bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the vascular endothelium functioning by dietary components, the role of epigenetics
Authors: Wojtala Martyna , Pirola Luciano , Balcerczyk Aneta 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRather than being a passive barrier between circulating blood and smooth muscle cells and the underlying tissues, the endothelium is a fundamental functional component of the vasculature, and could be viewed as the largest human endocrine gland/organ, secreting multiple pro‐/antiangiogenic factors, cytokines and low‐molecular‐weight mediators controlling the vascular tone. The location of endothelium, at the interface between the circulation and the tissues, makes this epithelial layer particularly exposed to physical and chemical cues coming from the bloodstream. In response to such stimuli, the endothelium modulates its morphology and functions to maintain vascular homeostasis. Dietary components significantly affect the proper functioning of the endothelium. High‐calories and high‐fat western diets, in the long term, cause endothelial dysfunction, which is a major contributor to the development of the metabolic syndrome and its pathological consequences, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. On the contrary, plant‐derived antioxidant molecules and polyphenols have been shown to exert beneficial effects on endothelial function. Extensive research in the last decade has clearly shown the close relationship between food intake, dietary habits, and gene expression, which is driven by the action of macro‐ and micronutrients on chromatin regulation. Nutrient‐induced chromatin epigenetic modifications via DNA methylation and histone post‐translational modifications, especially in the context of the western diet, significantly contribute to the dysregulation of endothelial functioning. Here, we review the current understanding on how dietary components (macronutrients, antioxidants), acting on epigenetic mechanisms, regulate endothelial physiology, and physiopathology. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(1):5–16, 2017
Hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and depression symptom effects of an arginine vasopressin type 1B receptor antagonist in a one‐week randomized Phase 1b trial
Authors: Katz David A. , Locke Charles , Greco Nicholas , Liu Wei , Tracy Katherine A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundArginine vasopressin 1B receptor (V1B) antagonists may have utility for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsThe V1B antagonist ABT‐436 (N = 31) or matching placebo (N = 20) was administered to MDD subjects for 7 days. The main study objectives were to assess the safety and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) effects of ABT‐436 in MDD subjects. MDD symptoms were assessed using the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D‐17) and the subject‐rated Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ).ResultsThe most prevalent safety finding associated with ABT‐436 800 mg QD was increased mild‐moderate diarrhea (68% v 5%, p < 0.001). Increased nausea (26% v 5%, p < 0.10), decreased systolic blood pressure (3.15–3.44 mmHg, p < 0.10) and increased heart rate (3.42–4.01 bpm, p < 0.05) were also associated with ABT‐436 800 mg QD. Basal HPA activity measured by 24‐hr urine total glucocorticoids was 25% lower with ABT‐436 than placebo (p < 0.001). The reduction was, on average, larger in subjects with higher baseline urine total glucocorticoids. Results on plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), urine, serum and saliva cortisol, and saliva cortisone also showed basal HPA attenuation with ABT‐436. Dynamic HPA activity measured by plasma ACTH and serum cortisol responses to corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) were 30–46% lower in ABT‐436 subjects (all p < 0.001). Each ABT‐436 subject showed response to CRH in or near the baseline range of responses. ABT‐436 was associated with more favorable symptom changes on two of five MASQ subscales (estimated effect size 1.47–1.86, p < 0.01) but not on HAM‐D‐17.ConclusionsThe results support further clinical study of the antidepressant potential of ABT‐436.
MxA mRNA decrease preceding NAb detection in IFNβ‐treated MS patients
Authors: Libertinova Jana , Meluzinova Eva , Matoska Vaclav , Zajac Miroslav , Kovarova Ivana , Havrdova Eva , Horakova Dana , Tomek Ales , Marusic Petr , Bojar Martin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with interferon beta (IFNβ) are at risk of a declining response to treatment because of the production of IFNβ‐neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). The expression of Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) mRNA is regarded as a marker of IFNβ bioactivity.AimsThe aim of this study was to analyze the kinetics of MxA mRNA expression during long‐term IFNβ treatment and assess its relationship to NAb production.MethodsA prospective, observational, open‐label, non‐randomized study was designed in multiple sclerosis patients starting IFNβ treatment. NAbs and MxA mRNA were monitored every six months.Results119 patients were consecutively enrolled and 107 were included in the final analysis. Both the presence of NAbs and a decrease in MxA mRNA below the cut off were revealed in 15 patients, however, in six patients (40%) positivity for NAbs was preceded by the decrease in MxA mRNA. In addition, a further six patients showing a decline in MxA mRNA did not have detectable NAbs.ConclusionOur data indicate that quantification of MxA mRNA is a more sensitive identifier of loss of IFNβ efficacy than the NAb positivity.
