bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronan Is Crucial for Stem Cell Differentiation into Smooth Muscle Lineage
Authors: Simpson Russell M.L. , Hong Xuechong , Wong Mei Mei , Karamariti Eirini , Bhaloo Shirin Issa , Warren Derek , Kong Wei , Hu Yanhua , Xu Qingbo 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Deciphering the extracellular signals that regulate SMC differentiation from stem cells is vital to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular disease and for development of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering. Hyaluronan (HA) has emerged as an important component of the stem cell niche, however its role during stem cell differentiation is a complicated and inadequately defined process. This study aimed to investigate the role of HA in embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation toward a SMC lineage. ESCs were seeded on collagen-IV in differentiation medium to generate ESC-derived SMCs (esSMCs). Differentiation coincided with increased HA synthase (HAS) 2 expression, accumulation of extracellular HA and its assembly into pericellular matrices. Inhibition of HA synthesis by 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU), removal of the HA coat by hyaluronidase (HYAL) or HAS2 knockdown led to abrogation of SMC gene expression. HA activates ERK1/2 and suppresses EGFR signaling pathways via its principle receptor, CD44. EGFR inactivation coincided with increased binding to CD44, which was further augmented by addition of high molecular weight (HMW)-HA either exogenously or via HAS2 overexpression through adenoviral gene transfer. HMW-HA-stimulated esSMCs displayed a functional role in vascular tissue engineering ex vivo, vasculogenesis in a matrigel plug model and SMC accumulation in neointimal lesions of vein grafts in mice. These findings demonstrate that HAS2-induced HA synthesis and organization drives ESC-SMC differentiation. Thus, remodeling of the HA microenvironment is a critical step in directing stem cell differentiation toward a vascular lineage, highlighting HA as a potential target for treatment of vascular diseases.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Determines the Vasculogenic Fate of Postnatal Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhaocheng , Nör Felipe , Oh Min , Cucco Carolina , Shi Songtao , Nör Jacques E. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Vasculogenesis is the process of de novo blood vessel formation observed primarily during embryonic development. Emerging evidence suggest that postnatal mesenchymal stem cells are capable of recapitulating vasculogenesis when these cells are engaged in tissue regeneration. However, the mechanisms underlining the vasculogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells remain unclear. Here, we used stem cells from human permanent teeth (dental pulp stem cells [DPSC]) or deciduous teeth (stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth [SHED]) as models of postnatal primary human mesenchymal stem cells to understand mechanisms regulating their vasculogenic fate. GFP-tagged mesenchymal stem cells seeded in human tooth slice/scaffolds and transplanted into immunodeficient mice differentiate into human blood vessels that anastomize with the mouse vasculature. In vitro, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced the vasculogenic differentiation of DPSC and SHED via potent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further, activation of Wnt signaling is sufficient to induce the vasculogenic differentiation of postnatal mesenchymal stem cells, while Wnt inhibition blocked this process. Notably, β-catenin-silenced DPSC no longer differentiate into endothelial cells in vitro, and showed impaired vasculogenesis in vivo. Collectively, these data demonstrate that VEGF signaling through the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway defines the vasculogenic fate of postnatal mesenchymal stem cells.
Protective Role of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Lung Injury is Mediated by RegIIIγ Secretion
Authors: Qian Jing , Hu Yue , Zhao Lifang , Xia Jingyan , Li Changwei , Shi Liyun , Xu Feng 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Effective and specific therapeutic approaches are still needed for treating acute lung injury caused by severe pneumonia. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are well-characterized adult stem cells that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of ADSCs on Staphylococcus aureus-induced acute lung injury in mice. Our results showed that intratracheal injection of ADSCs could attenuate the severity of lung inflammation, and reduce the bacterial load as well as mortality among infected mice. Our experiments also revealed that the secretion of regenerating islet-derived IIIγ (RegIIIγ) is responsible for the protective effect of ADSCs. Moreover, the expression of RegIIIγ requires TLR2, MyD88, and JAK2/STAT3 activation. In conclusion, ADSCs exhibit a direct antimicrobial activity that is mediated primarily by the TLR2-MyD88-JAK2/STAT3-dependent secretion of RegIIIγ.
