bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of android-based learning application in EFI materials for vocational schools
Authors: Handoyono N A , Rabiman
Published: February 2020

The development of industry era 4.0 demands that education for 21st-century skills is not enough, but must consider management of learning in social aspects and virtual learning. Smartphones can be used as mobile learning in learning to support the industry era 4.0. This study explains the design and analysis of the performance of android-based learning application on EFI service material. This type of research is Research and Development with a 4D model. The research subjects were class XI Automotive students at SMK Perindustrian Yogyakarta consisting of 30 students. The technique of collecting data uses observation and questionnaires. Data were analyzed descriptively qualitatively and quantitatively to determine the feasibility of an Android mobile application. Android-based learning application on EFI service material developed using Appinventor 2 which is accessed online via Url: http://ai2.appinventor.mit.edu. The development of an Android-based learning application on EFI material gets a very good category. Android-based learning application on EFI service material is effectively applied in learning.
Development of an Electrical Engineering Module for the Expertise Program of Industrial Electronics Engineering
Authors: Santoso D , Albaniah S
Published: February 2020

This study was designed to: (1) produce a learning module of Electrical Engineering for the tenth-grade students at SMKN 2 Pengasih; (2) examine the feasibility of the developed module. This study was classified as Research and Development. The research design referred to the 4-D model development model with four main stages, namely, (1) Define; (2) Design; (3) Development; (4) Disseminate. It was conducted at SMKN 2 Pengasih Kulonprogo, in the Department of Electrical Engineering. The types of data used were quantitative and qualitative collected with questionnaires. Data analysis techniques were quantitative descriptive. The results of the study revealed that the process of developing the module was based on the stages of define, design, develop and disseminate. The results of the feasibility evaluation by material experts obtained a feasibility level of 91.92% (very feasible). The assessment result of the feasibility level by media experts was 89.15%. While the results of field trials (student respondents) were 78.99% (feasible). Based on the data, the average score was 86.68%. Therefore the developed module was categorized as very feasible to be used as learning materials for students at SMKN 2 Pengasih Kulonprogo.
Effect of feeding strategy on the protein and fatty acid contents of black soldier fly prepupae (Hermetia illucens) for the potential applications as animal feed and promising alternative protein-rich food
Authors: Mohamad L , Dina F , Hasan H A , Sudesh K , Baidurah S
Published: February 2020

There is considerable interest in the exploring of an alternative protein source due to ever-growing population in the world. Black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, can be a promising alternative protein-rich food due to its high protein content as compared to livestock. This study investigated the effect of different feeding strategies on the crude protein of BSF prepupae (BSFP) to further enhance the protein contents. The feeding strategy was done at BSFP stage using two different diets which were a mixture of food waste as a control, and bacterial dried cells. Protein and fatty acid content analyses were done on the freeze-dried BSFP samples harvested on day 4 after feeding in order to determine the crude protein and fatty acid. BSFP fed with lyophilized cells showed enhancement in the nutritional contents, compared to the conventional feeding strategy using food waste, with increased crude protein content by 17%. This study demonstrated that the bacterial dried cells can be utilized as a single cell protein to further increase the protein content in the BSFP body which can be applied for the animal feed and potential human consumption.
Comparison of quantification methods and subsequent characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate film sample utilizing pretreated cane molasses as carbon source
Authors: Khok Y S , Suwa M , Ito H , Hazwan Hussin M , Ishida Y , Sudesh K , Baidurah S
Published: February 2020

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biodegradable polyester synthesized as intracellular carbon and energy storage for numerous bacteria and archaea. PHB has been used extensively in biomedical industry. The gas chromatography (GC) method for PHB quantification has some drawbacks, such as large sample size required and involves tedious sample preparation. In this study, reactive pyrolysis-gas chromatography (reactive Py-GC) was applied to determine the PHB content in bacterial biomass. Bacillus sp. was cultured in mineral salts medium containing various concentrations of pretreated molasses (10 – 30 g/L) as a sole carbon source. The PHB content obtained by both methods; GC and reactive Py-GC were compared. The obtained PHB was cast into film and the physical properties was determined by DSC and TGA. The biodegradability of PHB film sample was performed by soil burial biodegradation test. Based on the peak intensities of reactive Py-GC analysis, the PHB contents were determined precisely and rapidly without any cumbersome sample pretreatment. Furthermore, the values of the PHB contents coincided overall with those obtained by the conventional GC method with correlation coefficient (R2) 0.9766. The melting temperature and degree of crystallinity were 172 °C and 61 %, respectively. The PHB film sample used in this study can biodegrade completely within 12 days.
Mechanism of Low Cycle Fatigue Damage for Nickel-Based Powder Superalloy
Authors: Liu Zhe , Tian Gaofeng , Fu Hao , Ji Zhen , Yang Shanwu , Jia Chengchang
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the in-situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study crack initiation and propagation during the fatigue process of nickel-based superalloys prepared by powder metallurgy at room temperature(RT) and high temperature(HT). It could be found that the crack initiation of alloy is mainly along the <111> direction of crystallographic orientation at room temperature, cracks are parallel, perpendicular, at an angle of 53° and 60°. Cracks initiated in the crystal propagate in zigzag manner at an angle to each other, the direction of growth is perpendicular to the direction of stress. The fatigue cycle required for crack initiation at the grain boundary is much lower than that in the crystal, and the crack propagation is much faster. At initial stage, cracks expand along the grain boundary to a certain extent and then propagate in a transgranular manner, the direction of which is approximately perpendicular to the stress direction. At high temperature, the fatigue crack initiation time is much longer than the room temperature, and the cycle times required for crack initiation at the same stress ratio are 15 times higher than that at room temperature. The time and length of fatigue crack propagation along the grain boundary are larger than those at room temperature, but the length of the transgranular expansion is slightly smaller.
The Hot Deformation Behaviourof Antibacterial Ti-10wt.%CuSintered Alloy
Authors: Shi Liqiu , Xiang Chun , Yu Feng , Li Zhihong
Published: February 2020

