bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saponin‐enriched extracts from body wall and Cuvierian tubule of Holothuria leucospilota reduce fat accumulation and suppress lipogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chumphoochai Kawita , Chalorak Pawanrat , Suphamungmee Worawit , Sobhon Prasert , Meemon Krai 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSaponins have been shown to possess many pharmacological properties, including altered fat metabolism. The black sea cucumber, Holothuria leucospilota, is a marine animal that contains a specialized organ called a Cuvierian tubule that produces and secrete the bioactive saponins into the tubules and body wall. Therefore, the aims of this study are to investigate the anti‐obesity effect of saponins extracted from body wall and Cuvierian tubules of H. leucospilota.RESULTSThe butanol extracts of H. leucospilota body wall and Cuvierian tubules containing high amounts of saponins significantly reduced fat deposition and triglyceride levels in Caenorhabditis elegans fed with 50 mmol L−1 glucose. Moreover, the saponin‐enriched extracts of H. leucospilota significantly restored the lifespan of 2% glucose‐fed worms (18.71%). Green fluorescence protein‐labeled sbp‐1 gene expression and nuclear translocation of daf‐16 were also significantly decreased in H. leucospilota treatment. The saponin‐enriched extracts downregulated the messenger RNA expressions of genes involved in fat storage and metabolism, including sbp‐1, cebp, and daf‐16 but upregulated the expression of nhr‐49 gene.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that H. leucospilota‐derived saponins may mediate the reduction of glucose‐induced fat accumulation through sbp‐1, cebp, daf‐16 and nhr‐9 pathways. Therefore, the H. leucospilota extracts could be used as nutraceuticals for anti‐obesity prevention. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of chlorogenic acid, polyphenols and antioxidants in green coffee by thin‐layer chromatography, effect‐directed analysis and dot blot – comparison to HPLC and spectrophotometry methods
Authors: Choma Irena Maria , Olszowy Małgorzata , Studziński Marek , Gnat Sebastian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe great prevalence of thin‐layer chromatography over high‐performance liquid chromatography is connected with the possibility of analyzing many samples in parallel. Therefore, the method is often used in screening and/or effect directed analysis to compare composition and chemical/biological properties of many samples in one run. It was already proved, that high performance thin‐layer chromatography, in many cases, can replace high‐performance liquid chromatography for quantitative analysis. The main aim of the paper is to show that simple thin‐layer chromatography can also be used as a quantitative or at least as a semi‐quantitative method, even when it concerns effect directed analysis e.g. direct bioautography. Chlorogenic acid content was measured in four methanol extracts of various green coffees and in one extract of black coffee using thin‐layer chromatography with ultraviolet detection and thin‐layer chromatography with effect directed detection. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used as a reference method. Additionally, total contents of polyphenols and antioxidants were estimated using thin‐layer chromatography or dot‐blot on chromatography plates. These results were compared to spectrophotometric methods. It was proved that thin‐layer chromatography can be used as a quantitative (using densitometry) or semi‐quantitative method (using other detection methods including effect directed detection) as well as for estimating total antioxidants or polyphenols content.
Fatigue properties of bolted joints with cut and formed threads
Authors: Kraemer F. , Klein M. , Oechsner M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDie Ermüdungsbeanspruchbarkeit von metrischen Stahl‐Schrauben wird hinsichtlich der Beeinflussung durch die Einschraubtiefe, die Höhe der Mittellast, den Mutternwerkstoff und das Herstellverfahren des Mutterngewindes untersucht. Für die Verschraubung in Aluminiummutterngewinde bei hohen Einschraubtiefen (tE>2 ⋅ d) zeigt sich eine erhöhte Beanspruchbarkeit der Schraube für geformte Mutterngewinde gegenüber geschnittenen Gewinden. Es kann eine Abhängigkeit der Mittellast für kleine Einschraubtiefen (tE < 1 ⋅ d) festgestellt werden, die durch einen Trend zu höheren Bruchlastspielzahlen mit abnehmender Vorspannkraft (Mittellast) gekennzeichnet ist. Der Einfluss der Mittellast wird für überelastisch vorbelastete und anschließend bis in den elastischen Bereich entlastete Proben bei der Anwendung in Stahlmuttern signifikant. Auf Basis numerischer Simulation werden Spannungsverteilungen im Gewindeeingriff berechnet und örtliche Spannungen als Ansatz für werkstoffbasierte Bewertungskonzepte ausgewertet. Eine homogene Lasteinleitung sowie eine gleichmäßige Lastverteilung führen zu einer höheren Ermüdungsbeanspruchbarkeit.
