bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Taguchi–Fuzzy‐based performance‐exhaust emission trade‐off study of variable compression ratio diesel engine fueled with undi‐diesel blends
Authors: Madane Pravin A. , Bhowmik Subrata , Panua Rajsekhar 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe present investigation highlights the effect of variable compression ratio (VCR) on the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a single cylinder, direct injection diesel engine fueled with undi‐diesel blends. 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% undi fuel have been added to diesel in volumetric proportions and tested by varying compression ratio (CR) from 16:1 to 20:1. Undi addition to diesel fuel significantly improves the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) of the engine. In addition, higher CR facilitates to improve unburned hydrocarbon (UHC), carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke opacity of the diesel engine with the penalties of higher oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions. In perspective of the engine experimental outputs, a Taguchi assisted Fuzzy based trade off study has been conducted to screen and locate the optimal diesel engine operating conditions, namely, CR, undi share, and load. The optimum process parameter has been found to be A2B6C2 with a multi performance characteristics index (MPCI) value of 0.683 indicating the optimum operating conditions of 17:1 CR, 50% (by volume) undi share at 50% load.
The Psychoactive Drug Escitalopram Affects Foraging Behavior in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Nielsen Sebastian Vedel , Frausing Marie , Henriksen Per Guldhammer , Beedholm Kristian , Baatrup  Erik 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are psychoactive pharmaceuticals that have been detected intact in natural waters globally. Laboratory experiments have reported that several SSRIs inhibit fish foraging behavior, but data for the SSRI escitalopram are lacking. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether escitalopram affects feeding behavior in zebrafish and whether possible sex differences exist. We exposed female and male zebrafish (Danio rerio) to 0.00, 0.10, and 1.50 µg/L of escitalopram in flow-through tanks for a 3-wk exposure period. We used a video tracking system with high temporal and spatial resolution to collect data on zebrafish swimming patterns in test tanks containing a food source. The results show a more pronounced effect of escitalopram in males compared with females. At the assumed most environmentally relevant concentration (0.10 µg/L), male average feeding time/visit and maximum feeding duration were significantly reduced by 27 and 42%, respectively. In addition, male total feeding duration was also significantly reduced (by 73%) at the highest concentration (1.50 µg/L). In females, only the maximum feeding duration was significantly reduced (by 41%) in the 0.10 µg/L treatment group. Hence, we reject our initial hypothesis that female feeding behavior is more vulnerable to escitalopram. There was no effect of escitalopram on length or weight among the experimental groups. The present study demonstrates that escitalopram, like other SSRIs, can inhibit fish foraging behavior and therefore potentially disturb natural food chains. Finally, our study suggests that SSRIs can both be sex and behavior specific. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1902–1910. © 2019 SETAC.
Abstract
The feeding behavior of zebrafish was quantified after treatment with the pharmaceutical escitalopram. Escitalopram affected feeding behavior more in males (•) than in females (▴). Different letters indicate significant differences (analysis of variance; Tukey post hoc test) with the significance level at 0.05. Different letters indicate significant differences. AOI = area of interest; ROI = region of interest.
Effects of hypogonadism on brain development during adolescence in girls with Turner syndrome
Authors: Li Min , Zhao Chenxi , Xie Sheng , Liu Xiwei , Zhao Qiuling , Zhang Zhixin , Gong Gaolang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGonadal steroids play an important role in brain development, particularly during puberty. Girls with Turner syndrome (TS), a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of all or part of the second X chromosome, mostly present a loss of ovarian function and estrogen deficiency, as well as neuroanatomical abnormalities. However, few studies have attempted to isolate the indirect effects of hormones from the direct genetic effects of X chromosome insufficiency. Brain structural (i.e., gray matter [GM] morphology and white matter [WM] connectivity) and functional phenotypes (i.e., resting‐state functional measures) were investigated in 23 adolescent girls with TS using multimodal MRI to assess the role of hypogonadism in brain development in TS. Specifically, all girls with TS were divided into a hormonally subnormal group and an abnormal subgroup according to their serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, with the karyotypes approximately matched between the two groups. Statistical analyses revealed significant effects of the “group‐by‐age” interaction on GM volume around the left medial orbitofrontal cortex and WM diffusion parameters around the bilateral corticospinal tract, anterior thalamic radiation, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, and cingulum bundle, but no significant “group‐by‐age” or group differences were observed in resting‐state functional measures. Based on these findings, estrogen deficiency has a nontrivial impact on the development of the brain structure during adolescence in girls with TS. Our present study provides novel insights into the mechanism by which hypogonadism influences brain development during adolescence in girls with TS, and highlights the important role of estrogen replacement therapy in treating TS.
