bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor control mechanisms in skeletal growth and repair
Authors: Hu Kai , Olsen Bjorn R.
Published: October 2016

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) is a critical regulator of vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis and homeostasis, and it is essential for bone development and repair. Blood vessels serve both as structural templates for bone formation and they provide essential cells, growth factors and minerals needed for synthesis and mineralization, as well as turnover, of the extracellular matrix in bone. Through its regulation of angiogenesis, VEGF contributes to coupling of osteogenesis to angiogenesis, and it directly controls the differentiation and function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In this review, we summarize the properties of VEGF and its receptors that are relevant to bone formation and repair; the roles of VEGF during development of endochondral and membranous bones; and the contributions of VEGF to bone healing during different phases of bone repair. Finally, we discuss contributions of altered VEGF function in inherited disorders with bone defects as part of their phenotypes, and we speculate on what will be required before therapeutic strategies based on VEGF modulation can be developed for clinical use to treat patients with bone growth disorders and/or compromised bone repair. Developmental Dynamics 246:227–234, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does hybridization of endophytic symbionts in a native grass increase fitness in resource‐limited environments?
Authors: Faeth Stanley H. , Oberhofer Martina , Saari Susanna , Haskins Kristin E. , Shymanovich Tatsiana
Published: October 2016

Hybridization is common among plants, animals and microbes. However, the ecological consequences of hybridization for microbes are far less understood than for plants and animals. For symbiotic Epichloë fungi, hybridization is widespread and may augment the well‐known benefits of the endophytes to their grass hosts, especially in stressful environments. We tested the hybrid fitness hypothesis (HFH) that hybrid endophytes enhance fitness in stressful environments relative to non‐hybrid endophytes. In a long‐term field experiment, we monitored growth and reproduction of hybrid‐infected (H+), non‐hybrid infected (NH+), naturally endophyte free (E−) plants and those plants from which the endophyte had been experimentally removed (H− and NH−) in resource‐rich and resource‐poor environments. Infection by both endophyte species enhanced growth and reproduction. H+ plants outperformed NH+ plants in terms of growth by the end of the experiment, supporting HFH. However, H+ plants only outperformed NH+ plants in the resource‐rich treatment, contrary to HFH. Plant genotypes associated with each endophyte species had strong effects on growth and reproduction. Our results provide some support the HFH hypothesis but not based upon adaptation to stressful environments. Our results reinforce the notion of a complex interplay between endophyte and plant genotype and environmental factors that determine fitness of the symbiotum.
The Effect of N‐Containing Supports on Catalytic CO Oxidation Activity over Highly Dispersed Pt/UiO‐67
Authors: Zhuang Gui‐lin , Bai Jia‐qi , Zhou Xiang , Gao Yi‐fen , Huang Hong‐liang , Cui Hai‐quan , Zhong Xing , Zhong Chong‐Li , Wang Jian‐guo
Published: October 2016

Investigations of the effects of the support on catalytic properties are important for heterogeneous systems. Herein, we report the preparation of highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles (NPs) in three isomorphous UiO‐67‐type metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, pristine UiO‐67, N‐UiO‐67, and NH2‐UiO‐67. Structural measurements revealed that the sizes of the Pt NPs were 4.5 nm for Pt/UiO‐67 and 2.5 nm for N‐UiO‐67 and NH2‐UiO‐67. The dominant influences on the sizes of the Pt NPs are the functional groups of the support and the pore size of the MOF. Furthermore, CO catalytic oxidations were performed as a model reaction. Interestingly, the catalytic performance sequence is 5 % Pt/N‐UiO‐67 > 5 % Pt/UiO‐67 > 5 % Pt/NH2‐UiO‐67. A combination of experimental measurement and DFT calculation revealed that the catalytic properties depend on not only the size of the Pt NPs but also the nature of the support.
Synthesis of Nonracemic Pyrrolo‐allocolchicinoids Exhibiting Potent Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Shchegravina Ekaterina S. , Knyazev Dmitry I. , Beletskaya Irina P. , Svirshchevskaya Elena V. , Schmalz Hans‐Günther , Fedorov Alexey Yu.
Published: October 2016

An efficient eight‐step semisynthetic approach towards nonracemic pyrrolo‐allocolchicinoids starting from natural colchicine was developed by exploiting Pd‐catalyzed domino Sonogashira coupling/5‐endo‐dig cyclization of a 2‐iodo‐trifluoroacetanilide intermediate to build up the heterocyclic ring system. The N‐Me substitution of the pyrrole ring enhanced the antitumor activity of the prepared molecules by 2–3 orders of magnitude. Among the active compounds, the N‐methylated colchicinoid exhibited powerful cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties at concentrations < 1 nm.
Stereoselective and Regioselective Preparation of C‐Pentopyranosides and Formal Synthesis of Omarigliptin
Authors: Liu Tongchao , Hou Jian , Xie Wuchen , Li You , Ren Huanming , Liang Jianpeng , Xiong Bing , Chen Guohua , Cheng Maosheng , Zhao Dongmei , Shen Jingkang , Chen Yue‐Lei
Published: October 2016

