bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Biomaterial Based on a 2‐Nitrobenzyl Derivative with a tert‐Butyl Substituent at the Benzyl Position: Rapid Response and Minimized Phototoxicity
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Ikegami Hiroki , Yamaguchi Kazuo , Nakanishi Jun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDynamic biomaterials based on a photodegradable 2‐nitrobenzyl group are useful not only for spatiotemporally resolving cellular activities, but also for various biomedical applications. Even though there is accumulating evidence of the substituent effect of the benzyl position on the photosensitivity of the 2‐nitrobenzyl compounds at a small‐molecule level, most of the previous dynamic biomaterials employ conventional 2‐nitrobenzyl derivatives with methyl or no substituent. We herein developed a photoresponsive biomaterial bearing a 2‐nitrobenzyl derivative with a bulky substituent at the benzyl position. As a proof‐of‐concept, a dynamic cell culture platform based on the tert‐butyl derivative was prepared, which showed approximately a five‐fold faster rate than that based on the methyl derivatives in terms of protein adsorption and cell adhesion. More importantly, the UV energy needed for the activation of the methyl‐type materials induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas no ROS production was observed with the energy needed for the tert‐butyl derivative. These results demonstrate the advantages of dynamic biomaterials based on the tert‐butyl‐type nitrobenzyl derivative.
Analysis and implementation of a step–up power converter with input current ripple cancelation
Authors: García‐Vite Pedro M. , Rivera‐Espinosa María del Rosario , Alejandre‐López Alfredo Y. , Castillo‐Gutiérrez Rafael , González‐Rodríguez Aarón , Hernández‐Angel Francisca 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes a power electronics converter capable of canceling the input current ripple at preselected duty cycle. The proposed converter is an extended topology of a buck–boost converter aided by a boost‐type converter that improves the quality of the current drawn from the direct current source. The voltage gain of the proposed converter is increased as well, with a minimum of extra component added to the original buck–boost power converter. These features make the proposed converter ideal for low voltage generation sources, such as photovoltaic panel and fuel cell applications. Along this paper, the state space mathematical model is developed to provide the key design guidelines. The theoretical analysis is validated through computer simulation and hardware prototyping.
Semantic future thinking and executive functions at age 4: The moderating role of frontal brain electrical activity
Authors: Blankenship Tashauna L. , Broomell Alleyne P. R. , Ann Bell Martha 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrevious studies provide conflicting results regarding the relation between future thinking and executive functioning during early childhood. Furthermore, little is known of the neural mechanisms involved in future thinking during early childhood. We examined the moderating role of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity on the relation between executive functioning and semantic future thinking performance in a sample of 4‐year‐old children. Our results suggest that frontal EEG moderates the relation between executive functioning and semantic future thinking performance, but only for medium to high levels of frontal EEG power values. These results provide emerging evidence regarding the role of both executive functioning and frontal brain electrical activity on semantic future thinking in 4‐year‐olds.
Cardiac vagal regulation in infancy predicts executive function and social competence in preschool: Indirect effects through language
Authors: Whedon Margaret , Perry Nicole B. , Calkins Susan D. , Bell Martha Ann 
Published: May 2018

AbstractParasympathetic nervous system functioning in infancy may serve a foundational role in the development of cognitive and socioemotional skills (Calkins, 2007). In this study (N = 297), we investigated the potential indirect effects of cardiac vagal regulation in infancy on children's executive functioning and social competence in preschool via expressive and receptive language in toddlerhood. Vagal regulation was assessed at 10 months during two attention conditions (social, nonsocial) via task‐related changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). A path analysis revealed that decreased RSA from baseline in the nonsocial condition and increased RSA in the social condition were related to larger vocabularies in toddlerhood. Additionally, children's vocabulary sizes were positively related to their executive function and social competence in preschool. Indirect effects from vagal regulation in both contexts to both 4‐year outcomes were significant, suggesting that early advances in language may represent a mechanism through which biological functioning in infancy impacts social and cognitive functioning in childhood.