Toxicological safety evaluation of the human‐identical milk oligosaccharide 6′‐sialyllactose sodium salt
Authors: Phipps Kirt R. , Baldwin Nigel J. , Lynch Barry , Stannard Diane R. , Šoltésová Alica , Gilby Ben , Mikš Marta H. , Röhrig Christoph H. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are abundant in breastmilk, but their presence in infant formula is negligible. Sialylated HMOs, such as 6′‐sialyllactose, constitute a significant portion of the HMO fraction of human milk and are linked to important biological functions. To produce infant formula that is more comparable with human milk, biosynthesized sialyllactoses known as human‐identical milk oligosaccharides (structurally identical counterparts to their respective naturally occurring HMOs in breastmilk) are proposed for use in infant formula and other functional foods for the general population. To support the safety of 6′‐sialyllactose sodium salt (6′‐SL), a 90‐day oral (gavage) toxicity study and in vitro genotoxicity tests were conducted. The 90‐day study is the first to be conducted with 6′‐SL using neonatal rats (day 7 of age at the start of dosing), thus addressing safety of 6′‐SL for consumption by the most sensitive age group (infants). In the 90‐day study, neonatal rats received 6′‐SL at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day and reference controls received 5000 mg/kg BW/day of fructooligosaccharide (an ingredient approved for use in infant formula) for comparison with the high‐dose 6′‐SL group, followed by a 4‐week recovery period. There was no evidence of genotoxicity in vitro. No test item‐related adverse effects were observed on any parameter in the 90‐day study, thus the high dose (5000 mg/kg BW/day) was established as the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level. These results confirm that 6′‐SL is safe for use in formula milk for infants and in other functional foods for the general population.
Effect of gestational exposure to perfluorononanoic acid on neonatal mice testes
Authors: Singh Shilpi , Singh Shio Kumar 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPerfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely used in commercial products and are found in many goods of daily use. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is one of the PFAAs that possesses endocrine disrupting properties and we have recently shown that PFNA affects testicular functions in Parkes mice. Exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors during fetal life is believed to affect gonadal development and they might produce reproductive abnormalities in males. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of gestational exposure to PFNA on the testes of neonatal mice offspring. Pregnant Parkes mice were orally administered PFNA (2 and 5 mg/kg body weight) or distilled water from gestational day 12 until parturition. Male pups were killed on postnatal day 3. PFNA treatment decreased testosterone biosynthesis by inhibiting expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450scc, and 3β‐ and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; proliferation of testicular cells was also affected in treated mice. Furthermore, a marked decrease in expression of Wilms tumor 1, steroidogenic factor 1 and insulin‐like factor 3 was noted in neonatal mice testes, indicating that the PFNA treatment may affect the development of the testis. Moreover, observation of the dose‐related expression of anti‐müllerian hormone and c‐Kit in neonatal mice testes is also suggestive of an interference with gonadal development by PFNA exposure. In conclusion, the results suggest that the gestational exposure to PFNA decreased testosterone biosynthesis and altered the expression of critical factors involved in the development of the testis, thereby advocating a potential risk of PFNA to male reproductive health.
Targeted and stimuli–responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug delivery and theranostic use
Authors: Aquib Md , Farooq Muhammad A. , Banerjee Parikshit , Akhtar Fahad , Filli Mensura S. , Boakye‐Yiadom Kofi O. , Kesse Samuel , Raza Faisal , Maviah Mily B. J. , Mavlyanova Rukhshona , Wang Bo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFor cancer therapy, the usefulness of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MPSNPs) has been widely discussed, likely due to its inorganic nature and excellent structural features. The MPSNPs‐based chemotherapeutics have been promisingly delivered to their target sites that help to minimize side effects and improve therapeutic effectiveness. A wide array of studies have been conducted to functionalize drug‐loaded MPSNPs using targeting ligands and stimuli‐sensitive substances. In addition, anticancer drugs have been precisely delivered to their target sites using MPSNPs, which respond to multi‐stimuli. Furthermore, MPSNPs have been extensively tested for their safety and compatibility. The toxicity level of MPSNPs is substantially lower as compared to that of colloidal silica; however, in oxidative stress, they exhibit cytotoxic features. The biocompatibility of MPSNPs can be improved by modifying their surfaces. This article describes the production procedures, functionalization, and applications of biocompatible MPSNPs in drug delivery.