A readily available intermediate obtained from d‐arabinose was identified as a versatile starting material for the stereoselective synthesis of C‐pentopyranosides in one pot. For two of the C‐pentopyranosides, subsequent epoxide ring formation and a regioselective opening process was proven to be a robust approach to 3‐deoxy C‐pentopyranosides in two to four steps. A key intermediate used in the preparation of omarigliptin was obtained in four steps. Most of the conversions were high‐yielding and proceeded with high selectivities on a multigram scale.
Synthesis of Bicyclic and Tricyclic Chiral Guanidinium Salts by an Intramolecular Alkylation Approach
Authors: Turočkin Aleksej , Raven William , Selig Philipp
Published: October 2016

Synthetic studies leading to three new types of chiral guanidinium scaffolds are described. Structures of interest include bicyclic guanidine derivatives with various substitution patterns around the guanidine core, as well as a highly rigid tricyclic scaffold. The challenging targets were accessed by application of mercury(II)‐promoted guanylation of N‐Boc‐substituted thioureas and Ishikawa's desulfurative cyclization. In addition to our synthetic logics, a scalable synthesis of the tricyclic guanidinium salt is presented.
Effects of subtle cognitive manipulations on placebo analgesia – An implicit priming study
Authors: Rosén A. , Yi J. , Kirsch I. , Kaptchuk T.J. , Ingvar M. , Jensen K.B.
Published: October 2016

Background

Expectancy is widely accepted as a key contributor to placebo effects. However, it is not known whether non‐conscious expectancies achieved through semantic priming may contribute to placebo analgesia. In this study, we investigated if an implicit priming procedure, where participants were unaware of the intended priming influence, affected placebo analgesia.

Methods

In a double‐blind experiment, healthy participants (n = 36) were randomized to different implicit priming types; one aimed at increasing positive expectations and one neutral control condition. First, pain calibration (thermal) and a credibility demonstration of the placebo analgesic device were performed. In a second step, an independent experimenter administered the priming task; Scrambled Sentence Test. Then, pain sensitivity was assessed while telling participants that the analgesic device was either turned on (placebo) or turned off (baseline). Pain responses were recorded on a 0–100 Numeric Response Scale.

Results

Overall, there was a significant placebo effect (p < 0.001), however, the priming conditions (positive/neutral) did not lead to differences in placebo outcome. Prior experience of pain relief (during initial pain testing) correlated significantly with placebo analgesia (p < 0.001) and explained 34% of placebo variance. Trait neuroticism correlated positively with placebo analgesia (p < 0.05) and explained 21% of placebo variance.

Conclusions

Priming is one of many ways to influence behaviour, and non‐conscious activation of positive expectations could theoretically affect placebo analgesia. Yet, we found no SST priming effect on placebo analgesia. Instead, our data point to the significance of prior experience of pain relief, trait neuroticism and social interaction with the treating clinician.

Significance

Our findings challenge the role of semantic priming as a behavioural modifier that may shape expectations of pain relief, and affect placebo analgesia.
Mu and delta opioid receptor knockout mice show increased colonic sensitivity
Authors: Reiss D. , Ceredig R.A. , Secher T. , Boué J. , Barreau F. , Dietrich G. , Gavériaux‐Ruff C.
Published: October 2016

Background

Opiates act through opioid receptors to diminish pain. Here, we investigated whether mu (MOR) and delta (DOR) receptor endogenous activity assessed in the whole mouse body or in particular at peripheral receptors on primary nociceptive neurons, control colonic pain.

Methods

We compared global MOR and DOR receptor knockout (KO) mice, mice with a conditional deletion of MOR and DOR in Nav1.8‐positive nociceptive primary afferent neurons (cKO), and control floxed mice of both genders for visceral sensitivity. Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension (CRD) and macroscopic colon scores were recorded on naïve mice and mice with acute colitis induced by 3% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) for 5 days. Transcript expression for opioid genes and cytokines was measured by quantitative RT‐PCR.

Results

Naïve MOR and DOR global KO mice show increased visceral sensitivity that was not observed in cKO mice. MOR and preproenkephalin (Penk) were the most expressed opioid genes in colon. MOR KO mice had augmented kappa opioid receptor and Tumour‐Necrosis‐Factor‐α and diminished Penk transcript levels while DOR, preprodynorphin and Interleukin‐1β were unchanged. Global MOR KO females had a thicker colon than floxed females. No alteration was detected in DOR mutant animals. A 5‐day DSS treatment led to comparable hypersensitivity in the different mouse lines.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that mu and delta opioid receptor global endogenous activity but not activity at the peripheral Nav1.8 neurons contribute to visceral sensitivity in naïve mice, and that endogenous MOR and DOR tones were insufficient to elicit analgesia after 5‐day DSS‐induced colitis.

