bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Humanized Culture of Periosteal Progenitors in Allogeneic Serum Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation and In Vivo Bone Formation
Authors: Roberts Scott J. , Owen Helen C. , Tam Wai Long , Solie Lien , Van Cromphaut Sophie J. , Van den Berghe Greet , Luyten Frank P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe translation of stem cell-based regenerative solutions from the laboratory to the clinic is often hindered by the culture conditions used to expand cell populations. Although fetal bovine serum (FBS) is widely used, regulatory bodies and safety concerns encourage alternative, xeno-free culturing practices. In an attempt to apply this approach to a bone-forming combination product of human periosteal progenitors (human periosteum derived cells) on a clinically used calcium phosphate carrier, FBS was substituted for human allogeneic serum (hAS) during cell expansion. It was found that cell proliferation was increased in hAS along with an apparent commitment to the osteogenic lineage, indicated by enhanced Runx2 expression, as well as alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization. Following analysis of signaling pathways, it was found that interferon-mediated signaling was downregulated, whereas JAK-STAT signaling was upregulated. STAT3 phosphorylation was enhanced in hAS-cultured human periosteum derived cells, inhibition of which ablated the proliferative effect of hAS. Furthermore, following in vivo implantation of hAS-cultured cells on NuOss scaffolds, enhanced bone formation was observed compared with FBS (71% increase, p &lt; .001). Interestingly, the de novo-formed bone appeared to have a higher ratio of immature regions to mature regions, indicating that after 8 weeks implantation, tissue-formation processes were continuing. Integration of the implant with the environment appeared to be altered, with a decrease in calcium phosphate grain size and surface area, indicative of accelerated resorption. This study highlights the advantages of using humanized culture conditions for the expansion of human periosteal progenitors intended for bone regeneration.
Identification of Novel Human Leukocyte Antigen-A*0201-Restricted, Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Epitopes on CD133 for Cancer Stem Cell Immunotherapy
Authors: Ji Jianfei , Judkowski Valeria A. , Liu Gentao , Wang Hongqiang , Bunying Alcinette , Li Zhenhua , Xu Minlin , Bender James , Pinilla Clemencia , Yu John S. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) with immunotherapy may be an effective means to prevent recurrences in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). It is well established that CD133 is expressed in the population of GBM tumor cells representing CSCs. This raises a possibility that CD133 could serve as a potential target for cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) to target glioblastoma cancer stem cells. Two potential human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201-restricted CD133 epitopes, ILSAFSVYV (CD133-405) and YLQWIEFSI (CD133-753), showed strong binding to HLA-A*0201 molecules. In vitro immunogenicity studies generated peptide-specific CD8+ CTLs from normal donors. Autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells pulsed with the CD133-405 or CD133-753 peptides generated CTLs that efficiently recognized the CD133 epitopes presented in T2 HLA-A*0201 cells and specifically lysed CD133+ HLA-A*0201+ GBM CSCs. These studies demonstrated natural processing and subsequent presentation of these epitopes in GBM CSCs and the ability of CTLs to kill CSCs bearing the antigen. Immunization studies in mice using the mouse homolog CD133 epitopes demonstrated immunogenicity in the absence of autoimmune damage. The results presented in this study support the use of CD133-specific epitope vaccines to target CSCs in glioblastoma and other cancers.
Accurate Prediction of Drug-Induced Liver Injury Using Stem Cell-Derived Populations
Authors: Szkolnicka Dagmara , Farnworth Sarah L. , Lucendo-Villarin Baltasar , Storck Christopher , Zhou Wenli , Iredale John P. , Flint Oliver , Hay David C. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Despite major progress in the knowledge and management of human liver injury, there are millions of people suffering from chronic liver disease. Currently, the only cure for end-stage liver disease is orthotopic liver transplantation; however, this approach is severely limited by organ donation. Alternative approaches to restoring liver function have therefore been pursued, including the use of somatic and stem cell populations. Although such approaches are essential in developing scalable treatments, there is also an imperative to develop predictive human systems that more effectively study and/or prevent the onset of liver disease and decompensated organ function. We used a renewable human stem cell resource, from defined genetic backgrounds, and drove them through developmental intermediates to yield highly active, drug-inducible, and predictive human hepatocyte populations. Most importantly, stem cell-derived hepatocytes displayed equivalence to primary adult hepatocytes, following incubation with known hepatotoxins. In summary, we have developed a serum-free, scalable, and shippable cell-based model that faithfully predicts the potential for human liver injury. Such a resource has direct application in human modeling and, in the future, could play an important role in developing renewable cell-based therapies.