Grayscale mask‐assisted photochemical crosslinking for a dense collagen construct with stiffness gradient
Authors: Hong Hyeonjun , Park Sang Min , Kim Dohui , Park Sung Jea , Kim Dong Sung 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDespite the potential of a collagen construct with a stiffness gradient for investigating cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness interaction or recapitulating an in vivo tissue interface, it has been developed in a limited way due to the low and poorly controllable mechanical properties of the collagen. This study proposes a novel fabrication process to achieve a compressed collagen construct with a stiffness gradient, named COSDIENT, at a level of ~ 1 MPa while maintaining in vivo ECM‐like dense collagen fibrillar structures. The COSDIENT was fabricated by collagen compression followed by grayscale mask‐assisted UV–riboflavin crosslinking. The collagen compression process enabled the remarkable increase in the stiffness of the collagen gel from ~ 1–10 kPa to ~ 1 MPa by physical compaction. The subsequent UV–riboflavin crosslinking with a continuous‐tone grayscale mask could simply generate a gradual change of UV irradiation followed by modulating riboflavin‐mediated crosslinking, thereby resulting in a continuous stiffness gradient with a range of 1.16–4.38 MPa in the single compressed collagen construct. The suggested grayscale mask‐assisted photochemical crosslinking had no effect on the physical and optical properties of the original compressed collagen construct, while inducing gradual changes of chemical bonds among collagen fibrils. A skin wound healing assay with epidermal keratinocytes was finally applied as an application example of the COSDIENT to examine the effect of stiffness on the skin keratinocyte behavior.
Controlled cross‐linking of porcine cholecyst extracellular matrix for preparing tissue engineering scaffold
Authors: Mony Manjula P. , Anilkumar Thapasimuthu V. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTreatment with cross‐linking agents for stabilizing biomolecules is an integral step during the preparation of many extracellular matrix‐based tissue engineering scaffolds from mammalian organs. However, excess cross‐linking may cause nonavailability of biomolecules and consequent deterioration of bioinductive properties of the scaffold. The present study considered controlling the extent of cross‐linking in a porcine cholecyst extracellular matrix scaffold prepared by a nonenzymatic and nondetergent method, by ex situ incubation of the source organ in varying concentrations of neutral buffered formaldehyde (10, 4, 1 or 0%; v/v) for in situ cross‐linking of biomolecules. Reduction of the formaldehyde concentration resulted in an increase in the extent of biodegradation and a decrease in the compactness of the mesh‐like surface microarchitecture of the scaffold. Retention of collagen was maximum when treated with 10% neutral buffered formaldehyde without any variation in the content of elastin and sulphated glycosaminoglycans. Although there was a reduction in the quantity of growth factors following the cross‐linking, fibroblasts remained viable on the scaffolds. The retention of major biomolecule was maximum and autodigestion was minimum in the scaffold prepared by the ex situ treatment of cholecyst in 10% neutral buffered formalin and found suitable for preparing the tissue engineering scaffold.
The Impact of Testosterone on Metformin Action on Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Thyroid Axis Activity in Men: A Pilot Study
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe effect of metformin on thyrotrope function seems to be sex dependent. The aim of this study was to determine the role of endogenous testosterone in the impact of metformin on hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid axis activity. The study population consisted of 2 groups of men with nonautoimmune hypothyroidism matched for age, weight, insulin sensitivity, and thyrotropin levels. The first group (n = 11) included subjects with low serum testosterone levels, while the second (n = 12) men with testosterone levels within the reference range. Because of concomitant type 2 diabetes, all men were treated with metformin (2550‐3000 mg daily). Circulating levels of glucose, prolactin, testosterone, gonadotropins, thyrotropin, and free thyroid hormones were measured, while the structure parameters of thyroid homeostasis and the degree of insulin sensitivity were calculated at baseline and 16 weeks later. In both study groups, metformin decreased plasma glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity. However, only in men with low testosterone levels, the drug decreased thyrotropin levels, reduced Jostel's thyrotropin index, and increased SPINA‐GT. Metformin‐induced changes in thyrotropin and Jostel's index correlated with their baseline values, baseline levels of testosterone, and with the effect of treatment on insulin sensitivity. In men with neither low or normal testosterone levels, metformin affected free thyroid hormones, prolactin, testosterone, gonadotropins, and SPINA‐GD. The obtained results suggest that the impact of metformin on thyrotrope function depends on the androgen status of a patient.
