bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on the Quantity and Quality of Agricultural Runoff (Case Study: Golgol River Basin)
Authors: Moshtaghi Bahman , Niksokhan Mohammad Hossein , Ghazban Fereydoun , Dalilsafaee Sepehr 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe effects of climate change and global warming have become increasingly evident in recent years. Changes in climate may impact water availability, water needs for agriculture and agricultural runoff. The Golgol River Basin has been investigated to examine the effect of climate change. HadCM3 model output under the A2 emission scenario during the two periods of 2046–2065 and 2080–2099 is used to predict temperature and precipitation amount under climate change impact, while the LARS‐WG model is used for downscaling. SWAT was applied to simulate runoff, nitrate and organic nitrogen. The SWAT‐CUP and SUFI‐2 methods were used for calibration. Introducing downscaled results of AOGCM models into the hydrological model and assuming similar regional conditions including fertilizer and land use, the changes in runoff and pollutants in the future were also simulated. It was observed that during 2046–2065, the average monthly runoff, nitrate and organic nitrogen loads would decrease by 27, 18 and 13.5%. The 2080–2099 period when compared to the present shows that the average monthly runoff, nitrate and organic nitrogen loads would decrease by 45, 33 and 35%. So according to runoff quality degradation, management solutions must be found to reduce pollutants. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and biocompatibility evaluation of biodegradable bacterial cellulose as a novel peripheral nerve scaffold
Authors: Hou Yuanjing , Wang Xinyu , Yang Jing , Zhu Rong , Zhang Zongrui , Li Yi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPeripheral nerve injury is a serious medical problem and severely affects normal life of patient. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is considered as a novel promising biomaterial for tissue engineering, but the poor biodegradability limits its application. In this study, biodegradable bacterial cellulose scaffolds were prepared with different oxidation degrees (O.Ds.) using sodium periodate, evaluating their potential application in peripheral nerve repair. The chemical structure and surface morphology of the oxidized bacterial cellulose (OBC) scaffolds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Wide angle X‐ray diffraction, and Scanning electron microscope. The porosity, mechanical properties, and degradation behavior of the OBC series scaffolds were extensively examined. Cellular viability and blood compatibility of OBC scaffolds were studied by MTT assay and hemolytic test using Schwann cells (SCs) and red blood cells (RBCs), respectively. The results demonstrated that the biodegradability of OBC scaffolds was improved significantly. OBC scaffolds with lower O.Ds. displayed high porosity with interconnected pores, suitable mechanical property, and biodegradability for peripheral nerve repair. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis test analysis indicated that OBC0.05/3 scaffold is cellular and blood compatible, demonstrating its potential application as a good candidate for peripheral nerve repair. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1288–1298, 2018.
Instrumented indentation for determination of mechanical properties of human cornea after ultraviolet‐A crosslinking
Authors: Nohava Jiri , Swain Michael , Lang Stefan J. , Maier Philip , Heinzelmann Sonja , Reinhard Thomas , Eberwein Philipp 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUVA crosslinking is used for treatment of corneal diseases such as keratoconus in order to stabilize the corneal tissue by crosslinking of the collagen fibers. It has been shown that the crosslinking treatment leads to a stiffening of the central corneal tissue. However, knowledge of lateral extent of the corneal stiffening as well as a systematic study of the mechanical response of human cornea is still missing. In our study we measured the stiffness (elastic modulus) of the anterior surface of healthy and crosslinked human corneas by instrumented indentation using a spherical indenter. The results show that the stiffness of the central and paracentral cornea increased almost two times after the crosslinking but the stiffening effect rapidly decreased towards the periphery of the radiation field. These new insights into the understanding of the biomechanical response of corneal crosslinking shall contribute to a better understanding and an optimization of this perspective medical treatment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1413–1420, 2018.
Immunoisolating poly(ethylene glycol) based capsules support ovarian tissue survival to restore endocrine function
Authors: Day James R. , David Anu , Cichon Alexa L. , Kulkarni Tanay , Cascalho Marilia , Shikanov Ariella 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA common irreversible adverse effect of life‐saving anticancer treatments is loss of gonadal endocrine function and fertility, calling for a need to focus on post‐treatment quality of life. Here, we investigated the use of poly(ethylene glycol)‐vinyl sulfone (PEG‐VS) based capsules to support syngeneic donor ovarian tissue for restoration of endocrine function in mice. We designed a dual immunoisolating capsule (PEG‐Dual) by tuning the physical properties of the PEG hydrogels and combining proteolytically degradable and nondegradable layers to meet the numerous requirements for encapsulation and immunoisolation of ovarian tissue, such as nutrient diffusion and tissue expansion. Tuning the components of the PEG‐Dual capsule to have similar physical properties allowed for concentric encapsulation. Upon implantation, the PEG‐based capsules supported ovarian tissue survival and led to a significant decrease in follicle stimulating hormone levels 60 days postimplantation. Mice that received the implants resumed regular estrous cycle activity and follicle development in the implanted grafts. The PEG‐Dual capsule provided an environment conducive for tissue survival, while providing a barrier to the host environment. This study demonstrated for the first time that immunoisolating PEG‐VS capsules can support ovarian follicular development resulting in the restoration of ovarian endocrine function and can be applied to future allogeneic studies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1381–1389, 2018.
