bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SILAR grown Ag nanoparticles as an efficient large area SERS substrate
Authors: Shaikh Imran M. , Sartale Shrikrishna D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAg nanoparticles having different size and coverage are grown on large area glass substrate (~10 cm2) using low cost successive ionic layer adsorption and reduction (SILAR) method. The SILAR parameters, such as reduction time and growth cycles are optimized to grow Ag nanoparticles with appropriate size and coverage showing maximum surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement of Rhodamine 6 G(R6G). For fixed growth cycles, the size and the coverage of the grown Ag nanoparticles are found to increase with the reduction time and then saturate. The size and coverage of the grown Ag nanoparticles monotonically increase with growth cycles. However, for higher growth cycles, the shape of Ag nanoparticles could not maintain their sphericity and became rock shaped/nonspherical particles, giving rise to intense quadruple plasmon resonance. The growth mechanism is proposed. Further, SERS activity of the grown Ag nanoparticles is studied for an industrial pollutant methylene blue (MB). The observed SERS enhancement factor (~109) for MB is much higher than the reported values in literature. Measured relative standard deviations values of Ag nanoparticles grown with optimum SILAR parameters suggest the excellent homogeneity and reproducibility of the SERS signal.
Jussara berry (Euterpe edulis M.) oil‐in‐water emulsions are highly stable: the role of natural antioxidants in the fruit oil
Authors: Carvalho Aline GA , Silva Kelly A , Silva Laís O , Costa André MM , Akil Emília , Coelho Maria AZ , Torres Alexandre G 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAntioxidants help prevent lipid oxidation, and therefore are critical to maintain sensory quality and chemical characteristics of edible oils. Jussara berry (Euterpe edulis M.) oil is a source of minor compounds with potential antioxidant activity. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of such compounds on the effectiveness to prevent or delay oxidation of oil present in oil‐in‐water emulsions, and how the emulsions' physical stability would be affected.RESULTSJussara berry oil extracted by ethanol extraction, its stripped variations (partially stripped, highly stripped and highly stripped with added butylhydroxytoluene), and expeller‐pressed oil were used to prepare oil‐in‐water emulsions. Jussara berry oils were analyzed before emulsions preparation to ensure their initial quality and composition, and oil‐in‐water emulsions were analyzed regarding their oxidative and physical stability. Ethanol extracted oil emulsion presented higher oxidative stability than highly stripped oil emulsion with added synthetic antioxidant butylahydroxytoluene (oxidative stability index 45% lower, after 60 days, and reached undetectable levels after 90 days). All emulsions remained physically stable for up to 120 days of storage.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that natural antioxidants in jussara berry oil protect emulsions from oxidation while keeping physical stability unchanged. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanism of peptide absorption in the isolated forestomach epithelial cells of dairy cows
Authors: Xu Qingbiao , Liu Hongyun , Zhao Fengqi , Wu Yueming , Huang Xinbei , Liu Zhixuan , Liu Jianxin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPeptide absorption from the forestomach plays a vital role in protein nutrition of dairy cows. This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of dipeptide absorption in the forestomach of dairy cows using isolated omasal epithelial cells (OECs) and ruminal epithelial cells (RECs).RESULTSCompared with RECs, the OECs formed a less tight monolayer, but had greater ability to transport glycylsarcosine (Gly‐Sar) (P < 0.05). The OEC monolayers were immunopositive for the antibodies of anti‐junction proteins. Gly‐Sar transport was significantly greater at 37 °C than that at 4 °C, with an optimal pH of 6.0–6.5, and was decreased significantly by diethylpyrocarbonate and dipeptide Met‐Gly (P < 0.05). The apical‐to‐basolateral transport was significantly greater than basolateral‐to‐apical transport (P < 0.05). Knockdown of peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) resulted in less Gly‐Sar uptake in OECs, whereas overexpression of PepT1 in OECs resulted in higher Gly‐Sar uptake (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of PepT1 was upregulated by the treatment with various dipeptides (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe OECs have a greater ability to transport Gly‐Sar than RECs do. Both passive and active routes are involved in the process of Gly‐Sar absorption in the isolated cultured forestomach epithelial cells from dairy cows. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The Aqueous Barbier Polycondensation of Biomass‐Derived 5‐Chloromethylfurfural: A Proof of Concept Study to Access Functional Polymers
