bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the PV Power Systems Storage Batteries Charging Characteristics
Authors: Diaconu E. M. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this paper, a numerical method is presented for measuring and analyzing the characteristics of the charging process for nine photovoltaic panels storage batteries systems. The data was collected with the PV charger module which has a built-in data acquisition board. A source code algorithm written in Matlab is developed to obtain a mathematical model for the characteristics of the charging process of the batteries connected to the PV panels. Using the interpolation method, a mathematical model is obtained. The numerical error between experimental and theoretical results prove that the method is accurate.
Effect of Compression Garments on Controlled Force Output After Heel-Rise Exercise
Authors: Kato Emika , Nakamura Mariko , Takahashi Hideyuki 
Published: April 2017

AbstractKato, E, Nakamura, M, and Takahashi, H. Effect of compression garments on controlled force output after heel-rise exercise.J Strength Cond Res32(4): 1174–1179, 2018—The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of compression garments (CG) on controlled force output after strenuous exercise. Sixteen healthy volunteers completed trials both with CG and without CG (control trial: CON) on 2 separate, random days which were at least 1 month apart. Both trials required participants to perform heel-rise exercises from maximal dorsiflexion to maximal plantar flexion 20 times with a single leg. The subjects repeated 3 sets of the exercise and took a rest for 2 minutes between sets. Before and after the heel-rise exercise, mechanical (stiffness) and architectural properties of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle were evaluated using the ultrasound method. Also, isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of plantar flexion was measured, and the subjects maintained 20% MVC of plantar flexion torque for 20 seconds as steadily as possible (steadiness task) as an index of force control. Repeated 2-way analysis of variance analysis (CG/CON × time) indicated that all the parameters declined immediately after heel-rise exercise in both CG and CON trials. Maximal voluntary contraction did not show different tendencies between CG and CON trials, but muscle stiffness and steadiness declined less in CG than CON (p< 0.05). In conclusion, CG are considered to positively benefit controlled force output after strenuous exercise.
FKBP8 recruits LC3A to mediate Parkin‐independent mitophagy
Authors: Bhujabal Zambarlal , Birgisdottir Åsa B , Sjøttem Eva , Brenne Hanne B , Øvervatn Aud , Habisov Sabrina , Kirkin Vladimir , Lamark Trond , Johansen Terje 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMitophagy, the selective removal of damaged or excess mitochondria by autophagy, is an important process in cellular homeostasis. The outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) proteins NIX, BNIP3, FUNDC1, and Bcl2‐L13 recruit ATG8 proteins (LC3/GABARAP) to mitochondria during mitophagy. FKBP8 (also known as FKBP38), a unique member of the FK506‐binding protein (FKBP) family, is similarly anchored in the OMM and acts as a multifunctional adaptor with anti‐apoptotic activity. In a yeast two‐hybrid screen, we identified FKBP8 as an ATG8‐interacting protein. Here, we map an N‐terminal LC3‐interacting region (LIR) motif in FKBP8 that binds strongly to LC3A both in vitro and in vivo. FKBP8 efficiently recruits lipidated LC3A to damaged mitochondria in a LIR‐dependent manner. The mitophagy receptors BNIP3 and NIX in contrast are unable to mediate an efficient recruitment of LC3A even after mitochondrial damage. Co‐expression of FKBP8 with LC3A profoundly induces Parkin‐independent mitophagy. Strikingly, even when acting as a mitophagy receptor, FKBP8 avoids degradation by escaping from mitochondria. In summary, this study identifies novel roles for FKBP8 and LC3A, which act together to induce mitophagy.
Fluticasone furoate induced iatrogenic Cushing syndrome in a pediatric patient receiving anti-retroviral therapy
Authors: van den Berg S A A , van ‘t Veer N E , Emmen J M A , van Beek R H T 
Published: April 2017