Exploring students’ experiences in using a physical laboratory for computer networks and data security
Authors: Stojanov Zeljko , Dobrilovic Dalibor , Zorić Tamara 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTData and computer network security issues have become increasingly important in professional engineering practice, requiring educated engineers capable to solve the real security problems. This strongly emphasize the importance of including courses dedicated to data and computer network security in information technology curricula, and providing real first‐hands experiences with physical equipment to students. This article presents a qualitative study aimed at exploring students’ experiences in a physical laboratory for computer network and data security. Identified experiences were organized into a conceptual framework, providing a base for improvement of learning materials and the laboratory. Benefits and implications for students, lecturers, and researchers are also discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:290–303, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21797
VGLS: A virtual geophysical laboratory system based on C# and viustools and its application for geophysical education
Authors: Xiang Shiming , Wang Lei Chuang 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIt is not hard to find that the forms of traditional education have limitations. The Virtual Laboratory is to provide a virtual experimental environment to the users via computers in controlling engineering by resorting to the virtual reality technology. It was famous for helping students study the complex process of experiments as well as saving time and cost. Therefore, in the new century, it has become more popular as a means of education. In this paper, we present a virtual geophysical laboratory system (VGLS) based on C#, Viustools, and database technology which can make geophysical education more efficient and effective. Besides, practice has proved that VGLS is a kind of flexible, convenient, and interactive system which can help the users understand and master the laboratory equipment and experimental procedures as well as enhance the efficiency of teaching and learning. In general, it was a practical platform that can be an alternative means of traditional experiments in education which can also meet the requirements of geophysical education. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:335–344, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21801
Conjugate Vaccines from Bacterial Antigens by Squaric Acid Chemistry: A Closer Look
Authors: Xu Peng , Kelly Meagan , Vann Willie F. , Qadri Firdausi , Ryan Edward T. , Kováč Pavol 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBy using O‐SP‐core (O‐SPcNH2) polysaccharide, isolated from Vibrio cholera O1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and related synthetic substances, a detailed study of factors that affect conjugation of bacterial polysaccharides to protein carriers through squaric acid chemistry to form conjugate vaccines has been carried out. Several previously unrecognized processes that take place during the squarate labeling of the O‐SPcNH2 and subsequent conjugation of the formed squarate (O‐SPcNH‐SqOMe) have been identified. The efficiency of conjugation at pH 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5 to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and to the recombinant tetanus toxin fragment C (rTT‐Hc) has been determined. The study led to a protocol for more efficient labeling of O‐SPcNH2 antigen with the methyl squarate group, to yield a higher‐quality, more potent squarate conjugation reagent. Its use resulted in about twofold increases in conjugation efficiency (from 23–26 % on BSA to 51 % on BSA and 55 % on rTT‐Hc). The spent conjugation reagent could be recovered and regenerated by treatment with MeI in the absence of additional base. The immunological properties of the experimental vaccine made from the regenerated conjugation reagent were comparable with those of the immunogen made from the parent O‐SPcNH‐SqOMe.
DFT Study of Nickel‐Catalyzed Low‐Temperature Methanol Synthesis
Authors: McGuinness David S. , Patel Jim , Amin Mohamad Hassan , Bhargava Suresh K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractLow‐temperature methanol synthesis (CO+2 H2→CH3OH) catalyzed by a homogeneous nickel/alkali metal alkoxide system has been studied theoretically. Two broad mechanistic possibilities, the direct hydrogenation of CO by nickel formyl species and indirect hydrogenation via methyl formate formation, have been examined. The most favorable mechanism involves the methanolysis of CO to methyl formate catalyzed by an ether complex of sodium methoxide followed by the stepwise hydrogenation of methyl formate to formaldehyde and then to a nickel methoxide, in which both steps are mediated by a nickel hydride. In the final step the nickel methoxide is hydrogenated to release methanol. The conversion of methyl formate to the nickel methoxide is predicted to be rate limiting, and the nickel hydride is the most likely catalyst resting state. The theoretical results are discussed in the context of existing experimental observations, and a good agreement with past studies was obtained.