Significance

Knockout mice for mu and delta opioid receptor have augmented colon sensitivity in the CRD assay. It shows endogenous mu and delta opioid analgesia that may be explored as potential targets for alleviating chronic intestinal pain.
Selective Method Based on Electrochemical Detection Coupled HPLC for Determination of the Allergens Atranol and Chloroatranol
Authors: Boeye Griet , Gismera María Jesús , Sevilla María Teresa , Procopio Jesús R.
Published: October 2016

The electrochemical properties of atranol and chloroatranol have been evaluated in order to use dual detection to develop a simple reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of these allergens in cosmetic products. For this purpose, a diode‐array detector (DAD) and an electrochemical detector (ECD) operated in amperometric mode and equipped with a wall‐jet cell and a glassy carbon electrode as working electrode have been used. The chromatographic conditions have been optimized and the hydrodynamic curves for both compounds have been obtained. An optimal separation with adequate electrochemical responses have been obtained using a 50 : 50 methanol : 0.2 % phosphoric acid solution as mobile phase. The ECD detection has been performed by applying a potential of 1.15 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Limits of detection of 10 μ L−1 for atranol and 29 μ L−1 for chloroatranol have been achieved using the amperometric detection mode. The proposed methodology has been applied with successful results for the direct determination of both allergens, without pretreatment steps of samples, in different cosmetic products based on hydroalcoholic solutions.
Electric field mediated spraying of miniaturized droplets inside microchannel
Authors: Timung Seim , Chaudhuri Joydip , Borthakur Manash Pratim , Mandal Tapas Kumar , Biswas Gautam , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: October 2016

We report a facile and noninvasive way to disintegrate a microdroplet into a string of further miniaturized ones under the influence of an external electrohydrodynamic field inside a microchannel. The deformation and breakup of the droplet was engendered by the Maxwell's stress originating from the accumulation of induced and free charges at the oil–water interface. While at smaller field intensities, for example less than 1 MV/m, the droplet deformed into a plug, at relatively higher field intensities, e.g. ∼1.16 MV/m, a pair of droplets having opposite surface charge was formed. The charged droplets showed an interesting periodic bridging and breakup during their translation motion across the channel. For even higher field intensities, for example more than 1.2 MV/m, the entire droplet underwent dielectrophoresis toward one of the electrodes before experiencing a strong attractive force from the other electrode to deform into a shape of a Taylor cone. With progress in time, mimicking the electrospraying phenomenon, the cone tip periodically ejected a string of miniaturized water droplets to form a microemulsion inside the channel. The frequency and size of the droplet ejection could be tuned by varying the applied field intensity. A water droplet of ∼214 μm diameter could continuously eject droplets of size ∼10 μm or even smaller to form a microemulsion inside the channel.
Synonymous EGFR variant p.Q787Q is neither prognostic nor predictive in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Leichsenring Jonas , Volckmar Anna‐Lena , Magios Nikolaus , Morais de Oliveira Cristiano Manuel , Penzel Roland , Brandt Regine , Kirchner Martina , Bozorgmehr Farastuk , Thomas Michael , Schirmacher Peter , Warth Arne , Endris Volker , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: October 2016

Patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring activating mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) benefit from targeted therapies. A synonymous polymorphism (rs1050171, p.Q787Q) was shown to be associated with improved overall survival (OS) in colorectal cancer patients. As data in NSCLC are limited, we retrospectively analyzed associations of p.Q787Q with clinicopathological parameters including clinical response and outcome in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) who received tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Of 642 ADC patients whose tumors were profiled by next generation sequencing, 102 (15.9%) carried EGFR mutations targetable by TKIs (30.4% male patients, median age 65.1 y, 19.6% smokers with 12.8 median pack years). Seventy‐nine patients (77.5%) received TKI therapy either as a first‐ or second‐line therapy. Of the 102 EGFR‐mutant tumors, 72 (70.6%) exhibited the p.Q787Q polymorphism and another 12 (11.8%) cases with p.Q787Q harbored an additional TKI insensitive mutation (p.T790M). The polymorphism was neither associated with classic clinicopathological parameters nor with overall survival (21.1 months vs. 20.1 months; P‐value = 0.91) or clinical response (P‐value = 0.122). The patients with p.T790M had worse survival compared to EGFR activating mutation carriers with and without p.Q787Q when analyzed as a separate group (27.5 months, P‐value = 0.02). In conclusion, p.Q787Q is neither a suitable prognostic nor predictive biomarker for ADC patients receiving anti‐EGFR therapy in first‐ or second‐line of therapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Astrocyte‐mediated infantile‐onset leukoencephalopathy mouse model
Authors: Sugio Shouta , Tohyama Koujiro , Oku Shinichiro , Fujiyoshi Kanehiro , Yoshimura Takeshi , Hikishima Keigo , Yano Ryutaro , Fukuda Takahiro , Nakamura Masaya , Okano Hideyuki , Watanabe Masahiko , Fukata Masaki , Ikenaka Kazuhiro , Tanaka Kenji F.
Published: October 2016

