bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formation and purification of tailored liposomes for drug delivery using a module-based micro continuous-flow system
Authors: Dimov Nikolay , Kastner Elisabeth , Hussain Maryam , Perrie Yvonne , Szita Nicolas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLiposomes are lipid based bilayer vesicles that can encapsulate, deliver and release low-soluble drugs and small molecules to a specific target site in the body. They are currently exploited in several nanomedicine formulations. However, their development and application is still limited by expensive and time-consuming process development and production methods. Therefore, to exploit these systems more effectively and support the rapid translation of new liposomal nanomedicines from bench to bedside, new cost-effective and scalable production methods are needed. We present a continuous process flow system for the preparation, modification and purification of liposomes which offers lab-on-chip scale production. The system was evaluated for a range of small vesicles (below 300 nm) varying in lipid composition, size and charge; it offers effective and rapid nanomedicine purification with high lipid recovery (> 98%) combined with effective removal of non-entrapped drug (propofol >95% reduction of non-entrapped drug present) or protein (ovalbumin >90% reduction of OVA present) and organic solvent (ethanol >95% reduction) in less than 4 minutes. The key advantages of using this bench-top, rapid, process development tool are the flexible operating conditions, interchangeable membranes and scalable high-throughput yields, thereby offering simultaneous manufacturing and purification of nanoparticles with tailored surface attributes.
Potential bias of daily soil CO2 efflux estimates due to sampling time
Authors: Cueva Alejandro , Bullock Stephen H. , López-Reyes Eulogio , Vargas Rodrigo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSoil respiration (Rs) has been usually measured during daylight hours using manual chambers. This approach assumes that measurements made during a typical time interval (e.g., 9 to 11 am) represent the mean daily value; locally, this may not always be correct and could result in systematic bias of daily and annual Rs budgets. We propose a simple method, based on the temporal stability concept, to determine the most appropriate time of the day for manual measurements to capture a representative mean daily Rs value. We introduce a correction factor to adjust for biases due to non-optimally timed sampling. This approach was tested in a semiarid shrubland using 24 hr campaigns using two treatments: trenched plots and plots with shrubs. In general, we found optimum times were at night and potential biases ranged from −29 to + 40% in relation to the 24 hr mean of Rs, especially in trenched plots. The degree of bias varied between treatments and seasons, having a greater influence during the wet season when efflux was high than during the dry season when efflux was low. This study proposes a framework for improving local Rs estimates that informs how to decrease temporal uncertainties in upscaling to the annual total.
Controllable Electrochromic Polyamide Film and Device Produced by Facile Ultrasonic Spray-coating
Authors: Liu Huan-Shen , Chang Wei-Chieh , Chou Chin-Yen , Pan Bo-Cheng , Chou Yi-Shan , Liou Guey-Sheng , Liu Cheng-Liang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThermally stable TPA-OMe polyamide films with high transmittance modulation in response to applied potential are formed by facile ultrasonic spray-coating. Four processing conditions (Film A, Film B, Film C and Film D) through tuning both solution concentrations and deposition temperatures can be utilized for the formation of wet and dry deposited films with two film thickness intervals. The electrochromic results show that the dry deposited rough films at higher deposition temperature generally reveal a faster electrochromic response, lower charge requirements (Q) and less conspicuous color changes (smaller optical density change (ΔOD) and lightness change (ΔL*)) during the oxidation process as compared to the wet deposited smooth films at lower deposition temperature. Moreover, thicker electrochromic films from increased solution concentration exhibit more obvious changes between coloration and bleaching transition. All these four polyamide films display colorless-to-turquoise electrochromic switching with good redox stability. The large scale patterned electrochromic film and its application for assembled device (10 × 10 cm2 in size) are also produced and reversibly operated for color changes. These represent a major solution-processing technique produced by ultrasonic spray-coating method towards scalable and cost-effective production, allowing more freedoms to facilitate the designed electrochromic devices as required.
Towards an ultra-rapid smartphone- connected test for infectious diseases