MiR‐548a‐3p regulates inflammatory response via TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Yingliang , Zheng Feng , Gao Guohong , Yan Shushan , Zhang Laixia , Wang Li , Cai Xiao , Wang Xiaodong , Xu Donghua , Wang Jibo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCurrently published studies have implicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) including exosomes‐encapsulated miRNAs play a critical role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we have found that exosomes‐encapsulated miR‐548a‐3p was significantly decreased in serum samples from RA patients by miRNAs microarray analysis. However, little is known of the role of miR‐548a‐3p in the development and progression of RA. In this study, we aim to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR‐548a‐3p in RA, which will provide new insight into understanding the pathogenesis of RA and identifying novel therapeutics targets for this disease. As validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), the expression of miR‐548a‐3p in serum exosomes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients (n = 76) was obviously down‐regulated compared with healthy controls (n = 20). Serum exosomal miR‐548a‐3p was negatively associated with levels of CRP, RF, and ESR in serum of patients with RA. MiR‐548a‐3p could inhibit the proliferation and activation of pTHP‐1 cells by regulating the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Accordingly, exosomes‐delivered miR‐548a‐3p may be a critical factor predicting the disease activity of RA. MiR‐548a‐3p/TLR4/NF‐κB axis can serve as promising targets for RA diagnosis and treatment.
Testican‐1, as a novel diagnosis of sepsis
Authors: Lee Yuri , Lee Wonhwa , Chang Hyun‐Ha , Kim Shin‐Woo , Kim Jaehong , Bae Jong‐Sup 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe development of new sepsis‐specific biomarkers is mandatory to improve the detection and monitoring of the disease. Testican‐1 is a highly conserved, multidomain proteoglycan that is most prominently expressed in the thalamus of the brain, and is upregulated in activated astroglial cells of the cerebrum. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood levels of Testican‐1 in septic patients. A prospective study of 82 patients with sepsis was conducted. Furthermore, C57BL/6 mice were administrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein or subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Alternatively, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or C57BL/6 mice were exposed to LPS (100 ng/mL) or HMGB1 (1 μg/mL). LPS, HMGB1, or CLP enhanced the synthesis and secretion of Testican‐1 in HUVECs and mice. In patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis, circulating levels of Testican‐1 were significantly high (sepsis, 20.44‐63.37 ng/mL, n = 30; severe sepsis, 41.30‐98.69 ng/mL, n = 22; septic shock, 98.10‐151.85 ng/mL, n = 30) when compared to the levels of control donors (6.97‐8.77 ng/mL, n = 21), reflecting the severity of the disease. These results suggest that in septic patients, Testican‐1 blood level is related to the severity of sepsis and Testican‐1 could be used as a biomarker to determine the severity of sepsis.
Circulating monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) is associated with cachexia in treatment‐naïve pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Talbert Erin E. , Lewis Heather L. , Farren Matthew R. , Ramsey Mitchell L. , Chakedis Jeffery M. , Rajasekera Priyani , Haverick Ericka , Sarna Angela , Bloomston Mark , Pawlik Timothy M. , Zimmers Teresa A. , Lesinski Gregory B. , Hart Phil A. , Dillhoff Mary E. , Schmidt Carl R. , Guttridge Denis C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundCancer‐associated wasting, termed cancer cachexia, has a profound effect on the morbidity and mortality of cancer patients but remains difficult to recognize and diagnose. While increases in circulating levels of a number of inflammatory cytokines have been associated with cancer cachexia, these associations were generally made in patients with advanced disease and thus may be associated with disease progression rather than directly with the cachexia syndrome. Thus, we sought to assess potential biomarkers of cancer‐induced cachexia in patients with earlier stages of disease.MethodsA custom multiplex array was used to measure circulating levels of 25 soluble factors from 70 pancreatic cancer patients undergoing attempted tumour resections. A high‐sensitivity multiplex was used for increased sensitivity for nine cytokines.ResultsResectable pancreatic cancer patients with cachexia had low levels of canonical pro‐inflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Even in our more sensitive analysis, these cytokines were not associated with cancer cachexia. Of the 25 circulating factors tested, only monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) was increased in treatment‐naïve cachectic patients compared with weight stable patients and identified as a potential biomarker for cancer cachexia. Although circulating levels of leptin and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were found to be decreased in the same cohort of treatment‐naïve cachectic patients, these factors were closely associated with body mass index, limiting their utility as cancer cachexia biomarkers.ConclusionsUnlike in advanced disease, it is possible that cachexia in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer is not associated with high levels of classical markers of systemic inflammation. However, cachectic, treatment‐naïve patients have higher levels of MCP‐1, suggesting that MCP‐1 may be useful as a biomarker of cancer cachexia.
