bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Solubility of Artemisinin and Curcumin by Co-Solvency Approach for Application in Parenteral Drug Delivery System
Authors: Thakkar Vaishali Tejas , Dhankecha Rachana , Gohel Mukesh , Shah Purvi , Pandya Tosha , Gandhi Tejal 
Published: March 2017

The aim of present study was to enhance solubility of poorly soluble antimalarial drugs, Artemisinin and Curcumin by adopting Co-solvency approach and to develop parenteral aqueous injectable solution. Solubility enhancement of both drugs was achieved using co-solvency approach. The parenteral injection was prepared by using a ternary co-solvent system which comprised of benzyl alcohol, PEG 400 and tween 80 (as surfactant). Solubility of Artemisinin and Curcumin was found to be higher in benzyl alcohol and PEG 400. Co-solvent system comprising of benzyl alcohol, PEG 400 and tween 80 in volume fraction of 0.3, 0.9 and 0.2 respectively showed the minimum required solubility of Artemisinin (90 mg per ml) and Curcumin (180 mg per ml). The parenteral injectable formulation was characterized for pH, clarity, viscosity, osmolarity and sterility and the stated parameters were found in acceptable range. <em>In-vitro </em>erythrocyte toxicity study showed that intravenous administration of optimized formulation will be safe. <em>In-vitro </em>antimalarial assay indicated that efficacy of artemisinin and curcumin parenteral formulation was greater than quinine and combination of Artemether and Lumefantrine. Stability study of the optimized batch showed no change in physical and chemical characteristics. Based on study, one can conclude that Artemisinin and Curcumin can be successfully formulated as parenteral injectable formulation by co-solvency approach for the effective treatment of malarial infection
“All the Lonely People”: Joyce'sDubliners, Paul McCartney, and the Songbook ofThe Beatles
Authors: Connolly Martin Christopher 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper seeks to explore what might be called intriguing commonalities or parallels between some short stories by James Joyce, from his 1914 collection Dubliners, and some songs by The Beatles. I do suggest the possibility of influence, but reserve the bulk of my observations to making connections between narratives which have never been linked in any way before. This exploration allows us to see The Beatles in a new light, yet, not only: this study can also help in the classroom, helping students to come to a better understanding of some particularly challenging areas within Joyce's narratives. I make linkage between the Beatles songs “For No One” and “She's Leaving Home” and Joyce's “Eveline,” in terms of narrative events, tone and compositional approach. I also make a connection between Joyce's “Clay” and the Beatles' “Eleanor Rigby”: these narratives share a number of thematic elements. Furthermore, this song can also be seen as containing many of the overarching themes of the 1914 book. As all of the songs under consideration are primarily written by Paul McCartney, I discuss what I see as shared artistic methods and approaches between McCartney and Joyce.
The “Negro Branch” Library in Memphis: A Case Study of Public Services in a Segregated Southern City
Authors: Knowlton Steven A. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT
Memphis was a pioneer among southern cities in providing segregated library services to African Americans in 1903. However, those services were unequal to services offered to white citizens, and subject to political forces aimed at perpetuating white supremacy. By the 1930s African Americans had become a crucial voting bloc that supported the political machine of “Boss” Crump, who dominated city government between 1927 and 1954. Improved library service was one of many civic amenities that were provided in African American communities as part of an unstated bargain between the Crump machine and African American voters of Memphis. The library became one of many community-building institutions that helped a generation of African American leaders in Memphis prepare for the struggles of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Lester J. Cappon and the Idea of the Public Scholar
Authors: Cox Richard James 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT
Lester J. Cappon (1900–1981) deserves a place as a pioneer public scholar. Over six decades, he worked as an historian, archivist, documentary editor, historical administrator, and president of archival and historical associations. Drawing on Cappon's rich personal papers, especially his diary kept from 1954 to 1981, this essay explores Cappon's legitimate claim to be a public historian and, in today's parlance, his modeling of the public scholar. Cappon's interest in reaching the public about the importance of historical understanding without compromising historical scholarship permeated every aspect of his career. His career serves as a model for librarians, archivists, and others in the information professions seeking to engage with a broader public audience about their professional mission.