Summary
We present a case of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome, induced by treatment with fluticasone furoate (1–2 dd, 27.5 µg in each nostril) in a pediatric patient treated for congenital HIV. The pediatric patient described in this case report is a young girl of African descent, treated for congenital HIV with a combination therapy of Lopinavir/Ritonavir (1 dd 320/80 mg), Lamivudine (1 dd 160 mg) and Abacavir (1 dd 320 mg). Our pediatric patient presented with typical Cushingoid features (i.e. striae of the upper legs, full moon face, increased body and facial hair) within weeks after starting fluticasone furoate therapy, which was exacerbated after increasing the dose to 2 dd because of complaints of unresolved rhinitis. Biochemical analysis fitted iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome, with a repeatedly low cortisol (<0.03 µM, ref 0.14–0.60 µM) and low ACTH (9 pg/mL, ref 9–52 pg/mL) without signs of adrenal insufficiency. No other biochemical abnormalities that could point to adrenal or pituitary dysfunction were detected; electrolytes, thyroid and gonadal function, and IGF-1 were within the normal range. Pharmacogenetic analysis revealed that the pediatric patient carried the CYP3A4 *1B/*1G and CYP3A5 *3/*3 genotype (associated with a partial and complete loss of enzyme activity, respectively) which is associated with the development of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome in patients treated for HIV due to the strong inhibition of CYP3 enzymes by Ritonavir. Upon discontinuation of fluticasone treatment, the pediatric patient improved both clinically and biochemically with normalisation of cortisol and ACTH within a couple of weeks.

Learning points:

Fluticasone therapy may induce iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome in a patient treated with anti-retroviral therapy.

Pharmacogenetic analysis, in particular CYP3A genotyping, provides useful information in patients treated for HIV with respect to possible future steroid treatment.

Fluticasone furoate is not detected in the Siemens Immulite cortisol binding assay.
Hypersecretion of ACTH and PRL from pituitary adenoma in MEN1, adequately managed by medical therapy
Authors: Uraki Shinsuke , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Doi Asako , Furuta Hiroto , Nishi Masahiro , Usui Takeshi , Yamaue Hiroki , Akamizu Takashi 
Published: April 2017

Summary
A 54-year-old man had gastrinoma, parathyroid hyperplasia and pituitary tumor. His family history indicated that he might have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). MEN1 gene analysis revealed a heterozygous germline mutation (Gly156Arg). Therefore, we diagnosed him with MEN1. Endocrinological tests revealed that his serum prolactin (PRL) and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were elevated to 1699 ng/mL and 125 pg/mL respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis of the resected pancreatic tumors revealed that the tumors did not express ACTH. Overnight 0.5 and 8 mg dexamethasone suppression tests indicated that his pituitary tumor was a PRL-ACTH-producing plurihormonal tumor. Before transsphenoidal surgery, cabergoline was initiated. Despite no decrease in the volume of the pituitary tumor, PRL and ACTH levels decreased to 37.8 ng/mL and 57.6 pg/mL respectively. Owing to the emergence of metastatic gastrinoma in the liver, octreotide was initiated. After that, PRL and ACTH levels further decreased to 5.1 ng/mL and 19.7 pg/mL respectively. He died from liver dysfunction, and an autopsy of the pituitary tumor was performed. In the autopsy study, histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis showed that the tumor was single adenoma and the cells were positive for ACTH, growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and PRL. RT-PCR analysis showed that the tumor expressed mRNA encoding all anterior pituitary hormones, pituitary transcription factor excluding estrogen receptor (ER) β, somatostatin receptor (SSTR) 2, SSTR5 and dopamine receptor D (D2R). PRL-ACTH-producing tumor is a very rare type of pituitary tumor, and treatment with cabergoline and octreotide may be useful for controlling hormone levels secreted from a plurihormonal pituitary adenoma, as seen in this case of MEN1.

Learning points:

Although plurihormonal pituitary adenomas were reported to be more frequent in patients with MEN1 than in those without, the combination of PRL and ACTH is rare.

