bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Calcium Compound on Fluorine Leaching Concentration
Authors: Hanum F F , Desfitri E R , Hayakawa Y , Kambara S 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The performance of calcium compound in leaching mechanisms has been known through the addition of high calcium compound material. The addition of those materials was proven that the additives could simultaneously inhibit the leaching of several trace elements such as arsenic, selenium, boron and fluorine. This study will be focused on the role of calcium compound onto fluorine leaching concentration. Fluorine is one of trace elements consisting in most of coals that has effect in environmental pollution. The application of mixture additives in leaching process was given a promising effect in inhibit the leaching of fluorine until less the environmental limit (0.8 mg/L). This researched will present the information about calcium compound related with fluorine leaching mechanism after the addition of mixture additives (Ca(OH)2, PS ash 8, and BF cement) into 14 different coal fly ashes (FA A, B, C, B, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N). This information will be important in the coal fly ash utilization to minimize the effect of fluorine leaching concentration into the environment.
Electrically controlled spin-switch and evolution of Hanle spin precession in graphene
Authors: Zhao Bing , Khokhriakov Dmitrii , Karpiak Bogdan , Hoque Anamul Md , Xu Lei , Shen Lei , Feng Yuan Ping , Xu Xiaoguang , Jiang Yong , Dash Saroj P 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Next generation of spintronic devices aims to utilize the spin-polarized current injection and transport to control the magnetization dynamics in the spin logic and memory technology. However, the detailed evolution process of the frequently observed bias current-induced sign change phenomenon of the spin polarization has not been examined in details and the underlying microscopic mechanism is not well understood. Here, we report the observation of a systematic evolution of the sign change process of Hanle spin precession signal in the graphene nonlocal spintronic devices at room temperature. By tuning the interface tunnel resistances of the ferromagnetic contacts to graphene, different transformation processes of Hanle spin precession signal are probed in a controlled manner by tuning the injection bias current/voltage. Detailed analysis and first-principles calculations indicate a possible magnetic proximity and the energy dependent electronic structure of the ferromagnet-graphene interface can be responsible for the sign change process of the spin signal and open a new perspective to realize a spin-switch at very low bias-current or voltage.
Potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) quasiparticle energies and optical response
Authors: Neufeld S , Bocchini A , Gerstmann U , Schindlmayr Arno , Schmidt W G 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The KTiOPO4 (KTP) band structure and dielectric function are calculated on various levels of theory starting from density-functional calculations. Within the independent-particle approximation an electronic transport gap of 2.97 eV is obtained that widens to about 5.23 eV when quasiparticle effects are included using the GW approximation. The optical response is shown to be strongly anisotropic due to (i) the slight asymmetry of the TiO6 octahedra in the (001) plane and (ii) their anisotropic distribution along the [001] and [100] directions. In addition, excitonic effects are very important: The solution of the Bethe–Salpeter equation indicates exciton binding energies of the order of 1.5 eV. Calculations that include both quasiparticle and excitonic effects are in good agreement with the measured reflectivity.
BRCA1 promoter hypermethylation in human placenta: a hidden link with β-hCG expression
Authors: Nadhan Revathy , Vaman Jayashree Vijaya , Sengodan Satheesh Kumar , Hemalatha Sreelatha Krishnakumar , Chellappan Nirmala , Sadasivan Santha , Pasuthottiyil Varkey Aysha , Yesodharan Sreelekha , Raji Sathyanpillai Krishnapriya , Bhuvaneswari Venugopal Amritha Krishna , Prameelakumari Sreenivasan Sreevidya , Rajan Arathi , Latha Neetha Rajan , Varghese Geetu Rose , Thankappan Ratheeshkumar , Achyutuni Sarada , Sreekumar Usha Jithin Dev , Vijayamma Anilkumar Thapasimuthu , Srinivas Priya 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) are group of pregnancy-related tumors characterized by abnormal levels of ‘β-hCG’ with higher incidence in South-East Asia, especially India. Our laboratory has reported that wild-type BRCA1 transcriptionally regulates β-hCG in triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). These factors culminated into analysis of BRCA1 status in GTD, which would emanate into elucidation of BRCA1- β-hCG relationship and unraveling etio-pathology of GTD. BRCA1 level in GTD is down-regulated due to the over-expression of DNMT3b and subsequent promoter hypermethylation, when compared to the normal placentae accompanied with its shift in localization. There is an inverse correlation of serum β-hCG levels with BRCA1 mRNA expression. The effects of methotrexate (MTX), which is the first-line chemotherapeutic used for GTD treatment, when analyzed in comparison with plumbagin (PB) revealed that PB alone is efficient than MTX alone or MTX-PB in combination, in showing selective cytotoxicity against GTD. Interestingly, PB increases BRCA1 levels post-treatment, altering DNMT3b levels and resultant BRCA1 promoter methylation. Also, cohort study analyzed the incidence of GTD at Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, which points out that 11.5% of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) cases were referred to Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, for examination of breast lumps. This has lend clues to supervene the risk of GTD patients towards BRCA1-associated diseases and unveil novel therapeutic for GTD, a plant-derived naphthoquinone, PB, already reported as selectively cytotoxic against BRCA1 defective tumors.
Declines in Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis in the Republic of Benin Following Introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Epidemiological and Etiological Findings, 2011–2016
Authors: Agossou Joseph , Ebruke Chinelo , Noudamadjo Alphonse , Adédémy Julien D , Dènon Eric Y , Bankolé Honoré S , Dogo Mariam A , Assogba Rolande , Alassane Moussa , Condé Abdoullah , Mohamed Falilatou Agbeille , Kpanidja Gérard , Gomina Moutawakilou , Hounsou François , Aouanou Basile G , Okoi Catherine , Oluwalana Claire , Worwui Archibald , Ndow Peter S , Nounagnon Jean , Mwenda Jason M , Sossou Rock A , Kwambana-Adams Brenda A , Antonio Martin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Pediatric bacterial meningitis (PBM) remains an important cause of disease in children in Africa. We describe findings from sentinel site bacterial meningitis surveillance in children <5 years of age in the Republic of Benin, 2011–2016.