Astrocytes have recently been shown to provide physiological support for various brain functions, although little is known about their involvement in white matter integrity. Several inherited infantile‐onset leukoencephalopathies, such as Alexander disease and megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), implicate astrocytic involvement in the formation of white matter. Several mouse models of MLC had been generated by knocking out the Mlc1 gene; however, none of those models was reported to show myelin abnormalities prior to formation of the myelin sheath. Here we generated a new Mlc1 knockout mouse and a Mlc1 overexpressing mouse, and demonstrate that astrocyte‐specific Mlc1 overexpression causes infantile‐onset abnormalities of the white matter in which astrocytic swelling followed by myelin membrane splitting are present, whereas knocking out Mlc1 does not, and only shows myelin abnormalities after 12 months of age. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that MLC1 interacts with the Na+/K+ ATPase and that overexpression of Mlc1 results in decreased activity of the astrocytic Na+/K+ pump. In contrast, no changes in Na+/K+ pump activity were observed in Mlc1 KO mice, suggesting that the reduction in Na+/K+ pump activity resulting from Mlc1 overexpression causes astrocytic swelling. Our infantile‐onset leukoencephalopathy model based on Mlc1 overexpression may provide an opportunity to further explore the roles of astrocytes in white matter development and structural integrity. We established a novel mouse model for infantile‐onset leukoencephalopathy by the overexpression of Mlc1. Mlc1 overexpression reduced activity of the astrocytic sodium pump, which may underlie white matter edema followed by myelin membrane splitting. GLIA 2016 GLIA 2017;65:150–168
Transforming Latent Utilities to Health Utilities: East Does Not Meet West
Authors: Xie Feng , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Pickard A. Simon , Ramos Goñi Juan Manuel , Jo Min‐woo , Igarashi Ataru
Published: October 2016

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are a promising alternative to more resource‐intensive preference elicitation methods such as time trade‐off (TTO), as pairwise comparisons are more amenable to online completion, which can save time and money. However, modeling DCE data produces latent utilities which are on an unknown scale. Therefore, latent utilities need to be transformed to a full health–dead scale before they can be used in quality‐adjusted life year calculations. We aimed to explore transformation functions from DCE‐derived latent utilities to TTO‐derived health utilities. We used EQ‐5D‐5L valuation data from eight different countries that collected both DCE and TTO data by using a standardized protocol. Results found less variation in the function that transformed latent utilities to health utilities in the western countries than in the eastern countries. While a global transformation function is not recommended, results suggest that regional transformation functions could potentially be used to derive health utilities from DCE data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Goods–Time Elasticity of Substitution in Health Production
Authors: Du Juan , Yagihashi Takeshi
Published: October 2016

We examine how inputs for health production, in particular, medical care and health‐enhancing time, are combined to improve health. The estimated elasticity of substitution from a constant elasticity of substitution production function is significantly less than one for the working‐age population, rejecting the unit elasticity of substitution used in previous studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐biofilm properties of bioactive glasses embedding organic active compounds
Authors: Galarraga‐Vinueza M. E. , Mesquita‐Guimarães J. , Magini R. S. , Souza J. C. M. , Fredel M. C. , Boccaccini A. R.
Published: October 2016

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are promising materials for bone repair due to their desirable properties such as osteoconductivity, biodegradability, angiogenic potential, and antibacterial activity. Ionic dissolution products from bioactive glasses increase the medium pH inhibiting surrounding bacteria proliferation. The activity of BGs against biofilm formation has been enhanced by incorporating organic antibacterial compounds. The aim of this review was to summarize evidence in literature which assesses the efficacy of antibacterial and anti‐biofilm compounds embedded in bioactive glasses to prevent peri‐implant infection during bone healing. A PubMed bibliographical research was carried out including articles published in the last 20 years. Most previous studies evaluated antibacterial efficiency in planktonic cultures but did not investigate biofilm inhibition, underestimating biofilm clinical relevance. Multifactorial features such as biocompatibility of embedded compounds, receptor site characteristics, and drug delivery efficiency have been found to influence the bioactive glass capability of acting both as an anti‐biofilm agent and as a bone repairing biomaterial. Accordingly, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to select the most promising anti‐biofilm agents which should be incorporated into bioactive glasses to counteract biofilm proliferation, without inducing toxic effects on human cells, and with the added functionality of promoting bone regeneration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 672–679, 2017.
The clinical, radiological, microbiological, and molecular profile of the skin‐penetration site of transfemoral amputees treated with bone‐anchored prostheses
Authors: Lennerås Maria , Tsikandylakis Georgios , Trobos Margarita , Omar Omar , Vazirisani Forugh , Palmquist Anders , Berlin Örjan , Brånemark Rickard , Thomsen Peter
Published: October 2016

The breach of the skin barrier is a critical issue associated with the treatment of individuals with transfemoral amputation (TFA) using osseointegrated, percutaneous titanium implants. Thirty TFA patients scheduled for abutment exchange or removal were consecutively enrolled. The aims were to determine the macroscopic skin signs, the presence of bacteria and the gene expression in abutment‐adherent cells and to conduct correlative and comparative analyses between the different parameters. Redness and a granulation ring were present in 47% of the patients. Bacteria were detected in 27/30 patients, commonly in the bone canal. Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase‐negative staphylococci, streptococci, and Enterococcus faecalis were the most common. A positive correlation was found between TNF‐α expression and the detection of S. aureus. Staphylococcus aureus together with other bacterial species revealed a positive relationship with MMP‐8 expression. A negative correlation was demonstrated between the length of the residual femur bone and the detection of a granulation ring and E. faecalis. A positive correlation was revealed between fixture loosening and pain and the radiological detection of endosteal bone resorption. Fixture loosening was also correlated with the reduced expression of interleukin‐10 and osteocalcin. It is concluded that several relationships exist between clinical, radiological, microbiological, and molecular assessments of the percutaneous area of TFAs. Further long term studies on larger patient cohorts are required to determine the precise cause‐effect relationships and unravel the role of host‐bacteria interactions in the skin, bone canal and on the abutment for the longevity of percutaneous implants as treatment of TFA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 578–589, 2017.
Preparation and biocompatibility evaluation of pectin and chitosan cryogels for biomedical application
Authors: Konovalova Mariya V. , Markov Pavel A. , Durnev Eugene A. , Kurek Denis V. , Popov Sergey V. , Varlamov Valery P.
Published: October 2016