Fluid dynamic characterization of a fluidized‐bed perfusion bioreactor with CFD–DEM simulation
Authors: Huang Zheqing , Odeleye Akinlolu Oyekunle Oluseun , Ye Hua , Cui Zhanfeng , Yang Aidong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the recent development of regenerative medicine, the low yields of progenitor cells have limited the large‐scale clinical applications. To overcome the limitation, a novel fluidized bed bioreactor has emerged. However, a detailed understanding of its fluid dynamics is still lacking.RESULTSA 3D modeling approach that couples computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a discrete element method (DEM) was used to simulate the liquid and solid flows in a bioreactor being designed for stem cells expansion. The model was validated by comparing the simulation results with literature experimental data [Chem Eng Sci 60:1889–1900 (2005)], which showed a good agreement. Using the validated model, the effects of the superficial liquid velocity, particle size and particle density on the solids volume fraction, shear stress on the particles and liquid–solid mass transfer coefficient of dissolved oxygen and glucose were analyzed.CONCLUSIONSSimulation results show that particle size and density have an important impact on the shear stress distribution, and that the liquid velocity affects the shear stress distribution rather modestly when its value is beyond the minimum fluidization velocity. The liquid–particle mass transfer coefficient of dissolved oxygen and glucose can be improved by raising the liquid velocity, and the adoption of a high‐density material allows the reactor to operate with higher liquid velocities before reaching shear stress heterogeneities. Furthermore, the two objectives, (i) maintaining lower and homogeneously distributed shear stress and (ii) improving mass transfer, pose conflicting requirements on certain design parameters which need to be carefully considered in the reactor design. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Amyloid goiter mimicking subacute thyroiditis on clinical and imaging findings: A case report
Authors: Lee Yoo Jin , Jung Soo Jin , Kim Dong Wook , Cho Hwa Jin , Ahn Ki Jung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAmyloid goiter (AG) is defined as the diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting from extensive amyloid deposition. Imaging findings in AG may vary depending on the amount of amyloid and fat deposition. A few case reports of AG with clinically subacute thyroiditis (SAT)‐like syndrome have been published. However, there have been no reports on AG mimicking SAT with clinical and imaging findings. Herein, we present a case of AG mimicking SAT with a detailed report of the clinical and imaging findings.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of a vitelline vein aneurysm
Authors: Sahinoglu Zeki , Cetinkaya Burcu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report a case of vitelline vein aneurysm detected at 23 weeks of gestation. Few postnatal cases of vitelline vein aneurysm have been reported; however, due to their similar appearances most of them were considered initially as umbilical vein dilatations. The accurate prenatal diagnosis of vitelline vein aneurysm and early postnatal surgical treatment are crucial steps to prevent postnatal obliterative extension of thrombosis that might cause severe neonatal morbidity.
The learning curve in diagnosing acute appendicitis with emergency sonography among novice emergency medicine residents
Authors: Kim Jeehyun , Kim Kipum , Kim Jungwan , Yoo Jungwoo , Jeong Wonjoon , Cho Sunguk , Joo Kihyuk , Cho Yongchul , Lee Jinwoong , Ryu Seung , Yoo Yeonho 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeUltrasonography (US) has good accuracy for diagnosing appendicitis when it is performed by emergency physicians. This study aimed to determine the amount of experience that is required to achieve competency in this field.MethodsThree novice emergency medicine residents completed a 1‐day training course regarding the US diagnosis of appendicitis. Then, they performed appendix US in the emergency department on patients complaining of right lower quadrant pain. All included patients also underwent computed tomography or US performed by a board‐certified radiologist, to confirm the emergency US diagnosis. The agreement between the diagnoses of novices and experts was evaluated.ResultsA total of 266 patients were included, and the overall Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69‐0.84). The kappa value of first 20 cases was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.27‐0.71). It increased rapidly during evaluation of the first 20 cases. After the first 20 cases, the kappa coefficient was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77‐0.92). The sensitivity and specificity values for the first 20 cases were 64.3% (95% CI: 77.6%‐90.7%) and 84.4% (95% CI: 85.4%‐95.4%), respectively. After the first 20 cases, the sensitivity and specificity values increased to 90.9% (95% CI: 83.4%‐95.8%) and 93.5% (95% CI: 87.0%‐97.3%), respectively.ConclusionsA minimum of 20 cases are needed to achieve competency in emergency US diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Youth Livelihoods in the Cellphone Era: Perspectives from Urban Africa