Ti-10wt.%Cu sintered alloy was prepared by apowder metallurgy method to obtain strong antibacterial property. In order to optimize the deformation processing, the hot deformation behaviour of Ti-10wt.%Cu sintered alloy was investigated in this paper. The deformation temperature was set between 800°C to 1000°C and the strain rate was set in a range of 0.008 s−1 to 5s−1. The microstructure of the deformed alloy were observed in order to reveal the effect of the hot deformation process on the microstructure. The results showed that the Ti2Cu phase distributed homogeneously with the increasing of the deformation temperature and decreased with the increasing of the strain rate. It was concluded that the final optimized deformation process was: a deformation temperature range of 850°C to 950°C, and a strain rate of 0.1s−1 to 0.5s−1.
Study on Electrical Characteristics of Titanium Diboride Powder Applied in Power Field
Authors: Zhu Yu , Wang Yongxing , Dong Enyuan , Li Mingjie , Sun Chao , Chu Hongchuan
Published: February 2020

Based on the properties of Titanium Diboride (TiB2) combined with the knowledge of electrical engineering, a novel application of TiB2 in the field of electric power has been proposed. The contact resistance of the particulate matter changes greatly when the external stress changes. Therefore, particulate matter can be used as a variable resistor in the field of fault current limiting. First, the pressure-resistance characteristics of TiB2 were studied experimentally, and the law of resistance change with pressure was summarized. The explanation was given from the perspective of particle mechanics. Then, combined with the operating mechanism, a device with variable resistance was fabricated. And the curve of material resistance with time was tested. Finally, the material was passed through current, which proved that the material properties have not changed under large current. Thus the feasibility of the application of the material in the power field was verified.
Synthesis and Characterization of BiOBr Microstructures Via Free Surfactant Solvothermal Route
Authors: Mao Yuqin , Zhu Luping , Liu Kaixiang , Chen Qiang , Zou Yongjin , Shen Xinying , Liao Guihong
Published: February 2020

This work demonstrated a facile and swift surfactant-free solvothermal synthesis of BiOBr architectures at 170°C for 6h. The structure and morphology were probed through diverse microscopy apparatus. The XRD result shows the obtained samples were well-crystallized tetragonal phase of BiOBr architecture. SEM images display these microspheres were distributed with a good polydispersity, even though most of them have inconsistent diameters. UV-vis spectrum reveals the band gap energy is approximately about 2.87 eV. The PL spectrum of the obtained BiOBr tested at room atmosphere reveals the strongest emission peaks appear at 469nm, which is in the visible region. On the basis of the above results, BiOBr samples also exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance in decomposing the organic dye RhB, which degradation efficiency reaches 99.7% after 50 min under ultraviolet light irradiation.
A Preliminary Study on Hakka Characteristic Soup Plant Resources in Eastern Guangdong
Authors: Yang Qihe , Li Lubing , Yang Hesheng , Mou Lihui , Kuang Wei
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigated and analyzed the Hakka characteristic soup plants in eastern Guangdong. The results showed that there were 79 soup plants, belonging to 74 genera of 44 families, 37 species are wild and have not yet been cultivated artificially, 11 species are cultivated and there is no wild distribution, 31 species are both wild and planted, accounting for 39.2% of the total species. The species used to cook soup with the whole plant were the most, 38 species, accounting for 48.1% of the total soup plants, and those cooked only with root ranked second, 24 species, accounting for 30.4%. 29 species can be harvested throughout the year. Based on the analysis of growth types, there were 37 herbs, 28 shrubs, 7 vines and 7 trees. 68 species are naturally distributed, indicating that the local Hakkas mainly use soup plant materials locally. There are about 20 plants which are widely distributed and seen easily in the field. These genera belong to 11 distribution types. Among them, there are 52 genera of tropical distribution types in total. Among these plants, 53 species were only distributed in the south of the Yangtze River, accounting for 67.1%, 46 species were shade-tolerant, accounting for 58.2%. 37 species have the effect of clearing heat, accounting for 46.8%, 25 species can promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, accounting for 31.6%.
Preparation of CNTs / Aluminum Foam Composites
Authors: Lang Zhaoyang , Chen Mingying , Han Junjiao , Liu Zhe , Yan Xiaoqin , Gu Yousong , Ji Zhen , Jia Chengchang
Published: February 2020

