bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annual banned‐substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing
Authors: Thevis Mario , Kuuranne Tiia , Geyer Hans
Published: November 2018

A number of high profile revelations concerning anti‐doping rule violations over the past 12 months have outlined the importance of tackling prevailing challenges and reducing the limitations of the current anti‐doping system. At this time, the necessity to enhance, expand, and improve analytical test methods in response to the substances outlined in the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List represents an increasingly crucial task for modern sports drug testing programs. The ability to improve analytical testing methods often relies on the expedient application of novel information regarding superior target analytes for sports drug testing assays, drug elimination profiles, and alternative sample matrices, together with recent advances in instrumental developments. This annual banned‐substance review evaluates literature published between October 2017 and September 2018 offering an in‐depth evaluation of developments in these arenas and their potential application to substances reported in WADA's 2018 Prohibited List.
A systematic scoping review of diagnostic validity in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Authors: Strand Mattias , von Hausswolff‐Juhlin Yvonne , Welch Elisabeth
Published: November 2018

Objective

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) was introduced as a new diagnosis in the DSM‐5. This systematic scoping review explores how ARFID as a diagnostic entity is conceptualized in the research literature and evaluates the diagnostic validity according to the Feighner criteria.

Method

A systematic scoping review of papers on ARFID in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science was undertaken, following PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.

Results

Fifty‐one original research publications, 23 reviews and commentaries, and 20 case reports were identified. The use of ARFID as a conceptual category varies significantly within this literature. At this time, the ARFID diagnosis does not fulfil the Feighner criteria for evaluating the validity of diagnostic constructs, the most urgent problem being the demarcation toward other disorders. A three‐dimensional model—lack of interest in food, selectivity based on sensory sensitivity, and fear of aversive consequences—is gaining support in the research literature.

Discussion

The introduction of the ARFID diagnosis has undoubtedly increased the recognition of a previously largely neglected group of patients. However, this article points to an inability of the current DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria to ensure optimal diagnostic validity, which risks making them less useful in clinical practice and in epidemiological research. To increase the conceptual validity of the ARFID construct, several possible alterations to the current diagnostic criteria are suggested, including a stronger emphasis of the three identified subdomains and further clarifying the boundaries of ARFID.
Maternal self‐rated health and psychological distress predict early feeding difficulties: Results from the longitudinal study of Australian children
Authors: Webb Haley J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Drawing from the extended UNICEF model of children's eating and weight problems and growing empirical evidence, exposure to adversity may place mothers at increased risk for child feeding difficulties.

Aim

The aim of the present study of a community sample of mothers was to examine whether maternal psychological distress, exposure to stressful events, and poor self‐rated health in their child's first year of life were associated with breastfeeding duration, as well as concurrent and prospective feeding problems.

Materials & Methods

Participants were 5107 Australian mother‐child dyads from the infant cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Data for the present study was drawn from questionnaires completed by the mother at Wave 1 and Wave 2 (conducted 2 years apart). On average, at Wave 1, mothers and children (51% male) were aged 31 years and 9 months, respectively; while at Wave 2 their ages were 33 years and 34 months, respectively.

Results

Maternal psychological distress and poorer self‐rated health were uniquely predictive of concurrent and prospective child feeding difficulties, while poorer self‐rated health was also concurrently associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding.

Discussion

These findings suggest that poorer maternal functioning poses a significant risk for early child feeding difficulties, and highlights the potential benefit of screening and early intervention for mothers experiencing emotional and physical health problems.

Conclusion

Further research is needed that takes a broad view of maternal functioning, and examines reciprocal interactions between maternal and child characteristics in understanding the development of child feeding problems.
Experimental habitat fragmentation disrupts nematode infections in Australian skinks
Authors: Resasco Julian , Bitters Matthew E. , Cunningham Saul A. , Jones Hugh I. , McKenzie Valerie J. , Davies Kendi F.
Published: November 2018

Habitat conversion and fragmentation threaten biodiversity and disrupt species interactions. While parasites are recognized as ecologically important, the impacts of fragmentation on parasitism are poorly understood relative to other species interactions. This lack of understanding is in part due to confounding landscape factors that accompany fragmentation. Fragmentation experiments provide the opportunity to fill this knowledge gap by mechanistically testing how fragmentation affects parasitism while controlling landscape factors. In a large‐scale, long‐term experiment, we asked how fragmentation affects a host–parasite interaction between a skink and a parasitic nematode, which is trophically transmitted via a terrestrial amphipod intermediate host. We expected that previously observed amphipod declines resulting from fragmentation would result in decreased transmission of nematodes to skinks. In agreement, we found that nematodes were absent among skinks in the cleared matrix and that infections in fragments were about one quarter of those in continuous forest. Amphipods found in gut contents of skinks and collected from pitfall traps mirrored this pattern. A structural equation model supported the expectation that fragmentation disrupted this interaction by altering the abundance of amphipods and suggested that other variables are likely also important in mediating this effect. These findings advance understanding of how landscape change affects parasitism.
Optimization of Supercritical CO2 Operative Parameters to Simultaneously Increase the Extraction Yield of Oil and Pentacyclic Triterpenes from Artichoke Leaves and Stalks by Response Surface Methodology and Ridge Analysis
Authors: Dai Qianqian , Yang Yudi , Chen Kai , Cheng Zhan , Ni Yuanying , Li Jingming
Published: November 2018

