bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of in vitro endochondral priming and pre-vascularisation of human MSC cellular aggregates in vivo
Authors: Freeman Fiona E. , Allen Ashley B. , Stevens Hazel Y. , Guldberg Robert E. , McNamara Laoise M. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Introduction
During endochondral ossification, both the production of a cartilage template and the subsequent vascularisation of that template are essential precursors to bone tissue formation. Recent studies have found the application of both chondrogenic and vascular priming of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enhanced the mineralisation potential of MSCs in vitro whilst also allowing for immature vessel formation. However, the in vivo viability, vascularisation and mineralisation potential of MSC aggregates that have been pre-conditioned in vitro by a combination of chondrogenic and vascular priming, has yet to be established. In this study, we test the hypothesis that a tissue regeneration approach that incorporates both chondrogenic priming of MSCs, to first form a cartilage template, and subsequent pre-vascularisation of the cartilage constructs, by co-culture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, will improve vessel infiltration and thus mineral formation once implanted in vivo.

Methods
Human MSCs were chondrogenically primed for 21 days, after which they were co-cultured with MSCs and HUVECs and cultured in endothelial growth medium for another 21 days. These aggregates were then implanted subcutaneously in nude rats for 4 weeks. We used a combination of bioluminescent imaging, microcomputed tomography, histology (Masson’s trichrome and Alizarin Red) and immunohistochemistry (CD31, CD146, and α-smooth actin) to assess the vascularisation and mineralisation potential of these MSC aggregates in vivo.

Results
Pre-vascularised cartilaginous aggregates were found to have mature endogenous vessels (indicated by α-smooth muscle actin walls and erythrocytes) after 4 weeks subcutaneous implantation, and also viable human MSCs (detected by bioluminescent imaging) 21 days after subcutaneous implantation. In contrast, aggregates that were not pre-vascularised had no vessels within the aggregate interior and human MSCs did not remain viable beyond 14 days. Interestingly, the pre-vascularised cartilaginous aggregates were also the only group to have mineralised nodules within the cellular aggregates, whereas mineralisation occurred in the alginate surrounding the aggregates for all other groups.

Conclusions
Taken together these results indicate that a combined chondrogenic priming and pre-vascularisation approach for in vitro culture of MSC aggregates shows enhanced vessel formation and increased mineralisation within the cellular aggregate when implanted subcutaneously in vivo.
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma: stem cell transplantation methods that enhance stemness
Authors: Tobita Morikuni , Tajima Satoshi , Mizuno Hiroshi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBecause of their ease of isolation and relative abundance, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are a particularly attractive autologous cell source for various therapeutic purposes. ASCs retain a high proliferation capacity in vitro and have the ability to undergo extensive differentiation into multiple cell lineages. Moreover, ASCs secrete a wide range of growth factors that can stimulate tissue regeneration. Therefore, the clinical use of ASCs is feasible. However, the potential of ASCs differs depending on the donor’s medical condition, including diseases such as diabetes. Recent studies demonstrated that ASCs from diabetic donors exhibit reduced proliferative potential and a smaller proportion of stem cell marker-positive cells. Therefore, to ensure the success of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering methods must be improved by the incorporation of factors that increase the proliferation and differentiation of stem/progenitor cells when autologous cells are used. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains high levels of diverse growth factors that can stimulate stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation in the context of tissue regeneration, has recently been identified as a biological material that could be applied to tissue regeneration. Thus, co-transplantation of ASCs and PRP represents a promising novel approach for cell therapy in regenerative medicine. In this review, we describe the potential benefits of adding PRP to ASCs and preclinical and clinical studies of this approach in various medical fields. We also discuss the mechanisms of PRP action and future cell-based therapies using co-transplantation of ASCs and PRP.
Let-7b-mediated pro-survival of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells for cardiac regeneration
Authors: Cheng Jie , Zhang Ping , Jiang Hongbing 
Published: November 2015

