bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced mechanical performance of biocompatible hemicelluloses-based hydrogel via chain extension
Authors: Qi Xian-Ming , Chen Ge-Gu , Gong Xiao-Dong , Fu Gen-Que , Niu Ya-Shuai , Bian Jing , Peng Feng , Sun Run-Cang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHemicelluloses are widely used to prepare gel materials because of their renewability, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Here, molecular chain extension of hemicelluloses was obtained in a two-step process. Composite hydrogels were prepared via free radical graft copolymerization of crosslinked quaternized hemicelluloses (CQH) and acrylic acid (AA) in the presence of crosslinking agent N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). This chain extension strategy significantly improved the mechanical performance of the resulting hydrogels. The crosslinking density, compression modulus and swelling capacities of hydrogels were tuned by changing the AA/CQH and MBA/CQH contents. Moreover, the biocompatibility test suggests that the hemicelluloses-based hydrogels exhibited no toxicity to cells and allowed cell growth. Taken together, these properties demonstrated that the composite hydrogels have potential applications in the fields of water absorbents, cell culture and other functional biomaterials.
Improved Transgenic Mouse Model for Studying HLA Class I Antigen Presentation
Authors: Huang Man , Zhang Wei , Guo Jie , Wei Xundong , Phiwpan Krung , Zhang Jianhua , Zhou Xuyu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHLA class I (HLA-I) transgenic mice have proven to be useful models for studying human MHC-related immune responses over the last two decades. However, differences in the processing and presentation machinery between humans and mice may have profound effects on HLA-I restricted antigen presentation. In this study, we generated a novel human TAP-LMP (hTAP-LMP) gene cluster transgenic mouse model carrying an intact human TAP complex and two human immunoproteasome LMP subunits, PSMB8/PSMB9. By crossing the hTAP-LMP strain with different HLA-I transgenic mice, we found that the expression levels of human HLA-I molecules, especially the A3 supertype members (e.g., A11 and A33), were remarkably enhanced in corresponding HLA-I/hTAP-LMP transgenic mice. Moreover, we found that humanized processing and presentation machinery increased antigen presentation of HLA-A11-restricted epitopes and promoted the rapid reduction of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in HLA-A11/hTAP-LMP mice. Together, our study highlights that HLA-I/hTAP-LMP mice are an improved model for studying antigen presentation of HLA-I molecules and their related CTL responses.
TGF-β1 autocrine signalling and enamel matrix components
Authors: Kobayashi-Kinoshita Saeko , Yamakoshi Yasuo , Onuma Kazuo , Yamamoto Ryuji , Asada Yoshinobu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTransforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is present in porcine enamel extracts and is critical for proper mineralization of tooth enamel. Here, we show that the mRNA of latent TGF-β1 is expressed throughout amelogenesis. Latent TGF-β1 is activated by matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20), coinciding with amelogenin processing by the same proteinase. Activated TGF-β1 binds to the major amelogenin cleavage products, particularly the neutral-soluble P103 amelogenin, to maintain its activity. The P103 amelogenin-TGF-β1 complex binds to TGFBR1 to induce TGF-β1 signalling. The P103 amelogenin-TGF-β1 complex is slowly cleaved by kallikrein 4 (KLK4), which is secreted into the transition- and maturation-stage enamel matrix, thereby reducing TGF-β1 activity. To exert the multiple biological functions of TGF-β1 for amelogenesis, we propose that TGF-β1 is activated or inactivated by MMP20 or KLK4 and that the amelogenin cleavage product is necessary for the in-solution mobility of TGF-β1, which is necessary for binding to its receptor on ameloblasts and retention of its activity.
Long Sleep Duration and Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke: the Kailuan Prospective Study
Authors: Song Qiaofeng , Liu Xiaoxue , Zhou Wenhua , Wang Ling , Zheng Xiang , Wang Xizhu , Wu Shouling 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep duration and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in a community-based cohort. The current analysis included 95,023 Chinese participants who were free of stroke at the baseline survey (2006–2007). Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and their confidence intervals (CIs) for stroke, according to sleep duration. After a mean follow-up period of 7.9 years, 3,135 participants developed stroke (2,504 ischemic stroke and 631 hemorrhagic stroke). The full adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of total stroke (with 6–8 hours of night sleep being considered for the reference group) for individuals reporting greater than 8 hours was 1.29 (1.01–1.64). More significant association between long sleep duration and total stroke was found in the elderly (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05–2.07). Compared with participants getting 6–8 hours of sleep, only women who reported sleeping more than 8 hours per night were associated with hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.28–10.06). This study suggested that long sleep duration might be a potential predictor/ marker for total stroke, especially in the elderly. And long sleep duration increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke only in women.
Cerebrovascular complications of diabetes: focus on cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Hardigan Trevor , Ward Rebecca , Ergul Adviye 
Published: September 2016

