bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the pharmacokinetic profile on the plasma glucose lowering effect of the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone in Wistar fatty rats
Authors: Goto Akihiko , Tagawa Yoshihiko , Kimura Yoshiaki , Kogame Akifumi , Moriya Yuu , Amano Nobuyuki 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAlthough the mechanism of action for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists has been extensively explored, the impact of the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile on the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of PPARγ agonists has not been elucidated in detail. The importance of the PK profile of PPARγ agonist was evaluated for its PD effect based on population PK/PD analysis. Pioglitazone hydrochloride, the PPARγ agonist, was administered orally to Wistar fatty rats once a day (q.d.) or once every other day (q.2d.) as double the amount for the q.d. treatment. The plasma glucose lowering effect was selected as a surrogate PD effect for an anti‐diabetic effect. The model fitting was conducted using the non‐linear mixed effect modeling (NONMEM) method. The indirect response model described well the plasma glucose concentration–time profile. The q.d. treatment showed a stronger impact on the plasma glucose lowering effect than did the q.2d. treatment. The results of PK/PD modeling suggested that the sensitivity (i.e. EC50) between each group was comparable. On the other hand, the time above the effective concentration in the q.d. treatment group was longer than that in the q.2d. treatment group. The simulation of various dose regimens suggested that the much longer exposure duration within the effective level showed a stronger plasma glucose lowering effect, even with identical exposure to pioglitazone in the plasma. The PK/PD analysis clarified that the PK profile affected the pharmacological response and that continuous exposure at an appropriate effective level would be efficient for the anti‐diabetic effect of the PPARγ agonist.
Effect of preparation method of active component on the cycling performance of sorbents for hot coal gas clean‐up
Authors: Feng Yu , Li Yang , Shi Lei , Wu Mengmeng , Mi Jie 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHigh temperature gas desulphurization is an efficient environmentally friendly process for high efficiency technologies with syngas clean‐up. The present study investigated the impact of preparation methods on the behaviours of ZnO/red clay sorbent. The sorbents were prepared by the homogeneous precipitation method and solid‐state method, respectively. The surface and structural properties of the sorbents were characterized by thermogravimetric, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope‐elemental mapping, and N2 adsorption analysis. Successive desulphurization‐regeneration cycles were conducted to investigate the reusability of the sorbents. After four cycles of desulphurization‐regeneration experiments, the breakthrough times of the two kinds of regenerated sorbents plunged 18.17 % and 23.26 %, respectively. Attritions of sorbents have not been observed, meaning the regenerated sorbents still maintain a high mechanical strength. The sorbents prepared through the homogeneous precipitation method were found to exhibit a longer breakthrough time much greater than those prepared by the solid‐state method. The characterization data indicate that the homogeneous precipitation method results in more uniform distribution of active component sorbent with smaller particle size and better pore structure, which favours the chemical reaction and mass transfer processes.
Phase‐field boundary conditions for the voxel finite cell method: Surface‐free stress analysis of CT‐based bone structures
Authors: Nguyen Lam , Stoter Stein , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan , Ruess Martin , Yosibash Zohar , Schillinger Dominik 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe voxel finite cell method uses unfitted finite element meshes and voxel quadrature rules to seamlessly transfer computed tomography data into patient‐specific bone discretizations. The method, however, still requires the explicit parametrization of boundary surfaces to impose traction and displacement boundary conditions, which constitutes a potential roadblock to automation. We explore a phase‐field–based formulation for imposing traction and displacement constraints in a diffuse sense. Its essential component is a diffuse geometry model generated from metastable phase‐field solutions of the Allen‐Cahn problem that assumes the imaging data as initial condition. Phase‐field approximations of the boundary and its gradient are then used to transfer all boundary terms in the variational formulation into volumetric terms. We show that in the context of the voxel finite cell method, diffuse boundary conditions achieve the same accuracy as boundary conditions defined over explicit sharp surfaces, if the inherent length scales, ie, the interface width of the phase field, the voxel spacing, and the mesh size, are properly related. We demonstrate the flexibility of the new method by analyzing stresses in a human femur and a vertebral body.