Authors: Arslan Mehmet 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe versatility of the zinc‐mediated aqueous Barbier reaction in functional polymer synthesis is demonstrated in instance of a biomass‐derived bifunctional monomer, 5‐chloromethylfurfural (CMF). CMF is a renewable furan derivative that can be directly obtained from various sugars and cellulose in high yields and is a versatile precursor that can be converted into several valuable building blocks. In this study, CMF is utilized as a monomer in metal‐catalyzed conditions to access both furan and hydroxyl functional polymers. The effect of different reaction conditions on polymerization is explored. Polymers through Barbier polycondensation of bifunctional monomer are obtained with moderately good polymer conversions (54–89%) and molecular weights (8.7–15.1 kDa). The crosslinking of obtained functional polymers is studied by employing bismaleimide and dianhydride crosslinkers for possible application of synthesized polymers as hydrophilically modified membrane materials. The crosslinked materials are obtained by reaction of furan and alcohol groups through Diels–Alder and ester formation reactions, respectively. Synthesis and characterization procedures of linear and crosslinked polymers are described. The reported proof of concept study demonstrates the efficiency of aqueous Barbier reaction in functional polymer synthesis.
Value co‐creation in online healthcare communities: The impact of patients’ reference frames on cure and care
Authors: Van Oerle Sarah , Lievens Annouk , Mahr Dominik 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe gradual transition of health care toward businesses during the past 50 years has converted passive patients into active customers. In our digital society, patients increasingly use online health communities to satisfy complex needs that healthcare professionals leave unmet, including the creation of cure‐oriented (i.e., functional) and care‐oriented (i.e., emotion) value. This research investigates patients’ reference frames (self versus other) as an information processing mechanism and their impact on value creation in online communities. The analysis of 1,687 online postings of a leading healthcare platform shows that self‐referencing is typical for information obtained through an individualistic, patient–doctor encounter; other‐referencing emerges when patients focus on the needs of their peers. Information gathered through the patient–doctor encounter and processed with a self‐referencing frame accordingly enhances cure‐related value, but limits care‐oriented value co‐creation. Other‐referencing does exactly the opposite: it creates a barrier to cure‐related value, but stimulates care‐related value. A patient's experience with the community largely moderates the impact of both self‐ and other‐referencing on cure‐ and care‐related value. These findings show that online health communities can identify and address unmet patient needs, but healthcare professionals still play a critical role in terms of ensuring information quality in online health communities.
Theobromine Does Not Affect Fasting and Postprandial HDL Cholesterol Efflux Capacity, While It Decreases Fasting miR‐92a Levels in Humans
Authors: Talbot Charlotte P.J. , Mensink Ronald P. , Smolders Lotte , Bakeroot Virginie , Plat Jogchum 
Published: May 2018

ScopeChocolate consumption lowers cardiovascular disease risk, which might be attributed to the methylxanthine theobromine. These effects may be mediated through effects on HDL‐mediated cholesterol efflux, which may be affected by microRNA (miRNA) levels in the HDL particles. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate effects of theobromine consumption on fasting and postprandial cholesterol efflux and miRNAs levels.Methods and resultsThirty overweight and 14 obese healthy men and women participated in this randomized, double‐blind crossover study. Participants consumed 500 mg d−1 of theobromine or placebo for 4 weeks. ABCA1‐mediated cholesterol efflux was measured using J774 macrophages. MiRNAs levels (miR‐92a, miR‐223, miR‐135a*) were quantified in apolipoprotein B‐depleted serum. Theobromine consumption did not affect fasting and postprandial cholesterol efflux. Fasting miR‐223 and miR‐135a levels were unchanged, while miR‐92a levels were decreased (−0.21; p < 0.05). The high‐fat meal increased postprandial cholesterol efflux capacity (+4.3 percentage points; p ≤ 0.001), miR‐92a (+1.21; p < 0.001), and miR‐223 (+1.79; p < 0.001) levels, while a trend was found for miR‐135a (+1.08; p = 0.06).ConclusionTheobromine did not improve fasting and postprandial ABCA1‐mediated cholesterol efflux capacity, but decreased fasting miR‐92a levels. High‐fat meal intake increased postprandial cholesterol efflux and the three selected miRNAs levels.