AbstractStem cell-based repair and regeneration for cardiac regeneration following myocardial injury remain unmet challenges largely due to low viability of cells transplanted in the recipient sites. Accumulating evidence has revealed that local existence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes transplanted cell death via both apoptosis and autophagy. Ham and colleagues have identified let-7b as one of the primary mediators for ROS-induced apoptosis and autophagy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through direct targeting of caspase-3. Importantly, intramyocardial injection of let-7b-modified MSCs significantly enhanced ventricular function and facilitated myocardial repair by protecting transplanted cells from apoptosis and autophagy in the rat cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of microRNA underlying stem cell survival following in vivo delivery, and offer further evidence that microRNA-modified MSC transplantation might be an effective therapeutic approach for tissue repair and regeneration.
Structural effect of polyester SCY knitted fabric on fabric size, stretch properties, and clothing pressure
Authors: Sang Jeong Seon , Lee Mee Sik , Park Myung Ja 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study facilitates an effective design and development of various high stretch compression products by analyzing fabric size, stretch properties, and clothing pressure for various knit structures. Four types of fabrics were knitted with polyester SCY (Single Covered Yarn). Then fabric size including weight and thickness, stretch properties (stretch, elastic recovery), and clothing pressure were then measured, to analyze their interrelation. A comparison of fabric size indicated that yarn floating caused reduction in both course and wale-wise specimens; in addition, yarn overlapping caused a release in course-wise and shrinkage in wale–wise due to tuck. The high density caused by shrinkage in the course-wise due to yarn floating rather than overlapping influenced the weight and thickness of knitted fabrics. Yarn floating reduced course-wise elasticity and increased wale-wise elasticity in the fabric stretch test; however, yarn overlapping reduced elasticity in both directions. The elastic recovery analysis indicated that the recovery value gap among four specimens decreased over time. In comparison clothing pressure, ‘plain-float’ fabric showed higher clothing pressure than ‘plain’, while the pressure value of ‘plain-tuck’ was similar to ‘plain’. Dimensional change in course-wise had a greater effect on clothing pressure than in wale-wise in the correlation among fabric size, stretch properties and clothing pressure. Weight and thickness change exerted a strong influence on clothing pressure which vertically presses down the body. The clothing pressure value of knitted specimen having a lower stretch ratio was higher in course-wise.
Inflammation and preterm birth
Authors: Cappelletti Monica , Della Bella Silvia , Ferrazzi Enrico , Mavilio Domenico , Divanovic Senad 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPreterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although the underlying causes of pregnancy-associated complication are numerous, it is well established that infection and inflammation represent a highly significant risk factor in preterm birth. However, despite the clinical and public health significance, infectious agents, molecular trigger(s), and immune pathways underlying the pathogenesis of preterm birth remain underdefined and represent a major gap in knowledge. Here, we provide an overview of recent clinical and animal model data focused on the interplay between infection-driven inflammation and induction of preterm birth. Furthermore, here, we highlight the critical gaps in knowledge that warrant future investigations into the interplay between immune responses and induction of preterm birth.
Secondary flows occurring in a whirlpool separator – A study of phenomena – observation, simulation and measurements
Authors: Jakubowski Marek 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The whirlpool separator, used for hot trub separation, is prevalent in the brewing industry. It is a kind of a hydrocyclone inside of which a tea leaf effect occurs, which is sediment accumulation into a cone shape at the central part of the tank’s bottom. This manner of sediment accumulation is caused by the secondary flow occurring in the so-called Ekman boundary layer. This article is a summary of the research, which has been conducted for many years and involved observation, simulation and experimental research on the recognition and formation of the secondary flow accumulating the sediment cone. Secondary flows occurring in a whirlpool were identified through CFD simulation and PIV experiments, and are presented in this paper. Based on their location and direction, an attempt to determine their impact on the separation process taking place in the whirlpool has been made. The secondary flow identification methods proposed in this paper can be successfully applied in other solutions, e. g. structural ones, which involve rotational-flow-based separation.
Intensification of heat transfer between heat exchange surfaces at low RE values
Authors: Cernecky Jozef , Brodnianska Zuzana , Koniar Jan 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
This contribution deals with the heat transfer parameters and pressure losses in heat exchange sets with six geometrical arrangements at low Re values (Re from 476 to 2926). Geometrical arrangements were characterised by the h/H ratio ranging from 0.2 to 1.0. The experiments used the holographic interferometry method in real time. This method enables visible and quantitative evaluations of images of temperature fields in the examined heat exchange. These images are used to determine the local and mean heat transfer parameters. The obtained data were used to determine the Colburn j-factor and the friction coefficient f. The measured values show that by using the profiled heat exchange surfaces and inserting regulating tubes, an intensification of heat transfer (increase of Num, and/or j) was achieved. However, pressure losses recorded a significant increase (increase of f).