Influence of In Vitro and In Vivo Oxygen Modulation on β Cell Differentiation From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Cechin Sirlene , Álvarez-Cubela Silvia , Giraldo Jaime A. , Molano Ruth D. , Villate Susana , Ricordi Camillo , Pileggi Antonello , Inverardi Luca , Fraker Christopher A. , Domínguez-Bendala Juan 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The possibility of using human embryonic stem (hES) cell-derived β cells as an alternative to cadaveric islets for the treatment of type 1 diabetes is now widely acknowledged. However, current differentiation methods consistently fail to generate meaningful numbers of mature, functional β cells. In order to address this issue, we set out to explore the role of oxygen modulation in the maturation of pancreatic progenitor (PP) cells differentiated from hES cells. We have previously determined that oxygenation is a powerful driver of murine PP differentiation along the endocrine lineage of the pancreas. We hypothesized that targeting physiological oxygen partial pressure (pO2) levels seen in mature islets would help the differentiation of PP cells along the β-cell lineage. This hypothesis was tested both in vivo (by exposing PP-transplanted immunodeficient mice to a daily hyperbaric oxygen regimen) and in vitro (by allowing PP cells to mature in a perfluorocarbon-based culture device designed to carefully adjust pO2 to a desired range). Our results show that oxygen modulation does indeed contribute to enhanced maturation of PP cells, as evidenced by improved engraftment, segregation of α and β cells, body weight maintenance, and rate of diabetes reversal in vivo, and by elevated expression of pancreatic endocrine makers, β-cell differentiation yield, and insulin production in vitro. Our studies confirm the importance of oxygen modulation as a key variable to consider in the design of β-cell differentiation protocols and open the door to future strategies for the transplantation of fully mature β cells.
The Persistence of Lumbar Somatic Dysfunction and Its Association With Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Snider Karen T. , Johnson Jane C. , Degenhardt Brian F. , Snider Eric J. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Context: Clinically meaningful somatic dysfunction, if left untreated, should persist over time and be associated with objective measurable findings.

Objective: To investigate the persistence of lumbar somatic dysfunction over 8 weeks and the association of that persistence with lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) T scores.

Methods: Individuals were assessed at 0, 4, and 8 weeks for the presence and severity of paraspinal tissue texture abnormalities (TTA), vertebral rotational asymmetry, anterior motion restriction, and tenderness from L1 to L4. Participants underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine at 0 and 8 weeks. Persistent somatic dysfunction findings from all 3 examinations were compared with BMD T scores obtained at 8 weeks and to changes in the BMD T scores from 0 to 8 weeks.

Results: Forty-eight individuals (38 women [79%] and 10 men [21%]) participated in the study. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 30.1 (6.4) years (range, 20.0-40.8 years), and the mean (SD) body mass index was 26.3 (5.2). The percentage of vertebrae with persistent somatic dysfunction varied by vertebral level and ranged from 44% to 83% for TTA, 63% to 79% for rotational asymmetry, 10% to 56% for motion restriction, and 2% to 10% for tenderness. Vertebral segments with persistent motion restriction had higher mean BMD T scores (95% confidence interval [CI]) than those without persistent motion restriction (0.6 [0.4 to 0.8] vs 0.2 [0.1 to 0.4], respectively; P=.02). There was a significant increase in the vertebral BMD T scores for those vertebrae that demonstrated persistent TTA (P=.02) and for those vertebrae that demonstrated persistent moderate/severe TTA (P=.02). A significant difference was found in the initial to final vertebral BMD T-score change between vertebrae that demonstrated persistent tenderness and those that did not (mean [95% CI] change, −0.2 [−0.4 to 0.1] vs 0.1 [0.0 to 0.1], respectively; P=.04).