Lymphatic supermicrosurgery for the treatment of recurrent lymphocele and severe lymphorrhea
Authors: Giacalone Guido , Yamamoto Takumi , Hayashi Akitatsu , Belva Florence , Gysen Mieke , Hayashi Nobuko , Yamamoto Nana , Koshima Isao 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundLymphocele and lymphorrhea are frequent complications after lymph node excision. Recurrent lymphoceles and intractable lymphorrhea are particularly difficult to treat conservatively. We describe the outcomes of four patients with recurrent lymphocele and nine patients with persistent lymphorrhea that were treated by supermicrosurgery.MethodsFour patients with recurrent lymphoceles with a size between 7 and 21 cm and located in the groin (n = 1) or upper leg (n = 3), were referred for surgical treatment between 2013 and 2017 after unsuccessful conservative therapy. Nine patients with lymphorrhea from the groin (n = 7), scrotum (n = 1), or axilla (n = 1) after lymph node or lipoma excision were referred for surgical treatment. Of these, five patients presented with a drainage system and two had a lymphocutaneous fistula. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was used to visualize the lymphatic flow toward the lymphocele, to detect ruptured lymph vessels causing lymphorrhea and for preoperative lymphatic mapping.ResultsAll 13 patients were successfully treated by one or more (mean: 3, range 1–4) lymphaticovenous anastomoses without perioperative complications. The lymphoceles resolved in all four patients, and no recurrence was recorded during follow‐up. The lymphorrhea was cured in all patients by means of lymphaticovenous anastomosis performed distal to the site of leakage. No recurrence was observed during follow‐up. The patency of the lymphaticovenous anastomosis was confirmed intraoperatively by means of ICG lymphography in all cases.ConclusionLymphaticovenous anastomosis is a minimally invasive and effective procedure for the treatment of recurrent lymphocele and persistent lymphorrhea.
DHA Esterified to Phosphatidylserine or Phosphatidylcholine is More Efficient at Targeting the Brain than DHA Esterified to Triacylglycerol
Authors: Chouinard‐Watkins Raphaël , Lacombe R. J. Scott , Metherel Adam H. , Masoodi Mojgan , Bazinet Richard P. 
Published: February 2019

ScopeDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) is crucial for optimal neuronal development and function, but the brain has a poor capacity to synthesize this fatty acid. When consumed acutely esterified to phosphatidylcholine, DHA is more efficient at targeting the brain than when consumed esterified to triacylglycerol. However, the brain DHA bioavailability of other forms of DHA‐containing phospholipids, after oral ingestion, is unknown. The objective of this study is to compare brain uptake of DHA after acute gavage with different DHA carriers.Methods and resultsTen‐week‐old rats were gavaged with 3H‐labeled DHA esterified to phosphatidylcholine (DHA‐PtdCho), phosphatidylethanolamine (DHA‐PtdEtn), phosphatidylserine (DHA‐PtdSer) or triacylglycerol (DHA‐TG). Six hours post‐gavage, the animals were euthanized and radioactivity was quantified in the cortex and serum lipid classes. Radioactivity recovered in cortex total phospholipids was similar between the DHA‐PtdCho and DHA‐PtdSer groups and were 5.8 and 6.7 times higher than in the DHA‐TG group, respectively. Serum total lipid radioactivity was higher in the DHA‐PtdSer group than in the DHA‐PtdCho and DHA‐PtdEtn groups, but not compared to the DHA‐TG group.ConclusionThese results suggest that different mechanisms must be present to explain the serum and brain bioavailability differences between DHA‐PtdCho and DHA‐PtdSer, but these require further investigation.
Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance Tasks and Tools: The Many Roles of Machine Learning
Authors: Kalet Alan M. , Luk Samuel M. H. , Phillips Mark H. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe recent explosion in machine learning efforts in the quality assurance (QA) space has produced a variety of proofs‐of‐concept many with promising results. Expected outcomes of model implementation include improvements in planning time, plan quality, advanced dosimetric QA, predictive machine maintenance, increased safety checks, and developments key for new QA paradigms driven by adaptive planning. In this article, we outline several areas of research and discuss some of the unique challenges each area presents.
Genomics of posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans: Methods and rationale for Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study #575B
Authors: Radhakrishnan Krishnan , Aslan Mihaela , Harrington Kelly M. , Pietrzak Robert H. , Huang Grant , Muralidhar Sumitra , Cho Kelly , Quaden Rachel , Gagnon David , Pyarajan Saiju , Sun Ning , Zhao Hongyu , Gaziano Michael , Concato John , Stein Murray B. , Gelernter Joel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesHeritability in the risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been established, but most genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of PTSD involve relatively small sample sizes and limited identification of associated genetic loci. This report describes the methodology of a Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program GWAS of PTSD among combat‐exposed U.S. veterans.MethodsProbable cases (with PTSD) and probable controls (without PTSD) were identified from among veterans enrolled in the VA Million Veteran Program (MVP) with an algorithm developed using questionnaire responses and electronic health record information. This algorithm, based on a statistical model, relied on medical chart reviews as a reference standard and was refined using telephone interviews. Subsequently, to evaluate the impact of probabilistic phenotyping on statistical power, the threshold probability for case–control selection was varied in simulations.ResultsAs of September 2018, >695,000 veterans have enrolled in MVP. For current analyses, genotyping data were available for >353,000 participants, including >83,000 combat‐exposed veterans. A threshold probability of 0.7 for case and control designation yielded an interim >16,000 cases and >33,000 controls.ConclusionsA formal methodological approach was used to identify cases and controls for subsequent GWAS analyses to identify genetic risk loci for PTSD.
Ensuring high standards for the delivery of NIPT world‐wide: Development of an international external quality assessment scheme
Authors: Deans Zandra C. , Allen Stephanie , Jenkins Lucy , Khawaja Farrah , Gutowska‐Ding Weronika , Patton Simon J. , Chitty Lyn S. , Hastings Ros J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo ensure accurate and appropriate reporting of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results, the standard of testing should be measured and monitored by participation in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes. The findings from international pilot EQAs for NIPT for the common trisomies are presented.MethodsIn the first pilot, three EQA providers used artificially manufactured reference materials to deliver an EQA for NIPT. The second pilot used clinically collected maternal plasma samples. The testing and reporting for aneuploidy status was performed by participating laboratories using routine procedures. Reports were assessed against peer ratified criteria and EQA scores were returned to participants.ResultsForty laboratories participated in the first. Genotyping accuracy was high; four laboratories reported a critical genotyping error (10%) and two reported partial results. Eighty seven laboratories participated in the second pilot using maternal plasma, two reporting a critical genotyping error (2.3%). For both rounds, report content was variable with key information frequently omitted or difficult to identify within the report.ConclusionsWe have successfully delivered an international pilot EQA for NIPT. When compared with currently available manufactured materials, EQA for NIPT was best performed using clinically collected maternal plasma. Work is required to define and improve the standard of reporting.