Authors: Turbé Valérian , Gray Eleanor R. , Lawson Victoria E. , Nastouli Eleni , Brookes Jennifer C. , Weiss Robin A. , Pillay Deenan , Emery Vincent C. , Verrips C. Theo , Yatsuda Hiromi , Athey Dale , McKendry Rachel A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe development is reported of an ultra-rapid, point-of-care diagnostic device which harnesses surface acoustic wave (SAW) biochips, to detect HIV in a finger prick of blood within 10 seconds (sample-in-result-out). The disposable quartz biochip, based on microelectronic components found in every consumer smartphone, is extremely fast because no complex labelling, amplification or wash steps are needed. A pocket-sized control box reads out the SAW signal and displays results electronically. High analytical sensitivity and specificity are found with model and real patient blood samples. The findings presented here open up the potential of consumer electronics to cut lengthy test waiting times, giving patients on the spot access to potentially life-saving treatment and supporting more timely public health interventions to prevent disease transmission.
Atomic Scale Formation Mechanism of Edge Dislocation Relieving Lattice Strain in a GeSi overlayer on Si(001)
Authors: Maras E. , Pizzagalli L. , Ala-Nissila T. , Jónsson H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUnderstanding how edge misfit dislocations (MDs) form in a GeSi/Si(001) film has been a long standing issue. The challenge is to find a mechanism accounting for the presence of these dislocations at the interface since they are not mobile and cannot nucleate at the surface and glide towards the interface. Furthermore, experiments can hardly detect the nucleation and early stages of growth because of the short time scale involved. Here we present the first semi-quantitative atomistic calculation of the formation of edge dislocations in such films. We use a global optimization method and density functional theory calculations, combined with computations using potential energy functions to identify the best mechanisms. We show that those previously suggested are relevant only for a low film strain and we propose a new mechanism which accounts for the formation of edge dislocations at high film strain. In this one, a 60° MD nucleates as a “split” half-loop with two branches gliding on different planes. One branch belongs to the glide plane of a complementary 60° MD and therefore strongly favors the formation of the complementary MD which is immediately combined with the first MD to form an edge MD.
In search of features that constitute an “enriched environment” in humans: Associations between geographical properties and brain structure
Authors: Kühn Simone , Düzel Sandra , Eibich Peter , Krekel Christian , Wüstemann Henry , Kolbe Jens , Martensson Johan , Goebel Jan , Gallinat Jürgen , Wagner Gert G. , Lindenberger Ulman 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEnriched environments elicit brain plasticity in animals. In humans it is unclear which environment is enriching. Living in a city has been associated with increased amygdala activity in a stress paradigm, and being brought up in a city with increased pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) activity. We set out to identify geographical characteristics that constitute an enriched environment affecting the human brain. We used structural equation modelling on 341 older adults to establish three latent brain factors (amygdala, pACC and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)) to test the effects of forest, urban green, water and wasteland around the home address. Our results reveal a significant positive association between the coverage of forest and amygdala integrity. We conclude that forests may have salutogenic effects on the integrity of the amygdala. Since cross-sectional data does not allow causal inference it could also be that individuals with high structural integrity choose to live closer to forest.
High resolution analysis of rare copy number variants in patients with autism spectrum disorder from Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chia-Hsiang , Chen Hsin-I. , Chien Wei-Hsien , Li Ling-Hui , Wu Yu-Yu , Chiu Yen-Nan , Tsai Wen-Che , Gau Susan Shur-Fen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRare genomic copy number variations (CNVs) (frequency <1%) contribute a part to the genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study aimed to understand the scope of rare CNV in Taiwanese patients with ASD. We conducted a genome-wide CNV screening of 335 ASD patients (299 males, 36 females) from Taiwan using Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 and compared the incidence of rare CNV with that of 1093 control subjects (525 males, 568 females). We found a significantly increased global burden of rare CNVs in the ASD group compared to the controls as a whole or when the rare CNVs were classified by the size and types of CNV. Further analysis confirmed the presence of several rare CNVs at regions strongly associated with ASD as reported in the literature in our sample. Additionally, we detected several new private pathogenic CNVs in our samples and five patients carrying two pathogenic CNVs. Our data indicate that rare genomic CNVs contribute a part to the genetic landscape of our ASD patients. These CNVs are highly heterogeneous, and the clinical interpretation of the pathogenic CNVs of ASD is not straightforward in consideration of the incomplete penetrance, varied expressivity, and individual genetic background.
Accuracy and Reliability of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for Linear and Volumetric Mandibular Condyle Measurements. A Human Cadaver Study