Studying at UCL Institute of Archaeology: Past and Present
Authors: Frearson Charlotte , Rando Carolyn 
Published: March 2017

Ranked in the top 5 in the UK for archaeology, for the 10th year in a row, in The Guardian University Guide League Tables.
Ranked in the top five for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2017 League Table of UK archaeology departments (published in May 2016).
Twitter: @UCLarchaeology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCLArchaeology_

Instagram: ucl_archaeology
Effect of method of deduplication on estimation of differential gene expression using RNA-seq
Authors: Klepikova Anna V. , Kasianov Artem S. , Chesnokov Mikhail S. , Lazarevich Natalia L. , Penin Aleksey A. , Logacheva Maria 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundRNA-seq is a useful tool for analysis of gene expression. However, its robustness is greatly affected by a number of artifacts. One of them is the presence of duplicated reads.ResultsTo infer the influence of different methods of removal of duplicated reads on estimation of gene expression in cancer genomics, we analyzed paired samples of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-tumor liver tissue. Four protocols of data analysis were applied to each sample: processing without deduplication, deduplication using a method implemented in samtools, and deduplication based on one or two molecular indices (MI). We also analyzed the influence of sequencing layout (single read or paired end) and read length. We found that deduplication without MI greatly affects estimated expression values; this effect is the most pronounced for highly expressed genes.ConclusionThe use of unique molecular identifiers greatly improves accuracy of RNA-seq analysis, especially for highly expressed genes. We developed a set of scripts that enable handling of MI and their incorporation into RNA-seq analysis pipelines. Deduplication without MI affects results of differential gene expression analysis, producing a high proportion of false negative results. The absence of duplicate read removal is biased towards false positives. In those cases where using MI is not possible, we recommend using paired-end sequencing layout.
Developmental and loco-like effects of a swainsonine-induced inhibition ofα-mannosidase in the honey bee,Apis mellifera
Authors: Wedd Laura , Ashby Regan , Foret Sylvain , Maleszka Ryszard 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundDeficiencies in lysosomal a-mannosidase (LAM) activity in animals, caused either by mutations or by consuming toxic alkaloids, lead to severe phenotypic and behavioural consequences. Yet, epialleles adversely affecting LAM expression exist in the honey bee population suggesting that they might be beneficial in certain contexts and cannot be eliminated by natural selection.MethodsWe have used a combination of enzymology, molecular biology and metabolomics to characterise the catalytic properties of honey bee LAM (AmLAM) and then used an indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine to inhibit its activityin vitroandin vivo.ResultsWe show that AmLAM is inhibitedin vitroby swainsonine albeit at slightly higher concentrations than in other animals. Dietary exposure of growing larvae to swainsonine leads to pronounced metabolic changes affecting not only saccharides, but also amino acids, polyols and polyamines. Interestingly, the abundance of two fatty acids implicated in epigenetic regulation is significantly reduced in treated individuals. Additionally, swainsonie causes loco-like symptoms, increased mortality and a subtle decrease in the rate of larval growth resulting in a subsequent developmental delay in pupal metamorphosis.DiscussionWe consider our findings in the context of cellular LAM function, larval development, environmental toxicity and colony-level impacts. The observed developmental heterochrony in swainsonine-treated larvae with lower LAM activity offer a plausible explanation for the existence of epialleles with impaired LAM expression. Individuals carrying such epialleles provide an additional level of epigenetic diversity that could be beneficial for the functioning of a colony whereby more flexibility in timing of adult emergence might be useful for task allocation.
