bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling in Chicken Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiation Into Male Germ Cells (Gallus)
Authors: Chen Hao , Zuo Qisheng , Wang Yinjie , Ahmed Mahmoud F. , Jin Kai , Song Jiuzhou , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe study aims to analyze the key signaling pathways in regulating the process of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiation into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Based on RNA Sequencing result, we further explored the specific regulating mechanisms of Hedgehog (HH) signaling in this process. HH signaling was found to be a crucial signaling pathway participating in the differentiation process of ESCs to SSCs. In Retinoic acid (RA) induced in vitro differentiation assay, the expression of two germ cell marker genes, integrin α6, and integrin β1, was observed to significantly increase, while it decreased dramatically when IHH was knocked down. Fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis showed that the proportion of integrin α6+ and integrin β1+ cells in the RA group was significantly higher than that in the RA + siRNA‐ Indian Hedgehog (IHH) group. In in vivo situations, siRNA‐IHH could stably express in fertilized chicken embryos and significantly down‐regulate the IHH expression. With real‐time quantitative PCR and western blot, we identified that integrin α6 and integrin β1 expression was significantly suppressed along with IHH inhibition in vivo. We concluded that Hedgehog signaling pathway positively regulates the differentiation of ESCs to male germ cells through signal transduction by IHH. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1379–1386, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
7‐Dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC), But Not Cholesterol, Causes Suppression of Canonical TGF‐β Signaling and Is Likely Involved in the Development of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)
Authors: Huang Shuan Shian , Liu I‐Hua , Chen Chun‐Lin , Chang Jia‐Ming , Johnson Frank E. , Huang Jung San 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTFor several decades, cholesterol has been thought to cause ASCVD. Limiting dietary cholesterol intake has been recommended to reduce the risk of the disease. However, several recent epidemiological studies do not support a relationship between dietary cholesterol and/or blood cholesterol and ASCVD. Consequently, the role of cholesterol in atherogenesis is now uncertain. Much evidence indicates that TGF‐β, an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, protects against ASCVD and that suppression of canonical TGF‐β signaling (Smad2‐dependent) is involved in atherogenesis. We had hypothesized that cholesterol causes ASCVD by suppressing canonical TGF‐β signaling in vascular endothelium. To test this hypothesis, we determine the effects of cholesterol, 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC; the biosynthetic precursor of cholesterol), and other sterols on canonical TGF‐β signaling. We use Mv1Lu cells (a model cell system for studying TGF‐β activity) stably expressing the Smad2‐dependent luciferase reporter gene. We demonstrate that 7‐DHC (but not cholesterol or other sterols) effectively suppresses the TGF‐β‐stimulated luciferase activity. We also demonstrate that 7‐DHC suppresses TGF‐β‐stimulated luciferase activity by promoting lipid raft/caveolae formation and subsequently recruiting cell‐surface TGF‐β receptors from non‐lipid raft microdomains to lipid rafts/caveolae where TGF‐β receptors become inactive in transducing canonical signaling and undergo rapid degradation upon TGF‐β binding. We determine this by cell‐surface 125I‐TGF‐β‐cross‐linking and sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. We further demonstrate that methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD), a sterol‐chelating agent, reverses 7‐DHC‐induced suppression of TGF‐β‐stimulated luciferase activity by extrusion of 7‐DHC from resident lipid rafts/caveolae. These results suggest that 7‐DHC, but not cholesterol, promotes lipid raft/caveolae formation, leading to suppression of canonical TGF‐β signaling and atherogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1387–1400, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New approaches to producing polyols from biomass