Pointwise Estimates and Regularity in Geometric Optics and Other Generated Jacobian Equations
Authors: Guillen Nestor , Kitagawa Jun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe study of reflector surfaces in geometric optics necessitates the analysis of certain nonlinear equations of Monge‐Ampère type known as generated Jacobian equations. This class of equations, whose general existence theory has been recently developed by Trudinger, goes beyond the framework of optimal transport. We obtain pointwise estimates for weak solutions of such equations under minimal structural and regularity assumptions, covering situations analogous to those of costs satisfying the A3‐weak condition introduced by Ma, Trudinger, and Wang in optimal transport. These estimates are used to develop a C1,α regularity theory for weak solutions of Aleksandrov type. The results are new even for all known near‐field reflector/refractor models, including the point source and parallel beam reflectors, and are applicable to problems in other areas of geometry, such as the generalized Minkowski problem.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Anion Adsorption in the Effect of Electrode Potential on Surface Plasmon Resonance Response
Authors: Laurinavichyute Veronika K. , Nizamov Shavkat , Mirsky Vladimir M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSurface plasmon resonance, being widely used in bioanalytics and biotechnology, is influenced by the electrical potential of the resonant gold layer. To evaluate the mechanism of this effect, we have studied it in solutions of various inorganic electrolytes. The magnitude of the effect decreases according to the series: KBr>KCl>KF>NaClO4. The data were treated by using different models of the interface. A quantitative description was obtained for the model, which takes into account the local dielectric function of gold being affected by the free electron charge, diffuse ionic layer near the gold/water interface, and specific adsorption of halides to the gold surface with partial charge transfer. Taking into account that most biological experiments are performed in chloride‐containing solutions, detailed analysis of the model at these conditions was performed. The results indicate that the chloride adsorption is the main mechanism for the influence of potential on the surface plasmon resonance. The dependencies of surface concentration and residual charge of chloride on the applied potential were determined.
Hydroxide Self‐Feeding High‐Temperature Alkaline Direct Formate Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Yinshi , Sun Xianda , Feng Ying 
Published: March 2017

AbstractConventionally, both the thermal degradation of the anion‐exchange membrane and the requirement of additional hydroxide for fuel oxidation reaction hinder the development of the high‐temperature alkaline direct liquid fuel cells. The present work addresses these two issues by reporting a polybenzimidazole‐membrane‐based direct formate fuel cell (DFFC). Theoretically, the cell voltage of the high‐temperature alkaline DFFC can be as high as 1.45 V at 90 °C. It has been demonstrated that a proof‐of‐concept alkaline DFFC without adding additional hydroxide yields a peak power density of 20.9 mW cm−2, an order of magnitude higher than both alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells and alkaline direct methanol fuel cells, mainly because the hydrolysis of formate provides enough OH− ions for formate oxidation reaction. It was also found that this hydroxide self‐feeding high‐temperature alkaline DFFC shows a stable 100 min constant‐current discharge at 90 °C, proving the conceptual feasibility.
Identification and characterization of novel long‐term metabolites of oxymesterone and mesterolone in human urine by application of selected reaction monitoring GC‐CI‐MS/MS
Authors: Polet Michael , Van Gansbeke Wim , Geldof Lore , Deventer Koen , Van Eenoo Peter 
Published: March 2017

The search for metabolites with longer detection times remains an important task in, for example, toxicology and doping control. The impact of these long‐term metabolites is highlighted by the high number of positive cases after reanalysis of samples that were stored for several years, e.g. samples of previous Olympic Games. A substantial number of previously alleged negative samples have now been declared positive due to the detection of various long‐term steroid metabolites the existence of which was unknown during the Olympic Games of 2008 and 2012.In this work, the metabolism of oxymesterone and mesterolone, two anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), was investigated by application of a selected reaction monitoring gas chromatography–chemical ionization–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC‐CI‐MS/MS) protocol for metabolite detection and identification. Correlations between AAS structure and GC‐CI‐MS/MS fragmentation behaviour enabled the search for previously unknown but expected AAS metabolites by selection of theoretical transitions for expected metabolites. Use of different hydrolysis protocols allowed for evaluation of the detection window of both phase I and phase II metabolites.For oxymesterone, a new metabolite, 18‐nor‐17β‐hydroxymethyl‐17α‐methyl‐4‐hydroxy‐androst‐4,13‐diene‐3‐one, was identified. It was detectable up to 46 days by using GC‐CI‐MS/MS, whereas with a traditional screening (detection of metabolite 17‐epioxymesterone with electron ionization GC‐MS/MS) oxymesterone administration was only detectable for 3.5 days.A new metabolite was also found for mesterolone. It was identified as 1α‐methyl‐5α‐androstan‐3,6,16‐triol‐17‐one and its sulfate form after hydrolysis with Helix pomatia resulted in a prolonged detection time (up to 15 days) for mesterolone abuse. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution pattern of ethyl glucuronide and caffeine concentrations over the scalp of a single person in a forensic context
Authors: Meier Ulf , Briellmann Thomas , Scheurer Eva , Dussy Franz 
