bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Esters of terpene alcohols as highly potent, reversible, and low toxic skin penetration enhancers
Authors: Kopečná Monika , Macháček Miloslav , Nováčková Anna , Paraskevopoulos Georgios , Roh Jaroslav , Vávrová Kateřina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSkin penetration/permeation enhancers are compounds that improve (trans)dermal drug delivery. We designed hybrid terpene-amino acid enhancers by conjugating natural terpenes (citronellol, geraniol, nerol, farnesol, linalool, perillyl alcohol, menthol, borneol, carveol) or cinnamyl alcohol with 6-(dimethylamino)hexanoic acid through a biodegradable ester linker. The compounds were screened for their ability to increase the delivery of theophylline and hydrocortisone through and into human skin ex vivo. The citronellyl, bornyl and cinnamyl esters showed exceptional permeation-enhancing properties (enhancement ratios up to 82) while having low cellular toxicities. The barrier function of enhancer-treated skin (assessed by transepidermal water loss and electrical impedance) recovered within 24 h. Infrared spectroscopy suggested that these esters fluidized the stratum corneum lipids. Furthermore, the citronellyl ester increased the epidermal concentration of topically applied cidofovir, which is a potent antiviral and anticancer drug, by 15-fold. In conclusion, citronellyl 6-(dimethylamino)hexanoate is an outstanding enhancer with an advantageous combination of properties, which may improve the delivery of drugs that have a limited ability to cross biological barriers.
Structural complexity governs seagrass acclimatization to depth with relevant consequences for meadow production, macrophyte diversity and habitat carbon storage capacity
Authors: Enríquez Susana , Olivé Irene , Cayabyab Napo , Hedley John D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAnalyses of the integrated seagrass response to depth support the previously documented low plasticity and consistent shade-adapted leaf physiology of a habitat-builder that dominates well-illuminated reef environments. Two structural responses, “canopy-opening” and “below-ground-mass-depletion”, govern the photoacclimatory response and facilitate, respectively, light penetration within the canopy and functional adjustments in whole-plant carbon balances. Conversely, “canopy-closing” may also explain dense canopies formed close to the waterline, as they provide shade and photoprotection to a susceptible leaf physiology under high-light. Canopy light attenuation is primarily regulated by the leaf area index (LAI), which is governed by changes in shoot size and density. Shoot density diminishes non-linearly with depth, while shoot size increases to a maximum followed by a decline. The initial increase in shoot size, which resembles a self-thinning response, increases LAI and meadow production in shallow depths. These seagrass structural adjustments have relevant ecological implications. Canopy-thinning allows macrophyte diversity to increase with depth, while seagrass production and carbon storage diminish exponentially, and are maximal only in a shallow coastal fringe. The results support the universality of plant self-thinning, from phytoplankton to complex canopies, likely the consequence of simple physical laws related to light limitation and pigment self-shading within photosynthetic structures and communities.
BMP signaling mediates glioma stem cell quiescence and confers treatment resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Sachdeva Rohit , Wu Megan , Johnson Kevin , Kim Hyunsoo , Celebre Angela , Shahzad Uswa , Graham Maya Srikanth , Kessler John A. , Chuang Jeffrey H. , Karamchandani Jason , Bredel Markus , Verhaak Roel , Das Sunit 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDespite advances in therapy, glioblastoma remains an incurable disease with a dismal prognosis. Recent studies have implicated cancer stem cells within glioblastoma (glioma stem cells, GSCs) as mediators of therapeutic resistance and tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the role of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which has been found to play an integral role in the maintenance of stem cell homeostasis within multiple stem cell systems, as a mediator of stem-like cells in glioblastoma. We find that BMP and TGF-β signaling define divergent molecular and functional identities in glioblastoma, and mark relatively quiescent and proliferative GSCs, respectively. Treatment of GSCs with BMP inhibits cell proliferation, but does not abrogate their stem-ness, as measured by self-renewal and tumorigencity. Further, BMP pathway activation confers relative resistance to radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy. Our findings define a quiescent cancer stem cell population in glioblastoma that may be a cellular reservoir for tumor recurrence following cytotoxic therapy.
