bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Extracorporeal Support: In Vitro Studies and Initial Experience and Safety Data in the Extreme Premature Fetal Lamb Maintained by the Extrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development
Authors: Didier Ryne A. , Sridharan Anush , Lawrence Kendall , Coleman Beverly G. , Davey Marcus G. , Flake Alan W. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) administration on hemodynamic parameters and support equipment in in vitro and in vivo models of extracorporeal support.MethodsIn vitro, incrementally increasing bolus doses of a UCA were administered proximal to a membrane oxygenator, and ultrasound cine clips were obtained. The rates of microbubble destruction across the oxygenator and over time were calculated from time‐intensity‐curves. Measurements across the membrane oxygenator were recorded and compared by a repeated‐measures analysis of variance. In vivo, 7 premature fetal lambs were transferred from placental support to the extrauterine environment for neonatal development. Contrast agent boluses were administered for contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations. Hemodynamic parameters and serum laboratory values were evaluated before and after the examinations by paired t tests. For oxygenator staining, oxygenator membranes from the in vitro circuit, study animals (n = 4), and control animals (n = 4) were stained for the adherent UCA.ResultsIn vitro, with all doses (0.1–4 mL), there was no difference in measured parameters across the oxygenator (P ≥ .09). Contrast agent destruction (3%–14%) across the oxygenator was observed at the first pass with a progressive decline in contrast intensity over time. In vivo, there was no difference in hemodynamic parameters or serum laboratory values (P ≥ .08) with any CEUS examination (n = 17). For oxygenator staining, all oxygenator membranes were negative for UCA with lipid staining.ConclusionsThe UCA had no detectable effect on the oxygenator or measured parameters in in vitro and in vivo studies, thus providing additional safety data to support the use of CEUS in the setting of extracorporeal support.
A single‐ and multireference study on CH (X2Π) reaction with O2 ()
Authors: Keshavarz Fatemeh , Mousavipour S. Hosein 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study focuses on the dynamics of the reaction of CH (X2Π) radicals with O2 () in the presence of N2, as the bath gas molecule. A general description of the reaction mechanism was investigated by employing molecular dynamics simulations with an implanted reactive force field under a realistic system that could account for both reactive and nonreactive collisions. This tool helped to provide an initial guess for the reaction mechanism to unravel some information about the potential reaction paths and secondary products. The initial guess was used to explore the detailed reaction mechanism quantum mechanically over the lowest doublet and quadruplet surfaces at the single‐reference level of CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ and the multireference level of CASPT2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ. The theoretical bimolecular reaction rate constants were computed by solving a master equation over the lowest doublet single‐ and multireference potential energy surfaces. The calculated rate constant for loss of the reactants and formation of the HCO and CO products declared noticeable agreement with the available experimental rate constants. HCO, CO, and CO2 are identified as the main products along with the following single‐reference (multireference)‐based product branching ratios at 450 K: [triangular 1CO2 + 2H and linear 1CO2 + 2H]: 69.1% (79.3%); 1CO + 2OH: 18.2% (15.0%); 2HCO + 3O: 12.7% (5.7%). Both single‐ and multireference calculations demonstrated reliable chemical kinetics results, in the context of the available experimental rate constants and resulted in fair agreement with the experimentally reported branching ratios.
