bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Effect of Different Factors in Formulation of Micro and Nanospheres with Solvent Evaporation Technique
Authors: Subedi Gunjan , Shrestha Ashwinee Kumar , Shakya Shailendra 
Published: August 2016

Background:There are various methods of formulation of micro and nanospheres such as solvent evaporation, solvent removal, polymerization, hot-melt encapsulation, coacervation, phase/wet inversion, spray drying, spray congealingetc. Amongst these all, solvent evaporation is one of the most widely used, researched, easy, accessible methods and for which many patents have been applied. It is thus imperative to understand the basics of effect of formulation variables and design of solvent evaporation method which will be covered in this review article.Objective:To discuss the various formulation factors while designing the robust micro and nanospherical systems with better morphology, entrapment and release of the drugs.Method:Systematic analysis of the relevant literature, bibliographies, and interactions with investigators.Results:From the investigation of different literatures, it was found that various factors of solvent evaporation technique may be controlled in order to design the micro and nanospheres of suitable morphology, entrapment and release characters.Conclusion:Various factors like type of polymer used, weight, viscosity, hydrophilicity, concentration, polymer ratio, stirring speed, emulsifier concentration, concentration of cross-linking agents, type of solvent used, rate of addition of solventetc. Affect the yield, morphology, release and entrapment of the drug inside the system. Hence, these factors play crucial role in the design of a robust micro and nanospherical system.
The effects of selected bulky substituents on the pulmonary toxicity of 3-furyl ketones in mice
Authors: Wilson W. C. , Simon J. , Garst J. E. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Preliminary studies examined the toxicity of a series of simple alkyl 3-furyl ketone congeners of perilla ketone, 1-(3-furyl)-4-methylpentan-1-one (1), in mice, but little was known about how aromatic or bulky side chains might affect toxicity. Therefore, 3-furylphenyl ketone (2) 3-furylphenethyl ketone (3) and 1-3-furyl-4, 4-dimethylpentan-1-one (4) were synthesized to examine this problem. The 48-h LD50 (i.p.) in Notre Dame Swiss mice for each analog was greater than that of the parent toxicant, perilla ketone (1, 30 ± 5; 2, 173 ± 4; 3, 150 ± 11; 4, 79 ± 5 µmol/kg). Absorption and distribution of these compounds should be similar based on their lipophilicities. Preliminary evidence suggested that the reduced toxicities of 2, 3 and 4 compared with 1 cannot be explained on the basis of 13C-NMR (electron density) characteristics. Instead, the reduced potency likely is the result of steric hindrance of bioactivation by the bulky side chain substituents and(or) alternative metabolism on the phenyl ring rather than the furan ring of 2 and 3.
Genetic implications of a simulation model of litter size in swine based on ovulation rate, potential embryonic viability and uterine capacity: II. Simulated selection.
Authors: Bennett G. L. , Leymaster K. A. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Direct selection for ovulation rate, uterine capacity, litter size and embryo survival and selection for indexes of ovulation rate with each of the remaining traits were simulated for a swine population. The relationships among these traits were determined from a simulation model that assumed that litter size was always less than or equal to both ovulation rate and uterine capacity. Heritabilities of ovulation rate and uterine capacity were assumed to be .25 and .20, respectively, and uncorrelated genetically and phenotypically. No additional genetic variation was assumed. Responses to weak selection pressure were simulated by recurrent updating of phenotypic variances and covariances combined with the heritabilities of ovulation rate and uterine capacity. Two indexes of ovulation rate and uterine capacity each resulted in 37% greater increase in litter size than direct selection for litter size. Indexes of ovulation rate and either litter size or embryo survival increased litter size by 21% more than direct selection for litter size. Selection for ovulation rate, uterine capacity or embryo survival was 6, 35 and 79%, respectively, less effective than direct selection for litter size. Responses to intense selection pressure were determined by direct simulation of genotypes and phenotypes of individuals. The two indexes of ovulation rate and uterine capacity exceeded direct selection for litter size by 39 and 27%. The indexes of ovulation rate and either litter size or embryo survival exceeded direct selection for litter size by 19 and 13%, respectively. Intense selection for ovulation rate or uterine capacity decreased selection response by 26 and 67%, respectively, relative to direct selection for litter size. Intense selection for embryo survival decreased litter size slightly.