Methods
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from children admitted to Parakou, Natitingou, and Tanguieta sentinel hospitals with suspected meningitis. Identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) was performed by rapid diagnostic tests, microbiological culture, and/or polymerase chain reaction; where possible, serotyping/grouping was performed.

Results
A total of 10 919 suspected cases of meningitis were admitted to the sentinel hospitals. Most patients were 0–11 months old (4863 [44.5%]) and there were 542 (5.0%) in-hospital deaths. Overall, 4168 CSF samples were screened for pathogens and a total of 194 (4.7%) PBM cases were confirmed, predominantly caused by pneumococcus (98 [50.5%]). Following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction in 2011, annual suspected meningitis cases and deaths (case fatality rate) progressively declined from 2534 to 1359 and from 164 (6.5%) to 14 (1.0%) in 2012 and 2016, respectively (P < .001). Additionally, there was a gradual decline in the proportion of meningitis cases caused by pneumococcus, from 77.3% (17/22) in 2011 to 32.4% (11/34) in 2016 (odds ratio, 7.11 [95% confidence interval, 2.08–24.30]). Haemophilus influenzae meningitis fluctuated over the surveillance period and was the predominant pathogen (16/34 [47.1%]) by 2016.

Conclusions
The observed decrease in pneumococcal meningitis after PCV introduction may be indicative of changing patterns of PBM etiology in Benin. Maintaining vigilant and effective surveillance is critical for understanding these changes and their wider public health implications.
Optimizing Strategies for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Screening in Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Modeling Study
Authors: Voirin Nicolas , Allam Camille , Charre Caroline , Fernandez Christine , Godinot Matthieu , Oria Fatima , Pansu Aymeric , Chidiac Christian , Salord Hélène , Cotte Laurent 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
International guidelines recommend the systematic screening for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections in all men who have sex with men (MSM) who have engaged in unprotected sex. However, the optimal screening strategy remains unclear. We developed a modeling approach to optimize NG/CT screening strategy in MSM.