Today, there is a need for the development of biomaterials with novel properties for biomedical purposes. The biocompatibility of materials is a key factor in determining its possible use in biomedicine. In this study, composite cryogels were obtained based on pectin and chitosan using ionic cryotropic gelation. For cryogel preparation, apple pectin (AP), Heracleum L. pectin (HP), and chitosan samples with different physical and chemical characteristics were used. The properties of pectin‐chitosan cryogels were found to depend on the structural features and physicochemical characteristics of the pectin and chitosan within them. The addition of chitosan to cryogels can increase their mechanical strength, cause change in surface morphology, increase the degradation time, and enhance adhesion to biological tissues. Cryogels based on AP were less immunogenic when compared with cryogels from HP. Cryogels based on AP and HP were hemocompatible and the percentage of red blood cells hemolysis was less than 5%. Unlike cryogels based on HP, which exhibited moderate cytotoxicity, cryogels based on AP exhibited light cytotoxicity. Based on the results of low immunogenicity, light cytotoxicity data as well as a low level of hemolysis of composite cryogels based on AP and chitosan are biocompatible and can potentially be used in biomedicine. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 547–556, 2017.
Behavioral pharmacology of the odor span task: Effects of flunitrazepam, ketamine, methamphetamine and methylphenidate
Authors: Galizio Mark , April Brooke , Deal Melissa , Hawkey Andrew , Panoz‐Brown Danielle , Prichard Ashley , Bruce Katherine
Published: October 2016

The Odor Span Task is an incrementing non‐matching‐to‐sample procedure that permits the study of behavior under the control of multiple stimuli. Rats are exposed to a series of odor stimuli and selection of new stimuli is reinforced. Successful performance thus requires remembering which stimuli have previously been presented during a given session. This procedure has been frequently used in neurobiological studies as a rodent model of working memory; however, only a few studies have examined the effects of drugs on performance in this task. The present experiments explored the behavioral pharmacology of a modified version of the Odor Span Task by determining the effects of stimulant drugs methylphenidate and methamphetamine, NMDA antagonist ketamine, and positive GABAA
modulator flunitrazepam. All four drugs produced dose‐dependent impairment of performances on the Odor Span Task, but for methylphenidate and methamphetamine, these occurred only at doses that had similar effects on performance of a simple odor discrimination. Generally, these disruptions were based on omission of responding at the effective doses. The effects of ketamine and flunitrazepam were more selective in some rats. That is, some rats tested under flunitrazepam and ketamine showed decreases in accuracy on the Odor Span Task at doses that did not affect simple discrimination performance. These selective effects indicate disruption of within‐session stimulus control. Overall, these findings support the potential of the Odor Span Task as a baseline for the behavioral pharmacological analysis of remembering.
A new pre‐processing algorithm for analog circuit expression and simplification
Authors: Chaharmahali Iman , Asadi Shahrooz , Dousti Massoud
Published: October 2016

This paper has proposed a new pre‐processing stage algorithm to enhance the overall performance of current simplification algorithms in analog circuits. This pre‐process stage takes place after the calculation of symbolic transfer function and before the main core of the simplification algorithm. The detailed stages of this pre‐process are completely independent of the main simplification and symbolic transfer function algorithm. As such, the pre‐process algorithm can be easily added to any simplification algorithm to improve the total simplification performance. The use of this command, which is based on the stack decision method, helps the pre‐process algorithm to obtain a high‐process speed. Based on the CPU time simulation results for a transfer function with 139 terms, it is expected to have a total CPU time in the simplification of a 9820 term of about 28 to 30 seconds pulse and 1.2 to 4.9 seconds for the pre‐process algorithm. Finally, a total method, which involves the combination of this pre‐process algorithm with the main simplification algorithm is proposed in, and a CPU time of about 30 to 35 seconds is needed for simplifying a huge transfer function with 9820 terms. The addition of extra pre‐process algorithm to the main simplification algorithm will reduce the total CPU time of simulation from 820 to 35 seconds, indicating a reduction of 95% in the total needed simulation time.
Does the recent warming hiatus exist over Northern Asia for winter wind chill temperature?
Authors: Ma Ying , Mao Rui , Feng Sheng‐Hui , Gong Dao‐Yi , Kim Seong‐Joong
Published: October 2016