Process Chain for the Fabrication of Nanoparticle Polymer Composites by Laser Ablation Synthesis
Authors: Maurer Elisabeth , Barcikowski Stephan , Gökce Bilal 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNanoparticle polymer composites are of growing interest due to their unique properties. However, conventional composite synthesis methods usually require several process steps including steps for cleaning and improving the particle‐matrix dispersion. As an alternative, laser ablation synthesis can be used to prepare tunable composite materials. This method enables an easy process chain, without the need of additional steps. In this status report, the process chain of laser‐based pre‐series fabrication of nanocomposites is visualized, and the increase of the method's technology readiness level is demonstrated. The process steps are demonstrated from the synthesis of the colloid to applicable functional products. The advantages of using laser ablation for nanocomposite synthesis are highlighted.
Th7Fe3‐Type Related Structures in Pd(Pt)‐Cu‐B Systems: Pd6CuB3—A New Structure Type for Borides
Authors: Salamakha Leonid P. , Sologub Oksana , Stöger Berthold , Rogl Peter F. , Waas Monika , Michor Herwig , Bauer Ernst 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA new member of the series of Th7Fe3‐type derivative structures, h‐(Pd0.86Cu0.14)7B3 (≡Pd6.02Cu0.98B3, unique structure type Pd6CuB3, space group P63cm, a=12.9426(9) Å, c=4.8697(4) Å, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data) was obtained from as cast alloys and alloys annealed at 600–650 °C. Further substitution of Cu by Pd led to formation of a Mn7C3‐type structure, o‐(Pd0.93Cu0.07)7B3 (≡Pd6.51Cu0.49B3, space group Pnma, a=4.8971(2) Å, b=7.5353(3) Å, c=12.9743(6) Å, single‐crystal XRD). Isotypic LT h‐(Pt0.70Cu0.30)7B3 (≡Pt4.90Cu2.10B3) was observed in the Pt‐Cu‐B system as a low‐temperature (LT) phase (T≤600 °C) (powder XRD), whereas the Th7Fe3‐type (high‐temperature (HT) h‐(Pt0.73Cu0.27)7B3≡Pt5.11Cu1.89B3, space group P63mc, a=7.4671(1) Å, c=4.9039(1) Å, powder XRD) proved to be stable at high temperature. The three structures are built of columns of face connected metal octahedra and columns of metal tetrahedra alternatingly fused by common faces and vertices. Boron atoms are found in trigonal prisms formed by metal atoms. The volumes of the three new Th7Fe3‐type derivative borides relate as 1:2:3. Superconductivity was discovered for Pt4.9Cu2.1B3 (Pd6CuB3‐type) and Pt5.1Cu1.9B3 (Th7Fe3‐type) below 0.67 and 0.66 K, respectively. Despite the close value of the transition temperature the values of the upper critical field at 0 K differ as 0.37 T and 0.27 T for the two compounds.
High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Based on New TPE Compounds as Hole Transport Materials: The Role of 2,7‐ and 3,6‐Substituted Carbazole Derivatives
Authors: Zhu Linna , Shan Yahan , Wang Rui , Liu Debei , Zhong Cheng , Song Qunliang , Wu Fei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this work, four tetraphenylethylene (TPE)‐centered hole transport materials (HTMs), with 2,7‐ or 3,6‐substituted carbazole derivatives as periphery groups are deliberately synthesized and characterized. Their photophysical properties, energy levels, and photovoltaic performances are systematically investigated, and their performances as HTMs are discussed with respect to the different substituent positions on the carbazole moiety. It is interesting to find that the TPE‐based HTMs with 2,7‐carbazole substituents rival the 3,6‐carbazole substituents in hole mobility and hole extraction ability. A high power conversion efficiency of up to 16.74 % is achieved for the devices based on the 2,7‐carbazole periphery arms, which is even higher than the one of the “star” HTM Spiro‐OMeTAD (2,2‐7,7‐tetrakis(N,N′‐diparamethoxy‐phenylamine 9,9′‐spirobifluorene) under the same conditions. As far as we know, this is the highest efficiency achieved in tetraphenylethylene derivatives.
