bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimuli Responsive Scaffolds Based on Carboxymethyl Starch and Poly(2‐Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate) for Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Delivery
Authors: Nita Loredana Elena , Chiriac Aurica P. , Rusu Alina Gabriela , Ghilan Alina , Dumitriu Raluca P. , Bercea Maria , Tudorachi Nita 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to obtain multicomponent polyelectrolyte hydrogels with optimal synergistic properties by combining a modified starch with a synthetic one. Thus, new low‐cost and biocompatible semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) hydrogels of carboxymethyl starch and poly(2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) are prepared and investigated. The synthesized hydrogels are studied with respect to the specific characteristics of the gels: swelling kinetics, thermal analysis, viscoelastic characteristics, and their ability to be used as a matrix in drug delivery systems. Therefore, the semi‐IPN gels are loaded with ibuprofen, followed by additional tests to assess the in vitro drug release. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogels with respect to their composition is evaluated in vitro on fibroblast cell culture. The investigations confirm the obtainment of new semi‐IPN hydrogels with pH and temperature responsiveness, good mechanical strength, and potential for use as drug delivery systems or transdermal patches.
Highly Stretchable and Compressible Carbon Nanofiber–Polymer Hydrogel Strain Sensor for Human Motion Detection
Authors: Cheng Baowei , Chang Shulong , Li Hui , Li Yunxing , Shen Weixia , Shang Yuanyuan , Cao Anyuan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWith the development of technology and the improvement of living standards, wearable electronic devices have attracted more attention. Here, both stretchable and compressible hydrogel strain sensors based on carbon nanofiber powder (CFP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are prepared by freezing–thawing cycles. The PVA/CFP hydrogel exhibits excellent stretchable (366%) and compressible strains (70%). During 1000 loading–unloading cycles, the PVA/CFP hydrogel has a low plastic deformation (<10%, for both stretching and compressing), small energy loss efficiency (5.62% under stretching and 12.13% under compressing), and stable mechanical strength and excellent sensitivity, at conditions whether it is stretched to 100% or compressed to 50% strains. The stretchable and compressible PVA/CFP hydrogel can not only accurately detect multiple stretching behaviors of human activity, such as bending of joints, swallowing or breathing, but also detect the changes of pressure during walking. Besides, the PVA/CFP hydrogel can operate electronic screens due to its internal ions, with more potential application in soft robotics and electronic skin.
Preparation of Cinnamon Oil‐Loaded Antibacterial Composite Microcapsules by In Situ Polymerization of Pickering Emulsion Templates
Authors: Li Yaozong , Liu Jiaming , He Xiaofen , Kong Dexin , Zhou Chuang , Wu Hong , Yang Ziming , Yang Zhuohong , Hu Yang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this study, the cinnamon oil (CMO)‐loaded antibacterial composite microcapsules with silicon dioxide (SiO2)/poly(melamine formaldehyde) (PMF) hybrid shells are effectively and facilely constructed by in situ polymerization of SiO2 nanoparticle–stabilized Pickering emulsion templates. The morphological structure, composition, and thermal performance of the microcapsules are determined by scanning electronic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. In addition, in vitro CMO release and antimicrobial investigations of the microcapsules are also performed, respectively. The results demonstrate that the microcapsules own an approximately spherical shape with a core–shell structure. Moreover, the micro‐encapsulation of CMO clearly increases its thermal stability, and meanwhile results in obtaining microcapsules with the controlled CMO release and visibly long‐term antimicrobial effects. All the results show that in situ polymerization based on templating Pickering emulsions is an attractive method to construct antibacterial essential oil–loaded microcapsules, which can be served as promising antibacterial materials.