L‐ and D‐threo ethylphenidate concentrations, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in horses
Authors: Knych Heather K. , McKemie Dan S. , Seminoff Kelsey , Hartmann Petra , Hovda Lynn , Benson Dionne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEthylphenidate is a psychostimulant and analog of the commonly prescribed compound, methylphenidate (Ritalin®). There are a limited number of studies describing the disposition and pharmacologic/toxicological effects of ethylphenidate in any species. The abuse potential in equine athletes along with the limited data available regarding administration in horses necessitates further study. The objectives of the current study were to describe drug concentrations, develop an analytical method that could be used to regulate its use, and describe the pharmacodynamic effects of ethylphenidate in horses. To that end, 12 horses were randomized into 3 dose groups (intravenous: 10 mg or 40 mg, oral: 40 mg). Ethylphenidate was administered and blood and urine samples were collected prior to and for up to 72 hours post drug administration. Concentrations of D‐threo ethylphenidate and the metabolite ritalinic acid were measured using Liquid Chromatography–tandem Mass Spectrometry. L‐threo ethylphenidate concentrations were estimated from D‐threo ethylphenidate concentrations. Serum concentrations of ethylphenidate were below detectable levels by 8, 18, and 12 hours following intravenous administration of 10 mg and 40 mg and oral administration of 40 mg, respectively. Ritalinic acid was non‐detectable at 72 hours in the group that received a 10‐mg intravenous and 40‐mg oral dose of ethylphenidate. Ritalinic acid concentrations were below the LOQ at 72 hours following intravenous administration of 40 mg of ethylphenidate. While the number of animals per dose group were small, no stimulatory behavior or significant changes in heart rate were noted. Untoward effects including gastrointestinal adverse effects were noted in all dose groups.
In vitro penetration through the skin layers of topically applied glucocorticoids
Authors: Carrer Victor , Alonso Cristina , Oliver Marc Adrià , Coderch Luisa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCorticoids are actives widely used in the treatment of skin diseases. This work aims to study the penetration of 3 corticoids (betamethasone, clobetasol, and flurandrenolide), their relationship with their Log D values and the effects of the vehicles. The 3 compounds were applied on a Franz‐type diffusion cell in propylene glycol solution and their respective commercial creams and ointments. The active amounts found in the stratum corneum, epidermal, and dermal layers of the skin were investigated. Their diffusions were greatly affected by the formulation; moreover higher amounts of substance in the epidermis and dermis were detected in ointments than in creams. The enhancement effect of propylene glycol was also observed. The differences between the 3 substances could be related to their lipophilicity, molecular structure, and molecular weight. The more hydrophobic compounds (clobetasol and betamethasone) are present in higher amounts in the epidermis and dermis, while the hydrophilic compound (flurandrenolide) is mostly present in the receptor fluid.
Fear‐based niche shifts in neotropical birds
Authors: Martínez Ari E. , Parra Eliseo , Muellerklein Oliver , Vredenburg Vance T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPredation is a strong ecological force that shapes animal communities through natural selection. Recent studies have shown the cascading effects of predation risk on ecosystems through changes in prey behavior. Minimizing predation risk may explain why multiple prey species associate together in space and time. For example, mixed‐species flocks that have been widely documented from forest systems, often include birds that eavesdrop on sentinel species (alarm calling heterospecifics). Sentinel species may be pivotal in (1) allowing flocking species to forage in open areas within forests that otherwise incur high predation risk, and (2) influencing flock occurrence (the amount of time species spend with a flock). To test this, we conducted a short‐term removal experiment in an Amazonian lowland rainforest to test whether flock habitat use and flock occurrence was influenced by sentinel presence. Antshrikes (genus Thamnomanes) act as sentinels in Amazonian mixed‐species flocks by providing alarm calls widely used by other flock members. The alarm calls provide threat information about ambush predators such as hawks and falcons which attack in flight. We quantified home range behavior, the forest vegetation profile used by flocks, and the proportion occurrence of other flocking species, both before and after removal of antshrikes from flocks. We found that when sentinel species were removed, (1) flock members shifted habitat use to lower risk habitats with greater vegetation cover, and (2) species flock occurrence decreased. We conclude that eavesdropping on sentinel species may allow other species to expand their realized niche by allowing them to safely forage in high‐risk habitats within the forest. In allowing species to use extended parts of the forest, sentinel species may influence overall biodiversity across a diverse landscape.
