bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reserve or Resident Progenitors in Cartilage? Comparative Analysis of Chondrocytes versus Chondroprogenitors and Their Role in Cartilage Repair
Authors: Vinod Elizabeth , Boopalan P. R. J. V. C. , Sathishkumar Solomon 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Articular cartilage is made up of hyaline tissue embodying chondrocytes, which arise from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and specialized extracellular matrix. Despite possessing resident progenitors in and around the joint primed for chondrogenesis, cartilage has limited intrinsic capacity of repair and cell turnover. Advances in isolation, culture, and characterization of these progenitors have raised the possibility for their use in cell-based cartilage repair. Chondroprogenitors (CPCs) have been classified as MSCs and have been postulated to play a vital role in injury response and are identified by their colony forming ability, proliferative potential, telomere dynamics, multipotency, and expression of stem cell markers. The combined presence of CPCs and chondrocytes within the same tissue compartments and the ability of chondrocytes to dedifferentiate and acquire stemness during culture expansion has obscured our ability to define and provide clear-cut differences between these 2 cell populations. Objective This review aims to evaluate and summarize the available literature on CPCs in terms of their origin, growth kinetics, molecular characteristics, and differential and therapeutic potential with emphasis on their difference from daughter chondrocytes. Design For this systematic review, a comprehensive electronic search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant terms such as chondrocytes, chondroprogenitors, and surface marker expression. Results and Conclusion Our comparative analysis shows that there is an ill-defined distinction between CPCs and chondrocytes with respect to their cell surface expression (MSC markers and CPC-specific markers) and differentiation potential. Accumulating evidence indicates that the 2 subpopulations may be distinguished based on their growth kinetics and chondrogenic marker.
Sauna exposure leads to improved arterial compliance: Findings from a non-randomised experimental study
Authors: Lee Earric , Laukkanen Tanjaniina , Kunutsor Setor K , Khan Hassan , Willeit Peter , Zaccardi Francesco , Laukkanen Jari A 
Published: October 2017

Background Heat therapy has been suggested to improve cardiovascular function. However, the effects of hot sauna exposure on arterial compliance and the dynamics of blood flow and pressure have not been well documented. Thus, we investigated the short-term effects of sauna bathing on arterial stiffness and haemodynamics. Design The design was an experimental non-randomised study. Methods There were 102 asymptomatic participants (mean age, 51.9 years) who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Participants were exposed to a single sauna session (duration: 30 min; temperature: 73℃; humidity: 10–20%). Pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, heart rate, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, augmented pressure and left ventricular ejection time were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 min after a single sauna session. Results Sauna bathing led to reductions in pulse wave velocity, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and left ventricular ejection time. Mean pulse wave velocity value before sauna was 9.8 m/s and decreased to 8.6 m/s immediately after sauna bathing ( p < 0.001 for difference), and was 9.0 m/s after the 30-minute recovery period ( p < 0.001 for analysis of variance). Systolic blood pressure was 137 mm Hg before sauna bathing, decreasing to 130 mm Hg after sauna ( p < 0.001), which remained sustained during the 30-minute recovery phase ( p < 0.001 for analysis of variance). After a single sauna session, diastolic blood pressure decreased from 82 to 75 mm Hg, mean arterial pressure from 99.4 to 93.6 mm Hg and left ventricular ejection time from 307 to 278 m/s ( p < 0.001 for all differences). Pulse pressure was 42.7 mm Hg before the sauna, 44.9 mm Hg immediately after the sauna, and reduced to 39.3 mm Hg after 30-minutes recovery ( p < 0.001 for analysis of variance). Heart rate increased from 65 to 81 beats/min post-sauna ( p < 0.001); there were no significant changes for augmented pressure and pulse pressure amplification. Conclusion This study shows that pulse wave velocity, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, left ventricular ejection time and diastolic time decreased immediately after a 30-minute sauna session. Decreases in systolic blood pressure and left ventricular ejection time were sustained during the 30-minute recovery phase.