Authors: Porter Gina , Hampshire Kate , de Lannoy Ariane , Bango Andisiwe , Munthali Alister , Robson Elsbeth , Tanle Augustine , Abane Albert , Owusu Samuel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssues surrounding youth employment and unemployment are central to the next development decade. Understanding how youth use mobile phones as a means of communicating and exchanging information about employment and livelihoods is particularly important given the prominence of mobile phone use in young lives. This paper explores and reflects on youth phone usage in Ghana, Malawi and South Africa, drawing on mixed‐methods research with young people aged approximately 9–25 years, in 12 (high density) urban and peri‐urban sites. Comparative work across these sites offers evidence of both positive and negative impacts. The final section of the paper considers policy implications. © 2018 The Authors Journal of International Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The N-terminal peptide moiety of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kDa lipoprotein harbors RP105-agonistic properties
Authors: Schultz Thomas E , Wiesmüller Karl-Heinz , Lucas Megan , Dobos Karen M , Baxter Alan G , Blumenthal Antje 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Radioprotective 105 kDa (RP105, CD180) is a member of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family that interacts with TLR2 and facilitates recognition of mature lipoproteins expressed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG. In this study, we used synthetic lipopeptide analogs of the M. tuberculosis 19 kDa lipoprotein to define structural characteristics that promote RP105-mediated host cell responses. A tripalmitoylated lipopeptide composed of the first 16 N-terminal amino acids of the M. tuberculosis 19 kDa lipoprotein induced RP105-dependent TNF and IL-6 production by macrophages. Di- and tripalmitoylated variants of this lipopeptide elicited an equivalent RP105-dependent response, indicating that while the lipid moiety is required for macrophage activation, it is not a determinant of RP105 dependency. Instead, substitution of two polar threonine residues at positions 7 and 8 with nonpolar alanine residues resulted in reduced RP105 dependency. These results strongly suggest that the amino acid composition of the M. tuberculosis 19 kDa lipoprotein, and likely other mycobacterial lipoproteins, is a key determinant of RP105 agonism.
Investigation of gate induced noise in E‐mode GaN MOS‐HEMT and its effect on noise parameters
Authors: Panda D.K. , Lenka T.R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the effects of gate induced noise for a gate recessed enhancement‐mode GaN‐based metal‐oxide‐semiconductor high electron mobility transistor (MOS‐HEMT) is investigated. To analyze this, a surface potential–based compact model for gate induced noise is developed. The model is validated by comparing with TCAD device simulation results as well as with the available experimental data of GaN HEMT and MOS‐HEMT having different gate lengths and widths from the literature. With the help of the developed model, the effect of oxide thickness on different noise sources is investigated by considering all high‐frequency noise sources including the shot noise resulted from gate leakage current. The effects of gate leakage current on different technology dependent parameters such as oxide thickness and gate length are also investigated. A 2‐port noise equivalent circuit for GaN MOS‐HEMT is designed by considering all high‐frequency noise sources. The different noise parameter models are developed from the Y parameters of the 2‐port noise equivalent circuit and compared with available experimental data of GaN HEMT and MOS‐HEMT from literature. The impact of gate induced noise on all noise parameters is also investigated.
Regional differences in Purkinje cell morphology in the cerebellar vermis of male mice
Authors: Nedelescu Hermina , Abdelhack Mohamed , Pritchard Arwel T. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRegional differences in dendritic architecture can influence connectivity and dendritic signal integration, with possible consequences for neuronal computation. In the cerebellum, analyses of Purkinje cells (PCs), which are functionally critical as they provide the sole output of the cerebellar cortex, have suggested that the cerebellar cortex is not uniform in structure as traditionally assumed. However, the limitations of traditional staining methods and microscopy capabilities have presented difficulties in investigating possible local variations in PC morphology. To address this question, we used male mice expressing green fluorescent protein selectively in PCs. Using Neurolucida 360 with confocal image stacks, we reconstructed dendritic arbors of PCs residing in lobule V (anterior) and lobule IX (posterior) of the vermis. We then analyzed morphologies of individual arbors and the structure of the assembled “jungle,” comparing these features across anatomical locations and age groups. Strikingly, we found that in lobule IX, half of the reconstructed PCs had two primary dendrites emanating from their soma, whereas fewer than a quarter showed this characteristic in lobule V. Furthermore, PCs in lobule V showed more efficient spatial occupancy compared to lobule IX, as well as greater packing density and increased arbor overlap in the adult. When analyzing complete ensembles of PC arbors, we also observed “hot spots” of increased dendritic density in lobule V, whereas lobule IX showed a more homogeneous spread of dendrites. These differences suggest that input patterns and/or physiology of PCs could likewise differ along the vermis, with possible implications for cerebellar function.