Published: March 2017

The distribution of analyte concentrations in hair across the scalp has not been thoroughly investigated. Differences in concentrations depending on sampling location are problematic, especially when measuring a second strand to confirm the result of the first measurement. Aiming at a better understanding of the concentration differences, the distribution of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and caffeine concentrations in hair across the entire head of one test subject was investigated by dividing the scalp completely into regions of ca 2 cm × 2 cm area, yielding a total of 104 samples. For the quantification of EtG, a novel LC–MS3/MRM method was developed and validated with a limit of detection and limit of quantification of 2 and 4 pg/mg, respectively. Large variations of the concentration across the head were found, with factors of ca 3.0 and 10.6 for EtG and caffeine, respectively. These differences could not be attributed to measurement error alone. The concentrations were projected onto the subject's head, and concentration patterns were identified for EtG and caffeine. When examining multiple strands from within one 2 cm × 2 cm sampling area, the strands showed similar concentrations. Segmental analysis of selected 3 cm strands showed decreasing concentrations of EtG and caffeine from proximal to distal end, possibly due to wash‐out of the analytes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two complementary methods to control gonadotropin‐releasing hormone vaccination (Improvac®) misuse in horseracing: Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test in plasma and steroidomics in urine
Authors: Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic , Loup Benoit , Popot Marie‐Agnès , Dreau Marie‐Laure , Garcia Patrice , Bruyas Jean‐François , Bonnaire Yves 
Published: March 2017

Since the availability on the European market of the vaccine Improvac® dedicated to male pig immunological castration, the risk of misuse of this product in horses is now considered as a threat for the horseracing industry. Immunological castration is not allowed by the racing codes (immune system, Article 6). Indeed, this vaccination against the hypothalamic hormone luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone or gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) will prevent the release from the anterior pituitary of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, which are required for the development and activity of gonads in males (testes) and female (ovaries) and therefore all their subsequent physiological functions. This treatment will induce a strong hormonal variation resulting in a behaviour modification of the animals.In this work, four male standardbreds treated with Improvac® vaccine (two intramuscular injections within 4 weeks) were studied. Monitoring of the total scrotal width showed a decrease of the scrotum size (37%) and production of anti‐GnRH antibodies was detected up to 200 days after the first injection. Anti‐GnRH antibodies were detected in plasma after caprylic acid precipitation followed by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a rapid and efficient screening method applicable to routine analysis. These results were correlated to a switch of the sexual status from male group to gelding/female group obtained by a steroidomic approach with urine based on ten endogenous compounds. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embryo dune development drivers: beach morphology, growing season precipitation, and storms
Authors: van Puijenbroek Marinka E.B. , Limpens Juul , de Groot Alma V. , Riksen Michel J.P.M. , Gleichman Maurits , Slim Pieter A. , van Dobben Han F. , Berendse Frank 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFor development of embryo dunes on the highly dynamic land–sea boundary, summer growth and the absence of winter erosion are essential. Other than that, however, we know little about the specific conditions that favour embryo dune development. This study explores the boundary conditions for early dune development to enable better predictions of natural dune expansion. Using a 30 year time series of aerial photographs of 33 sites along the Dutch coast, we assessed the influence of beach morphology (beach width and tidal range), meteorological conditions (storm characteristics, wind speed, growing season precipitation, and temperature), and sand nourishment on early dune development. We examined the presence and area of embryo dunes in relation to beach width and tidal range, and compared changes in embryo dune area to meteorological conditions and whether sand nourishment had been applied. We found that the presence and area of embryo dunes increased with increasing beach width. Over time, embryo dune area was negatively correlated with storm intensity and frequency. Embryo dune area was positively correlated with precipitation in the growing season and sand nourishment. Embryo dune area increased in periods of low storm frequency and in wet summers, and decreased in periods of high storm frequency or intensity. We conclude that beach morphology is highly influential in determining the potential for new dune development, and wide beaches enable development of larger embryo dune fields. Sand nourishment stimulates dune development by increasing beach width. Finally, weather conditions and non‐interrupted sequences of years without high‐intensity storms determine whether progressive dune development will take place. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Core chemistry influences the toxicity of multicomponent metal oxide nanomaterials, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, and lithium cobalt oxide to Daphnia magna
