| 131. |
- Lopes, Tomas S., et al.
(författare)
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Rear Optical Reflection and Passivation Using a Nanopatterned Metal/Dielectric Structure in Thin-Film Solar Cells
- 2019
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Ingår i: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics. - : IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC. - 2156-3381 .- 2156-3403. ; 9:5, s. 1421-1427
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Currently, one of the main limitations in ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 (CIGS) solar cells are the optical losses, since the absorber layer is thinner than the light optical path. Hence, light management, including rear optical reflection, and light trapping is needed. In this paper, we focus on increasing the rear optical reflection. For this, a novel structure based on having a metal interlayer in between the Mo rear contact and the rear passivation layer is presented. In total, eight different metallic interlayers are compared. For the whole series, the passivation layer is aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The interlayers are used to enhance the reflectivity of the rear contact and thereby increasing the amount of light reflected back into the absorber. In order to understand the effects of the interlayer in the solar cell performance both from optical and/or electrical point of view, optical simulations were performed together with fabrication and electrical measurements. Optical simulations results are compared with current density-voltage (J-V) behavior and external quantum efficiency measurements. A detailed comparison between all the interlayers is done, in order to identify the material with the greatest potential to he used as a rear reflective layer for ultrathin CIGS solar cells and to establish fabrication challenges. The Ti-W alloy is a promising a rear reflective layer since it provides solar cells with light to power conversion efficiency values of 9.9%, which is 2.2% (abs) higher than the passivated ultrathin sample and 3.7% (abs) higher than the unpassivated ultrathin reference sample.
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| 132. |
- Loureiro, A., et al.
(författare)
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Size controlled protein nanoemulsions for active targeting of folate receptor positive cells
- 2015
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Ingår i: Colloids and Surfaces B. - : Elsevier. - 0927-7765 .- 1873-4367. ; 135, s. 90-98
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoemulsions were produced by high pressure homogenization with a tri-block copolymer (Poloxamer 407), which presents a central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene (PPO) and two identical lateral hydrophilic chains of polyethylene glycol (PEG). We observed a linear correlation between tri-block copolymer concentration and size - the use of 5. mg/mL of Poloxamer 407 yields nanoemulsions smaller than 100. nm. Molecular dynamics and fluorescent tagging of the tri-block copolymer highlight their mechanistic role on the size of emulsions. This novel method enables the fabrication of highly stable albumin emulsions in the nano-size range, highly desirable for controlled drug delivery. Folic Acid (FA)-tagged protein nanoemulsions were shown to promote specific folate receptor (FR)-mediated targeting in FR positive cells. The novel strategy presented here enables the construction of size controlled, functionalized protein-based nanoemulsions with excellent characteristics for active targeting in cancer therapy.
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| 133. |
- Marques, André R A, et al.
(författare)
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Glucosylated cholesterol in mammalian cells and tissues: formation and degradation by multiple cellular β-glucosidases.
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Lipid Research. - 1539-7262. ; 57, s. 451-463
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The membrane lipid glucosylceramide (GlcCer) is continuously formed and degraded. Cells express two GlcCer-degrading β-glucosidases, GBA and GBA2, located in and outside the lysosome, respectively. Here we demonstrate that through transglucosylation both GBA and GBA2 are able to catalyze in vitro the transfer of glucosyl-moieties from GlcCer to cholesterol, and vice versa. Furthermore, the natural occurrence of 1-O-cholesteryl-β-D-glucopyranoside (GlcChol) in mouse tissues and human plasma is demonstrated using LC-MS/MS and 13C6-labelled GlcChol as internal standard. In cells the inhibition of GBA increases GlcChol, whereas inhibition of GBA2 decreases glucosylated sterol. Similarly, in GBA2-deficient mice GlcChol is reduced. Depletion of GlcCer by inhibition of GlcCer synthase decreases GlcChol in cells and likewise in plasma of inhibitor-treated Gaucher disease patients. In tissues of mice with Niemann-Pick type C, a condition characterized by intralysosomal accumulation of cholesterol, marked elevations in GlcChol occur as well. When lysosomal accumulation of cholesterol is induced in cultured cells, GlcChol is formed via lysosomal GBA. This illustrates that reversible transglucosylation reactions are highly dependent on local availability of suitable acceptors. In conclusion, mammalian tissues contain GlcChol formed by transglucosylation through β-glucosidases using GlcCer as donor. Our findings reveal a novel metabolic function for GlcCer.
