HCC using real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The function of Cezanne in HCC cells was determined by Transwell invasion assays and nude mice metastasis assay. The response of Cezanne in patients who received adjuvant TACE after hepatectomy was evaluated. Functional study demonstrated that interference of Cezanne expression promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and boosted metastasized HCC formation in mice. Upregulation of Cezanne diminished the adhesion and migration of hepatoma cells. Further study indicated that Cezanne might inhibit invasion of HCC cells by inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, patients with low Cezanne expression had significant improvement in prognosis after receiving adjuvant TACE. In contrast, patients with high Cezanne expression had a poorer response to adjuvant TACE. Moreover, Cezanne status was associated with response to adjuvant TACE in patients subgroup stratified by vascular invasion, tumor size and tumor number. In conclusion, Cezanne may be a novel antioncogene that has a pivotal role in the invasion of HCC and contribute to the selection of patients who may benefit from adjuvant TACE to prevent recurrence.
In planta expression of hyperthermophilic enzymes as a strategy for accelerated lignocellulosic digestion
Authors: Mir Bilal Ahmad , Myburg Alexander A. , Mizrachi Eshchar , Cowan Don A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractConversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and biomaterials suffers from high production costs associated with biomass pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. In-planta expression of lignocellulose-digesting enzymes is a promising approach to reduce these cost elements. However, this approach faces a number of challenges, including auto-hydrolysis of developing cell walls, plant growth and yield penalties, low expression levels and the limited stability of expressed enzymes at the high temperatures generally used for biomass processing to release fermentable sugars. To overcome these challenges we expressed codon-optimized recombinant hyperthermophilic endoglucanase (EG) and xylanase (Xyn) genes in A. thaliana. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing EG and Xyn enzymes at high levels without any obvious plant growth or yield penalties were selected for further analysis. The highest enzyme activities were observed in the dry stems of transgenic lines, indicating that the enzymes were not degraded during stem senescence and storage. Biomass from transgenic lines exhibited improved saccharification efficiency relative to WT control plants. We conclude that the expression of hyperthermophilic enzymes in plants is a promising approach for combining pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis processes in lignocellulosic digestion. This study provides a valid foundation for further studies involving in planta co-expression of core and accessory lignocellulose-digesting enzymes.
The first physical evidence of subglacial volcanism under the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: Iverson Nels A. , Lieb-Lappen Ross , Dunbar Nelia W. , Obbard Rachel , Kim Ellen , Golden Ellyn 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe West Antarctic ice sheet (WAIS) is highly vulnerable to collapsing because of increased ocean and surface temperatures. New evidence from ice core tephra shows that subglacial volcanism can breach the surface of the ice sheet and may pose a great threat to WAIS stability. Micro-CT analyses on englacial ice core tephra along with detailed shard morphology characterization and geochemical analysis suggest that two tephra layers were derived from subglacial to emergent volcanism that erupted through the WAIS. These tephra were erupted though the center of the ice sheet, deposited near WAIS Divide and preserved in the WDC06A ice core. The sources of these tephra layers were likely to be nearby subglacial volcanoes, Mt. Resnik, Mt. Thiel, and/or Mt. Casertz. A widespread increase in ice loss from WAIS could trigger positive feedback by decreasing ice mass and increasing decompression melting under the WAIS, increasing volcanism. Both tephra were erupted during the last glacial period and a widespread increase in subglacial volcanism in the future could have a considerable effect on the stability of the WAIS and resulting sea level rise.