The incidence of diabetes has more than doubled in the United States in the last 30 years and the global disease rate is projected to double by 2030. Cognitive impairment has been associated with diabetes, worsening quality of life in patients. The structural and functional interaction of neurons with the surrounding vasculature is critical for proper function of the central nervous system including domains involved in learning and memory. Thus, in this review we explore cognitive impairment in patients and experimental models, focusing on links to vascular dysfunction and structural changes. Lastly, we propose a role for the innate immunity-mediated inflammation in neurovascular changes in diabetes.
Kind of high step‐up dc/dc converter using a novel voltage multiplier cell
Authors: Zhu Binxin , Ren Lulu , Wu Xi 
Published: September 2016

This study proposes a kind of high step‐up dc/dc converter with a novel voltage multiplier cell (VMC). The proposed VMC sharply reduces voltage stress on switches and diodes. Therefore, the conversion efficiency can be improved significantly. The converter also provides a wide range of voltage conversion ratios including fractional as well as VMC numbers and switch duty cycle. The topologies, operation principles, working characteristics and voltage conversion ratio are analysed in detail. A 500 W experimental prototype with two VMCs has been developed to validate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis, and the highest efficiency is 93.8%.
Systemic and Local Cytokine Profile in Biliary Atresia
Authors: Sakamoto Akemi , Hatano Masahiko , Iwai Jun , Higashimoto Yasuyuki , Yoshida Hideo , Saito Takeshi 
Published: September 2016

Purpose Systemic and local immune environments in human biliary atresia (BA) were analyzed.
Methods Plasma concentrations of 19 inflammatory components in 16 preoperative BA patients (median age, 51 days), 13 normal controls (NCs) (44 days), and 15 cholestatic controls (CC) (23 days) were measured using flow cytometry, and compared according to post-Kasai outcomes in BA patients. Hepatic mRNA levels of representative helper T (Th) cell cytokines and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were compared between BA and non-BA.
Results No significant differences were observed between BA and control in serum Th1, Th2, or macrophage markers, while soluble cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) levels were significantly higher in BA (p < 0.0001 for NC; p = 0.0003 for CC). No statistically significant difference was discovered between BA with favorable and unfavorable prognosis. Hepatic mRNA levels of interferon-gamma or interleukin-4 showed no significant differences between BA and non-BA, while FoxP3 was significantly higher in BA (p = 0.01).
Conclusions A skewed bias toward specific Th-oriented immunity was not demonstrated in either the systemic or local environment in the early stage of human BA, with patient prognoses not necessarily revealed by preoperative plasma inflammatory component levels. CAM and regulatory T cell roles and functions warrant further investigation.
„HT – Behandlung zu Hause“ in Lengerich (Westfalen) – ein Modellprojekt gemeindenaher, psychiatrischer Versorgung
Authors: Sakellaridou E. , Chrysanthou C. , Nienaber A. 
Published: September 2016