RT-PCR analysis showed that the pituitary tumor expressed various pituitary transcription factors and IHC analysis revealed that the tumor was positive for PRL, ACTH, GH and LH.

Generally, the effectiveness of dopamine agonist and somatostatin analog in corticotroph adenomas is low; however, if the plurihormonal pituitary adenoma producing ACTH expresses SSTR2, SSTR5 and D2R, medical therapy for the pituitary adenoma may be effective.
A showy new Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from northwest Ecuador
Authors: Jost Lou , Iturralde Gabriel 
Published: April 2017

Resumen. Se describe una nueva especie de Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) de los bosques piemontanos de la provincia de Carchi en el noroccidente de Ecuador. Esta especie presenta flores relativamente grandes en relación a la mayoría de las especies del género, cuyas caudas de los sépalos son largas y delgadas. Es similar a Platystele caudatisepala pero se distingue de esa especie por sus sépalos laterales parcialmente connados, el labio convexo con la punta y márgenes reflexos, los pétalos deflexos, a veces tocando sus puntas hacia atrás de la flor, los sépalos con márgenes recurvados y las hojas largamente pecioladas. Abstract. A new species of Platystele (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) is described from foothill forest in the province of Carchi in northwestern Ecuador. The species has relatively large flowers for the genus, with long slender sepaline tails. It resembles Platystele caudatisepala, but is distinguished from that species by the partially connate lateral sepals, the convex lip with reflexed tip and margins, the deflexed petals, sometimes with their tips touching behind the flower, the sepals with recurved margins, and the leaves long-petiolate.
Thin film micro arrays with immobilized DNA for hybridization analysis
Authors: Fixe F. , Faber A. , Gonçalves D. , Prazeres D.M.F. , Cabeça R. , Chu V. , Ferreira G. , Conde J.P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this work, a procedure to immobilize DNA probes on a microarray patterned on a flexible plastic substrate is developed. The method involves the chemical activation of a thin film surface, the introduction of amine functionality via a silanization step, the coupling of an adequate crosslinker and finally the immobilization of the DNA probe. The response of different thin-film materials and plastic substrates to the immobilization procedure is discussed. The DNA probes immobilized in the patterned pixels were then allowed to hybridize with complementary target DNA labeled with a fluorescent molecule. A prototype array of thin film pixels of SiO2 functionalized by silanization deposited over a polyimide substrate is demonstrated.
Cells in Micropatterned Hydrogels: Applications in Biosensing
Authors: Koh Won-Gun , Pishko Michael 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHere we will discuss the development of arrays of mammalian cells of differing phenotype integrated with microfluidics and microsensors for applications such as drug screening and used to monitor cellular effects of multiple chemical and biological candidates. To fabricate these arrays, we immobilized either single or small groups of cells in 3-dimensional poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel microstructures fabricated on plastic or glass surfaces. These microstructures were created using either photolithography or printed using microarray robots. The resulting hydrogel microstructures were fabricated to dimensions as small as 10 microns in diameter with aspect ratios as high as 1.4. The gels were highly swollen with water to permit mass transfer of nutrients and potential analytes to the cells, and cell adhesion molecules were immobilized in the gel to allow cell attachment and spreading. Cell viability was confirmed using fluorescent assays and ESEM used to verify complete cell encapsulation. The specific and non-specific response of these cells to target molecules was monitored using optical or electrochemical detectors and analyzed to quantify the effect of these agents on the different phenotypes present in the array.
Nitric Oxide Sensors obtained through the entrapment of iron complexes in sol-gel matrix