Center Variation and the Effect of Center and Provider Characteristics on Clinical Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Tsampalieros Anne , Knoll Gregory A. , Fergusson Nicholas , Bennett Alexandria , Taljaard Monica , Fergusson Dean 
Published: October 2017

Background: Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease. While patient-level factors affecting survival are established, the presence of variation in the management of transplant recipients remains unknown. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine center variation in kidney transplantation and identify center and provider characteristics that may be associated with clinical outcomes. Design: This is a systematic review. Data sources: Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library from inception to June 2016 were used. Study eligibility: Any study examining the association between center or provider characteristics and graft or patient survival, quality of life, or functional status were included. Results: We identified 6327 records and 24 studies met eligibility. Most studies used data registries. Characteristics evaluated include center volume (n = 17), provider volume (n = 2), provider experience (n = 1), center type (n = 2), and location of follow-up (n = 1). Outcomes assessed included graft survival (n = 24) and patient survival (n = 9). Significant center variation was described in 12 of 15 and 5 of 7 studies for graft and patient survival. There was a significant and positive association between center volume and graft and patient survival in 8 and 2 studies, respectively. Provider experience and volume were significantly associated with less allograft loss and provider volume with lower risk of death. There was no association between graft survival and location of follow-up or center type. Limitations: There was substantial heterogeneity in the variables assessed and methodology used to analyze associations. Conclusion: This systematic review found center variation in kidney transplantation. Future studies in the current era are necessary to better evaluate this important topic.
EPR spectra of a new radiation-induced paramagnetic centre in kaolins
Authors: Goodman Bernard A. , Worasith Niramon , Deng Wen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe EPR spectrum of a previously unreported paramagnetic centre formed in kaolin minerals by exposure to γ radiation is described. This centre, which is referred to here as the ‘C-centre’, was seen initially during an investigation of the radiation dose response of the EPR signal in the natural Lampang kaolin from northern Thailand, and its EPR properties are now presented for a purified sample from this material. They suggest a paramagnetic centre with rhombic symmetry based on O− associated with a single 27Al atom. Computer simulations suggest spin Hamiltonian parameters of g1 = 1.976, g3 = 2.0417 and A(27Al) = 2.10 mT, with g2 ≈ 2.01. This C-centre was also seen as a minor radiationinduced component in both crude and purified Ranong kaolin samples, along with a stronger signal from the B-centre radical. It seems to be associated with the kaolinite component, but was lost on annealing to 300°C after which only the signal from the A-centre was visible.
Clonality in context: hematopoietic clones in their marrow environment
Authors: Cooper James N. , Young Neal S. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Clonal hematopoiesis occurs normally, especially with aging, and in the setting of disease, not only in myeloid cancers but in bone marrow failure as well. In cancer, malignant clones are characterized by recurrent somatic mutations in specific sets of genes, but the direct relationship of such mutations to leukemogenesis, when they occur in cells of an apparently healthy older individual or after recovery from immune aplastic anemia, is uncertain. Here we emphasize a view of clonal evolution that stresses natural selection over deterministic ontogeny, and we stress the selective role of the environment of the marrow and organism. Clonal hematopoieses after chemotherapy, in marrow failure, and with aging serve as models. We caution against the overinterpretation of clinical results of genomic testing in the absence of a better understanding of clonal selection and evolution.