Authors: Bozich Jared , Hang Mimi , Hamers Robert , Klaper Rebecca 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Lithium intercalation compounds such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) are used extensively in lithium batteries. Because there is currently little economic incentive for recycling, chances are greater that batteries will end up in landfills or waste in the environment. In addition, the toxicity of these battery materials traditionally has not been part of the design process. Therefore, to determine the environmental impact and the possibility of alternative battery materials, representative complex battery nanomaterials, LCO and NMC, were synthesized, and toxicity was assessed in Daphnia magna. Toxicity was determined by assessing LCO and NMC at concentrations in the range of 0.1 to 25 mg/L. Acute studies (48 h) showed no effect to daphnid survival at 25 mg/L, whereas chronic studies (21 d) show significant impacts to daphnid reproduction and survival at concentrations of 0.25 mg/L for LCO and 1.0 mg/L for NMC. Dissolved metal exposures showed no effect at the amounts measured in suspension, and supernatant controls could not reproduce the effects of the particles, indicating a nanomaterial-specific impact. Genes explored in the present study were actin, glutathione-s-transferase, catalase, 18s, metallothionein, heat shock protein, and vitellogenin. Down-regulation of genes important in metal detoxification, metabolism, and cell maintenance was observed in a dose-dependent manner. The results show that battery material chemical composition can be altered to minimize environmental impacts. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2493–2502. © 2017 SETAC
Soil ecotoxicology in Latin America: Current research and perspectives
Authors: Niemeyer Júlia Carina , Chelinho Sónia , Sousa José Paulo 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Soils from some Latin American countries support the highest biodiversity levels on the planet and simultaneously have some of the most serious environmental impacts attributed to both historical and current agricultural practices and industrial activities. Soil contamination has resulted from intensive use of pesticides, extensive mining and other industrial activities, and uncontrolled management of waste within inappropriate regulatory frameworks. The present study presents an overview of the scientific research on soil ecotoxicology conducted in Latin America, summarizing the recent advances and highlighting the needs for further refinements in this research field. Most of the contributions to the scientific literature have been from Brazil. The most investigated issue is the ecotoxicity of pesticides and earthworms, which were the organisms most frequently used as test species. Needs identified by Latin American researchers include methods and procedures for: 1) identifying and collecting natural soils to be used as reference test-substrates in tests, 2) identifying and discerning the range of sensitivities of native test species to soil contaminants, 3) developing environmental guidelines applicable to tropical/subtropical conditions, and 4) developing methods and procedures for higher tier testing for full development and implementation of environmental risk assessment schemes. The protection of Latin American soils, including provision of goods and services, is currently framed in legislation and other regulations, but implementation requires significant improvement and additional training programs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1795–1810. © 2017 SETAC
Development of the generalized MacCormack scheme and its extension to low Mach number flows
Authors: Gallagher T. P. , Akiki M. , Menon S. , Sankaran V. , Sankaran V. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe low Mach number performance of the MacCormack scheme is examined. The inherent dissipation in the scheme is found to suffer from the degradation in accuracy observed with traditional, density‐based methods for compressible flows. Two specific modifications are proposed, leading to the formation of the generalized MacCormack scheme within a dual‐time framework (called GMC‐PC). The first modification involves reformulating the flux by splitting it into particle convection and acoustic parts, with the former terms treated using the traditional MacCormack discretization and the latter terms augmented by the addition of a pressure‐based artificial dissipation. The second modification involves a reformulation of the traditional nonlinear fix introduced by MacCormack in 1971, which is found to be necessary to suppress pressure oscillations at low Mach numbers. The new scheme is demonstrated to have superior performance, independent of Mach number, compared with standard MacCormack implementations using several canonical test problems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chondroradionecrosis of the larynx: 24‐year University of Wisconsin experience
Authors: Gessert Thomas G. , Britt Christopher J. , Maas Austin M. W. , Wieland Aaron M. , Harari Paul M. , Hartig Gregory K. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundChondroradionecrosis (CRN) is an uncommon but significant complication of laryngeal radiotherapy that presents a diagnostic challenge to clinicians through its similarity in presentation to cancer recurrence.MethodsTwo hundred ninety‐four patients underwent primary, adjuvant, or salvage radiation for laryngeal cancer from 1991 to 2015 at the University of Wisconsin. Medical records were reviewed to identify and characterize patients with a diagnosis of CRN.ResultsOf the 294 patients, 7 cases (2.4%) of CRN were identified. Development of CRN was associated with the presence of cartilage invasion by tumor (p = .038) and ongoing alcohol use postradiotherapy (p = .036). Additionally, a trend between development of CRN and ongoing smoking postradiotherapy was observed (p = .067).ConclusionThe diagnosis of CRN is challenging, and the likelihood of successful resolution is modest. A high premium should be placed on efforts directed at prevention, such as tobacco and alcohol cessation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1189–1194, 2017