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction is carried out to simultaneously increase yield of extracted oil and the content of pentacyclic triterpenes from residual parts of globe artichoke. Box‐Behnken design is used to design a set of comprehensive experiments. Single and interactive effects of four processing variables (pressure, temperature, time, and particle size) are investigated by response surface methodology (RSM), which is also used to establish regression model according to the synthesis score of extracted oil and pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs). On the other hand, the combination of SC‐CO2 factors is optimized by ridge analysis. As a result, the optimal combination is obtained at 22.27 MPa, 41.33 °C, particle size of 53.66 mesh within 2 h. Furthermore, the oil components extracted from SC‐CO2 and Soxhlet extraction (SE) are analyzed using GC‐MS. In contrast with SE, SC‐CO2 is more effective to increase the content of PTs in extracted oil of globe artichoke.

Practical Applications: Industrial processing of globe artichoke can cause 80–85% waste of total plant biomass, which mainly consists of the inedible parts. However, the by‐products of globe artichoke contain many kinds of nutritional compounds, such as sesterpenes and triterpenes. The application of SC‐CO2 can extract these compounds safely and effectively. With optimization of SC‐CO2, sustainability of processing of globe artichoke can be maintained economically.

A processing method of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction is optimized to increase the yield of extracted oil and the content of pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) simultaneously from globe artichoke. Afterward, the pentacyclic triterpenes in the extracted oil are analyzed by GC‐MS and six types of PTs in globe artichoke are identified. Additionally, the influence of SC‐CO2 extraction is analyzed using the principal component analysis method. Meanwhile, the interactions of two processing factors on the yield of extracted oil are analyzed.
Mechanisms Associated with the Effect of Hypericum perforatum and Smilax cordifolia Aqueous Extracts on Hepatic Steatosis in Obese Rats: A Lipidomic Approach
Authors: Pérez‐Ramírez Iza F. , Gallegos‐Corona Marco A. , González‐Dávalos María L. , Mora Ofelia , Rocha‐Guzmán Nuria E. , Reynoso‐Camacho Rosalía
Published: November 2018

This study aims to evaluate the effect of H. perforatum and S. cordifolia extracts on hepatic steatosis in obese rats, and to elucidate their mechanisms through a lipidomic analysis. Fifty‐seven phytochemical compounds are identified in H. perforatum and S. cordifolia aqueous extracts by UPLC‐QTOF MSE. Both herbal aqueous extracts ameliorate hepatic steatosis. S. cordifolia modulates arachidonic acid, 16:0‐, 16:1‐, and 18:0‐derived TAG, ceramides, and diacylglycerols, regulating the expression of genes involved in fatty acid (Fas, Acc, and Scd1), diacylglyceride (Gpat) and ceramide (Spt1) biosynthesis, and β‐oxidation (Cpt1 and Acadm). H. perforatum regulates eicosapentanoic acid metabolism, which is associated with Fabp down‐regulation. Both extracts reduce hepatic TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels, which is associated with eicosanoid pathway regulation by S. cordifolia and the modulation of phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines by H. perforatum. These results suggest that these aqueous extracts can be used as ingredients for the elaboration of functional beverages with hepatoprotective effects.

Practical Applications: This study proposes a lipidomic approach followed by the integration of metabolic networks for the identification of the mechanisms associated with the hepatoprotective effect of herbal extracts. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the beneficial effect of S. cordifolia and H. perforatum aqueous extracts on hepatic steatosis in high‐fat and fructose diet‐fed obese rats. Therefore, these herbs can be used for the elaboration of functional beverages.

H. perforatum and S. cordifolia aqueous extracts ameliorate hepatic steatosis in obese rats. A liver lipidome approach is used to identify the mechanisms associated with their hepatoprotective effect by integrating metabolic networks. H. perforatum decreases Fabp hepatic expression which is associated mainly with decreased hepatic EPA. S. cordifolia decreased Fasn, Acaca, Scd1, Gpat1, and Spt1 and increased Cpt1 and Acadm hepatic expressiobm which is associated mainly with increased AA. These herbs have potential for the development of functional beverages or dietary supplements with hepatoprotective effects.
Isolation of thermophilic Anoxybacillus beppuensis JF84 and production of thermostable amylase utilizing agro–dairy wastes
Authors: Jabeen Faiza , Hussain Ali , Younis Tahira , Manzoor Maleeha , Samiullah Khizar
Published: November 2018