Optical and electrochemical properties and sensing application for iron(II) and mercury(II) ions of polyfluorenes with imidazole in the main chain
Authors: Spiliopoulos Ioakim K 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPolyfluorenes bearing imidazole and triphenylamine moieties in the main chain were synthesized. The imidazole/triphenylamine molar ratios in the polymer backbone were 100/0 (PFIM100), 50/50 (PFIM50) and 25/75 (PFIM25). Cyclic voltammetry revealed reversible oxidation only for polymers containing triphenylamine moieties (PFIM50 and PFIM25) and irreversible reduction for all polymers. Optical properties of the polymers were investigated using UV‐visible and photoluminescence spectroscopies in solution. The sensing properties of PFIM100 were investigated. The polymer showed recognition towards two analytes, Fe2+ and Hg2+. PFIM100 exhibited selective fluorescence ‘turn‐off’ response to Fe2+ cations. Interaction of PFIM100 with I− anions produced a non‐emissive complex. The PFIM100/I− complex exhibited excellent ‘turn‐on’ sensing properties for detection of Hg2+. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Rotational barriers of carbamate‐protected amine crosslinkers for hydrogels: A combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Schädel Nicole , Gebhardt Julia , Löffler Max , Garnier Delphine , Hansen Niels , Laschat Sabine 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDiethylenetriamines and diethanolamines carrying a carbamate‐protected amine and peripheral reactive units are valuable synthetic building blocks for hydrogel crosslinkers or biohybrid materials because they enable orthogonal functionalization. However, the carbamate unit leads to restricted rotational mobility, affecting both physical and chemical properties of the amines. To gain insight into the rotational behavior of such systems, a series of carbamate‐protected amines with different peripheral units was synthesized and their rotational barriers were studied by dynamic NMR measurements and electronic structure calculations. Experimentally observed barriers were in the range of 61 to 66 kJ/mol and were mostly dependent on the size of the peripheral groups rather than their hydrogen bonding ability. Density functional theory (DFT) and MP2 calculations yielded barriers of similar order of magnitude, albeit differing in the overall trends. The data suggest that for improved theoretical estimates of free energy barriers ab initio molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent would be required.
Feasibility study of intraoperative cone‐beam CT navigation for benign bone tumour surgery
Authors: van Steenbergen Thomas R.F. , van der Geest Ingrid C.M. , Janssen Dennis , Rovers Maroeska M. , Fütterer Jurgen J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers the advantage of navigation on the current anatomical situation and the possibility to take a control scan. We assessed the feasibility of using intraoperative CBCT for navigated intralesional curettage.MethodsNine benign bone tumour patients were studied. Feasibility was assessed by describing the workflow and indications for navigation, scoring CBCT image quality and registration accuracy, and measuring scan and navigation set‐up times. Short‐term follow‐up was described.ResultsCBCT navigation was successful in all patients. Median tumour visibility, tumour delineation, and vital structure visibility scores were good. Median registration accuracy score was very good. Median scan and verification times were 5 and 3 minutes, respectively. One patient had a tumour recurrence after 6 months.ConclusionsIntraoperative CBCT navigation is feasible and safe. Indications for use of navigation in clinical practice are closeness to vital structures, complexly shaped tumours or bone, minimally invasive surgery, and repeated surgery.
Distributed control of uncertain multiagent systems for tracking a leader with unknown fractional‐order dynamics
Authors: Shi Mengji , Qin Kaiyu , Liang Jie , Liu Jun 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThis paper proposes distributed adaptive cooperative control algorithms for second‐order agents to track a leader with unknown dynamics. The models of the followers and the leader are composed of uncertain nonlinear components. The order of the leader's dynamics is unknown and can be fractional. Only the single output information is shared among neighbored agents. To simplify the control design, linearly parameterized neural networks are used to approximate the unknown functions. We first present an adaptive control for leaderless consensus and then extend the method to the tracking problem. Thorough theoretical proofs as well as numerical simulation are included to verify the results. Compared with relevant literature, the new approach applies to a larger variety of systems because (i) knowledge about the structure of leader's model is unnecessary; (ii) the unknown functions in different agents' dynamics can be diverse and arbitrary, in other words, the algorithms apply to heterogeneous agents; (iii) the results can be simply used without parameter calculations.
Fabricating Hybrid Microsphere Substrate Based PLGA‐CNT with In Situ Drug Release: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Jafarbeglou Maryam , Abdouss Majid 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA drug loaded hard tissue nanocomposite with poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT's) fabricated using emulsification‐evaporation and subsequent sintering techniques. Desirable strength via presence of optimum amount and good dispersion of carbon nanotubes was achieved. Results show that by adding only 3% MWCNT's, the compressive strength and modulus was significantly increased compared to pure PLGA composite. SEM images showed adequate CNTs attachment and diffusion in the surfaces of nano and microspheres with uniform orientation. FTIR and X‐ray analyses firmly verified ingredients combination in substrates and evidenced drug and CNTs in their structure. This study explains the possibility of fabricating multifunctional, biocompatible, biodegradable nanocomposites as a hard tissue with controlled drug release.
