bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Largemouth Bass Behaviors, Angler Behaviors, and Environmental Conditions on Fishing Tournament Capture Success
Authors: Sylvia Andrea , Maahs Brandon , Weber Michael J.
Published: November 2019

Tournament anglers typically possess extensive knowledge of the habitat and seasonal movement of their targeted species. While fish–angler behavioral relationships are critical to understanding fish catchability, few studies have assessed how fish behavior influences their vulnerability to capture by tournament anglers. Our objectives were to determine if Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoidesbehavior, angler behavior, and environmental conditions affect tournament angler catch rate (CPUE) and Largemouth Bass capture probability at fishing tournaments. Forty‐nine Largemouth Bass were tracked weekly using radiotelemetry during a 4‐month period. Five tournament anglers were also selected at weekly tournament events and tracked continuously using a handheldGPSunit. We quantified individual Largemouth Bass behaviors (home range, weekly movement rate, depth use, and spatial overlap with anglers), angler behaviors (depth use, angler movement rate), and environmental conditions (air and water temperature) and used these estimates as covariates in a multiple regression model to assess their effects on tournamentCPUEand then used a multistate mark–recapture model to estimate Largemouth Bass capture probability at tournaments. Our results indicate that Largemouth Bass movement rate, angler fishing depth, and air temperature were highly correlated to tournament anglerCPUE. Mark–recapture models also indicated that air temperature and angler–fish overlap were positively associated with Largemouth Bass capture probability while fish total length, home range, movement rate, and depth use were not successful in characterizing individual variation in capture probability. Our results indicate that Largemouth Bass that are encountered by anglers are more likely to be captured, whereas mismatches between angler and Largemouth Bass behavioral factors, including depth use and movement rates, may result in decreased tournament capture rates. Consideration and continued evaluation of the relationships between Largemouth Bass and angler behaviors and environmental variables is critical to fisheries management as tournament pressure paired with high capture probabilities and selective angling can have large‐scale population‐level impacts.
Effective treatment of residue of acrylic acid production using a fluid‐bed/fixed‐bed system with low energy consumption
Authors: Liu Biming , Liu Zhiying , Xu Yanhua , Sun Yongjun , Yu Yang , Zheng Huaili
Published: November 2019

In order to effectively deal with large amounts of complex organic pollutants in the harmful distillation residues with low energy consumption, a novel two‐stage fluid‐bed/fixed‐bed system was designed to catalyze oxidation of acrylic acid production residue. The effects of fluid‐bed temperature, gaseous hourly space velocity (GHSV), and oxygen excess rate on the purification of acrylic acid production residue in the two‐stage fluid‐bed/fixed‐bed system were studied to prove the feasibility of the method. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the discharged liquid was <100 mg/L, and the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the discharged gas amounted to <10 mg/m3 with a fluid‐bed temperature of 380°C, emulsified residue's GHSV of 0.28 L/(kgcat·hr), and O2 excessive rate of more than 4.32. The result of techno‐economics indicates the feasibility of the long‐term operation of process. Results further illustrate the advantages of the proposed two‐stage fluid‐bed/fixed‐bed system, which can treat acrylic acid production residue with high efficiency (COD < 100 mg/L, VOCs < 10 mg/m3) and low energy consumption (~24,856 kw·hr/ton) in the chemical industry.

Practitioner points

A novel two‐stage fluid‐bed/fixed‐bed system was developed for acrylic acid production residue treatment.

No extra energy was required at low temperature in the two‐stage fluid‐bed/fixed‐bed system.

Purification of residue could be finished at low temperature by the catalytic pyrolysis and catalytic oxidation process.

The two‐stage system did not produce toxic gases and particulate matters.
Periprosthetic fractures of the knee: a comprehensive review
Authors: Benkovich Vadim , Klassov Yuri , Mazilis Boris , Bloom Shlomo
Published: November 2019

Demographic changes have resulted in an increase in the number of older patients diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. Developments in the field of joint arthroplasty allow a broader population to improve their lifestyles. An increased demand for knee arthroplasty has led to a rise in operations performed worldwide. Although there has been a constant propagation of technology and an increase in medical staffing at a professional level, many patients still encounter complications. Though rare, these factors may lead to life-threatening scenarios and a devastating effect on the success of the operation. One such rare complication includes periprosthetic fractures around the knee, a complex injury which requires a cautious and experienced approach. In this review, we analyze the prevalence, risk factors and classification, investigation and treatment options for periprosthetic fractures with total knee arthroplasty.
Best living concepts for elderly homeowners: combining a stated choice experiment with architectural design
Authors: Ossokina Ioulia V. , Arentze Theo A. , van Gameren Dick , van den Heuvel Dirk
Published: November 2019