This article uses powder metallurgy to prepare aluminum foam and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) / foam aluminum composites. The effects of the surface treatment of carbon nanotubes, the amount of pore-forming agent, and the amount of carbon nanotubes on the microstructure of aluminum foam and its composites were studied by means of infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the mixed acid treatment of CNTs can effectively disperse CNTs and introduce new functional groups on their surfaces. Using NH4HCO3 as a pore-forming agent and using powder metallurgy, a porosity of 41% to 79%, Cellular pure foam aluminum material and CNTs / foam aluminum matrix composite with 60% porosity.
Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Ficus Hirta Vahl. by LCMS-IT-TOF and GC-MS
Authors: Tang Wenjing , Chen Jianping , Du Mengjiao , Chen Lishi , Yang Yi , Wu Shufen , Zhang Biting , Yu Chuqin
Published: February 2020

Objective: Analysis the chemical constituents from the roots of Ficus hirta. Methods: The Ficus hirta Vahl. were extracted with 75% ethanol. Qualitative analysis of ethanol extracts was carried out by using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS-IT-TOF) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Result: Twenty compounds were identified by LCMS-IT-TOF. Nine compounds were identified by GC-MS. Psoralens and bergapten were identified by LCMS-IT-TOF and GC-MS. Conclusion: LC-MS-TOF and GC-MS have identified 27 compounds, including 9 flavonoids, 6 coumarins, 3 organic acids, 3 organic alcohols, 2 organic esters, 1 terpene, 1 polyphenol, 1 alkaloid and 1 anthraquinone, which laid a foundation for further study of Ficus hirta Vahl. and its compound preparations.
Study on Preparation, Microstructure and Properties of Micro-Arc Oxidation Ceramic Coating on AZ91 Magnesium Alloy in Phosphate Electrolyte
Authors: Chen Xianming , Fan Yingying
Published: February 2020

The micro-arc oxidation behavior of AZ91 magnesium alloy in alkaline phosphate electrolyte was studied. The effect of phosphate on the microstructure and properties of micro-arc oxide film was investigated and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) and salt spray test. The results show that phosphate concentration has an important effect on the surface morphology, phase structure, thickness and corrosion resistance of micro-arc oxidation film. With the increase of phosphate concentration from 5g/L to 30g/L, the film quality decreases, the surface roughness increases, the thickness decreases and the corrosion resistance decreases. So in phosphate electrolysis the lower phosphate concentration in the liquid system is helpful to the formation of better film quality.
Photochemical Preparation of Selenium-rGO Composite for Application in Photocatalytic Degradation
Authors: Zhong Wenyu , Sun Fengqiang , He Guping
Published: February 2020

Se-rGO composite photocatalyst was prepared by photochemical method and improved Hummers method. The morphology and structure of the photocatalyst were characterized by SEM and XRD. The photocatalytic properties of the composite were studied by degrading RhB under UV light. The results showed that the composite retained the original mophorlogy of selenium and graphene oxide after compounding, where a large number of spherical Se particles are clustered and loaded on the surface of GO layers; hexagonal phase is observed in the pattern of pure Se, and the crystalline structure remains unchanged after compounding GO. The photocatalytic activity of the composite is more than twice as high as that of the pure Se. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the photochemical prepared Se-rGO composite is much higher than that of the mechanically mixed Se/GO. Se-rGO composite has good photocatalytic performance and the degradation process conforms well to the first-order reaction kinetics. The degradation rate of RhB solution can reach 76.8% after 120 minutes of UV irradiation.
Oxidative Leaching of Vanadium from Vanadium-chromium Reducing Residue with MnO2
Authors: Peng Hao , Yang Liu , Chen Ya , Guo Jing
Published: February 2020

This paper focused on the leaching process of vanadium from vanadium-chromium reducing residue in alkaline medium with MnO2. The effects of serval parameters like reaction time, reaction temperature, dosage of MnO2, dosage of NaOH, and liquid-to-solid ratioon the leaching process had been studied. The results indicated that MnO2 was an efficient oxidant for vanadium leaching out. The leaching efficiency of vanadium was up to 97.25% at reaction temperature of 90 °C, reaction time of 60 min, dosage of MnO2 at 50 wt.%, concentration of NaOH at 30 wt.% and liquid-to-solid at 5:1 mL/g.
A Study on Environmental Cost of China’s Oil Production and Utilization
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Chen Xiaojun , Tang Qian , Sun Qiang , Wang Huili , Jin Ling
Published: February 2020

This paper puts forward the environmental cost of China’s oil production and utilization in the aspect of atmosphere. Every aspect of oil production and utilization from exploitation to processing, and petroleum products consumption can produce negative effects on the environment, such as environmental pollution. This paper estimates the environmental cost of China’s oil production and utilization in 2015, and the results show that the environmental cost per metric ton of oil consumption is 487.9 RMB. Water pollution and water damage costs are not revealed.
Wastewater Emission Reduction by China’s Industrial Imports of and Its Influencing Factors
Authors: Xie Wangsong , Zhu Qirong
Published: February 2020