Exogenous (Pomegranate Juice) or Endogenous (Paraoxonase1) Antioxidants Decrease Triacylglycerol Accumulation in Mouse Cardiovascular Disease‐Related Tissues
Authors: Rom Oren , Volkova Nina , Jeries Helana , Grajeda‐Iglesias Claudia , Aviram Michael 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe polyphenol‐rich pomegranate juice (PJ) and the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐associated paraoxonase1 (PON1) are known as potent atheroprotective antioxidants, but their effects on other tissues related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of treating mice with PJ or recombinant PON1 (rePON1) on the oxidation and lipid status of CVD‐related tissues: serum, aorta, heart, liver, kidney, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissues (VAT and SAT). Both PJ consumption and rePON1 injection decreased the serum levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (16% and 19%) and triacylglycerols (TAG, 24% and 27%), while only rePON1 increased the levels of thiol groups (35%) and decreased serum cholesterol (15%). Both PJ and rePON1 significantly decreased aortic cholesterol (38% and 32%) and TAG (62% and 58%) contents in association with downregulation of the key TAG biosynthetic enzyme diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1, 71% and 65%), while only PJ decreased aortic lipid peroxides (47%). Substantial TAG‐lowering effects of both PJ and rePON1 were observed also in the heart (31% and 42%), liver (34% and 42%), and kidney (42% and 57%). In both VAT and SAT, rePON1 decreased the levels of lipid peroxides (28% and 25%), while PJ decreased the TAG content (22% and 18%). Ex vivo incubation of SAT with serum derived from mice that consumed PJ or injected with rePON1 decreased SAT lipid peroxides (35% or 28%) and TAG mass (12% or 10%). These novel findings highlight potent TAG‐lowering properties of exogenous (PJ) and endogenous (PON1) antioxidants in tissues associated with CVD.
Functional characterization of a novel arachidonic acid 12S‐lipoxygenase in the halotolerant bacterium Myxococcus fulvus exhibiting complex social living patterns
Authors: Goloshchapova Kateryna , Stehling Sabine , Heydeck Dagmar , Blum Maximilian , Kuhn Hartmut 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLipoxygenases are lipid peroxidizing enzymes, which frequently occur in higher plants and mammals. These enzymes are also expressed in lower multicellular organisms but here they are not widely distributed. In bacteria, lipoxygenases rarely occur and evaluation of the currently available bacterial genomes suggested that <0.5% of all sequenced bacterial species carry putative lipoxygenase genes. We recently rescreened the public bacterial genome databases for lipoxygenase‐like sequences and identified two novel lipoxygenase isoforms (MF‐LOX1 and MF‐LOX2) in the halotolerant Myxococcus fulvus. Both enzymes share a low degree of amino acid conservation with well‐characterized eukaryotic lipoxygenase isoforms but they involve the catalytically essential iron cluster. Here, we cloned the MF‐LOX1 cDNA, expressed the corresponding enzyme as N‐terminal hexa‐his‐tag fusion protein, purified the recombinant enzyme to electrophoretic homogeneity, and characterized it with respect to its protein‐chemical and enzymatic properties. We found that M. fulvus expresses a catalytically active intracellular lipoxygenase that converts arachidonic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids enantioselectively to the corresponding n‐9 hydroperoxy derivatives. The enzyme prefers C20‐ and C22‐polyenoic fatty acids but does not exhibit significant membrane oxygenase activity. The possible biological relevance of MF‐LOX1 will be discussed in the context of the suggested concepts of other bacterial lipoxygenases.
Living with type 1 diabetes as experienced by young adults
Authors: Carlsund Åsa , Söderberg Siv 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimDescribe young adults` (19–30 years) experiences of living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).BackgroundYoung adulthood is characterized by adaption to adult roles, gradual separation from parental support and leaving the parental home. Living with T1D in young adulthood raises challenges and concerns.DesignThis study has a qualitative design.MethodsSemistructured interviews with 12 young adults living with T1D for 3–14 years, analysed with qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe analysis revealed contradictory ways of handling the illness, as is illuminated in two main categories (a) and five subcategories (b). Handling the situation and dealing with different opinions (a), (b) managing daily life, emotional roller coaster and general attitudes, own views and apprehensions, ignorance and lack of motivation. Most participants were motivated, had knowledge and were in control of their long‐term illness. Planning and structure were an essential part of their daily life. The participants were anxious about losing control of their bodies, the situation, die or be a burden to other people.
There is no mystery to sleep
Authors: Foster Russell G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe reasons why we sleep have been debated endlessly and the arguments have tended to focus upon one key biological function that applies to the human species. Such explanations cannot account for the ubiquity of sleep across all animal life. This Opinion Paper explores the logic which enables all animal sleep to be defined as follows: Sleep is a period of physical inactivity during which time an individual of a particular species avoids movement within an environment to which it is poorly adapted, whilst using this time to undertake a range of essential biological activities that allow optimum performance during the period of activity.