In this paper we combine the insights from social sciences and architecture to design best living concepts for a specific target group, elderly homeowners. We perform a stated choice experiment to study residential preferences of this group and translate the results into an architectural design of senior-friendly housing. This methodological approach is novel to the literature. We derive the willingness-to-pay for different residential attributes and show how these attributes can be traded off against each other to create best living concepts. We discuss how these living concepts can be translated into customized architectural design while making use of standard architectural elements.
The increased risk for thromboembolism pre-cystectomy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer is mainly due to central venous access: a multicenter evaluation
Authors: Ottosson Kristoffer , Pelander Sofia , Johansson Markus , Huge Ylva , Aljabery Firas , Sherif Amir
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To investigate if patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) had an increased risk of thromboembolic events (TEE) and to evaluate when these events occur on a timeline starting from 6 months pre-cystectomy, during NAC-administration and 60 months post-cystectomy.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty five patients undergoing radical cystectomy during 2009–2014 at three Swedish cystectomy centers (Umeå, Linköping and Sundsvall) were in-detail reviewed retrospectively, using individual medical records. One hundred and twenty nine patients were ineligible for analysis. NAC patients (n = 67) were compared to NAC-naïve NAC-eligible patients (n = 59). The occurrence of TEE was divided into different periods pre-cystectomy and post-cystectomy. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared and logistical regression tests.

Results

Significant associations were found between receiving NAC and acquiring a TEE during NAC therapy pre-cystectomy. All but one pre-cystectomy event was venous and all but one of the patients received NAC. 31% (14/45) of TEEs occurred pre-cystectomy. The incidence of TEEs pre-cystectomy in NAC-naive NAC-eligible patients was only 10% (2/20), whereas the incidence of TEEs in NAC patients occurred pre-cystectomy in 48% (12/25) and 11/12 incidents were detected during NAC therapy—this including 7/11 (64%) incidents affecting veins in anatomical conjunction with the placement of central venous access for chemotherapy administration.

Conclusions

There is a significantly increased risk for TEE pre-cystectomy during chemotherapy administration in MIBC patients receiving NAC, compared to the risk in NAC-naïve NAC-eligible MIBC patients. In 64% of the pre-RC TEEs in NAC patients, there was a clinical connection to placement of central venous access.
Environmentalism in the EU-28 context: the impact of governance quality on environmental energy efficiency
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Garćıa Claudia
Published: November 2019

Environmental policies are a significant cornerstone of a developed economy, but the question that arises is whether such policies lead to a sustainable growth path. It is clear that the energy sector plays a pivotal role in environmental policies, and although the current literature has focused on examining the link between energy consumption and economic growth through an abundance of studies, it does not explicitly consider the role of institutional or governance quality variables in the process. Both globalization and democracy are important drivers of sustainability, while environmentalism is essential for the objective of gaining a “better world.” Governance quality is expected to be the key, not only for economic purposes but also for the efficiency of environmental policies. To that end, the analysis in this paper explores the link between governance quality and energy efficiency for the EU-28 countries, spanning the period 1995 to 2014. The findings document that there is a nexus between energy efficiency and income they move together: the most efficient countries are in the group with higher GDP per capita. Furthermore, the results show that governance quality is an important driver of energy efficiency and, hence, of environmental policies.
Effect of WC/Ni–Cr additive on changes in the composition of an atmospheric residue in the course of cracking
Authors: Pevneva Galina S. , Voronetskaya Natalya G. , Sviridenko Nikita N. , Golovko Anatoly K.
Published: November 2019

The paper presents the results of investigation of changes in the composition of hydrocarbons and sulfur-containing compounds of an atmospheric residue in the course of cracking in the presence of a tungsten carbide–nickel–chromium (WC/Ni–Cr) catalytic additive and without it. The cracking is carried out in an autoclave at 500 °C for 30 min. The addition of the WC/Ni–Cr additive promotes the deepening of reactions of destruction not only of resins and asphaltenes, but also high molecular weight naphthene-aromatic compounds of the atmospheric residue. It is shown that the content of low molecular weight C9–C17 n-alkanes and C9–C10 alkylbenzenes rose sharply in the products of cracking with addition of WC/Ni–Cr in comparison with those produced without the additive. Alkyl- and naphthene-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons of benzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene series, polyarenes, benzo- and dibenzothiophenes are identified.
Is It Time We Better Understood the Tests We are Using for Return to Sport Decision Making Following ACL Reconstruction? A Critical Review of the Hop Tests
Authors: Davies William T. , Myer Gregory D. , Read Paul J.
Published: November 2019

There has been a move towards a criterion-based return to play in recent years, with 4 single-leg hop tests commonly used to assess functional performance. Despite their widespread integration, research indicates that relationships between ‘passing’ ‘hop test criteria and successful outcomes following rehabilitation are equivocal, and, therefore, require further investigation. This critical review includes key information to examine the evolution of these tests, their reliability, relationships with other constructs, and sensitivity to change over time. Recommendations for how measurement and administration of the tests can be improved are also discussed. The evidence presented in this review shows that hop tests display good reliability and are sensitive to change over time. However, the use of more than 2 hop tests does not appear to be necessary due to high collinearity and no greater sensitivity to detect abnormality. The inclusion of other hop tests in different planes may give greater information about the current function of the knee, particularly when measured over time using both relative and absolute measures of performance. It is recommended that the contralateral limb be tested prior to surgery for a more relevant benchmark for performance, and clinicians are strongly advised to measure movement quality, as hop distance alone appears to overestimate the recovery of the knee.
How contact centres can leave businesses exposed to cybercrime
Authors: Knauer Chris
Published: November 2019