Authors: García-Sanz Verónica , Bellot-Arcís Carlos , Hernández Virginia , Serrano-Sánchez Pedro , Guarinos Juan , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe accuracy of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) on linear and volumetric measurements on condyles has only been assessed on dry skulls. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of linear and volumetric measurements of mandibular condyles in the presence of soft tissues using CBCT. Six embalmed cadaver heads were used. CBCT scans were taken, followed by the extraction of the condyles. The water displacement technique was used to calculate the volumes of the condyles and three linear measurements were made using a digital caliper, these measurements serving as the gold standard. Surface models of the condyles were obtained using a 3D scanner, and superimposed onto the CBCT images. Condyles were isolated on the CBCT render volume using the surface models as reference and volumes were measured. Linear measurements were made on CBCT slices. The CBCT method was found to be reliable for both volumetric and linear measurements (CV < 3%; CCI > 0.90). Highly accurate values were obtained for the three linear measurements and volume. CBCT is a reliable and accurate method for taking volumetric and linear measurements on mandibular condyles in the presence of soft tissue, and so a valid tool for clinical diagnosis.
Full space device optimization for solar cells
Authors: Baloch Ahmer A. B. , Aly Shahzada P. , Hossain Mohammad I. , El-Mellouhi Fedwa , Tabet Nouar , Alharbi Fahhad H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAdvances in computational materials have paved a way to design efficient solar cells by identifying the optimal properties of the device layers. Conventionally, the device optimization has been governed by single or double descriptors for an individual layer; mostly the absorbing layer. However, the performance of the device depends collectively on all the properties of the material and the geometry of each layer in the cell. To address this issue of multi-property optimization and to avoid the paradigm of reoccurring materials in the solar cell field, a full space material-independent optimization approach is developed and presented in this paper. The method is employed to obtain an optimized material data set for maximum efficiency and for targeted functionality for each layer. To ensure the robustness of the method, two cases are studied; namely perovskite solar cells device optimization and cadmium-free CIGS solar cell. The implementation determines the desirable optoelectronic properties of transport mediums and contacts that can maximize the efficiency for both cases. The resulted data sets of material properties can be matched with those in materials databases or by further microscopic material design. Moreover, the presented multi-property optimization framework can be extended to design any solid-state device.
Comparative population pharmacokinetics and absolute oral bioavailability of COX-2 selective inhibitors celecoxib, mavacoxib and meloxicam in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Authors: Dhondt Laura , Devreese Mathias , Croubels Siska , De Baere Siegrid , Haesendonck Roel , Goessens Tess , Gehring Ronette , De Backer Patrick , Antonissen Gunther 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSelective COX-2 inhibitors are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which directly target cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme mainly responsible for induction of inflammation, pyresis and pain. Although commonly used in avian medicine, limited pharmacokinetic (PK) data in domestic and companion birds are available. In this study, PK parameters and absolute oral bioavailability expressed as percentage (F%) of celecoxib (10 mg/kg BW), mavacoxib (4 mg/kg BW) and meloxicam (1 mg/kg BW) were determined following single oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) administration to cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). The drugs were quantified in plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Data were processed using the nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) approach. In contrast to celecoxib (T1/2el = 0.88 h) and meloxicam (T1/2el = 0.90 h), mavacoxib has a prolonged elimination half-life (T1/2el = 135 h) following oral administration of a commercial formulation (CF). High to complete oral absorption was observed following oral administration of celecoxib (F% = 56–110%) and mavacoxib (F% = 111–113%), CF and standard solutions, respectively. In contrast, the F% of meloxicam was low (F% = 11%). Based on the presented results, a less frequent dosing of mavacoxib is proposed compared to celecoxib and meloxicam. However, pharmacodynamic and safety studies are necessary to further investigate the use of these NSAIDs in cockatiels.
Comparison of perfusion models for quantitative T1 weighted DCE-MRI of rectal cancer
Authors: Gaa Tanja , Neumann Wiebke , Sudarski Sonja , Attenberger Ulrike I. , Schönberg Stefan O. , Schad Lothar R. , Zöllner Frank G. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this work, the two compartment exchange model and two compartment uptake model were applied to obtain quantitative perfusion parameters in rectum carcinoma and the results were compared to those obtained by the deconvolution algorithm. Eighteen patients with newly diagnosed rectal carcinoma underwent 3 T MRI of the pelvis including a T1 weighted dynamic contrastenhanced (DCE) protocol before treatment. Mean values for Plasma Flow (PF), Plasma Volume (PV) and Mean Transit Time (MTT) were obtained for all three approaches and visualized in parameter cards. For the two compartment models, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and $${{\boldsymbol{\chi }}}^{{\bf{2}}}$$