Mapping sand layers in clayey till using crosshole ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Looms Majken Caroline , Klotzsche Anja , van der Kruk Jan , Larsen Thomas Hauerberg , Edsen Anders , Tuxen Nina , Hamburger Nancy , Keskinen Johanna , Nielsen Lars 
Published: October 2017

Fluid transport through clayey tills governs the quantity and quality of groundwater resources in the Northern Hemisphere. This transport is often controlled by a 3D network of macropores (biopores, fractures, and sand lenses) within the clayey till. At present, a nondestructive technique that can map and characterize the sand-lens network does not exist, and full excavation or extensive drilling is therefore the only solution. Acquisition and modeling of crosshole ground-penetrating radar (GPR) may provide the answer to this problem. We collected 1D and 2D crosshole GPR data at a field site in Denmark from four 8 m deep boreholes with horizontal distances varying between 2.64 and 5.05 m. We find that the depth, thickness, and tilt of a coherent sand layer within the clayey till (approximately 0.4–0.6 m thick), as well as the underlying sand formation, can be mapped accurately using GPR data. We efficiently identify the sand as a highly resistive section with high electromagnetic (EM) wave velocities, whereas the clayey till is conductive with lower EM wave velocities. We find that the exact location of the sand occurrences is better delineated by the increase in amplitude than the increase in EM wave velocity. We believe that crosshole GPR may contribute significantly to groundwater protection and contaminant remediation initiatives.
High intelligence and the risk of ADHD and other psychopathology
Authors: Rommelse Nanda , Antshel Kevin , Smeets Stijn , Greven Corina , Hoogeveen Lianne , Faraone Stephen V. , Hartman Catharina A. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundHigh intelligence may be associated with positive (adaptive, desired) outcomes, but may also come with disadvantages.AimsTo contribute empirically to the debate concerning whether a trade-off in IQ scores exists in relation to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related problems, suggesting that high intelligence – like low intelligence –increases the risk of ADHD.MethodCurves of the relation between IQ score and ADHD problems were fitted to questionnaire data (parent, teacher, self-report) in a population-based study of 2221 children and adolescents aged 10–12 years. Externalising and internalising problems were included for comparison purposes.ResultsHigher IQ score was most strongly related to fewer attention problems, with more rater discrepancy in the highv.average IQ range. Attention problems – but only minimally hyperactivity/impulsivity problems – predicted functional impairment at school, also in the higher IQ range.ConclusionsAttention problems in highly intelligent children are exceptional and affect school performance; they are therefore a reason for clinical concern.
Thiophene-Fused Naphthalene Diimides: New Building Blocks for Electron Deficient π-Functional Materials
Authors: Takimiya Kazuo , Nakano Masahiro 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Development of novel π-conjugated building blocks that can be integrated into molecular or macromolecular systems is key to the evolution of new superior organic semiconductors utilized as the active materials in organic electronics devices such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and organic thermoelectric (TE) devices. This review affords a brief overview of thiophene-fused naphthalene diimide (NDI), namely naphtho[2,3-b:6,7-b′]dithiophene diimide (NDTI) and naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene diimide (NTI), recently developed as novel electron deficient building blocks for n-type and ambipolar organic semiconductors. These thiophene-fused NDI building blocks had not been known until 2013 owing to their synthetic difficulty; more precisely, the difficulty in attaching fused-thiophene ring(s) on the NDI core. We have successfully established a thiophene-annulation reaction on ethyne-substituted NDI derivatives, which allows us to elaborate various NDTI and NTI derivatives. The key features of these building blocks are low-lying energy levels of lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO, 3.8–4.1 eV below the vacuum level) and easy functionalizability of the thiophene α-positions, which allows their derivatives and polymers to conjugate efficiently with additional π- and co-monomer units. These features make the NDTI- and NTI-derivatives and polymers promising n-type and ambipolar materials for OFETs and acceptors for OPVs. In fact, various useful materials have already been derived from the NDTI and NTI building blocks: air-stable n-type small molecules and polymers with high electron mobility (∼0.8 cm2 V−1 s−1), ambipolar oligomers and polymers with well-balanced hole and electron mobilities, doped n-type semiconductors affording bulk conductors applicable to n-type TE materials, and electron acceptor molecules and polymers for OPVs showing promising power conversion efficiencies of up to 9%. These impressive and diversified device performances testify the usefulness of thiophene-fused NDI building blocks in the development of new electron deficient π-functional materials.
