bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cell and umbilical vein endothelial cell responses to thromboresistant collagen‐mimetic hydrogels
Authors: Munoz‐Pinto Dany J. , Erndt‐Marino Josh D. , Becerra‐Bayona Silvia M. , Guiza‐Arguello Viviana R. , Samavedi Satyavrata , Malmut Sarah , Reichert William M. , Russell Brooke , Höök Magnus , Hahn Mariah S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBioactive coatings which support the adhesion of late‐outgrowth peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EOCs) are actively being investigated as a means to promote rapid endothelialization of “off‐the‐shelf,” small‐caliber arterial graft prostheses following implantation. In the present work, we evaluated the behavior of EOCs on thromboresistant graft coatings based on the collagen‐mimetic protein Scl2‐2 and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) diacrylate. Specifically, the attachment, proliferation, migration, and phenotype of EOCs on PEG‐Scl2‐2 hydrogels were evaluated as a function of Scl2‐2 concentration (4, 8, and 12 mg/mL) relative to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results demonstrate the ability of each PEG‐Scl2‐2 hydrogel formulation to support EOC and HUVEC adhesion, proliferation, and spreading. However, only the 8 and 12 mg/mL PEG‐Scl2‐2 hydrogels were able to support stable EOC and HUVEC confluence. These PEG‐Scl2‐2 formulations were, therefore, selected for evaluation of their impact on EOC and HUVEC phenotype relative to PEG‐collagen hydrogels. Cumulatively, both gene and protein level data indicated that 8 mg/mL PEG‐Scl2‐2 hydrogels supported similar or improved levels of EOC maturation relative to PEG‐collagen controls based on evaluation of CD34, VEGFR2, PECAM‐1, and VE‐Cadherin. The 8 mg/mL PEG‐Scl2‐2 hydrogels also appeared to support similar or improved levels of EOC homeostatic marker expression relative to PEG‐collagen hydrogels based on von Willebrand factor, collagen IV, NOS3, thrombomodulin, and E‐selectin assessment. Combined, the present results indicate that PEG‐Scl2‐2 hydrogels warrant further investigation as “off‐the‐shelf” graft coatings. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1712–1724, 2017.
Parity Linkage and the Erdős–Pósa Property of Odd Cycles through Prescribed Vertices in Highly Connected Graphs
Authors: Joos Felix 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe show the following for every sufficiently connected graph G, any vertex subset S of G, and given integer k: there are k disjoint odd cycles in G each containing a vertex of S or there is set X of at most vertices such that does not contain any odd cycle that contains a vertex of S. We prove this via an extension of Kawarabayashi and Reed's result about parity‐k‐linked graphs (Combinatorica 29, 215–225). From this result, it is easy to deduce several other well‐known results about the Erdős–Pósa property of odd cycles in highly connected graphs. This strengthens results due to Thomassen (Combinatorica 21, 321–333), and Rautenbach and Reed (Combinatorica 21, 267–278), respectively.
The Multidimensional Nature of Women's Empowerment: Beyond the Economic Approach
Authors: Bayissa Fitsum W. , Smits Jeroen , Ruben Ruerd 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMost interventions promoting women's empowerment focus on the economic dimension. Economic improvement is supposed to lead automatically to improvements in other dimensions. To test this assumption, we collected data from 508 women working in women groups in Addis Ababa. Besides the economic dimension, five other dimensions of empowerment were studied (familial, legal, psychological, political and socio‐cultural). Findings show that the relationships between these six dimensions of empowerment are weak and that the psychological dimension is most central. The economic dimension is hardly connected to other dimensions. Hence, a broad package of interventions seems needed to achieve empowerment in all respects. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of the quantification of respirable crystalline silica by mass on aerosol sampling filters using Raman microscopy
Authors: Stacey Peter , Mader Kerstin T. , Sammon Christopher 
Published: February 2017

Airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a hazard that can affect the health of workers, and more sensitive measurements are needed for the assessment of worker exposure. To assess the use of Raman microscopy for the analysis of RCS particulate collected on filters, aliquots of quartz or cristobalite suspended in isopropanol were pipetted onto silver filters. Samples were measured by arbitrarily selecting positions along the filter and collecting spectra at 50 discrete points. The calculated limits of quantification on test samples were between 0.066–0.161 and 0.106–0.218 μg for quartz and cristobalite, respectively. Three respirable quartz calibration dusts (A9950, NIST 1878 and Quin 1B) with different mass median aerodynamic particle sizes obtained similar Raman response relationships per unit mass. The difference between NIST 1878 and Quin 1B was not significant (p = 0.22). The intermediate measurement precision of replicate samples was 10–25% over the measured range for quartz (0.25–10 μg) and could potentially be improved. Results from mixtures of quartz and cristobalite were mostly within 10% of their theoretical values. Results from samples of 6% quartz in calcite were close to the theoretical quartz mass. The upper measurement limit for a mixture of 20% RCS in the light absorbing mineral hematite (Fe2O3) was 5 μg. These data show that Raman spectroscopy is a viable option for the quantification of the mass of respirable crystalline silica on filters with a limit of detection approaching 1/10th of that obtained with other techniques. The improvement in sensitivity may enable the measurement of particulate in samples from low concentration environments (e.g. inside a mask) or from miniature samplers operating at low flow rates. ©2017 Crown copyright. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2017 Crown copyright. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast and simultaneous determination of 12 polyphenols in apple peel and pulp by using chemometrics‐assisted high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection
Authors: Wang Tong , Wu Hai‐Long , Xie Li‐Xia , Zhu Li , Liu Zhi , Sun Xiao‐Dong , Xiao Rong , Yu Ru‐Qin 
Published: February 2017

In this work, a smart chemometrics‐enhanced strategy, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and diode array detection coupled with second‐order calibration method based on alternating trilinear decomposition algorithm was proposed to simultaneously quantify 12 polyphenols in different kinds of apple peel and pulp samples. The proposed strategy proved to be a powerful tool to solve the problems of coelution, unknown interferences, and chromatographic shifts in the process of high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, making it possible for the determination of 12 polyphenols in complex apple matrices within 10 min under simple conditions of elution. The average recoveries with standard deviations, and figures of merit including sensitivity, selectivity, limit of detection, and limit of quantitation were calculated to validate the accuracy of the proposed method. Compared to the quantitative analysis results from the classic high‐performance liquid chromatography method, the statistical and graphical analysis showed that our proposed strategy obtained more reliable results. All results indicated that our proposed method used in the quantitative analysis of apple polyphenols was an accurate, fast, universal, simple, and green one, and it was expected to be developed as an attractive alternative method for simultaneous determination of multitargeted analytes in complex matrices.
Room Temperature Self‐Healing Methyl Phenyl Silicone Rubbers Based on the Metal–Ligand Cross‐Link: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Yu Dajiang , Zhao Xinxin , Zhou Chuanjian , Zhang Chen , Zhao Shigui 
Published: February 2017

Novel self‐healing silicone rubbers are prepared by a two‐step procedure: aminopropyl methyl phenyl polysiloxanes is first reacted with salicylaldehyde and then with copper acetate. The reversible nature of the metal–ligand coordination interaction between polysiloxanes with pendent Schiff‐base groups and Cu2+ has endowed silicone rubbers with superior self‐healing properties. As compared with other self‐healing silicone rubbers based on hydrogen bonds or Diels–Alder reaction, this cross‐linked system shows high healing power. The materials are cut into two parts and put together in a mold for 1 h at 30 °C, observing a macroscopic healing and a strength recovery up to 87.0%.
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Coassembly Modulated pH‐Responsive Hydrogel for Dye Absorption and Release
Authors: Wang Fang , Ji Wei , Liu Jinying , He Jiye , Feng Chuanliang 
Published: February 2017