Novel Synthesis and Characterization of Doxycycline‐Loaded Gold Nanoparticles: The Golden Doxycycline for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Haddada Maroua Ben , Jeannot Katy , Spadavecchia Jolanda 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDoxycycline (DOXY) is a tetracycline antibiotic with a potent antibacterial activity against a wide variety of bacteria. One potential strategy to enhance the penetration and the antibacterial activity of antibiotics is the use of nanotechnology. In this work, an innovative synthesis of stable PEGylated‐gold nanoparticles (PEG‐AuNPs) loaded with DOXY is reported. As far as it is known, this is the first report on the combination of DOXY with AuNPs as polymeric complex. The obtained nanoparticles are fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta‐potential, and UV–vis and Raman spectroscopy. The stability and sustained activity of the drug in nanoparticles is determined on a panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria in comparison with the native form of the drug. This combined therapeutic agent restores the susceptibility of DOXY and shows an antibacterial activity against major human pathogens.
Early detection of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria in children with cystic fibrosis using induced sputum at annual review
Authors: Ahmed Molla I. , Kulkarni Hemant , Shajpal Sarita , Patel Deepa , Patel Prakash , Claydon Alison , Modha Deborah E. , Gaillard Erol A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimNon‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF). Early detection and treatment of NTM can preserve lung function and maintain good lung health. Many children with CF are not regular sputum producers and cough swabs cannot routinely be used to diagnose NTM. We aimed to test the hypothesis that performing sputum induction at routine annual review results in earlier identification of NTM in non‐sputum producing children with CF.MethodWe conducted a 5‐year prospective observational cohort study involving children with CF aged 5‐17 years who had sputum induction with hypertonic saline for microbiological surveillance including NTM at their annual review.ResultsForty‐two children (19 males, mean age 11.4 years ± 3.6, mean FEV1% predicted 94.7 ± 20.6) participated in the study. Forty‐one induced sputum samples from 29 children yielded bacterial pathogens. Six samples from six children (14% of the cohort) yielded NTM never previously isolated from the patient. We also detected three isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one isolate each of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), all of which were first time isolates.ConclusionWe conclude that annual induced sputum for microbiological surveillance is useful for early detection of NTM and other important respiratory pathogens, particularly in non‐expectorating children. This may lead to earlier identification and help inform initiation of eradication treatment in children with NTM. Children can also be cohorted earlier, before they potentially infect other children in the clinic.
A Truncation of 11‐Dimensional Supergravity for Fubini‐Like Instantons in AdS4/CFT3
Authors: Naghdi M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractFrom a consistent Kaluza‐Klein truncation of 11‐dimensional supergravity over , with a general 4‐form ansatz, we arrive at a set of equations and solutions for the included fields. In particular, we have a bulk equation for a self‐interacting (pseudo)scalar with arbitrary mass. By computing the energy‐momentum tensors of the associated Einstein equations, to include the backreaction, and setting them to zero, we solve the resulting equations with the bulk one and get solutions corresponding to marginal and marginally relevant deformations of the boundary CFT3, which break the conformal symmetry. These bulk (pseudo)scalars are ‐singlet and the corresponding solutions break all supersymmetries and parity because of the associated (anti)M‐branes wrapping around specific and mixed internal and external directions. As a result and according to AdS4/CFT3 duality rules, we would realize the boundary counterpart in three‐dimensional Chern‐Simon field theories with matters in fundamental representations. In particular, we build a ‐invariant Fubini‐like instanton solution by setting a specific boundary Lagrangian. The resulting solution is used to describe the dynamics of thin‐wall bubbles that cause instability and big crunch singularities in the bulk because of the unboundedness of the boundary double‐hump potential from below. Relations to mass‐deformed ABJM model, vector models and scale invariance breaking are also discussed. Meanwhile, we evaluate corrections for the background actions because of the bulk and boundary instantons.