Methods
A compartmental model of NG/CT screening and infection was implemented. NG/CT anal, pharyngeal, and urine (APU) samples from MSM attending the sexually transmitted infections clinic were used to estimate the screening rate, prevalence, and incidence in a base case scenario. Different screening strategies (scenarios; S) were then evaluated: APU samples every 12 months (S1); APU samples every 3 months (S2); APU samples every 6 months (S3); anal and pharyngeal (AP) samples every 6 months (S4); and AP samples every 3 months (S5).

Results
We analyzed 2973 triplet APU samples from 1255 patients. We observed 485 NG and 379 CT diagnoses. NG/CT prevalence and incidence estimates were 12.0/11.1% and 40/29 per 100 person-years, respectively, in the base case scenario. As compared to S2, the reference strategy, the proportions of missed NG/CT diagnoses were 42.0/41.2% with S1, 21.8/22.5% with S3, 25.6/28.3% with S4, and 6.3/10.5% with S5, respectively. As compared to S2, S1 reduced the cost of the analysis by 74%, S3 by 50%, S4 by 66%, and S5 by 33%. The numbers needed to screen for catching up the missed NG/CT diagnoses were 49/67 with S1, 62/82 with S3, 71/87 with S4, and 143/118 with S5.

Conclusions
S5 appears to be the best strategy, missing only 6.3/10.5% of NG/CT diagnoses, for a cost reduction of 33%.
Small steps towards the potential of ‘preventive’ treatment of early phosphate loading in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Bover Jordi , Cozzolino Mario 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Few clinical studies have investigated the value of phosphate (P)-lowering therapies in early chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in whom hyperphosphataemia has not yet clearly developed and they report conflicting and even unexpected results. In this issue of Clinical Kidney Journal, de Krijger et al. found that sevelamer carbonate (4.8 g/day for 8 weeks) did not induce a significant reduction of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) did not decrease despite a decline in 24-h urine P excretion. To some extent these findings challenge the concept that ‘preventive’ P binder therapy to lower FGF23 is a useful approach, at least over this short period of time. Interestingly, in a subgroup of patients with absent or limited abdominal vascular calcification, treatment did result in a statistically significant reduction in adjusted PWV, suggesting that PWV is amenable to improvement in this subset. Interpretation of the scarce and heterogeneous observations described in early CKD remains difficult and causality and/or the possibility of ‘preventive’ treatment may not yet be completely disregarded. Moreover, de Krijger et al. contribute to the identification of new sources of bias and methodological issues that may lead to more personalized treatments, always bearing in mind that not all patients and not all P binders are equal.
Utilization and outcomes of early respiratory support in 6.5 million acute heart failure hospitalizations
Authors: Metkus Thomas S , Stephens Robert Scott , Schulman Steven , Hsu Steven , Morrow David A , Eid Shaker M 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Aims
The incidence and outcomes of a requirement for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization are not clearly established. Thus, we aimed to characterize the incidence and trends in use of IMV and NIV in AHF and to estimate the magnitude of hazard for mortality associated with requiring IMV and NIV in AHF.

