bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid microfluidic system for regulation of neural differentiation in induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Hesari Zahra , Soleimani Massoud , Atyabi Fatemeh , Sharifdini Meysam , Nadri Samad , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Zare Mehrak , Dinarvand Rassoul 
Published: February 2016

AbstractControlling cellular orientation, proliferation, and differentiation is valuable in designing organ replacements and directing tissue regeneration. In the present study, we developed a hybrid microfluidic system to produce a dynamic microenvironment by placing aligned PDMS microgrooves on surface of biodegradable polymers as physical guidance cues for controlling the neural differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The neuronal differentiation capacity of cultured hiPSCs in the microfluidic system and other control groups was investigated using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) and immunocytochemistry. The functionally of differentiated hiPSCs inside hybrid system's scaffolds was also evaluated on the rat hemisected spinal cord in acute phase. Implanted cell's fate was examined using tissue freeze section and the functional recovery was evaluated according to the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Our results confirmed the differentiation of hiPSCs to neuronal cells on the microfluidic device where the expression of neuronal‐specific genes was significantly higher compared to those cultured on the other systems such as plain tissue culture dishes and scaffolds without fluidic channels. Although survival and integration of implanted hiPSCs did not lead to a significant functional recovery, we believe that combination of fluidic channels with nanofiber scaffolds provides a great microenvironment for neural tissue engineering, and can be used as a powerful tool for in situ monitoring of differentiation potential of various kinds of stem cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1534–1543, 2016.
Blunt Force May be an Effective Treatment for Ganglion Cysts
Authors: Trivedi Nikunj N. , Schreiber Joseph J. , Daluiski Aaron 
Published: February 2016

Ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue tumors of the hand and wrist. There is currently no data available for the recurrence or complication rate of patients that self treat ganglion cysts by using an extrinsic force. Despite this absence of evidence, patients are still using this mode of treatment. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of blunt force as a treatment modality for disrupting ganglion cysts. We analyzed videos of patients attempting to disrupt their ganglion cysts of the wrist by blunt force on Youtube.com and surveyed them anonymously. Candidates were contacted through YouTube's email server and given a link to an online questionnaire. Two hundred fourteen individuals were reviewed with a total of 1, 008,913 views. Eighty three percent of videos were effective in treating the cyst. All 38 individuals that responded to the survey reported that the blunt force was effective in immediate elimination of the cyst in an average of 1.6 attempts (range 1–5). A majority ( N = 21, 55%) reported no recurrence since the initial disruption of the cyst at a follow-up of 24 months. YouTube.com was found to be an effective outlet to study a treatment modality that would otherwise be limited by practical considerations. The study showed that a subset of patients is utilizing blunt force trauma to successfully treat wrist ganglion cysts.
Control of wood thermal treatment and its effects on decay resistance: a review
Authors: Candelier Kévin , Thevenon Marie-France , Petrissans Anélie , Dumarcay Stéphane , Gerardin Philippe , Petrissans Mathieu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractKey messageAn efficient use of thermal treatment of wood requires a depth understanding of the chemical modifications induced. This is a prerequisite to avoid problems of process control, and to provide high quality treated wood with accurately assessed properties to the market. Properties and structural anatomy of thermally modified woods are slightly different than un-processed woods from a same wood species. So it is necessary to create or adapt new analytical methods to control their quality.ContextHeat treatment as a wood modification process is based on chemical degradation of wood polymer by heat transfer. It improves mainly the resistance of wood to decay and provides dimensional stability. These improvements, which come at the expense of a weakening of mechanical properties, have been extensively studied. Since a decade, researches focused mainly on the understanding of wood thermal degradation, on modelling, on quality prediction and quality control.AimsWe aimed at reviewing the recent advances about (i) the analytical methods used to control thermal treatment; (ii) the effects on wood decay resistance and (iii) the advantages and drawbacks of a potential industrial use of wood heating.MethodsWe carried out a literature review of the main industrial methods used to evaluate the conferred wood properties, by thermal treatment. We used papers and reports published between 1970 and 2015, identified in the web of science data base..ResultsApproximately 100 papers mostly published after 2000 were retrieved. They concentrated on: (i) wood mass loss due to thermal degradation determination, (ii) spectroscopic analyses of wood properties, (iii) colour measurements, (iv) chemical composition, (v) non-destructive mechanical assessments and (vi) use of industrial data.ConclusionsOne of most interesting property of heat-treated wood remains its decay resistance. Durability test with modified wood in laboratory are expensive and time-consuming. This review displays data from different analytical methods, such as spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, chemical analyses or mechanical tests that have the potential to be valuable indicators to assess the durability of heat treated wood at industrial scale. However, each method has its limits and drawbacks, such as the required investment for the equipment, reliability and accuracy of the results and ease of use at industrial scale.