Extremophiles are the organisms that can be manipulated for various industrial activities. Agro–dairy wastes are being utilized for economical production of enzymes employing microbes. In this regard, thermophilic amylolytic bacterium was isolated from soil in vicinity of hot spring near Chakwal, Pakistan. The isolated bacterium was rod‐shaped, positive for Gram staining, and endospores former. The isolate was able to utilize sugars like, maltose, xylose, fructose, sachorose, sorbitol, mannose, mannitol, arabinose and polysaccharides like gelatin and starch. The isolate grew over a wide temperature range (40–70°C) and pH (4–9). It exhibited enough growth with different nitrogen sources which could produce amylase up to 0.72 U/mL, while hydrolyzing starch. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that it belongs to Anoxybacillus beppuensis under Accession number KF254912 (JF84). The DNA G+C content were 56.59%. The isolate JF84 showed fourfold purification and percentage yield was estimated to be 94.21% as compared to crude enzyme. The decreasing order of substrate suitability for amylase production was found to be sugarcane bagasse (SCB) > wheat straw (WS) > sugarcane bagasse and whey (SB + W) > whey (W). A. beppuensis JF84 yielded enough thermostable α‐amylase in economical substrates as well as tolerated broad pH and temperature suggesting its wide economical commercial use in amylase‐dependent industries. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 417–423, 2019
Applying unit hydrograph concept to predict pollutant loads of stormwater runoff delivered from urban source area
Authors: Tao Jinsong , Long Xiangbao , Li Zijian , Ying Gaoxiang , Sansalone John J.
Published: November 2018

Examining the delivery of urban rainfall‐runoff pollutants are important to quantify pollutant loads to receiving waters, drainage system appurtenances, and unit operations as well as guiding maintenance practices and regulation. This study has utilized unit hydrograph (UH) and instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) concepts to predict the pollutant loads in stormwater runoff delivered from three urban catchments. This study first hypothesizes that a single yield function may be developed on a catchment basis to describe the yield of each pollutant (particulate matter [PM] or metals, etc.) irrespective of whether the event is classified as flow‐ or mass‐limited. Hypothesis testing is conducted on an event basis for pollutant load transport from three monitored source area catchments. Hydrologic and pollutant transport are examined by unit‐graphs (hydrograph and pollutograph) derived from intra‐event measurements for each catchment. From the median IUH and instantaneous unit pollutograph (IUP) and corresponding UH and unit pollutograph (UP) developed for each catchment, pollutographs are generated by convolution of the UH and UP to reproduce measured event‐based pollutant loads. Results illustrate the feasibility of using the UH/IUH and UP/IUP to predict event‐based pollutant loads delivery from small urban catchments. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 435–444, 2019
Opportunities for phycoremediation approach in tannery effluent: A treatment perspective
Authors: Saranya D. , Shanthakumar S.
Published: November 2018

Consumer demand for the leather products intensifies every year, especially in the fashion sector. With increasing pressure regarding chemicals, water usage, and landfill issues, the leather industries require ongoing research at production as well as effluent treatment level to ensure the stability of the industry. Industrialization made the outbreak of economic growth and energy demand with least consideration of environmental issues, especially in developing countries. Currently, microalgae have shown a significant promise in industrial effluent treatment. Further, the microalgal lipid accumulation potential has a substantial share in meeting the energy demand as renewable energy resource (e.g., Biofuel). Hence, microalgae assimilation of atmospheric CO2 and pollutants from the aqueous environment has overwhelming interest among researchers for combined treatment of industrial effluents and greenhouse gas mitigation from industrial emissions. This review focuses on identifying the potentials of integrating CO2 sequestration in tannery effluent treatment by microalgae. In addition, it summarizes the ability of microalgae for nutrient removal under flue gas environment and fuel production potential under stress condition. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13078, 2019
Performance of surfactant‐modified activated carbon prepared from dates wastes for nitrate removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Allalou Ouiza , Miroud Djamel , Belmedani Mohamed , Sadaoui Zahra
Published: November 2018

New material (AC‐CTABr) was successfully prepared from chemical activation of dates wastes (AC), followed by cationic surfactant modification and was used to enhance nitrate removal from aqueous solutions. Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) analysis revealed good binding of quaternary ammonium groups on the surface (1407 m2/g for the AC and 569 m2/g for the AC‐CTABr). Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effect of contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration of nitrate. Preliminary results showed an improvement of nitrate removal from 14% to 60% for the AC and the AC‐CTABr, respectively. Also, the adsorption kinetic was very fast; the equilibrium was achieved within the first 5 min of contact time between the adsorbents and the nitrate solution. Application of several isotherm models has shown that Langmuir and Freundlich models described well the experimental data with a maximum adsorption capacity of 83.33 mg/g. Three simplified kinetic models were tested to investigate the adsorption mechanism. The pseudo‐second order model was found to describe adequately the experimental kinetic data. Results showed that the new adsorbent material is a suitable adsorbent for nitrate removal. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S403–S411, 2019
Optimizing the synthesis of terbium(III) molybdate nanoplates through an orthogonal array design
Authors: Pourmortazavi Seied Mahdi , Rahimi‐Nasrabadi Mehdi , Aghazadeh Mustafa , Karimi Meisam Sadeghpour , Ganjali Mohmmad Reza , Norouzi Parviz
Published: November 2018

The study focuses on the application of orthogonal array design for optimizing of the experimental parameters influencing the synthesis of terbium(III) molybdate nano‐plates through the direct precipitation method (DPM). The method conditions, included the concentrations of the cation and anion solutions (Cx and Cy), flow rate of adding the cation solution to that of the anion (Fx), and reactor temperature (Tz), were optimized in terms of the thickness of the produced nanoplates. Performing the analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the results revealed that the synthesis procedure can be optimized through using proper concentrations of the solutions (0.005 and 0.01 mol/L one‐to‐one for Tb(III) and ) as well as the reactor temperature (0 °C). The morphology and purity of the optimal product were also evaluated through X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The results displayed that the thickness of the deposited terbium(III) molybdate nano‐plates is about 26 nm. The optimal product was also tested and found to be an efficient catalyst in the UV‐induced degradation of methyl orange (MO) by degrading about 97% MO after 80 min. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13091, 2019

Highlights

Terbium(III) molybdate nanoplates were fabricated via chemical precipitation route.