Wind chill temperature (WCT) describes the joint effect of wind velocity and air temperature on exposed body skin and could support policymakers in designing plans to reduce the risks of notably cold and windy weather. This study examined winter WCT over Northern Asia during 1973–2013 by analysing in situ station data. The winter WCT warming rate over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) slowed during 1999–2013 (−0.04 °C decade−1) compared with that of during 1973–1998 (0.67 °C decade−1). The winter WCT warming hiatus has also been observed in the remainder of Northern Asia with trends of 1.11 °C decade−1 during 1973–1998 but −1.02 °C decade−1 during 1999–2013, except for the Far East (FE) of Russia, where the winter WCT has continued to heat up during both the earlier period of 1973–1998 (0.54 °C decade−1) and the recent period of 1999–2013 (0.75 °C decade−1). The results indicate that the influence of temperature on winter WCT is greater than that of wind speed over Northern Asia. Atmospheric circulation changes associated with air temperature and wind speed were analysed to identify the causes for the warming hiatus of winter WCT over Northern Asia. The distributions of sea‐level pressure and 500‐hPa height anomalies during 1999–2013 transported cold air from the high latitudes to middle latitudes, resulting in low air temperature over Northern Asia except for the FE of Russia. Over the TP, the increase in wind speed offset the increase in air temperature during 1999–2013. For the FE, the southerly wind from the Western Pacific drove the temperature up during the 1999–2013 period through warm advection.
Occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in baby foods marketed in Iran
Authors: Mottaghianpour Ehsan , Nazari Firouzeh , Mehrasbi Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Mir‐Jamal
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a toxic fungal metabolite that is found in baby foods, can lead to serious complications for children's health. In the present study, 48 commercial baby foods available in the Iranian market were investigated for the presence of AFB1 using a high performance liquid chromatography system that was equipped with post‐column photochemical derivatization and a fluorescence detector.

RESULTS

Thirty‐three out of 48 samples (68.7%) were contaminated with AFB1 at median, maximum and mean concentration levels of 0.11, 15.15 and 2.602 ± 4.065 µg kg−1, respectively. The AFB1 concentration in 39.6% of the samples was higher than the maximum level established in Iran for AFB1 within baby foods containing milk (0.5 µg kg−1). The incidence of AFB1 in rice, wheat and multigrain infant cereal samples was 90%, 25% and 100%, respectively, whereas rice‐based baby foods contained the highest levels of AFB1.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the finding of both high rates and high levels of AFB1 in cereal baby foods indicates the need to reduce AFB1 contamination in these products. Therefore, further monitoring and control of pre‐ and post‐harvest, storage, and manufacturing processes is required. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement of skin condition by oral administration of collagen hydrolysates in chronologically aged mice
Authors: Wang Zhenbin , Wang Qing , Wang Lin , Xu Weidong , He Yuanqing , Li Yunliang , He Song , Ma Haile
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Collagen hydrolysates (CHs) have been demonstrated to have positive effects on skin photoaging by topical application or oral ingestion. However, there has been little research on their influence on skin chronological aging. In this study, 9‐month‐old female ICR mice were given normal AIN‐93M diets containing CHs (2.5, 5 and 10% w/w) from Nile tilapia scale.

RESULTS

After 6 months, the collagen content and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) activities increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the survival rate, viscera indices and contents of moisture, fat and non‐collagenous protein in skin did not change (P > 0.05). The color, luster and quantity of hair were obviously ameliorated. Moreover, the structure of epidermis and dermis, the density and distribution of collagen fibers and the ratio of type I to type III collagen were improved in a dose‐dependent manner as shown by histochemical staining.

CONCLUSION

Oral ingestion of CHs increased the collagen content and antioxidant enzyme activities and improved the appearance and structure of skin. These results suggest the potential of CHs as an anti‐skin‐aging ingredient in nutraceuticals or functional foods. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Methane dynamics downstream of a temperate run‐of‐the‐river reservoir
Authors: DelSontro Tonya , Perez Karina K. , Sollberger Sébastien , Wehrli Bernhard
Published: October 2016

Dams impact a significant portion of the world's rivers, and rivers downstream of the reservoirs created by large dams often emit significant amounts of methane (CH4). River CH4 emissions downstream of run‐of‐the‐river (ROR) dams are less well known. We investigated spatial and seasonal CH4 dynamics along a stretch of the Aare River (Switzerland) downstream from a bubbling ROR reservoir. We found that the CH4 horizontally accumulated in this vertically non‐stratifying ROR reservoir was consistently transported to the downstream river, but half was lost near a confluence with a tributary. We estimated CH4 diffusion using gas exchange coefficient (k) models that incorporate specific river characteristics and found CH4 emissions were threefold higher upstream of the confluence than downstream. We discuss the use of CO2‐derived k models in estimating k for CH4, and investigated it directly using a drifting chamber experiment. While chamber emissions only partly agreed with the k models, the models were robust enough to use in a CH4 mass balance along the river that indicated an overall CH4 loss from the study area. The loss predominantly occurred at the confluence and > 92% of it could not be accounted for by modelled or measured CH4 emissions. Ultimately, a ROR reservoir that does not form an anoxic, CH4‐rich hypolimnion enhanced downstream river CH4 emissions, but to a lesser extent than other systems (∼9% of total reservoir‐associated emissions). Regardless, small ROR dams and river features such as confluences should be considered when measuring, estimating or upscaling river CH4 emissions.
Periodic change in coastal microbial community structure associated with submarine groundwater discharge and tidal fluctuation
Authors: Lee Eunhee , Shin Doyun , Hyun Sung Pil , Ko Kyung‐Seok , Moon Hee Sun , Koh Dong‐Chan , Ha Kyoochul , Kim Byung‐Yong
Published: October 2016