By using the input-output model and the data of China’s industrial segment industries, this paper measure the wastewater emission reduction intensity and the wastewater emission reduction of China’s industrial imports in 2012 and 2015. At the same time, it also uses the LMDI to analyze the impact of the imports changes in scale, the structural and the intensity of the wastewater emission reduction by the imports on China’s industrial wastewater emission. The results are as follows:(1) In 2012 and 2015, China’s industrial product import caused its industrial wastewater discharge to decrease by 15% and 14% respectively; (2) The decreases in the scale of the imports and the intensity of wastewater emission reduction lowered the reduction of the emission but the change in the structure of the imports improved the capacity of the reduction.
Temporal patterns of seed germination in early spring-flowering temperate woodland geophytes are modified by warming
Authors: Newton Rosemary J , Hay Fiona R , Ellis Richard H
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Understorey species in temperate deciduous woodlands such as wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) and common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) have complex dormancy: seeds that are shed in late spring require warm summer temperatures for embryo elongation and dormancy alleviation, but then cooler temperatures for germination in autumn. As seasons warm and tree canopies alter, how will different seasonal temperature sequences affect these complex dormancy responses?

Methods

The effect of different sequences of warmer (+5 °C), current or cooler (–5 °C) seasons (summer to spring) on seed germination patterns over seven successive seasons were investigated, with all sequences combined factorially to determine the consequences of differential seasonal temperature change for the temporal pattern of germination (and so seedling recruitment).

Key Results

Little (<1 %, G. nivalis) or no (N. pseudonarcissus) seed germination occurred during the first summer in any treatment. Germination of N. pseudonarcissus in the first autumn was considerable and greatest at the average (15 °C) temperature, irrespective of the preceding summer temperature; germination was also substantial in winter after a warmer autumn. Germination in G. nivalis was greatest in the warmest first autumn and influenced by preceding summer temperature (average > warmer > cooler); the majority of seeds that germinated over the whole study did so during the two autumns but also in year 2’s cooler summer after a warm spring.

Conclusions

Warmer autumns and winters delay first autumn germination of N. pseudonarcissus to winter but advance it in G. nivalis; overall, warming will deplete the soil seed bank of these species, making annual seed influx increasingly important for recruitment and persistence. This study provides a comprehensive account of the effects of temperature changes in different seasons on seed germination in these early spring-flowering geophytes and consequently informs how these and other temperate woodland species with complex seed dormancy may respond to future climate change.
Analysis of α-synuclein species enriched from cerebral cortex of humans with sporadic dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Sanderson John B , De Suman , Jiang Haiyang , Rovere Matteo , Jin Ming , Zaccagnini Ludovica , Hays Watson Aurelia , De Boni Laura , Lagomarsino Valentina N , Young-Pearse Tracy L , Liu Xinyue , Pochapsky Thomas C , Hyman Bradley T , Dickson Dennis W , Klenerman David , Selkoe Dennis J , Bartels Tim
Published: February 2020

Since researchers identified α-synuclein as the principal component of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, studies have suggested that it plays a causative role in the pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies and other ‘synucleinopathies’. While α-synuclein dyshomeostasis likely contributes to the neurodegeneration associated with the synucleinopathies, few direct biochemical analyses of α-synuclein from diseased human brain tissue currently exist. In this study, we analysed sequential protein extracts from a substantial number of patients with neuropathological diagnoses of dementia with Lewy bodies and corresponding controls, detecting a shift of cytosolic and membrane-bound physiological α-synuclein to highly aggregated forms. We then fractionated aqueous extracts (cytosol) from cerebral cortex using non-denaturing methods to search for soluble, disease-associated high molecular weight species potentially associated with toxicity. We applied these fractions and corresponding insoluble fractions containing Lewy-type aggregates to several reporter assays to determine their bioactivity and cytotoxicity. Ultimately, high molecular weight cytosolic fractions enhances phospholipid membrane permeability, while insoluble, Lewy-associated fractions induced morphological changes in the neurites of human stem cell-derived neurons. While the concentrations of soluble, high molecular weight α-synuclein were only slightly elevated in brains of dementia with Lewy bodies patients compared to healthy, age-matched controls, these observations suggest that a small subset of soluble α-synuclein aggregates in the brain may drive early pathogenic effects, while Lewy body-associated α-synuclein can drive neurotoxicity.
Conceptualization and validation of the Neighbourhood Cohesion Index using exploratory structural equation modelling
Authors: Ross Allison , Searle Mark
Published: February 2020

The Neighbourhood Cohesion Index (NCI) is a popular scale used to measure social capital and cohesion at the neighbourhood level. Despite its prevalent use, discrepancies exist with regard to the factor structure of the scale. We explore a two- versus three-factor conceptualization of the NCI by comparing results of confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) for each model among a representative sample of adults (n = 798) in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area (AS, USA). The ESEM three-factor model with the subscales of attraction, neighbouring, and sense of community was the best model fit. This three-factor model proved to be invariant across age, gender, health, and race within our sample. Given the need to determine consistent definitions and measurement of social capital and cohesion, these findings strengthen and support the use of the NCI as an instrument to measure attraction, neighbouring, and sense of community within neighbourhoods.
Opioid Use in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lin Xiwu , Lofland Jennifer , Zhang Ling , Sloan Sheldon , Chamaa Laila , Marano Colleen , Plevy Scott
Published: February 2020

Background

Data on opioid use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and the relationship between disease, opioid use, and healthcare resource utilization are needed.