Test-retest reproducibility and validity of the back-leg-chest strength measurements
Authors: Ten Hoor Gill A. , Musch Kirsty , Meijer Kenneth , Plasqui Guy 
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: A single measure to characterize overall muscle strength is advantageous because it saves time and costs of evaluation. For this reason, the back-leg-chest (BLC) strength might be an appropriate single measure in characterizing total body strength. OBJECTIVE: To assess the test-retest reproducibility and smallest real difference (SRD) of the BLC dynamometer in healthy adults and adolescents and to examine whether handgrip, knee-extensor and knee-flexor strength predict BLC strength in healthy adults. METHODS: Forty-five adults and 58 adolescents were recruited. In a first session back-leg-chest strength, handgrip strength, and additionally, in adults, isometric knee-extensor strength, and knee-flexor strength were measured. In a second session, 2-5 days later, BLC strength was measured again for test-retest reproducibility. RESULTS: Inter-session correlations of BLC strength were high (all r's and ICC's > 0.92). Bland-Altman-plots showed high agreement. The SRD and SRD% were between 14-26, and 19% and 26% respectively. Strength variables (handgrip, knee-extensor, and knee-flexor strength) explained 87% of the variance in BLC strength. A stepwise linear regression showed that dominant knee extensor and flexor strength were the most important significant predictors of BLC strength (r2 = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the BLC dynamometer has reasonably high test-retest reproducibility and hence may serve in some pertinent situations to be an appropriate tool for clinical, basic and applied research.
THE INFRARED–GAMMA-RAY CONNECTION: A WISE VIEW OF THE EXTRAGALACTIC GAMMA-RAY SKY
Authors: Massaro F. , D’Abrusco R. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
Using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) all-sky survey, we discovered that the nonthermal infrared (IR) emission of blazars, the largest known population of extragalactic γ-ray sources, has peculiar spectral properties. In this work, we confirm and strengthen our previous analyses using the latest available releases of both the WISE and the Fermi source catalogs. We also show that there is a tight correlation between the mid-IR colors and the γ-ray spectral index of Fermi blazars. We name this correlation the infrared–γ-ray connection. We discuss how this connection links both the emitted powers and the spectral shapes of particles accelerated in jets arising from blazars over 10 decades in energy. Based on this evidence, we argue that the infrared–γ-ray connection is stronger than the well-known radio–γ-ray connection.
PHYSICAL ROLES OF INTERSTELLAR-ORIGIN PICKUP IONS AT THE HELIOSPHERIC TERMINATION SHOCK: IMPACT ON THE SHOCK FRONT MICROSTRUCTURES AND NONSTATIONARITY
Authors: Lembège Bertrand , Yang Zhongwei 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
The nonstationary dynamics of the heliospheric termination shock in the presence of pickup ions (PUI) is analyzed by using a one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation code. This work initially stimulated by Voyager 2 data focusses on this nonstationarity for different percentages of PUIs and for different Alfvén Mach numbers M
A. Solar wind ions (SWIs) and PUIs are described, respectively, as Maxwellian and shell distributions (with a zero/finite thickness). For a moderate M
A, present results show that (1) the shock front is still nonstationary even in the presence of 25% of PUIs; its instantaneous velocity varies, which is in favor for shock multicrossing; (2) the presence of PUIs tends to smooth out the time fluctuations of field amplitude and of microstructure widths at the front and overshoot; (3) the shock has a multiple overshoot, which is analyzed by identifying the contributions of SWIs and the PUIs; (4) as the PUI percentage increases, the shock moves faster and the downstream compression becomes weaker, which is explained by a Rankine–Hugoniot model; (5) the reflection rate of SWIs and PUIs decreases as the PUI percentage increases; (6) the shock structure is almost insensitive to the shell thickness; and (7) for the PUIs dominated shock case (PUI = 55%), the shock becomes stationary. However, for higher M
A regime, the front nonstationarity persists even in the PUI = 55% case. In summary, high M
A regime allows to compensate the smoothing of the microstructures and the time fluctuations of the shock front brought by the presence of PUIs.
Long-term Effects of LASIK on Corneal Innervation and Tear Neuropeptides and the Associations With Dry Eye
Authors: Chao Cecilia , Golebiowski Blanka , Zhao Xiangtian , Chen Shihao , Zhou Shi , Stapleton Fiona 
Published: August 2016

PURPOSE:
To investigate the associations between dry eye, corneal nerves, and tear neuroptides in dry eye after LASIK.