Increased autophagy contributes to impaired smooth muscle function in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
Authors: Eberli Daniel , Horst Maya , Mortezavi Ashkan , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Gobet Rita , Sulser Tullio , Simon Hans‐Uwe , Salemi Souzan 
Published: May 2018

AimsTo explore whether autophagy plays a role in the remodeling of bladder smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), we investigated the effect of autophagy in NLUTD in the paediatric population.MethodsBladder biopsies were taken from children with NLUTD and healthy donors as controls. Samples were labeled with the SMC markers calponin, smoothelin, and the autophagy proteins LC3, ATG5, and Beclin1. The contractile ability of bladder derived SMCs was investigated.ResultsATG5 gene and protein was upregulated in NLUTD muscle tissue compared to normal bladder. NLUTD muscle exhibited a punctated immunostaining pattern for LC3 in a subset of the SMCs, confirming the accumulation of autophagosomes. Pronounced elevation of ATG5 in the SMC in NLUTD tissue was associated with a downregulation of the key contractile proteins smoothelin and calponin. Pharmacological blocking of autophagy completely stopped the cells growth in normal bladder SMCs. Inhibition of autophagy in the NLUTD SMCs, with already elevated levels of ATG5, resulted in a reduction of ATG5 protein expression to the basal level found in normal controls.ConclusionsOur study suggests that autophagy is an important factor affecting the remodeling of SMCs and the alteration of functionality in bladder smooth muscle tissue in the NLUTD. Since autophagy can be influenced by oral medication, this finding might lead to novel strategies preventing the deterioration of NLUTD muscle.
Therapeutic effect of urethral sphincter onabotulinumtoxinA injection for urethral sphincter hyperactivity
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Hong , Chen Sheng‐Fu , Jhang Jia‐Fong , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: May 2018

PurposeUrethral sphincter hyperactivity resulting in voiding dysfunction is frequently encountered. Medical treatment might not achieve a satisfactory result. OnabotlinumtoxinA urethral sphincter injection relaxes sphincter tonicity and possibly resumes efficient voiding. This study analyzed the treatment outcomes and predictor for successful onabotulinumtoxinA treatment on these patients.MethodsPatients with voiding dysfunction due to urethral sphincter hyperactivity and treated with injections of 100 U onabotulinumtoxinA into the urethral sphincter were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment outcomes were assessed 1 month after injection using the Global Response Assessment and were analyzed by demographic and baseline video‐urodynamic characteristics.ResultsOf the 95 patients included, satisfactory outcomes were reported in 58 (61.1%) patients. Treatment outcome was not related to age, gender, or voiding dysfunction subtype. Patients with satisfactory outcomes had a significantly smaller volume at first sensation of filling (P = 0.046), greater detrusor pressure (P = 0.027), higher maximum flow rate (P = 0.017), and smaller post‐void residual (P = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, an open bladder neck during voiding was the only predictor for successful outcome (88% in satisfactory outcome, 12% in failure outcome, P < 0.001). Patients with non‐neurogenic voiding dysfunction had a significantly longer therapeutic duration than those with neurogenic voiding dysfunction (9.55 ± 4.18 vs 7.44 ± 2.91 months, P = 0.033). Increased urinary incontinence was reported in 18 patients, including 6 with stress urinary incontinence and 12 with urgency urinary incontinence.ConclusionSubjective improvement was reported in 61.1% of patients with voiding dysfunction due to urethral sphincter hyperactivity after onabotulinumtoxinA urethral sphincter injection. An open bladder neck during voiding at baseline predicts a successful outcome.