ZusammenfassungDas Modellprojekt „Home Treatment (HT) – Behandlung zu Hause“ in Lengerich ist eine neue integrierte psychiatrische Versorgungsform von Menschen mit schweren schizophrenen oder schizo-affektiven Psychosen, die Elemente zweier Behandlungsansätzen kombiniert: Assertive Community Treatment und Home Treatment. Ziel dieser Studie ist eine Pilotevaluation nach 2 Jahren durch eine quantitative Bewertung im Prä-Post-Design und eine qualitative Evaluation des Projektes. Es wurden eine Reduktion der vollstationären Behandlungstage, eine signifikante Verbesserung der Psychopathologie, der Lebensqualität und des Funktionsniveaus sowie eine hohe Zufriedenheit mit dem Versorgungsangebot bei der untersuchten Stichprobe festgestellt. Die Ergebnisse stimmen mit denen anderer Untersuchungen zu integrierten Versorgungsmodellen in Deutschland überein. Das Projekt „HT – Behandlung zu Hause“ ist ein viel versprechendes Behandlungsmodell. Hinsichtlich einer zukünftigen Ausweitung des Modellprojektes müssen allerdings weitere Untersuchungen zur Stabilität der Behandlungsergebnisse, ihrer Übertragbarkeit auf die Gesamtpopulation von Patienten mit Psychosen und zur Kosteneffektivität des Behandlungsmodells erfolgen.
Ramseyan humility: the response from revelation and panpsychism
Authors: Majeed Raamy 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDavid Lewis argues for Ramseyan humility, the thesis that we can’t identify the fundamental properties that occupy the nomological roles at our world. Lewis, however, remarks that there is a potential exception to this, which involves assuming two views concerning qualia (i) panphenomenalism (contemporary panpsychism): all instantiated fundamental properties are qualia and (ii) the identification thesis (revelation): we can know the identities of our qualia simply by being acquainted with them. This paper aims to provide an exposition, as well as an assessment, of this response to the humility thesis.
Nietzsche’s cultural elitism
Authors: Rowthorn David 
Published: September 2016

AbstractElitist readers, such as John Rawls, see Nietzsche as concerned only with the flourishing of a few great contributors to culture; egalitarian readers, such as Stanley Cavell, see Nietzschean culture as a universal affair involving every individual’s self-cultivation. This paper offers a compromise, reading Nietzsche as a ‘cultural elitist’ for whom culture demands that a few great individuals be supported in a voluntary, rather than state-mandated way. Rawls, it claims, is therefore misguided in worrying that Nietzsche’s elitism is a threat to justice. The paper focuses on Nietzsche’sSchopenhauer as Educator, the key text in the elitist-egalitarian debate.
Final report of CCQM-K136 measurement of porosity properties (specific adsorption, BET specific surface area, specific pore volume and pore diameter) of nanoporous Al2O3
Authors: Sobina E , Zimathis A , Prinz C , Emmerling F , Unger W , Neves R de Santis , Galhardo C E , Robertis E De , Wang H , Mizuno K , Kurokawa A 
Published: September 2016

CCQM key comparison K-136 Measurement of porosity properties (specific adsorption, BET specific surface area, specific pore volume and pore diameter) of nanoporous Al2O3 has been performed by the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM). The objective of this key comparison is to compare the equivalency of the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) for the measurement of specific adsorption, BET specific surface area, specific pore volume and pore diameter) of nanoporous substances (sorbents, catalytic agents, cross-linkers, zeolites, etc) used in advanced technology.
In this key comparison, a commercial sorbent (aluminum oxide) was supplied as a sample. Five NMIs participated in this key comparison. All participants used a gas adsorption method, here nitrogen adsorption at 77.3 K, for analysis according to the international standards ISO 15901-2 and 9277.
In this key comparison, the degrees of equivalence uncertainties for specific adsorption, BET specific surface area, specific pore volume and pore diameter was established.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Value Chains and Technology Transfer to Agriculture in Developing and Emerging Economies
Authors: Kuijpers Rob , Swinnen Johan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractValue chains in the agrifood sector are undergoing a rapid process of modernization, characterized by the emergence of private standards and different systems of vertical value chain governance. In this article, we investigate the technological implications of these developments at the farm level. We model the conditions under which technology transfer and adoption will occur in a value chain setting and review the corresponding evidence on these issues. We find that technology transfer within a value chain can occur in an environment with imperfect credit and technology markets but depends on the surplus generated by the technology and the holdup opportunities within the value chain. We also discuss how these holdup opportunities affect bargaining power and the division of surplus and how the nature of the technology affects technology transfer and the implications for value chain governance.
Concentration, Product Variety, and Entry‐for‐Merger: Evidence from New Product Introductions in the U.S. Food Industry
Authors: Bhattacharya Haimanti , Innes Robert 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCompeting theories in industrial organization predict that more concentrated industries will lead to a smaller and more efficient variety of products or, alternately, a larger and less efficient array of products. This paper presents an empirical study of these competing implications that estimates the impact of market concentration on new product introductions in a panel of nine food processing industries over 1983 to 2004. Controlling for industry‐level unobservables (using fixed effects) and endogeneity of industry market structure, we find that industry concentration promotes the introduction of new products. Preliminary evidence also suggests that new product introductions spur subsequent food industry mergers. Both conclusions are consistent with the “entry‐for‐merger” theory of product variety wherein atomistic innovators introduce new products in anticipation of profitable future mergers with concentrated firms.
Lack of Association Between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the ELSA–Brasil
Authors: Peixoto de Miranda Érique José F. , Bittencourt Márcio Sommer , Goulart Alessandra Carvalho , Santos Itamar Souza , Mill José Geraldo , Schmidt Maria Ines , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Benseñor Isabela J. Martins 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is little available data on carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). We aimed to analyze the association between SCH and cf-PWV using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA–Brasil).