METHODS:

A single visit cross-sectional study was performed. Twenty participants who had LASIK more than 12 months prior and 20 healthy participants were recruited. Ocular comfort, tear functions, ocular surface sensitivity, basal tear collection, and corneal nerve morphology assessments were conducted. Tear substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentrations were determined using ELISAs. Differences in variables between groups were examined using an independent
t
test or Mann–Whitney
U
test, as appropriate. Associations between variables in the post-LASIK group were examined using a Spearman's correlation test. A
P
value of less than .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS:

Central corneal nerve morphology parameters were all altered in the post-LASIK group (
P
< .05). Higher ocular discomfort (
P
= .01), tear CGRP concentration (
P
= .001), and conjunctival sensitivity (
P
< .009) were found in the post-LASIK group. There was a positive association between dry eye symptoms and superior corneal sensitivity (
P
= .51,
P
= .02) and tear substance P concentration (
P
= .52,
P
< .03).

CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides evidence of the association between tear neuropeptides, conjunctival sensitivity, and symptoms in symptomatic patients after LASIK. The differences in nerve morphology, neuropeptide, and ocular surface sensitivity between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients after LASIK are required to better understand the mechanism of dry eye after LASIK.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2016;32(8):518–524.]
Immunotherapy Expands and Maintains the Function of High-Affinity Tumor-Infiltrating CD8 T Cells In Situ
Authors: Moran Amy E. , Polesso Fanny , Weinberg Andrew D. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Cancer cells harbor high-affinity tumor-associated Ags capable of eliciting potent antitumor T cell responses, yet detecting these polyclonal T cells is challenging. Therefore, surrogate markers of T cell activation such as CD69, CD44, and programmed death-1 (PD-1) have been used. We report in this study that in mice, expression of activation markers including PD-1 is insufficient in the tumor microenvironment to identify tumor Ag-specific T cells. Using the Nur77GFP T cell affinity reporter mouse, we highlight that PD-1 expression can be induced independent of TCR ligation within the tumor. Given this, we characterized the utility of the Nur77GFP model system in elucidating mechanisms of action of immunotherapies independent of PD-1 expression. Coexpression of Nur77GFP and OX40 identifies a polyclonal population of high-affinity tumor-associated Ag-specific CD8+ T cells, which produce more IFN-γ in situ than OX40 negative and doubles in quantity with anti-OX40 and anti-CTLA4 mAb therapy but not with anti–PD-1 or programmed death ligand-1. Moreover, expansion of these high-affinity CD8 T cells prolongs survival of tumor-bearing animals. Upon chronic stimulation in tumors and after adoptive cell therapy, CD8 TCR signaling and Nur77GFP induction is impaired, and tumors progress. However, this can be reversed and overall survival significantly enhanced after adoptive cell therapy with agonist OX40 immunotherapy. Therefore, we propose that OX40 agonist immunotherapy can maintain functional TCR signaling of chronically stimulated tumor-resident CD8 T cells, thereby increasing the frequency of cytotoxic, high-affinity, tumor-associated Ag-specific cells.
Learnings From the Pilot Implementation of Mobile Medical Milestones Application
Authors: Page Cristen P. , Reid Alfred , Coe Catherine L. , Carlough Martha , Rosenbaum Daryl , Beste Janalynn , Fagan Blake , Steinbacher Erika , Jones Geoffrey , Newton Warren P. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Background
Implementation of the educational milestones benefits from mobile technology that facilitates ready assessments in the clinical environment. We developed a point-of-care resident evaluation tool, the Mobile Medical Milestones Application (M3App), and piloted it in 8 North Carolina family medicine residency programs.