Bullous Pemphigoid Severity and Levels of Antibodies to BP180 and BP230
Authors: Chou Po-Yi , Yu Chia-Ling , Wen Chiao-Ni , Tu Yu-Kang , Chi Ching-Chi 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceThe correlation between serum levels of autoantibodies against bullous pemphigoid (BP) antigens 180 (BP180) and 230 (BP230) with BP disease severity is unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation of anti-BP180 and anti-BP230 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels with BP disease severity.Data SourcesA search was performed of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and PubMed databases from their respective inception to April 11, 2024.Study SelectionStudies evaluating the correlation between serum levels of anti-BP180 or anti-BP230 IgG measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and disease severity assessed per the Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS) or BP Disease Area Index (BPDAI) were included. No language or geographic restrictions were imposed. Nearly 0.4% of initially identified studies met the selection criteria.Data Extraction and SynthesisOne researcher extracted data and another researcher confirmed data. The risk of bias was independently assessed by these researchers using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool, with discrepancies resolved by discussion with a third researcher. A random-effects model meta-analysis and a subgroup analysis were conducted based on the ELISA kit manufacturers.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPooled correlation coefficients of antibody levels with ABSIS and BPDAI.ResultsIn all, 14 studies with 1226 participants were analyzed. The risk of bias of included studies was generally low. The meta-analysis found anti-BP180 autoantibody levels showed moderate correlation with objective BPDAI (r = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.46-0.64) at baseline, strong correlation (r = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.39-0.79) at 3-month follow-up, and moderate correlation (r = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.25-0.72) at 6-month follow-up. Anti-BP180 autoantibody levels also showed moderate correlation (r = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.39-0.62) with ABSIS at baseline, strong correlation (r = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.79) at 3-month follow-up, and moderate correlation (r = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.25-0.72) at 6-month follow-up. By contrast, anti-BP230 autoantibody levels showed no association with objective BPDAI and ABSIS at diagnosis and follow-up. The subgroup analysis found similar results when using different ELISA kits.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that anti-BP180 autoantibody levels may serve as an adjunctive tool for monitoring BP disease severity and guiding clinical care for patients with BP.
Eight-Week Supplementation With Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Functional Constipation
Authors: Cheng Jing , Gao Carl , Ala-Jaakkola Reeta , Forssten Sofia D. , Saarinen Markku , Hibberd Ashley , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Ibarra Alvin , Li Dingqiang , Nordlund Anders , Wang Yingxin , Shen Xizhong , Peng Haixia , Wan Xinjian , Meng Xiangjun 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceProbiotic supplementation may improve bowel movements. However, large, properly designed studies are lacking.ObjectiveTo evaluate the potential benefit of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis HN019 on constipation, expressed as complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 2 weeks of run-in and 8 weeks of intervention was conducted from December 25, 2020, to February 28, 2022, at 5 hospitals in Shanghai, China. Participants included healthy volunteers with functional constipation according to Rome III criteria, 18 to 70 years of age, and a body mass index (calculated as the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared) of less than 30.0. Eligibility after the run-in phase required the randomized participants to have 3 or fewer CSBMs/wk. Data were analyzed from September 29, 2022, to March 23, 2023, and reported as intention to treat.InterventionParticipants were randomized to receive probiotic (B lactis HN019, 7.0 × 109 colony forming units (CFU)/d in maltodextrin at the start of the study and 4.69 × 109 CFU/d at the end of the study or maltodextrin placebo once a day for 8 weeks.