bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of a Cysteine Derivative‐Loaded Deformable Liposomes in Hydrogel for Enhancing Whitening Effects
Authors: Ha Ji Hoon , Jeong Yun Ju , Kim A Young , Hong In Ki , Lee Nan Hee , Park Soo Nam 
Published: July 2018

Whitening materials cannot easily cross the skin barrier (stratum corneum) to reach melanocytes in the basal layer for inhibiting melanin production. This study aims to construct a novel deformable liposome using polyglyceryl‐3‐methylglucose distearate as an edge activator and a hydrogel containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), as well as to investigate the synergistic effect of this system on the delivery of a cysteine derivative, methyl‐2‐acetylamino‐3‐(4‐hydroxyl‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzoylthio)propanoate (MP) as a whitening agent. The optimized deformable liposome (DL2) contains 10% edge activator and has a particle size of 78.2 ± 2.7 nm, a zeta potential of −29.9 ± 1.8 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.248, and an entrapment efficiency of 90.7 ± 1.7%. MP‐loaded DL2 has higher stability and deformability than DL2 without MP, as well as exerting a higher whitening effect than that observe with MP alone. In addition, MP‐loaded DL2 is incorporated into a hydrogel in a dual drug‐delivery system and the stability after hydrogel incorporation is evaluated. In Franz cells, the MP‐loaded deformable liposome‐hydrogel complex shows the highest skin permeation and penetration of MP.Practical Applications: In general, it is very difficult for whitening agents to penetrate a skin layer for reducing skin pigmentation. It is important to transfer whitening agents to the basal layer without causing physical damage to the skin. Deformable liposomes containing 10% polyglyceryl‐3‐methylglucose distearate in a hydrogel complex maximize the skin permeation of a cysteine derivative as a whitening agent. This finding indicates that the deformable liposome‐hydrogel complex is a potential delivery system for treatment of skin hyperpigmentation.The penetration mechanism of drugs in the skin by deformable liposome‐hydrogel complexes is as follows: Hydrogel hydrates stratum corneum to secure the route of drugs or nanocarrier permeation. polyglyceryl‐3‐methylglucose distearate as an edge activator enhances the fluidity of the stratum corneum lipid layer and the deformability of liposome. The edge activator‐based deformable liposomes pass through the stratum corneum stably.
Chemical Modification and Performance Evaluation of an Agro‐Waste for Column Mode Removal of Textile Dyes
Authors: Samchetshabam Gita , Shukla Satya Prakash , Matolia Jyoti , Prakash Chandra , Bharti Vidyashree , Singh Arvind Rajdeo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe performance of a newly designed column bed device packed with chemically modified agro‐waste (sugarcane bagasse) is evaluated for efficient removal of two textile dyes, Optilan yellow and Lanasyn brown and textile industry dye effluent. The parameters used for performance evaluation are removal efficiency (R%), adsorption capacity (q), and breakthrough (Ce/C0). The column exhibits >90% removal of both the dyes and >80% removal of textile industry dye effluent. The experimental data are fitted to three models, viz., Thomas, Adams–Bohart, and Yoon–Nelson for understanding the kinetic behavior of adsorption. The results reveal that the Yoon–Nelson model is the best‐fitted model for both the dyes with R2 values 0.995 and 0.905 for Optilan yellow and Lanasyn brown, respectively. However, Thomas and Yoon–Nelson fit the best for textile industry effluent. Overall, this investigation provides baseline information about the column mode removal of textile dyes using the agro‐waste material as an adsorbent. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra show the characteristic vibrational mode of CH stretching of hydroxyl group around 2800–3000 cm−1. The change in the vibrational pattern is evident after alginic acid treatment, indicating delignification of the bagasse after treatment.