On Modeling Ensemble Transport of Metal Reducing Motile Bacteria
Authors: Yang Xueke , Parashar Rishi , Sund Nicole L. , Plymale Andrew E. , Scheibe Timothy D. , Hu Dehong , Kelly Ryan T. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMany metal reducing bacteria are motile with their run-and-tumble behavior exhibiting series of flights and waiting-time spanning multiple orders of magnitude. While several models of bacterial processes do not consider their ensemble motion, some models treat motility using an advection diffusion equation (ADE). In this study, Geobacter and Pelosinus, two metal reducing species, are used in micromodel experiments for study of their motility characteristics. Trajectories of individual cells on the order of several seconds to few minutes in duration are analyzed to provide information on (1) the length of runs, and (2) time needed to complete a run (waiting or residence time). A Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW) model to predict ensemble breakthrough plots is developed based on the motility statistics. The results of the CTRW model and an ADE model are compared with the real breakthrough plots obtained directly from the trajectories. The ADE model is shown to be insufficient, whereas a coupled CTRW model is found to be good at predicting breakthroughs at short distances and at early times, but not at late time and long distances. The inadequacies of the simple CTRW model can possibly be improved by accounting for correlation in run length and waiting time.
Sexual and genotypic variation in terpene quantitative and qualitative profiles in the dioecious shrub Baccharis salicifolia
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala-Roberts Luis , Nell Colleen S. , Vázquez-González Carla , Pratt Jessica D. , Keefover-Ring Ken , Mooney Kailen A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTerpenoids are secondary metabolites produced in most plant tissues and are often considered toxic or repellent to plant enemies. Previous work has typically reported on intra-specific variation in terpene profiles, but the effects of plant sex, an important axis of genetic variation, have been less studied for chemical defences in general, and terpenes in particular. In a prior study, we found strong genetic variation (but not sexual dimorphism) in terpene amounts in leaves of the dioecious shrub Baccharis salicifolia. Here we build on these findings and provide a more in-depth analysis of terpene chemistry on these same plants from an experiment consisting of a common garden with male (N = 19) and female (N = 20) genotypes sourced from a single population. Our goal in the present study was to investigate quantitative and qualitative differences in terpene profiles associated with plant sex and genotypic variation. For this, we quantified leaf mono- and sesquiterpene amount, richness, and diversity (quantitative profile), as well as the composition of compounds (qualitative profile). We found no evidence of sexual dimorphism in monoterpene or sesquiterpene profiles. We did, however, find significant genotypic variation in amount, diversity, and composition of monoterpenes, but no effects on sesquiterpenes. These findings indicated that genotypic variation in terpene profiles largely surpassed variation due to sexual dimorphism for the studied population of this species.
An improved neuroanatomical model of the default-mode network reconciles previous neuroimaging and neuropathological findings
Authors: Alves Pedro Nascimento , Foulon Chris , Karolis Vyacheslav , Bzdok Danilo , Margulies Daniel S. , Volle Emmanuelle , Thiebaut de Schotten Michel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe brain is constituted of multiple networks of functionally correlated brain areas, out of which the default-mode network (DMN) is the largest. Most existing research into the DMN has taken a corticocentric approach. Despite its resemblance with the unitary model of the limbic system, the contribution of subcortical structures to the DMN may be underappreciated. Here, we propose a more comprehensive neuroanatomical model of the DMN including subcortical structures such as the basal forebrain, cholinergic nuclei, anterior and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei. Additionally, tractography of diffusion-weighted imaging was employed to explore the structural connectivity, which revealed that the thalamus and basal forebrain are of central importance for the functioning of the DMN. The contribution of these neurochemically diverse brain nuclei reconciles previous neuroimaging with neuropathological findings in diseased brains and offers the potential for identifying a conserved homologue of the DMN in other mammalian species.
