bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overcoming interference of plasma phospholipids using HybridSPE for the determination of trimetazidine by UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Vanol Pravin G. , Yadav Manish , Sanyal Mallika , Shah Priyanka A. , Shrivastav Pranav S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAn improved, precise and reliable ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method has been developed for the quantification of trimetazidine, using trimetazidine‐d8 as the internal standard (IS). Interference owing to plasma phospholipids during sample preparation was overcome using a hybrid solid‐phase extraction–phospholipid ultra cartridge. The mean extraction recovery of trimetazidine (98.66%) and trimetazidine‐d8 (97.63%) from spiked plasma was consistent and reproducible. Chromatographic analysis was performed on a UPLC Ethylene Bridged Hybrid (BEH) C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column with isocratic elution using acetonitrile–5 mm ammonium formate, pH 3.5 (40:60, v/v) as the mobile phase. The parent → product ion transitions for trimetazidine (m/z 267.1 → 181.1) and trimetazidine‐d8 (m/z 275.2 → 181.1) were monitored on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization functioning in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. The linearity of the method was established in the concentration range of 0.05–100 ng/mL for trimetazidine. The intra‐batch and inter‐batch accuracy and precision (CV) were 97.3–103.1 and 1.7–5.3%, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of matrix effect showed no interference of endogenous/exogenous components. The developed method was used to measure plasma trimetazidine concentration for a bioequivalence study with 12 healthy subjects.
A Guide to Quantitative Biomarker Assay Development using Whispering Gallery Mode Biosensors
Authors: Robison Heather M. , Bailey Ryan C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWhispering gallery mode (WGM) sensors are a class of powerful analytical techniques defined by the measurement of changes in the local refractive index at or near the sensor surface. When functionalized with target‐specific capture agents, analyte binding can be measured with very low limits of detection. There are many geometric manifestations of WGM sensors, with chip‐integrated silicon photonic devices first commercialized because of the robust, wafer‐scale device fabrication, facile optical interrogation, and amenability to the creation of multiplexed sensor arrays. Using these arrays, a number of biomolecular targets have been detected in both label‐free and label‐enhanced assay formats. For example, sub‐picomolar detection limits for multiple cytokines were achieved using an enzymatically enhanced sandwich immunoassay that showed high analyte specificity suitable for detection in complex, clinical matrices. This protocol describes a generalizable approach for the development of quantitative, multiplexed immunoassays using silicon photonic microrings as an example WGM platform. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chiral Kagome Lattices from On‐Surface Synthesized Molecules
Authors: Wang Tao , Fan Qitang , Feng Lin , Tao Zhijie , Huang Jianmin , Ju Huanxin , Xu Qian , Hu Shanwei , Zhu Junfa 
Published: September 2017

AbstractKagome lattices have attracted much attention owing to their potential applications in spin‐frustrated magnetism and host–guest chemistry. Examples toward the fabrication of 2D Kagome lattices reported previously have in common that the precursor molecules were typically deposited on the surface structurally intact with no chemical reactions accompanied. Herein, by using a combination of synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy (SRPES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we demonstrated the fabrication of two types of chiral Kagome lattices from on‐surface synthesized organometallic compounds, which are known as intermediates of Glaser coupling on silver single crystal surfaces. These Kagome lattices are stabilized by the interplay of various intermolecular interactions, including Br⋅⋅⋅Br bonds, C−Br⋅⋅⋅π bonds and π‐π stacking. The chiral transference and host‐guest supramolecular structure in the novel Kagome lattices were also studied. Our studies may pave a new way to engineer complex supramolecular networks through on‐surface reactions.
Range loss of a threatened grouse species is related to the relative abundance of a mesopredator
Authors: Kämmerle Jim‐Lino , Coppes Joy , Ciuti Simone , Suchant Rudi , Storch Ilse 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMammalian generalist mesopredators can reach high densities in forest–farmland mosaic landscapes in the absence of top‐down control. The abundance of generalist mesopredators is a potentially limiting factor for prey populations, especially ground breeding birds such as grouse. High mesopredator abundance has been associated with reduced reproductive success in grouse. There is little evidence, however, on how variation in mesopredator abundance affects grouse population trends while considering other environmental covariates. We make use of range maps spanning two decades (1993–2013) of a locally threatened capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) population in the Black Forest, Germany, to assess whether range loss of grouse in forest–farmland mosaic landscapes can be explained by a gradient in red fox abundance, while accounting for other potential determinants of grouse range loss. We show that capercaillie range persistence was favored by increasing snow cover, decreasing index of red fox abundance, slightly increasing index for soil quality, and increasing population connectivity. Red fox abundance had the largest relative impact in areas already facing an elevated capercaillie extinction risk due to unsuitable site conditions, dense forests, or lack of connectivity, but the negative effect was compensated under otherwise optimal conditions. This indicates that the relative importance of predator abundance for prey population dynamics is mediated by environmental attributes, emphasizing the threat to remnant populations but also indicating potential for species conservation.