χ

2

were calculated. Perfusion parameters determined with the compartment models show results in accordance with previous studies focusing on rectal cancer DCE-CT (PF2CX = 68 ± 44 ml/100 ml/min, PF2CU = 55 ± 36 ml/100 ml/min) with similar fit quality (AIC:169 ± 81/179 ± 77, $${{\boldsymbol{\chi }}}^{{\bf{2}}}$$

χ

2

:10 ± 12/9 ± 10). Values for PF are overestimated whereas PV and MTT are underestimated compared to results of the deconvolution algorithm. Significant differences were found among all models for perfusion parameters as well as between the AIC and $${{\boldsymbol{\chi }}}^{{\bf{2}}}$$

χ

2

values. Quantitative perfusion parameters are dependent on the chosen tracer kinetic model. According to the obtained parameters, all approaches seem capable of providing quantitative perfusion values in DCE-MRI of rectal cancer.
A longitudinal analysis of the vaginal microbiota and vaginal immune mediators in women from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Jespers Vicky , Kyongo Jordan , Joseph Sarah , Hardy Liselotte , Cools Piet , Crucitti Tania , Mwaura Mary , Ndayisaba Gilles , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Buyze Jozefien , Vanham Guido , van de Wijgert Janneke H. H. M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn cross-sectional studies increased vaginal bacterial diversity has been associated with vaginal inflammation which can be detrimental for health. We describe longitudinal changes at 5 visits over 8 weeks in vaginal microbiota and immune mediators in African women. Women (N = 40) with a normal Nugent score at all visits had a stable lactobacilli dominated microbiota with prevailing Lactobacillus iners. Presence of prostate-specific antigen (proxy for recent sex) and being amenorrhoeic (due to progestin-injectable use), but not recent vaginal cleansing, were significantly associated with microbiota diversity and inflammation (controlled for menstrual cycle and other confounders). Women (N = 40) with incident bacterial vaginosis (Nugent 7–10) had significantly lower concentrations of lactobacilli and higher concentrations of Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Prevotella bivia, at the incident visit and when concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-12p70) were increased and IP-10 and elafin were decreased. A higher ‘composite-qPCR vaginal-health-score’ was directly associated with decreased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-8, IL-12(p70)) and increased IP-10. This longitudinal study confirms the inflammatory nature of vaginal dysbiosis and its association with recent vaginal sex and progestin-injectable use. A potential role for proinflammatory mediators and IP-10 in combination with the vaginal-health-score as predictive biomarkers for vaginal dysbiosis merits further investigation.
Serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol when used with fasting plasma glucose improves the efficiency of diabetes screening in a Chinese population
Authors: Ying Lingwen , He Xingxing , Ma Xiaojing , Shen Yun , Su Hang , Peng Jiahui , Wang Yufei , Bao Yuqian , Zhou Jian , Jia Weiping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSerum 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) levels can not only accurately reflect the mean blood glucose over the previous 1–2 weeks in diabetic patients but also offers the advantage of representing postprandial glucose. To evaluate the clinical significance of 1,5-AG in diabetes detection, especially when used in combination with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), a total of 3098 participants at high risk for diabetes (1467 men, 1631 women) were enrolled. A