Methods

This analysis of real-world data from IBM Watson Health Commercial Claims and Encounters Database included patients with the first claim of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) between 2007 and 2014.

Results

Opioid use was higher in patients with IBD than in the matched non-IBD cohort. Adjusted for age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score, inpatient and emergency room visits risk was higher in opioid users than non-users in both IBD cohorts.

Conclusions

Opioid use could be a potential surrogate for inadequate disease control manifested by increased inpatient and emergency room visit risks. These results suggest a need exists for better disease management and the development of an outcomes measurement tool for IBD pain.
A case report of Kounis syndrome presenting with a rash, very late stent thrombosis and coronary evaginations
Authors: Fujisaki Tomohiro , Higa Tomitaka , Uechi Yoichi , Maehira Naoya
Published: February 2020

Background

Very late stent thrombosis (ST) is a concern in the era of drug-eluting stents (DESs), and ST is associated with peri-DES coronary artery aneurysmal lesions or coronary evaginations. An increasing number of cases of concurrent systemic allergic reaction and ST have been reported as Kounis syndrome (KS) in the literature. The number of patients with very late ST caused by KS is small, and further investigation of the potential pathophysiology is required.

Case summary

We report a case of KS that manifested as systemic urticaria followed by very late ST 14 years after placement of two sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs). Three months after the event of ST, coronary evaginations at the stented segments were detected on intravascular optical coherence tomography.

Discussion

Coronary evaginations are associated with local hypersensitivity, stent malapposition, uncovered strut, and flow disturbance that may predispose to ST. Systemic allergic reactions are known to promote platelet adhesion and aggregation. This case of KS suggests a pathophysiology in which the synergic effects between the coronary evaginations and a systemic allergic reaction may contribute to very late ST. For patients with Type 3 KS, performing follow-up intracoronary imaging tests may be important to confirm potential coronary evaginations, especially in patients with SESs.
Microbial sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the prospect of organic residues and wastes as growth media for PUFA-producing microorganisms
Authors: Kothri Maria , Mavrommati Maria , Elazzazy Ahmed M , Baeshen Mohamed N , Moussa Tarek A A , Aggelis George
Published: February 2020

The discovery of non-fish sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is of great biotechnological importance. Although various oleaginous microalgae and fungi are able of accumulating storage lipids (single cell oils – SCOs) containing PUFAs, the industrial applications utilizing these organisms are rather limited due to the high-fermentation cost. However, combining SCO production with other biotechnological applications, including waste and by-product valorization, can overcome this difficulty. In the current review, we present the major sources of fungi (i.e. members of Mucoromycota, fungoid-like Thraustochytrids and genetically modified strains of Yarrowia lipolytica) and microalgae (e.g. Isochrysis, NannochloropsisandTetraselmis) that have come recently to the forefront due to their ability to produce PUFAs. Approaches adopted in order to increase PUFA productivity and the potential of using various residues, such as agro-industrial, food and aquaculture wastes as fermentation substrates for SCO production have been considered and discussed. We concluded that several organic residues can be utilized as feedstock in the SCO production increasing the competitiveness of oleaginous organisms against conventional PUFA producers.
The Emerging Role of Noncoding RNAs in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Jabandziev Petr , Bohosova Julia , Pinkasova Tereza , Kunovsky Lumir , Slaby Ondrej , Goel Ajay
Published: February 2020

Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gut, has been on the rise in recent years—not only in the adult population but also especially in pediatric patients. Despite the absence of curative treatments, current therapeutic options are able to achieve long-term remission in a significant proportion of cases. To this end, however, there is a need for biomarkers enabling accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of response to therapies to facilitate a more individualized approach to pediatric IBD patients. In recent years, evidence has continued to evolve concerning noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their roles as integral factors in key immune-related cellular pathways. Specific deregulation patterns of ncRNAs have been linked to pathogenesis of various diseases, including pediatric IBD. In this article, we provide an overview of current knowledge on ncRNAs, their altered expression profiles in pediatric IBD patients, and how these are emerging as potentially valuable clinical biomarkers as we enter an era of personalized medicine.
An algorithm for calculating Hermite-based finite difference weights
Authors: Fornberg Bengt
Published: February 2020

Finite difference (FD) formulas approximate derivatives by weighted sums of function values. Given arbitrarily distributed node locations in one-dimension, a previous algorithm by the present author (1988, Generation of finite difference formulas on arbitrarily spaced grids. Math. Comput., 51, 699–706) provides FD weights of optimal order of accuracy for approximating any order derivative at a specified location. This algorithm is extended here to the case of finding weights to apply not only to function values but also to first derivative values in the case that these also are available. The MATLAB code for the algorithm is provided, and two examples are given to illustrate how this type of FD stencil can be applied to solving partial differential equations.
Population pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone administered as continuous or intermittent infusion in critically ill patients
Authors: Leegwater E , Kraaijenbrink B V C , Moes D J A R , Purmer I M , Wilms E B
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To describe the population pharmacokinetics and protein-binding characteristics of unbound ceftriaxone administered as continuous or intermittent infusion. Additionally, to determine the optimal dosing regimen in critically ill patients.