Laboratory and Full Boom-Based Investigation of Nozzle Setup Error Effects on Flow, Pressure, and Spray Pattern Distribution
Authors: Forney Shane   H. , Luck Joe   D. , Kocher Michael  F. , Pitla Santosh   K. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract.Pesticide application is an integral part of crop production, and ground-based agricultural boom sprayers are used extensively to apply pesticides to the crop canopy or soil surface across millions of acres in the United States. Efficient application is necessary to minimize costs and limit adverse environmental impacts. The goals of this study were to provide quantified measurements on the effects of nozzle setup errors on spray pattern uniformity and evaluate how laboratory patternator-based simulations would compare to measurements on a full spray boom. More specific objectives were to determine the effects of factors such as nozzle lateral angle, nozzle spacing, nozzle replacement, and nozzle pitch angle on spray pattern distribution and evaluate a simulation approach to predict the effects of single nozzle boom setup errors on full boom system pattern uniformity. Laboratory and sprayer-based tests were devised to quantify the impact of nozzle setup and operational errors on spray pattern uniformity, boom pressure, and nozzle flow rates. Results indicated that small variations in boom setup or nozzle operation (i.e., pressure or flow) can cause significant errors in spray nozzle distribution which may not be completely detectable by measuring spray pattern alone. Simulations using laboratory data from setup or operational errors reflected similar changes (differences less than 2.6%) in spray pattern CV as full boom data with similar setup errors. These findings were significant in that it may be possible to model errors within full boom spray distributions based on smaller laboratory-collected datasets. Keywords: Equipment, Equipment for crop protection, Patternator, Spray pattern distribution, Spraying.
Influence of Wild Blueberry Fruit Yield, Plant Height, and Ground Slope on Picking Performance of a Mechanical Harvester: Basis for Automation
Authors: Farooque Aitazaz Ahsan , Zaman Qamar Uz , Esau Travis , Chang Young Ki , Schumann Arnold Walter , Jameel Waqas 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Spatial variability in fruit losses in relation to fruit yield, plant height, and ground slope can help to automate the wild blueberry harvester to improve picking performance. Currently, harvester operators adjust harvester’s head height, ground speed, and revolutions per minute (rpm) manually. This is not only laborious but also stressful for operators, as they encounter spatial variability during harvesting. The goal of this work was to identify the automation potential of the harvester to improve harvestable yield and reduce operator’s stress, keeping in view the spatial variability. Two fields were selected and test plots were constructed to examine the performance of the harvester in five zones of plant height, fruit yield, and ground slope. Fruit yield plant height and ground slope were recorded from each plot manually to examine their impact on total fruit loss. Keywords: Automation, Fruit losses, Spatial variability, Wild blueberry, Zonal analysis.Results confirmed significant variability in fruit yield, plant height, and ground slope. Fruit losses were significantly influenced by the spatial variations. Fruit losses increased with an increase in fruit yield and ground slope during mechanical harvesting. The picking performance of the blueberry harvester was significantly lower in short and very tall plants within selected fields. The dependence of fruit losses on fruit yield, plant height, and ground slope emphasize the need for real-time adjustments in machine operating parameters to improve berry recovery. Based on the results, it is concluded that there is a significant advantage of harvester’s automation to increase profit margins for growers with no additional cost. Keywords: Automation, Fruit losses, Spatial variability, Wild blueberry, Zonal analysis.
Cost-effectiveness of routine imaging of suspected appendicitis
Authors: D’Souza N , Marsden M , Bottomley S , Nagarajah N , Scutt F , Toh S 
Published: October 2017

Introduction The misdiagnosis of appendicitis and consequent removal of a normal appendix occurs in one in five patients in the UK. On the contrary, in healthcare systems with routine cross-sectional imaging of suspected appendicitis, the negative appendicectomy rate is around 5%. If we could reduce the rate in the UK to similar numbers, would this be cost effective? This study aimed to calculate the financial impact of negative appendicectomy at the Queen Alexandra Hospital and to explore whether a policy of routine imaging of such patients could reduce hospital costs. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all appendicectomies over a 1-year period at our institution. Data were extracted on outcomes including appendix histology, operative time and length of stay to calculate the negative appendicectomy rate and to analyse costs. Results A total of 531 patients over 5 years of age had an appendicectomy. The negative appendicectomy rate was 22% (115/531). The additional financial costs of negative appendicectomy to the hospital during this period were £270,861. Universal imaging of all patients with right iliac fossa pain that could result in a 5% negative appendicectomy rate would cost between £67,200 and £165,600 per year but could save £33,896 (magnetic resonance imaging), £105,896 (computed tomography) or £132,296 (ultrasound) depending on imaging modality used. Conclusions Negative appendicectomy is still too frequent and results in additional financial burden to the health service. Routine imaging of patients with suspected appendicitis would not only reduce the negative appendicectomy rate but could lead to cost savings and a better service for our patients.