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPrimary outcome was change in CSBMs. Secondary outcomes included use of rescue medication, stool consistency, degree of straining for each bowel movement, abdominal pain, and bloating. Further, dietary habits and physical activity were recorded. Fecal samples were analyzed for moisture content, short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain fatty acids, microbiota composition, and calprotectin.ResultsOf the 283 individuals assessed for eligibility, 229 were randomized to either the placebo (n = 117) or the HN019 (n = 112) group. One participant in the placebo group discontinued due to COVID-19 restrictions. The 229 participants (194 [84.7% female) had a median age of 45 (38-52) years, mean (SD) BMI of 22.8 (2.5), and a mean (SD) of 0.77 (1.0) CSBM/wk. There was no difference in the change of weekly CSBMs from baseline to the end of study between the HN019 (least-square mean change, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.54-1.05]) and placebo (least-square mean change, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.41-0.90]) groups.Conclusions and RelevanceAlthough probiotics have been reported to improve bowel function, this large, well-conducted randomized clinical trial did not confirm such results. Daily consumption of B lactis HN019 at the tested dose of 4.69 × 109 CFU did not outperform placebo to increase CSBMs.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000029215
Evaluation of a prototype array for daily quality assurance in spot scanning proton therapy
Authors: Flatten Veronika , Devendranath Henry‐Aravinth , Kroh Janik , Witt Matthias , Baumann Kilian‐Simon , Gall Kenneth , Simon Bill , Wulff Jörg , Schoenfeld Andreas A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundQuality assurance (QA) on a daily basis is an essential task in radiotherapy. In pencil beam scanning proton therapy (PBS), there is a lack of available practical QA devices for routine daily QA in comparison to conventional radiotherapy.PurposeThe aim was to characterize and evaluate a prototype for the task of daily QA routine for PBS with parameters recommended by the AAPM TG 224, that is, the dose output constancy, the spot position and the distal range verification. Furthermore, a time efficient calibration method for fast and reliable daily QA routine was established for the prototype.MethodsFirst, a calibration routine was designed and evaluated, which characterizes the array response and allows for a conversion of the measured signal to clinically needed QA parameters. Finally, a time and resource efficient daily QA routine was developed and tested.ResultsThe prototype array can distinguish spot position deviations with sub‐millimeter accuracy, as well as changes in the spot size in terms of FWHM with a 2 sensitivity. The range and thus the energy can be evaluated at different depths also with sub‐millimeter precision. After some training, the setup of the prototype device took roughly two minutes and the total beamtime was about one minute on cyclotron site and five minutes for synchrotrons.ConclusionsA prototype for daily QA in spot scanning proton therapy was evaluated, which features a fast and easy setup and allows for measuring relevant beam parameters, typically within less than a minute of beam time. All QA parameters as recommended by the AAPM TG 224 report can be analyzed with sufficient accuracy.
A Scalable Fully Printed Organic Thermoelectric Generator for Harsh Environments Enabled by a Stable n‐type Polymer
Authors: Brunetti Irene , James Pataki Nathan , Hinojosa Diego R. , Hawkey Angus , Karakaya Ozan , Rainer Christian , Khan Muhammad Irfan , Franke Leonard , Mallick Md Mofasser , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo , Kemerink Martijn , Caironi Mario , Lemmer Uli 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAffordable and versatile power sources become crucial as miniaturized electronics and sensors become more widespread. Organic thermoelectric generators (TEGs), capable of tapping into wasted heat sustainably and economically, are viewed as key enablers for powering the sensor networks of the future. Until recently, the performance of n‐type organic thermoelectric materials has severely lagged behind their p‐type counterparts. However, reports of a stable and highly conductive n‐type polymer, poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO), are changing this notion. Nonetheless, validation of PBFDO as a suitable ink for scalable fabrication processes and integration of the material into a scalable organic TEG have yet to be demonstrated. This work presents the development, characterization, and optimization of a PBFDO ink for use in a scalable inkjet printing process. The n‐type ink is then integrated into a screen‐printed origami‐inspired architecture, resulting in a 21‐leg PEDOT:PSS/PBFDO organic TEG capable of delivering a record‐high normalized power density among reported polymer‐based TEGs of 0.718 nW cm−2 K−2. Moreover, the module ambient stability is demonstrated for up to 90 d, while its use for potential applications in harsh environments is validated for a temperature range of ‐8 °C to 200 °C and up to 90% relative humidity, a first for organic TEGs.