More than 30% of organisations have experienced cyber attacks on their IT infrastructure, which can have severe consequences for companies that have not built cyber security into their operational budgets. 1 The average cost of a data breach in 2018 was $3.86m and it typically took approximately 266 days to detect and contain a smaller breach. 2 The costs associated with this kind of incident are crippling for average businesses, representing a significant fraction of revenue, given that the average annual receipts for a firm approaching 100 employees is $7.12m. 3
Office walls and roadblocks: how workflows and terminology get in the way of visibility
Authors: Stitt Tom
Published: November 2019

So many of an enterprise's security problems aren't about technology. They're about organisation. They're about bureaucratic blind spots. They're about not being able to see the forest for the trees. The kinds of artificial barriers that separate different parts of the enterprise IT infrastructure may have once been useful, but they're increasingly getting in the way of scale and the ability to deliver business outcomes.
The importance of domains to security management
Authors: Homan Stu
Published: November 2019

Domains play a key role in establishing and maintaining brands online. Whether they are used to support the launch of new products or services, support e-commerce, or connect with customers, it is critical that they be properly secured and managed. Every business should maximise the chance for its domain names to be memorable, to reflect the company ethos and ultimately stand out on an overcrowded Internet. This ensures that the domain will resonate with customers, leading to more searches and ultimately increased business.
CReSIS airborne radars and platforms for ice and snow sounding
Authors: Arnold Emily , Leuschen Carl , Rodriguez-Morales Fernando , Li Jilu , Paden John , Hale Richard , Keshmiri Shawn
Published: November 2019

This paper provides an update and overview of the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) radars and platforms, including representative results from these systems. CReSIS radar systems operate over a frequency range of 14–38 GHz. Each radar system's specific frequency band is driven by the required depth of signal penetration, measurement resolution, allocated frequency spectra, and antenna operating frequencies (often influenced by aircraft integration). We also highlight recent system advancements and future work, including (1) increasing system bandwidth; (2) miniaturizing radar hardware; and (3) increasing sensitivity. For platform development, we are developing smaller, easier to operate and less expensive unmanned aerial systems. Next-generation platforms will further expand accessibility to scientists with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
On the Recent Amplification of Dust Over the Arabian Peninsula During 2002–2012
Authors: Ravi Kumar Kunchala , Attada Raju , Dasari Hari Prasad , Vellore Ramesh K. , Abualnaja Yasser O. , Ashok Karumuri , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: November 2019

Using available satellite observations and Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications Version‐2 data sets for the period 1980–2016, this study reveals a summertime dust amplification over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) during about past two decades. Our results demonstrate a significant positive trend in summertime dust loading over the AP since the year 2002, with a maximum increase of 21% over the southern Red Sea. The increased summertime dust over the southern AP is attributed to the intensification of the remote dust transport from the Sahara Desert through Sudan by a strengthened Tokar Gap westerly jet and a general increased gustiness in the AP. Furthermore, increased both air and soil temperature and reduction in the soil moisture along with increased sensible heat flux led to increased local dryness in the AP and played a significant role in enhancing wind‐induced localized dust emissions therein. The associated changes in the AP include an enhancement of net radiative fluxes, particularly the long wave radiative flux.
Seasonal Evolution of the Quasi‐biennial Oscillation Impact on the Northern Hemisphere Polar Vortex in Winter
Authors: Zhang Jiankai , Xie Fei , Ma Zhichao , Zhang Chongyang , Xu Mian , Wang Tao , Zhang Ruhua
Published: November 2019

Using potential vorticity to define Northern Hemisphere (NH) stratospheric polar vortex strength and position, the influence of the QBO on the polar vortex in winter is analyzed. The results show that the weakened/enhanced NH polar vortex in the lower stratosphere during easterly/westerly QBO (E/WQBO) phases is more noticeable in January and February than in November and December. Furthermore, the NH polar vortex shows a shift toward the Eurasian continent and away from North America in winter during EQBO phases compared with that during WQBO phases, with a greater shift in January and February than in November and December. The weaker QBO impact on the zonal mean zonal wind and temperature in February found in previous studies may be related to the cancelling effects of opposite‐signed anomalies over Eurasia and North America induced by the polar vortex shift associated with the QBO. During EQBO phases the upper stratospheric easterly anomalies in early winter increase the frequency of negative refractive index in the middle and high latitudes in late winter. Less planetary wave 1 propagates upward into the upper stratosphere and more wave 1 accumulates in the lower stratosphere, leading to the weakening and shift of the polar vortex in late winter. In addition, the poleward displacement of the subtropical jet during EQBO phases causes more poleward propagation of synoptic‐scale waves in the lower stratosphere, and thus more Rossby wave breaking events over Eurasia in late winter than during WQBO phases, further weakening and shifting the polar vortex in EQBO phases.
220 Year Diatom δ18O Reconstruction of the Guaymas Basin Thermocline Using Microfluorination
Authors: Menicucci Anthony J. , Thunell Robert C. , Spero Howard J.
Published: November 2019