Modulation of the dual‐faced effects of miR‐141 with chitosan/miR‐141 nanoplexes in breast cancer cells
Authors: Kaban Kubra , Salva Emine , Akbuga Julide 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundmiR‐141, known as a tumor suppressive microRNA, is downregulated in breast cancer. However, recent contrasting studies report that it also acts as oncogene when it is upregulated. The present study aimed to investigate whether miR‐141 is a tumor suppressor or oncogenic when it reaches normal levels in chitosan/miR‐141 nanoplexes.MethodsChitosan nanoplexes were prepared using simple complexation method. Nanoplexes were characterized by a gel retardation assay and zeta potential and particle size measurements. To determine the expression level of miR‐141, a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed. The effects of miR‐141 mimics were investigated with respect to angiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by E‐cadherin, metastasis by Igfbp‐4 and Tinagl1 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, invasion by an invasion chamber, and apoptosis by Annexin V.ResultsThe miR‐141 expression levels of MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐435 cells by administration of chitosan/mimic miR‐141 nanoplexes reached endogenous miR‐141 levels of a non‐tumorigenic epithelial breast cell line, MCF‐10A. According to our results, metastasis, VEGF, EMT and invasion in breast cancer cells were diminished, whereas apoptosis increased by 1.5‐ and 2.4‐fold in breast cancer cell lines as a result of the miR‐141 mimics.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we have demonstrated that administration of miR‐141 mimics at the determined doses to breast cancer cells revealed a tumor suppressor effect, and not the oncogenic face. The delivery of miR‐141 by chitosan nanoplexes presents a promising approach for the suppression of breast cancer.
Facile Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity and Molecular Docking of Novel 2,4,5‐Trisubstituted‐1H‐Imidazole–Triazole Hybrid Compounds
Authors: Chauhan Sunil , Verma Vikas , Kumar Devinder , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: August 2019

In the present work, a series of 18 imidazole–triazole hybrids (4a–r) has been synthesized in good yield from substituted naphthaldehydes and 1,2‐diketones in the presence of ammonium acetate. The synthesized imidazole–triazole hybrid compounds were characterized by spectral techniques and screened in vitro for their antimicrobial activity. Compound 4h was found to be most active against Staphylococcus epidermidis, and compound 4e exhibited promising activity against Escherichia coli. In the fungal species under test, compound 4q was most potent against Aspergillus niger, even better than the fluconazole. Further, compound 4e was docked in the binding site of DNA gyrase topoisomerase II of E. coli.
Phylogenetic characterization of rhinoviruses from infants in Sarlahi, Nepal
Authors: Kuypers Jane , Perchetti Garrett A. , Chu Helen Y. , Newman Kira L. , Katz Joanne , Khatry Subarna K. , LeClerq Steven C. , Jerome Keith R. , Tielsch James M. , Englund Janet A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractProblemRhinoviruses (RVs), the most common causes of acute respiratory infections in young children and infants, are highly diverse genetically.ObjectiveTo characterize the RV types detected with respiratory illness episodes in infants in Nepal.Study methodsInfants born to women enrolled in a randomized trial of maternal influenza immunization in rural, southern Nepal were followed with household‐based weekly surveillance until 180 days of age. Infants with respiratory symptoms had nasal swabs tested for twelve respiratory viruses. A subset with RV alone was selected for sequencing of the VP4/2 gene to identify RV types.ResultsAmong 547 RV‐only positive illnesses detected from December 2012 to April 2014, 285 samples (52%) were sequenced. RV‐A, B, and C species were detected in 193 (68%), 18 (6%), and 74 (26%) specimens, respectively. A total of 94 unique types were identified from the sequenced samples, including 52 RV‐A, 11 RV‐B, and 31 RV‐C. Multiple species and types circulated simultaneously throughout the study period. No seasonality was observed. The median ages at illness onset were 88, 104, and 88 days for RV‐A, B, and C, respectively. The median polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold values did not differ between RV species. No differences between RV species were observed for reported respiratory symptoms, including pneumonia, or for medical care‐seeking.ConclusionsAmong very young, symptomatic infants in rural Nepal, all three species and many types of RV were identified; RV‐A was detected most frequently. There was no association between RV species and disease severity.
A review on the artificial neural network applications for small‐signal modeling of microwave FETs
Authors: Marinković Zlatica , Crupi Giovanni , Caddemi Alina , Marković Vera , Schreurs Dominique M.M.‐P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the field‐effect transistor (FET) small‐signal modeling using artificial neural networks (ANNs). To gain an in‐depth insight into how to effectively develop an ANN model, we present a comparative study on the application of the ANNs for modeling the scattering (S‐) parameters of a variety of FET technologies versus bias point, ambient temperature, and geometrical dimensions. As will be shown, the main challenge consists of identifying the most appropriate ANN model for the specific case under study. This is because the performance of an ANN‐based model can vary significantly, depending especially on the choice of the model structure and the size and parameters of the chosen ANN. In addition, the choice of the model is related directly to the behavior of the FET characteristics, which might greatly depend on the selected device technology and operating conditions. The analysis of the present comparative study allows understanding how to properly construct ANN models to perform at their best for a successful FET modeling.