Nanomaterial was synthesized without any surfactant, template, or catalyst.

Synthesis process was optimized by Taguchi design to prepare nanoplates.

Product nanoplate were characterized by TEM, XRD, FT‐IR, and DRS.

Nanoplates were examined as photocatalyst to degrade organic pollution in water.
Toward an ecotoxicological risk assessment of microplastics: Comparison of available hazard and exposure data in freshwaters
Authors: Adam Véronique , Yang Tong , Nowack Bernd
Published: November 2018

Microplastics have been detected in freshwaters all over the world in almost all samples, and ecotoxicological studies have shown adverse effects of microplastics on organisms. However, no risk assessment of microplastics has been performed specifically in freshwater so far. The aim of the present study was therefore to review all exposure and ecotoxicity data available for microplastics in freshwaters and to perform a preliminary probabilistic risk assessment. The exposure probability distribution was based on 391 concentrations measured in Asia, Europe, and North America. Because exposure data are mainly available in particle number–based metrics but results from hazard studies are mostly mass-based, the hazard results were converted into particle number concentrations. A statistical analysis of the hazard data showed that there was no significant influence of particle shape or type of polymer on the no-observed-effect concentration. The predicted-no-effect concentration (PNEC) was calculated as the fifth percentile of the probabilistic species sensitivity distribution, based on 53 values from 14 freshwater species, to have a mode of 7.4 × 105 particles · m−3 (25th and 75th quantiles of 6.1 × 105 and 1.3 × 106 particles · m−3, respectively). The exposure probability distribution was divided by the PNEC probability distribution to calculate risk characterization ratios (RCRs), with modes of 1.3 × 10−6 in North America, 3.3 × 10−6 in Europe, and 4.6 × 10−3 in Asia. Probability distributions associated with the RCRs showed that ecological risks cannot be entirely excluded in Asia, where 0.4% of the RCR values were above 1. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:436–447. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

The environmental risk of microplastics was assessed using a probabilistic approach in the freshwaters of Asia, Europe, and North America. Results show that such risks cannot be excluded in Asia.
MHD dissipative fluid past a stretching sheet in the presence of Soret effect with Newtonian convective heat and mass conditions
Authors: Sengupta Sanjib , Shadap Dikes
Published: November 2018

This article deliberates a theoretical study on a two‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic free convection flow of an electrically conducting, heat generation/absorption fluid flowing past a linearly stretching sheet, placed vertical in a non‐Darcian porous medium with Soret effect. As the magnetic Reynolds number of the flow field considered very small (due to noncomparability of the induced and applied magnetic fields), the influence of the induced magnetic field is thus neglected. Again due to weak applied voltage differences at the lateral ends, the influence of the electric current is also ignored. A homotopy analysis method is developed to solve the similarity transformed equations subject to a set of convective heat and mass boundary conditions. Numerical data simulations are made on various fluid variables by using some practical/selected values of the governed parameters and illustrated through graphs and tables. It is found that the Newtonian heating parameter enhanced the velocity, temperature, and concentrations, while the solutal Newtonian heating parameter accelerates the rate of flow of heat and masses but minimizes the temperature gradient. The local Forchheimer and dissipation parameters are found to raise the temperature and concentrations, while the flow rate accelerates due to dissipation parameter but decelerates in presence of Forchheimer parameter.
Hot beverages and oesophageal cancer risk in western Kenya: Findings from the ESCCAPE case–control study
Authors: Middleton Daniel RS , Menya Diana , Kigen Nicholas , Oduor Margaret , Maina Stephen K , Some Fatma , Chumba David , Ayuo Paul , Osano Odipo , Schüz Joachim , McCormack Valerie
Published: November 2018