Coastal areas where submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) occurs are active mixing zones with characteristic biogeochemical and ecological functions. In this study, we investigated the microbial community associated with the changes in groundwater discharge flux at a coastal beach site on Jeju Island, South Korea. We performed water chemistry analyses, 16S rRNA gene‐based pyrosequencing, and microbial community statistical analyses on coastal water samples systematically collected as functions of tidal stage and distance from the groundwater discharge point. We also carried out groundwater level monitoring and numerical simulation of the coastal aquifer to reproduce tidally induced variations in the SGD rates of the study site. Pyrosequencing and statistical analyses revealed a periodic shift in the microbial communities in the coastal waters as functions of tidal stage and SGD rates. Interestingly, the community structures in the samples collected at flood and ebb tide were markedly different, despite the similarities in their water chemistry. Groundwater simulation and canonical correspondence analyses suggest that groundwater discharging at higher velocities at ebb tide can detach and transport subsurface bacteria from the aquifer to the coastal water body, resulting in an increase in facultative anaerobes in the ebb tide samples. In addition, release of the sand‐attached bacteria as a result of particle resuspension and flushing of shallow subsurface bacteria in the intertidal zone could contribute to shaping the relative abundance of the coastal microbial community. We conclude that SGD rate is an important factor influencing the dynamics of the bacterial community structure at the coastal zone of the study site.
Microparticle‐Mediated Delivery of BMP4 for Generation of Meiosis‐Competent Germ Cells from Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Esfandiari Fereshteh , Ashtiani Mohammad Kazemi , Sharifi‐Tabar Mehdi , Saber Maryam , Daemi Hamed , Ghanian Mohammad Hossein , Shahverdi Abdolhossein , Baharvand Hossein
Published: October 2016

Producing meiosis‐competent germ cells (GCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is essential for developing advanced therapies for infertility. Here, a novel approach is presented for generation of GCs from ESCs. In this regard, microparticles (MPs) have been developed from alginate sulfate loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). The results here show that BMP4 release from alginate sulfate MPs is significantly retarded by the sulfated groups compared to neat alginate. Then, BMP4‐laden MPs are incorporated within the aggregates during differentiation of GCs from ESCs. It is observed that BMP4‐laden MPs increase GC differentiation from ESCs at least twofold compared to the conventional soluble delivery method. Interestingly, following meiosis induction,Dazl, an intrinsic factor that enables GCs to enter meiosis, and two essential meiosis genes (Stra8andSmc1b) are upregulated significantly in MP‐induced aggregates compared to aggregates, which are formed by the conventional method. Together, these data show that controlled delivery of BMP4 during ESC differentiation into GC establish meiosis‐competent GCs which can serve as an attractive GC source for reproductive medicine.

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Extracting oxide scale cracking data from acoustic emission data using the example of oxidized cobalt
Authors: Rudolphi M. , Schütze M.
Published: October 2016

4‐point bending with in situ acoustic emission measurement has proven to be a successful route for determining the critical strain values for various oxide scales. In combination with metallographic investigations, such critical strain data can be used to establish mechanical stability diagrams for an assessment of the maximum tolerable strain before scale failure becomes imminent. The use of the acoustic emission technique enables to detect micro‐cracking in the oxide scale without metallographic inspection, thereby, providing access to the critical strain required to initiate oxide cracking. However, in some cases, acoustic emission is generated not only by oxide cracking but also from plastic deformation processes within the metal substrate. In this work, a tailored analysis procedure is developed for discriminating the signals generated by oxide scale cracking from those generated by plastic deformation in the cobalt substrate. From the resulting critical strain data, the above‐mentioned failure diagrams were deduced for cobalt oxide scales grown on high‐purity cobalt at 650 °C in dry synthetic air, and synthetic air with 10 vol% H2O, respectively.
Mass spectrometric strategies for the investigation of biomarkers of illicit drug use in wastewater
Authors: Hernández Félix , Castiglioni Sara , Covaci Adrian , de Voogt Pim , Emke Erik , Kasprzyk‐Hordern Barbara , Ort Christoph , Reid Malcolm , Sancho Juan V. , Thomas Kevin V. , van Nuijs Alexander L.N. , Zuccato Ettore , Bijlsma Lubertus
Published: October 2016

The analysis of illicit drugs in urban wastewater is the basis of wastewater‐based epidemiology (WBE), and has received much scientific attention because the concentrations measured can be used as a new non‐intrusive tool to provide evidence‐based and real‐time estimates of community‐wide drug consumption. Moreover, WBE allows monitoring patterns and spatial and temporal trends of drug use. Although information and expertise from other disciplines is required to refine and effectively apply WBE, analytical chemistry is the fundamental driver in this field. The use of advanced analytical techniques, commonly based on combined chromatography—mass spectrometry, is mandatory because the very low analyte concentration and the complexity of samples (raw wastewater) make quantification and identification/confirmation of illicit drug biomarkers (IDBs) troublesome. We review the most‐recent literature available (mostly from the last 5 years) on the determination of IDBs in wastewater with particular emphasis on the different analytical strategies applied. The predominance of liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to quantify target IDBs and the essence to produce reliable and comparable results is illustrated. Accordingly, the importance to perform inter‐laboratory exercises and the need to analyze appropriate quality controls in each sample sequence is highlighted. Other crucial steps in WBE, such as sample collection and sample pre‐treatment, are briefly and carefully discussed. The article further focuses on the potential of high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Different approaches for target and non‐target analysis are discussed, and the interest to perform experiments under laboratory‐controlled conditions, as a complementary tool to investigate related compounds (e.g., minor metabolites and/or transformation products in wastewater) is treated. The article ends up with the trends and future perspectives in this field from the authors’ point of view. © 2016 by The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:258–280, 2018
The BASALIT multicenter trial: Gly m 4 quantification for consistency control of challenge meal batches and toward Gly m 4 threshold data
Authors: Holzhauser Thomas , Franke Annegret , Treudler Regina , Schmiedeknecht Anett , Randow Stefanie , Becker Wolf‐Meinhard , Lidholm Jonas , Vieths Stefan , Simon Jan‐Christoph
Published: October 2016