Morphological appearance of muscle attachment sites on lower limbs: Horse riders versus agricultural population
Authors: Djukic Ksenija , Miladinovic‐Radmilovic Natasa , Draskovic Marko , Djuric Marija 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe present study analysed macromorphological characteristics of the muscle attachment sites of lower limbs, hypothesising that everyday physical activities influence the macromorphology of the bone at the entheses. Our specific goals were to investigate how different habitual activities influence the morphology of the muscle attachment sites of lower limbs in two different medieval populations from Serbia: agricultural versus horse‐riding populations.The skeletal material used in this study comprised two different populations: a Medieval Avarian population of horse riders from two necropolises (Pionirska Ulica and Čik, in Bečeј) and an agricultural population represented by two sites—Medieval Vinča near Belgrade and Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica), Site No. 85.The macromorphological analysis of the entheseal changes (ECs) encompassed 10 entheses of the lower limbs. Morphological appearance of entheses was evaluated using the visual reference system proposed by Villotte.The results revealed an age dependence in one muscle of the lower limbs (Musculus gluteus maximus) among the agricultural population, suggested by more pronounced ECs in the older age categories. Among the Avarian population, more pronounced EC scores were recorded in the older age groups for the attachment site of Musculus soleus, while in the case of the iliopsoas muscle, ECs were more common in younger ages. The results revealed more pronounced EC scores in males in both populations. Between the riders and agricultural populations, results indicated that only the adductor muscles which are specific for horse riders were singled out, showing a more pronounced ECs in the horse riders' population.Results of our study showed that the level of physical activity mostly increased with age. In both investigated populations, EC scores were more pronounced in males compared with females. Moreover, we noted that the evaluation of entheses of adductor muscles could provide the most reliable criteria for the identification of riders among the general population.
Model‐free online tuning of controller parameters using a globalized local search algorithm
Authors: Butt Khurram , Sepehri Nariman 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIn an earlier work, the authors proposed a globalized bounded Nelder‐Mead algorithm with deterministic restarts and a linearly growing memory vector. It was shown that the algorithm was a favorable option for solving multimodal optimization problems like controller tuning because of the greater probability of finding the global minimum and lesser numerical cost. Therefore, the algorithm was successfully used for model‐based offline tuning of sliding mode controller parameters for a servo‐pneumatic position control application. However, such offline tuning requires a sufficiently adequate system model, which, in some applications, is difficult to attain. Moreover, it is not generally appreciated as an essential requirement for controller tuning by the end user like the industry. An improvement in performance of optimization algorithm for tuning is expected if it relies on measurements coming directly from an actual physical system and not just its mathematical model. Therefore, in this paper, we apply the aforementioned algorithm for model‐free online optimization of controller parameters. The application involves the programmatic control of a real‐time interface of a physical system by the algorithm for data flow and logical decisions for optimization. For comparison with the results of the model‐based offline tuning suggested in earlier work, the sliding mode controller parameters are tuned online for the same position control application. The experimental results reveal that the system performance with controller parameters tuned online using the algorithm compares favorably to the one with model‐based offline tuning especially at higher priority level for accuracy. The improvement in system performance amounts to 21%.
Characteristics of drugs safety signals that predict safety related product information update
Authors: Insani Widya N. , Pacurariu Alexandra C. , Mantel‐Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Gross‐Martirosyan Liana 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeInvestigation of drug safety signals is one of the major tasks in pharmacovigilance. Among many potential signals identified, only a few reflect adverse drug reactions requiring regulatory actions, such as product information (PI) update. Limited information is available regarding the signal characteristics that might predict PI update following signal evaluation. The objective of this study was to identify signal characteristics associated with PI updates following signal evaluation by the European Medicines Agency Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee during 2012 to 2016.MethodsA comparative study was performed based on data from 172 safety signals. Characteristics of signals were extracted from the European Pharmacovigilance Issues Tracking Tool database. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between signal characteristics and the decision to update the PI.ResultsMultivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of evidence in multiple types of data sources (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7.8 95% CI [1.5, 40.1]); mechanistic plausibility of the drug‐event association (adjusted OR 3.9 95% CI [1.9, 8.0]); seriousness of the event (adjusted OR 4.2 95% CI [1.3, 13.9]); and age of drugs ≤5 years (adjusted OR 3.9 95% CI [1.2, 12.7]) were associated with the decision to change the PI (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study identified 4 characteristics of drug safety signals that have shown to be associated with PI changes as outcome of signal evaluation. These characteristics may be used as criteria for selection and prioritization of potential signals that are more likely to necessitate product information updates.