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has markedly high incidence rates in Kenya and much of East Africa, with a dire prognosis and poorly understood aetiology. Consumption of hot beverages—a probable carcinogen to humans—is associated with increased ESCC risk in other settings and is habitually practiced in Kenya. We conducted a case–control study in Eldoret, western Kenya between August 2013 and March 2018. Cases were patients with endoscopically confirmed oesophageal cancer whose histology did not rule out ESCC. Age and sex‐matched controls were hospital visitors and hospital out and in‐patients excluding those with digestive diseases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for self‐reported drinking temperatures; consumption frequency; mouth burning frequency and hot porridge consumption using logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Drinking temperature association with tumour sub‐location was also investigated. The study included 430 cases and 440 controls. Drinkers of ‘very hot’ and ‘hot’ beverages (>95% tea) had a 3.7 (95% CI: 2.1–6.5) and 1.4‐fold (1.0–2.0) ESCC risk, respectively compared to ‘warm’ drinkers. This trend was consistent in males, females, never and ever alcohol/tobacco and was stronger over than under age 50 years. The tumour sub‐location distribution (upper/middle/lower oesophagus) did not differ by reported drinking temperature. Our study is the first comprehensive investigation in this setting to‐date to observe a link between hot beverage consumption and ESCC in East Africa. These findings provide further evidence for the role of this potentially modifiable risk factor in ESCC aetiology.
Recurrent group A streptococcal severe sepsis in the postpartum period
Authors: Belokrinitskaya Tatiana , Filippov Oleg , Chugai Olesya
Published: November 2018

This report presents the relapse and treatment of streptococcal infection in the postpartum period in a patient with severe group A streptococcal sepsis.
Prevention of Injury-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rodent Temporomandibular Joint by Targeting Chondrocyte CaSR
Authors: Zhang Mian , Yang Hongxu , Wan Xianghong , Lu Lei , Zhang Jing , Zhang Hongyun , Ye Tao , Liu Qian , Xie Mianjiao , Liu Xiaodong , Yu Shibin , Guo Shaoxiong , Chang Wenhan , Wang Meiqing
Published: November 2018

Traumatic joint injuries produce osteoarthritic cartilage manifesting accelerated chondrocyte terminal differentiation and matrix degradation via unknown cellular and molecular mechanisms. Here we report the ability of biomechanical stress to increase expression of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a pivotal driver of chondrocyte terminal differentiation, in cultured chondrogenic cells subjected to fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) and in chondrocytes of rodent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage subjected to unilateral anterior cross-bite (UAC). In cultured ATDC5 cells or TMJ chondrocytes, FFSS induced Ca2+ loading and CaSR localization in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), casually accelerating cell differentiation that could be abrogated by emptying ER Ca2+ stores or CaSR knockdown. Likewise, acute chondrocyte-specific Casr knockout (KO) prevented the UAC-induced acceleration of chondrocyte terminal differentiation and matrix degradation in TMJ cartilage in mice. More importantly, local injections of CaSR antagonist, NPS2143, replicated the effects of Casr KO in preventing the development of osteoarthritic phenotypes in TMJ cartilage of the UAC-treated rats. Our study revealed a novel pathological action of CaSR in development of osteoarthritic cartilage due to aberrant mechanical stimuli and supports a therapeutic potential of calcilytics in preventing osteoarthritis in temporomandibular joints by targeting the CaSR. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Regulator of G Protein Signaling Protein 12 (Rgs12) Controls Mouse Osteoblast Differentiation via Calcium Channel/Oscillation and Gαi-ERK Signaling
Authors: Li Ziqing , Liu Tongjun , Gilmore Alyssa , Gómez Néstor Más , Fu Chuanyun , Lim Jormay , Yang Shuting , Mitchell Claire H , Li Yi-ping , Oursler Merry J , Yang Shuying
Published: November 2018

Bone homeostasis intimately relies on the balance between osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCs). Our previous studies have revealed that regulator of G protein signaling protein 12 (Rgs12), the largest protein in the Rgs super family, is essential for osteoclastogenesis from hematopoietic cells and OC precursors. However, how Rgs12 regulates OB differentiation and function is still unknown. To understand that, we generated an OB-targeted Rgs12 conditional knockout (CKO) mice model by crossing Rgs12fl/fl mice with Osterix (Osx)-Cre transgenic mice. We found that Rgs12 was highly expressed in both OB precursor cells (OPCs) and OBs of wild-type (WT) mice, and gradually increased during OB differentiation, whereas Rgs12-CKO mice (OsxCre/+; Rgs12fl/fl) exhibited a dramatic decrease in both trabecular and cortical bone mass, with reduced numbers of OBs and increased apoptotic cell population. Loss of Rgs12 in OPCs in vitro significantly inhibited OB differentiation and the expression of OB marker genes, resulting in suppression of OB maturation and mineralization. Further mechanism study showed that deletion of Rgs12 in OPCs significantly inhibited guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level, and impaired Calcium (Ca2+) oscillations via restraints of major Ca2+ entry sources (extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum), partially contributed by the blockage of L-type Ca2+ channel mediated Ca2+ influx. Downstream mediator extracellular signal-related protein kinase (ERK) was found inactive in OBs of OsxCre/+; Rgs12fl/fl mice and in OPCs after Rgs12 deletion, whereas application of pertussis toxin (PTX) or overexpression of Rgs12 could rescue the defective OB differentiation via restoration of ERK phosphorylation. Our findings reveal that Rgs12 is an important regulator during osteogenesis and highlight Rgs12 as a potential therapeutic target for bone disorders. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Synthesis of Novel Substituted Tetrahydropyrimidine Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Pharmacological and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Mahmoud Naglaa F. H. , Ghareeb Eman A.
Published: November 2018