Photodegradation of Malachite Green Catalyzed by Aqueous Iron(III)‐Citrate Complex: Roles of Iron(II) and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Ou Xiaoxia , Zhang Fengjie , Zhang Chunhua , Zou Xuejun , Bi Xindan , Wang Dongfang , Li Hongcang , Zhang Shiqi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this paper, photodegradation experiments of toxic dye malachite green (MG) by Fe(III), citric acid and their complexes were carried out, and the effects of citrate concentration, Fe(III) concentration, solution pH, and initial dye concentration on MG photodegradation were explored. It was found that the maximum removal efficiency of 95.9% could be achieved after 2 h for MG solution of 20 mg/L containing both 0.1 mM Fe(III) and 1 mM citrate. The MG photodegradation process fitted well with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, and the observed pseudo‐first‐order reaction rate constant (k) was proportional to citrate concentrations. The photochemically formed Fe(II) and H2O2 showed good correlation with MG photodegradation rate by Fe(III)‐citrate complex. The presence of citrate enhanced the photoformation of Fe(II) and H2O2, and the continuous production of hydroxyl radical (•OH) played an important role in MG photodegradation.
Towards Infrared Electronic Eyes: Flexible Colloidal Quantum Dot Photovoltaic Detectors Enhanced by Resonant Cavity
Authors: Tang Xin , Ackerman Matthew M. , Shen Guohua , Guyot‐Sionnest Philippe 
Published: February 2019

AbstractElectronic eye cameras are receiving increasing interest due to their unique advantages such as wide field of view, low aberrations, and simple imaging optics compared to conventional planar focal plane arrays. However, the spectral sensing ranges of most electronic eyes are confined to the visible, which is limited by the energy gaps of the sensing materials and by fabrication obstacles. Here, a potential route leading to infrared electronic eyes is demonstrated by exploring flexible colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photovoltaic detectors. Benefitting from their tunable optical response and the ease of fabrication as solution processable materials, mercury telluride (HgTe) CQD detectors with mechanical flexibility, wide spectral sensing range, fast response, and high detectivity are demonstrated. A strategy is provided to further enhance the light absorption in flexible detectors by integrating a Fabry–Perot resonant cavity. Integrated short‐wave IR detectors on flexible substrates have peak D* of 7.5 × 1010 Jones at 2.2 µm at room temperature and promise the development of infrared electronic eyes with high‐resolution imaging capability. Finally, infrared images are captured with the flexible CQD detectors at varying bending conditions, showing a practical approach to sensitive infrared electronic eyes beyond the visible range.
Interaction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with dopamine receptors in synaptic plasticity of the mouse insular cortex
Authors: Toyoda Hiroki 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe insular cortex plays essential roles in nicotine addiction. However, much is still unknown about its cellular and synaptic mechanisms responsible for nicotine addiction. We have previously shown that in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the mouse insular cortex, activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) suppresses synaptic potentiation through enhancing GABAergic synaptic transmission, although it enhances both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. In the present study, we examined whether dopamine receptors might contribute to the nicotine‐induced inhibition of synaptic potentiation. The nicotine‐induced inhibition of synaptic potentiation was decreased in the presence of a D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 irrespective of the presence of a D2 dopamine receptor antagonist sulpiride, suggesting that D1 dopamine receptors are involved in nicotine‐induced inhibition. We also investigated how dopamine receptors might contribute to the nAChR‐induced enhancement of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. The nAChR‐induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic transmission was decreased in the presence of SCH23390 irrespective of the presence of sulpiride, whereas that of glutamatergic synaptic transmission was not altered in the presence of SCH23390 and sulpiride. These results suggest that D1 dopamine receptors are involved in the nAChR‐induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic transmission while dopamine receptors are not involved in that of glutamatergic synaptic transmission. These observations indicate that the interaction between nAChRs and D1 dopamine receptors plays critical roles in synaptic activities in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the mouse insular cortex. These insular synaptic changes might be associated with nicotine addiction.