Adjunctive brexpiprazole for elderly patients with major depressive disorder: An open‐label, long‐term safety and tolerability study
Authors: Lepola Ulla , Hefting Nanco , Zhang Doris , Hobart Mary 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term safety and tolerability of flexible‐dose brexpiprazole adjunct to antidepressant treatment (ADT) in elderly patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsElderly patients (≥65 years) with MDD and inadequate response to ≥1 ADT during the current episode were recruited to a 26‐week, interventional, open‐label study (NCT02400346) at outpatient centers in the USA and Europe. All patients received brexpiprazole 1 to 3 mg/day adjunct to their current ADT. Safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs), movement disorder scales, and standard safety assessments (vital signs, laboratory safety parameters, physical examination, electrocardiograms). Exploratory efficacy outcomes included the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impressions‐Severity of Illness (CGI‐S), and Social Adaptation Self‐Evaluation Scale (SASS).ResultsOf the 132 treated patients, 88 (66.7%) completed the study and 44 (33.3%) withdrew, including 24 who withdrew because of AEs (18.2%). Overall, 102 patients (77.3%) experienced ≥1 treatment‐emergent AE (TEAE), which were mostly mild or moderate in severity. Treatment‐emergent AEs with the highest incidence were fatigue (15.2%) and restlessness (12.9%). The most common TEAE leading to withdrawal was fatigue (3.0%). No consistent clinically relevant findings were seen with regard to movement disorder scales or standard safety assessments. Mean (standard error) efficacy score changes from baseline to week 26 were: MADRS total, −14.5 (0.9); CGI‐S, −1.8 (0.1); and SASS, 3.2 (0.5).ConclusionsLong‐term (26‐week) treatment with adjunctive brexpiprazole was generally well tolerated in elderly patients with MDD and inadequate response to prior ADT. Improvements were observed in depressive symptoms and social functioning.
Prevalence of unjustified emergency department x‐ray examination referrals performed in a regional Queensland hospital: A pilot study
Authors: Rawle Marnie , Pighills Alison 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe underpinning principles of radiation protection are justification, optimisation and limitation. Each medical imaging referral that uses ionising radiation must balance the justification of exposure to radiation against the benefits of the examination. Scrutiny of justification is the role of radiographers, for general radiography, and is usually performed using the clinical details provided on the referral. International studies report up to 77% of medical imaging examinations are unjustified or inappropriate. In regional Queensland, justification seems to involve a subjective assessment and enforcement is ad hoc. This study aimed to determine the number of unjustified emergency department x‐ray examinations performed in a regional Queensland hospital.MethodsAn audit of the clinical details provided on x‐ray referrals and in the medical records was performed on x‐ray examinations undertaken within an 11‐day period. Justification was determined by compliance with the Government of Western Australia's diagnostic imaging pathways.ResultsOf the 186 referrals assessed, 75.3% were categorised as not having complied with the imaging pathway and were considered unjustified. When the clinical details in the patient's medical record were reviewed, in conjunction with the referral, the unjustified rate reduced to 49.2% of examinations.ConclusionResults demonstrate a lack of information transfer by referring clinicians and a lack of compliance with justification requirements for imaging by medical imaging staff. Improved communication regarding the need for imaging, and the refusal of referrals that are not justified, will ensure that patients are only exposed to radiation when clear benefit has been demonstrated.
The value of the erect abdominal radiograph for the diagnosis of mechanical bowel obstruction and paralytic ileus in adults presenting with acute abdominal pain
Authors: Geng Wendy Z. M. , Fuller Michael , Osborne Brooke , Thoirs Kerry 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionThere is discord on the value of the erect abdominal radiograph for diagnosing acute abdominal pathologies. The erect radiograph can be uncomfortable for patients in pain and increases patient radiation dose.AimTo determine if including the erect abdominal radiograph in plain abdominal radiography (PAR) improved diagnostic accuracy for identifying mechanical bowel obstruction and/or paralytic ileus in adults presenting with acute abdominal pain.MethodsPAR of 40 consecutive adults presenting with suspected bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus was retrospectively sampled and independently reviewed by two emergency department (ED) consultants and two radiology consultants for bowel obstruction and paralytic ileus across two sessions. In session 1, the assessors assessed the supine abdominal radiographs (PAR 1) and clinical details in a randomised order, and session 2, at least 6 weeks later, they assessed the supine and erect radiographs (PAR 2) and clinical details of the randomly re‐ordered cases. Computed tomography was the reference standard. Pair‐wise comparisons of receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to assess for significant differences in participants’ diagnostic accuracy using MedCalc 16.4.3.ResultsAverage sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were 69.7%, 61.0% and 0.642 for PAR 1, respectively, and 80.0%, 53.4% and 0.632 for PAR 2 respectively. For AUROC there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between PAR 1 and PAR 2. Intra‐rater and inter‐rater agreement improved in PAR 2.ConclusionThere was no statistically significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy when including the erect radiograph in PAR for the acute abdomen.
