bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioresponsive inulin‐azobenzene nanostructures for targeted drug delivery to colon
Authors: Yadav Santosh , Singh Reena , Kumar Pradeep 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHere, a series of amphiphilic inulin‐azobenzene (IAb) conjugates has been synthesized by the reaction of inulin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, with varying amounts of 6‐(3‐(4‐[4‐dimethylaminophenylazo]‐phenyl)‐thioureido)‐hexanoic acid (Azo‐ahx), an azobenzene linker. The resulting IAb conjugates (IAb‐1, IAb‐2 and IAb‐3 with 1, 3, and 5% substitution of the linker, respectively) self‐assembled into nanostructures in aqueous environment, which were then used to encapsulate the hydrophobic drug molecules, ornidazole (OZ) and 5‐fluorouracil (FU). Drug loaded and unloaded nanostructures were subjected to characterization by spectroscopic and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The sustained drug release behavior of these nanostructures was studied by dialysis bag method at different pH values. Enzyme‐responsive drug release behavior was investigated under the influence of inulinase. Besides, the best formulation, IAb‐1, not only showed antioxidant potential but also exhibited good wound healing properties as evidenced by in vitro scratch assay in HaCaT cells. The self‐assembled nanostructures of IAb‐1 were found be non‐toxic to cells even up to 700 μg/ml as tested by MTT assay on HEK 293 and HeLa cells. In conclusion, the potential of self‐assembled drug loaded inulin‐azo nanostructures has been demonstrated for the targeted drug delivery applications.
Lightweight, low temperature fatigue resistant, and low dielectric microcellular polyetheretherketone foams fabricated by microcellular injection molding
Authors: Ma Yitao , Xie Jinzhao , Li Zhongjie , Liu Gonghan , Yang Weimin , Xie Pengcheng 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this study, microcellular injection molding with supercritical nitrogen was employed to fabricate polyetheretherketone (PEEK) foams. The results showed that microporous PEEK specimens with weight loss up to 22% (specific strength of 58.16) and a low dielectric constant of 2.29 were achieved successfully. It is demonstrated that the microcellular structures and distribution varied with filling distance, due to the variation of pressure and temperature of melt in the mold cavity. Moreover, the low‐temperature resistance of foamed PEEK specimen was evaluated with ultra‐low temperature cycling test. It is found that foamed PEEK specimens demonstrate the same level of performance under low temperature conditions, which provides potential application in extreme environments. PEEK specimens have dielectric constant fluctuations in the X‐band due to the polarization of the molecular chains. In the PEEK foams, microcellular structure significantly influenced their dielectric properties. The wider cell layer enables higher gas content in PEEK foams, resulting in lower dielectric constant. Furthermore, crystallization can suppress the orientational polarization of molecular chains, and thus higher crystallinity results in a smaller dielectric constant. The lightweight, low‐temperature fatigue‐resistant, low‐dielectric microporous PEEK products have tremendous promise as insulation materials in many applications such as communications and microelectronics.
Continuity and change in loneliness and stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal study of autistic and non‐autistic adults
Authors: Scheeren Anke M. , Howlin Patricia , Pellicano Liz , Magiati Iliana , Begeer Sander 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPrevious studies have suggested that autistic adults may be negatively affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. In this study, we examined continuity and change in loneliness and stress, and their predictors, in 448 autistic and 70 non‐autistic adults living in the Netherlands. Autistic participants were assessed on three occasions using the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and Perceived Stress Scale (pre‐lockdown (T0), first lockdown (T1), and second lockdown (T2)); non‐autistic participants were assessed twice (T1 and T2). Autistic adults' loneliness and stress levels remained stable across all three time points over 8 months, but were consistently higher than those of non‐autistic adults. Other predictors of higher loneliness and stress levels at the first lockdown (T1) included low perceived social support and high levels of COVID‐19 related worries. Although loneliness and stress were stable at the group level, the wellbeing of some autistic adults worsened over the course of the pandemic, while others improved. For instance, adults with a mental health diagnosis (other than autism) prior to the pandemic were more likely to increase in stress over time, whereas adults with higher perceived social support were more likely to decrease in stress over time (from T1 to T2). Factors contributing to variability in outcome require further examination. Moreover, the relatively high loneliness and stress levels in autistic adults call for attention from clinicians and service providers.Lay summaryIn our study, autistic adults reported feeling more lonely and stressed than non‐autistic adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. People who missed support from their social network also felt more lonely and stressed. On average, people did not change substantially in their degree of loneliness or stress over time. Yet, we noted large person‐to‐person differences in the wellbeing of autistic adults during the pandemic.