The removal of exchangeable oxygen from diatom opal prior to δ18Odiatom analysis is a crucial first step before analyzing frustule oxygen isotopes for paleoceanographic applications. We present the results of experiments that quantify the temperature‐dependent reactivity of biogenic silica with water under laboratory conditions. We demonstrate that controlled exchange between rinse water and diatom opal at room temperature results in predictable alteration of δ18Odiatom, after vacuum dehydroxylation. Diatom samples equilibrated with an 18O‐enriched δ18Oequil. water solution of +94.4‰ at ~21 °C for 70 hr prior to dehydroxylation yield δ18Odiatom data that can be directly interpreted with existing empirical δ18Odiatom versus temperature relationships. We compare sediment trap‐based δ18Odiatom temperature data with modern δ18Oforam temperatures. Finally, we present an ~220 year record of δ18Odiatom data from an eastern Pacific Guaymas Basin boxcore, analyzed using the microfluorination technique, that indicates diatom chlorophyll maximum (Chlmax) temperatures have shifted from a period during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that was 8 °C cooler during the fall bloom relative to mean annual alkenone
sea surface temperature, to the late twentieth century when we observe no difference between alkenone sea surface temperature and diatom Chlmax. These data suggest a twentieth century seasonal shift in the timing of fall upwelling and Guaymas Basin stratification breakdown that could be due to reduced upwelling efficiency and/or increased summer mixed layer thermal stratification.
Validity of Assuming Equilibrium Between Liquid Water and Vapor for Simulating Evaporation
Authors: Novak Michael D.
Published: November 2019

The standard assumption used in evaporation theory that at any location in a soil water vapor density is equal to the value in thermodynamic equilibrium with the liquid water has recently been questioned. This paper defines precise criteria for nonequilibrium to occur during evaporation in soils. In doing so a physically based model of the pore transfer coefficient critical to quantifying the degree of nonequilibrium is developed. The likelihood of departure from the equilibrium assumption for various soil textures and temperature conditions, including the extreme case of surface fire, is presented. Furthermore the pore transfer coefficient is incorporated into steady‐state nonequilibrium simulations of evaporation from a coarse sand under field conditions and compared with the corresponding equilibrium simulation. Outside of the narrow subsurface evaporation zone there were no significant differences between the nonequilibrium and equilibrium simulations. Since nonequilibrium effects were most likely to be seen with the coarse sand abandoning the standard assumption in future work is unnecessary, and all previous work based on it need not be questioned.
Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) guideline for the gene–drug interaction of DPYD and fluoropyrimidines
Authors: Lunenburg Carin A. T. C. , van der Wouden Cathelijne H. , Nijenhuis Marga , Crommentuijn-van Rhenen Mandy H. , de Boer-Veger Nienke J. , Buunk Anne Marie , Houwink Elisa J. F. , Mulder Hans , Rongen Gerard A. , van Schaik Ron H. N. , van der Weide Jan , Wilffert Bob , Deneer Vera H. M. , Swen Jesse J. , Guchelaar Henk-Jan
Published: November 2019

Despite advances in the field of pharmacogenetics (PGx), clinical acceptance has remained limited. The Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) aims to facilitate PGx implementation by developing evidence-based pharmacogenetics guidelines to optimize pharmacotherapy. This guideline describes the starting dose optimization of three anti-cancer drugs (fluoropyrimidines: 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine and tegafur) to decrease the risk of severe, potentially fatal, toxicity (such as diarrhoea, hand-foot syndrome, mucositis or myelosuppression). Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD, encoded by theDPYDgene) enzyme deficiency increases risk of fluoropyrimidine-induced toxicity. TheDPYD-gene activity score, determined by fourDPYDvariants, predicts DPD activity and can be used to optimize an individual’s starting dose. The gene activity score ranges from 0 (no DPD activity) to 2 (normal DPD activity). In case it is not possible to calculate the gene activity score based onDPYDgenotype, we recommend to determine the DPD activity and adjust the initial dose based on available data. For patients initiating 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine: subjects with a gene activity score of 0 are recommended to avoid systemic and cutaneous 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine; subjects with a gene activity score of 1 or 1.5 are recommended to initiate therapy with 50% the standard dose of 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine. For subjects initiating tegafur: subjects with a gene activity score of 0, 1 or 1.5 are recommended to avoid tegafur. Subjects with a gene activity score of 2 (reference) should receive a standard dose. Based on the DPWG clinical implication score,DPYDgenotyping is considered “essential”, therefore directingDPYDtesting prior to initiating fluoropyrimidines.
Retraction Note: Tert-butylhydroquinone lowers blood pressure in AngII-induced hypertension in mice via proteasome-PTEN-Akt-eNOS pathway
Authors: Xu Bing-Can , Long Hui-Bao , Luo Ke-Qin
Published: November 2019

This article has been retracted.
Aggregation of poorly crystalline and amorphous components of infectious urinary stones is mediated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Prywer Jolanta , Torzewska Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