Conclusion: A persistence of predominantly left lumbar rotation was observed. Persistent vertebral motion restriction was shown to have an association with final lumbar BMD T scores, and persistent TTA and tenderness were associated with changes in the BMD T scores over 8 weeks.
Sonographic Appearance of the Pronator Quadratus Muscle in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Sato Junko , Ishii Yoshinori , Noguchi Hideo , Takeda Mitsuhiro , Toyabe Shin-ichi 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the sonographic appearance of the pronator quadratus muscle in healthy volunteers.MethodsWe sonographically evaluated 30 healthy volunteers (15 men and 15 women). The maximum thickness of the pronator quadratus in millimeters on the volar side at the cortical level was measured on sagittal and axial sonographic images with the volunteers' hands supinated. On the axial image, we classified each hand according to the sonographic contour of the pronator quadratus.ResultsA significant difference in the maximum pronator quadratus thickness between dominant and nondominant hands was shown on each image (P < .01). A comparison between men and women also showed a significant difference irrespective of image or hand dominance. Approximately 1.5 mm on the sagittal image and 1.4 mm on the axial image seemed to be adequate practical values for detecting pronator quadratus thickening. In terms of the pronator quadratus contour, the convex type appeared in most men in both the dominant and nondominant hands. In women, the convex and concave types appeared often in both the dominant and nondominant hands.ConclusionsThe difference in pronator quadratus thickness between dominant and nondominant hands might need to be taken into account during sonographic studies. However, in many cases, the difference seems to be slight and considerably less than the calculated cutoff value in this study. These results might be useful for sonographic comparison of bilateral pronator quadratus muscles in the clinical setting.
Forearc structure and morphology along the Sumatra‐Andaman subduction zone
Authors: McNeill Lisa C. , Henstock Timothy J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Sunda subduction margin, the location of recent magnitude 8–9 megathrust earthquakes, is characterized by major changes in prism and forearc morphology and structure along its 5000 km length. On the Sumatra‐Andaman section, measurements of prism width and surface slope (α) indicate along‐strike segments, inclu1ding abrupt changes, of prism morphology: (1) a narrow and steep prism between Burma and the Andamans; (2) broad with an averaged gentle slope in the Andamans, Nicobars, and North Sumatra; (3) steep and narrow in Central Sumatra; and (4) wider and less steep offshore South Sumatra, decreasing in width to West Java. Prism width varies from ~90 to 180 km and average surface slope from ~1 to 3° with a strong inverse correlation between width and slope, also observed globally. The prism deviates from typical taper geometry in parts of the margin, notably offshore North Sumatra where it is characterized by a steep toe and broad plateau. Along‐strike changes in morphology are strongly linked to input sediment thickness. Sections of the prism toe represent key global examples of unusual landward vergent thrusting. These sections correspond to a thick sediment input and to a wide prism with shallow surface slope. A low basal shear stress or backstop mechanism may drive this style of faulting. Prism morphology and structure appear to be driven predominantly by input sediment thickness linked to oceanic basement topography, with sediment properties, plate smoothness, and orthogonal subduction rate and obliquity also contributing, and no clear role of plate age or dip.
Observations of kinetic scale field line resonances
Authors: Chaston Christopher C. , Bonnell John W. , Wygant John R. , Mozer Forrest , Bale Stuart D. , Kersten Kris , Breneman Aaron W. , Kletzing Craig A. , Kurth William S. , Hospodarsky George B. , Smith Charles W. , MacDonald Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe identify electromagnetic field variations from the Van Allen Probes which have the properties of Doppler shifted kinetic scale Alfvénic field line resonances. These variations are observed during injections of energetic plasmas into the inner magnetosphere. These waves have scale sizes perpendicular to the magnetic field which are determined to be of the order of an ion gyro‐radius (ρi) and less. Cross‐spectral analysis of the electric and magnetic fields reveals phase transitions at frequencies correlated with enhancements and depressions in the ratio of the electric and magnetic fields. Modeling shows that these observations are consistent with the excitation of field‐line resonances over a broad range of wave numbers perpendicular to the magnetic field (k⊥) extending to k⊥ρi ≫ 1. The amplitude of these waves is such that E/Bo ≳ Ωi/k⊥ (E, Bo, and Ωi are the wave amplitude, background field strength, and ion gyro‐frequency, respectively) leading to ion demagnetization and acceleration for multiple transitions through the wave potential.