Monte Carlo Simulations of Electron Energy-Loss Spectra with the Addition of Fine Structure from Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Attarian Shandiz Mohammad , Guinel Maxime J.-F. , Ahmadi Majid , Gauvin Raynald 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA new approach is presented to introduce the fine structure of core-loss excitations into the electron energy-loss spectra of ionization edges by Monte Carlo simulations based on an optical oscillator model. The optical oscillator strength is refined using the calculated electron energy-loss near-edge structure by density functional theory calculations. This approach can predict the effects of multiple scattering and thickness on the fine structure of ionization edges. In addition, effects of the fitting range for background removal and the integration range under the ionization edge on signal-to-noise ratio are investigated.
Polymorphisms in the TMEM132D region are associated with panic disorder in HLA-DRB1*13:02-negative individuals of a Japanese population
Authors: Shimada-Sugimoto Mihoko , Otowa Takeshi , Miyagawa Taku , Khor Seik-Soon , Omae Yosuke , Toyo-oka Licht , Sugaya Nagisa , Kawamura Yoshiya , Umekage Tadashi , Miyashita Akinori , Kuwano Ryozo , Kaiya Hisanobu , Kasai Kiyoto , Tanii Hisashi , Okazaki Yuji , Tokunaga Katsushi , Sasaki Tsukasa 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe herein report an association between TMEM132D and panic disorder (PD) in a Japanese population, evaluating the effects of HLA-DRB1*13:02, which we previously reported as a susceptibility genetic factor for PD. SNPs in TMEM132D showed significant associations with PD in subjects without HLA-DRB1*13:02 (rs4759997; P=5.02×10−6, odds ratio=1.50) but not in those with the HLA allele. TMEM132D might have a role in the development of PD in subjects without HLA-DRB1*13:02.
Influence of hypothermia and subsequent rewarming upon leukocyte-endothelial interactions and expression of Junctional-Adhesion-Molecules A and B
Authors: Bogert Nicolai V. , Werner Isabella , Kornberger Angela , Meybohm Patrick , Moritz Anton , Keller Till , Stock Ulrich A. , Beiras-Fernandez Andres 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPatients with risks of ischemic injury, e.g. during circulatory arrest in cardiac surgery, or after resuscitation are subjected to therapeutic hypothermia. For aortic surgery, the body is traditionally cooled down to 18 °C and then rewarmed to body temperature. The role of hypothermia and the subsequent rewarming process on leukocyte-endothelial interactions and expression of junctional-adhesion-molecules is not clarified yet. Thus, we investigated in an in-vitro model the influence of temperature modulation during activation and transendothelial migration of leukocytes through human endothelial cells. Additionally, we investigated the expression of JAMs in the rewarming phase. Exposure to low temperatures alone during transmigration scarcely affects leukocyte extravasation, whereas hypothermia during treatment and transendothelial migration improves leukocyte-endothelial interactions. Rewarming causes a significant up-regulation of transmigration with falling temperatures. JAM-A is significantly modulated during rewarming. Our data suggest that transendothelial migration of leukocytes is not only modulated by cell-activation itself. Activation temperatures and the rewarming process are essential. Continued hypothermia significantly inhibits transendothelial migration, whereas the rewarming process enhances transmigration strongly. The expression of JAMs, especially JAM-A, is strongly modulated during the rewarming process. Endothelial protection prior to warm reperfusion and mild hypothermic conditions reducing the difference between hypothermia and rewarming temperatures should be considered.