Fascia Origin of Adipose Cells
Authors: Su Xueying , Lyu Ying , Wang Weiyi , Zhang Yanfei , Li Danhua , Wei Suning , Du Congkuo , Geng Bin , Sztalryd Carole , Xu Guoheng 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Adipocytes might arise from vascular stromal cells, pericytes and endothelia within adipose tissue or from bone marrow cells resident in nonadipose tissue. Here, we identified adipose precursor cells resident in fascia, an uninterrupted sheet of connective tissue that extends throughout the body. The cells and fragments of superficial fascia from the rat hindlimb were highly capable of spontaneous and induced adipogenic differentiation but not myogenic and osteogenic differentiation. Fascial preadipocytes expressed multiple markers of adipogenic progenitors, similar to subcutaneous adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) but discriminative from visceral ASCs. Such preadipocytes resided in fascial vasculature and were physiologically active in vivo. In growing rats, adipocytes dynamically arose from the adventitia to form a thin adipose layer in the fascia. Later, some adipocytes appeared to overlay on top of other adipocytes, an early sign for the formation of three-dimensional adipose tissue in fascia. The primitive adipose lobules extended invariably along blood vessels toward the distal fascia areas. At the lobule front, nascent capillaries wrapped and passed ahead of mature adipocytes to form the distal neovasculature niche, which might replenish the pool of preadipocytes and supply nutrients and hormones necessary for continuous adipogenesis. Our findings suggest a novel model for the origin of adipocytes from the fascia, which explains both neogenesis and expansion of adipose tissue. Fascial preadipocytes generate adipose cells to form primitive adipose lobules in superficial fascia, a subcutaneous nonadipose tissue. With continuous adipogenesis, these primitive adipose lobules newly formed in superficial fascia may be the rudiment of subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Regulates Endothelial Progenitor Cell Migration via CADM1 and NF-kB
Authors: Prisco Anthony R. , Hoffmann Brian R. , Kaczorowski Catherine C. , McDermott-Roe Chris , Stodola Timothy J. , Exner Eric C. , Greene Andrew S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractShortly after the discovery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in 1997, many clinical trials were conducted using EPCs as a cellular based therapy with the goal of restoring damaged organ function by inducing growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Results were disappointing, largely because the cellular and molecular mechanisms of EPC-induced angiogenesis were not clearly understood. Following injection, EPCs must migrate to the target tissue and engraft prior to induction of angiogenesis. In this study EPC migration was investigated in response to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, to test the hypothesis that organ damage observed in ischemic diseases induces an inflammatory signal that is important for EPC homing. In this study, EPC migration and incorporation were modeled in vitro using a coculture assay where TNFα treated EPCs were tracked while migrating toward vessel-like structures. It was found that TNFα treatment of EPCs increased migration and incorporation into vessel-like structures. Using a combination of genomic and proteomic approaches, NF-kB mediated upregulation of CADM1 was identified as a mechanism of TNFα induced migration. Inhibition of NF-kB or CADM1 significantly decreased migration of EPCs in vitro suggesting a role for TNFα signaling in EPC homing during tissue repair.
Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A Is Highly Expressed on Human Hematopoietic Repopulating Cells and Associates with the Key Hematopoietic Chemokine Receptor CXCR4
Authors: Chang Chao-Hui , Hale Sarah J , Cox Charlotte V. , Blair Allison , Kronsteiner Barbara , Grabowska Rita , Zhang Youyi , Cook David , Khoo Cheen P. , Schrader Jack B. , Kabuga Suranahi Buglass , Martin-Rendon Enca , Watt Suzanne M. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) reside in specialized bone marrow microenvironmental niches, with vascular elements (endothelial/mesenchymal stromal cells) and CXCR4-CXCL12 interactions playing particularly important roles for HSPC entry, retention, and maintenance. The functional effects of CXCL12 are dependent on its local concentration and rely on complex HSPC-niche interactions. Two Junctional Adhesion Molecule family proteins, Junctional Adhesion Molecule-B (JAM)-B and JAM-C, are reported to mediate HSPC-stromal cell interactions, which in turn regulate CXCL12 production by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Here, we demonstrate that another JAM family member, JAM-A, is most highly expressed on human hematopoietic stem cells with in vivo repopulating activity (p &lt; .01 for JAM-Ahigh compared to JAM-AInt or Low cord blood CD34+ cells). JAM-A blockade, silencing, and overexpression show that JAM-A contributes significantly (p &lt; .05) to the adhesion of human HSPCs to IL-1β activated human bone marrow sinusoidal endothelium. Further studies highlight a novel association of JAM-A with CXCR4, with these molecules moving to the leading edge of the cell upon presentation with CXCL12 (p &lt; .05 compared to no CXCL12). Therefore, we hypothesize that JAM family members differentially regulate CXCR4 function and CXCL12 secretion in the bone marrow niche.