New transcriptome and clinical findings of platelet‐activating factor in chronic spontaneous urticaria: Pathogenic and treatment relevance
Authors: Andrades Evelyn , Clarós Miquel , Torres Juan Vicente , Nonell Lara , González Mónica , Curto‐Barredo Laia , Rozas‐Muñoz Eduardo , Gimeno Ramon , Barranco Carlos , Pujol Ramon M. , Izquierdo Iñaki , Giménez‐Arnau Ana M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe objective of the study was to assess the pathogenic and treatment relevance of Platelet Activating factor (PAF) in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The expression and cellular location of PAF receptor (PAFR) and serum levels of PAF and PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF‐AH) in patients with moderate/severe CSU (n = 45) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 17) were studied. Skin samples from the active wheal (LS‐CSU, 13 samples for qPCR and 33 for immunohistochemistry) and non‐lesional skin (NLS‐CSU, 13 samples) of CSU patients and HCs (13 samples and 5 for immunohistochemistry) were analyzed. Serum PAF and PAF‐AH levels were measured by ELISA and compared between HC (10 samples) and CSU patients (25 samples) and, among them, between those refractory and non‐refractory to second‐generation H1‐antihistamines (sgAH). PAFR mRNA expression was significantly higher in LS‐CSU versus HCs (p = 0.014). PAFR positive staining in immunohistochemistry was mainly found in the epidermal basal layer in HCs, whereas it was broadly present along the epidermis in LS‐CSU samples. Endothelial cells showed PAFR expression exclusively in LS‐CSU and NLS‐CSU samples. PAFR expression was observed in the nerves of HC, LS‐CSU, and NLS‐CSU samples. Double PAFR/CD43 expression showed that T‐lymphocytes were the main cell type from the wheal inflammatory infiltrate expressing PAFR. A significantly lower PAF‐AH/PAF ratio was observed in sgAH non‐responders versus responders (6.1 vs. 12.6; p = 0.049). Our study confirms that PAF is a mediator of wheal pathogenesis in CSU. The significantly lower PAF‐AH/PAF ratio in sgAH non‐responders vs responders suggests that PAF could be a potential biomarker of sgAH refractoriness.
Highly Luminescent Positively Charged Quantum Dots Interacting with Proteins and Cells†
Authors: Wang Haixia , Nienhaus Karin , Shang Li , Nienhaus Gerd Ulrich 
Published: August 2022

Comprehensive SummaryWe have studied interactions between positively charged MUTAB‐stabilized quantum dots (QDs) and model proteins, serum and live cells using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) and live‐cell fluorescence imaging. Using human serum albumin (HSA) as a model protein, we measured the growth of a protein adsorption layer (“protein corona”) via time‐resolved FCS. Corona formation was characterized by an apparent equilibrium dissociation coefficient, KD ≈ 10 μM. HSA adlayer growth was surprisingly slow (timescale ca. 30 min), in stark contrast to many similar measurements with HSA and other proteins and different NPs. Time‐resolved PL data revealed a characteristic quenching behavior depending on the QD surface coverage with HSA. Taken together, we found that MUTAB‐QDs initially bind HSA molecules weakly (KD ≈ 700 μM); however, the affinity is enhanced over time, presumably due to proton injection into the MUTAB layer by HSA triggering ligand dissociation. This process was also observed with human blood serum, showing equal kinetics for comparable HSA concentration. Moreover, imaging experiments with cultured human cells (HeLa) revealed that MUTAB‐QDs bind to the cell membrane and perforate it. This process is reduced upon pre‐adsorption of proteins on the MUTAB‐QD surfaces.