total of 1471 (47.5%) participants were diagnosed with diabetes, and the mean 1,5-AG level in the diabetic group was significantly lower than that in non-diabetic group [12.5 (7.8–17.5) μg/mL vs. 20.5 (15.3–26.4) μg/mL, P < 0.001]. The optimal cut-off point was 15.9 μg/mL, for which the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were 69.2%, 72.3%, and 0.781, respectively. For the combination of FPG and 1,5-AG, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC improved to 82.5%, 83.5%, and 0.912, respectively. This method helped 75.8% of the participants avoid an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), reducing the need to carry out the OGTT by 43.9% compared to the use of the FPG criterion only. In conclusion, the addition of FPG to serum 1,5-AG improves the efficiency of diabetes screening in the Chinese population.
Filtering effect of temporal niche fluctuation and amplitude of environmental variations on the trait-related flowering patterns: lesson from sub-Mediterranean grasslands
Authors: Catorci Andrea , Piermarteri Karina , Penksza Károly , Házi Judit , Tardella Federico Maria 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTiming of flowering is a critical component of community assembly, but how plant traits respond to heterogeneity of resources has been identified mostly through observations of spatial variations. Thus, we performed a trait-based phenological study in sub-Mediterranean grasslands to assess the importance of temporal variation of resources in the species assemblage processes. We found that early flowering species have traits allowing for slow resource acquisition and storage but rapid growth rate. Instead, mid- and late-flowering species exhibited sets of strategies devoted to minimizing water loss by evapotranspiration or aimed at maximizing the species’ competitive ability, thanks to slow growth rate and more efficient resource acquisition, conservation and use. Our findings were consistent with the fluctuation niche theory. We observed that the amplitude of the environmental fluctuations influences the type and number of strategies positively filtered by the system. In fact, in the most productive grasslands, we observed the highest number of indicator trait states reflecting strategies devoted to the storage of resources and competition for light. Results seem also indicate that temporal variation of resources plays a role in trait differentiation and richness within a plant community, filtering traits composition of grasslands in the same direction, as formerly proved for spatial heterogeneity of resources.
Laser-Plasma Driven Synthesis of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Barberio M. , Antici P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper we introduce a laser-plasma driven method for the production of carbon based nanomaterials and in particular bi- and few-layers of Graphene. This is obtained by using laser-plasma exfoliation of amorphous Graphite in a liquid solution, employing a laser with energy in the order of 0.5 J/mm2. Raman and XPS analysis of a carbon colloidal performed at different irradiation stages indicate the formation of Graphene multilayers with an increasing number of layers: the amount of layers varies from a monolayer obtained in the first few seconds of the laser irradiation, up to two layers obtained after 10 s, and finally to Graphite and amorphous carbon obtained after 40 s of irradiation. The obtained colloidals are pure, without any presence of impurities or Graphene oxides, and can easily be deposited onto large surfaces (in the order of cm2) for being characterized or for being used in diverse applications.