Treatment of canine meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids: 25 cases (2007–2012)
Authors: Woolcock Andrew D. , Wang Andrea , Haley Allison , Kent Marc , Creevy Kate E. , Platt Simon R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for a variety of immune‐mediated diseases in veterinary medicine has been described. However, there is only a small number of cases documenting its use in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology (MUE). We hypothesized that the use ofMMFand corticosteroids in dogs withMUEresults in comparable survival data to other published treatment protocols and is associated with limited adverse effects. A retrospective study of medical case records of dogs clinically diagnosed withMUErecorded signalment, neuroanatomic localization, magnetic resonance imaging findings, cerebrospinal fluid analysis results, medications administered, follow‐up neurologic examinations, survival and adverse events. Variables were compared between dogs which were treated withMMFwithin 30 days of diagnosis (immediate group) vs. dogs in whichMMFtherapy was started >30 days after diagnosis (delayed group). Twenty‐five cases ofMUEwere identified. The overall median survival time from diagnosis was 731 days (range 43–1672 days). After 1 month ofMMFtreatment, 92% of dogs showed improvement on a neurological examination. There was no significant effect of any recorded parameter on survival, including delayed vs. immediate initiation ofMMFtreatment. Dogs with delayed treatment had significantly lower clinical remission rates than dogs with immediate treatment at 6 months after startingMMF. Adverse events were identified in two cases (8%) and were characterized by mild gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and decreased appetite). Administration ofMMFappears safe in dogs withMUE. The use ofMMFresults in comparable survival times to alternate immunosuppressive protocols.
Computationally deciphering palladium‐catalyzed reaction mechanisms
Authors: Sperger Theresa , Fisher Henry C. , Schoenebeck Franziska 
Published: February 2016

Computational studies receive increased attention in the mechanistic exploration of transition metal catalyzed reactions. Especially in Pd catalysis, numerous mechanistic insights could be gained by the use of computational tools to complement experimental studies in order to provide a more detailed mechanistic picture. This includes not only the exploration of novel mechanistic scenarios, but also the comparison of different plausible reaction pathways. The current intense use of calculations in mechanistic studies of Pd‐catalyzed reactions has encouraged constant advancements in the field. However, a number of challenges will be faced in the computational treatment of Pd reactivities, including tackling conformational space, charged molecules, varying ligation states and the description of complexes bearing multiple Pd centers. Their careful consideration may enrich the mechanistic picture of numerous Pd‐catalyzed reactions, but may also encourage further development of computational methodology. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:226–242. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1244This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Techniques for monitoring Brachyramphus murrelets: A comparison of radar, autonomous acoustic recording and audio‐visual surveys
Authors: Cragg Jenna L. , Burger Alan E. , Piatt John F. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTConditions in Alaska, USA, pose a challenge for monitoring populations of Brachyramphus murrelets using standard survey methods, because of strong winds, 2 sympatric species, short nights, and variable nesting habitat. We tested 3 methods for monitoring Brachyramphus murrelets breeding in the Kodiak Archipelago, Alaska, in 2010–2012. In addition to standard audio‐visual and radar methods, we tested—for the first time with murrelets in Alaska—the application of autonomous acoustic recorders for monitoring vocal activity. We completed 74 radar, 124 audio‐visual, and 134 autonomous acoustic surveys, focused on presunrise activity peaks; this yielded 26,375 murrelet detections. Marbled (B. marmoratus) and Kittlitz's murrelets (B. brevirostris) could not be distinguished using combinations of radar and acoustic recordings; therefore, at‐sea surveys will be required to determine localized species