A color channel multiplexing approach for robust discrete wavelet transform based image watermarking
Authors: Saritas Omer Faruk , Ozturk Serkan 
Published: August 2022

SummaryCopyright protection of digital images has become a consequential issue in recent years. To prevent a breach of copyright for a color image, this article presents a novel discrete wavelet transform (DWT) based robust image watermarking method with a color channel multiplexing approach. In this proposed method, the original color image is separated into red, green, and blue color channels. One of these color channels is copied and a set of four channels is obtained. Then these channels are combined to obtain a new gray‐level cover image. 2‐level DWT is performed on the cover image. Arnold scrambled binary watermark image i embedded into the low‐frequency sub‐band of the cover image. 2‐level inverse DWT is performed to produce a gray‐level watermarked image. Then a demultiplexing process is performed by separating the gray‐level watermarked image into four color channels. The average values of the two copied color channels are calculated and then converted into a single‐color channel. Finally, the watermarked color image is get by merging three different color channels. To approve the performance of the presented method, various experimental tests have been performed and a benchmarking analysis has been conducted. The results show that the proposed method is robust against non‐linear and linear attacks while protecting watermarking imperceptibility.
Enabling efficient rate and temporal coding using reliability‐aware design of a neuromorphic circuit
Authors: Picardo Siona Menezes , Shaik Jani Babu , Singhal Sonal , Goel Nilesh 
Published: August 2022

AbstractReliability aspects such as bias temperature instability (BTI) and hot carrier injection (HCI) affecting devices in advanced CMOS‐based technology have been the subject of active research in recent decades. Due to these reliability issues, various digital and analog circuits were investigated for degradation. However, circuit blocks like the neuron circuits of neuromorphic systems are not fully explored. This work is inclined toward examining the collective degradation impact of BTI and HCI due to aging in an adaptive exponential “integrate and fire” (I&F) model‐based, neuromorphic neuron circuit. Detailed degradation analysis of the stimulated neuron circuit aided in identifying possible mismatches/faults associated with neuron spikes. These factors could reduce the efficiency of the neuronal circuit by potentially affecting the transmission of information in a neuromorphic system. Various performance parameters were then derived to quantify the extent of circuit deterioration. The proposed reliability‐aware design aims to improve the circuit degradation through its effectiveness in alleviating the overall reliability impact. It demonstrates enhanced circuit operation in spike generation even after aging. The circuit performance is validated through simulations at “Time0” (pre‐degradation) and “Aged” (post‐degradation) neuron netlists, which is then compared with the proposed reliability‐aware circuit.
Efficacy of gel immersion endoscopic ultrasonography for delineating the duodenal papilla and pancreatobiliary ducts: A retrospective study with video
Authors: Toyonaga Haruka , Kin Toshifumi , Iwano Kosuke , Nakamura Risa , Shimizu Takao , Chikugo Koki , Ishii Tatsuya , Nasuno Hiroshi , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Yamazaki Hajime , Katanuma Akio 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesEndoscopic ultrasonography is an important examination for periampullary diseases. The duodenum is filled with water to ensure a clear image and distend the duodenal wall without burying the papilla within duodenal folds; however, peristalsis frequently makes it difficult to maintain water within the duodenum. The gel immersion method (intestine is filled with viscosity gel) has recently been attracting attention. We evaluated the usefulness of using this method for endoscopic ultrasonography to detect and delineate the major duodenal papilla.MethodsFifty‐nine consecutive patients who underwent gel immersion‐endoscopic ultrasonography between February and March 2021 were included retrospectively. The papilla was observed by filling the duodenum with clear viscosity gel. Outcomes were the rate of duodenal distention, delineation rates of the papilla, the time required for delineation, volume of the gel used, and adverse events.ResultsDuodenal distention was excellent, good, and poor in 58%, 34%, and 7% of cases, respectively. The delineation rates of the papilla in the axial and longitudinal views were 98% and 66%, respectively. The median time required to delineate the papilla in each view was 3.1 (range, 1.0–1.4) and 7.9 (1.9–28.6) min; the median volume of the gel used was 80 (30–150) ml and 100 (50–200) ml, respectively. No adverse events were noted.ConclusionsGel immersion‐endoscopic ultrasonography provided sufficient duodenal distention, leading to high rates of detection and delineation of the papilla using a small volume of gel within a short time. This method may be useful for the evaluation of the ampullary region.