Who are the most engaged at work? A meta‐analysis of personality and employee engagement
Authors: Young Henry R. , Glerum David R. , Wang Wei , Joseph Dana L. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn order to identify the employees who are most likely to be engaged in their work, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 114 independent samples (N = 44,224) to provide estimates of the relationship between eight personality traits and employee engagement. Results indicated that these personality traits explained 48.10% of the variance in engagement. Supporting energy management theories, relative weights analysis revealed that positive affectivity was by far the strongest predictor of engagement (31.10% of the explained variance; ρ = .62), followed by proactive personality (19.60%; ρ = .49), conscientiousness (14.10%; ρ = .39), and extraversion (12.10%; ρ = .40), whereas neuroticism, negative affectivity, agreeableness, and openness to experience were the least important. We highlight the importance of positive affectivity for engagement and support personality‐based selection as a viable means for organizations to build a highly engaged workforce. Implications for using personality assessment to select engaged employees are discussed.
Selection of coordinate transformation matrix for discrete‐time H2/H∞ static‐output‐feedback control: A two‐step optimization method
Authors: Feng Zhi‐Yong , She Jin‐Hua , He Yong 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a method to solve the problem of single‐ or multiobjective H2/H∞ static‐output‐feedback control for discrete‐time systems. The selection of a coordinate transformation matrix (CTM) is important when using linear matrix inequality–based approach to solve the static‐output‐feedback control problem. A two‐step optimization method for selecting the optimum CTM that produces a locally optimal solution is developed. The first step uses a direct search method to choose an initial CTM. The second step implements an iterative linear matrix inequality method to obtain the optimum CTM. Numerical examples demonstrate the good performance and high computational efficiency of the method.
High open‐circuit voltage CuSbS2 solar cells achieved through the formation of epitaxial growth of CdS/CuSbS2 hetero‐interface by post‐annealing treatment
Authors: Zhang Yuanfang , Huang Jialiang , Yan Chang , Sun Kaiwen , Cui Xin , Liu Fangyang , Liu Ziheng , Zhang Xueyun , Liu Xu , Stride John A. , Green Martin A. , Hao Xiaojing 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe earth‐abundant and environmentally‐friendly CuSbS2 solar cells have been struggling with low device performance, especially poor open circuit voltage (Voc). In this work, post‐annealing treatment of the CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction performed on CuSbS2‐based solar cells was firstly reported. With this treatment, we demonstrated CuSbS2 solar cells with a record Voc of 622 mV. The improvement of device performance was found peaked at 250°C post‐annealing which mainly benefits from the significantly boosted open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current. The study of microstructure by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that such improvement could be attributed to the formation of epitaxial CuSbS2/CdS hetero‐interface upon heat treatment, which reduces the interface defect density that may lead to reduced Voc deficit. Besides, results of photoluminescence and time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements also indicated improved electrical properties of completed devices with higher photoluminescence intensity and longer minority carrier lifetime.