Hydrogel as a carrier for drug delivery system has been developed, but it is hard to change the load and release of drugs through a simple way. Herein, the authors report a novel pH‐sensitive supramolecular binary hydrogel based on Phe‐Gly derivative gelator (LPPG) and 4,4′‐dipyridine disulfide (DPDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and 1H NMR confirm that the driving force for the coassembly process is intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The composite hydrogel can improve the dye adsorption capacity relative to LPPG hydrogel. Moreover, the controllable absorption of the dyes is studied by varying the pH and concentration of dye solutions. LPPG‐DPDS hydrogel can also release of entrapped dyes at physiological pH. The two‐component hydrogel should be a promising system for controllable drug delivery.
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Promoting Endothelialization of Polymeric Cardiovascular Biomaterials
Authors: Heath Daniel E. 
Published: February 2017

The lack of a blood compatible synthetic interface is one of the largest unaddressed challenges in the field of biomaterials science. This technological shortcoming hinders the successful clinical application of small diameter vascular grafts and other cardiovascular devices such as stents and artificial heart valves. Therefore, intensive research activities are ongoing to develop polymer materials with improved blood compatibility. One attractive strategy to improve the blood compatibility of an interface is to design surfaces that promote the development of an endothelium, the monolayer of endothelial cells that line our native vasculature and is responsible for blood compatibility. This article describes the recent strategies that have been used to generate polymeric materials that promote the development of an endothelium, discusses shortcomings in the field, and proposes future directions of research that can be undertaken to design next generation polymeric biomaterial that promote endothelialization.image
A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of copper transporting P1B ATPases from bacteria of the Rhizobiales order uncovers multiplicity, diversity and novel taxonomic subtypes
Authors: Cubillas Ciro , Miranda‐Sánchez Fabiola , González‐Sánchez Antonio , Elizalde José Pedro , Vinuesa Pablo , Brom Susana , García‐de los Santos Alejandro 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe ubiquitous cytoplasmic membrane copper transporting P1B‐1 and P1B‐3‐type ATPases pump out Cu+ and Cu2+, respectively, to prevent cytoplasmic accumulation and avoid toxicity. The presence of five copies of Cu‐ATPases in the symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti is remarkable; it is the largest number of Cu+‐transporters in a bacterial genome reported to date. Since the prevalence of multiple Cu‐ATPases in members of the Rhizobiales order is unknown, we performed an in silico analysis to understand the occurrence, diversity and evolution of Cu+‐ATPases in members of the Rhizobiales order. Multiple copies of Cu‐ATPase coding genes (2–8) were detected in 45 of the 53 analyzed genomes. The diversity inferred from a maximum‐likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis classified Cu‐ATPases into four monophyletic groups. Each group contained additional subtypes, based on the presence of conserved motifs. This novel phylogeny redefines the current classification, where they are divided into two subtypes (P1B‐1 and P1B‐3). Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) as well as the evolutionary dynamic of plasmid‐borne genes may have played an important role in the functional diversification of Cu‐ATPases. Homologous cytoplasmic and periplasmic Cu+‐chaperones, CopZ, and CusF, that integrate a CopZ‐CopA‐CusF tripartite efflux system in gamma‐proteobacteria and archeae, were found in 19 of the 53 surveyed genomes of the Rhizobiales. This result strongly suggests a high divergence of CopZ and CusF homologs, or the existence of unexplored proteins involved in cellular copper transport.
Physiologically based kinetic modeling of hesperidin metabolism and its use to predict in vivo effective doses in humans
Authors: Boonpawa Rungnapa , Spenkelink Albertus , Punt Ans , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. 
Published: February 2017