Methods

A pharmacokinetic study was performed in the ICU of a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients were treated with ceftriaxone as continuous or intermittent infusion. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed with non-linear mixed-effects analysis. Subsequently, the PTA of a 100% T>MIC was assessed for influential patient characteristics using Monte Carlo simulation.

Results

Fifty-five patients were included. The pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone was best described by a one-compartment model with non-linear saturable protein binding including the following covariates: body weight, estimated CLCR, serum albumin concentration and mode of administration. For pathogens with an MIC of 1 mg/L, the simulation demonstrated that intermittent infusion of 2 g/24 h only resulted in a ≥90% PTA in patients with a reduced CLCR (0–60 mL/min). Intermittent infusion of 2 g/12 h led to sufficient exposure if CLCR was 0–90 mL/min and continuous infusion of 2 g/24 h led to a ≥90% PTA in all simulations (CLCR 0–180 mL/min).

Conclusions

In the critically ill, the clearance of unbound ceftriaxone is closely related to CLCR. Furthermore, ceftriaxone protein binding is saturable, variable and dependent on serum albumin concentration. Intermittent dosing of 2 g/24 h ceftriaxone leads to subtherapeutic exposure in patients with a normal or increased CLCR. Treating these patients with continuous infusion of 2 g/24 h is more effective than an intermittent dosing regimen of 2 g/12 h.
Effectiveness of boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine in patients with long-lasting HIV-1 infection: DARIL study
Authors: Navarro Jordi , González-Cordón Ana , Casado José Luís , Bernardino Jose I , Domingo Pere , Portilla Joaquin , Llibre Josep Maria , Colomer Joan , Rial-Crestelo David , Vizcarra Pilar , Curran Adrià , Martínez Esteban , Ribera Esteban
Published: February 2020

Background

The combination of boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine, once daily, could be a convenient, effective and well-tolerated two-drug regimen to achieve HIV suppression in HIV-infected patients.

Methods

Multicentre, retrospective cohort study in nine hospitals in Spain. All HIV-infected subjects starting boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine were included, irrespective of their viral load (VL). The primary objective was the percentage of patients with VL <50 copies/mL at 48 weeks. Secondary objectives included changes in CD4+ cell count, lipid profile and renal function.

Results

Eighty-one of 84 patients reached Week 48. Fifty-nine (70.2%) patients had VL <50 copies/mL at baseline and the rest had a median VL of 202 (IQR 98–340) copies/mL. Subjects had a median of 21 years of infection with six prior regimens. The main reasons for starting boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine were simplification (44%), kidney or bone toxicity (28.6%) and virological failure (17.9%). Historical genotypes from 47 patients showed 41 (87.2%) patients with NRTI RAMs, 21 (44.7%) with NNRTI RAMs, 12 (25.5%) with primary PI RAMs and 7 (14.9%) with integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) RAMs. One patient had low-level resistance to boosted darunavir and five patients had some resistance to rilpivirine. At 48 weeks, 71 (87.7%) patients had VL <50 copies/mL. According to undetectable or detectable baseline VL, effectiveness was 91.1% or 80%, respectively. There were four virological failures with no emergence of new RAMs. Three of these patients resuppressed viraemia while maintaining the same regimen.

Conclusions

The combination of boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine has shown good effectiveness and tolerability in this cohort of pretreated patients with a long-lasting HIV infection, exposure to multiple antiretroviral regimens and prior HIV resistance.
Determination of Bisphenol A in Sewage Effluent and Sludge by Solid-Phase and Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lee Hing-Biu , Peart Thomas E
Published: February 2020

Methods have been developed for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA) residues in municipal sewage and sludge samples. BPA in wastewater samples was enriched with a C18 solid-phase extraction cartridge, eluted with acetone, and converted to the pentafluoropropionyl derivative. For sludge samples, BPA was acetylated and extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide. In both cases, BPA-d16 was used as a surrogate to monitor extraction efficiency. Final analyses of derivatized sample extracts were performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry operating in the electron impact mode. For water samples, mean recoveries and standard deviations were 89 ± 6, 94 ± 4, and 85 ± 7% at fortification levels of 1, 0.1, and 0.025 μg/L, respectively, with a method detection limit of 0.006 μg/L. For solid waste samples, mean recoveries and standard deviations were 93 ± 5 and 92 ± 6% at fortification levels of 2.5 and 0.25 μg/g, respectively, and the method detection limit was 0.05 μg/g. For the Canadian samples under investigation, concentrations of BPA ranged from 49.9 to 0.031 μg/L in sewage influent and effluent, and from 36.7 to 0.104 μg/g in sludge.
Determination of Lead in Botanicals/Chinese Prepared Medicines by Using Microwave Digestion with Flow Injection–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ong Eng-Shi , Yong Yuk-Lin , Woo Soo-On
Published: February 2020