Objective
We sought to examine variations we found in the use of the tool across programs and explored the experiences of program directors, faculty, and residents to better understand the perceived benefits and challenges of implementing the new tool.

Methods
Residents and faculty completed presurveys and postsurveys about the tool and the evaluation process in their program. Program directors were interviewed individually. Interviews and open-ended survey responses were analyzed and coded using the constant comparative method, and responses were tabulated under themes.

Results
Common perceptions included increased data collection, enhanced efficiency, and increased perceived quality of the information gathered with the M3App. Residents appreciated the timely, high-quality feedback they received. Faculty reported becoming more comfortable with the tool over time, and a more favorable evaluation of the tool was associated with higher utilization. Program directors reported improvements in faculty knowledge of the milestones and resident satisfaction with feedback.

Conclusions
Faculty and residents credited the M3App with improving the quality and efficiency of resident feedback. Residents appreciated the frequency, proximity, and specificity of feedback, and faculty reported the app improved their familiarity with the milestones. Implementation challenges included lack of a physician champion and competing demands on faculty time.
LOAC: a small aerosol optical counter/sizer for ground-based and balloon
measurements of the size distribution and nature of atmospheric particles – Part 2: First results from balloon and unmanned aerial vehicle
flights
Authors: Renard Jean-Baptiste , Dulac François , Berthet Gwenaël , Lurton Thibaut , Vignelles Damien , Jégou Fabrice , Tonnelier Thierry , Jeannot Matthieu , Couté Benoit , Akiki Rony , Verdier Nicolas , Mallet Marc , Gensdarmes François , Charpentier Patrick , Mesmin Samuel , Duverger Vincent , Dupont Jean-Charles , Elias Thierry , Crenn Vincent , Sciare Jean , Zieger Paul , Salter Matthew , Roberts Tjarda , Giacomoni Jérôme , Gobbi Matthieu , Hamonou Eric , Olafsson Haraldur , Dagsson-Waldhauserova Pavla , Camy-Peyret Claude , Mazel Christophe , Décamps Thierry , Piringer Martin , Surcin Jérémy , Daugeron Daniel 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. In the companion (Part I) paper, we have described and evaluated a new versatile optical particle counter/sizer named LOAC (Light Optical Aerosol Counter), based on scattering measurements at angles of 12 and 60°. That allows for some typology identification of particles (droplets, carbonaceous, salts, and mineral dust) in addition to size-segregated counting in a large diameter range from 0.2 µm up to possibly more than 100 µm depending on sampling conditions (Renard et al., 2016). Its capabilities overpass those of preceding optical particle counters (OPCs) allowing the characterization of all kind of aerosols from submicronic-sized absorbing carbonaceous particles in polluted air to very coarse particles (> 10–20 µm in diameter) in desert dust plumes or fog and clouds. LOAC's light and compact design allows measurements under all kinds of balloons, on-board unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and at ground level. We illustrate here the first LOAC airborne results obtained from a UAV and a variety of scientific balloons. The UAV was deployed in a peri-urban environment near Bordeaux in France. Balloon operations include (i) tethered balloons deployed in urban environments in Vienna (Austria) and Paris (France), (ii) pressurized balloons drifting in the lower troposphere over the western Mediterranean (during the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment – ChArMEx campaigns), (iii) meteorological sounding balloons launched in the western Mediterranean region (ChArMEx) and from Aire-sur-l'Adour in south-western France (VOLTAIRE-LOAC campaign). More focus is put on measurements performed in the Mediterranean during (ChArMEx) and especially during African dust transport events to illustrate the original capability of balloon-borne LOAC to monitor in situ coarse mineral dust particles. In particular, LOAC has detected unexpected large particles in desert sand plumes.
Observing river stages using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Niedzielski Tomasz , Witek Matylda , Spallek Waldemar 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We elaborated a new method for observing water surface areas and river stages using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is based on processing multitemporal five orthophotomaps produced from the UAV-taken visible light images of nine sites of the river, acquired with a sufficient overlap in each part. Water surface areas are calculated in the first place, and subsequently expressed as fractions of total areas of water-covered terrain at a given site of the river recorded on five dates. The logarithms of the fractions are later calculated, producing five samples, each consisted of nine elements. In order to detect statistically significant increments of water surface areas between two orthophotomaps, we apply the asymptotic and bootstrapped versions of the Student's t test, preceded by other