Enzymatic Interesterification of Heterotrophic Microalgal Oil with Rapeseed Oil to Decrease the Levels of Tripalmitin
Authors: Bogevik André S. , Nygren Heli , Balle Thomas , Haugsgjerd Bjørn O. , Kousoulaki Katerina 
Published: May 2018

High lipid heterotrophic microalgae (HM) Schizochytrium limacinum is a good dietary source of long‐chained polyunsaturated fatty acids. HM biomass has successfully been used in aquafeeds. However, the high saturated fatty acid content of the triacylglycerol (TAG) could limit the applications of HM as a main feed lipid source. Enzymatic interesterification of HM oil with unsaturated oils may increase the utilization efficiency and remove the technical challenges in using such oils. In the present study, extracted oil from HM biomass (Alltech Inc.) with rapeseed oil are mixed, and interesterified enzymatically with either Lipozyme RM IM or Lipozyme 435 in reactions with no, addition or 5% addition, of distilled water. The experimental oil mixes are formulated to target a total fatty acid profile similar to fish oil. No addition of water to the reaction mixture leads to more efficient TAG recovery after interesterification. Overall, enzymatic interesterification of HM and rapeseed oils with Lipozyme RM IM produces oils with lower levels of tri‐saturated TAG isomers, higher content of TAG isomers with unsaturated fatty acids and a lower slip melting point. Animal studies need to be performed to evaluate the biological effects of interesterified against unprocessed highly unsaturated oils.Practical Applications: Heterotrophic microalgal oil as a pure product could have limited application in feeds and foods due to its structural content of triacylglycerol (TAG) with saturated fatty acids in all three positions, due to both nutritional and practical reasons. Enzymatic interesterification of HM oil with rapeseed oil is in the present study shown to be an efficient technology to produce oils with more desirable TAG composition and reduced melting point for feed and food applications compared to the original raw material.Content of selected triacylglycerol (TAG) isomers in rapeseed oil (RO), extracted heterotrophic microalgae (HM) oil, and oil mixtures following enzymatic interesterification in reaction with no addition of water (Trial 2) by the use of Lipozyme 435 or Lipozyme RM IM.
Increasing power generation with enhanced cogeneration using waste energy in palm oil mills
Authors: Booneimsri Pisan , Kubaha Kuskana , Chullabodhi Chullapong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEnhancing power generation using waste energy promotes sustainability. Bio‐waste from palm oil mills (POMs) has been used as a renewable energy (RE) source to produce steam and electricity in Thai POMs for decades. Because the amount of generated bio‐waste normally exceeds the amount that can be used internally by the POMs, energy‐efficient practices in the cogeneration plant, which includes waste heat emitted by sterilization steam venting and the biogas engine in the power plant, are disregarded. However, a government policy that allows operators to sell electricity back to the grid has been enacted, and plant owner’s attitudes toward cogeneration have since changed. Increased attention has been focused on fuel conservation and energy‐efficiency practices, and this study is a product of that increased interest. This work aims to increase power generation from POMs by integrating waste energy through an improved cogeneration system. A standard 45‐t/h fresh fruit bunch (FFB), POM in southern Thailand was selected as a case study. The steam consumption and boiler and turbine efficiency were measured and analyzed along with the data on the engine waste heat, and a power generation model for the POMs was then proposed. The analysis results showed that the surplus electricity can reach 2.834 MW and 4.223 MW with and without crude palm oil (CPO) production, respectively. The operational rate of the cogeneration plant is also suggested to be extended to 7,500 continuous hours per year instead of the 4351 intermittent hours implemented at present.