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| 134. |
- Marques, João P., et al.
(författare)
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Mountain hare transcriptome and diagnostic markers as resources to monitor hybridization with European hares
- 2017
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Ingår i: Scientific Data. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2052-4463. ; 4:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the first mountain hare (Lepus timidus) transcriptome, produced by de novo assembly of RNA-sequencing reads. Data were obtained from eight specimens sampled in two localities, Alps and Ireland. The mountain hare tends to be replaced by the invading European hare (Lepus europaeus) in their numerous contact zones where the species hybridize, which affects their gene pool to a yet unquantified degree. We characterize and annotate the mountain hare transcriptome, detect polymorphism in the two analysed populations and use previously published data on the European hare (three specimens, representing the European lineage of the species) to identify 4 672 putative diagnostic sites between the species. A subset of 85 random independent SNPs was successfully validated using PCR and Sanger sequencing. These valuable genomic resources can be used to design tools to assess population status and monitor hybridization between species.
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| 135. |
- Nashih, Samuel K., et al.
(författare)
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Validation of a Simulation Model for Analysis of Shading Effects on Photovoltaic Panels
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of solar energy engineering. - : ASME International. - 0199-6231 .- 1528-8986. ; 138:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Numerical simulation results and modeling on the electrical features of concentrating photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) using the free circuit simulation package from linear technology corporation (LTSPICE) are presented. The effects of partial shading of cell strings and temperature are analyzed, showing very good agreement with the results obtained experimentally in lab, at Lisbon University, and under outdoor testing using similar receivers, at the SME Solarus Sunpower AB, a Swedish company whose mission is the development, production, and marketing of concentrated solar technology to the world market. The potential of the used methodology for the design of the solar cell configuration is emphasized as an important tool to optimize PV and PVT performances in the energy conversion process.
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| 136. |
- Navarro, Claudia D.C., et al.
(författare)
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Aging-dependent mitochondrial bioenergetic impairment in the skeletal muscle of NNT-deficient mice
- 2024
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Ingår i: Experimental Gerontology. - 0531-5565. ; 193
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overall health relies on features of skeletal muscle that generally decline with age, partly due to mechanisms associated with mitochondrial redox imbalance and bioenergetic dysfunction. Previously, aged mice genetically devoid of the mitochondrial NAD(P)+ transhydrogenase (NNT, encoded by the nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase gene), an enzyme involved in mitochondrial NADPH supply, were shown to exhibit deficits in locomotor behavior. Here, by using young, middle-aged, and older NNT-deficient (Nnt−/−) mice and age-matched controls (Nnt+/+), we aimed to investigate how muscle bioenergetic function and motor performance are affected by NNT expression and aging. Mice were subjected to the wire-hang test to assess locomotor performance, while mitochondrial bioenergetics was evaluated in fiber bundles from the soleus, vastus lateralis and plantaris muscles. An age-related decrease in the average wire-hang score was observed in middle-aged and older Nnt−/− mice compared to age-matched controls. Although respiratory rates in the soleus, vastus lateralis and plantaris muscles did not significantly differ between the genotypes in young mice, the rates of oxygen consumption did decrease in the soleus and vastus lateralis muscles of middle-aged and older Nnt−/− mice. Notably, the soleus, which exhibited the highest NNT expression level, was the muscle most affected by aging, and NNT loss. Additionally, histology of the soleus fibers revealed increased numbers of centralized nuclei in older Nnt−/− mice, indicating abnormal morphology. In summary, our findings suggest that NNT expression deficiency causes locomotor impairments and muscle dysfunction during aging in mice.
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| 137. |
- Neiva, Rodrigo, et al.
(författare)
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Guidelines for Clinical Management of Laser-Etched (Laser-Lok) Abutments in Two Different Clinical Scenarios : A Preclinical Laboratory Soft Tissue Assessment Study
- 2016
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Ingår i: The international journal of periodontics & restorative dentistry. - : Quintessence. - 0198-7569 .- 1945-3388. ; 36:3, s. 339-345
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- One-stage implants were placed in the mandibles of eight beagle dogs with laser-etched (LL) and machined abutments. After 4 weeks, half of the LL abutments were disconnected and reconnected after 10 minutes of saline storage, and the other half were replaced with a new LL abutment (impression simulation) with or without sulcus de-epithelialization. After abutment change, systems remained in vivo for 3 weeks. Results showed that LL abutments can be reconnected and that sulcus scoring prior to LL placement of one-stage implants receiving machined abutments may be beneficial.