Authors: Biazzotto Juliana C. , Borin João F. , Faria Roberto Mendonça , Graeff Carlos F.O , Preto Ribeirão 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIron(III)-diethyldithiocarbamate (Fe3DETC) or iron(III)-tetra-pentafluorophenyl porphyrin (FeTFPP) was entrapped within a silica matrix by the sol-gel process. The obtained sol-gel materials SGFeDETC and SGFeTFPP were investigated as sensors for nitric oxide (NO). UV/Vis spectra of the SGFeTFPP present a Soret band at 410 nm similar to that found in the solution. The binding of gaseous NO resulted in a red shift in the Soret absorption band (410 to 419 nm) of the FeTFPP in the matrix unlike FeTFPP:NO in solution. In the case of SGFeDETC, after addition of sodium dithionite solution and bubbling NO we have good evidence that the complex is formed. The EPR spectrum of the SGFeDETC:NO in solid form exhibited a signal similar to that found in a solution of FeDETC:NO at 77K. The UV/Vis spectrum of SGFeDETC:NO shows a band at 367 nm also found in FeDETC:NO solutions. It is observed that the FeDETC:NO is more stable entrapped in the sol-gel than in aqueous solution. In the former the EPR signal decreases by a factor of 4 after one week, in the latter in 2 days the EPR signal cannot be observed anymore.
Oligonucleotide Metallization for Conductive Bio-Inorganic Interfaces in Self Assembled Nanoelectronics and Nanosystems
Authors: Wang Xu , Singh Krishna , Tsai Chris , Lake Roger , Balandin Alexander , Ozkan Mihri 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProperly designed sequences of oligonucleotides can be employed as scaffolds or templates for the self-organization of nanostructures and devices, through the Watson-Crick base pairing mechanism which serves as a programmable smart glue. In this paper, we report the Platinum metallization of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) sequences for the first time. PNA is an analogue of DNA and has a neutral backbone which provides stronger hybridization, greater stability and higher specificity in base pairing. Pt ions were reduced from a salt solution and localized over the PNA fragments where the size of the Pt colloids depends on the duration of chemical reduction. Computations of the high lying occupied and lowlying unoccupied orbitals indicated that Pt nanoparticles bind easily on both the Thymine (T) bases and the backbone in the PNA.
Effect of Dopants on the Band Structure of Barium Strontium Titanate Thin Films
Authors: Zheng Yuebing , Wang Shijie , Huan Cheng Hon A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe effect of dopants on the band structure and crystal structure of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3thin films on (100) LaAlO3 substrates has been investigated. The dopants include Ti, Mg and Al. The band-gap energies of the thin films were determined from the transmission spectra measured by UVVIS spectrophotometer and increased with the increase of dopant concentration regardless of the type of dopants. The crystal structure was studied by using transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The relation between band structure and crystal structure was discussed.
Diode Laser Bonding of Planar MEMS, MOEMS, & Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Chen Jie-Wei , Zybko Jerry , Clements James 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe assembly of plastic microfluidic devices, MOEMS and microarrays requiring high positioning and welding accuracy in the micrometer range, has been successfully achieved using a new technology based on laser transmission welding combined with a photolithographic mask technique. This paper reviews a laser assembly platform for the joining of microfluidic plastic parts with its main related process characteristics and its potential for low-cost and high volume manufacturing. The system consists of a of diode laser with a mask and an automated alignment function to generate micro welding seams with freely definable geometries. A fully automated mask alignment system with a resolution of < 2 μm and a precise, non-contact energy input allows a fast welding of micro structured plastic parts with high reproducibility and excellent welding quality.
Microchannel Arrays in Borophosphosilicate Glass for Photonic Device and Optical Sensor Applications
Authors: Callender Claire L. , Dumais Patrick , Blanchetière Chantal , Ledderhof Christopher J. , Noad Julian P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe fabrication of two-dimensional uniform arrays of microchannels in borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) layers deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is presented. The microchannels, with circular cross-sections of 2-3 μm diameter, are formed by depositing specific thicknesses of BPSG over periodic ridge/space templates etched into underlying silica layers using reactive ion etching (RIE). High temperature annealing results in reflow of the BPSG and the formation of uniform circular or cylindrical voids between the template ridges. Control of microchannel size and geometry through process variables is reported, and exploitation of the microfluidic and optical properties of microchannels and integrated waveguides for applications in optical sensing and photonic devices is demonstrated