The role ofE. maritimum(L.) in the dune pollination network of the Balearic Islands
Authors: Cortés‐Fernández Iván , Cerrato Marcello Dante , Ribas‐Serra Arnau , Ferrà Xavier Canyelles , Gil‐Vives Lorenzo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractEryngium maritimumL. (Apiaceae) is a geophyte that inhabits in the dunes of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Although it is a highly entomophilous species, there is little literature on its pollinator assemblage. The aim of this study is to analyze the role played byE. maritimumin the dune pollination network of the Balearic Islands, where there is an intense anthropogenic impact in its habitat. For this purpose, two populations located in the North and South of Mallorca were chosen, in which diurnal transects were carried out to observe and capture pollinators on 15 plant species during the anthesis period ofE. maritimum. The flowering period of 10 plant species flowering at the same period thanE. maritimumwas analyzed to identify periods of competition. A total of 71 pollinator species were found, belonging to 30 different families.Eryngium maritimumis a strongly generalist species, with a total of 45 pollinator species. Two new species,Odice blandulaandLeucospis gigas, were found for the first time in Mallorca. In terms of pollinators,Teucrium dunenseandHelichrysum stoechasare the most similar species toE. maritimum. However, analysis of phenology suggests that these three species have been able to decouple their blooms to avoid competition. The present study shows thatE. maritimumplays an important role in the dune pollination network, being its anthesis located at the end of the dune flowering season, when there are no functionally similar species in flower.
Computerized classification method for histological classification of masses on breast ultrasonographic images using convolutional neural networks with ROI pooling
Authors: Hizukuri Akiyoshi , Kunieda Shinya , Nakayama Ryohei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIt can be difficult for clinicians to correctly determine histological classifications of masses on breast ultrasonographic images. The purpose of this study was to develop a computerized classification method for histological classification of masses on breast ultrasonographic images using convolutional neural networks (CNN) with a ROI pooling that analyzes feature maps focusing on the mass region. Our dataset consisted of 585 breast ultrasonographic images obtained from 585 patients. It included 288 malignant masses (218 invasive and 70 noninvasive carcinomas) and 297 benign masses (115 cysts and 182 fibroadenomas). In this study, we developed a modified CNN model based on ResNet‐18, in which the ROI pooling and two fully connected layers with a softmax function were introduced after the second and fourth residual block on ResNet‐18, respectively. The proposed CNN model was employed to distinguish among four different types of histological classifications for masses. A three‐fold cross validation method was used for training and testing the proposed CNN model. The average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for the proposed CNN model were 81.7%, 91.0%, 91.2%, 91.0%, and 91.2%, respectively. Those results were substantially greater than those with ResNet‐18 (70.3%, 83.0%, 87.2%, 86.3%, and 84.1%).