Authors: Gómez‐Jiménez‐Aberasturi Olga , Ochoa‐Gómez José R 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPolyols are polymers that contain multiple hydroxyl groups in their structure. They are generally produced from petroleum derivatives and have a relevant commercial value as building blocks, intermediates in organic synthesis, or precursors for production of polyurethanes. New alternatives for green synthesis of polyols involve the substitution of some hazardous petrochemical derivatives by others based on biomass and which are safer and environmentally more benign. This mini‐review assesses the synthesis processes of some relevant biomass polyols, products that are becoming a commercial reality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Value of MR elastography for the preoperative estimation of liver regeneration capacity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jang Siwon , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Dong Ho , Joo Ijin , Yoon Jeong Hee , Chang Won , Han Joon Koo 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo demonstrate the negative relationship between liver stiffness (LS) values measured at preoperative magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and the regeneration capacity of the remnant liver after major hepatectomy, in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and MethodsThirty‐eight patients with HCC (mean age, 57.1) who had undergone liver computed tomography (CT) and 1.5T MRE prior to right hepatectomy were included in this retrospective study. CT volumetric analysis of total functional liver (calculated by subtracting tumor volume from total liver volume), future liver remnant (FLR), and postoperative liver remnant (LR) were performed using a semiautomatic analysis program. The regeneration index was expressed as [(VLR‐VFLR)/VFLR] × 100, where VLR is the volume of the liver remnant and VFLR is the volume of the FLR. The relationship between degree of LS measured at MRE and the regeneration index was assessed using the Spearman correlation test.ResultsAverage LS value at MRE increased along with hepatic fibrosis (HF) stage (r = 0.604, P < 0.001). At MRE, a cutoff value greater than 2.46 kPa yielded 90.0% sensitivity and 100% specificity in identifying HF stage 2 or greater (area under the curve [AUC], 0.95). Mean VFLR and VLR were 477.1 ± 147.5 mL and 911.9 ± 188.8 mL, respectively. The regeneration index of the liver remnant was 102.1 ± 58.2%. LS values at MRE and calculated regeneration index after right hepatectomy showed moderate negative correlation (r = –0.361, P = 0.026).ConclusionLS values measured at MRE may serve as a postoperative predictor of liver regeneration in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1627–1636
Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted MRI of the abdomen: The effect of fitting algorithms on the accuracy and reliability of the parameters
Authors: Park Hyo Jung , Sung Yu Sub , Lee Seung Soo , Lee Yedaun , Cheong Hyunhee , Kim Yeong Jae , Lee Moon‐gyu 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo evaluate the influence of fitting methods on the accuracy and reliability of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters, with a particular emphasis on the constraint function.Materials and MethodsDiffusion‐weighted (DW) imaging data were analyzed using IVIM‐based full‐fitting (simultaneous fit of all parameters) and segmented‐fitting (step‐by‐step fit of each parameter), each with and without the constraint function, to estimate the molecular diffusion coefficient (Dslow), perfusion fraction (f), and flow‐related diffusion coefficient (Dfast). Computational simulations were performed at variable signal‐to‐noise ratios to evaluate the relative error (RE) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the estimated IVIM parameters. DW imaging of the abdomen was performed twice at 1.5 Tesla using nine b‐values (0−900 s/mm2) in 12 health volunteers (6 men and 6 women; mean age: 30 years). The measurement repeatability of IVIM parameters in the liver and the pancreas was evaluated using the within‐subject coefficient of variation (wCV).ResultsIn simulations, full‐fitting without the constraint function yielded the largest RE (P < 0.001 for Dslow and f; P ≤ 0.044 for Dfast) and CV (P ≤ 0.033 for