Functionalisation of Microfluidic Channels with In Situ Grown Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Gjerde K. , Schurmann T. , Teo K.B.K. , Aono M. , Milne W.I. , Bøggild P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe present a new route towards customizing the surface properties of microfluidic channels, by a forest of in situ grown multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT). Local distortions of the electrical field direction are used to control the direction of the carbon nanotube growth.
Composite Contacts in Microsystems: Fabrication of Metal-Nanostructured Titania Nanocomposites
Authors: Zuruzi Abu Samah , Ward Marcus S. , Ding Chang Song , MacDonald Noel C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntegrated micrometer scale interpenetrating Au-Nanostructured TiO2 (NST) network nanocomposites have been fabricated using a two step process. First, NST pad arrays were prepared by reacting Ti surfaces, patterned with an SiO2 masking layer, with aqueous H2O2. NST formed is porous with pores 50 to 200 nm in diameter and walls about 75 to 125 nm thick. Second, Au was infiltrated into pores of NST using electroless deposition to form the nanocomposite. SEM studies indicate that Au was deposited into pores of NST with little void formation. Selective deposition of Au on NST pads was confirmed using XRD and area-mode XPS. This process is a general route to forming micrometer-scale nanocomposite features consisting of NST and metals that are amenable to electroless deposition.
Functional Carbon Nanotube Substrates for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Zhang X. , Ozkan C. , Prasad S. , Ozkan M. , Niyogi S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we describe nanostructured substrates as suitable and functional platforms for neuron scaffolding. Neurons are electrically excitable mammalian cells that on network formation serve as conduits for information transfer. A vast amount of information is transferred through the cells in the spinal cord via synaptic and gap junctions in the electro-ionic fashion mediated by neutrotransmitters. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are strong, flexible, conduct electrical current and they are biocompatible and non-biodegradable. They can be functionalized with different biomolecules like neuron growth factors and adhesion agents, properties that come useful in formation of neuron hybrids. These properties of the nanotubes make them potentially successful candidates to form prosthetic substrates to guide neurite outgrowth. A combination of microlithography and chemical vapor deposition is used to engineer patterned vertical multiwalled carbon nanotube substrates. These substrates function as scaffolds and are used to demonstrate the formation of directed neuronal networks. Multiple substrate geometries and nanotube heights are fabricated to determine the most suitable combination for understand the cell morphological changes. Changes in the interaction between the cell membrane and the nanotube substrate are visually characterized. Cell viability is determined via calcium staining and different types of nano-structure substrates are also tested for further studies.
Self Organized InAs Quantum Dots on Patterned GaAs Substrates
Authors: Schramboeck M. , Schrenk W. , Andrews A. M. , Roch T. , Fasching G. , Brezna W. , Lugstein A. , Strasser G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe investigate the growth of InAs quantum dots on patterned GaAs substrates. The GaAs substrate has been structured using holographic lithography. Quantum dot formation along the patterns has been observed as well as an increase in homogeneity of the quantum dots. Furthermore, the use of ion beams focused to nanometer diameters for substrate patterning has been studied and showed promising results. For the investigation of vertically aligned InAs quantum dots, cross-sectional atomic force microscopy has been successfully employed.
Colloidal Crystal Wires from Directed Assembly
Authors: Li Feng , Badel Xavier , Linnros Jan , Wiley John B. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractColloidal crystal wires with tubular-like packings are prepared by the directed assembly of spheres into cylindrical one-dimensional channels. Silica spheres are infiltrated into porous silicon membranes, treated with silane, and annealed. Single annealing cycles are found to result in colloidal crystal wires with varied packing geometries, while repeated annealing produces a thin translucent silica sheath around the wires. Packing in the wires varies with the relative channel diameter of the silicon membrane where typical wires contain 4 to 7 helical strands. Both chiral and achiral packing geometries are observed. The fabrication of these wires is discussed and the relationship between channel size and packing structure detailed.