Gold‐Catalyzed Formal Cyclisation/Dimerization of Thiophene‐Tethered Diynes
Authors: Tšupova Svetlana , Hansmann Max M. , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA new pathway in dual gold‐catalyzed reaction of thiophene‐tethered diynes has been identified. A series of fully conjugated alkynyl‐substituted benzothiophenes and benzofurans was obtained by a formal cyclisation/dimerization sequence. All the products are fluorescent, owing to their extended conjugation. The mechanistic studies have been carried out, suggesting that gold acetylides take part in this transformation.
Nanosecond Laser‐Assisted Nitrogen Doping of Graphene Oxide Dispersions
Authors: Kepić Dejan , Sandoval Stefania , Pino Ángel Pérez del , György Enikö , Cabana Laura , Ballesteros Belén , Tobias Gerard 
Published: February 2017

AbstractN‐doped reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been prepared in bulk form by laser irradiation of graphene oxide (GO) dispersed in an aqueous solution of ammonia. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser with emission wavelengths in the infrared (IR) 1064 nm, visible (Vis) 532 nm, and ultraviolet (UV) 266 nm spectral regions was employed for the preparation of the N‐doped RGO samples. Regardless of the laser energy employed, the resulting material presents a higher fraction of pyrrolic nitrogen compared to nitrogen atoms in pyridinic and graphitic coordination. Noticeably, whereas increasing the laser fluence of UV and Vis wavelengths results in an increase in the total amount of nitrogen, up to 4.9 at. % (UV wavelength at 60 mJ cm−2 fluence), the opposite trend is observed when the GO is irradiated in ammonia solution through IR processing. The proposed laser‐based methodology allows the bulk synthesis of N‐doped reduced graphene oxide in a simple, fast, and cost efficient manner.
A Density Functional Theory Investigation of Nin, Pdn, and Ptn Clusters (n=1–4) Adsorbed on Buckminsterfullerene
Authors: Pham Nguyet N. T. , Le Hung M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this study, we examine the adsorptions of Ni, Pd, and Pt clusters on C60 by using a computational approach. Our calculation results show that the base structure of C60 can host Nin/Pdn/Ptn (n=1–4) clusters with good adsorption stability and the complexes establish either two or no unpaired electrons. The binding energy of Pd and Pt clusters increases as the number of metal atoms increases, implying that the coverage of C60 with Pd or Pt preferentially establishes a large‐size metal cluster. A single metal atom favorably occupies the C−C bridge site. For dimer clusters, the three metals of interest share a similar binding fashion, in which two metal atoms establish direct interactions with the C−C bridge sites. For trimer adsorptions, the formation of linear and triangular structures is observed. Both Pt3 and Ni3 preferably constitute isosceles triangles on C60, whilst Pd3 favorably establishes a linear shape. Finally, for each of the Ni4 and Pd4 adsorption cases, we observed three stable binding configurations: rhombus, tetrahedron, and Y‐form. Whereas Ni4 establishes a tetrahedral form, Pd4 attains the most stable form with the Y‐shape geometry on C60. Overall, we observe that the trend of Pd binding to C60 tends to go beyond the fashion of Ni and Pt. In terms of magnetic alignment, the Pdn–C60 systems seem to be non‐magnetic in most cases, unlike the Ni and Pt cases, the structures of which possess magnetic moments of 2 μB in their most stable forms.