Quantum Breaking Bound on de Sitter and Swampland
Authors: Dvali Gia , Gomez Cesar , Zell Sebastian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractQuantum consistency suggests that any de Sitter patch that lasts a number of Hubble times that exceeds its Gibbons‐Hawking entropy divided by the number of light particle species suffers an effect of quantum breaking. Inclusion of other interactions makes the quantum break‐time shorter. The requirement that this must not happen puts severe constraints on scalar potentials, essentially suppressing the self‐reproduction regimes. In particular, it eliminates both local and global minima with positive energy densities and imposes a general upper bound on the number of e‐foldings in any given Hubble patch. Consequently, maxima and other tachyonic directions must be curved stronger than the corresponding Hubble parameter. We show that the key relations of the recently‐proposed de Sitter swampland conjecture follow from the de Sitter quantum breaking bound. We give a general derivation and also illustrate this on a concrete example of D‐brane inflation. We can say that string theory as a consistent theory of quantum gravity nullifies a positive vacuum energy in self‐defense against quantum breaking.
Mechanistic insights into the efficient intramolecular chemiexcitation of dioxetanones from TD‐DFT and multireference calculations
Authors: Pinto da Silva Luís , Magalhães Carla M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDespite decades of research, it is still not clear what is the mechanism behind the efficient chemiexcitation of dioxetanones in chemiluminescent and bioluminescent reactions. In fact, long‐standing theories (charge transfer‐initiated luminescence and chemically induced electron‐exchange luminescence) have been demonstrated to not be able to explain this phenomenon. Herein, a theoretical approach using reliable and up‐to‐date methodology was used to address this problem, by focusing on model dioxetanones. Time‐dependent (TD)‐Density functional theory (DFT) and multireference complete‐active‐space second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2) calculations provided evidence that points to efficient intramolecular chemiexcitation being the result of the reacting molecules having access to a long zone of the Potential energy surface (PES), within the biradicalar region, where S0 and S1 are degenerate. Molecules with inefficient chemiexcitation are unable to reach this zone of degeneracy. Our main finding is that access to the region of degeneracy appears to be given due to increased interaction between the keto and CO2 moieties, as supported by the use of the activation strain model and Born‐Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, which extends the biradical region by delaying the rupture of the peroxide ring. Increased interaction derives from attractive electrostatic interactions between the moieties of dioxetanone. Thus, we hypothesize that efficient chemiexcitation results not only from electron/charge transfer and subsequent charge annihilation but is instead based on the degree of interaction between the keto and CO2 moieties, which controls the access to a region of degeneracy between the ground and excited states.
Toxic releases from an industry in decline: Environmental trends in Maine's pulp and paper sector
Authors: Auer Matthew R. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHistorically, the pulp and paper industry has been a cornerstone of Maine's economy, but it is also a major generator of pollution to the state's air and waterways. The industry has been in decline for several decades, with the most recent period of economic turmoil taking place in the aftermath of the Great Recession. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pulp and paper manufacturing is among the top sources of the release of toxic chemicals. Hence, one might expect that as the sector declines, the by‐production of toxic pollution from pulp and paper mills would also decline. However, a comparison of the mills’ releases of seven major toxic chemicals in the year immediately before—2010—and the year immediately after—2016—the latest round of mill closures, shows that the absolute quantities of industrial releases of some toxic chemicals remained steady or increased over the amounts released in the precrisis period. More encouragingly, in the latter period, a greater portion of releases of toxic chemicals were managed in ways other than direct discharge to air and water.
Finite cutoff AdS5 holography and the generalized gradient flow
Authors: Shyam Vasudev 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Recently proposed double trace deformations of large N holographic CFTs in four dimensions define a one parameter family of quantum field theories, which are interpreted in the bulk dual as living on successive finite radius hypersurfaces. The transformation of variables that turns the equation defining the deformation of a four dimensional large N CFT by such operators into the expression for the radial ADM Hamiltonian in the bulk is found.
This prescription clarifies the role of various functions of background fields that appear in the flow equation defining the deformed holographic CFT, and also their relationship to the holographic anomaly.