Quantitative models of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) ticks: historical review and synthesis
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Hsuan , Corson Michael S. , Grant William E. , Teel Pete D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSeveral tick species, in what is now known as the subgenus Boophilus in the genus Rhipicephalus, are economically important ectoparasites of livestock and other ungulates; as vectors of pathogens that kill cattle, they remain among the most studied ticks in the world. Researchers have developed quantitative computer models of Rhipicephalus ticks since the early 1970s to study complex biological and ecological relationships that influence management or eradication of ticks and tick‐borne diseases. We review the 45‐yr history of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) models, which were developed and applied first in Australia, 10 yr later in North and South America, then soon after in Africa. Models progressed from analytical models of a portion of tick life cycles, to simulation models of complete life cycles or ecoclimatic indices, to the current emphasis on GIS‐based bioclimatic envelope models estimated from remotely sensed data and tick presence records. Earlier models were used primarily to predict effects of management techniques, such as use of sterile hybrid ticks, pasture rotation, acaricides, vaccines, and resistant cattle, while more recent models have been used to predict the potential for range expansion, especially due to global climate change and wildlife hosts, as well as in the face of competition with other tick species. We summarize characteristics of these models and compare those of population dynamics and bioclimatic envelope models. We discuss the past and present utility of these models and provide a perspective on future Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) modeling efforts.
Using Fourier series to estimate periodic patterns in dynamic occupancy models
Authors: Fidino Mason , Magle Seth B. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSome of the most impressive adaptations of organisms are in response to periodic environmental variability. To capture these temporal dynamics, statistical models that estimate the spatiotemporal distribution of a species typically include categorical seasonal covariates, temporally varying parameters, or smoothing splines. While these techniques provide a useful starting point, they may require many parameters to estimate and are not well suited for making predictions. Here, we present a technique that uses Fourier series to estimate periodic signals in dynamic occupancy models, and parameterize these models with data from a large‐scale long‐term camera trapping study of medium to large mammals in Chicago, Illinois,USA. Our periodic models captured up to 75% of the temporal variability in species colonization rates and performed similar to dynamic occupancy models with temporally varying parameters. Overall, this method can partition variability between periodic and non‐periodic sources and estimate the proportion of temporal variability that is attributable to a periodic source in a model‐based framework. Further, practitioners can use this method to incorporate prior knowledge on a species' natural history (e.g., natal dispersal and migration). This will, in turn, create more biologically reasonable models for conservation and management applications.
Population dynamics of two beaver species in Finland inferred from citizen‐science census data
Authors: Brommer J. E. , Alakoski R. , Selonen V. , Kauhala K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA species' distribution and abundance in both space and time play a pivotal role in ecology and wildlife management. Collection of such large‐scale information typically requires engagement of volunteer citizens and tends to consist of non‐repeated surveys made with a survey effort varying over space and time. We here used a hierarchical single‐census open population N‐mixture model, which was recently developed to handle such challenging census data, to describe the dynamics in the Finnish population sizes of the reintroduced native Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) and the invasive North American beaver (Castor canadensis). The numbers of beaver winter lodges (i.e., family groups) were counted by volunteers in the municipalities of Finland every third year during 1995–2013. The dynamics of both species followed Gompertz logistic growth with immigration. Initial abundance of North American beavers increased with proximity to the introduction sites as well as with the amount of water in the municipality. The intensively hunted North American beaver population declined and the Eurasian beaver population increased during the study period. The model generated reasonable estimates of both total Finnish and local numbers of lodges, corrected for the incomplete detection. We conclude that the single‐census N‐mixture model approach has clear potential when using citizen‐science data for understanding spatio‐temporal dynamics of wild populations.
Affinity capillary electrophoresis for the assessment of binding affinity of carbohydrate‐based cholera toxin inhibitors
Authors: Aizpurua‐Olaizola Oier , Sastre Torano Javier , Pukin Aliaksei , Fu Ou , Boons Geert Jan , de Jong Gerhardus J. , Pieters Roland J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDeveloping tools for the study of protein carbohydrate interactions is an important goal in glycobiology. Cholera toxin inhibition is an interesting target in this context, as its inhibition may help to fight against cholera. For the study of novel ligands an affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) method was optimized and applied. The method uses unlabeled cholera toxin B‐subunit (CTB) and unlabeled carbohydrate ligands based on ganglioside GM1‐oligosaccharides (GM1os). In an optimized method at pH 4, adsorption of the protein to the capillary walls was prevented by a polybrene‐dextran sulfate‐polybrene coating. Different concentrations of the ligands were added to the BGE. CTB binding was observed by a mobility shift that could be used for dissociation constant (Kd) determination. The Kd values of two GM1 derivatives differed by close to an order of magnitude (600 ± 20 nM and 90 ± 50 nM) which was in good agreement with the differences in their reported nanomolar IC50 values of an ELISA‐type assay. Moreover, the selectivity of GM1os towards CTB was demonstrated using Influenza hemagglutinin (H5) as a binding competitor. The developed method can be an important platform for preclinical development of drugs targeting pathogen‐induced secretory diarrhea.