A simple, sensitive, and rapid method was developed for the determination of lead in botanicals and Chinese prepared medicines (CPM) by using closed-vessel microwave digestion with flow injection–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The limits of detection and quantitation for the method, based on 0.5 g digested sample, were calculated to be 0.10 and 0.61 mg/kg, respectively. A simple approach was proposed for calibration by multiple linear regression (MLR) with 207Pb, 206Pb, and 204Pb for the determination of lead in botanical and CPM samples. The results from calibration by MLR were compared with those obtained by conventional modes using 207Pb and the sum of 207Pb and 206Pb. The results obtained by the different modes of calibration were in good agreement for botanical and CPM samples. The method was found to have good accuracy for the analysis of botanical reference materials. Method precision based on analyses of different types of CPM samples by different analysts on different days for different levels of lead was between 3.0 and 8.0% (relative standard deviation, n = 6). The effect of possible matrix interference caused by nitric acid and the extent of digestion was investigated with the method of standard additions. Significant matrix interference was not observed for the CPM samples analyzed. MLR was used to examine the effect of variation in isotopic abundance, which was found to present no significant problem in the determination of lead in the botanical and CPM samples.
Determination of Tilmicosin Residues in Cow and Sheep Milk by Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Stobba-Wiley Carolyn M , Readnour Robin S
Published: February 2020

This method was developed and validated to detect and quantitate tilmicosin residues in cow milk over a range of 0.010–10 μg/mL, and in sheep milk over a range of 0.025–0.5 μg/mL. The procedure involves extracting the milk sample with acetonitrile and using a C18 cartridge to perform a solid-phase extraction cleanup of the extract. A reversed-phase gradient liquid chromatography method with detection at 280 nm is used to separate the tilmicosin from matrix components in a 30 min run time. The limit of quantitation of the method is 0.010 μg/mL for cow milk, and 0.025 μg/mL for sheep milk. Average percentage recoveries for milk samples ranged from 82 to 94%. Percentage relative standard deviation values ranged from 3.1 to 17.2%.
Confirmation of Patulin and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Apple Juice by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Rupp Heidi S , Turnipseed Sherri B
Published: February 2020

A gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method was developed for the confirmation of patulin and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) extracted from apple juice. The extraction is based on the official AOAC method for liquid chromatographic analysis. Juice extracts are quickly and easily derivatized with bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoracetamide under mild conditions, and the trimethylsilyl ethers of the analytes are stable for at least several hours. The analytes are determined by GC/MS using an electron-impact source and selected ion monitoring of characteristic ions. For both analytes, the interassay differences between base-peak ratios for samples and standards were all <7.1% (absolute). The presence of patulin was confirmed at fortification levels of about 30–400 μg/L and naturally occurring levels of about 80–400 μg/L. The presence of HMF was also confirmed at levels ≤2 mg/L. The proposed mass spectral fragmentation pathways of the analytes are presented.
Comparative Study of Epithelial and Fibroblastic Cell Lines as an Alternative Cytotoxicity Test to the Draize Method
Authors: Pinto Terezinha De J A , Azevedo Janice C De , Cruz Áurea S
Published: February 2020

Several methods are being used with considerable advantage as alterantives to the Draize test, although some technical difficulties still persist. This work compared the sensitivity of HeLa and NCTC L 929 cells to evaluate the cytotoxicity of shampoos used by adults and children (undiluted and diluted to 25, 5, 1, and 0.1%), and eye drops and their containers and surfactants (diluted to 30, 10, 1, and 0.1%). Nondiluted adult shampoos and their 25 and 5% dilutions were cytoxic for both cell lines. When diluted to 1%, only one of the shampoos was noncytotoxic, whereas among those diluted to 0.1%, only one was cytotoxic. Children's shampoos were cytotoxic when not diluted or diluted to 25%. From those diluted to 5%, only one was noncytotoxic for both cell lines. The cytotoxic tests showed that the eye drops and their containers were noncytotoxic. Surfactants were cytotoxic when diluted to 30 and 10% and noncytotoxic when diluted to 1 and 0.1%. An excellent correlation (r = 0.95) was demonstrated between the sensitivity of the HeLa and NCTC L929 cells in the evaluation of cytotoxicity reactions.
Color Measurement of Rosemary Honey in the Solid State by Reflectance Spectroscopy with Black Background
Authors: Negueruela Angel I , Perez-Arquillue Consuelo
Published: February 2020

A colorimetric method was developed to measure the color of rosemary honeys in the solid state, without liquefaction. The color of 20 solid samples of rosemary honeys was measured by reflectance spectroscopy with white and black background in cells of 1 cm pathlength. The Kulbelka-Munk theory of turbid media was applied to calculate the spectral distribution of reflectivity, internal transmittance, and coefficients of absorbance and scattering of light. From these spectral distributions, 2 different types of honey were found. The honey colors measured from reflectivity and internal transmittance are well grouped. The colors obtained from reflectivity and those obtained from reflectance with black background show high linear correlation (r2 > 0.99). As a practical application, measurements of reflectance with black background in cells of 1 cm pathlength can be used to determine the color of these honeys in the solid state.
Headspace Gas Chromatographic Determination of 1,3-Butadiene in Simulated Saliva
Authors: Abrantes Shirley , Santos Tereza C Dos , SimÕES Grazieli
Published: February 2020