Tetrahydropyrimidine derivative 1 was employed as intermediate compound, which in turn was allowed to react with different electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents to synthesize new polyfunctionalized series of substituted pyrimidine‐2‐thione derivatives. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds have been elucidated by spectroscopic data and elemental analyses. The pharmacological and antimicrobial activities of synthesized products have been evaluated as drug candidates.
Molecular epidemiology of a primarily MSM acute HIV‐1 cohort in Bangkok, Thailand and connections within networks of transmission in Asia
Authors: Chang David , Sanders‐Buell Eric , Bose Meera , O'Sullivan Anne Marie , Pham Phuc , Kroon Eugene , Colby Donn J , Sirijatuphat Rujipas , Billings Erik , Pinyakorn Suteeraporn , Chomchey Nitiya , Rutvisuttinunt Wiriya , Kijak Gustavo , de Souza Mark , Excler Jean‐Louis , Phanuphak Praphan , Phanuphak Nittaya , O'Connell Robert J , Kim Jerome H , Robb Merlin L , Michael Nelson L , Ananworanich Jintanat , Tovanabutra Sodsai ,   the RV254/SEARCH 010 Study Group
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Thailand plays a substantial role in global HIV‐1 transmission of CRF01_AE. Worldwide, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at elevated risk for HIV‐1 infection. Hence, understanding HIV‐1 diversity in a primarily Thai MSM cohort with acute infection, and its connections to the broader HIV‐1 transmission network in Asia is crucial for research and development of HIV‐1 vaccines, treatment and cure.

Methods

Subtypes and diversity of infecting viruses from individuals sampled from 2009 to 2015 within the RV254/SEARCH 010 cohort were assessed by multiregion hybridization assay (MHAbce), multiregion subtype‐specific PCR assay (MSSPbce) and full‐length single‐genome sequencing (SGS). Phylogenetic analysis was performed by maximum likelihood. Pairwise genetic distances of envelope gp160 sequences obtained from the cohort and from Asia (Los Alamos National Laboratory HIV Database) were calculated to identify potential transmission networks.

Results

MHAbce/MSSPbce results identified 81.6% CRF01_AE infecting strains in RV254. CRF01_AE/B recombinants and subtype B were found at 7.3% and 2.8% respectively. Western subtype B strains outnumbered Thai B′ strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed one C, one CRF01_AE/CRF02_AG recombinant and one CRF01_AE/B/C recombinant. Asian network analysis identified one hundred and twenty‐three clusters, including five clusters of RV254 participants. None of the RV254 sequences clustered with non‐RV254 sequences. The largest international cluster involved 15 CRF01_AE strains from China and Vietnam. The remaining clusters were mostly intracountry connections, of which 31.7% included Thai nodes and 43.1% included Chinese nodes.

Conclusion

While the majority of strains in Thailand are CRF01_AE and subtype B, emergence of unique recombinant forms (URFs) are found in a moderate fraction of new HIV‐1 infections. Approaches to vaccine design and immunotherapeutics will need to monitor and consider the expanding proportion of recombinants and the increasing genetic diversity in the region. Identified HIV‐1 transmission networks indicate ongoing spread of HIV‐1 among MSM. As HIV‐1 epidemics continue to expand in other Asian countries, transmission network analyses can inform strategies for prevention, intervention, treatment and cure.
Factors contributing to radiation dose for patients and operators during diagnostic cardiac angiography
Authors: Crowhurst James A. , Whitby Mark , Savage Michael , Murdoch Dale , Robinson Brendan , Shaw Elizabeth , Gaikwad Niranjan , Saireddy Ramkrishna , Hay Karen , Walters Darren L.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Diagnostic coronary angiography (CA) uses ionising radiation with relatively high doses, which impact on both patients and staff. This study sought to identify which patient and procedural factors impact patient and operator dose the most during CA.

Methods

Patient and procedure related variables impacting on Kerma area product (PKA) and operator dose (OD) were collected for 16 months. Procedures were separated into 10 different procedure categories. PKA was used for patient dose and OD was measured with an instantly downloadable dosimeter (IDD) – downloaded at the end of each procedure. High and low radiation dose was defined by binary variables based on the 75th percentile of the continuous measures. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to identify predictors.

Results

Of 3860 patients included, the IDD was worn for 2591 (61.7%). Obesity (BMI > 30 compared to BMI < 25) was the strongest predictor for both a PKA (odds ratio (OR) = 19.1 (95% CI 13.5–26.9) P < 0.001) and OD (OR = 3.3 (2.4–4.4) P < 0.001) above the 75th percentile. Male gender, biplane imaging, the X‐ray unit used, operator experience and procedure type also predicted a high PKA. Radial access, male gender, biplane imaging and procedure type also predicted a high OD.