Evaluation of out‐of‐plane seismic performance of column‐to‐column precast concrete cladding panels in one‐storey industrial buildings
Authors: Belleri Andrea , Cornali Fabrizio , Passoni Chiara , Marini Alessandra , Riva Paolo 
Published: September 2017

SummaryRecent earthquakes in Italy (L'Aquila 2009 and Emilia 2012) highlighted the vulnerability of precast cladding panels, typically associated with a connection system not designed to account for displacement and rotation compatibility between the panels and the supporting structure. Experimental investigations were performed in the past to investigate the in‐plane performance of cladding panels and design recommendations have been made accordingly; however, in the case of out‐of‐plane seismic loads, the load demand is commonly evaluated in the design practice by means of formulations for nonstructural components.This paper summarizes the results obtained from parametric analyses conducted to estimate the out‐of‐plane load demand in column‐to‐column cladding panels typical of one‐storey commercial and industrial buildings. Empirical equations suitable for both new and existing panels are proposed and compared with the design equations given in Eurocode 8 and ASCE 7. The paper also considers the effects of the development of plastic hinges at the column base and of the roof flexibility on the load demand in panel‐to‐column connections. The roof flexibility may generate the torsion of the panels; consequently, an analytical procedure to account for such effects is proposed. Finally, general design recommendations are made.
RC structures cyclic behavior simulation with a model integrating plasticity, damage, and bond‐slip
Authors: Alfarah Bashar , Murcia‐Delso Juan , López‐Almansa Francisco , Oller Sergio 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe behavior of reinforced concrete structures under severe demands, as strong ground motions, is highly complex; this is mainly due to the complexity of concrete behavior and to the strong interaction between concrete and steel, with several coupled failure modes. On the other hand, given the increasing awareness and concern on the worldwide seismic risk, new developments have arisen in earthquake engineering; nonetheless, some developments are mainly based on simple analytical tools that are widely used, given their moderate computational cost. This research aims to provide a solid basis for validation and calibration of such developments by using computationally efficient continuum mechanics‐based tools. Within this context, this paper presents a model for 3D simulation of cyclic behavior of RC structures. The model integrates a bond‐slip model developed by one of the authors and the damage variable evolution methodology for concrete damage plastic model developed by some authors. In the integrated model, a new technique is derived for efficient 3D analysis of bond‐slip of 2 or more crossing reinforcing bars in beam‐column joints, slabs, footings, pile caps, and other similar members. The analysis is performed by implementing the bond‐slip model in a user element subroutine of Abaqus and the damage variable evolution methodology in the original concrete damage plastic model in the package. Two laboratory experiments consisting of a column and a frame subjected to cyclic displacements up to failure are simulated with the proposed formulation.
Nrf2 transfection enhances the efficacy of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells to repair lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Zhang Shouqin , Jiang Wei , Ma Lijie , Liu Yuhao , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Sheng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are clinical emergencies with no effective pharmaceutical treatment. This study aims to determine the protective effects of Nrf2‐transfected human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced lung injury in mice. hAMSCs stably transfected with Nrf2 or green fluorescent protein control were transplanted into male C57BL/6 mice via the tail vein 4 h after intratracheal instillation of LPS. At 3, 7, and 14 days after cell transplantation, total lung injury score (the Smith score) was determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Lung fibrosis was assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. Alveolar epithelial apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. The plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The homing and differentiation of hAMSCs into type II alveolar epithelial (AT II) cells were examined by immunofluorescent staining and/or western blot analysis. Nrf2, mRNA, and protein expression in lungs were examined by qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis, and DNA‐binding activity of Nrf2 was detected by ELISA. We found that, compared with control hAMSCs, treatment with Nrf2‐overexpressing hAMSCs led to further reduced lung injury, lung fibrosis, and inflammation in LPS‐challenged mice. Nrf2‐overexpressing hAMSCs also exhibited increased cell retention in the lung, more efficient differentiation into AT II cells, and more prominent effects on the increased mRNA and protein expression as well as DNA‐binding activity of Nrf2 than control. These results support Nrf2‐overexpressing hAMSCs as a potential cell‐based therapy for clinical ALI/ARDS.