The effect of these deformations can also be seen as triggering a generalized gradient flow for the fields of the induced gravity theory obtained from integrating out the fundamental fields of the holographic CFT. The potential for this gradient flow is found to resemble the two derivative effective action previously derived using holographic renormalization.
Relative Value of Adapted Novel Bibliometrics in Evaluating Surgical Academic Impact and Reach
Authors: Robinson David B. T. , Hopkins Luke , Brown Chris , Abdelrahman Tarig , Powell Arfon G. , Egan Richard J. , Lewis Wyn G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Hirsch index, often used to assess research impact, suffers from questionable validity within the context of General Surgery, and consequently adapted bibliometrics and altmetrics have emerged, including the r‐index, m‐index, g‐index and i10‐index. This study aimed to assess the relative value of these novel bibliometrics in a single UK Deanery General Surgical Consultant cohort.MethodFive indices (h, r, m, g and i10) and altmetric scores (AS) were calculated for 151 general surgical consultants in a UK Deanery. Indices and AS were calculated from publication data via the Scopus search engine with assessment of construct validity and reliability.ResultsThe median number of publications, h‐index, r‐index, m‐index, g‐index and i10‐index were 13 (range 0–389), 5 (range 0–63), 5.2 (range 0–64.8), 0.33 (range 0–1.5), 10 (range 0–125) and 4 (range 0–245), respectively. Correlation coefficients of r‐index, m‐index, g‐index and i10‐index with h‐index were 0.913 (p < 0.001), 0.716 (p < 0.001), 0.961 (p < 0.001) and 0.939 (p < 0.001), respectively. Significant variance was observed when the cohort was ranked by individual bibliometric measures; the median ranking shifts were: r‐index − 2 (− 46 to + 23); m‐index − 6.5 (− 53 to + 22); g‐index − 0.5 (− 24 to + 13); and i10‐index 0 (− 8 to + 11), respectively (p < 0.001). The median altmetric score and AS index were 0 (range 0–225.5) and 1 (range 0–10), respectively; AS index correlated strongly with h‐index (correlation coefficient 0.390, p < 0.001).ConclusionsAdapted bibliometric indices appear to be equally valid measures of evaluating academic productivity, impact and reach.
Effects of geometry on the seismic wavefield of Alpine glaciers
Authors: Preiswerk Lukas E. , Michel Clotaire , Walter Fabian , Fäh Donat 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTPassive seismology allows measurement of the structure of glaciers and ice sheets. However, most techniques used so far in this context are based on horizontally homogeneous media where parameters vary only with depth (1-D approximations), which are appropriate only for a subset of glaciers. Here, we analyze seismic noise records from three different types of glaciers (plateau, valley and avalanching glacier) to characterize the influence of the glacier geometry on the seismic wavefield. Using horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios, polarization analysis and modal analysis, we show that the plateau glacier and the valley glacier can be seen as 1-D, whereas the relatively small avalanching glacier shows 3-D effects due to its bed topography and the deep crevasses. In principle, the techniques proposed here might allow monitoring such crevasses and their depth, and thus to constrain a key parameter of avalanching and calving glacier fronts.
Walk tall: The story of Rex Bionics
Authors: Woods Christine , Callagher Lisa , Jaffray Tim 
Published: December 2018

Executive SummaryWalk tall: The story of REX Bionics is about the key decisions faced by the founders Richard Little and Robert (Robbie) Irving to commercialise a ‘walking skeleton’ for people who are wheelchair-bound for extended periods. The changing role of the founders in a technology-based business and the interplay between the founders’ vision and the reality of growing technology-based businesses is the focus. The history of REX Bionics lies in the founders’ first-hand experiences with people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Over 15 years the company evolved from a ‘workshop idea’ in a garage to public listing on the London AIM Stock Exchange. Facing multiple institutional hurdles, rapidly moving technology and high start-up costs, REX Bionics successfully commercialised the walking robotic exoskeleton inspirited by the ‘Power Load’ in the movie Aliens. Little and Irving faced some tough choices about which commercialisation pathways to pursue in the light of diverse perspectives from the board of directors, an advisory board, various investors to their personal mission.