Nitrogen oxide cycle regulates nitric oxide levels and bacterial cell signaling
Authors: Sasaki Yasuyuki , Oguchi Haruka , Kobayashi Takuya , Kusama Shinichiro , Sugiura Ryo , Moriya Kenta , Hirata Takuya , Yukioka Yuriya , Takaya Naoki , Yajima Shunsuke , Ito Shinsaku , Okada Kiyoshi , Ohsawa Kanju , Ikeda Haruo , Takano Hideaki , Ueda Kenji , Shoun Hirofumi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) signaling controls various metabolic pathways in bacteria and higher eukaryotes. Cellular enzymes synthesize and detoxify NO; however, a mechanism that controls its cellular homeostasis has not been identified. Here, we found a nitrogen oxide cycle involving nitrate reductase (Nar) and the NO dioxygenase flavohemoglobin (Fhb), that facilitate inter-conversion of nitrate, nitrite and NO in the actinobacterium Streptomyces coelicolor. This cycle regulates cellular NO levels, bacterial antibiotic production and morphological differentiation. NO down-regulates Nar and up-regulates Fhb gene expression via the NO-dependent transcriptional factors DevSR and NsrR, respectively, which are involved in the auto-regulation mechanism of intracellular NO levels. Nitrite generated by the NO cycles induces gene expression in neighboring cells, indicating an additional role of the cycle as a producer of a transmittable inter-cellular communication molecule.
Small-World Propensity and Weighted Brain Networks
Authors: Muldoon Sarah Feldt , Bridgeford Eric W. , Bassett Danielle S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractQuantitative descriptions of network structure can provide fundamental insights into the function of interconnected complex systems. Small-world structure, diagnosed by high local clustering yet short average path length between any two nodes, promotes information flow in coupled systems, a key function that can differ across conditions or between groups. However, current techniques to quantify small-worldness are density dependent and neglect important features such as the strength of network connections, limiting their application in real-world systems. Here, we address both limitations with a novel metric called the Small-World Propensity (SWP). In its binary instantiation, the SWP provides an unbiased assessment of small-world structure in networks of varying densities. We extend this concept to the case of weighted brain networks by developing (i) a standardized procedure for generating weighted small-world networks, (ii) a weighted extension of the SWP, and (iii) a method for mapping observed brain network data onto the theoretical model. In applying these techniques to compare real-world brain networks, we uncover the surprising fact that the canonical biological small-world network, the C. elegans neuronal network, has strikingly low SWP. These metrics, models, and maps form a coherent toolbox for the assessment and comparison of architectural properties in brain networks.