Conclusion

Radiation dose during CA is multifactorial and is dependent on patient and procedure related variables. Many factors impact on both PKA and OD but obesity is the strongest predictor for both patients and operators to receive a high radiation dose.
Accurate and efficient analysis of the upward heat flow in InGaP/GaAs HBTs through an automated FEM‐based tool and Design of Experiments
Authors: d'Alessandro Vincenzo , Catalano Antonio Pio , Codecasa Lorenzo , Zampardi Peter J. , Moser Brian
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an extensive analysis aimed at quantifying the impact of all the key technology parameters on the upward heat flow in state‐of‐the‐art InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) for various emitter areas and shapes. Extremely accurate thermal simulations are conducted in a relatively short time with a tool relying on a commercial 3‐D finite‐element method (FEM) solver and an in‐house routine for automated geometry construction, optimized mesh generation, sequential solution, and data storing/processing. Design of Experiments is used to define a thermal resistance model as a function of the aforementioned parameters on the basis of a few FEM data.
Genetic inhibition of PKCε attenuates neurodegeneration after global cerebral ischemia in male mice
Authors: Kumar Varun , Weng Yi‐Chinn , Wu Yu‐Chieh , Huang Yu‐Ting , Liu Tung‐Hsia , Kristian Tibor , Liu Yu‐Li , Tsou Hsiao‐Hui , Chou Wen‐Hai
Published: November 2018

Global cerebral ischemia that accompanies cardiac arrest is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKCε) is a member of the novel PKC subfamily and plays a vital role in ischemic preconditioning. Pharmacological activation of PKCε before cerebral ischemia confers neuroprotection. The role of endogenous PKCε after cerebral ischemia remains elusive. Here we used male PKCε‐null mice to assess the effects of PKCε deficiency on neurodegeneration after transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI). We found that the cerebral vasculature, blood flow, and the expression of other PKC isozymes were not altered in the PKCε‐null mice. Spatial learning and memory was impaired after tGCI, but the impairment was attenuated in male PKCε‐null mice as compared to male wild‐type controls. A significant reduction in Fluoro‐Jade C labeling and mitochondrial release of cytochrome C in the hippocampus was found in male PKCε‐null mice after tGCI. Male PKCε‐null mice expressed increased levels of PKCδ in the mitochondria, which may prevent the translocation of PKCδ from the cytosol to the mitochondria after tGCI. Our results demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of PKCε deficiency on neurodegeneration after tGCI, and suggest that reduced mitochondrial translocation of PKCδ may contribute to the neuroprotective action in male PKCε‐null mice.
Raman spectra in LiH2PO4 and KLi(H2PO4)2: Mode assignment
Authors: Dekhili Rawdha , Kauffmann Thomas H. , Aroui Hassen , Fontana Marc D.
Published: November 2018

We report and analyze Raman spectra recorded on crystals of LiH2PO4 (LDP) and KLi(H2PO4)2 (KLDP). We provide a new and complete assignment of Raman lines in both crystals from their behavior as function of temperature. Among internal vibrations, we discern the modes within PO4 tetrahedra, the modes related to LiO bonds, and those due to the OH vibrations. In the wavenumber range between 300 and 600 cm−1, the lines associated with OPO or LiO show different temperature dependencies. The bands of PO4 are red‐shifted with increasing temperature according to thermal dilatation, whereas the positions related to LiO are temperature independent.
A rapid and sensitive reversed phase‐HPLC method for simultaneous determination of ibuprofen and paracetamol in drug samples and their behaviors in simulated gastric conditions
Authors: Borahan Tülay , Unutkan Tuğçe , Şahin Ayşe , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: November 2018

Paracetamol is a widely used drug for fever and pain relief. Ibuprofen is a common nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. In this study, a sensitive and accurate reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of ibuprofen and paracetamol. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Phenomenex C18 (250 mm, 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column. Fifty milli molar phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) and methanol were used as mobile phase in a gradient elution mode. The retention times of paracetamol and ibuprofen were 5.7 and 10.4 min, respectively. The linearity of the developed method was established in the range of 0.25 – 250 mg/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998 for both analytes. The limit of detection/quantification values were found to be 0.06/0.19 and 0.08/0.26 mg/L for ibuprofen and paracetamol, respectively. The method was successfully applied in drug samples in the form of tablets and suspensions. The calculated concentrations matched with the claimed values on their prospectuses. The drug samples were studied under simulated gastric conditions to determine the behaviors of the analytes in the human body. The obtained results showed no change in the retention time of the analyte peak shapes throughout the 210 minutes.
Vegetation community composition along disturbance gradients of four typical open‐pit mines in Yunnan Province of southwest China
Authors: Hou Xiao‐yun , Liu Shi‐liang , Cheng Fang‐yan , Zhang Yue‐qiu , Dong Shi‐kui , Su Xu‐kun , Liu Guo‐hua
Published: November 2018

Open‐pit mining causes severe land degradation in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Vegetation restoration on the degraded land with open‐pit mining is challenging due to great physical and chemical condition changes of the post‐mined landscape. In this study, we compared the vegetation community composition and environmental factors along three disturbance gradients (mining area, restoration area, and control area) in four typical open‐pit mine types (phosphate, zinc, tin, and iron sites). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that there are significant differences in the vegetation communities along three gradients for these mine sites. Quality species were selected by indicator species analysis for vegetation restoration as follows: Chloris virgata Sw. and Artemisia princeps Pamp at the phosphate site; Coriaria nepalensis Wall., Artemisia princeps Pamp, and Picris hieracioides L. at the zinc site; Artemisia princeps Pamp at the tin site; and Panicum brevifolium L. at the iron site. Canonical Correspondence Analysis ordination and Monte Carlo permutation tests were further used to determine the effects of environmental factors on vegetation diversity. The results showed that Cd, As, Zn, Pb, TC, and altitude all had significant effects on vegetation diversity (P < 0.05). Additionally, we found that the integrated effects of these variables on vegetation were greater in the mining area than in the other two gradients based on the model with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion. These results suggest that any plans for vegetation restoration in open‐pit mining areas should take disturbance intensity, mine types, and critical environmental variables into account.
Tangential headwinds when integrating industry‐funded clinical trials into a US health care delivery system
Authors: Vulcano David
Published: November 2018