Implications of the Gut Microbiome in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Elfil Mohamed , Kamel Serageldin , Kandil Mohamed , Koo Brian B. , Schaefer Sara M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractParkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that presents with nonmotor and motor symptoms. The nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson's disease often begin years before the motor symptoms. Autopsy studies, including both Parkinson's disease patients and matched controls, demonstrated that α‐synuclein aggregates in Parkinson's disease patients can be found in both the substantia nigra and the enteric nervous system. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that the pathological process that leads eventually to Parkinson's disease might initially take place in the enteric nervous system years before the appearance of motor features. The gut microbiome plays essential roles in the development and maintenance of different body systems. Dysbiosis of the normal gut microbiome is thought to be associated with pathophysiologic changes not only in the gastrointestinal system itself but also in the enteric and central nervous systems. These changes are thought to ultimately cause loss of dopaminergic neurons via various mechanisms including the release of neurotoxins into the systemic circulation, decreased production of neuroprotective factors, and triggering inflammatory and autoimmune responses. In this review, we review the gut microbiome changes in Parkinson's disease and discuss the mechanisms by which gut microbiome dysbiosis may be a contributing factor to the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Automated MRI Classification in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Large International Cohort Study
Authors: Nigro Salvatore , Antonini Angelo , Vaillancourt David E. , Seppi Klaus , Ceravolo Roberto , Strafella Antonio P. , Augimeri Antonio , Quattrone Andrea , Morelli Maurizio , Weis Luca , Fiorenzato Eleonora , Biundo Roberta , Burciu Roxana G. , Krismer Florian , McFarland Nikolaus R. , Mueller Christoph , Gizewski Elke R. , Cosottini Mirco , Del Prete Eleonora , Mazzucchi Sonia , Quattrone Aldo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index is listed as one of the most reliable imaging morphometric markers for diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). However, the use of this index in diagnostic workup has been limited until now by the low generalizability of published results because of small monocentric patient cohorts, the lack of data validation in independent patient series, and manual measurements used for index calculation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the generalizability of Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index performance validating previously established cutoff values in a large international cohort of PSP patients subclassified into PSP–Richardson's syndrome and PSP‐parkinsonism and to standardize the use of the automated Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index by providing a web‐based platform to obtain homogenous measures around the world.MethodsIn a retrospective international multicenter study, a total of 173 PSP patients and 483 non‐PSP participants were enrolled. A web‐based platform (https://mrpi.unicz.it) was used to calculate automated Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index values.ResultsMagnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index values showed optimal performance in differentiating PSP–Richardson's syndrome and PSP‐parkinsonism patients from non‐PSP participants (93.6% and 86.5% of accuracy, respectively). The Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index was also able to differentiate PSP–Richardson's syndrome and PSP‐parkinsonism patients in an early stage of the disease from non‐PSP participants (90.1% and 85.9%, respectively). The web‐based platform provided the automated Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index calculation in 94% of cases.ConclusionsOur study provides the first evidence on the generalizability of automated Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index measures in a large international cohort of PSP–Richardson's syndrome and PSP‐parkinsonism patients. The web‐based platform enables widespread applicability of the automated Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index to different clinical and research settings. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Application of the mol2vec Technology to Large‐size Data Visualization and Analysis
Authors: Shibayama Shojiro , Marcou Gilles , Horvath Dragos , Baskin Igor I. , Funatsu Kimito , Varnek Alexandre 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGenerative Topographic Mapping (GTM) is a dimensionality reduction method, which is widely used for both data visualization and structure‐activity modeling. Large dimensionality of the initial data space may require significant computational resources and slow down the GTM construction. Therefore, it may be meaningful to reduce the number of descriptors used for encoding molecular structures. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA), a standard preprocessing tool, suffers from the information loss upon the dimensionality reduction. As an alternative, we propose to use substructure vector embedding provided by the mol2vec technique. In addition to the data dimensionality reduction, this technology also accounts for proximity of substructures in molecular graphs. In this study, dimensionality of large descriptor spaces of ISIDA fragment descriptors or Morgan fingerprints were reduced using either the PCA or the mol2vec method. The latter significantly speeds up GTM training without compromising its predictive power in bioactivity classification tasks.
Development and validation of a bi‐lingual interactive tool to educate people about osteomalacia
Authors: Walker David , Robinson Sandra , Helliwell Philip , Adebajo Ade 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOsteomalacia is a condition where bone mineralisation is impaired by lack of vitamin D. It more commonly affects darker skinned individuals in the UK, especially if they wear occlusive clothing. Lifestyle changes and Vitamin D supplementation are recommended for those people most at risk through these factors, but such advice is not commonly followed. This indicates an educational need for information on osteomalacia and its treatment.Using a previously developed Mind‐Map on osteomalacia, a layered and interactive” PowerPoint” style presentation was developed, using hyperlinks. The “basic” layer was translated into Urdu and validated by Urdu speaking professionals. The translation was accurate and meaningful and the tool was well received by representatives of the community. The tool was used to educate a group of 10 community leaders from the Urdu community in Stourbridge, UK. Knowledge about osteomalacia was tested in these people, before and after the education, and increased from an average of 14 to 25 points (p < 0.05). Qualitative feedback gained was very positive.Conclusion: An interactive educational tool for Osteomalacia was developed and translated into Urdu. Use of the tool resulted in increased knowledge about osteomalacia.
Enhancement of backtracking search algorithm for identifying soil parameters
Authors: Jin Yin‐Fu , Yin Zhen‐Yu 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIn this paper, an enhanced backtracking search algorithm (so‐called MBSA‐LS) for parameter identification is proposed with two modifications: (a) modifying the mutation of original backtracking search algorithm (BSA) considering the contribution of current best individual for accelerating convergence speed and (b) novelly incorporating an efficient differential evolution (DE) as local search for improving the quality of population. The proposed MBSA‐LS is first validated with better performance than the original BSA and some other typical state‐of‐the‐art optimization algorithms on a benchmark of soil parameter identification in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and robustness. Then, the efficiency of the MBSA‐LS is further illustrated by two representative cases: identifying soil parameters from both laboratory tests and field measurements. All comparisons demonstrate that the proposed MBSA‐LS algorithm can give accurate results in a short time. Finally, to conveniently solve the problems of parameter identification, a practical tool ErosOpt for parameter identification is developed by integrating the proposed MBSA‐LS and some other efficient algorithms for readers to conduct the parameter identification using optimisation algorithms.