Informed consent and the readability of the written consent form
Authors: Sivanadarajah N , El-Daly I , Mamarelis G , Sohail MZ , Bates P 
Published: October 2017

Introduction The aim of this study was to objectively ascertain the level of readability of standardised consent forms for orthopaedic procedures. Methods Standardised consent forms (both in summary and detailed formats) endorsed by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) were retrieved from orthoconsent.com and assessed for readability. This involved using an online tool to calculate the validated Flesch reading ease score (FRES). This was compared with the FRES for the National Health Service (NHS) Consent Form 1. Data were analysed and interpreted according to the FRES grading table. Results The FRES for Consent Form 1 was 55.6, relating to the literacy expected of an A level student. The mean FRES for the BOA summary consent forms (n=27) was 63.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.2–66.0) while for the detailed consent forms (n=32), it was 68.9 (95% CI: 67.7–70.0). All BOA detailed forms scored >60, correlating to the literacy expected of a 13–15-year-old. The detailed forms had a higher FRES than the summary forms (p<0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates that the BOA endorsed standardised consent forms are much easier to read and understand than the NHS Consent Form 1, with the detailed BOA forms being the easiest to read. Despite this, owing to varying literacy levels, a significant proportion of patients may struggle to give informed consent based on the written information provided to them.
Colonialism, postcolonialism and science fiction comics in the Southern Cone
Authors: Blanc-Hoang Henri-Simon 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This article analyses the science fiction universes imagined by three major Latin American comic books writers: the Argentine Ricardo Barreiro (Bárbara, 1979–83), the Chilean Alejandro Jodorowsky (El Incal, 1983–2010) and the Brazilian Mozart Couto (O Viajante, 1989). I demonstrate that the race relations (between humans and non-humans) depicted in the selected graphic novels correspond to three different time frames of the colonization process: the Conquest, the colonial period, and contemporary times. In his Bárbara series, Ricardo Barreiro describes a future alien occupation of planet Earth, whose process finds its inspiration in the extremely violent Conquest of the Americas. Like the Spanish invasion of the New World, the violence imagined in Barreiro’s world occurs both at the physical and psychological levels. At the physical level, the natives must cope with the destruction of their environment, and being hunted by aliens. At the psychological level, the invaders impose a new language and a new religion on humans. In El Incal series, Alejandro Jodorowsky explores the humanity of aliens, robots, holograms and mutants, which parallels how the whiteness of mestizos and mulattos was questioned in the Iberian continent during the Colonial period. The way in which Jodorowsky uses specific ‘science fiction icons’ – as defined by Gary K. Wolfe in The Known and the Unknown: The Iconography of Science Fiction (Wolfe, 1979) – exposes the pigmentocratic system that has survived up to the twenty-first century. Such an approach helps us deconstruct the myth that defines Latin America as a ‘racial democracy’. Finally, in Mozart Couto’s O Viajante an apparently progressive, New-Age inspired message of wisdom, betrays a new kind of cultural plundering of the Americas. By relying on the contemporary myth of the Ancient Astronauts (i.e.: giving an outer-space origin to the pre-Colombian Civilizations) for the plot of his graphic novel, Macedo denies the native inhabitants of the Iberian continent any continuity with the cultural and architectural accomplishments of their forefathers.