Resection of Beak-Type Thoracic Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament from a Posterior Approach under Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring for Paralysis after Posterior Decompression and Fusion Surgery
Authors: Imagama Shiro , Ando Kei , Ito Zenya , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Hida Tetsuro , Ito Kenyu , Ishikawa Yoshimoto , Tsushima Mikito , Matsumoto Akiyuki , Tanaka Satoshi , Morozumi Masayoshi , Machino Masaaki , Ota Kyotaro , Nakashima Hiroaki , Wakao Norimitsu , Nishida Yoshihiro , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: February 2016

Study Design Prospective clinical study. Objective Posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) generally has a favorable outcome. However, some patients require additional surgery for postoperative severe paralysis, a condition that is inadequately discussed in the literature. The objective of this study was to describe the efficacy of a procedure we refer to as “resection at an anterior site of the spinal cord from a posterior approach” (RASPA) for severely paralyzed patients after posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type T-OPLL. Methods Among 58 consecutive patients who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery for beak-type T-OPLL since 1999, 3 with postoperative paralysis (5%) underwent RASPA in our institute. Clinical records, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, gait status, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) findings, and complications were evaluated in these cases. Results All three patients experienced a postoperative decline in Manual Muscle Test (MMT) scores of 0 to 2 after the first surgery. RASPA was performed 3 weeks after the first surgery. All patients showed gradual improvements in MMT scores for the lower extremity and in ambulatory status; all could walk with a cane at an average of 4 months following RASPA surgery. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusions RASPA surgery for beak-type T-OPLL after posterior decompression and fusion surgery resulted in good functional outcomes as a salvage surgery for patients with severe paralysis. Advantages of RASPA include a wide working space, no spinal cord retraction, and additional decompression at levels without T-OPLL resection and spinal cord shortening after additional dekyphosis and compression maneuvers. When used with IONM, this procedure may help avoid permanent postoperative paralysis.
Immunological Profile of the Yellow Clam Mesodesma mactroides (Mesodesmatidae) from the Southern Coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Silva Santos Juan Jethro , Carvalho Yuri Bovi , Alcantara Lopes Diogo Luiz , Romano Luis Alberto 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides (Mesodesmatidae) is a sandy beach bivalve that is distributed from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to the south of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The yellow clam population has been declining in recent decades. To increase our understanding of this species, we evaluated the immunological status of yellow clams collected during different seasons from various areas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We characterized the hemocytes, determined the differential hemocyte counts (DHCs), calculated the apoptotic index, and evaluated the incidence of parasites in yellow clams through histological analysis. We identified two types of hemocyte (hyaline and granular) that showed significant variation in DHCs among sampling areas during the summer and winter. The apoptotic index only exhibited significant variation during the summer. Histopathological analysis results did not significantly differ among sampling areas. This work demonstrated that environmental variation (e.g., temperature and salinity) associated with anthropogenic actions may be affecting the immune system of yellow clams. However, more studies are needed to determine the full influence of these factors on the yellow clam's immune system and thus contribute to future management and aquaculture of the species.
Received May 10, 2015; accepted October 28, 2015.
Seed-hoarding of Edward’s long-tailed rats Leopoldamys edwardsi in response to weevil infestation in cork oak Quercus variabilis
Authors: Cheng Jinrui , Zhang Hongmao 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Seed hoarders show different hoarding and eating responses towards insect-infested seeds that can affect the fitness of both the seeds and insects. It remains unclear how seed hoarders adopt different strategies in eating and hoarding infested seeds with and without larvae concealed inside. Here we investigated hoarding and eating responses of Edward’s long-tailed rats Leopoldamys edwardsi (scatter hoarders) to weevil infestation of cork oak Quercus variabilis seeds within outdoor enclosures. We provided sound seeds, larvae-emerged seeds, (infested seeds where larvae have emerged) and larvae-concealed seeds (infested seeds with larvae concealed inside) to subjects independently (each seed type presented separately) and in pairwise combinations (sound and larvae-emerged seeds; sound and larvae-concealed seeds). We found that L. edwardsi removed, scatter hoarded and ate fewer larvae-emerged seeds than sound seeds. No difference was found between sound seeds and larvae-concealed seeds. These results suggest that sound and larvae-concealed seeds are more favored by L. edwardsi than larvae-emerged seeds. We posit that not only plants but also insects may benefit from the behavioral responses of hoarders to seed infestation under natural conditions.
Population genetic structure in the paddyfield warbler (Acrocephalus agricola Jerd.)
Authors: Zehtindjiev Pavel , Ilieva Mihaela , Hansson Bengt , Oparina Olga , Oparin Mihail , Bensch Staffan 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Population genetic structure was studied in paddyfield warblers Acrocephalus agricola breeding in NE Bulgaria, SE Russia and S Kazakhstan. We were particularly interested in the degree of genetic differentiation and gene flow of the Bulgarian population due to its geographical isolation, recent origin and unique migratory strategy. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) showed that there was no divergence between Bulgarian and Russian populations (FST = 0.007), whereas those in Kazakhstan differed significantly from the European breeding populations (Russia: FST = 0.058; Bulgaria: FST = 0.114). The degree of differentiation between populations at nuclear markers (five microsatellite loci; FST ≈ 0) was weaker than for mtDNA. We suggest that this relatively weak differentiation over the range of this species reflects a recent postglacial expansion, and results from mismatch distribution analyses and Fu’s FS tests are in agreement. Preservation of small and geographically isolated populations which may contain individuals with unique adaptive traits, such as the studied Bulgarian population of paddyfield warbler, is valuable for the long-term conservation of expanding migratory bird species.
Frog community responses to recent American bullfrog invasions
Authors: Li Yiming , Ke Zhunwei , Wang Yihua , Blackburn Tim M. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Native species may decline quickly when confronted with an exotic species to which they are not adapted. The extent of decline may depend on the abundance of an invader and the length of time since it first arrived in the community (residence time), and the interaction between these two variables. We tested these effects using data on the effects of American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus invasion on native frog communities in 65 permanent lentic waters on islands in the Zhoushan Archipelago, China. We examined variation in native frog abundance and species richness in relation to features of the American bullfrog invasion, habitat disturbance, characteristics of the water body and fish communities and the presence of red swamp crayfish. Bullfrog invaded sites had lower native frog density and species richness, higher submerged vegetation cover and greater frequency of repairs to the water body than did non-invaded sites. The minimum adequate general linear mixed models showed that both native frog density and species richness were negatively related to post-metamorphosis bullfrog density, and that native frog species richness was also positively related to the vegetation cover. There was no effect on either native frog density or species richness of residence time or its interaction with bullfrog density, or of the abundance of bullfrog tadpoles. The results suggested that post-metamorphosis bullfrogs had impacts on native frog communities in the islands, and that the extents of these impacts are proportional to post-metamorphosis bullfrog density.
Can native species crucian carp Carassius auratus recognizes the introduced red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii?
Authors: Cai Fengjin , Wu Zhengjun , He Nan , Wang Zhenxing , Huang Chengming 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Procambarus clarkii is native to the south-central United States (Louisiana) and northeastern Mexico, and is a highly efficient predator that poses a damager to native species after its introduction or invasion. In its natural habitat, P. clarkii consumes Carassius auratus, however, whether C. auratus recognizes P. clarkii as a predator is not yet clear. In laboratory experiments, we investigated whether experienced and inexperienced C. auratus recognize P. clarkii as a predatory threat and the specific sensory modality used by C. auratus to respond to chemical and visual stimuli from P. clarkii. In the chemical stimuli experiment, two kinds of chemical stimuli were used, water from a tub containing P. clarkii previously fed with C. auratus (C. auratus diet cues) and water from a tub containing unfed P. clarkii (P. clarkii cues). In the visual experiment, experienced C. auratus decreased activity, but inexperienced C.auratus avoided the predator compartment. When C. auratus diet cues were presented, both experienced and inexperienced C. auratus increased the use of shelter, decreased activity in the initial response phase. Compared with the blank treatment, experienced C. auratus responded to P. clarkii cues by decreasing activity; however, inexperienced C. auratus showed no reduction in activity. C. auratus appears to recognize P. clarkii as a predator both through visual and chemical cues. Further analysis revealed that C. auratus may recognize P. clarkii visually through the disturbances caused by P. clarkii movement and chemically by detecting conspecific alarm cues in the diet of P. clarkii. The results also indicate that experienced C. auratus can recognize P. clarkii by innate chemical cues from P. clarkii, whereas inexperienced C. auratus cannot.