Incentives in Ethereum's hybrid Casper protocol
Authors: Buterin Vitalik , Reijsbergen Daniël , Leonardos Stefanos , Piliouras Georgios 
Published: February 2020

SummaryWe present an overview of hybrid Casper the Friendly Finality Gadget (FFG), a proof‐of‐stake checkpointing protocol overlaid onto Ethereum's proof‐of‐work blockchain. We describe its core functionalities and reward scheme and explore its properties. Our findings indicate that Casper's implemented incentives mechanism ensures liveness, while providing safety guarantees that improve over standard proof‐of‐work protocols. On the basis of a minimal impact implementation of the protocol as a smart contract on the blockchain, we discuss additional issues related to parametrization, funding, throughput, and network overhead and detect potential limitations.
Levels of Circulating miR‐122 are Associated with Weight Loss and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hess Anne Lundby , Larsen Lesli Hingstrup , Udesen Pernille Bækgaard , Sanz Yolanda , Larsen Thomas Meinert , Dalgaard Louise Torp 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThis study investigated whether the levels of specific serum microRNAs (miRNAs) were altered following diet‐induced weight loss and whether the serum miRNAs differed in the presence of the metabolic syndrome.MethodsThe study was a weight loss intervention trial with a prescribed energy deficit of approximately 500 kcal/d. Levels of 22 miRNAs were determined in serum samples from 85 participants with overweight or obesity. miRNAs were analyzed using TaqMan Array miRNA Cards and normalized to the geometric mean of spiked‐in ath‐miR‐159a and U6 small nuclear RNA using the ΔCT method.ResultsThe average weight loss was 5.7 kg (P < 0.001). miR‐122‐5p (−0.18 ± 0.06 log fold relative to initial, P < 0.01) and miR‐193a‐5p (−0.12 ± 0.04, P < 0.01) levels decreased in response to weight loss. miR‐126a‐3p (0.11 ± 0.04, P = 0.01) and miR‐222‐3p (1.51 ± 0.12, P < 0.001) levels increased. Furthermore, a higher level of miR‐122‐5p was observed at baseline in participants with the metabolic syndrome compared with participants without (0.28 ± 0.08, P < 0.01).ConclusionsChanges in circulating miR‐122‐5p, miR‐126a‐3p, miR‐193a‐5p, and miR‐222‐3p in response to diet‐induced weight loss are demonstrated. Furthermore, assessment of miR‐122‐5p could be an indicator of an adverse metabolic health status independent of obesity.
Superhydrophobic nanostructured coatings for electrical insulators
Authors: Ribeiro Arthur C. , Furtado José G. M. , Silva Luiz A. F. , Soares Bluma G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractControlling surface wettability of ceramic electrical insulators is one of the proposed alternatives to avoid undesired electrical events when these devices are installed in polluted environments. In this sense, the application of super‐hydrophobic nanostructured coatings has recently been proposed due to its high water repellency and possibility of surface self‐cleaning. In this present study, coatings based on polysiloxane, alumina trihydrate (ATH), and several types of silica (SiO2) were developed using a spray‐coating method. Contact angle (CA), sliding angle (SA), thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, and inclined plane test (IPT) were applied to characterize fillers and coatings. The results showed that a high quantity of nanoparticles is necessary to achieve superhydrophobicity. The type of silica significantly affected the surface wettability leading to CA from 107 to 160° and SA from 3 to 90°. SEM analysis showed that coatings with hydrophilic silica present a more pronounced topography with microstructured aggregates. The resistance of superhydrophobic coatings to leakage current development was also dependent on type and amount of silica. The superhydrophobic coating with PDMS treated with silica had the best performance during the IPT showing fewer peaks and less accumulated electrical charge.
A review of recent advancements in soft and flexible robots for medical applications
Authors: Zhang Yongde , Lu Mingyue 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundSoft and flexible robots for medical applications are needed to change their flexibility over a wide range to perform tasks adequately. The mechanism and theory of flexibility has been a scientific issue and is of interest to the community.MethodsRecent advancements of bionics, flexible actuation, sensing, and intelligent control algorithms as well as tunable stiffness have been referenced when soft and flexible robots are developed. The benefits and limitations of these relevant studies and how they affect the flexibility are discussed, and possible research directions are explored.ResultsThe bionic materials and structures that demonstrate the potential capabilities of the soft medical robot flexibility are the fundamental guarantee for clinical medical applications. Flexible actuation that used to provide power, intelligent control algorithms which are the exact executors, and the wide range stiffness of the soft materials are the three important influence factors for soft medical robots.ConclusionSome reasonable suggestions and possible solutions for soft and flexible medical robots are proposed, including novel materials, flexible actuation concepts with a built‐in source of energy or power, programmable flexibility, and adjustable stiffness.