Acute ammonia toxicity to the larvae (glochidia) of the tropical Australian freshwater mussel Velesunio spp. Using a modified toxicity test protocol
Authors: Kleinhenz Linda S. , Trenfield Melanie A. , Mooney Thomas J. , Humphrey Christopher L. , van Dam Rick A. , Nugegoda Dayanthi , Harford Andrew J. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Ammonia is recognized as a major pollutant worldwide, originating from natural and anthropogenic sources. Studies have reported that freshwater mussels are among the most sensitive taxa to ammonia, but few data are available on ammonia toxicity for the early life stages of freshwater mussels from tropical regions. We report on the modification of a 24-h acute toxicity test protocol for tropical freshwater mussels and application of the test using ammonia. Velesunio spp. from 3 different sites were used to assess the toxicity of ammonia at a targeted pH of 6.0 and a water temperature of 27.5 °C, which were the average annual values for some slightly to moderately acidic, soft water (3–6 mg/L as CaCO3) creeks of tropical northern Australia. The valve closure responses of mussel glochidia (larvae) to a sodium chloride solution were used to measure the survival endpoint. Acute toxicity estimates indicate that tropical Velesunio spp. were highly sensitive to ammonia, with 24-h exposures to ammonium sulfate generating median lethal concentration estimates ranging from 6.8 to 14.2 mg/L total ammonia nitrogen, which, when adjusted to pH 7 and 20 °C, were among the highest sensitivities yet reported for any freshwater mussel species, and among the highest in sensitivity for any tropical taxon. These toxicity estimates can contribute to the derivation or refinement of ammonia guideline values for freshwater ecosystems globally. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2175–2187. © 2018 SETAC
Ecotoxicological Assessment of Immersion Samples from Facade Render Containing Free or Encapsulated Biocides
Authors: Vermeirssen Etiënne L. M. , Campiche Sophie , Dietschweiler Conrad , Werner Inge , Burkhardt Michael 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

To protect house facades from fouling by microorganisms, biocides can be added to a render or paint before it is applied. During driving rain events, these biocides gradually leach out and have the potential to pollute soil or aquatic ecosystems. We studied the leaching behavior of biocides and toxicity of leachates from renders with either free or encapsulated biocides. Both render types contained equal amounts of terbutryn, 2-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolinone (OIT), and 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolino-3-one (DCOIT). Nine leachate samples were generated over 9 immersion cycles according to a European standard, and biocides were quantified. The first and ninth leachate samples were tested using bioassays with algae, bacteria, and water fleas, the first sample was also tested with earthworms and springtails. Encapsulation reduced leaching of terbutryn, OIT, and DCOIT by 4-, 17-, and 27-fold. For aquatic organisms, the toxicity of water from render containing encapsulated biocides was always lower than that of render with free biocides. Furthermore, toxicity decreased by 4- to 5-fold over the 9 immersion cycles. Inhibition of photosynthesis was the most sensitive endpoint, followed by algal growth rate, bacterial bioluminescence, and water flea reproduction. Toxicity to algae was due to terbutryn and toxicity to bacteria was due to OIT. None of the samples affected soil organisms. Results demonstrate that combining standardized leaching tests with standardized bioassays is a promising approach to evaluate the ecotoxicity of biocides that leach from facade renders. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2246–2256. © 2018 SETAC
Abstract
Facade render with biocides was applied to extruded polystyrene panels and immersed in water. Leachate samples were analyzed in various aquatic and terrestrial bioassays for toxic effects.
Flash point and fire hazard analysis of three organic fuels and their aqueous solutions at low pressures
Authors: Chen Qinpei , He Yaping , Wang Xuehui , Zhou Tiannian , Ding Chao , Wang Jian 
Published: May 2018

SummaryTo study the low pressure influence on the flash point and fire hazard of organic fuels and their aqueous solutions, a series of experiments has been conducted to measure the open‐cup and closed‐cup flash points of methanol, ethanol, and n‐decane aqueous solutions including different mole fractions under different static pressures ranging from 35 to 101 kPa. The results show that both the pressure and fuel mole fraction have a nonlinear correlation with the flash point of the miscible fuel specimens like the correlation provided in this paper. For the partially miscible fuel specimens with a lower density than water, the water content has almost no influence on the flash point. The fire risks of the experimental results were analysed based on the standard GB50160‐2008, which shows that the fire risk becomes higher at low pressures, and there is a critical pressure at the turning point of the change in fire classification. A method to achieve the critical low pressure of different fuels or aqueous solutions from the fire hazard classification is derived in this paper.