Absorbable collagen sponges loaded with recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 9 induces greater osteoblast differentiation when compared to bone morphogenetic protein 2
Authors: Fujioka‐Kobayashi Masako , Schaller Benoit , Saulacic Nikola , Pippenger Benjamin E. , Zhang Yufeng , Miron Richard J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe use of growth factors for the regeneration of soft and hard tissues has been utilized extensively in dental medicine over the past decade. Recently our group found that recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 9 (rhBMP9) was more osteopromotive than recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) when combined with a deprotenized bovine bone mineral bone grafting material. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of an absorbable collagen sponge(ACS) specifically designed for extraction socket healing loaded with rhBMP9 when compared to rhBMP2. The adsorption and release kinetics of rhBMP2 and rhBMP9 were first investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay quantification. Then, the cellular effects of stromal cell line (ST2) preosteoblasts were investigated utilizing four groups including rhBMP2 and rhBMP9 at both low(10 ng/ml) and high(100 ng/ml) concentrations loaded onto ACS. Cellular attachment(8 hours) and proliferation(1, 3, and 5 days) as well as osteoblast differentiation were investigated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 3 and 14 days, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 7 days, and alizarin red staining at 14 days. ACS fully adsorbed both rhBMP2 and rhBMP9 that were slowly released up to 10 days. Although neither rhBMP2 nor rhBMP9 had any effects on cell attachment or proliferation, pronounced effects were observed on osteoblast differentiation. ALP activity was increased seven‐fold with rhBMP2‐high, whereas a marked 10‐fold and 20‐fold increase was observed with rhBMP9‐low and high loaded to ACS, respectively. Furthermore, mRNA levels of collagen1, ALP, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin were all significantly higher for rhBMP9 when compared to control or rhBMP2 groups. Alizarin red staining further confirmed that rhBMP9‐low and high demonstrated marked increases in mineralization potential when compared to rhBMP2‐high. The results demonstrate the marked effect of rhBMP9 on osteoblast differentiation when combined with ACS in comparison to rhBMP2 at doses as much as 10 times lower. Further in vivo studies are necessary to investigate whether the regenerative potential is equally as potent.
UWB pulse design using constraint convex sets method
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev , Bhatia Vimal 
Published: February 2017

SummaryIn this paper, we propose a constrained convex sets–based method for designing ultra‐wideband (UWB) pulse. The UWB pulses designed using earlier proposed methods either do not fit well in UWB spectral mask or require extra processing circuitry for pulses to fit in the UWB spectral mask. The proposed constraint sets–based method is flexible and optimum for the UWB mask. The pulse designed by the proposed method is Federal Communication Commission compliant and has an autocorrelation function similar to the Gaussian pulse. The bit error rate performance of time hopping binary phase shift keying using the proposed method and some of the existing methods such as Norman and Lee pulses and sixth derivative Gaussian pulse is analyzed in additive white Gaussian noise and Saleh‐Valenzuela channels. Pulse designed using the proposed method outperforms existing pulse design, and the same is verified through simulations. The proposed algorithm is flexible and can also be used to mitigate narrow band interference, multiband UWB pulse generation and any other Federal Communication Commission (or other regulatory body) compliant spectrum mask by modifying the parameter of the proposed constraint set(s).
Water, land, fire, and forest: Multi‐scale determinants of rainforests in the Australian monsoon tropics
Authors: Ondei Stefania , Prior Lynda D. , Williamson Grant J. , Vigilante Tom , Bowman David M. J. S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe small rainforest fragments found in savanna landscapes are powerful, yet often overlooked, model systems to understand the controls of these contrasting ecosystems. We analyzed the relative effect of climatic variables on rainforest density at a subcontinental level, and employed high‐resolution, regional‐level analyses to assess the importance of landscape settings and fire activity in determining rainforest density in a frequently burnt Australian savanna landscape. Estimates of rainforest density (ha/km2) across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, derived from preexisting maps, were used to calculate the correlations between rainforest density and climatic variables. A detailed map of the northern Kimberley (Western Australia) rainforests was generated and analyzed to determine the importance of geology and topography in controlling rainforests, and to contrast rainforest density on frequently burnt mainland and nearby islands. In the northwestern Australian, tropics rainforest density was positively correlated with rainfall and moisture index, and negatively correlated with potential evapotranspiration. At a regional scale, rainforests showed preference for complex topographic positions and more fertile geology. Compared with mainland areas, islands had significantly lower fire activity, with no differences between terrain types. They also displayed substantially higher rainforest density, even on level terrain where geomorphological processes do not concentrate nutrients or water. Our multi‐scale approach corroborates previous studies that suggest moist climate, infrequent fires, and geology are important stabilizing factors that allow rainforest fragments to persist in savanna landscapes. These factors need to be incorporated in models to predict the future extent of savannas and rainforests under climate change.