Ultrathin MoSe2 Nanosheets Confined in N‐doped Macroporous Carbon Frame for Enhanced Potassium Ion Storage
Authors: Liu Yuanlin , Zhai Yanjun , Wang Nana , Zhang Yaohui , Lu Zhenxiao , Xue Pan , Bai Long , Guo Meiqing , Huang Di , Bai Zhongchao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPotassium ion batteries (PIBs), as a promising next‐generation electrochemical energy storage device, have drawn great attention in recent years due to the low price and abundant reserves of potassium resource. However, the severe electrode pulverization caused by repeatedly insertion/extraction of large radius of K+ hinders their application. Herein a novel strategy is employed to fabricate hierarchical macroporous hybrid composite, ultrathin MoSe2 nanosheets vertical growth on three‐dimension nitrogen‐doped cross‐linked macroporous carbon (HM‐MoSe2/N−C), via a template route and subsequent selenization process to alleviate the volume expansion and structure pulverization of the electrode. The electrochemical results demonstrate that the HM‐MoSe2/N−C is a good anode for PIBs including high specific capacity (222.8 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), superior rate capability, and long‐term cycling stability (172.5 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 400 cycles). The extraordinary electrochemical performance of this HM‐MoSe2/N−C electrode is attributed to the elegant and adequate nanostructure design, which can offer abundant exposed active sites (ultrathin MoSe2 nanosheets), adequate volume accommodation (3D interconnected macropores), and highly conductive carbon frame with fast ion diffusion.
Laser‐induced lithotripsy: a review, insight into laboratory work, and lessons learned
Authors: Strittmatter Frank , Eisel Maximilian , Brinkmann Ralf , Cordes Jens , Lange Birgit , Sroka Ronald 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis manuscript summarizes the laser‐induced method for the destruction of kidney stones. Special emphasis is placed on laser‐induced lithotripsy, and a historical overview is given from the early beginnings in 1968 to the current developments. New laser parameter settings have to be tested in order to characterize novel laser devices for best clinical results and to meet demanding medical needs. At present, the stones are usually dusted, which makes it possible to flush these tiny fragments out of the urinary system without having to remove larger fragments additionally. Two in vitro setups were used to quantitatively evaluate the dust content and stone movement (propulsion) in a defined laboratory environment. The autofluorescence of stones can be used either to verify a stone‐free environment or to introduce safety measures such as differentiation between stone and tissue. In addition to describing these state‐of‐the‐art methods, a historical overview is given from the early beginnings in 1968 to the current developments.
Green and Functional Aerogels by Macromolecular and Textural Engineering of Chitosan Microspheres
Authors: El Kadib Abdelkrim 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTremendous interest was recently devoted to the preparation of porous and functional materials through sustainable route, including primarily the use of renewable biopolymers instead of petroleum‐sourced synthetic chemicals. Among the biopolymers available in enormous quantity, chitosan – obtained by deacetylation of chitin – stands as the sole nitrogen‐containing cationic amino‐sugar carbohydrate. This distinctively provides chitosan derivatives with plenty of opportunities in materials science. Particularly, its pH switchable solubility allowed the preparation of three‐dimensional entangled nanofibrillated self‐standing microspheres. These porous hydrogels behave as nano‐reactors to confine exogenous nanoobjects within the polysaccharide network, including sol‐gel metal alkoxide species, organometallic derivatives and isotropic and oriented nanoparticles. Besides, the interfacial interplay of chitosan with lamellar clay and graphene oxide allowed the penetration of the biopolymer inside of the galleries, which result in a complete delamination of the layered nanomaterials. The preserved gelation memory of chitosan in these formulations provides a way to access porous microspheres entangling exfoliated nanometric sheets. CO2 supercritical drying of functional hydrogel beads enabled efficient removal of water and other liquid solvents without wall collapsing, allowing large‐scale preparation of millimetric hydrocolloidal microspheres with an open macroporous network. These functionalized lightweight biopolymer aerogels find applications in heterogeneous catalysis, sensing, adsorption, insulation and for the design of other sophisticated porous nanostructures. Beyond their tailorable molecular and textural‐engineering, the possibility for macroscopic shaping of these intriguing nanostructures opens many new opportunities, especially in additive‐manufacturing for soft and hybrid robotics.