Dslow and f; P ≤ 0.473 for Dfast) for IVIM parameters among all four algorithms. In volunteer imaging, full‐fitting without the constraint function also resulted in the poorest repeatability for Dslow (wCV, 17.12%−65.45%) and f (wCV, 19.35%−42.84%) in the liver and pancreas, while the other algorithms had similar repeatability values (wCV, 4.05%−11.99% for Dslow and 9.65%−18.66% for f). Measurement repeatability of Dfast (wCV, 29.52%−85.01%) was the poorest among the IVIM parameters.ConclusionFor accurate and reliable measurement of IVIM parameters, segmented fitting or full‐fitting with the constraint function should be used for IVIM‐based analysis of DW imaging.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1637–1647
MR targeted imaging for the expression of tenascin‐C in myocardial infarction in vivo
Authors: Song Jiacheng , Yu Jing , Li Yan , Lu Shanshan , Ma Zhanlong , Shi Haibin 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo investigate the presence of viable myocardium in mice with acute myocardial infarction (MI) using a molecular targeted probe.Materials and MethodsSuper paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and tenascin‐C antibody were conjugated as an MRI probe. Fifteen mice with infarction were injected with SPIO‐anti‐tenascin‐C (3 days [d], 5d, 7d after infarction; n = 5 for each group). Another five mice with infarction (5d, n = 5) were injected with SPIO for comparison. In vivo MR (7 Tesla, fast low‐angle shot multi‐slice T2* sequence) was performed for tracing. Histological analysis was used to compare surviving cardiomyocytes with signal changes on MR.ResultsThe mRNA expression of tenascin‐C increased directly after MI and peaked at the fifth day (5d 24.29 ± 1.41 versus 3d 10.63 ± 0.72, 7d 6.56 ± 0.12; P < 0.01). T2 relaxation rate of synthesized SPIO‐anti‐tenascin‐C was r2 = 338 mM−1s−1. After MR, the signal changes (contrast‐to‐noise ratio) of the research group were 3d 6.51 ± 1.13 versus 5d 14.06 ± 3.19 versus 7d 5.02 ± 2.65, P < 0.05. The MR signal showed a small decrease in the contrast group on 5d (research group 14.06 ± 3.19 versus contrast group 1.75 ± 0.59, P < 0.05).ConclusionTenascin‐C was expressed by surviving cardiomyocytes within the infarcted region. MR imaging with SPIO‐anti‐tenascin‐C might be used to evaluate myocardial viability of MI patients before therapy.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 4J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1668–1674
Teleconnection patterns impacting on the summer consecutive extreme rainfall in Central‐Eastern China
Authors: Lü Junmei , Li Yun , Zhai Panmao , Chen Junming 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTConsecutive extreme rainfall (CER) events can cause enormous damage to human society and the environment in eastern China. This study analyses persistent atmospheric circulation patterns related to dominant CER modes over Central‐Eastern China. Results reveal that the two leading modes together explain 30% of the total CER variance. The circulation patterns related to the first CER mode manifest a barotropic Eurasian (EU) pattern teleconnection 4 days before the CER events occur in the southern Yangtze River. The second CER mode is associated with a negative Pacific‐Japan (PJ) teleconnection pattern, which persists for 5 days until the onset of CER events in the Yangtze River Valley. Furthermore, the stagnant double blocking highs around the Urals and the Sea of Okhotsk and the vapour transport from the western North Pacific (WNP) distinguish the persistent circulations of the second CER mode from the first mode. Therefore, the configuration of persistent circulation patterns is likely responsible for the occurrence of CER events. Further analysis suggests that the Rossby waves, in association with dipolar sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the northeastern Atlantic, propagate eastward towards East Asia, generating an EU‐like teleconnection 4 days prior to CER event onset. Furthermore, cold SST anomalies in the warm pool and warm SST anomalies in the tropical WNP‐South China Sea and the western Indian Ocean induce poleward‐propagating Rossby waves, creating a negative PJ teleconnection pattern up to 5 days prior to CER events. These results are supported by ray paths originating from base points of EU and PJ teleconnections.