Tailoring thermal conduction in anatase TiO2
Authors: Mettan X. , Jaćimović J. , Barišić O. S. , Pisoni A. , Batistić I. , Horváth E. , Brown S. , Rossi L. , Szirmai P. , Farkas B. , Berger H. , Forró L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThermal conductivity (κ) plays an essential role in functional devices. It is advantageous to design materials where one can tune κ in a wide range according to its function: single-crystals and nanowires of anatase polymorph of titanium dioxide, broadly used in applications ranging from photovoltaics, reflective coatings to memristors, have been synthesized in large quantities. Here we identify a new, strong diffusion mechanism of heat by polaronic structures due to oxygen vacancies, which considerably influences both the absolute value and the temperature dependence of κ. The additional decrease of κ is achieved in anatase nanowires organized into foam, where porosity and the quasi-one-dimensional size-effect dramatically hinder the propagation of heat, resulting in an extremely low κ = 0.014 W/Km at room-temperature. Doping this anatase foam could herald promising applications, in particular in thermoelectricity.
Biogenic Aspergillus tubingensis silver nanoparticles’ in vitro effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, normal human fibroblasts, HEPG2, and Galleria mellonella
Authors: Ottoni Cristiane Angélica , Maria Durvanei Augusto , Gonçalves Priscila Jane Romano de Oliveira , de Araújo Welington Luiz , de Souza Ana Olívia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely incorporated into different hygiene, personal care, and healthcare products. However, few studies have been undertaken to determine the effects of biogenic AgNPs on human health. The effect of biosynthesized AgNPs using the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis culture was evaluated on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), normal human fibroblasts (FN1), human hepatoma cells (HEPG2) and a Galleria mellonella model. HUVECs were more susceptible to biogenic AgNPs than normal fibroblasts FN1 and intense cytotoxicity was observed only for very high concentrations at and above 2.5 μM for both cells. Normal human fibroblasts FN1 exposed to AgNPs for 24 h showed viability of 98.83 ± 8.40% and 94.86 ± 5.50% for 1.25 and 2.5 μM, respectively. At 5 and 10 μM, related to the control, an increase in cell viability was observed being 112.66 ± 9.94% and 117.86 ± 8.86%, respectively. Similar results were obtained for treatment for 48 and 72 h. At 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 μM of AgNPs, at 24 h, HUVECs showed 51.34 ± 7.47%, 27.01 ± 5.77%, 26.00 ± 3.03% and 27.64 ± 5.85% of viability, respectively. No alteration in cell distribution among different cycle phases was observed after HUVEC and normal fibroblast FN1 exposure to AgNPs from 0.01 to 1 μM for 24, 48 and 72 h. Based on the clonogenic assay, nanoparticles successfully inhibited HEPG2 cell proliferation when exposed to concentrations up to 1 μM. In addition to that, AgNPs did not induce senescence and no morphological alteration was observed by scanning electron microscopy on the endothelial cells. In the larvae of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella, a model for toxicity, AgNPs showed no significant effects, which corroborates to the safety of their use in mammalian cells. These results demonstrate that the use of A. tubingensis AgNPs is a promising biotechnological approach and these AgNPs can be applied in several biomedical situations.
Meeting the Best Practice for Hearing Aid Verification in Children: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Amri Nur Azyani , Quar Tian Kar , Chong Foong Yen 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThis study examined the current pediatric amplification practice with an emphasis on hearing aid verification using probe microphone measurement (PMM), among audiologists in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Frequency of practice, access to PMM system, practiced protocols, barriers, and perception toward the benefits of PMM were identified through a survey.MethodA questionnaire was distributed to and filled in by the audiologists who provided pediatric amplification service in Klang Valley, Malaysia. One hundred eight (N =108) audiologists, composed of 90.3% women and 9.7% men (age range: 23–48 years), participated in the survey.ResultsPMM was not a clinical routine practiced by a majority of the audiologists, despite its recognition as the best clinical practice that should be incorporated into protocols for fitting hearing aids in children. Variations in practice existed warranting further steps to improve the current practice for children with hearing impairment. The lack of access to PMM equipment was 1 major barrier for the audiologists to practice real-ear verification. Practitioners' characteristics such as time constraints, low confidence, and knowledge levels were also identified as barriers that impede the uptake of the evidence-based practice.ConclusionsThe implementation of PMM in clinical practice remains a challenge to the audiology profession. A knowledge-transfer approach that takes into consideration the barriers and involves effective collaboration or engagement between the knowledge providers and potential stakeholders is required to promote the clinical application of evidence-based best practice.