Probing the slip‐weakening mechanism of earthquakes with electrical conductivity: Rapid transition from asperity contact to gouge comminution
Authors: Yamashita Futoshi , Fukuyama Eiichi , Mizoguchi Kazuo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractDespite the great importance of slip weakening during earthquakes, the fault‐weakening mechanism inside the fault remains to be clarified. Here we propose a micromechanism of slip weakening at seismic and subseismic slip rates as demonstrated by electrical conductivity observation across the fault. At the seismic slip rate, the formation of melt patches and the subsequent growth to molten layer during frictional melting were confirmed by the rapid increases in conductivity in two stages. At the subseismic slip rate, the conductivity data successfully captured rapid asperity breakage phases and the subsequent gouge evolution phases during the slip‐weakening process. The present results suggest that the gouge comminution process is one of the key mechanisms controlling the slip stability at the subseismic slip rate, which may cause a variety of natural earthquakes.
Type II solar radio bursts predicted by 3‐D MHD CME and kinetic radio emission simulations
Authors: Schmidt J. M. , Cairns Iver H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractImpending space weather events at Earth are often signaled by type II solar radio bursts. These bursts are generated upstream of shock waves driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that move away from the Sun. We combine elaborate three‐dimensional (3‐D) magnetohydrodynamic predictions of realistic CMEs near the Sun with a recent analytic kinetic radiation theory in order to simulate two type II bursts. Magnetograms of the Sun are used to reconstruct initial solar magnetic and active region fields for the modeling. STEREO spacecraft data are used to dimension the flux rope of the initial CME, launched into an empirical data‐driven corona and solar wind. We demonstrate impressive accuracy in time, frequency, and intensity for the two type II bursts observed by the Wind spacecraft on 15 February 2011 and 7 March 2012. Propagation of the simulated CME‐driven shocks through coronal plasmas containing preexisting density and magnetic field structures that stem from the coronal setup and CME initiation closely reproduce the isolated islands of type II emission observed. These islands form because of a competition between the growth of the radio source due to spherical expansion and a fragmentation of the radio source due to increasingly radial fields in the nose region of the shock and interactions with streamers in the flank regions of the shock. Our study provides strong support for this theory for type II bursts and implies that the physical processes involved are understood. It also supports a near‐term capability to predict and track these events for space weather predictions.
Hokkaido HF radar signatures of periodically reoccurring nighttime medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances detected at short ranges
Authors: Koustov A. V. , Yakymenko K. N. , Nishitani N. , Ponomarenko P. V. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Super Dual Auroral Radar Network Hokkaido HF radar often detects periodically reoccurring E region echoing regions propagating toward or away from it. In this work, we consider 117 of such events identified for 2008–2012. These are shown to occur at nighttime, preferentially during summer, although significant number for events was found for winter. Statistics for the local time of occurrence, magnitude of the speed and polarity of progressions, and temporal and spatial periodicities are presented. We show that the power of echoes is linearly related to their Doppler velocity which makes it possible to identify the events on both power and Doppler velocity plots. Other peculiar characteristics of echoes are discussed. The onset of events is associated with gravity waves propagation through the radar field of view.