New records of chironomids (Chironomidae: Diptera) from Slovakia / Nové nálezy pakomárov (Chironomidae: Diptera) zo Slovenska
Authors: Ščerbáková Soňa , Bitušík Peter 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Five chironomid species: Thienemannimyia vitellina (Kieffer, 1916), Orthocladius (Pogonocladius) consobrinus (Holmgren, 1869), Parachironomus danicus, Lehmann 1970, Tanytarsus norvegicus (Kieffer 1924) and Tanytarus smolandicus, Brundin 1947 were recorded in Slovakia for the first time. The pupal exuviae were collected in 2012-2013 from 9 water reservoirs. Details on finding with the notes on distribution and ecology are presented.
Flow-specific physical properties of coconut flours
Authors: Manikantan Musuvadi R. , Kingsly Ambrose Rose P. , Alavi Sajid 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Coconut milk residue and virgin coconut oil cake are important co-products of virgin coconut oil that are used in the animal feed industry. Flour from these products has a number of potential human health benefits and can be used in different food formulations. The objective of this study was to find out the flow-specific physical properties of coconut flours at three moisture levels. Coconut milk residue flour with 4.53 to 8.18% moisture content (w.b.) had bulk density and tapped density of 317.37 to 312.65 and 371.44 to 377.23 kg m-3, respectively; the corresponding values for virgin coconut oil cake flour with 3.85 to 7.98% moisture content (wet basis) were 611.22 to 608.68 and 663.55 to 672.93 kg m-3, respectively. The compressibility index and Hausner ratio increased with moisture. The angle of repose increased with moisture and ranged from 34.12 to 36.20 and 21.07 to 23.82° for coconut milk residue flour and virgin coconut oil cake flour, respectively. The coefficient of static and rolling friction increased with moisture for all test surfaces, with the plywood offering more resistance to flow than other test surfaces. The results of this study will be helpful in designing handling, flow, and processing systems for coconut milk residue and virgin coconut oil cake flours.
Changes in the germination process and growth of pea in effect of laser seed irradiation
Authors: Podleśna Anna , Gładyszewska Bożena , Podleśny Janusz , Zgrajka Wojciech 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pre-sowing helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation of pea seeds on changes in seed biochemical processes, germination rate, seedling emergence, growth rate, and yield. The first experimental factor was exposure to laser radiation: D0 - no irradiation, D3 - three exposures, D5 - five exposures, and the harvest dates were the second factor. Pre-sowing treatment of pea seeds with He-Ne laser light increased the concentrations of amylolytic enzymes and the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in pea seeds and seedlings. The exposure of seeds to He-Ne laser light improved the germination rate and uniformity and modified growth stages, which caused acceleration of flowering and ripening of pea plants. Laser light stimulation improved the morphological characteristics of plants by increasing plant height and leaf surface area. Irradiation improved the yield of vegetative and reproductive organs of pea, although the effects varied at the different growth stages. The increase in the seed yield resulted from a higher number of pods and seeds per plant, whereas no significant changes were observed in the number of seeds per pod. Both radiation doses exerted similarly stimulating effects on pea growth, development, and yield.
Effects of powder from white cabbage outer leaves on sponge cake quality
Authors: Prokopov Tsvetko , Goranova Zhivka , Baeva Marianna , Slavov Anton , Galanakis Charis M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to develop high fibre cakes utilizing and valorising cabbage by-products - cabbage outer leaves. Cabbage outer leaves were dried and milled in order to produce cabbage leaf powder. The cabbage leaf powder was added at 0, 10, 20% into sponge cake. All of the samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis and sensory evaluation. Methods of descriptive sensory analysis were used for a comparative analysis of the sponge cakes with cabbage leaf powder and the cake without cabbage leaf powder. Addition of cabbage leaf powder in sponge cakes significantly affected the cake volume and textural properties. Springiness of cakes with cabbage leaf powder and crumb tenderness were lower, while the structure was stable at high loads, as expressed by lower shrinkage in comparison with the control cake. The nutritional value of the sponge cakes with cabbage leaf powder was lower than the control cake. The cells cakes modified by cabbage leaf powder were smaller and almost equal, uniformly distributed in the crumb, and at the same time had thicker walls. The cakes with addition of cabbage leaf powder showed the springiness and their crumb tenderness were lower, while their structure was stable at high loads. Control cake showed higher water-absorbing capacity compared to the cakes with 10 and 20% cabbage leaf powder.
Time series modelling of increased soil temperature anomalies during long period
Authors: Shirvani Amin , Moradi Farzad , Moosavi Ali Akbar 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSoil temperature just beneath the soil surface is highly dynamic and has a direct impact on plant seed germination and is probably the most distinct and recognisable factor governing emergence. Autoregressive integrated moving average as a stochastic model was developed to predict the weekly soil temperature anomalies at 10 cm depth, one of the most important soil parameters. The weekly soil temperature anomalies for the periods of January1986-December 2011 and January 2012-December 2013 were taken into consideration to construct and test autoregressive integrated moving average models. The proposed model autoregressive integrated moving average (2,1,1) had a minimum value of Akaike information criterion and its estimated coefficients were different from zero at 5% significance level. The prediction of the weekly soil temperature anomalies during the test period using this proposed model indicated a high correlation coefficient between the observed and predicted data - that was 0.99 for lead time 1 week. Linear trend analysis indicated that the soil temperature anomalies warmed up significantly by 1.8°C during the period of 1986-2011.
Assessing anaphoric relations via the phased choice methodology
Authors: Sperlich Darcy 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThere has been a continued interest in discovering how learners of another language acquire a target language’s anaphoric system. While our understanding of the issues has improved, the development of methodologies to assess the interpretation of anaphora in a learner’s interlanguage has not. This paper is concerned with introducing a methodology named ‘Phased Choice’ to assess anaphoric reference, which more effectively tackles the issues facing anaphoric testing. The data was gathered from an experiment that focused on English and Korean learners of Chinese acquiring the Chinese reflexive ziji ‘self’, results showing that the Korean learners are at an advantage to their English counterparts due to the similar pragmatic strategies Korean and Chinese share. Moreover, the methodology in comparison to the literature shows its strength, dealing effectively with problems past tests faced.
Developing EFL learners’ metaphoric competence through cognitive-oriented methods
Authors: Chen Yi-chen , Lai Huei-ling 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study evaluated two cognitive-oriented methods for learning figurative language in an EFL context to develop metaphoric competence. Sixty-eight Taiwanese university students participated in the experiment and were separated into two groups: one group received instruction involving conceptual metaphors, while the other group received instruction involving metaphoric mappings. A test was designed to measure the participants’ ability to recognize metaphors and metonymies. The data collected from the pre-tests and post-tests were analyzed using a multiple regression model. The results demonstrated that both methods improved learners’ awareness and retention of figurative language, confirming the beneficial influence of explicit instruction; in addition, the instruction on metaphoric mappings was more helpful in facilitating learners’ awareness of expressions involving more abstract concepts with complicated mapping relationships. The findings shed light on the effectiveness of cognitive-oriented methods in the EFL teaching and learning of figurative expressions.
Carotid intima media thickness in obese children: is there an association with hyperlipidemia?
Authors: Önal Zehra Esra , Soydan Levent , Öztürk Hatice Eren , Sağ Çiğdem , Gürbüz Tamay , Nuhoğlu Çağatay , Şimşek Mehmet Masum 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe aimed to evaluate the association between hyperlipidemia and carotid intima media thickness in obese children, compared to non-obese ones.Two hundred (110 girls, 90 boys) children aged between 6 and 15 years participated in this study. The obese group included 53 girls, 47 boys whose body mass indices (BMI) above 95th percentile, the control group included 57 girls, 43 boys who had normal weight. Fasting total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) was performed with neck ultrasound.The median thickness of right, left and mean carotis intima media were statistically higher in the study group, compared to the control group. The mean cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C levels of the study group were statistically higher, compared to the control group. There was no relationship between BMI and left carotis intima media thickness, but there was statistically significant relationship between BMI and right, mean cIMTs in the study group. There was no correlation between serum lipid levels and cIMTs in the study group. The mean atherogenic index of the study group was statistically higher, compared to the control group. There was no statistical correlation between atherogenic index and cIMTs in both of the groups.We observed that obese children had higher carotis intima media thicknesses. Carotis intima media thickness related to obesity can play an important role in future pre-atherosclerotic changes. Large population based studies are required to confirm this associaton.
Neonatal outcome in pregnant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Jeremic Katarina , Stefanovic Aleksandar , Dotlic Jelena , Stojnic Jelena , Kadija Sasa , Vilendecic Zoran , Janjic Tijana , Jeremic Jelena 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Aims: The study aim was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and to determine which clinical parameters present risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in these patients.

Methods: The study included 55 patients with APS treated at the Clinic for Ob/Gyn, Clinical Center of Serbia, from 2006 to 2012. The control group consisted of 55 healthy pregnant women. Data regarding previous pregnancies and conception method were registered. Immunological and laboratory tests were performed. Pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus, phlebothrombosis, fetal growth restriction, premature delivery, delivery method, perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis were followed.

Results: The premature delivery rate in APS patients was 31.8%, and pregnancy loss was 18.2%. Significantly more patients with APS had thrombocytopenia, pregnancy losses, intrauterine growth restriction, and perinatal asphyxia compared with the control group. More miscarriages, preterm delivery, lower birth weight, preeclampsia, and IgM anticardiolipin antibody levels significantly correlated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although rare, respiratory distress syndrome can also worsen neonatal health status. According to ROC analysis, previous miscarriages correctly explained 66.3% of adverse pregnancy outcome cases. We generated four equations of adverse pregnancy outcome risk factors.

Conclusions: The most important prognostic factor for pregnancy outcome in APS patients is the number of previous miscarriages. Using appropriate current therapeutic protocol can enable live birth of a healthy newborn in most cases.