bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flesh and bone: An integrative approach towards sexual size dimorphism of a terrestrial salamander (genus Salamandrina)
Authors: Pogoda Peter , Kupfer Alexander 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMales and females face different selection pressures due to a sexually biased investment into reproduction. This often results in different morphologies. Sexual size dimorphisms (SSD) can give us important hints on the evolution and biology of a species. Salamanders are a perfectly suited system for investigating SSD, including a diversity of reproductive modes and behaviors, and patterns of SSD combined with life history traits in a phylogenetic context help us to understand the evolution of these processes. Because spectacled salamanders (genus Salamandrina) are the phylogenetically most basal taxon of the Salamandridae, they play a key role in reconstructing the evolutionary pattern of SSD. Combining extensive external and skeletal measurements of the cranium, limbs, and the pelvic girdle using high‐resolution micro Computer Tomography (μCT) yielded an integrative analysis of expressed SSD of morphology and osteology of Salamandrina perspicillata. Multivariate analysis of external characters showed that males generally had larger cloacae, heads, and limbs relative to body size, while females had larger trunks. Analysis of osteology confirmed this pattern but also revealed new dimorphic characters in the cranium and the pelvic girdle. Dimorphic characters in external morphology and osteology are likely linked to the different reproductive roles of the sexes and support sexual rather than ecological selection as the primary force acting on the phenotype of the phylogenetically basal salamandrids.
Design and real‐time implementation of an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller for a coupled tank system
Authors: Mahapatro Soumya Ranjan , Subudhi Bidyadhar , Ghosh Subhojit 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this paper, an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller (AFSMC) is proposed for regulation of liquid level in a coupled tank system (CTS). In this controller design, a fuzzy variable is considered in the sliding surface in order to reduce the chattering effect. The proposed controller exhibits high robustness against external disturbances and also measurement error. To verify the efficacy of the proposed controller, we compared its performances with that of a linear matrix inequality (LMI)–based proportional integral (PI) controller. The efficacy of the proposed controller is verified by implementing this controller in real time on the coupled tank liquid level system. From both the obtained simulation and experimental results, it is observed that the proposed controller exhibits superior control performance to maintain the desired level as compared with the LMI‐based PI controller.
A comparison study of the transoral and bilateral axillo‐breast approaches in robotic thyroidectomy
Authors: Kim Wan Wook , Lee Jeeyeon , Jung Jin Hyang , Park Ho Yong , Tufano Ralph P. , Kim Hoon Yub 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTransoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) is a new remote access approach to avoid cervical incision. The purpose of this study is to compare two approaches used to avoid cervical incision: transoral approach and bilateral axillo‐breast approach (BABA) in robotic thyroidectomy.MethodsA total of 90 patients were enrolled prospectively between September 2016 and April 2017. The BABA group had 43 and the TORT group had 47 patients, respectively. Parameters including clinicopathologic data, operative time, complications, laboratory data, hospital stay, postoperative pain, and cosmetic satisfaction were analyzed.ResultsComplications were not different among the two groups. The operative time of TORT was longer than BABA until 15 cases of TORT were completed, but there was no difference after that. The Visual Analogue Scale score in TORT was lower than BABA in all the periods. TORT showed a higher cosmetic satisfaction after surgery. There was no infection or permanent mental nerve hypoesthesia in TORT.ConclusionOur study showed that TORT had less postoperative pain and a greater cosmetic satisfaction than the BABA. There were no significant differences in the postoperative surgical results between the two groups. TORT was comparable to the BABA in outcome with higher cosmetic satisfaction and less pain.
Analytical feasibility of a solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation method for aroma analyses in bread crumb
Authors: Pico Joana , Oduber Fernanda , Gómez Manuel , Bernal José 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe analysis of bread aroma is essential in order to evaluate its quality as well as to improve it. The use of different methodologies for the analysis of volatile compounds lead to varying results. In the present study, the matrix effect, extraction efficiency, limits of detection and quantification as well as the precision of a proposed solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation methodology were evaluated for the first time and compared with a reference method, both differing in the distillation step. The repeatability (<8%) and matrix effect (present in 15 of the 31 compounds) were improved with the proposed method but the extraction efficiencies (average of 52%) and the intermediate precision (>15%) were not as required. However, the applicability of the reference method was limited to breads with fat levels <2%. For breads higher in fat, the proposed method represents an alternative for aroma analysis.
Determination of three phenylethanoid glycosides in Osmanthus fragrans fruits by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Hu Fangli , Liao Xiaoyan , Chen Zilin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA simple and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method has been developed for the determination of active components in Osmanthus fragrans fruits. In this work, reversed‐phase liquid chromatography with a C18 column and mobile phase of methanol/water were applied to effectively separate three phenylethanoid glycosides, including salidroside, neonuezhenide, and nuezhenide. The limits of detection of salidroside, neonuezhenide, and nuezhenide were 3.9, 25.4, and 24.2 ng/mL respectively. Then this method was applied to determine the contents in several batches of O. fragrans fruits extract, which were collected from Wuhan, Hefei, and Changsha. Meanwhile, the method was used for the detection of rat plasma administrated with O. fragrans fruits extract, which could be an alternative method applied to the field of pharmacokinetics study in future. The results implied that the developed method was economical, simple, convenient, and sensitive, which was appropriate for the determination of salidroside, neonuezhenide, and nuezhenide in O. fragrans fruits.
Identification of a Novel Function of Resveratrol and Genistein as a Regulator of β2‐Adrenergic Receptor Expression in Skeletal Muscle Cells and Characterization of Promoter Elements Required for Promoter Activation
Authors: Chikazawa Miho , Sato Ryuichiro 
Published: September 2018

ScopeModulating β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) expression and activation is important for maintaining skeletal muscle function. In this study, two food factors, resveratrol (RSV) and genistein (GEN), that are able to regulate β2‐AR promoter activity and may improve skeletal muscle function are identified.Methods and resultsUsing luciferase reporter assay, 357 functional food factors as candidates for β2‐AR promoter activity have been screened and subsequently RSV and GEN increase β2‐AR promoter activity and β2‐AR mRNA expression. Using promoter sequence analysis, it is shown that the CCAAT box and the GC box on the β2‐AR promoter are required for the regulation of β2‐AR expression by RSV or GEN. It is also ascertained that transcription factor NF‐YA binds to the CCAAT box on the β2‐AR promoter and that the amount of NF‐YA bound to the CCAAT box is unchanged by RSV or GEN treatment. Finally, it is confirmed that a GEN‐containing diet increases β2‐AR expression in mouse skeletal muscle and increased skeletal muscle mass.ConclusionsThe findings show that food‐derived molecules have the potential to influence skeletal muscle mass and function by regulating G protein‐coupled receptor expression.
CEST‐MRI for glioma pH quantification in mouse model: Validation by immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ferrauto Giuseppe , Di Gregorio Enza , Auboiroux Vincent , Petit Manuel , Berger François , Aime Silvio , Lahrech Hana 
Published: September 2018

In glioma, the acidification of the extracellular tumor microenvironment drives proliferation, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, invasion and chemoresistance. Therefore, quantification of glioma extracellular pH (pHe) is of crucial importance. This study is focused on the application of the YbHPDO3A (ytterbium 1,4,7‐triscarboxymethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane) probe for in vivo glioma pHe quantification using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)‐MRI and its correlation with tumor metabolism assessed by immunohistochemistry.The U87 glioma mouse model was used (n = 18) and MRI performed at 4.7 T. CEST‐MRI of YbHPDO3A solutions at different pH values showed two resolved CEST spectra at 71 ppm and 99 ppm, both sensitive to pH variations, allowing therefore calculation of the ratiometric curve for in vivo pH quantification. In vivo MRI sequences consisted of T2w for tumor localization, T2w* to assess YbHPDO3A biodistribution by exploiting its magnetic susceptibility effect and CEST for glioma pHe mapping. T2w* images show that YbHPDO3A extravasates in tumor in regions with damaged blood–brain barrier. The pHe is calculated only in these regions.Hematoxylin/eosin histology and Ki‐67, CA‐IX (carbonic anhydrase 9) and NHE‐1 immunohistochemical staining were performed; their expression rates were compared with the in vivo pHe values.On the basis of the cell proliferation marker Ki‐67, two groups were defined: one group with a lower mitotic index (MI% < 20% = mean value) and a mean pHe value of 7.00 (low‐proliferation/high‐pH group) and the other with MI% > 20% and an acidic pHe of 6.6 (high‐proliferation/low‐pH group). CA‐IX and NHE‐1 were over‐expressed in the high‐proliferation/low‐pH group (CA‐IX, 92 ± 7% versus 30 ± 13%; NHE‐1, 84 ± 8% versus 35 ± 11%), indicating an acidic/hypoxic microenvironment. These immunohistochemical results are consistent with our pHe mapping (Pearson correlation coefficient > 0.70) and provide evidence for the feasibility of the CEST‐MRI method with the YbHPDO3A probe for glioma pHe quantification at 4.7 T. Importantly, the YbHPDO3A probe has similar chemical and biological properties to the clinically approved MRI contrast agent GdHPDO3A. This makes the method promising for a clinical translation.
Comparison of Artemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium by simultaneous determination of multi‐components with single reference standard method and chemometric analysis
Authors: Guo Long , Zhang Dan , Xue Zi‐jing , Jiao Qian , Liu Ai‐peng , Zheng Yu‐guang , Liu E‐Hu , Duan Li 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionArtemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium, two morphologically similar herbal medicines derived from Artemisia genus. Although the two Artemisia herbs have been used as medicines for a long time in China, the study of their phytochemical and bioactive composition is limited.ObjectiveTo comprehensively compare and evaluate the composition of Artemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium, and find the chemical makers for quality evaluation of the two Artemisia herbal medicines.MethodologyEight compounds including six phenolic acids and two flavonoids were assayed by a single reference standard for simultaneous determination of multi‐components method using 3‐caffeoylquinic acid as the reference standard. The quantitative data were further analysed by chemometric approaches to compare and distinguish the two herbal medicines.ResultsThe credibility and feasibility of the single reference standard for simultaneous determination of the multi‐components method were carefully validated. The validated method was applied to analyse 16 batches of Artemisiae argyi Folium and 10 batches of Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium samples. The quantitative results showed that 3,5‐di‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant constituent, and the contents of flavonoids were notably different between the two herbal medicines. The chemometric analysis results indicated the two flavonoids, jaceosidin and eupatilin could be used as chemical markers for quality evaluation of the two herbal medicines.ConclusionThe single reference standard for simultaneous determination of the multi‐components method coupled with chemometrics analysis could be a well‐acceptable strategy to compare and evaluate the quality of Artemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium.
1H‐NMR metabolomics for evaluating the protective effect of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f) Lindau water extract against nitric oxide production in LPS‐IFN‐γ activated RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Khoo Leng Wei , Kow Audrey Siew Foong , Maulidiani Maulidiani , Ang May Yen , Chew Won Yin , Lee Ming Tatt , Tan Chin Ping , Shaari Khozirah , Tham Chau Ling , Abas Faridah 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionClinacanthus nutans, a small shrub that is native to Southeast Asia, is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine and as a food source. Its anti‐inflammation properties is influenced by the metabolites composition, which can be determined by different binary extraction solvent ratio and extraction methods used during plant post‐harvesting stage.ObjectiveEvaluate the relationship between the chemical composition of C. nutans and its anti‐inflammatory properties using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics approach.MethodologyThe anti‐inflammatory effect of C. nutans air‐dried leaves extracted using five different binary extraction solvent ratio and two extraction methods was determined based on their nitric oxide (NO) inhibition effect in lipopolysaccharide‐interferon‐gamma (LPS‐IFN‐γ) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The relationship between extract bioactivity and metabolite profiles and quantifications were established using 1H‐NMR metabolomics and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The possible metabolite biosynthesis pathway was constructed to further strengthen the findings.ResultsWater and sonication prepared air‐dried leaves possessed the highest NO inhibition activity (IC50 = 190.43 ± 12.26 μg/mL, P < 0.05). A total of 56 metabolites were tentatively identified using 1H‐NMR metabolomics. A partial least square (PLS) biplot suggested that sulphur containing glucoside, sulphur containing compounds, phytosterols, triterpenoids, flavones and some organic and amino acids were among the potential NO inhibitors. LC–MS/MS targeted quantification further supported sonicated water extract was among the extract that possessed the most abundant C‐glycosyl flavones.ConclusionThe present study may serve as a preliminary reference for the selection of optimum extract in further C. nutans in vivo anti‐inflammatory study.
Prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for single gene disorders: A population‐based study from 1977 to 2016
Authors: Poulton Alice , Lewis Sharon , Hui Lisa , Halliday Jane L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the statewide utilisation of prenatal diagnosis (PNDx) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT‐M) for single gene disorders.MethodsPopulation‐based study of all women utilising PNDx in the Australian state of Victoria from 1977 to 2016. Single gene disorders were categorised using a systematic approach that aimed to reflect aspects of the PNDx decision‐making process. Data on PGT‐M for single gene disorders from 2005 to 2016 were similarly examined for comparison. Statistical significance testing was performed with χ2 test.ResultsFollowing an initial uptake period, annual PNDx rates for single gene disorders stabilised between 1.3 and 2.2 per 1000 births after the year 2000. The majority of PNDx (72%) was performed for disorders that primarily impair physical ability, while PNDx for adult onset conditions was rare (3%). PGT‐M for single gene disorders has seen rapid growth since its introduction, and annual numbers now equal that of PNDx. In contrast to PNDx, one quarter of PGT‐M tests were performed for adult onset conditions.ConclusionsOur population‐wide analysis has demonstrated a steady demand for PNDx for single gene disorders over the past decade, in contrast to the rapidly increasing utilisation of PGT‐M. PGT‐M appears to be the preferred testing modality for adult onset disorders.
Seawater‐mixed Ordinary Portland Cement – a neat solution
Authors: Bartminn Daniel , Billington Colin , Powell Dan , Haeberle Alexander 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMit Seewasser angemachter Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) – eine elegante Lösung. Materialeigenschaften für die Bemessung von Offshore‐Groutverbindungen mit OPC: Die Historische Entwicklung der Bemessungsgrundlagen für konzentrische Groutverbindungen wird dargestellt. An Hand einer statistischen Auswertung von umfangreichen Material Tests an mit Seewasser angemachten OPC Zementleim wird der Zusammenhang zu semi‐probabilistischen Bemessungsvorschriften hergestellt und Empfehlungen zur Anwendung von Konformitätskriterien gegeben. Die Auswirkungen hoher Hydrationstemperaturen werden dargestellt, während die Testreihen keine negativen Auswirkungen auf die Festigkeitsentwicklung für die betrachteten Zeiträume feststellen konnten.
Developing Graphene‐Based Nanohybrids for Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Song He , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Liu Yunfang , Su Zhiqiang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGraphene‐based nanohybrid is considered to be the most promising nanomaterial for electrochemical sensing applications due to the defects created on the graphene oxide layers. These defects provide graphene oxide unique properties, such as excellent conductivity, large specific surface area, and electrocatalytic activity. These unique properties encourage scientists to develop novel graphene‐based nanohybrids and improve the sensing efficiency. This review, therefore, addresses this topic by comprehensively discussing the strategies to fabricate novel graphene based nanohybrids with high sensitivity. The combinations of graphene with various nanomaterials, such as metal nanoclusters, metal compound nanoparticles, carbon materials, polymers and peptides, in the direction of electrochemical sensing, were systematically analyzed. Meanwhile, the challenges in the functional design and application of graphene‐based nanohybrids were described and the reasonable solutions were proposed.
What Exactly is Meant by “Loss of Domain” for Ventral Hernia? Systematic Review of Definitions
Authors: Parker S. G. , Halligan S. , Blackburn S. , Plumb A. A. O. , Archer L. , Mallett S. , Windsor A. C. J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLarge ventral hernias are a significant surgical challenge. “Loss of domain” (LOD) expresses the relationship between hernia and abdominal volume, and is used to predict operative difficulty and success. This systematic review assessed whether different definitions of LOD are used in the literature. The PubMed database was searched for articles reporting large hernia repairs that explicitly described LOD. Two reviewers screened citations and extracted data from selected articles, focusing on the definitions used for LOD, study demographics, study design, and reporting surgical specialty. One hundred and seven articles were identified, 93 full‐texts examined, and 77 were included in the systematic review. Sixty‐seven articles were from the primary literature, and 10 articles were from the secondary literature. Twenty‐eight articles (36%) gave a written definition for loss of domain. These varied and divided into six broad groupings; four described the loss of the right of domain, six described abdominal strap muscle contraction, five described the “second abdomen”, five describing large irreducible hernias. Six gave miscellaneous definitions. Two articles gave multiple definitions. Twenty articles (26%) gave volumetric definitions; eight used the Tanaka method [hernia sac volume (HSV)/abdominal cavity volume] and five used the Sabbagh method [(HSV)/total peritoneal volume]. The definitions used for loss of domain were not dependent on the reporting specialty. Our systematic review revealed that multiple definitions of loss of domain are being used. These vary and are not interchangeable. Expert consensus on this matter is necessary to standardise this important concept for hernia surgeons.
Investigating the genetic diversity and differentiation patterns in the Penstemon scariosus species complex under different sample sizes using AFLPs and SSRs
Authors: Rodríguez-Peña Rosa A. , Johnson Robert L. , Johnson Leigh A. , Anderson Chris D. , Ricks Nathan J. , Farley Kevin M. , Robbins Matthew D. , Wolfe Andrea D. , Stevens Mikel R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHabitat fragmentation due to anthropogenic activities is the major cause of biodiversity loss. Endemic and narrowly distributed species are the most susceptible to habitat degradation. Penstemon scariosus is one of many species whose natural habitat is vulnerable to industrialization. All varieties of P. scariosus (P. scariosus var. albifluvis, P. scariosus var. cyanomontanus, P. scariosus var. garrettii, P. scariosus var. scariosus) have small distribution ranges, but only P. scariosus var. albifluvis is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. We used eight microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) loci and two amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations to investigate the population genetic structure and diversity of P. scariosus varieties. Moreover, we compared the utility of the two marker systems in conservation genetics and estimated an appropriate sample size in population genetic studies. Genetic differentiation among populations based on Fst ranged from low to moderate (Fst = 0.056–0.157) and from moderate to high when estimated with Des (Des = 0.15–0.32). Also, AMOVA analysis shows that most of the genetic variation is within populations. Inbreeding coefficients (Fis) were high in all varieties (0.20–0.56). The Bayesian analysis, STRUCTURE, identified three clusters from SSR data and four clusters from AFLPs. Clusters were not consistent between marker systems and did not represent the current taxonomy. MEMGENE revealed that a high proportion of the genetic variation is due to geographic distance (R2 = 0.38, P = 0.001). Comparing the genetic measurements from AFLPs and SSRs, we found that AFLP results were more accurate than SSR results across sample size when populations were larger than 25 individuals. As sample size decreases, the estimates become less stable in both AFLP and SSR datasets. Finally, this study provides insight into the population genetic structure of these varieties, which could be used in conservation efforts.