A Systematic Method to Determine and Test the Ignition and Growth Reactive Flow Model Parameters of a Newly Designed Polymer‐Bonded Explosive
Authors: Li Xiao , Sun Yi , Zhao Hongda , Xiao Youcai , Cai Xuanming , Zhang Qiuhua , Zhang Wei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a systematic method to determine and test the ignition and growth reactive flow model parameters of a new energetic material PBX 1314 (60 weight % RDX, 16 weight % aluminum and 24 weight % HTPB) is presented. Cylinder test and shock initiation experiments are performed to study the shock initiation property of the explosive. Ignition and growth parameters are determined based on the experimental data. Test of the obtained parameters is performed by the comparison of the reaction fraction in the impact initiation and energy release experiments and the corresponding numerical simulations. The simulation results reveal that the proceeding of reaction and energy release are unsteady and inhomogeneous. Pressure decline quenches the reaction in the impact layer of the specimen although the impact pressure is more than 7 GPa. Wave reflection and superposition strengthen the pressure in the top of the specimen and triggers detonation.
iTRAQ‐based quantitative proteome revealed metabolic changes of Sitophilus zeamais in response to terpinen‐4‐ol fumigation
Authors: Huang Yong , Liao Min , Yang Qianqian , Xiao Jinjing , Hu Zhaoyin , Cao Haiqun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDTerpinen‐4‐ol has high insecticidal activity towards the stored‐grain pest Sitophilus zeamais, a key pest of cereals worldwide. Comparative proteomic analysis can identify proteins related to the response to terpinen‐4‐ol fumigation in S. zeamais, improving our understanding of the mechanisms behind the insecticidal activity and the detoxification of terpinen‐4‐ol in insects.RESULTSUsing an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)‐based strategy, 2761 proteins were obtained from S. zeamais adults. Comparative proteomic analysis showed that 215 proteins were upregulated and 129 were downregulated after exposure to terpinen‐4‐ol. Based on functional classifications, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched in the carbohydrate, energy and xenobiotics metabolism pathways. DEPs associated with lactose, sucrose and starch metabolism were identified, including alcohol dehydrogenase, aldose reductase, β‐galactosidase, maltase, and myrosinase. Among detoxification‐related proteins, the levels of 14 cytochrome P450s, seven glutathione S‐transferases, and three UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases were altered, most of which were upregulated after exposure to terpinen‐4‐ol.CONCLUSIONMetabolic changes indicated that terpinen‐4‐ol could affect the energy supply and potentially be metabolized and detoxified by various enzymes in S. zeamais. The results provide a foundation for further functional studies of key proteins mediated by terpinen‐4‐ol. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
NF‐κB and AMPK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways are involved in the protective effects of Platycodon grandiflorum saponins against acetaminophen‐induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Leng Jing , Wang Zi , Fu Cheng‐lin , Zhang Jing , Ren Shen , Hu Jun‐nan , Jiang Shuang , Wang Ying‐ping , Chen Chen , Li Wei 
Published: July 2018

Acute liver injury (ALI) induced by acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of drug‐induced liver injury. Saponins from Platycodon grandiflorum (PGSs) ameliorate alcohol‐induced hepatotoxicity and enhance human lung carcinoma cell death via AMPK signaling pathway. However, whether PGS could protect from APAP‐induced ALI through AMPK activation and its downstream signals is still poorly elucidated. This work investigated the protective effect and the underlying mechanisms of PGS against APAP‐induced liver toxicity in mouse. PGS was administered at 15 or 30 mg/kg i.g./day for 1 week before a single injection of APAP (250 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 hr after last treatment of PGS. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferases, liver tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β levels, liver malondialdehyde formation, liver glutathione depletion, cytochrome P450 E1, and 4‐hydroxynonenal levels were measured to demonstrate the protective efficacy of PGS against APAP‐induced ALI. Liver histological observation provided further evidence on PGS's protective effects. PGS treatment altered the phosphorylation of AMPK and PI3K/Akt, as well as the downstream signals including Bcl‐2 family, caspase, and NF‐κB in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, we demonstrate that PGS exhibits a significant liver protection against APAP‐induced ALI, mainly through NF‐κB and AMPK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
Event‐triggered filtering and intermittent fault detection for time‐varying systems with stochastic parameter uncertainty and sensor saturation
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Christofides Panagiotis D. , He Xiao , Wu Zhe , Zhang Zhihao , Zhou Donghua 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn this paper, the event‐triggered filtering and intermittent fault detection problems are investigated for a class of time‐varying systems with stochastic parameter uncertainty and sensor saturation. Due to the existence of event‐triggered mechanism, the measured signal could be transmitted only when it satisfies the triggering condition. An event‐triggered filter is developed, which takes the event‐triggered mechanism, parameter uncertainty, and sensor saturation into full consideration but does not depend on any specific uncertainty structure. By utilizing the inductive and stochastic analysis technique, the filter gain is designed to ensure that the upper bound of the estimation error covariance is minimized at each time step. Based on the proposed filter, a residual is generated and the corresponding evaluation function and detection threshold are given to achieve fault detection. At last, two simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.
