bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Sources and Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizers with and without Organic and Bio-fertilizers on Growth and Yield Components of Fennel Plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)
Authors: Youssef Ibrahim A. , Ali Mohamed E. , Noufal Esmat H. A. , Ismail Safwat A. , Ali Maha M. E. 
Published: May 2020

Two field experiments were conducted in a newly reclaimed land at a private farm in Village No 8, El-Minia Governorate, Egypt during two successive seasons (2017/2018) to evaluate the effect of integrated nitrogen fertilizer sources with organic and bio-fertilization on growth and yield components of the fennel plant. The experiment was arranged in a split- split-plot design. The organic treatments (0.0 and 5.0 t compost t/fed.) were arranged in main plots, nitrogen treatments (0.0, 10.0, 50.0 and 80.0 kg N/fed.) as urea or ammonium sulphate were allocated in subplots and bio-fertilizer treatments (without and with) were applied in sub-sub plots. The main effects of compost, nitrogen fertilization and bio-fertilizer showed that the maximum values of plant height, dry weight/plant, number of branches/plant, number of mumble/plant, number of umbellule's/umble and 1000-fruits weight were attained under 5 t/fed compost, 80 kg N/fed as ammonium sulphate with bio-fertilizer. The results of the interaction among treatments indicated that combined 5.0 t compost /fed with 50 kg N/fed as ammonium sulphate and using bio-fertilizer exhibited the highest values of growth and yield components of fennel. Meanwhile, we can save about 30 kg N/fed by treated fennel plants with organic and bio-fertilizers without any reduction in vegetative growth.
Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Safety Evaluation of Hura crepitans (L.) Stem Bark Hydroethanolic Extract in Animals
Authors: Owojuyigbe Oluwole Sunday , Firempong Caleb Kesse , Komlaga Gustav , Larbie Christopher , Emikpe Benjamin Obukowho 
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Medicinal plants have become popular in the search ofa cure for various hepatopathies with a considerable number of herbal products being used for the management of liver ailments. However, most, including Hura crepitans (HC), have not been toxicologically evaluated. The present study was aimed at determining the phytoconstituents of HC, their antioxidant potentials and safety in animals.
Place and Duration: The study was performed at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi and subacute toxicity studies lasted for 14 days.
Materials and Methods: Hydroethanolic extracts and fractions of the leaves and stem back of HC were assessed for their phytochemical constituent,DPPH and FRAP scavenging activities and total phenolic and total flavonoid content. The acute and sub acute oral toxicity of the hydroethanolic stem back of HCin animals was evaluated using standard methods to establish the LD50, effect on weight, haematological and biochemical parameters.Phytochemical characterization was achieved using standard methods.
Results: The study showed that HC contained tannins, saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides, and triterpenoids. The hydroethanolic extract of the stem bark (EES) showed the greatest antioxidant potential. The LD50 estimate of the hydroethanolic extract of stem back was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight/oral route, while the doses used in this study up to 1000 mg/kg body weight/oral route was safe. The extract generally did not cause any significant decrease in the weight of animals nor were there significant differences in relative organ weights in treated animals compared to the normal group. Haematology, liver function, kidney function, and serum electrolyte parameters were within the normal ranges in treated animals when compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The results showed that oral administration of hydroethanolic extract of Hura crepitansin animals up to 1000 mg/kg body weight is considered safe as it causes no significant derangement in clinical and haemato-biochemical parameters measured.
In vitro Activity of Ozoroa pulcherrima Schweinf. Extracts and Fractions on Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae and Adult Worms
Authors: Feussom Nestor Gipwe , Jatsa Hermine Boukeng , Kenfack Mérimé Christian , Nkondo Emilienne Tienga , Femoe Ulrich Membe , Fassi Joseph Bertin Kadji , Tsague Christelle Dongmo , Dongo Etienne , Dzeufiet Paul Désiré Djomeni , Tchuente Louis-Albert Tchuem 
Published: May 2020

Aims: Continuous attempts are being made to develop new and more effective drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Ozoroa pulcherrima Schweinf. is a medicinal plant used in Africa for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, dystocia and intestinal helminthiasis. This study provides findings on the cercaricidal and schistosomicidal activity of extracts and fractions of Ozoroa pulcherrima in in vitro assays.
Methodology: The aqueous and methanolic extracts from Ozoroa pulcherrima root parts (62.5 – 2000 µg/mL), as well as the methanol derived fractions (n-hexane and ethyl acetate: 31.25 – 1000 µg/mL) were tested on cercariae and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Niclosamide-olamine 5% (1 µg/mL) and praziquantel (10 µg/mL) were respectively used as reference drugs. During the assays, the mortality of cercariae after 2 hours, and adult worms’ mobility and mortality after 48 hours of incubation were evaluated.
Results: Ozoroa pulcherrima extracts and fractions significantly increased cercariae and worm mortality in a concentration-dependent manner. The methanolic extract was the most active on cercariae with a LC50of 20.65 µg/mL after 30 minutes, while the n-hexane fraction was the most active on worm with a LC50 of 79.54 μg/mL (65.58 – 96.47 μg/mL) after 48 hours. Significant reduction of motor activity (18.47 to 100%) was recorded for surviving worms incubated in different concentrations of the extracts and fractions.
Conclusion: This study proves that Ozoroa pulcherrima extracts and fractions have cercaricidal and schistosomicidal activities. Ozoroa pulcherrima may have great potential as an anti-schistosomal agent for further research.
3-in-1 Block with Bupivacaine VS Bupivacaine Plus Dexamethasone in Acute Pain Control for Patients Undergoing Hip Nailing Surgery: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Amini Afshin, , Farbood Arash, , Hashemi Seyed Masoud, , Taheri Mehrdad, , Khaledi Amin Reza, , Asadi Saman, 
Published: May 2020

Background: Femoral 3-in-1 block is one of the most effective methods in cases of hip nailing surgery because of its ease, low cost, and fewer complications. This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding dexamethasone to peripheral nerve block solution.
Methods: Forty-four ASA (I,II & III) patients aged between 50-80 years, scheduled for elective hip-nailing surgery who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this double blind randomized controlled trial. Patients were allocated into two groups randomly; at the end of the surgery, femoral 3-in-1 nerve block was performed with 40 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% solution with or without 8 mg dexamethasone. Pain score was measured for 24 hours.
Results: We found no significant difference in pain intensity scores until hour 0.5 and the scores were below 1. Thereafter, the VAS scores increased, yet it remained below 3 in the first 12 postoperative hours. Morphine was administered during hours 12-24 in both groups, when VAS scores reached to about 4. The total amount of morphine consumption was a little lower in the case group, although the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Adding dexamethasone to bupivacaine 0.25% for 3-in-1 block has no more benefit than bupivacaine 0.25% alone for acute postoperative pain management after elective hip nailing surgery.
Design and Analysis of a Thermoelectric Air-conditioning System
Authors: Adeyanju A. Anthony , Manohar K. 
Published: May 2020

Thermoelectric devices use the Peltier effect which creates a heat flux between the junctions of two different types of materials. The thermoelectric module also referred to as a heat pump transfers heat from one side to the other when a DC current is applied.
This study carried out the theoretical and experimental analysis of a thermoelectric air conditioning system. A prototype thermoelectric air conditioner of 286 W cooling capacity was built and a testing enclosure made from plywood and Styrofoam was also constructed in order to validate the theoretical result with an experimentation. It was discovered that thermoelectric air conditioning took 4 minutes to reach its desired temperature of 22℃ whereas the standard air conditioning system (Refrigeration Cycle) took 20 minutes to cool to a room temperature. Economically it was also discovered that thermoelectric air conditioning system is 50% cheaper than the refrigeration cycle air conditioning systems.
The thermoelectric air conditioner has cheaper maintenance and greater estimated life span of 7 years more than the refrigeration air conditioner. This is because the air conditioner that operates on the refrigeration cycle uses a rotating compressor while the thermoelectric air conditioner uses thermometric module.
Technical Note: A step‐by‐step guide to Temporally Feathered Radiation Therapy planning for head and neck cancer
Authors: Parsai Shireen , Qiu Richard L. J. , Qi Peng , Alfonso Juan C. L. , Donaghue Jeremy , Murray Eric , Majkszak David , Dorio Nicole , Fuller Clifton D. , Brock Kristy , Koyfman Shlomo , Woody Neil , Joshi Nikhil , Scott Jacob G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposePrior in silico simulations propose that Temporally Feathered Radiation Therapy (TFRT) may reduce toxicity related to head and neck radiation therapy. In this study we demonstrate a step‐by‐step guide to TFRT planning with modern treatment planning systems.MethodsOne patient with oropharyngeal cancer planned for definitive radiation therapy using intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques was replanned using the TFRT technique. Five organs at risk (OAR) were identified to be feathered. A “base plan” was first created based on desired planning target volumes (PTV) coverage, plan conformality, and OAR constraints. The base plan was then re‐optimized by modifying planning objectives, to generate five subplans. All beams from each subplan were imported onto one trial to create the composite TFRT plan. The composite TFRT plan was directly compared with the non‐TFRT IMRT plan. During plan assessment, the composite TFRT was first evaluated followed by each subplan to meet preset compliance criteria.ResultsThe following organs were feathered: oral cavity, right submandibular gland, left submandibular gland, supraglottis, and OAR Pharynx. Prescription dose PTV coverage (>95%) was met in each subplan and the composite TFRT plan. Expected small variations in dose were observed among the plans. The percent variation between the high fractional dose and average low fractional dose was 29%, 28%, 24%, 19%, and 10% for the oral cavity, right submandibular, left submandibular, supraglottis, and OAR pharynx nonoverlapping with the PTV.ConclusionsTemporally Feathered Radiation Therapy planning is possible with modern treatment planning systems. Modest dosimetric changes are observed with TFRT planning compared with non‐TFRT IMRT planning. We await the results of the current prospective trial to seeking to demonstrate the feasibility of TFRT in the modern clinical workflow (NCT03768856). Further studies will be required to demonstrate the potential benefit of TFRT over non‐TFRT IMRT Planning.
Independent calculation‐based verification of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy–stereotactic body radiotherapy plans for lung cancer
Authors: Ono Tomohiro , Mitsuyoshi Takamasa , Shintani Takashi , Tsuruta Yusuke , Iramina Hiraku , Hirashima Hideaki , Miyabe Yuki , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Matsuo Yukinori , Mizowaki Takashi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the feasibility of independent calculation‐based verification of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT)–stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with lung cancer using a secondary treatment planning system (sTPS). In all, 50 patients with lung cancer who underwent VMAT‐SBRT between April 2018 and May 2019 were included in this study. VMAT‐SBRT plans were devised using the Collapsed‐Cone Convolution in RayStation (primary TPS: pTPS). DICOM files were transferred to Eclipse software (sTPS), which utilized the Eclipse software, and the dose distribution was then recalculated using Acuros XB. For the verification of dose distribution in homogeneous phantoms, the differences among pTPS, sTPS, and measurements were evaluated using passing rates of a dose difference of 5% (DD5%) and gamma index of 3%/2 mm (γ3%/2 mm). The ArcCHECK cylindrical diode array was used for measurements. For independent verification of dose‐volume parameters per the patient’s geometry, dose‐volume indices for the planning target volume (PTV) including D95% and the isocenter dose were evaluated. The mean differences (± standard deviations) between the pTPS and sTPS were then calculated. The gamma passing rates of DD5% and γ3%/2 mm criteria were 99.2 ± 2.4% and 98.6 ± 3.2% for pTPS vs. sTPS, 92.9 ± 4.0% and 94.1 ± 3.3% for pTPS vs. measurement, and 93.0 ± 4.4% and 94.3 ± 4.1% for sTPS vs. measurement, respectively. The differences between pTPS and sTPS for the PTVs of D95% and the isocenter dose were −3.1 ± 2.0% and −2.3 ± 1.8%, respectively. Our investigation of VMAT‐SBRT plans for lung cancer revealed that independent calculation‐based verification is a time‐efficient method for patient‐specific quality assurance.
Cell Surface Labeling by Engineered Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Hamilton Nicklas , Claudio Natalie M. , Armstrong Randall J. , Pucci Ferdinando 
Published: May 2020

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate local and long‐range intercellular communication via cell surface signaling. In order to perform in vivo studies of unmanipulated, endogenously released EVs, sensitive but stringent approaches able to detect EV–cell surface interactions are needed. However, isolation and reinfusion of EVs can introduce biases. A rigorous way to study EVs in vivo is by genetically engineering membrane‐bound reporters into parental cells. Still, the amount of reporter molecules that EVs can carry is relatively small, and thus, the sensitivity of the approach is suboptimal. This work addresses this issue by engineering EVs to display a membrane‐bound form of Sortase A (SrtA), a bacterial transpeptidase that can catalyze the transfer of reporter molecules on the much bigger surface of EV‐binding cells. SrtA design and reaction requirements are optimized and validated. Efficient in vitro labeling of EV‐binding cells is achieved, even in the presence of only one N‐terminal glycine on cell surface proteins. As compared to indirect labeling of EV‐binding cells (e.g., using CD63‐GFP fusion), the SrtA‐based approach shows 1–2 log increase in sensitivity, depending on the EV source. This novel approach will be useful to identify and study the full set of host cells interacting with native EVs in vivo.
Concurrent Formation of Metallic Glass During Laser Forward Transfer 3D Printing
Authors: Gorodesky Niv , Sedghani‐Cohen Sharona , Altman Marc , Fogel Ofer , Cohen‐Taguri Gili , Fleger Yafit , Kotler Zvi , Zalevsky Zeev 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn recent years, bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have drawn much research attention and are shown to be of industrial interest due to their superior mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion. In spite of the interest in harnessing MG for microelectromechanical systems devices, there are limitations in manufacturing such micrometer‐scale structures. A novel approach for the fabrication of 3D MG structures using laser‐induced forward transfer (LIFT) is demonstrated. Inherent tremendous cooling rates associated with the metal LIFT process (≈1010 k s−1) make the formation of a variety of BMGs accessible, including also various binary compositions. In this work, it is demonstrated that LIFT printing of ZrPd‐based metallic glass microstructures can also be performed under ambient conditions. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the printed structures reveals > 95% of amorphous metal phase. Taking advantage of the properties of BMG, high quality printing of high aspect ratio BMG pillars, and microbridges are demonstrated. It is also shown how a composite, amorphous‐crystalline metal structure with a required configuration can be fabricated using multimaterial LIFT printing. The inherent high resolution of the method combined with the noncontact and multimaterial printing capacity makes LIFT a valuable additive manufacturing technique to produce metallic glass‐based devices.
High‐Throughput Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes with a Microfabricated Magnetic Pattern and Cyclic Stimulation
Authors: Mary Gaëtan , Van de Walle Aurore , Perez Jose Efrain , Ukai Tomofumi , Maekawa Toru , Luciani Nathalie , Wilhelm Claire 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPluripotent stem cells are central tools to many regenerative medicine strategies due to their ability to differentiate toward the three embryonic germ layers. One challenge remains in providing control over their differentiation into specific lineages, such as cardiac commitment. Here, the possibility of directing cardiomyogenesis of embryonic stem cells using a microfabricated magnetic pattern is demonstrated. The stem cells are labeled with magnetic nanoparticles, aggregated into embryoid bodies (EBs) onto the pattern, and stimulated with a local magnetic force applied via the pattern. The EBs formed on this magnetic device experience the same differentiation profile as the ones created by the common hanging drop approach, while it allows high‐throughput production of hundreds of EBs. Further on/off cyclic magnetic force stimulation mediated by the same device is sufficient to enhance cardiomyogenesis in a way that almost all EBs develop spontaneous beating, confirmed by the overexpression of α‐actin and troponin proteins, and by the upregulation (twofold to fivefold) of genes involved in mesoderm differentiation (Nkx2.5, Gata4, and Gata6), and more specifically cardiac lineage (Tnnt2, Myh6, and Myl‐2). Beyond holding high application‐level potential, this work confirms that physical forces, and specifically on/off dynamic ones can be sufficient to govern cell function.