Poorly crystalline and amorphous precipitate (PCaAP) is one of the components of the so-called infectious urinary stones, which are the result of the activity of urease-producing microorganisms, mainly from the Proteus species, in particular Proteus mirabilis. The main component of this kind of stones is crystalline struvite (MgNH4PO4∙6H2O). Bacteria can build into the structure of the urinary stone and, in this way, they are one of the components of the urinary stone. From these three components – PCaAP, struvite and Proteus mirabilis – PCaAP exhibits the greatest ability to aggregate. The present study focuses on the aggregation of PCaAP. In particular, an influence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from Proteus mirabilis on aggregation of PCaAP is presented. An aggregation of PCaAP is characterized by cross-sectional area of aggregates and zeta potential. The results demonstrate that, in artificial urine, the influence of freely suspended LPS on aggregation of PCaAP depends on the concentrations of LPS. Small concentrations of freely suspended LPS enhance the aggregation of PCaAP compared to the control test. For high concentrations of freely suspended LPS the formation of aggregates of PCaAP is inhibited. LPS, which is not freely suspended, but covers polystyrene latex beads, has no such properties. The investigations provide evidence for the importance of biological regulation in the PCaAP aggregation process.
Non-contact characterization of compound optical elements using reflectance confocal microscopy, low-coherence interferometry, and computational ray-tracing
Authors: El-Haddad Mohamed T. , Tao Yuankai K.
Published: November 2019

Advances in microscopy have enabled us to see at unprecedented depths and resolutions, even breaking the diffraction-limit by several fold. These improvements have come at the expense of system complexity with microscopes routinely employing multiple objective lenses and custom optical relays. Optimal system design is paramount for imaging performance, but research systems are limited by the use of commercial components because optical prescriptions are often inaccessible. System performance can be further degraded when these components are implemented in nonstandard configurations outside of manufacturer specifications. Here, we describe a method for characterization of compound optical elements including curvatures, material and air-gap thicknesses, and glass types. We present validation data for doublets and a commercial broadband scan lens. Our method is both non-contact and non-destructive, and we believe it addresses a unique gap in optical design that may be extended to broad applications in both research and industrial manufacturing.
Finite-key analysis for twin-field quantum key distribution with composable security
Authors: Yin Hua-Lei , Chen Zeng-Bing
Published: November 2019

Long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) has long time seriously relied on trusted relay or quantum repeater, which either has security threat or is far from practical implementation. Recently, a solution called twin-field (TF) QKD and its variants have been proposed to overcome this challenge. However, most security proofs are complicated, a majority of which could only ensure security against collective attacks. Until now, the full and simple security proof can only be provided with asymptotic resource assumption. Here, we provide a composable finite-key analysis for coherent-state-based TF-QKD with rigorous security proof against general attacks. Furthermore, we develop the optimal statistical fluctuation analysis method to significantly improve secret key rate in high-loss regime. The results show that coherent-state-based TF-QKD is practical and feasible, with the potential to apply over nearly one thousand kilometers.
Probing the Fluxional Bonding Nature of Rapid Cope rearrangements in Bullvalene C10H10 and Its Analogs C8H8, C9H10, and C8BH9
Authors: Ma Yuan-Yuan , Yan Miao , Li Hai-Ru , Wu Yan-Bo , Tian Xin-Xin , Lu Hai-Gang , Li Si-Dian
Published: November 2019

Bullvalene C10H10 and its analogs semibullvalene C8H8, barbaralane C9H10, and 9-Borabarbaralane C8BH9 are prototypical fluxional molecules with rapid Cope rearrangements at finite temperatures. Detailed bonding analyses performed in this work reveal the existence of two fluxional π-bonds (2 2c-2e π → 2 3c-2e π → 2 2c-2e π) and one fluxional σ-bond (1 2c-2e σ → 1 4c-2e σ → 1 2c-2e σ) in their ground states and transition states, unveiling the universal π + σ double fluxional bonding nature of these fluctuating cage-like species. The highest occupied natural bond orbitals (HONBOs) turn out to be typical fluxional bonds dominating the dynamics of the systems. The 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR shielding tensors and chemical shifts of the model compound C8BH9 are computationally predicted to facilitate future experiments.
Recruitment of a critically endangered sawfish into a riverine nursery depends on natural flow regimes
Authors: Lear Karissa O. , Gleiss Adrian C. , Whitty Jeff M. , Fazeldean Travis , Albert J. R. , Green Nathan , Ebner Brendan C. , Thorburn Dean C. , Beatty Stephen J. , Morgan David L.
Published: November 2019