Predicting herbage biomass on small‐scale farms by combining sward height with different aggregations of weather data
Authors: Scheurer Luca , Leukel Joerg , Zimpel Tobias , Werner Jessica , Perdana‐Decker Sari , Dickhoefer Uta 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAccurate predictions of herbage biomass are important for efficient grazing management. Small‐scale farms face challenges using remote sensing technologies due to insufficient resources. This limitation hinders their ability to develop machine learning‐based prediction models. An alternative is to adopt less expensive measurement methods and readily available data such as weather data. This study aimed to examine how different temporal aggregations of weather data combined with compressed sward height (CSH) affect the prediction performance. We considered weather features based on different numbers of weather variables, statistical functions, weather events, and periods. Between 2019 and 2021, data were collected from 11 organic dairy farms in Germany. Herbage biomass exhibited high variability (coefficient of variation [CV] = 0.65). Weather data were obtained from on‐farm and nearby public stations. Prediction models were learned on a training set (n = 291) and evaluated on a test set (n = 125). Random forest models performed better than models based on artificial neural networks and support vector regression. Representing weather data by a single feature for leaf wetness reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) by 12.1% (from 536 to 471 kg DM ha−1, where DM is dry matter) and increased the R2 by 0.109 (from 0.518 to 0.627). Adding features based on multiple variables, functions, events, and periods resulted in a further reduction in RMSE by 15.9% (R2 = 0.737). Overall, different aggregations of weather data enhanced the accuracy of CSH‐based models. These aggregations do not cause additional effort for data collection and, therefore, should be integrated into CSH‐based models for small‐scale farms.
Experimental and Computational Insights Into Organotellurium (IV) Complexes as Potent PfNDH2 Inhibitors: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimalarial Evaluation
Authors: Bhardwaj Anisha , Dubey Amit , Tufail Aisha , Tufail Nasir , Jangra Kamlesh , Garg Sapana 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe study examines the binding affinities and pharmacological potential of synthesized metal compounds with PfNDH2 in Plasmodium falciparum. So as to identify the combatting agent for malaria, six new organotellurium (IV) complexes (8a–8f) were prepared through a condensation reaction of 3‐methyl‐2‐thiophene carboxaldehyde and p‐nitroaniline. The synthesized compounds were inclusively characterized through physical and spectral techniques signifying a distorted octahedral geometry. The reported complexes were screened for antimalarial and antioxidant activities and analyzed using micro assays and DPPH assays, respectively. Using docking interactions, the research evaluates the binding energies, hydrogen bonds, and steric interactions of various compounds with PfNDH2, aiming to identify promising candidates for antimalarial drug development. Among the compounds, 8f showed the strongest binding affinity, with the lowest binding energy of −135.626 kcal/mol, and diverse hydrogen bonds with the target enzyme. Structure‐based pharmacophore modeling revealed critical interaction profiles and selectivity scores for the compounds, with 8f emerging as a promising candidate. Molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) analysis offered insights into the distribution of electron density within the compounds, influencing their reactivity and potential as antimalarial agents. ADMET analysis highlighted the pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles of the compounds, revealing critical aspects for optimizing safety and efficacy. Overall, the findings provide valuable information for further development and optimization of potential antimalarial drugs.
Observer‐based control for nonlinear Hadamard fractional‐order systems via SOS approach
Authors: Gassara Hamdi , Naifar Omar , Chaabane Mohamed , Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Arfaoui Hassen , Aldandani Mohammed 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPractical stability refers to the notion that the origin is not an equilibrium point (EP) and that the system states tend to converge toward a sphere centered at the origin. The first goal of this paper is to analyze the concept of “practical stability” in Caputo–Hadamard fractional‐order derivative (CHFOD) systems. Then, using the Lyapunov approach, a polynomial fuzzy (PF) observer‐based controller for stabilizing CHFOD PF systems is created. The observer‐based control is innovative since it was created and proven using the sum‐of‐squares (SOS) method. In conclusion, a numerical illustration is provided to corroborate the theoretical findings.