Neuropathic pain is not adequately treated in the older general population: Results from the KORA F4 survey
Authors: Meisinger Christa , Bongaerts Brenda W.C. , Heier Margit , Amann Ute , Kowall Bernd , Herder Christian , Rückert‐Eheberg Ina‐Maria , Rathmann Wolfgang , Ziegler Dan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeWe evaluated the pharmacological treatment of distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) among older subjects from the general population.MethodsThe study included subjects aged 61 to 82 years from the KORA F4 survey (2006‐2008). DSPN was defined as the presence of bilaterally impaired foot‐vibration perception and/or bilaterally impaired foot‐pressure sensation. Pain intensity was assessed with the painDETECT questionnaire.ResultsFrom the included 1076 older persons, 172 (16%) persons reported pain in the lower extremities and DSPN was present in 150 (14%) subjects. Forty‐eight people with pain in the lower extremities reported DSPN. Only 38% of the subjects with DSPN reporting an average pain level of ≥4 during the past 4 weeks received medical treatment, predominantly nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs 20% and opioids 12%). The medication of choice for neuropathic pain, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids was relatively being underused. However, opioids and neuropathy preparations were prescribed preferably for subjects with painful DSPN.ConclusionsIn the older general population, only a small proportion of subjects with painful DSPN receive analgesic pharmacotherapy. Although not recommended by guidelines for the treatment of neuropathic pain, NSAIDs were the most frequently used class of analgesic drugs.
Increased virulence in the locust‐specific fungal pathogen Metarhizium acridum expressing dsRNAs targeting the host F1F0‐ATPase subunit genes
Authors: Hu Jun , Xia Yuxian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMetarhizium acridum is a host‐specific fungal pathogen with great potential for locust control. However, the slow killing action of M. acridum has impeded its widespread application. To enhance fungal virulence, we constructed transgenic M. acridum strains that express double‐stranded (ds)RNAs targeting the genes of the F1F0‐ATP synthase α and β subunits in Locusta migratoria.RESULTSThe two host genes were transcriptionally suppressed in L. migratoria nymphs (instar V) infected by RNA interference (RNAi) strains targeting one or two subunit genes of the host ATP synthase, followed by reduced ATPase activity and ATP synthesis. Consequently, the RNAi strain targeting both subunit genes displayed high virulence that was 3.7‐fold that in the wild‐type strain.CONCLUSIONOur results demonstrate that dsRNA expression in M. acridum can cause host RNA silencing during infection and greatly enhances the fungal virulence through interference with critical host genes, highlighting a new strategy for augmentation of fungal virulence against insect pests. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Generation of Pd@Ni‐CNTs from Polyethylene Wastes and Their Application in the Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhou Fei , Chen Qianwang , Duan Guotao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMost polyethylene‐based plastics are used only few times, but the wastes resulted from them need hundreds of years to degrade completely in natural environment. Consequently, innovative treatment methods are highly desired to deal with these wastes thoroughly and convert them into more useful materials. Here in, carbon nanotubes with Ni particles encapsulation (marked as Ni‐CNTs) were synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide system at 650 °C for 3 h firstly. The prepared Ni‐CNTs were tens of microns in length and 100 nm in diameter, and 20 wt% of Ni nanoparticles with a diameter of 100 nm were contained at the top of the carbon nanotubes. About 60.7 wt% carbon in the polyethylene wastes was converted to carbon nanotubes. Then Ni‐CNTs were modified by Pd (marked as Pd@Ni‐CNTs), and a plenty of Pd nanoparticles with a size of 10 nm were prepared on the surfaces of CNTs. The water splitting performance of the products was also obviously improved, and the overpotential can reach to 62 mV in N2‐saturated 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte with 7.5 wt.% of Pd. As the content of Pd increased, the performance of the products was also reinforced. At last, the performance of the catalyst can be comparable with commercial Pt/C catalyst.