ScopeTo develop a physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model that describes the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of hesperidin in humans, enabling the translation of in vitro concentration–response curves to in vivo dose–response curves.Methods and resultsThe PBK model for hesperidin in humans was developed based on in vitro metabolic parameters. Hesperidin was predicted to mainly occur in the systemic circulation as different monoglucuronides. The plasma concentrations of hesperidin aglycone (hesperetin) was predicted to be <0.02 mg/L at an oral dose of 50 mg/kg bw. The developed PBK model allowed conversion of in vitro concentration–response curves for different effects to in vivo dose–response curves. The BMD05 (benchmark dose for 5% response) values for protein kinase A inhibition ranged between 135 and 529 mg/kg bw hesperidin, and for inhibition of endothelial cell migration and prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production ranged between 2.19 and 44 mg/kg bw hesperidin. These values are in line with reported human data showing in vivo effects by hesperidin and show that these effects may occur at Western dietary and supplementary intake of hesperidin.ConclusionsThe developed PBK model adequately predicts absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of hesperidin in humans and allows to evaluate the human in vivo situation without the need for human intervention studies.
Specific inulin‐type fructan fibers protect against autoimmune diabetes by modulating gut immunity, barrier function, and microbiota homeostasis
Authors: Chen Kang , Chen Hao , Faas Marijke M. , de Haan Bart J. , Li Jiahong , Xiao Ping , Zhang Hao , Diana Julien , de Vos Paul , Sun Jia 
Published: February 2017

ScopeDietary fibers capable of modifying gut barrier and microbiota homeostasis affect the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here, we aim to compare modulatory effects of inulin‐type fructans (ITFs), natural soluble dietary fibers with different degrees of fermentability from chicory root, on T1D development in nonobese diabetic mice.Methods and resultsFemale nonobese diabetic mice were weaned to long‐ and short‐chain ITFs [ITF(l) and ITF(s), 5%] supplemented diet up to 24 weeks. T1D incidence, pancreatic‐gut immune responses, gut barrier function, and microbiota composition were analyzed. ITF(l) but not ITF(s) supplementation dampened the incidence of T1D. ITF(l) promoted modulatory T‐cell responses, as evidenced by increased CD25+Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells, decreased IL17A+CD4+ Th17 cells, and modulated cytokine production profile in the pancreas, spleen, and colon. Furthermore, ITF(l) suppressed NOD like receptor protein 3 caspase‐1‐p20‐IL‐1β inflammasome in the colon. Expression of barrier reinforcing tight junction proteins occludin and claudin‐2, antimicrobial peptides β‐defensin‐1, and cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide as well as short‐chain fatty acid production were enhanced by ITF(l). Next‐generation sequencing analysis revealed that ITF(l) enhanced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio to an antidiabetogenic balance and enriched modulatory Ruminococcaceae and Lactobacilli.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that ITF(l) but not ITF(s) delays the development of T1D via modulation of gut‐pancreatic immunity, barrier function, and microbiota homeostasis.
Chronic supplementation with dietary proanthocyanidins protects from diet‐induced intestinal alterations in obese rats
Authors: Gil‐Cardoso Katherine , Ginés Iris , Pinent Montserrat , Ardévol Anna , Arola Lluís , Blay Mayte , Terra Ximena 
Published: February 2017

ScopeIncreased attention has been paid to the link between altered intestinal function and elevated incidence of metabolic disorders, such as in obesity. This study investigated in obese rats the role of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) chronic treatment, taken in a low, moderate, or high dose, on obesity‐associated intestinal alterations in response to a cafeteria diet (CAF).Methods and resultsTo evaluate the degree of intestinal inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured as well as the expression of inflammatory‐related genes. The barrier integrity was assessed by quantifying the gene expression of tight‐junction components and measuring the plasma LPS. GSPE decreased the ROS levels and MPO activity, without substantial differences among the doses. The supplementation with moderate and high GSPE doses significantly decreased iNOS expression compared to the CAF group, and the same pattern was observed in the low‐dose animals with respect to IL‐1β expression. Moreover, the results show that GSPE significantly increases zonulin‐1 expression with respect to the CAF animals.ConclusionThis study provides evidence for the ameliorative effect of a proanthocyanidin extract on high‐fat/high‐carbohydrate diet‐induced intestinal alterations, specifically reducing intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress and suggesting a protection against a barrier defect.
Synthesis of poly(silmethylene)s via ring‐opening polymerization of benzocyclobutene functionalized disilacyclobutene and their low‐dielectric and thermal properties
Authors: Huang Yawen , Zhang Shengbo , Hu Huan , Wei Xiaonan , Yu Hongtao , Yang Junxiao 
Published: February 2017