Effects of Rolapitant Administered Intravenously or Orally on the Pharmacokinetics of Digoxin (P‐glycoprotein Substrate) and Sulfasalazine (Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Substrate) in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhi‐Yi , Arora Sujata , Hughes Lorraine , Wang Jing , Powers Daniel , Christensen Jennifer , Lu Sharon , Kansra Vikram 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRolapitant is a selective and long‐acting neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist approved in an oral formulation in combination with other antiemetic agents for the prevention of delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in adults. Four open‐label phase 1 studies evaluated the safety and drug–drug interactions of a single dose of rolapitant given intravenously (166.5 mg) or orally (180 mg) with oral digoxin (0.5 mg) or sulfasalazine (500 mg), probe substrates for the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), respectively. Administration of intravenous rolapitant with the substrates did not result in clinically significant effects on digoxin and sulfasalazine pharmacokinetics. In contrast, peak concentration and area under the curve for last quantifiable plasma concentrations increased by 71% (geometric mean ratio [GMR], 1.71; 90% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–1.95) and 30% (GMR, 1.30; 90%CI, 1.19–1.42), respectively, when rolapitant was coadministered orally with digoxin compared with digoxin alone; they increased by 140% (GMR, 2.40; 90%CI, 2.02–2.86) and 127% (GMR, 2.27; 90%CI, 1.94–2.65), respectively, when rolapitant was given orally with sulfasalazine compared with sulfasalazine alone. Adverse events were mild to moderate in severity in the absence or presence of rolapitant. There were no abnormal clinical laboratory or electrocardiogram findings. Thus, whether administered orally or intravenously, rolapitant was safe and well tolerated. Patients taking oral rolapitant with P‐gp and BCRP substrates with a narrow therapeutic index should be monitored for potential adverse events; although increased plasma concentrations of these substrates may raise the risk of toxicity, they are not contraindicated.
Synthesis of Novel Diverse Methoxybenzenes‐substituted 2H/4H‐chromene Derivatives in the Presence of InBr3 (5 mol%) and their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: K. Ratnakar Reddy , D. Krishna Swaroop , N. Ravikumar , G. Sravanthi Devi , Y. Poornachandra , N. Jagadeesh Babu , C. Ganesh Kumar , Banda Narsaiah 
Published: September 2017

A series of novel 2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2H/4H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylate isomers 3 and 4 functionalized with diverse methoxybenzenes 2 at position 4 in compound 3 and position 2 in compound 4 were prepared in different proportions by nucleophilic substitution on ethyl 2‐hydroxy‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylate 1 in single step promoted by Indium (III) bromide (5 mol%) a Lewis acid. Regiospecific isomers 3k, 3l, 3m, and 3n prepared by using sterically bulk 1,3,5‐trimethoxy benzene substrate 2e in this reaction. Further, isomers 3a and 4a independently on reaction with amines, only compound 3a could give Michael addition products 5a–c. All the compounds 3a–n, 4a–j, and 5a–c were screened for cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell lines and found to show high activity at micromolar concentration. The compounds 4h and 5a–c showed promising cytotoxic activity against the tested cancer cell lines. Further, these compounds 4h and 5a–c were docked with protein (1SA0) on colchicine‐binding site of β tubulin suggesting that tubulin inhibition could be the possible mechanism of action for these compounds.
Sterically Hindered N‐Heterocyclic Salts Utilized as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Ndlovu Slindile N. P. , Ibrahim Halliru , Bala Muhammad D. 
Published: September 2017

By the adoption of annulated ring systems for their steric bulkiness, a new series of symmetric N‐heterocyclic imidazolium and perimidium salts were synthesized. Also, corresponding asymmetric ferrocenyl N‐functionalized series were prepared as salts. All the reported salts were fully characterized. The reported X‐ray structure of 4,5‐diphenyl‐1,3‐dimethyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium iodide (2a) shows that it crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P212121. Low to moderate antimicrobial activities were observed with both sets of salts against important clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica. The results were benchmarked against meropenem. Both 1,3‐propyl‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazol‐3‐ium iodide (3b) and 1‐ferrocenyl‐3‐propyl‐1H‐perimidin‐3‐ium iodide (9b) showed high antimicrobial activities against all tested Gram‐positive bacterial strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 8 to 4 μg/mL (meropenem = 0.5–0.125 μg/mL), while all the salts showed little or no activity against Gram‐negative bacterial strains. In general, the asymmetric ferrocenyl‐containing salts exhibited higher activities than the symmetric ones.