Absolute quantification of microRNAs in green tea (Camellia sinensis) by stem‐loop quantitative real‐time PCR
Authors: Hou Ying‐Hui , Jeyaraj Anburaj , Zhang Xiao , Wei Chao‐Ling 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere are some studies to show that food‐derived plant microRNAs (miRNAs) may be detected in mammals. The research evidence has provoked a considerable debate whether plant‐derived miRNAs exert the same regulatory functions as endogenous animal miRNAs. To test the hypothesis, methods of highly sensitive absolute quantification miRNAs have been developed. However, absolute miRNA quantification of green tea has not yet been reported. This study is the first to build an absolute quantification method to detect miRNAs level in green tea using stem‐loop quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR).RESULTSTwo miRNAs, csn‐miR164 (a conserved miRNA) and csn‐miRn329 (a tea‐specific miRNA), were selected as examples for the detection and absolute quantification of miRNAs in green tea samples using stem‐loop qRT‐PCR. The content of csn‐miR164 was significantly higher in the Yuexi Cuilan (YX) samples than in the Shucheng Orchid (SC) samples. The content of csn‐miRn329 was found to be high at the start of processing in leaf tissues in both the withering and soaking experiments, after which it gradually decreased with time.CONCLUSIONTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to absolutely quantify the miRNAs present in green tea. This method will help to further investigate the possibility that tea‐derived miRNAs may play an important role on defending against various diseases in humans. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Study on directional eye movements in non‐frontal face images for eye‐controlled interaction
Authors: Lin Min , Majumder Aditi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDirectional eye movements based eye‐controlled interaction focuses on interpreting the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal eye movements or their combinations as inputs to design user interfaces for people who suffer with severe mobility disabilities. In this paper, we take into consideration the inherent eye jitter and evaluate the accuracy of dynamic tracking of horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and rectangular eye movements prior to using them. We observe that the rectangular eye gesture composed of short horizontal and vertical eye movements has the best tracking accuracy in the presence of jitter. Finally, we present methods for identifying horizontal and vertical eye movements based on the trajectory of eye pupil centers from non‐frontal face images. We find that the methods are robust and effective within ±20°deflective azimuths of non‐frontal faces. This effectiveness is demonstrated by using the rectangular eye gesture as an interface to perform a painting task.
Dual layered display that presents auto‐stereoscopic 3D images to multiple viewers in arbitrary positions
Authors: Ji Yeong‐Min , Park Jae‐Hyeung 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDual layered display or also called tensor display that consists of two panels in a stack can present full‐parallax 3D images with high resolution and continuous motion parallax by reconstructing corresponding light ray field within a viewing angle. The depth range where the 3D images can be displayed with reasonable resolution, however, is limited around the panel stack. In this paper, we propose a dual layered display that can present stereoscopic images to multiple viewers located at arbitrary positions in observer space with high resolution and large depth range. Combined with the viewer tracking system, the proposed method provides a practical way to realize high‐resolution large‐depth auto‐stereoscopic 3D display for multiple observers without restriction on the observer position and the head orientation.
Preparation of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization for the rapid extraction of avermectin from fish samples
Authors: You Xiaoxiao , Gao Lei , Qin Dongli , Chen Ligang 
Published: November 2016

A novel and highly efficient approach to obtain magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers is described to detect avermectin in fish samples. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized by surface imprinting polymerization using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes as the support materials, atom transfer radical polymerization as the polymerization method, avermectin as template, acrylamide as functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker. The characteristics of the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were assessed by using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The binding characteristics of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were researched through isothermal adsorption experiment, kinetics adsorption experiment, and the selectivity experiment. Coupled with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, the extraction conditions of the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers as adsorbents for avermectin were investigated in detail. The recovery of avermectin was 84.2–97.0%, and the limit of detection was 0.075 μg/kg. Relative standard deviations of intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were in the range of 1.7–2.9% and 3.4–5.6%, respectively. The results demonstrated that the extraction method not only has high selectivity and accuracy, but also is convenient for the determination of avermectin in fish samples.
Social Support, Coping, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Female Sexual Assault Survivors: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Ullman Sarah E. , Relyea Mark 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSocial support and coping affect each other after stressful life events, including sexual assault (Taylor & Stanton, 2007). The present study examined the associations among assault‐specific support, maladaptive coping, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) over 3 years in a sample of female sexual assault survivors from a large metropolitan area (N = 1,863). A 3‐wave cross‐lagged panel model revealed significant weak‐to‐moderate reciprocal associations between maladaptive coping and PTSS (βs = .09 to .21), significant weak reciprocal associations between turning against social reactions and PTSS (βs = .07 to .10), and inconsistent weak reciprocal associations between maladaptive coping and unsupportive acknowledgment reactions (βs = .06 to .14). We conclude with implications regarding treatment and intervention for survivors and their support networks.