In this work, benzocyclobutene‐introduced poly(silmethylene)s were synthesized by ring‐opening copolymerization of benzocyclobutene (BCB) functionalized disilacyclobutene with phenyldisilacyclobutene. The incorporation ratio of BCB was tailored by changing feeding ratio of 1,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dibenzocyclobutene‐1,3‐disilacyclobutane and 1,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐diphenyl‐1,3‐disilacyclobutane, thus enabling the control of ultimate properties of cured resins. With increasing the incorporation ratios of BCB from 9.5 to 28.9 mol%, T5% of cured resins is improved from 404°C to 462°C, while the dielectric constant is decreased from 2.59 to 2.41 at 10 MHz. The excellent thermal stability and low‐dielectric performance make such thermosets potential inter‐layered or inter‐lined low‐dielectric media. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Na on grain boundary and properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Raghuwanshi Mohit , Cadel Emmanuel , Duguay Sébastien , Arzel Ludovic , Barreau Nicolas , Pareige Philippe 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhether added from external sources or supplied via substrate, incorporation of Na has always improved the conversion efficiency of polycrystalline thin‐film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. Segregation of Na along grain boundary (GB) is thought to be one of the main reasons for better efficiency, and changing its concentration levels may tune the device properties accordingly. Our previous works have shown that changes in GB chemistry over various Ga/In concentrations are the main reason for poor performance of Ga‐rich (18%) CIGS, besides its optimum band gap (1.4 eV) for energy conversion. It was suspected that changes in GB chemistry or device performance or both could be driven by variation in Na concentration at GB. In this research, atomic level fluctuations of Na atoms at GB for various CuIn1−xGaxSe2 thin films were measured accurately with atom probe tomography technique. Fluctuations observed in Na concentration at GB are restricted to the range 0.5–6.5 atoms per nm2 and is irrespective of x value (GGI) and GB surface density. Results also show that changes in GB chemistry for similar CIGS compositions are not necessary due to changes in Na concentration levels at GB. However, an increased density of GBs per unit volume with GGI may indicate an overall rise in Na in thin films and could explain the drop in CIGS performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel field‐effect passivation for nanostructured Si solar cells using interfacial sulfur incorporation
Authors: Kim Dae Woong , Song Jae‐Won , Park Young Min , Lee Jung‐Ho , Park Tae Joo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSurface passivation of a nanostructured Si solar cells plays a crucial role in collecting photogenerated carriers by mitigating carrier recombination at surface defect sites. Interface modification by additional sulfur (S) incorporation is proposed to enhance the field‐effect passivation performance. Here, we report that simple annealing in a H2S ambient induced additional negative fixed charges at the interface between atomic‐layer‐deposited Al2O3 and nanostructured Si. Annealing at various temperatures allowed us to control the S concentration and the fixed charge density. The optimized S incorporation at the interface significantly enhanced the negative fixed charge density and the minority carrier lifetime up to ~5.9 × 1012 cm−2 and ~780 μs, respectively. As a result, the internal quantum efficiency was nearly two times higher in the blue response region than that of control cells without S incorporation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Pre‐strain Aging on the Damage Properties of Composite Solid Propellants based on a Constitutive Equation
Authors: Zhou Dongmo , Liu Xiangyang , Sui Xin , Wei Zhijun , Wang Ningfei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAccelerated aging tests under pre‐strain were conducted on HTPB‐based composite solid propellant with the goal of investigating the effect of pre‐strain aging on its damage properties. A statistical damage constitutive model based on continuum damage theory and statistical strength theory was established. The aging damage coefficient, making aging process of propellant equivalent to a form of damage, was introduced to correct the damage variable. Experimental results show that theoretical model has good agreement with experimental results and can accurately describe the mechanical behavior of propellant during pre‐strain aging. Further analysis indicated that the damage effects caused by pre‐strain can be identified from the equation of the aging damage coefficient. Aging time influences both tensile strength and shape characteristics of the stress‐strain curve of propellant in the damage stage, while pre‐strain only decreased the tensile strength. The strain damage threshold value decreased linearly over the aging period and with increasing pre‐strain level during the aging process.