tests that aim to check model assumptions. The procedure is applied to five orthophotomaps covering nine sites of the Ścinawka river (south-western (SW) Poland). The data have been acquired during the experimental campaign, at which flight settings were kept unchanged over nearly 3 years (2012–2014). We have found that it is possible to detect transitions between water surface areas associated with all characteristic water levels (low, mean, intermediate and high stages). In addition, we infer that the identified transitions hold for characteristic river stages as well. In the experiment we detected all increments of water level: (1) from low stages to mean, intermediate and high stages; (2) from mean stages to intermediate and high stages; and (3) from intermediate stages to high stages. Potential applications of the elaborated method include verification of hydrodynamic models and the associated predictions of high flows as well as monitoring water levels of rivers in ungauged basins.
Wavelet analysis for non-stationary, nonlinear time series
Authors: Schulte Justin A. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Methods for detecting and quantifying nonlinearities in nonstationary time series are introduced and developed. In particular, higher-order wavelet analysis was applied to an ideal time series and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) time series. Multiple-testing problems inherent in wavelet analysis were addressed by controlling the false discovery rate. A new local autobicoherence spectrum facilitated the detection of local nonlinearities and the quantification of cycle geometry. The local autobicoherence spectrum of the QBO time series showed that the QBO time series contained a mode with a period of 28 months that was phase coupled to a harmonic with a period of 14 months. An additional nonlinearly interacting triad was found among modes with periods of 10, 16 and 26 months. Local biphase spectra determined that the nonlinear interactions were not quadratic and that the effect of the nonlinearities was to produce non-smoothly varying oscillations. The oscillations were found to be skewed so that negative QBO regimes were preferred, and also asymmetric in the sense that phase transitions between the easterly and westerly phases occurred more rapidly than those from westerly to easterly regimes.
CALCULATION OF TIMES AND TEMPERATURES FOR PRESS VULCANIZATION OF THICK RUBBER PADS
Authors: Gough Julia 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
Rubber manufacturers need simple rules to enable them to find the correct cure time and temperature for thick articles. To this end finite element analysis, controlled by Python scripting, has been used to calculate press times that meet specifications for adequate cure for uniaxial heat flow through molded rubber pads over a range of thicknesses. Three press temperatures, the effect of first preheating the rubber, and the rate of cooling were investigated. A low press temperature, preheating of the rubber, and fast cooling were required to achieve a reasonably even state of cure through thick moldings. The heat of vulcanization was included in some of the models. Its effect was small. Unified plots of the simulation results for five commercial rubber compounds are presented, and simple equations are provided to enable the cure time at any cure temperature to be estimated. The applicability of the results to fast cures of thin sections is discussed.
Therapeutic Prospective of Infused Allogenic Cultured Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Traumatic Brain Injury Mice: A Longitudinal Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Assessment
Authors: Mishra Sushanta Kumar , Rana Poonam , Khushu Subash , Gangenahalli Gurudutta 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Improved therapeutic assessment of experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), would immensely benefit its therapeutic management. Neurometabolite patterns at injury site, measured with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) after MSCs transplantation, may serve as a bio-indicator of the recovery mechanism. This study used in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and 1H-MRS to evaluate the therapeutic prospects of implanted MSCs at injury site in experimental mice longitudinally up to 21 days. Negative tissue contrast and cytotoxic edema formation were observed in susceptibility-based contrast (T2*) and an apparent diffusion coefficient map, respectively. Lesion site showed decreased N-acetylaspartate, total choline, myo-inositol, total creatine, glutamate-glutamine complex, and taurine neurometabolic concentrations by 1H-MRS investigation. There was a considerable decrease in locomotor activity, depression index, and cognitive index after TBI. It may, therefore, be inferred that MSC transplantation prompted recovery by decreasing negative signals and edema, restoring metabolites to baseline concentrations, and enhancing behavioral activity. Overall findings support the potential of MSC transplantation for the enhancement of endogenous neuroprotective responses, which may provide future clinical applications for translating laboratory research into therapeutic clinical advances.