Impact of theCOVID‐19 pandemic on people with epilepsy: Findings from theUSarm of theCOV‐Estudy
Authors: Dugan Patricia , Carroll Elizabeth , Thorpe Jennifer , Jette Nathalie , Agarwal Parul , Ashby Samantha , Hanna Jane , French Jacqueline , Devinsky Orrin , Sen Arjune ,   the COVID‐19 Epilepsy COV‐E Study Group
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesAs part of the COVID‐19 and Epilepsy (COV‐E) global study, we aimed to understand the impact of COVID‐19 on the medical care and well‐being of people with epilepsy (PWE) in the United States, based on their perspectives and those of their caregivers.MethodsSeparate surveys designed for PWE and their caregivers were circulated from April 2020 to July 2021; modifications in March 2021 included a question about COVID‐19 vaccination status.ResultsWe received 788 responses, 71% from PWE (n = 559) and 29% (n = 229) from caregivers of persons with epilepsy. A third (n = 308) of respondents reported a change in their health or in the health of the person they care for. Twenty‐seven percent (n = 210) reported issues related to worsening mental health. Of respondents taking ASMs (n = 769), 10% (n = 78) reported difficulty taking medications on time, mostly due to stress causing forgetfulness. Less than half of respondents received counseling on mental health and stress. Less than half of the PWE reported having discussions with their healthcare providers about sleep, ASMs, and potential side effects, while a larger proportion of caregivers (81%) reported having had discussions with their healthcare providers on the same topics. More PWE and caregivers reported that COVID‐19‐related measures caused adverse impact on their health in the post‐vaccine period than during the pre‐vaccine period, citing mental health issues as the primary reason.SignificanceOur findings indicate that the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the US on PWE is multifaceted. Apart from the increased risk of poor COVID‐19 outcomes, the pandemic has also had negative effects on mental health and self‐management. Healthcare providers must be vigilant for increased emotional distress in PWE during the pandemic and consider the importance of effective counseling to diminish risks related to exacerbated treatment gaps.
Reduzierung von Versinterung durch optimierte Drainagebedingungen – Erkenntnisse eines Feldversuchs
Authors: Boch Ronny , Pilgerstorfer Thomas , Moritz Bernd 
Published: August 2022

AbstractA field test was carried out in Koralmtunnel in order to enhance process understanding and to optimize the drainage system in a tunnel section that is complex in terms of hydrochemistry, water inflow and mineral (calcareous scale, iron ochre) and biological (microbial mats) deposits. The field test comprised three test fields with different system components and flow characteristics. The development of critical waters and deposits was recorded by continuous measurements of relevant water and air parameters by means of autonomous sensors/data loggers. Furthermore, the components were ”forensically“ examined with respect to scale formation. The experiments show the crucial importance of gas exchange (CO2, oxygen ingress), filling level (flow geometry/regime), residence time of waters and water‐air interaction in the drainage system. The type, material consistency, and amount of scale and biofilms depend significantly on specific gradients. Floating scale crusts formed in stagnant sections, biofilms and iron ochre deposits of soft consistency formed at higher flow rates. Seepage packs and siphons turned out to be potential sediment traps with decreasing flow‐through with no access. Drainage hoses and dimpled membranes tend to be beneficial because they can prevent air exchange at relatively high flow rates. High CO2 partial pressure within these components (measured and modeled) inhibits carbonate precipitation. The drainage system is locally designed as a series of direct cross‐drains with simple flow paths, restricted air exchange, precautionary cleaning access, and optional water hardness stabilization (liquid conditioning).
Dokumentation von Versinterungen im Koralmtunnel – Kartierung und Beprobung in der Praxis
Authors: Pointner Peter , Sellner Sabine 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe bidding consortium 3G Gruppe Geotechnik Graz ZT GmbH and Pöyry Infra GmbH as well as Geoconsult ZT GmbH and BGG Consult Dr. Peter Waibel ZT‐GmbH were awarded the contract for the geological and hydrogeological documentation during the construction of the 33 km long Koralm Tunnel, which was split into three lots. To assess the potential for scale deposition, ongoing documentation and surveys of the groundwater inflows were undertaken in addition to the usual hydrogeological documentation. The scope of documentation included mapping of scale deposition and groundwater inflows, regular site visits and sampling of water and solids in the excavated tunnel (shotcrete and segmental lining) both during and after excavation works. Furthermore, long‐term monitoring of the water inflows (on‐site parameters, determination of / changes in humidity) and laboratory analysis of the individual and mixed groundwater samples identified the parameters required to assess the potential for scale deposition. The documentation, analysis and assessments provided the basis for ultimately deciding which tunnel sections would require hardness stabilisation measures to reduce or inhibit scaling and calcium carbonate precipitations in the drainage system during the operational phase.