Although there are regulatory obligations put forth by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that directly govern clinical trials and other investigational therapies, such activity does not occur in a vacuum. There are other regulations and administrative policies that are tangential to the operations of clinical trials in a health system that can have a direct or indirect effect. Regulations such as HHS's Common Rule and Right To Try have been rapidly evolving over the past couple of years. Also rapidly evolving in this timeframe are the federal government's administrative branch policies involving incentives and disincentives for electronic health records as well as how quality is measured electronically. All of this is occurring as the entire health care delivery sector is trying to reinvent itself with both existing and new unexpected players. Thus, while those interested in conducting industry‐funded clinical trials in their health system generally know to keep up with FDA, they must also be diligent to see how the greater system is forced to evolve to assure that they remain successful form a regulatory and operational standpoint.
Study on the thickness of lubricating film of M50‐Ag self‐lubricating composites
Authors: Deng Xiaobin , Shi Xiaoliang , Liu Xiyao , Liu Yubin , Xue Bing
Published: November 2018

Dry tribological tests of M50 matrix composites containing 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt% Ag are undertaken at 0.2 m/second 15 N from 25°C to 450°C against Si3N4 ceramic balls. The results indicate that the tribological performance is strongly dependent on the content of solid lubricant Ag. M50 matrix composites containing 5.0 wt% Ag exhibits the great tribological performance with the low friction coefficients of 0.23 to 0.43 and less wear rates of 1.89 to 3.52 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 from 25°C to 450°C, which is attributed to the formation of thick lubricating film on the worn surface. Furthermore, the migration model of solid lubricant Ag in M50 matrix composites is established to predict the thickness of formed lubricating film.
Hot corrosion behavior of three different zones of linear friction welded Ti‐22Al‐25Nb alloy
Authors: Chen Xi , Xie Faqin , Ma Tiejun , Li Wenya , Wu Xiangqing
Published: November 2018

Ti‐22Al‐25Nb joint was achieved by using linear friction welding (LFW) technique. The hot corrosion behavior of base metal, weld zone, and thermo‐mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) was investigated at 700 °C in 25% NaCl‐75% Na2SO4 (wt%) mixed molten salt. In the initial stage, the base metal and joint exhibit similar oxidation resistant ability, and the corrosion products formed on all zones are mainly composed of TiO2, Nb2O5, and Al2O3. The formation of NaNbO3 first occurs in base metal and TMAZ after 50 h, while the weld zone is free of NaNbO3 until 100 h. The development of pitting corrosion in both base metal and TMAZ is caused by the diffusion of sulfur and re‐oxidation of sulfides. After a prolong exposure in molten salts, more serious sulfuration, acid dissolution, and escape of gaseous chlorides occurred in base metal leading to a drastic acceleration of corrosion rate.
Well‐posedness of fractional integro‐differential equations in vector‐valued functional spaces
Authors: Bu Shangquan , Cai Gang
Published: November 2018

We study the well‐posedness of the fractional differential equations with infinite delay
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201800104:mana201800104-math-0001on Lebesgue–Bochner spaces and Besov spaces , where A and B are closed linear operators on a Banach space X satisfying ,  and . Under suitable assumptions on the kernels a and b, we completely characterize the well‐posedness of in the above vector‐valued function spaces on by using known operator‐valued Fourier multiplier theorems. We also give concrete examples where our abstract results may be applied.
A Neural Network QSPR Model for Accurate Prediction of Flash Point of Pure Hydrocarbons
Authors: Mirshahvalad H. , Ghasemiasl R. , Raoufi Nahid , Malekzadeh dirin M.
Published: November 2018

The present study introduces a QSPR model to predict the flash point of pure organic compounds from diverse chemical families. We used the Maximum‐Relevance Minimum‐Redundancy (MRMR) as an efficient descriptor selection algorithm to select 20 the most effective out of 1926 calculated descriptors. The selected descriptors and their combination with the normal boiling point data were used as model inputs and their correlation with FP was mapped using feedforward artificial neural networks. Studying various models, the best result was obtained by a neural network with 2 neurons in the hidden layer for which a combination of the selected descriptors and normal boiling point data were used as model inputs. Evaluating the performance of this model for a dataset of 727 compounds resulted in average absolute relative errors of of 1.36 %, 1.34 %, 1.44 % and 1.42 % and average absolute deviations of 4.48, 4.41, 4.75 and 4.66 K for the overall, training, validation, and test datasets, respectively.