High power density technologies for large generators and motors for marine applications with focus on electrical insulation challenges
Authors: Ghassemi Mona 
Published: October 2019

High power density generators and motors are envisaged in modern all‐electric ships where electrical power for both propulsion and service loads is provided through a common electrical platform known as an integrated power system. Three recent high‐power density technologies for generators and motors proposed for marine applications are reviewed, and the author focuses on their electrical insulation challenges. These technologies are high‐frequency (high‐speed) generators (200–400 Hz), superconducting generators, and novel insulation materials and systems. For high‐speed generators, high loss in magnetic materials may shorten its insulation life. Thus, these generators should be designed to be cooled by water instead of air. For superconducting generators, the most significant concern is the integrity of the insulation system over the large thermal excursion whenever the system is cycled between room temperature and operating temperature. In novel insulation materials and systems section: (i) using mica paper tapes containing boron nitride filler in the binding resin of the glass backing insulation, developed by Toshiba and Von Roll, resulted in a 15% increase in the MVA of generators for the same slot dimensions and operating temperatures, (ii) GE developed an enhanced polyethylene glycol terephthalate‐mica tape having superior voltage‐endurance characteristics, (iii) Isovolta has introduced a mica paper tape using a flat glass fibre backing material, called Powerfab, rather than the more common woven structure, leading to a 15% reduced mica tape, and (iv) adding novel nanocomposites as fillers to ground wall insulation, introduced by Siemens, is a promising technique towards more high power density designs. Furthermore, accelerated aging of insulation systems especially those in electrical rotating machines exposed to voltage pluses with high slew rates up to hundreds of kV/μs and high‐repetition rates ranging from hundreds of kHz to MHz is discussed. These voltage pulses are generated by wide bandgap‐based converters envisaged in the medium voltage DC architecture for future U.S. naval ships.
Research on automatic location and recognition of insulators in substation based on YOLOv3
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Ji Xinxin , Pei Shaotong , Ma Ziru , Zhang Gonghao , Lin Ying , Chen Yufeng 
Published: October 2019

With the development of a smart grid, the automatic location of power equipment is becoming a trend. In this study, a method for automatic location identification and diagnosis of external power insulation equipment based on YOLOv3 is proposed. This deep learning algorithm is used to extract the characteristics of image data under the visible light channel of the insulator. It learns and trains the collected data to realise the rapid location identification and frame selection of the external insulation equipment and extract discharge characteristics of the target box under the ultraviolet channel. According to the number of photons and the spot area information, the operating status of the equipment is determined. The results show that the YOLOv3 algorithm with a training rate of 0.005 achieved a fast convergence of the location recognition model. The average recognition accuracy was 88.7% and the average detection time was 0.0182 s. The combination of visible light path insulator target recognition and ultraviolet light path diagnosis can realise a lean and intelligent diagnosis of power equipment. This method had good real‐time performance, accuracy, and robustness to the background. It provides a new concept for intelligent diagnosis and location analysis of power equipment.
Rapid Centrifugation in the Routine Hemostasis Laboratory
Authors: Wolfensberger Nathan , Georgiou Georgios , Giabbani Evelyne , Reusser Marianne , Njue Linet M. , Fiedler Martin , Leichtle Alexander B. , Nagler Michael 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The use of short and uniform centrifugation schemes contributes significantly to the successful automation of laboratory procedures. It is however unclear if this is applicable to the hemostasis laboratory.
Objectives This article assesses the accuracy of measurements obtained with a rapid, high-speed centrifugation scheme in a large set of hemostasis tests, covering the full spectrum of values obtained in clinical practice, and using meaningful statistical measures.