METHODS
We included subjects with normal thyroid function (thyrotropin (TSH): 0.4–4.0 mIU/l, and normal free thyroxine (FT4: 0.8–1.9ng/dl) and SCH (TSH &gt; 4.0 mIU/l and normal FT4) evaluated for cf-PWV in a cross-sectional analysis. We excluded individuals using medications that interfere in thyroid function, antihypertensives, or diuretics, and subjects with chronic kidney disease or previous cardiovascular disease. Generalized linear and logistic regression models evaluated cf-PWV as a dependent variable and SCH as an independent variable, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS
Of 8,341 subjects (52.3% women), 7,878 (94.4%) were euthyroid and 463 (5.6%) showed SCH. The median age was 50 years (interquartile range: 44–56). The groups differed by age, sex, body mass index, glomerular filtration rate, and C-reactive protein. SCH was not associated with cf-PWV in the full-adjusted linear model (β = −0.039; P = 0.562) and with cf-PWV &gt;75th percentile in the full-adjusted logistic model (odds ratio = 0.94; 95% confidence interval = 0.72–1.22).

CONCLUSION
In a large sample, SCH was not associated with increased cf-PWV.
Crucial Effect of Calibration Methods on the Association Between Central Pulsatile Indices and Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Nakagomi Atsushi , Okada Sho , Shoji Toshihiro , Kobayashi Yoshio 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Several studies have reported that central systolic blood pressure (SBP) estimation is affected by calibration methods. However, whether central pulsatile indices, namely pulse pressure (PP) and fractional PP (FPP) (defined as PP/mean arterial pressure (MAP)), also depend on calibration methods remains uninvestigated. This study assessed the accuracy and discriminatory ability of these indices for coronary atherosclerosis using 2 calibration methods.

METHODS
Post-hoc analysis of a previous cross-sectional study (n = 139) that investigated the association between central pulsatile indices and coronary atherosclerosis. A validated-oscillometric device provided PP and FPP at the brachial artery (bPP and bFPP) and central artery using 2 calibration methods: brachial SBP/diastolic BP (DBP) (cPPsd and cFPPsd) and MAP/DBP (cPPmd and cFPPmd). Accuracy was assessed against invasive measurements (cPPinv and cFPPinv). Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between pulsatile indices and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and SYNTAX score, respectively.

RESULTS
cPPmd and cFPPmd were closer to invasive values than cPPsd (cPPsd: 39.6±12.6; cPPmd: 60.2±20.1; cPPinv: 71.4±22.9). cFPP exhibited similar results (cFPPsd: 0.35±0.09; cFPPmd: 0.55±0.14; cFPPinv: 0.70±0.19). In patients ≥70 years, only cFPPmd was significantly associated with CAD risk (odds ratio: 1.66 (95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.64)). SYNTAX score was significantly correlated with cPPmd, cFPPmd, and bFPP (standardized β: cPPmd 0.39, cFPPmd 0.50, bFPP 0.42, all P &lt; 0.01). No significant association was observed in patients aged &lt;70 years.

CONCLUSIONS
Central pulsatile indices calibrated with brachial MAP/DBP were more accurate and discriminatory for coronary atherosclerosis than SBP/DBP calibration.
Reference point insensitive molecular data analysis
Authors: Altenbuchinger M , Rehberg T , Zacharias H U , Stämmler F , Dettmer K , Weber D , Hiergeist A , Gessner A , Holler E , Oefner P J , Spang R 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMotivationIn biomedicine, every molecular measurement is relative to a reference point, like a fixed aliquot of RNA extracted from a tissue, a defined number of blood cells, or a defined volume of biofluid. Reference points are often chosen for practical reasons. For example, we might want to assess the metabolome of a diseased organ but can only measure metabolites in blood or urine. In this case, the observable data only indirectly reflects the disease state. The statistical implications of these discrepancies in reference points have not yet been discussed.ResultsHere, we show that reference point discrepancies compromise the performance of regression models like the LASSO. As an alternative, we suggest zero-sum regression for a reference point insensitive analysis. We show that zero-sum regression is superior to the LASSO in case of a poor choice of reference point both in simulations and in an application that integrates intestinal microbiome analysis with metabolomics. Moreover, we describe a novel coordinate descent based algorithm to fit zero-sum elastic nets.Availability and ImplementationThe R-package “zeroSum” can be downloaded at https://github.com/rehbergT/zeroSum. Moreover, we provide all R-scripts and data used to produce the results of this manuscript as Supplementary Material.Supplementary informationSupplementary material is available at Bioinformatics online.
Ejector and propeller spin-down: how might a superluminous supernova millisecond magnetar become the 6.67 h pulsar in RCW 103
Authors: Ho Wynn C. G. , Andersson Nils 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The X-ray source 1E 161348−5055 in the supernova remnant RCW 103 recently exhibited X-ray activity typical of magnetars, i.e. neutron stars with magnetic fields ≳ 1014–1015 G. However, 1E 161348−5055 has an observed period of 6.67 h, in contrast to magnetars which have a spin period of seconds. Here we describe a simple model which can explain the spin evolution of 1E 161348−5055, as well as other magnetars, from an initial period of milliseconds that would be required for dynamo generation of magnetar-strength magnetic fields. We propose that the key difference between 1E 161348−5055 and other magnetars is the persistence of a remnant disc of small total mass. This disc caused 1E 161348−5055 to undergo ejector and propeller phases in its life, during which strong torques caused a rapid increase of its spin period. By matching its observed spin period and ≈1–3 kyr age, we find that 1E 161348−5055 has the (slightly) highest magnetic field of all known magnetars, with B ∼ 5 × 1015 G, and that its disc had a mass of ∼1024 g, comparable to that of the asteroid Ceres.
On the existence of accretion-driven bursts in massive star formation
Authors: Meyer D. M.-A. , Vorobyov E. I. , Kuiper R. , Kley W. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Accretion-driven luminosity outbursts are a vivid manifestation of variable mass accretion on to protostars. They are known as the so-called FU Orionis phenomenon in the context of low-mass protostars. More recently, this process has been found in models of primordial star formation. Using numerical radiation hydrodynamics simulations, we stress that present-day forming massive stars also experience variable accretion and show that this process is accompanied by luminous outbursts induced by the episodic accretion of gaseous clumps falling from the circumstellar disc on to the protostar. Consequently, the process of accretion-induced luminous flares is also conceivable in the high-mass regime of star formation and we propose to regard this phenomenon as a general mechanism that can affect protostars regardless of their mass and/or the chemical properties of the parent environment in which they form. In addition to the commonness of accretion-driven outbursts in the star formation machinery, we conjecture that luminous flares from regions hosting forming high-mass stars may be an observational implication of the fragmentation of their accretion discs.