proportions. Of the 3 methods, radar sampled the largest area and detected silently flying murrelets, providing the most reliable data on local populations; however, radar identification of murrelets was unreliable in winds exceeding 18 km/hr. Audio‐visual surveys were useful for species identification and to document behaviors associated with local nesting, whereas autonomous acoustic recorders allowed season‐long monitoring of murrelet vocal activity. Within potential forest‐nesting habitat of marbled murrelets, all 3 methods gave similar measures of presunrise murrelet activity, but only radar reliably sampled murrelets commuting between nest and ocean. Because of their low cost and flexible programming, automated sound recorders offer an affordable way to sample vocal activity prior to more intensive or expensive radar and audio‐visual surveys. We recommend that population monitoring and habitat studies of Brachyramphus murrelets in Alaska include combinations of all 3 methods. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Relation between Electric Spark Sensitivity and Impact Sensitivity of Nitroaromatic Energetic Compounds
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Keshavarz Zahra 
Published: February 2016

AbstractImpact and electric spark sensitivities of energetic compounds are two important sensitivity parameters, which are closely related to many accidents in working places. In contrast to electric spark sensitivity, impact sensitivity can be easily measured. A new simple method is introduced to correlate electric spark and impact sensitivities of nitroaromatic compounds. Two correcting functions are used to consider several molecular moieties for reliable prediction of electric spark sensitivity through the measured or estimated impact sensitivity of nitroaromatics. The model is optimized using a set of 28 CHNO polynitroaromatic explosives and then it is tested for some nitroaromatics containing the other atoms such as sulfur. The predicted electric sensitivities of the new method are also compared with the reported results of a new quantum mechanical approach. For 22 CHNO nitroaromatics, quantum mechanical calculations are within ±3.0 J of 18 measured values and more than ±3.0 J for remaining 4 experimental data. Meanwhile, the predicted results of the method are less than ±3.0 J for 28 CHNO nitroaromatics. The root‐mean‐square (rms) deviations of the new model and quantum mechanical are also 1.55 and 2.51 J, respectively.
Cervical cages placed bilaterally in the facet joints from a posterior approach significantly increase foraminal area
Authors: Siemionow Kris , Janusz Piotr , Glowka Pawel 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Purpose
Foraminal stenosis is a common cause of cervical radiculopathy. Posterior cervical cages can indirectly increase foraminal area and decompress the nerve root. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of bilateral posterior cervical cages on the surface area and shape of the neural foramen.

Methods
Radiographic analysis was performed on 43 subjects enrolled in a prospective, multi-center study. CT scans were obtained at baseline and 6- and 12-months after cervical fusion using bilateral posterior cervical cages. The following measurements were performed on CT scan: foraminal area (A), theoretical area (TA), height (H), superior diagonal (DSI), inferior diagonal (DIS), and inferior diagonal without implant (DISI). Comparisons were performed using R-ANOVA with a significance of α < 0.05.

Results
Foraminal area, height, TA and DISI were significantly greater following placement of the implant. The mean (SD) A increased from 4.01 (1.09) mm2 before surgery to 4.24 (1.00) mm2 at 6 months, and 4.18 (1.05) mm2 at 12 months after surgery (p < 0.0001). Foraminal height (H) increased from mean (SD) 9.20 (1.08) mm at baseline to 9.65 (1.06) mm and 9.55 (1.14) mm at 6- and 12-months post-operatively, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean DIS did not change significantly. There was a significant decrease in DSI: 6.18 (1.59) mm pre-operatively, 5.95 (1.47) mm and 5.73 (1.46) mm at 6- and 12-months (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Implantation of bilateral posterior cervical cages can increase foraminal area and may indirectly decompress the nerve roots. Correlation between increase in foraminal area and clinical outcomes needs further investigation.