The freshwater sawfish (Pristis pristis) was recently listed as the most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) animal. The Fitzroy River in the remote Kimberley region of north-western Australia represents a significant stronghold for the species, which uses the freshwater reaches of the river as a nursery. There is also mounting pressure to develop the water resources of the region for agriculture that may substantially affect life history dynamics of sawfish in this system. However, the relationship between hydrology and population dynamics of freshwater sawfish was unknown. We used standardized catch data collected over 17 years to determine how wet season volume influences recruitment of freshwater sawfish into their riverine nursery. Negligible recruitment occurred in years with few days of high flood levels (above 98th percentile of cease-to-flow stage height), and relatively high recruitment occurred in years with 14 or more days of high flood levels. This relationship is indicative of a distinct boom-or-bust cycle, whereby freshwater sawfish rely almost entirely on the few years with large wet season floods, and the brief periods of highest water levels within these years, to replenish juvenile populations in the Fitzroy River nursery. This has direct implications for sustainable water resource management for the Fitzroy River basin in order to preserve one of the last known intact nursery habitats for this globally threatened species.
The podocin V260E mutation predicts steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome in black South African children with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Govender Melanie A. , Fabian June , Gottlich Errol , Levy Cecil , Moonsamy Glenda , Maher Heather , Winkler Cheryl A. , Ramsay Michèle
Published: November 2019

In black African children with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) there are high rates of steroid resistance. The aim was to determine genetic associations with apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) renal risk variants and podocin (NPHS2) variants in 30 unrelated black South African children with FSGS. Three APOL1 variants were genotyped and the exons of the NPHS2 gene sequenced in the cases and controls. APOL1 risk alleles show a modest association with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). The NPHS2 V260E variant was present in SRNS cases (V/V = 5; V/E = 4; E/E = 11), and was absent in SSNS cases. Haplotype analysis suggests a single mutation origin for V260E and it was associated with a decline in kidney function over a 60-month period (p = 0.026). The V260E variant is a good predictor of autosomal recessive SRNS in black South African children and could provide useful information in a clinical setting.
Delta oscillations phase limit neural activity during sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Chamadia Shubham , Pedemonte Juan C. , Hahm Eunice Y. , Mekonnen Jennifer , Ibala Reine , Gitlin Jacob , Ethridge Breanna R. , Qu Jason , Vazquez Rafael , Rhee James , Liao Erika T. , Brown Emery N. , Akeju Oluwaseun
Published: November 2019

Understanding anesthetic mechanisms with the goal of producing anesthetic states with limited systemic side effects is a major objective of neuroscience research in anesthesiology. Coherent frontal alpha oscillations have been postulated as a mechanism of sevoflurane general anesthesia. This postulate remains unproven. Therefore, we performed a single-site, randomized, cross-over, high-density electroencephalogram study of sevoflurane and sevoflurane-plus-ketamine general anesthesia in 12 healthy subjects. Data were analyzed with multitaper spectral, global coherence, cross-frequency coupling, and phase-dependent methods. Our results suggest that coherent alpha oscillations are not fundamental for maintaining sevoflurane general anesthesia. Taken together, our results suggest that subanesthetic and general anesthetic sevoflurane brain states emerge from impaired information processing instantiated by a delta-higher frequency phase-amplitude coupling syntax. These results provide fundamental new insights into the neural circuit mechanisms of sevoflurane anesthesia and suggest that anesthetic states may be produced by extracranial perturbations that cause delta-higher frequency phase-amplitude interactions.
Paradigm Shift in Research Focus: Computational Softwares in Cancer Biology
Authors: Rajarathnam B. N. , Rakesh N. , Anita M.
Published: November 2019

In the recent time field of analysis, systems biology has gained its momentum. Simulation can play a major role in selection of studies to be performed; clinical trial simulation covers multi-disciplinary individual’s i.e. preclinical pharmacologist, statistician, computer programmer, etc. Although widely used, the physiologically-based pharmacokinetic approach requires intense resources to generate the data on the various parameters described in the models. For example, an available software package called PK-Sim developed by Bayer Technology Services can be employed for such purpose. Oral Submucous fibrosis (OSF) was recognized as a definitive lesion by Schwartz who described it as a fibrosing condition in 1952 and named it as “atrophicaidiopathica mucosae oris (tropica)”. It was described as precancerous condition by Paymaster in 1956. This apparent incongruity was corrected by the WHO (2007), and the lesion along with other similar ones are now labelled as “potentially malignant oral disorders”. There is increased accumulation, decreased degradation of collagen fibres and altered collagenase activity is found in oral submucous fibrosis affected mucosa. One enzyme that increasingly is associated with extra cellular matrix (ECM) is the protein– cross-linking enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2).
Fragment-based Design of Novel Inhibitors of HPV 16 E6 Oncoprotein: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and In Silico ADME Analysis
Authors: Kumar A. , Rathi E. , Kini S. G.
Published: November 2019