Effects of electrical stimulation on vocal functions in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Law Thomas , Lee Kathy Y.‐S. , Wong Rita W.M. , Leung Yeptain , Ku Peter K.M. , Wong Eddy W.Y. , Li Hok‐Nam , Ng Louisa K.Y. , van Hasselt C. Andrew , Tong Michael C.F. 
Published: November 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on vocal functions in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma following radiation therapy.Study DesignProspective, randomized controlled trial.MethodsOne hundred forty newly treated NPC patients were recruited and randomized into NMES or traditional swallowing exercise (TE) group. Participants received intensive NMES or traditional swallowing therapy and were followed up until 12 months postrandomization. Fifty‐seven participants completed the treatment and all of the follow‐up assessments. The Voice Handicap Index‐30 (VHI‐30) was used to measure the vocal functions of the participants.ResultsThe NMES group showed no significant changes to their vocal functions, whereas the TE group showed a short‐term deterioration of voice functions at the 6‐month follow‐up. VHI‐30 scores returned to the baseline level for both groups at the 12‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsNMES is shown to provide a short‐term benefit on vocal functions for NPC patients following radiation therapy.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope, 127:1119–1124, 2017
Intratympanic dexamethasone in sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: El Sabbagh Nagi G. , Sewitch Maida J. , Bezdjian Aren , Daniel Sam J. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveSystemic dexamethasone has demonstrated conclusive benefits in reversing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) despite considerable number of potential side effects. In contrast, the intratympanic route of steroid administration averts several possible complications. This study aims to examine the literature to delineate the efficacy and side effect of intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) injection for the treatment of SSNHL.Data SourceCochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE electronic databases from January 1950 to August 2014, with an update performed on November 10, 2014.Review MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCCTs), using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses flow diagram and guidelines. Quality assessment was performed using The Cochrane Collaboration Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias.ResultsEight RCCTs on SSNHL were included Three of the eight studies had high risk of bias. Substantial heterogeneity was found. The meta‐analysis failed to detect statistically significant difference between ITD and alternative treatment (odds ratio = 0.39, 95% credible intervals = 0.11–1.27). The side‐effects profile was favorable for ITD. No serious adverse events were recorded.ConclusionThere is no sufficient scientific evidence to support a difference between ITD and alternative therapy for SSNHL. We recommend larger RCCTs to determine the effectiveness of ITD compared to oral steroid therapy. We encourage a shift in study design selection toward noninferiority or superiority studies. Avoiding systemic corticotherapy, especially in vulnerable populations, should be the rationale for future research in the field.Laryngoscope, 127:1897–1908, 2017
The assessment of mucosal surgical margins in head and neck cancer surgery with narrow band imaging
Authors: Šifrer Robert , Urbančič Jure , Strojan Primož , Aničin Aleksandar , Žargi Miha 
Published: November 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe diagnostic gain of narrow band imaging in the definition of surgical margins in the treatment of head and neck cancer was evaluated.Study DesignA prospective study, blinded to the pathologist, with historical comparison.MethodsThe study group included 45 patients subjected to the intraoperative definition of margins by narrow band imaging. The control group included 55 patients who had undergone standard definition of margins. All patients underwent resection of the tumor and frozen section analysis of superficial margins. The rate of initial R0 resection and the ratio of histologically negative margins for both groups were statistically compared.ResultsThe rate of initial R0 resection in the study group and in the control group was 88.9% and 70.9% (P = .047), and the ratio of histologically negative margins was 95.9% and 88.4% (P = .017), respectively.ConclusionsNarrow band imaging reveals a microscopic extension of the tumor that could be effectively used to better define superficial margins and to achieve a higher rate of initial R0 resections.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 127:1577–1582, 2017