Depressive spectrum states in a population‐based cohort of 70‐year olds followed over 9 years
Authors: Sigström Robert , Waern Margda , Gudmundsson Pia , Skoog Ingmar , Östling Svante 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveDepression may be understood as a spectrum of more or less symptomatic states. Little is known about the long‐term course of these states in older populations. We examined the prevalence and course of depressive states of different severity in a Swedish population sample of older people followed over 9 years.MethodsA population‐based sample of 70‐year olds without dementia (N = 563, response rate 71.1%) underwent a psychiatric examination; 450 survivors without dementia were reexamined at ages 75 and/or 79 years. Three depressive spectrum states were defined: major depression (MD), minor depression (MIND), and subsyndromal depression (SSD).ResultsThe cumulative 9‐year prevalence of any depressive spectrum state was 55.3% (MD 9.3%, MIND 27.6%, SSD 30.9%). The cross‐sectional prevalence increased with age, especially for MIND and SSD. Among those with baseline MD and MIND, 75.0% and 66.7%, respectively, had MD or MIND during follow‐up. Among those with SSD, 47.2% had SSD also during follow‐up and 36.1% had MD or MIND. Among those with MD during follow‐up, 63.1% were in a depressive spectrum state at baseline. The corresponding proportion was 30% for those with MIND (but no MD) during follow‐up.ConclusionIn this population‐based sample, over half experienced some degree of depression during their eighth decade of life. The findings give some support for the validity of a depressive spectrum in older adults. Most new episodes of major depression occurred in people who were in a depressive spectrum state already at baseline, which may have implications for late‐life depression prevention strategies.
Hospitals and the generic versus brand‐name prescription decision in the outpatient sector
Authors: Pruckner Gerald J. , Schober Thomas 
Published: May 2018

SummaryHealth care payers try to reduce costs by promoting the use of cheaper generic drugs. We show strong interrelations in drug prescriptions between the inpatient and outpatient sectors by using a large administrative dataset from Austria. Patients with prior hospital visits have a significantly lower probability of receiving a generic drug in the outpatient sector. The size of the effect depends on both the patient and doctor characteristics, which could be related to the differences in hospital treatment and heterogeneity in the physicians' adherence to hospital choices. Our results suggest that hospital decisions create spillover costs in health care systems with separate funding for inpatient and outpatient care.
Mucin 1 (Muc1) Deficiency in Female Mice Leads to Temporal Skeletal Changes During Aging
Authors: Brum Andrea M , van der Leije Cindy S , Schreuders‐Koedam Marijke , Chaibi Siham , van Leeuwen Johannes PTM , van der Eerden Bram CJ 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTMucin1 (MUC1) encodes a glycoprotein that has been demonstrated to have important roles in cell‐cell interactions, cell‐matrix interactions, cell signaling, modulating tumor progression and metastasis, and providing physical protection to cells against pathogens. In this study, we investigated the bone phenotype in female C57BL/6 Muc1 null mice and the impact of the loss of Muc1 on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. We found that deletion of Muc1 results in reduced trabecular bone volume in 8‐week‐old mice compared with wild‐type controls, but the trabecular bone volume fraction normalizes with increasing age. In mature female mice (16 weeks old), Muc1 deletion results in stiffer femoral bones with fewer osteoblasts lining the trabecular surface but increased endosteal mineralized surface and bone formation rate. The latter remains higher compared with wild‐type females at age 52 weeks. No difference was found in osteoclast numbers in vivo and in bone marrow osteoblast or osteoclast differentiation capacity or activity in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that Muc1 depletion causes a transiently reduced trabecular bone mass phenotype in young mice, and later in life reduced numbers of osteoblasts with increased endocortical mineralization activity coincides with unaffected total bone mass and increased stiffness. In conclusion, our results show, for the first time to our knowledge, a role for Muc1 in bone mass and mineralization in mice in a time‐dependent manner. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.