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer type in females in India. It has been four decades since the discovery of human papilloma virus (HPV) as the causative agent of CC. The race to develop drugs against HPV and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) began almost at the same time. But even today not a single drug has been discovered against HPV while there are more than twenty anti-retroviral drugs. Although we have vaccines against HPV but the high prevalence rate in many of the women after the start of sexual intercourse, HPV type specificity of these vaccines, long term efficacy and huge logistics involved in running mass vaccination programmes poses a major challenge in winning the battle against CC. Moreover, vaccines are also ineffective for already infected people. Therefore, it is indispensable to develop new therapies.
In Silico Evaluation of the Role of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer's Disease Through Wnt Signaling Modulation
Authors: Manandhar S. , Kabekkodu S. P , Pai K. S. R.
Published: November 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive and the most common reason for neurodegenerative disease. Wnt signaling plays important role during embryonic CNS development and is involved in neuronal induction, self-renewal, polarity, and synaptogenesis. Alteration in the Wnt Signaling pathway has been linked with age-related diseases like osteoporosis, colon cancer, Parkinson and AD. Several studies indicate that disruption of Wnt signaling particularly, canonical Wnt pathway contributes to AD pathogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the role of phytochemical in modulating Wnt signaling pathway by targeting the negative regulators of Wnt signaling. WIF1 (Wnt inhibitory factor 1) is the protein that binds to Wnt proteins making them unavailable and hence inhibiting the Wnt signaling. Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 6 (Lrp6) is the co-receptor that along with Frizzled receptor is involved in the activation of Wnt signaling. Dickkopf 1(Dkk1) is the antagonist of Wnt signaling pathway that act by binding with LRP6 and leading to its degradation. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3 β) forms multimeric degradation complex that results in the degradation of β-catenin and inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway. All these four proteins are important targets for Wnt signaling inhibition that serves the purpose for modulating Wnt pathway.
Development of New Neprilysin Inhibitor as a Modulator of Chronic Kidney and Heart Disease Using In Silico Drug Repurposing Approach
Authors: Sankhe R. , Kumar A. , Rathi E. , Kishore A.
Published: November 2019

The pathophysiology of chronic heart and kidney disease is interlinked and associated with different signalling pathways. The global burden of chronic kidney and heart diseases are increasing rapidly due to different interlinked factors. An increased risk of kidney diseases was observed in heart failure patients. Similarly, chronic kidney disease-induced a disturbance in homeostasis may directly affect cardiovascular disease by increasing blood pressure. These similarities in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney and heart disease, have led to the hypothesis that treatments proven for heart failure can be used as a treatment for kidney diseases. Recently in 2015, US FDA approved Sacubitril/Valsartan, the combination of Neprilysin (NEP) inhibitor (Sacubitril) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (Valsartan) for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Further, in 2017, the combination of NEP inhibitor with ARB was also found to be more effective in renal failure patient as compared to ARB alone.
Design Potent Telomerase Inhibitors Using Structure Based Approaches
Authors: Bajaj Shalini , Arakal Nilofer Gerald , Murahari Manikanta , Yergeri Mayur C.
Published: November 2019

Target based drug design is increasingly gaining more attention for anticancer therapy. Telomere are repetitive nucleotide sequences that are present at the end of chromosomal DNA. Shortening of telomere length has been associated with cellular senescence and the aging process. In cancerous cell telomerase is activated which maintain the length of telomere and leads to cell proliferation. Therefore, telomerase is the major recognised target for the development of better cancer therapeutics. In this study we have designed novel derivatives of telomerase inhibitors as anticancer agents. In continuation of this we have generated structure based pharmacophore model of telomerase and screened ZINC database to identify compounds with similar pharmacophoric features and further subjected to Glide molecular docking and ADMET prediction.
Design, Molecular Docking, Synthesis and Anti-fungal Activity of Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Deepa R. , Lakshmi M. S. , Parasuraman P. , Sharon C. F.
Published: November 2019

Benzimidazole is a heterocyclic compound with an extensive range of biological activities. Benzimidazole and its derivatives are the most resourceful classes of molecules against microorganisms. The increase in anti-microbial resistance to existing drugs necessitated the search for new molecules for the treatment of fungal infections. Hence, aim of the present study is to design benzimidazole derivatives by molecular docking approach against selected fungal targets to understand binding conformation and interactions at the active pocket of respective targets and binding affinity of compounds was evaluated in terms of docking score. Selected benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and screened for anti-fungal activity by Zone of inhibition method.
Synthesis, Antioxidant Activity and Computational Studies 2-Substituted-l-thiaprolines
Authors: Palei Romit R. , Mohanty Priyanka , Barik Chandra Sekhar , Kar Sidhartha S.
Published: November 2019

Supplementation of exogenous antioxidants or boosting endogenous antioxidant defences of the body is a promising way of combating the undesirable effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced oxidative damage. Thiaprolines are considered to be the prodrug of cysteine and they have established to be safe and effective antioxidants. Thiaprolines have been reported to affect the formation and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and influence free radical-mediated oxidative damage. Thus the development of new synthesized thiaproline molecules is promising, especially regarding their antioxidant activities. However, reports on development of druggable thiaproline derivatives are limited. In this context, the antioxidant capacities of thiaprolines with different chemical substitutions at its thiazolidine heterocycles have been envisaged. The major focus was to develop thiaproline based antioxidants having better druggability and to understand the molecular mechanism of free radical scavenging effect.
Synthesis of Oxazoloquinolone Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Potency to Reactivate Rat Brain Acetylcholinesterase Inhibited by Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Manjunatha S. K. , Girish B. , Jennifer F. , Shivalingrao M. , Sujatha M. L. , Rekha A.
Published: November 2019