Methods and results
We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify AHF hospitalizations between 2008 and 2014. The exposure variable of interest was IMV or NIV use within 24 h of hospital admission compared to no respiratory support. We analysed the association between ventilation strategies and in-hospital mortality using Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for demographics and comorbidities. We included 6 534 675 hospitalizations for AHF. Of these, 271 589 (4.16%) included NIV and 51 459 (0.79%) included IMV within the first 24 h of hospitalization and rates of NIV and IMV use increased over time. In-hospital mortality for AHF hospitalizations including NIV was 5.0% and 27% for IMV compared with 2.1% for neither (P < 0.001 for both). In an adjusted model, requirement for NIV was associated with over two-fold higher risk for in-hospital mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.01–2.19; P < 0.001] and requirement for IMV was associated with over three-fold higher risk for in-hospital mortality (HR 3.39, 95% CI 3.14–3.66; P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Respiratory support is used in many AHF hospitalizations, and AHF patients who require respiratory support are at high risk for in-hospital mortality. Our work should inform prospective intervention trials and quality improvement ventures in this high-risk population.
Diversity of deep-water coral-associated bacteria and comparison across depth gradients
Authors: Jensen Sigmund , Hovland Martin , Lynch Michael D J , Bourne David G 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTEnvironmental conditions influence species composition, including the microbial communities that associate with benthic organisms such as corals. In this study we identified and compared bacteria that associate with three common deep-water corals, Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata and Paragorgia arborea, from a reef habitat on the mid-Norwegian shelf. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data obtained revealed that >50% of sequences were represented by only five operational taxonomic units. Three were host-specific and unclassified below class level, belonging to Alphaproteobacteria with affiliation to members of the Rhizobiales order (L. pertusa), Flavobacteria affiliated with members of the Elisabethkingia genus (M. oculata) and Mollicutes sequences affiliated with the Mycoplasma genus (P. arborea). In addition, gammaproteobacterial sequences within the genera Sulfitobacter and Oleispira were found across all three deep-water coral taxa. Although highly abundant in the coral microbiomes, these sequences accounted for <0.1% of the surrounding bacterioplankton, supporting specific relationships. We combined this information with previous studies, undertaking a meta-data analysis of 165 widespread samples across coral hosts and habitats. Patterns in bacterial diversity indicated enrichment of distinct uncultured species in coral microbiomes that differed among deep (>200 m), mesophotic (30–200 m) and shallow (<30 m) reefs.
Genome-wide screening antifungal genes in Streptomyces griseus S4-7, a Fusarium wilt disease suppressive microbial agent
Authors: Hong Sung Won , Kim Da-Ran , Kwon Youn Sang , Kwak Youn-Sig 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
Streptomyces is a widely studied bacterial genus, particularly with regard to secondary metabolites and antibiotics production. Streptomyces griseus S4–7 was isolated from a strawberry Fusarium wilt disease suppressive soil, and its biological control ability has been well established. However, the antifungal mechanism of strain S4–7 is not yet fully understood at the molecular and biochemical level. Therefore, in this study we created a random mutant library for strain S4–7 with the Tn5 transposon element to investigate antifungal traits on a genome-wide scale. In total 4646 individual mutant strains were created and 13 mutants were selected based on loss of antifungal activity. The knockout genes were identified as electron transfer oxidoreductase (eto),sigma factor-70(sig70) and nrps by Inverse PCR (I-PCR). eto regulates the geranylgeranyl reductase gene, which is involved in terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, an important factor in cell fitness. In the △eto strain, expression of wbl, a master regulator of the production of secondary metabolites, was significantly reduced. sig70 is responsible for the cell differentiation sensing mechanism in genus Streptomyces. △nrps showed decreased production of hybrid peptide-polyketide siderophores. These results suggest that S. griseus S4–7 may have various antifungal mechanisms, and each mechanism is essential to maximal antifungal activity.
Prevalence and determinants of poor sleep quality and depression among postpartum women: a community-based study in Ramechhap district, Nepal
Authors: Khadka Roshan , Hong Seo Ah , Chang Yan-Shing 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Due to the limited number of studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of postpartum poor maternal sleep and depression.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 women who were 2–12 months postpartum in March and April 2017 in Ramechhap district, Nepal. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors.

Results
The prevalence of poor sleep quality and depression was 28.2% and 18.7%, respectively. Poor sleep quality was associated with having an occupation (in government or business, odds ratio [OR] 6.69; in agriculture/labour, OR 15.5), a male infant (OR 2.37), home delivery (OR 2.17), mental illness during pregnancy (OR 5.87), complications after delivery (OR 5.58) and postpartum depression (OR 2.86). Meanwhile, postpartum depression was associated with having no post-natal care (OR 98.7), living in a nuclear family (OR 48.5), living in a rural area (OR 26.6), having a male infant (OR 4.61), having complications after delivery (OR 21.9), introducing complementary foods before 6 months of age (OR 4.71) and having poor sleep quality (OR 3.20).