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation phase 1 studies evaluating BTH1677, a 1, 3–1,6 beta glucan pathogen associated molecular pattern, in healthy volunteer subjects
Authors: Halstenson C. E. , Shamp T. , Gargano M. A. , Walsh R. M. , Patchen M. L. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackground BTH1677 is a beta glucan pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) currently being investigated as a novel cancer therapy. Here, the initial safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) results of BTH1677 in healthy subjects are reported. Subjects and Methods In the Phase 1a single-dosing study, subjects were randomized (3:1 per cohort) to a single intravenous (iv) infusion of BTH1677 at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 6 mg/kg or placebo, respectively. In the Phase 1b multi-dosing study, subjects were randomized (3:1 per cohort) to 7 daily iv infusions of BTH1677 at 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg or placebo, respectively. Safety and PK non-compartmental analyses were performed. Results Thirty-six subjects (N = 24 Phase 1a; N = 12 Phase 1b) were randomized to treatment. No deaths or serious adverse events occurred in either study. Mild or moderate adverse events (AEs) occurred in 67 % of BTH1677-treated subjects in both studies. Treatment-related AEs (occurring in ≥10 % of subjects) included dyspnea, flushing, headache, nausea, paraesthesia, and rash in Phase 1a and conjunctivitis and headache in Phase 1b. BTH1677 serum concentration was linear with dose. Clearance, serum elimination half-life (t1/2) and volume of distribution (Vss) were BTH1677 dose-independent. In Phase 1b, area under the curve, t1/2, and Vss values were larger at steady state on days 6–30 versus day 0. Conclusions BTH1677 was well tolerated after single doses up to 6 mg/kg and after 7 daily doses up to 4 mg/kg.
Internet, consumer spending, and credit card balance: Evidence from US consumers
Authors: Basnet Hem C. , Donou‐Adonsou Ficawoyi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUtilizing the 2013 Survey of Consumer Finances data, the present study aims to examine the role of the Internet in carrying a credit card balance among US households. The central question of this study is whether or not households with Internet access have more favorable attitudes toward incurring more credit card balance. This study further investigates whether education, income, gender, age, race, etc., make any differences in carrying credit card debt when households have access to the Internet. Our results with the Tobit model show that having access to the Internet increases the probability of carrying a positive credit card balance by 4% to 5% compared to those who do not have access to the Internet. This result does not apply to older Americans. Our results further indicate that education decreases the probability of carrying a positive credit balance for households that have access to the Internet, while income and liquid assets may have little positive effect on that probability. The results suggest that Internet leads to more debt, but education could alleviate that debt.
StatNet Electroencephalogram: A Fast and Reliable Option to Diagnose Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Emergency Setting
Authors: Ladino Lady Diana , Voll Alexandra , Dash Dianne , Sutherland Wes , Hernández-Ronquillo Lizbeth , Téllez-Zenteno Jose Francisco , Moien-Afshari Farzad 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:The StatNet electrode set is a system that can be applied by a non-electroencephalogram (EEG) technologist after minimal training. The primary objectives of this study are to assess the quality and reliability of the StatNet recordings in comparison to the conventional EEG.Methods:Over 10 months, 19 patients with suspected nonconvulsive status epilepticus were included from university hospital emergency settings. Each patient received a StatNet EEG by a trained epilepsy fellow and a conventional EEG by registered technologists. We compared the studies in a blinded fashion, for the timeframe from EEG order to the setup time, start of acquisition, amount of artifact, and detection of abnormalities. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney two-sample t test was used for comparisons. The kappa score was used to assess reliability.Results:Mean age of patients was 61±16.3 (25-93) years. The inter-observer agreement for detection of abnormal findings was 0.83 for StatNet and 0.75 for conventional EEG. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus was detected in 10% (2/19) in both studies. The delay from the time of EEG requisition to acquisition was shorter in the StatNet (22.4±2.5 minutes) than the conventional EEG (217.7±44.6 minutes; p<0.0001). The setup time was also shorter in the StatNet (9.9±0.8 minutes) compared with the conventional EEG (17.8±0.8 minutes; p<0.0001). There was no difference in the percentage of artifact duration between the two studies (p=0.89).Conclusion:This study demonstrates that StatNet EEG is a practical and reliable tool in the emergency setting, which reduces the delay of testing compared with conventional EEG, without significant compromise of study quality.