A headspace gas chromatographic (GC) method was developed to determine 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD) in simulated saliva in contact with chewing gum. The calibration graph was linear, and the limit of detection was 0.004 mg/L, which is well below the migration limit for this substance. The headspace GC method provides rapid and reliable analysis for monitoring 1,3-BD migration from chewing gum into simulated saliva. In this paper, we report headspace methodology for sensitive determination of 1,3-BD in chewing gum and results of selected analyses, enabling preliminary assessment of possible exposure to 1,3-BD through migration.
Effect of Storage Temperature on Degradation of Methidathion in Fortified Orange and Peach Juices
Authors: Kyriakidis Nikolaos B , Athanasopoulos Panagiotis , Georgitsanakou Ioulia
Published: February 2020

The effect of storage temperature on methidathion degradation in orange and peach juices was studied. The insecticide was aseptically added to packed orange and peach juices, which were stored at 40, 15, and 0°C. Samples were taken at regular intervals and examined for residues of methidathion. Residues were determined with a simple gas chromatographic method; recoveries of methidathion from orange and peach juices ranged from 88.1 to 110% for both juices, and the limits of determination were 0.004 and 0.003 mg/kg, respectively. The experimental data were used to evaluate rate constants, half-lives, and times required to reach legal maximum residue limits, and activation energies for the decomposition of methidathion in orange and peach juices. Storage of fruit juices in refrigerated rooms greatly extended the half-life of methidathion beyond that of methidathion in samples stored at higher temperatures. Half-life values for methidathion in orange and peach juices, respectively, were 4.1 and 3.8 days for storage at 40°C, 115 and 113 days for storage at 15°C, and 330 and 385 days for storage at 0°C. Activation energies for methidathion degradation in orange and peach juices were 22.6 and 21.7 kcal/mol, respectively.
Error Propagation as a Factor in Selection of Measurement Intervals for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Second-Derivative Spectrofluorimetry
Authors: Eiroa Áurea Andrade , Blanco Esther Vázquez , Mahía Purificación López , Lorenzo Soledad Muniategui , Rodríguez Darío Prada , Fernández Esther Fernández
Published: February 2020

The most suitable wavelength intervals were selected for the determination of 4 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; benzo[g,h,i]perylene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, pyrene, and triphenylene) in very complex mixtures of 11 PAHs: anthracene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and triphenylene. The multiple linear regression algorithm was applied to measurements made in several wavelength intervals previously selected on the basis of sensitivity and minimum number of interfering compounds. Of the different models obtained, those displaying minimum error propagation in the analytical result were selected. By applying the models proposed in this study, we precisely and accurately determined benzo[g,h,i]perylene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, pyrene, and triphenylene in complex mixtures—a feat that could not be achieved by the use of constant-wavelength spectrofluorimetry in combination with second-derivative techniques.
Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Nicarbazin in Feeds
Authors: Krabel Beverly J , Dickson David A , Zimmermann Alan G , Coleman Mark R
Published: February 2020

A new liquid chromatographic method has been developed for determination of nicarbazin in feeds. Approximately 40 g feed is extracted with 200 mL acetonitrile–water (80 + 20, v/v). An aliquot of the extract is filtered and assayed using a reversed-phase isocratic method that measures the 4,4′–dinitrocarbanilide moiety of nicarbazin at a wavelength of 340 nm. For medicated feeds, the method uses a standard linear range of 5 to 100 μg/mL. For lower levels, a linear range of 50 to 150 ng/mL can be used. The method has a limit of detection of 250 ng/g and a limit of quantitation of 500 ng/g in a 40 g feed sample. Recovery was 99.1%, with a range of 95.2 to 101.8%. In the typical U.S. dosing range of 27 to 113.5 g/ton, the precision of the method based on one analyst, one day, and 2 weighings ranged from 2.8% (113.5 g/ton) to 4.7% (27 g/ton).
Quantitative In Vitro Bioassay for Recombinant Human Interleukin-11
Authors: Yokota Hiroyuki , Kishimoto Mika , Saito Hiroshi , Sakai Tomoyuki , Yokota Shoji , Kojima Seiki , Taniguchi Yoshitaka , Kaniwa Hidetoshi , Saisho Norishige
Published: February 2020

A cell culture-based in vitro bioassay was developed to measure the biological activity of recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11). The bioassay measures induced proliferation of T10 cells, derived from the T1165 murine plasmacytoma line. A colorimetrically detectable formazan product, obtained by cellular reduction of the tetrazolium compound, 4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1, 3-benzene disulfonate (WST-1), was used as an endpoint for response of clone T10 to added rhIL-11. Positions of the samples and the standards in 96-well microplates affected the precision of this bioassay, which was improved by using 2 microplates where serially diluted sample and standard lines were interleaved and their positions were alternated. The coefficient of variation for this bioassay was less than 8%. This method is suitable for quality control of rhIL-11 because of its simplicity, reproducibility, and accuracy.