Scope

The BASALIT clinical trial (EudraCT 2009‐011737‐27) investigated efficacy of birch allergen immunotherapy on lowest observed adverse effect levels after soy food challenge in patients with birch‐associated and Gly m 4 allergen mediated soy allergy. Thus, consistently stable Gly m 4 levels were required in standardized challenge meals.

Methods and results

Soy meal included soy protein isolate (SPI, 88% total protein). A Gly m 4 specific ELISA was developed and validated. Six SPIs and 24 meal batches were analyzed for Gly m 4. (Repeated‐measures) analyses of variance were done to identify potential changes between batches and time intervals. Gly m 4 was below the ELISA detection limit (2 ng/mL) in placebo batches. With <20% mean coefficient of variation, Gly m 4 levels were consistent in 24 soy meal batches and within individual 12‐wk shelf‐life.

Conclusion

The novel Gly m 4 specific ELISA proved consistency of challenge meal batches over a 56‐month study period. With an average of 178 μg/g Gly m 4 in SPI, Gly m 4 lowest observed adverse effect level can be calculated once clinical lowest observed adverse effect level data based on SPI are available. Hence, sensitivity of patients can be correlated to the relevant allergen content instead of total protein of the allergenic source.
Simultaneous and interleaved acquisition of NMR signals from different nuclei with a clinical MRI scanner
Authors: Meyerspeer Martin , Magill Arthur W. , Kuehne Andre , Gruetter Rolf , Moser Ewald , Schmid Albrecht Ingo
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Modification of a clinical MRI scanner to enable simultaneous or rapid interleaved acquisition of signals from two different nuclei.

Methods

A device was developed to modify the local oscillator signal fed to the receive channel(s) of an MRI console. This enables external modification of the frequency at which the receiver is sensitive and rapid switching between different frequencies. Use of the device was demonstrated with interleaved and simultaneous 31P and 1H spectroscopic acquisitions, and with interleaved 31P and 1H imaging.

Results

Signal amplitudes and signal‐to‐noise ratios were found to be unchanged for the modified system, compared with data acquired with the MRI system in the standard configuration.

Conclusion

Interleaved and simultaneous 1H and 31P signal acquisition was successfully demonstrated with a clinical MRI scanner, with only minor modification of the RF architecture. While demonstrated with 31P, the modification is applicable to any detectable nucleus without further modification, enabling a wide range of simultaneous and interleaved experiments to be performed within a clinical setting. Magn Reson Med 76:1636–1641, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Adopt 3 ideas for supporting international graduate student success
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: October 2016

Coming to a new country where you don't speak the language or know the customs can be tough — now imagine that you are also expected to earn a degree. Welcome to the world of many international graduate students.
Form partnerships to help low‐income adult learners transition to college
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2016

Creating a campus full of diverse learners, including adults from low socioeconomic backgrounds, can lead to a richer learning experience for all students. Looking outside the box to enroll adult students may mean partnering with unconventional learning organizations in your community. The Free Minds Project, a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, provides adult learners with one free year of college courses and six credit units, while ensuring a focus on the humanities. Vivé Griffith, the director of the Free Minds Project, shared insights about what makes her program a success, how to help your adult students on the path to learning and retain them through complicated lives, and what strategies will engage your adult learners.
Review tips for helping search committees create positive perceptions during Skype interviews
Authors: Fatzinger Jim B.
Published: October 2016

At a time when phone interviews are being replaced with face‐to‐face Skype interviews, search committees could benefit from practical guidance to help them make the most of this relatively new tool in their hiring process.
Neumann–Neumann waveform relaxation algorithm in multiple subdomains for hyperbolic problems in 1D and 2D
Authors: Mandal Bankim C.
Published: October 2016

We present a Waveform Relaxation (WR) version of the Neumann–Neumann algorithm for the wave equation in space‐time. The method is based on a nonoverlapping spatial domain decomposition, and the iteration involves subdomain solves in space‐time with corresponding interface conditions, followed by a correction step. Using a Fourier‐Laplace transform argument, for a particular relaxation parameter, we prove convergence of the algorithm in a finite number of steps for the finite time intervals. The number of steps depends on the size of the subdomains and the time window length on which the algorithm is employed. We illustrate the performance of the algorithm with numerical results, followed by a comparison with classical and optimized Schwarz WR methods. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 514–530, 2017