Methods Two citrated plasma samples were obtained from consecutive patients of a tertiary hospital with suspected abnormal hemostasis tests and processed with two centrifugation schemes in parallel: 1,500 × g for 10 minutes and 3,137 × g for 7 minutes. The following tests were conducted: prothrombin time (n = 125), international normalized ratio (n = 146), activated partial thromboplastin time (n = 119), thrombin time (n = 105), fibrinogen (n = 125), factor (F)II (n = 69), FV (n = 64), FVII (n = 64), FX (n = 67), FVIII (n = 55), FIX (n = 37), FXI (n = 35), and FXIII (n = 20), D-dimer (n = 34), antithrombin (n = 31), anti-Xa activity (n = 30), von Willebrand antigen (n = 25), and von Willebrand activity (VWF:GPIbM; n = 27).
Results A wide range of results were obtained in all tests. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was at least 0.95 for all tests except FV, FIX, and FXI. The coverage probability π at a given deviation index κ of 15% was above 0.9 for all tests except FV, FVII, FX, FVIII, FIX, FXI, and VWF:GPIbM, suggesting a lack of agreement.
Conclusion Our results suggest that high-speed centrifugation is applicable to the majority of routine hemostasis parameters. The coverage probability was more sensitive than Spearman's rank correlation to detect disagreement among centrifugation schemes.
The Contribution of an Infectious Workup in Understanding Stillbirth
Authors: Fouks Yuval , Many Ariel , Shulman Yael , Bak Stella , Shinar Shiri 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective This study was aimed to assess the utility of diagnostic tests of maternal and fetal infection in the evaluation of stillbirth.
Study Design A single-center retrospective study from January 2011 to December 2016 of all women presenting to the hospital with intrauterine fetal death at or after 20 weeks of gestation. Standard evaluation included review of medical records, clinical and laboratory inflammatory workup, maternal serologies, fetal autopsy, placental pathology, and fetal and placental cultures. A suspected infectious etiology was defined as meeting at least two diagnostic criteria, and only after exclusion of any other identifiable stillbirth cause.
Results During the 7-year study period, 228 cases of stillbirth were diagnosed at our center. An infectious etiology was the suspected cause of stillbirth in 35 cases (15.3%). The mean gestational age of infection-related stillbirth was 28 1/7 (range: 22–37) weeks, while for a noninfectious etiology, it was 34 0/7 (range: 25–38) weeks (p = 0.005). Placental histological findings diagnostic of overt chorioamnionitis and funisitis were observed in 31 (88.5%) cases. In 16 (45.7%) cases the placental and fetal cultures were positive for the same pathogen. Serology of acute infection was positive in three (8.5%) of the cases.
Conclusion Maternal and fetal infectious workup is valuable in the investigation of stillbirth, particularly before 30 weeks of gestation and should be considered a part of standard evaluation.
Clinical Research on Delayed Cure after Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Li Ming-Wu , Jiang Xiao-Feng , Wu Min , He Fang , Niu Chaoshi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective The clinical data of patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) were analyzed statistically to identify factors leading to delayed cure after microvascular decompression (MVD).
Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 600 patients with HFS subjected to MVD from March 2016 to May 2018 was performed. Student t test, chi-square test, logistic regression analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the correlation between delayed cure and its related factors.
Results Among the 600 patients enrolled, 117 had delayed cure after MVD. The shortest duration of delayed cure was 4 days, and the longest was 540 days, with an average of 108 days. The frequency of delayed improvement in these patients was not associated with sex, age, or offending vessel type (p > 0.05); however, delayed cure was positively correlated with the course of the disease, grade of HFS severity, and disappearance of abnormal muscle responses during the operation (p < 0.05). Moreover, a longer disease course was associated with more severe related symptoms and a longer duration of postoperative delayed cure.
Conclusion MVD is an effective treatment for HFS. Given that postoperative delayed cure was unavoidable, even with accurate identification of the offending vessel and sufficient decompression of the root exit zone, delayed cure should be considered in patients undergoing reoperation due to lack of remission or relapse after the operation. Additionally, the timing of efficacy assessments should be delayed.