Light‐Controlled Ferromagnetism in Porphyrin Functionalized Ultrathin FeS Nanosheets
Authors: Zhou Gang , Li Tinghui , Wu Yuying , Wang Peifang , Leng Kangmin , Liu Chongchong , Shan Yun , Liu Lizhe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe intrinsically weak photomagnetic interaction makes it difficult to realize effectively light‐controlled magnetic structure transformation. Here unprecedented light‐induced switching of magnetism is reported in porphyrin functionalized ultrathin FeS nanosheets. Contrary to the antiferromagnetic (AFM) bulk, the troilite FeS nanosheets demonstrate a ferromagnetic (FM) behavior due to superficial symmetry breaking. Under light irradiation, a large number of photo‐generated carriers take part in a singlet‐to‐triplet conversion through intersystem crossing of tetra(4‐carboxyphenyle)porphyrin molecules decorated on the nanosheets. The generated triplet carriers make spin flips occur at FeS surface, finally leading to a magnetic structure transition from FM to AFM configuration. The findings not only shed new light on steering arrangement of spin electrons but also open up almost unlimited possibilities for spintronics and optical detection of spin‐dependent physiological reactions.
An Optically Modulated Organic Schottky‐Barrier Planar‐Diode‐Based Artificial Synapse
Authors: Yang Chengdong , Qian Jun , Jiang Sai , Wang Hengyuan , Wang Qijing , Wan Qing , Chan Paddy Kwok Leung , Shi Yi , Li Yun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPhototunable synaptic elements are beginning to emerge for the sustainable development of advanced neuromorphic computing technology in the post‐Moore era. However, the phototunable organic synaptic devices still hardly exhibit superior overall performances. Here, an optically modulated organic planar‐diode‐based artificial synapse is demonstrated in which the Schottky barrier can be sensitively modulated by external UV light because of the intrinsic ultrathin nature of the bilayer organic crystalline semiconductor. The device exhibits excellent optoelectronic synaptic behaviors, especially outstanding photosensitivity, pJ‐level energy consumption, an extremely long state retention time, and a tunable synaptic plasticity transition. Thus, this work can shed new light on developing optoelectronic synaptic devices with superior device performance via interface modulation and device design.
Nanoparticle‐Mediated Suicide Gene Therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Salvioni Lucia , Zuppone Stefania , Andreata Francesco , Monieri Matteo , Mazzucchelli Serena , Di Carlo Caterina , Morelli Lucia , Cordiglieri Chiara , Donnici Lorena , De Francesco Raffaele , Corsi Fabio , Prosperi Davide , Vago Riccardo , Colombo Miriam 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSystemic chemotherapy has not significantly reduced clinical demand for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatments. To address the need for more effective therapy, the use of nonviral nanoparticles is explored to deliver suicide gene therapy as valuable alternative to protect nucleic acids in the bloodstream and improve their tumor uptake. Biocompatible cationic lipid nanoparticles are developed as a novel delivery system of a suicide plasmid gene encoding saporin. Active targeting is accomplished by taking advantage of nanoparticle functionalization with U11 peptide, designed to be directed toward urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, limiting off‐target toxicity. The antitumor effect of U11‐lipid‐protamine‐DNA (U11‐LPD) nanoparticles are tested in TBNC cells, showing a strong prevalence of targeted versus nontargeted nanoparticles in terms of uptake kinetics and proliferation inhibition. Transfection of green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid in MDA‐MB‐231 cells is demonstrated. U11‐LPD nanoparticles administered by retro bulbar injection exhibit excellent tumor tropism in TNBC orthotopic xenograft mice and effectively transfect TNBC cells with saporin plasmid resulting in tumor mass reduction. No systemic toxicity or organ damage is discovered after repeated treatments with nanoparticles. The findings suggest that systemic administration of targeted LPD nanoparticles to deliver saporin safely allows for active inhibition of cancer progression even in the absence of specific promoter gene sequences.