Conclusions
A relatively high prevalence of depression and poor sleep quality were found. The close positive association between poor sleep quality and depression suggests the need for early identification and support for women at risk of poor sleep quality and depression in Nepal.
Surgical Evaluation of Flame Burn Injuries in Syrian Civilians
Authors: Ucak Murat , Celikkaya Mehmet Emin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the severity and location of flame burns and the mortality rate of civilians affected by these in the Syrian Civil War and to present the surgical treatment outcomes of the injured civilians to be able to provide recommendations. This was a prospective hospital-based observational cohort study involving 573 patients with data collected from 2011 to 2018. All of these patients were Syrian civilians, and their flame burn injuries were related to the Syrian conflict. All burns were divided into four subgroups according to TBSA and compared. The groups of TBSA were compared as 0 to 25% (n = 97), 25 to 50% (n = 257), 50 to 75% (n = 135), and >75% (n = 84) (P = .413). Almost all had a second (n = 331; 57.7%) and third (n = 189; 32.9%) degree deep burns. The median burn size was 47% TBSA in the patients. The burn mechanism was mostly the flame type of burn (n = 467; 81.5%) as a result of fuel oil explosions, followed by bomb-related burns (n = 106; 18.5%) (P < .001). Mortality was seen in 223 (39%) due to the high surface area and reaching hospital too late at 1 to 8 days (P = .187). The findings of this study indicate that war-related flame burns result in an extremely high mortality rate and time is lost, which could protect against life-threatening outcomes.
An introductory review of resistant starch type 2 from high-amylose cereal grains and its effect on glucose and insulin homeostasis
Authors: Harris Kathryn F 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Refined carbohydrates result from milling techniques that remove the outer layers of a cereal grain and grind the endosperm into a flour ingredient that is devoid of dietary fiber. Technologies have been developed to produce high-amylose cereal grains that have a significantly higher resistant starch type 2 and thus dietary fiber content in the endosperm of the cereal grain, which has positive implications for human health. A review of the literature was conducted to study the effects of resistant starch type 2 derived from high-amylose grains on glucose and insulin response. While thousands of articles have been published on resistant starch, only 30 articles have focused on how resistant starch type 2 from high-amylose grains affects acute and long-term responses of glucose and insulin control. The findings showed that resistant starch has the ability to attenuate acute postprandial responses when replacing rapidly digestible carbohydrate sources, but there is insufficient evidence to conclude that resistant starch can improve insulin resistance and/or sensitivity.
International Treaties and The German Constitution
Authors: Kadelbach Stefan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This chapter deals with the making, status, and interpretation of international treaties under the German Constitution. It describes the interrelationship of the different institutions in treaty-making and shows how a comparatively old provision of the German Basic Law has been adapted slowly to new circumstances over the past decades. Thus, even though foreign affairs has remained a domain of the executive, several developments have contributed to an enhanced role of Parliament over time. These developments are partly due to the role of special sectors of law such as EU law and the law governing the use of force and partly due to changes in constitutional practice. As for the status of treaties in German law, the Federal Constitutional Court has developed a stance according to which treaties generally share the rank of the legal act that implements them into domestic law. A notable exception is the European Convention of Human Rights, which has assumed a quasi-constitutional rank by means of consistent interpretation. Some reference is made to other continental systems to assess how far different constitutions bring about certain features; various systems appear similar in many respects at first sight, whereas features in which they differ may be a source of inspiration for future constitutional practice.
Spanish Foreign Relations Law and the Process for Making Treaties and other International Agreements
Authors: Espósito Carlos 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This chapter explores the concept of a Spanish foreign relations law in two ways. First, it discusses scholarly texts on matters related to foreign relations law, domestic case law on the principle of universal jurisdiction, and national legislation on state immunity as evidence of a Spanish foreign relations law. Second, it deals with the process under Spanish law for making treaties and other international agreements, and issues arising from the conclusion and enforcement of the law of treaties in relation to autonomous communities. The chapter suggests that the Spanish conception of foreign relations law can be described as predominantly internationalist, with elements of allocative, constitutional, and diplomatic functions.