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| 138. |
- Nilsson, Ing-Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders - INfORM recommendations : Comprehensive and short-form adaptations for children
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1365-2842 .- 0305-182X. ; 50:2, s. 99-112
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) are used worldwide in adults. Until now, no adaptation for use in children has been proposed.OBJECTIVE: To present comprehensive and short-form adaptations of Axis I and II of the DC/TMD for adults that are appropriate for use with children in clinical and research settings.METHODS: Global Delphi studies with experts in TMDs and in pain psychology identified ways of adapting the DC/TMD for children.RESULTS: The proposed adaptation is suitable for children aged 6-9 years. Proposed changes in Axis I include (i) adapting the language of the Demographics and the Symptom Questionnaires to be developmentally appropriate for children, (ii) adding a general health questionnaire for children and one for their parents, (iii) replacing the TMD Pain Screener with the 3Q/TMD questionnaire, and (iv) modifying the clinical examination protocol. Proposed changes in Axis II include (i) for the Graded Chronic Pain Scale, to be developmentally appropriate for children, and (ii) adding anxiety and depression assessments that have been validated in children, and (iii) adding three constructs (stress, catastrophizing, and sleep disorders) to assess psychosocial functioning in children.CONCLUSION: The recommended DC/TMD, including Axis I and Axis II, for children aged 6-9 years, is appropriate for use in clinical and research settings. This adapted first version for children includes changes in Axis I and Axis II changes requiring reliability and validity testing in international settings. Official translations to different languages according to INfORM requirements will enable a worldwide dissemination and implementation.
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| 139. |
- Noelle, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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UV/Vis+ photochemistry database : Structure, content and applications
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer. - : Elsevier. - 0022-4073 .- 1879-1352. ; 253
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The “science-softCon UV/Vis+ Photochemistry Database” (www.photochemistry.org) is a large and comprehensive collection of EUV-VUV-UV–Vis-NIR spectral data and other photochemical information assembled from published peer-reviewed papers. The database contains photochemical data including absorption, fluorescence, photoelectron, and circular and linear dichroism spectra, as well as quantum yields and photolysis related data that are critically needed in many scientific disciplines.This manuscript gives an outline regarding the structure and content of the “science-softCon UV/Vis+ Photochemistry Database”. The accurate and reliable molecular level information provided in this database is fundamental in nature and helps in proceeding further to understand photon, electron and ion induced chemistry of molecules of interest not only in spectroscopy, astrochemistry, astrophysics, Earth and planetary sciences, environmental chemistry, plasma physics, combustion chemistry but also in applied fields such as medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, agriculture, and catalysis. In order to illustrate this, we illustrate the use of the UV/Vis+ Photochemistry Database in four different fields of scientific endeavor.
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| 140. |
- Nogueira, Eugenia, et al.
(författare)
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Peptide Anchor for Folate-Targeted Liposomal Delivery
- 2015
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Ingår i: Biomacromolecules. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1525-7797 .- 1526-4602. ; 16:9, s. 2904-2910
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Specific folate receptors are abundantly overexpressed in chronically activated macrophages and in most cancer cells. Directed folate receptor targeting using liposomes is usually achieved using folate linked to a phospholipid or cholesterol anchor. This link is formed using a large spacer like polyethylene glycol. Here, we report an innovative strategy for targeted liposome delivery that uses a hydrophobic fragment of surfactant protein D linked to folate. Our proposed spacer is a small 4 amino acid residue linker. The peptide conjugate inserts deeply into the lipid bilayer without affecting liposomal integrity, with high stability and specificity. To compare the drug delivery potential of both liposomal targeting systems, we encapsulated the nuclear dye Hoechst 34580. The eventual increase in blue fluorescence would only be detectable upon liposome disruption, leading to specific binding of this dye to DNA. Our delivery system was proven to be more efficient (2-fold) in Caco-2 cells than classic systems where the folate moiety is linked to liposomes by polyethylene glycol.
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