Nowadays organophosphorous (OP) poisoning is one of the most common causes of toxicity throughout the world. Two functionally different types of drugs are used in common to treat such intoxication cases. The first type includes the reactivators of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)- oximes, which have the capability to restore the physiological function of inhibited AChE. The second type includes anticholinergics, such as atropine, which antagonize the effects of excessive ACh by blocking of muscarinic receptors. Alternatively, anticholinergics and reactivators may be co-administered to get synergistic effects. At muscarinic and nicotinic synapses, organophosphorous compounds inhibit AChE release by phosphorylation at enzyme’s active site. AChE regenerative process can be accelerated by detaching the OP at -OH group of the enzyme. OP compound combines with AChE enzyme forming a complex making it inactive. After ageing of the inactive state of AChE, it is difficult to break the complex to regenerate the enzyme resulting in acetylcholine accumulation at synapses.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Two Species of Sphaeranthus on Experimental Animal Models – a Comparative Study
Authors: Gowri R. , Madhavan V.
Published: November 2019

Vaghbhata in Astanga Hridaya has mentioned that when a drug is scarce, another drug having similar therapeutic properties to the source drug may be used in the preparation. Unfortunately, this tempo of replenishing additional new drugs dwindled during subsequent periods. Thus, the drugs prescribed in Ayurveda have been limited to a few hundred for the past several centuries. As such today many of these established drugs are on the verge of extinction due to indiscriminate exploitation from their natural habitats. Hence, there is an urgent need to find out alternate sources for the important drugs so as to ensure that the Ayurvedic system is accessible in the ensuring centuries. Munditika is an important drug in Ayurveda.
Solid State Manipulation of Paliperidone for Its Bioavailability Enhancement Using Precipitation Inhibitors
Authors: Thimmasetty J. , Ghosh T. , Shashank N. N. , Raheem A.
Published: November 2019

The discovery of new drug molecules, which belongs to BCS class II and class IV, are suffering from poor aqueous solubility related issues. Pharmaceutical scientists are seeking various approaches such as polymorphism, cocrystals, salt formation, etc. to overcome these issues. Among the various methods, modifications of drugs into pharmaceutically useful cocrystals using coformers have been emerged in recent years. This improves the physicochemical properties such as solubility, dissolution, stability, and bioavailability. In addition to this, precipitation inhibitor (PPI) such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) can provide a ‘parachute’ effect in biological medium, which further improves the bioavailability of the drug by preventing its precipitation upon the dissociation of cocrystals. Selection of coformers, from the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list by FDA, can be done by predicting the cocrystal formation using the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP).
Development of Taste Masked Oral Reconstitutable Suspension of Cefixime Trihydrate
Authors: Gurung Abhishek , Abraham Sindhu , Neelamma  , Jayaraman Anbu , Bharath Srinivasan
Published: November 2019

The palatability of paediatric medicines is one of the most important formulation factors with potential to influence patient compliance and a drug’s taste has to be masked without compromising on its safety and efficacy. One of the popular approaches in the taste masking of bitter drugs is the use of Ion Exchange Resins (IER). IERs are solid and suitably insoluble high molecular weight polyelectrolytes that can exchange their ions of equal charge with the surrounding medium. Cefixime Trihydrate, an oral third generation cephalosporin antibiotic is effective in the treatment of gastroenteritis in young children. The amine and nitrogen group of the drug is responsible for its bitter taste and these groups can be blocked by forming a complex with the ion exchange resin Kyron T-104, thereby restricting the release of drug into the saliva. Thus the resin effectively reduces the interaction between the drug and the taste buds.
Proteomic Analysis of Human Placental Extract an Allogenic Biomaterial for Vital Pulp Therapy
Authors: Shetty A. K. , Hegde S. , Rai A. J.
Published: November 2019

Dental pulp infections and trauma to pulpal tissue could apparently cause inflammation and eventually cause regeneration of pulp in cellular level as process of physiological events. Pulp response to infection is similar to any other tissue response to infection in the body. Due to poor lymphatic drainage and limited tissue space; individuals experience immense pain and discomfort. The release on molecular mediators like cytokines and chemokine are observed as defense mechanism. Eventually the invading bacteria and tissue debris is removed in the process of cell repair. In early stages of tooth development odontoblast were involved in the release of molecular mediators and in the later stage other cell in the pulp like fibroblast, mesenchyme cell and endothelial cell respond to sequence of events. The generation of functional dentine by effective stimulation of odontoblast has not yet been achieved though there are numerous strategies been employed in regenerative dentistry. Need for creating bioactive material that enables the pulpal tissue to heal itself instead of permanently removing the injured tissue and placing prostheses.
Evaluation of Process Related Impurities of Apremilast
Authors: Ravi Kumar P. , Sesha Maheswaramma K.
Published: November 2019

Apremilast is an inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase type 4 an enzyme which breaks down cyclic adenosine monophosphate while using the treatment of Psoriasis and arthritis. This is one of advanced oral drug with low side effects as comparatively other psoriatic drugs like adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, and cyclosporine.