Adaptive prescribed performance control of nonlinear output‐feedback systems with unknown control direction
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Xi , Yang Guang‐Hong 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper focuses on the output‐feedback tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear systems with both unknown nonlinearities and unknown control directions. An adaptive prescribed performance controller combined with a Nussbaum gain and a dividing line is proposed to solve the problem. Compared with the existing results, (i) both the convergence rate and the ultimate bound of the tracking error can be prescribed; (ii) no approximating structures such as neuro/fuzzy systems are used, regardless of unknown nonlinear functions; and (iii) the computational burden is alleviated in the sense that the iterative calculation of command derivatives is avoided and the number of online learning parameters is largely reduced. Simulation results are given to further illustrate the established theoretical findings.
Unactivated sp3 C‐H Functionalization by I2/DMSO: An Efficient Method to Synthesize Isatins†
Authors: Salvanna Nayaki , Reddy Lonka Madhava , Kumar Rathod Aravind , Das Biswanath 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIodine‐mediated efficient synthesis of isatins in one‐pot from easily available 2‐ethylanilines using I2/TBHP and DMSO is developed via oxidation of sp3bond and intramolecular C−N bond formation. The reaction involves iodination, Kornblum oxidation and intramolecular amidation in a single reactor. The present method is simple under metal and base‐free conditions to access isatins in good yields (72‐84%).The method is also applicable for the synthesis of isatins from 2‐vinylanilines.
Photo‐Controlled Release of Small Signaling Molecules to Induce Biological Responses
Authors: Nakagawa Hidehiko 
Published: July 2018

AbstractChemical modifications of proteins or cofactors, including acetylation and oxidation of amino acid residues of various signal proteins, whether transient or successive, play key roles in modulating biological functions. Small molecules that have signaling functions in biological systems through the chemical modification of proteins include nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. To investigate the pathophysiological roles of these molecules, caged compounds have been developed that allow precise spatiotemporal control of the release of these species in response to photoirradiation in the ultraviolet or visible region. For example, photocontrollable NO releasers can regulate the responses of blood vessels in vivo and ex vivo. In addition, photocontrollable (caged) inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) can be used to regulate HDAC activity in response to photoirradiation. Such photocontrol technology has provided chemical tools for a variety of biological studies, including investigations of epigenetic mechanisms.
High‐throughput computational screening of layered and two‐dimensional materials
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen An , Zhou Zhen 
Published: July 2018

The successful exfoliation of graphene and other kinds of two‐dimensional (2D) materials from their corresponding three‐dimensional (3D) bulk counterparts has inspired researchers to screen layered bulk compounds as parent materials for potential 2D materials. With the rapid development of supercomputers and high‐performance computations, high‐throughput materials screening is a growing new power in materials science for the discovery of novel kinds of materials with desired functionality. Recently, many parent 3D bulks have been identified by high‐throughput screening from materials databases for potential 2D materials, and several 2D materials databases are established through numerous efforts. In addition, on the basis of high‐throughput computations for electronic properties and data‐mining algorithms, several functional layered and 2D materials, such as electrode materials, photohydrolytic catalysts, half metals, piezoelectric monolayers and heterostructures, have been achieved. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the high‐throughput screening of parent candidates for 2D materials and their further applications, and the challenges and perspectives are also briefly discussed. We highly expect that this review could lead the way forward in the discovery of novel 2D materials and provide a guide for the further development of 2D materials.This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science
Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory