bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Balance in Adolescent Girls and the Effect of Supplemental Dietary Calcium
Authors: Vorland Colby J , Martin Berdine R , Weaver Connie M , Peacock Munro , Hill Gallant Kathleen M 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThere are limited data on phosphorus balance and the effect of dietary calcium supplements on phosphorus balance in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine phosphorus balance and the effect of increasing dietary calcium intake with a supplement on net phosphorus absorption and balance in healthy adolescent girls. This study utilized stored urine, fecal, and diet samples from a previously conducted study that focused on calcium balance. Eleven healthy girls ages 11 to 14 years participated in a randomized crossover study, which consisted of two 3‐week periods of a controlled diet with low (817 ± 19.5 mg/d) or high (1418 ± 11.1 mg/d) calcium, separated by a 1‐week washout period. Phosphorus intake was controlled at the same level during both placebo and calcium supplementation (1435 ± 23.5 and 1453 ± 28.0 mg/d, respectively, p = 0.611). Mean phosphorus balance was positive by about 200 mg/d and was unaffected by the calcium supplement (p = 0.826). Urinary phosphorus excretion was lower with the calcium supplement (535 ± 42 versus 649 ± 41 mg/d, p = 0.013), but fecal phosphorus and net phosphorus absorption were not significantly different between placebo and calcium supplement (553 ± 60 versus 678 ± 63 versus mg/d, p = 0.143; 876 ± 62 versus 774 ± 64 mg/d, p = 0.231, respectively). Dietary phosphorus underestimates using a nutrient database compared with the content measured chemically from meal composites by ∼40%. These results show that phosphorus balance is positive in girls during adolescent growth and that a calcium dietary supplement to near the current recommended level does not affect phosphorus balance when phosphorus intake is at 1400 mg/d, a typical US intake level. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Identification of microRNAs and genes associated with hyperandrogenism in the follicular fluid of women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Xue Yunping , Lv Juan , Xu Pengfei , Gu Lin , Cao Jian , Xu Lingling , Xue Kai , Li Qian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease, which is characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA), chronic anovulation, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, and obesity. At present, the mechanism by which PCOS/HA occurs has not been fully elucidated, thus, the mechanisms behind and interventions for HA in PCOS are current hot topics in research. MiRNAs have recently been shown to serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in patients with cancer. Thus, we are currently focused on studying the altered expression of miRNAs in follicular fluid and their correlation with HA in PCOS. Illumina deep sequencing technology was used to explore different miRNAs in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS/HA and in the follicular fluid of women in a control group. Target prediction databases were then used to analyse the target genes of different expressed miRNAs, and GO analysis and the KEGG pathway database were used to identify the functions and the main biochemical and signalling pathways of differentially expressed target genes. The expression levels of 263 miRNAs were significantly different (>2‐fold up‐regulated or <0.5‐fold down‐regulated, P < 0.05) between the two groups of women. For example, the expression levels of miRNA (200a‐3p, 10b‐3p, 200b‐3p, 29c‐3p, 99a‐3p, and 125a‐5p) were significantly increased, while there was a decreased expression of miR‐105‐3p in PCOS patients with respect to the control. Literature has shown that the above seven miRNAs were associated with HA in PCOS. Furthermore, 31 770 genes were predicted to be targets of the 263 differentially expressed microRNAs. GO analysis and the KEGG pathway database showed involvement of these target genes in HA in PCOS. These results suggest the presence of differentially expressed miRNAs in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS/HA versus women in the control group. The potential role of these microRNAs was elucidated using bioinformatics tools and was found to be involved in the regulation of different pathways, biological functions, and cellular components underlying PCOS. The results of this research may reveal new mechanisms of PCOS/HA and suggest potential treatment targets.
Randomized, Double‐Blind, Crossover, Clinical‐End‐Point Pilot Study to Examine the Use of Exhaled Nitric Oxide as a Bioassay for Dose Separation of Inhaled Fluticasone Propionate
Authors: Weiler John M. , Sorkness Christine A. , Hendeles Leslie , Nichols Sara , Zhu Yaping 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis was a randomized, double‐blind, crossover, clinical‐end‐point pilot study examining the hypothesis that inhaled fluticasone propionate decreases exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) concentrations within a week of beginning treatment and shows evidence of dose separation across the marketed dose range. Subjects had a ≥6‐month history of asthma and screening eNO ≥60 parts per billion. At the start of each treatment period, eNO was ≥55 parts per billion, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second was ≥50% predicted. Subjects attended a clinic visit daily on consecutive mornings during each of 3 1‐week treatment periods to measure eNO and receive once‐daily doses of 100/50, 250/50, or 500/50 fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination product (Advair® Diskus). Daily eNO value recorded was the highest of 3 measurements; 1 inhalation of treatment was then administered. Procedures were repeated for 3 treatment cycles, separated by 14‐day minimum washouts. A total of 105 subjects were screened; 22 were randomized; and 17 completed all treatments. Mean percentage eNO decrease (standard deviation) from day 1 baseline for each treatment period was 36.6 (±18.7), 45.3 (±16.5), and 54.6 (±12.5) with Advair® 100/50, 250/50, and 500/50, respectively. Mean percentage decrease in eNO across each treatment (dose) was modeled using a mixed‐model ANOVA. Although the overall treatment was significant (P = .0015), because of the relatively small sample size and within‐subject variability, only the 100/50 vs 500/50 (P = .0003) and 250/50 vs 500/50 (P = .047) treatments were significantly different.
Solubilization of inclusion body proteins using low and very low concentrations of chemicals: implications of novel combined chemical treatment designs in enhancement of post‐solubilization target protein purity and biological activity
Authors: Mohammadian Alireza , Kaghazian Hooman , Kavianpour Alireza , Jalalirad Reza 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSolubilization of inclusion body (IB) proteins by conventional methods (i.e. high concentrations of denaturants such as chaotropes) is a challenging process due to denaturation of the native‐like secondary structures and subsequently low recovery into bioactive forms. The main objective of this work was to study the effect of a range of chemicals at low and very low concentrations on the solubilization of IB proteins produced in Escherichia coli and the enhancement of the target protein biological activity subsequent to refolding.RESULTSPerformance of chemical combinations at low and very low concentrations through the solubilization process of recombinant streptokinase (rSK) from IBs isolated from E. coli was appraised based on values pertinent to three parameters including target protein solubilization yield, purity and biological activity. In comparison with the conventional IBs' solubilization method (i.e. 4 mol L‐1 urea), combinations of 0.5–1 mol L‐1 urea with very low to low concentrations (0.05–1%) of detergents resulted in considerable target protein solubilization (by 100%), very high post‐solubilization target protein purities (up to 100%) and biological activities (up by 360%).CONCLUSIONOwing to the improvements in the abovementioned integral parameters, these chemical treatments are good candidates to be considered for more efficient and cost‐effective recovery of recombinant target proteins from IBs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Critical issues in the performance of yeast based microbial fuel cell
Authors: Sayed Enas Taha , Nakagawa Nobuyoshi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDYeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is quite safe, easily available, rapid‐growing and one of few microorganisms that can metabolize complex organic materials. The effect of different anode materials such as carbon cloth (CC), carbon paper (CP), Teflon‐treated carbon paper (CP‐T), and porous carbon plate (PCP) on the performance of mediatorless yeast, S. cerevisiae‐based MFC was investigated to explore some issues that are affecting the performance.RESULTSThe variation in the open circuit voltage (OCV), and power generation for CC, CP and CP‐T, were explained by the different areal densities of the yeast cells that adhered to the anode surface. The highest power was obtained using the CP anode. On the other hand, the PCP anode with dense adhesion of the yeast cells, which was expected to give the highest performance; showed the lowest performance. Modifying the PCP surface with a thin nanolayer of cobalt significantly increased the performance over fifty times.CONCLUSIONThe performance of a mediatorless yeast‐based microbial fuel cell, i.e. OCV and current density, was affected by the adhesion density of the yeast cell on the electrode surface. However, it was not the only factor affecting the cell performance. The yeast cell adhesion on the anode surface was dependent on the carbon materials. The improvement of the interfacial electron transfer between the anode and yeast cells is key for the development of yeast based mediatorless MFCs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of light intensity and wavelength on the production of lactobionic acid from whey by Pseudomonas taetrolens in batch cultures
Authors: Shu Chin‐Hang , Tseng Kevin , Jaiswal Rajan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDLactobionic acid production from dairy waste using Psedomonas taetrolens has gained rapid momentum as it is an economically feasible and environmentally friendly approach. Although photoreceptors have been identified in P. taetrolens, the effect of light on the production of lactobionic acid has not been investigated. This research successfully demonstrates the influence of light on lactobionic acid production by P. taetrolens from cheese whey.RESULTSExperimental results indicated that while red light promoted both cell growth and lactobionic acid production, blue light could only promote cell growth. Xmax and Pmax increased from 12.78 to 15.83 g L−1 and 17.4 to 24.5 g L−1, respectively, under red LED light at 500 lux. On the other hand, Xmax increased from 12.78 to 15.18 g L−1, but Pmax decreased from 17.4 to 15.4 g L−1 under blue LED light at 100 lux. A novel two‐stage LED photo‐bioreactor process was successful in reducing fermentation time by 24 h compared with that of the photo‐bioreactor under red LED light at 500 lux.CONCLUSIONIt is proposed that light of varying wavelengths and intensities can be used as modulator to enhance lactobionic production by P. taetrolens using cheese way. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Clique coloring of dense random graphs
Authors: Alon Noga , Krivelevich Michael 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe clique chromatic number of a graph is the minimum number of colors in a vertex coloring so that no maximal (with respect to containment) clique is monochromatic. We prove that the clique chromatic number of the binomial random graph is, with high probability, . This settles a problem of McDiarmid, Mitsche, and Prałat who proved that it is with high probability.
Estimating the arterial input function from dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI data with compensation for flow enhancement (I): Theory, method, and phantom experiments
Authors: van Schie Jeroen J.N. , Lavini Cristina , van Vliet Lucas J. , Vos Frans M. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThe arterial input function (AIF) represents the time‐dependent arterial contrast agent (CA) concentration that is used in pharmacokinetic modeling.PurposeTo develop a novel method for estimating the AIF from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE‐) MRI data, while compensating for flow enhancement.Study TypeSignal simulation and phantom measurements.Phantom ModelTime–intensity curves (TICs) were simulated for different numbers of excitation pulses modeling flow effects. A phantom experiment was performed in which a solution (without CA) was passed through a straight tube, at constant flow velocity.Field Strength/SequenceDynamic fast spoiled gradient echo (FSPGRs) at 3T MRI, both in the simulations and in the phantom experiment. TICs were generated for a duration of 373 seconds and sampled at intervals of 1.247 seconds (300 timepoints).AssessmentThe proposed method first estimates the number of pulses that spins have received, and then uses this knowledge to accurately estimate the CA concentration.Statistical TestsThe difference between the median of the estimated number of pulses and the true value was determined, as well as the interquartile range (IQR) of the estimations. The estimated CA concentrations were evaluated in the same way. The estimated number of pulses was also used to calculate flow velocity.ResultsThe difference between the median estimated and reference number of pulses varied from –0.005 to –1.371 (corresponding IQRs: 0.853 and 48.377) at true values of 10 and 180 pulses, respectively. The difference between the median estimated CA concentration and the reference value varied from –0.00015 to 0.00306 mmol/L (corresponding IQRs: 0.01989 and 1.51013 mmol/L) at true values of 0.5 and 8.0 mmol/l, respectively, at an intermediate value of 100 pulses. The estimated flow velocities in the phantom were within 10% of the reference value.Data ConclusionThe proposed method accurately corrects the MRI signal affected by the inflow effect.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1190–1196.
Comparison of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation in climate model simulations and observations
Authors: Wei Yun , Yu Haipeng , Huang Jianping , He Yongli , Yang Bin , Guan Xiaodan , Liu Xiaoyue 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe ability of climate models to simulate the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and its global teleconnections is examined using the outputs of 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models from historical experiments. It is shown that the global warming trend is reproduced by the models, but there is a considerable difference between the models in the PDO region. The standard deviation of detrended sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the models is similar to that of the observations, especially in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and the North Pacific, which are the regions closely associated with the PDO and El Nino‐Southern Oscillation. The globally averaged SSTA during 1900–1940 in the CMIP5 models and observations showed large divergence, which is mainly due to the SSTA in the PDO region. The most significant cycle of the PDO indexes in most of the models had a 60–80 years period, which is different from the observed PDO period (40–60 years). However, the models perform better for the spatial pattern of the PDO, and 90% of the spatial correlations between the models and observations of the spatial pattern of the PDO are above 0.8. In addition, the models can simulate the basic correlation between the PDO and Pacific SSTA variability, but most of them overestimate the relationship in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The CMIP5 models are better at simulating the impact of the PDO on winter precipitation in southern North America but are less accurate in simulating summer precipitation in eastern China. This is probably because most of the models are not accurate in simulating the impacts of the PDO on the western Pacific subtropical high and the East Asian summer monsoon.
Factors associated with a primary surgical approach for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Patel Krupa , Migliacci Jocelyn C. , Morris Luc T. , Ganly Ian , Roman Benjamin R. , McBride Sean M. , Tabar Viviane S. , Cohen Marc A. 
Published: November 2017

Background and ObjectivesPrimary surgery is the preferred treatment of T1‐T4a sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC).MethodsPatients with SNSCC in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) were analyzed. Factors that contributed to selecting primary surgical treatment were examined. Overall survival (OS) in surgical patients was analyzed.ResultsFour‐thousand seven hundred and seventy patients with SNSCC were included. In T1‐T4a tumors, lymph node metastases, maxillary sinus location, and treatment at high‐volume centers were associated with selecting primary surgery. When primary surgery was utilized, tumor factors and positive margin guided worse OS. Adjuvant therapy improved OS in positive margin resection and advanced T stage cases.ConclusionsTumor and non‐tumor factors are associated with selecting surgery for the treatment of SNSCC. When surgery is selected, tumor factors drive OS. Negative margin resection should be the goal of a primary surgical approach. When a positive margin resection ensues, adjuvant therapy may improve OS.
Application of ionic‐liquid‐magnetized stirring bar liquid‐phase microextraction coupled with HPLC for the determination of naphthoquinones in Zicao
Authors: Guan Lianyue , Luo Qiang , Shi Jiayuan , Yu Wei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this study, a green, rapid, and simple method, ionic‐liquid‐magnetized stirring bar liquid‐phase microextraction was developed for the determination of naphthoquinones, including shikonin and β,β′‐dimethylacrylshikonin, in Zicao. This method permits active magnetic stirring, extraction, and pre‐enrichment in a single device simultaneously, so the extract is conveniently collected. The analytes were extracted from the sample to ionic liquid‐magnetized stirring bar, then the analyte‐adsorbed magnetized stirring bar can be readily isolated from the sample solution by a magnet. The key experimental parameters were investigated and optimized, including the type and volume of ionic liquid, extraction time, salt concentration, stirring speed, and pH. The recoveries were in the range of 89.47–102.38%, and good reproducibilities were obtained with relative standard deviation below 5.36%. Compared with the conventional extraction methods, the proposed method is quicker and more effective.
Separation and determination of polyurethane amine catalysts in polyether polyols by using UHPLC–Q‐TOF‐MS on a reversed‐phase/cation‐exchange mixed‐mode column
Authors: Li Jiaxiao , Zhu Marcel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA simple, selective, and accurate ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was established and validated for the efficient separation and quantification of polyurethane amine catalysts in polyether polyols. Amine catalysts were primarily separated in polyether polyol‐based sample by solid‐phase extraction, and further baseline separated on a reversed‐phase/cation‐exchange mixed‐mode column (SiELC Primesep™ 200) using 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid/acetonitrile as a mobile phase in gradient elution mode at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. High‐resolution quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis in electrospray ionization positive mode allowed the identification asN,N′‐bis[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]urea,N‐[2‐(2‐dimethylaminoethoxy)ethyl]‐N‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediamine, andN,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyldipropylenetriamine. The method was validated and presented good linearity for all the analytes in blank matrices within the concentration range of 0.20–5.0 or 0.1–2.0 μg/mL with the correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.986 to 0.997. Method recovery ranged within 81–105% at all three levels (80, 100, and 120% of the original amount) with relative standard deviations of 1.0–6.2%. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.007–0.051 μg/mL. Good precision was obtained with relative standard deviation below 3.2 and 0.72% for peak area and retention time of three amines, respectively.
Investigating the robustness and extraction performance of a matrix‐compatible solid‐phase microextraction coating in human urine and its application to assess 2–6‐ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using GC–MS/MS
Authors: Naccarato Attilio , Gionfriddo Emanuela , Elliani Rosangela , Pawliszyn Janusz , Sindona Giovanni , Tagarelli Antonio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this work, a polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene fiber overcoated with a layer of polydimethylsiloxane was evaluated as analytical sampling tool for the first time in human urine. Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with 2–6 aromatic rings were considered as target compounds. The analyte uptake in kinetic and thermodynamic regime was evaluated and compared to the performances of polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene and polydimethylsiloxane fibers. The assessment of the robustness and endurance of the overcoated fiber was carried out by direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction in undiluted urine performing up to 120 consecutive extractions. The overcoated fiber was then used to develop a fast and easy direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction with gas chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry protocol for the quantification of the target polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The attained values of accuracy and precision were 75–114% and 2–19%, respectively, while the limits of quantification ranged between 0.05 and 1 ng/L. The proposed protocol was applied to the screening of urine samples collected from smoking and nonsmoking volunteers. The successful results obtained by using the overcoated fiber create not only new alternatives for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure assessment but also new perspectives for the application of direct immersion solid‐phase microextraction to the analysis of bioclinical matrixes.
Isolation and purification of food‐grade C‐phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis and its determination in confectionery by HPLC with diode array detection
Authors: Kissoudi Maria , Sarakatsianos Ioannis , Samanidou Victoria 
Published: November 2017

AbstractC‐Phycocyanin is the major phycobiliprotein in Arthrospira platensis, also known as Spirulina, which is a cyanobacterium used as a dietary supplement because of its powerful effects on body and brain. C‐phycocyanin is a blue‐colored accessory photosynthetic pigment with multiple applications in food industry as natural dye or additive, and in pharmaceuticals. This study presents a simple protocol for the extraction and purification of food‐grade C‐phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis. The cell lysis of cyanobacterium was performed by sonication combined with repeated freezing and thawing cycles. The purification of the crude extract of C‐phycocyanin was carried out by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion exchange chromatography resulting in 2.5 purity. The purity of phycocyanobilin chromophore has been tested by UV‐visible spectrophotometry by monitoring the absorption after each stage of purification. A high‐performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and validated for the determination of food‐grade C‐phycocyanin. Intra‐ and interday precision values less than 5.6% and recovery greater than 91.2% indicated high precision and accuracy of the method for analysis of C‐phycocyanin. The method has been applied to commercial confectionery of blue color and to the purified protein obtained in the first stage of the study.