Comparative climatological study of large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances over North America and China in 2011–2012
Authors: Ding Feng , Wan Weixing , Li Qiang , Zhang Rui , Song Qian , Ning Baiqi , Liu Libo , Zhao Biqiang , Xiong Bo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper describes a comparative study of the climatology of large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) over North America and China based on observations obtained in 2011–2012 using two GPS networks characterized by dense regional coverage. We identified a total of 390 LSTIDs in China and 363 events in North America. These can be categorized into three types, namely south, north, and westward propagating LSTIDs. The southward LSTIDs over North America show similar diurnal and seasonal variations to those of geomagnetic disturbances, but the southward LSTIDs over China do not show such variations. The occurrence of southward LSTIDs over China increases at ~1–2 h after the time of geomagnetic activity maximum; this increase lasts several hours until the geomagnetic minimum, which happens during the local evening. The southward LSTIDs over North America show a semiannual variation with two peaks in March and October, while the southward LSTIDs over China show a major peak in January. Northward LSTIDs occur much less frequently than their southward counterparts, and they are mainly observed in China. They mostly occur during geomagnetic activity maximum, indicating a possible relation with the degree of geomagnetic activity. Westward LSTIDs are seen in both regions during local sunrise and may be excited by the moving solar terminator. No relationship was found between these latter LSTIDs and the geomagnetic disturbances. The propagation direction of westward events changed from northwestward during winter solstice to southwestward at summer solstice. This is consistent with the seasonal orientation of the solar terminator.
North Cascadia heat flux and fluid flow from gas hydrates: Modeling 3‐D topographic effects
Authors: Li Hong‐lin , He Tao , Spence George D. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe bottom‐simulating reflector (BSR) of gas hydrate is well imaged from two perpendicular seismic grids in the region of a large carbonate mound, informally called Cucumber Ridge off Vancouver Island. We use a new method to calculate 3‐D heat flow map from the BSR depths, in which we incorporate 3‐D topographic corrections after calibrated by the drilling results from nearby (Integrated) Ocean Drilling Program Site 889 and Site U1327. We then estimate the associated fluid flow by relating it to the topographically corrected heat flux anomalies. In the midslope region, a heat flux anomaly of 1 mW/m2 can be associated with an approximate focused fluid flow rate of 0.09 mm/yr. Around Cucumber Ridge, high rates of focused fluid flow were observed at steep slopes with values more than double the average regional diffusive fluid discharge rate of 0.56 mm/yr. As well, in some areas of relatively flat seafloor, the focused fluid flow rates still exceeded 0.5 mm/yr. On the seismic lines the regions of focused fluid flow were commonly associated with seismic blanking zones above the BSR and sometimes with strong reflectors below the BSR, indicating that the faults/fractures provide high‐permeability pathways for fluids to carry methane from BSR depths to the seafloor. These high fluid flow regions cover mostly the western portion of our area with gas hydrate concentration estimations of ~6% based on empirical correlations from Hydrate Ridge in south off Oregon, significantly higher than previously recognized values of ~2.5% in the eastern portion determined from Site U1327.
Delamination of southern Puna lithosphere revealed by body wave attenuation tomography
Authors: Liang Xiaofeng , Sandvol Eric , Kay Suzanne , Heit Benjamin , Yuan Xiaohui , Mulcahy Patrick , Chen Chen , Brown Larry , Comte Diana , Alvarado Patricia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe southern Puna Plateau has been proposed to result from a major Pliocene delamination event that has previously been inferred from geochemical, geological, and some preliminary geophysical data. Seventy‐five seismic stations were deployed across the southern Puna Plateau in 2007–2009 by scientists from the U.S., Germany, Chile, and Argentina to test the delamination model for the region. The Puna passive seismic stations were located between 25 and 28°S. Using the seismic waveform data collected from the PUNA experiment, we employ attenuation tomography methods to resolve both compressional and shear quality factors (Qp and Qs, respectively) in the crust and uppermost mantle. The images clearly show a high‐Q Nazca slab subducting eastward beneath the Puna plateau and another high‐Q block with a westward dip beneath the Eastern Cordillera. We suggest that the latter is a piece of delaminated South American lithosphere. A significant low‐Q zone lies between the Nazca slab and the South American lithosphere and extends southward from the northern margin of the seismic array at 25°S before vanishing around 27.5°S. This low‐Q zone extends farther west in the crust and uppermost mantle at the southern end of the seismic array. The low‐Q zone reaches ~100 km depth beneath the northern part of the array but only ~50 km depth in the south. Lateral variations of the low‐Q zone reflect the possible mechanism conversion between mantle upwelling related to delamination and dehydration. The depth of the Nazca slab as defined by Q images decreases from north to south beneath the plateau, which is consistent with the steep‐flat transition of the angle of the subducting slab as defined by previous earthquake studies.