bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Properties of Lumiflavin: A Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Kar Rajiv Kumar , Borin Veniamin A. , Ding Yonghong , Matysik Jörg , Schapiro Igor 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this work, the electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of lumiflavin are calculated using various quantum chemical methods. The excitation energies for ten singlet and triplet states as well as the analysis of the electron density difference are assessed using various wave function‐based methods and density functionals. The relative order of singlet and triplet excited states is established on the basis of the coupled cluster method CC2. We find that at least seven singlet excited states are required to assign all peaks in the UV/Vis spectrum. In addition, we have studied the solvatochromic effect on the excitation energies and found differential effects except for the first bright excited state. Vibrational frequencies as well as IR, Raman and resonance Raman intensities are simulated and compared to their experimental counterparts. We have assigned peaks, assessed the effect of anharmonicity, and confirmed the previous assignments in case of the most intense transitions. Finally, we have studied the NMR shieldings and established the effect of the solvent polarity. The present study provides data for lumiflavin in the gas phase and in implicit solvent model that can be used as a reference for the protein‐embedded flavin simulations and assignment of experimental spectra.
Physio‐biochemical assessment and expression analysis of genes associated with drought tolerance in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) exposed to GA3 at grand growth stage
Authors: Tripathi P. , Chandra A. , Prakash J. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Drought is one of the most serious environmental factors limiting production of sugarcane worldwide. In order to assess the influence of gibberellins (GA3) on drought and plant growth, along with associated physio‐biochemical attributes, expression of eight drought‐responsive genes were quantified and analysed.

At grand growth stage (120 DAP) two sugarcane varieties (CoLk94184, CoPK05191) were exposed to drought by withholding irrigation. GA3 (35 ppm) was applied using battery‐operated uniform controlled dispensing sprayer twice at 1‐week intervals on 2‐week drought‐stressed plants. Physio‐biochemical attributes including antioxidant enzyme activities were estimated following standard protocols. RT‐PCR was performed to visualise the drought‐associated gene expression patterns.

Drought triggered a reduction in RWC and chlorophyll content but these recovered when droughted plants were exposed to GA3. Proline content increased many fold in both varieties under stress, but decreased under the influence of GA3. There was a mixed response of antioxidant enzyme activity, which distinctly declined after GA3 exposure, together with a lesser reduction in dry matter content over that of control plants. With increasing stress, expression of pyrroline‐5‐carboxylase synthetase (P5CS) and betaine‐aldehyde dehydrogenase genes was observed, selectively up‐regulated in CoPK05191. Expression of proline oxidase/transporter was high in CoPK05191 but diminished along with proline content after exposure to GA3. CoLk94184 showed no significant difference in P5CS gene expression under stress condition, whereas expression of betaine‐aldehyde dehydrogenase gene was unchanged in response to stress.

Results demonstrated that exposure of droughted plants to GA3 not only led to recovery of activity of drought‐associated physio‐biochemical attributes, but also minimised impact on cane dry weight and quality. Further, GA3 application caused differential gene expression that possibly triggers increased responsiveness towards drought tolerance in sugarcane.
The use of an IL1‐receptor antagonist to reverse the changes associated with established tendinopathy in a rat model
Authors: Eskildsen Scott M. , Berkoff David J. , Kallianos Stephen A. , Weinhold Paul S. 
Published: September 2018

Interleukin‐1 (IL1) is a cytokine that plays a role in inflammation and is a potential contributor to the inflammation present in tendinopathy. Its inhibition may be of use in the treatment of tendinopathy and has been a target for treatment. To evaluate how an IL1‐receptor antagonist (IL1‐RA) reverses pathologic changes associated with established patellar tendinopathy, we randomized 48 Sprague‐Dawley retired breeder rats into three groups having weekly bilateral patellar tendon injections for 6 weeks. The control group received 0.1 mL saline for 6 weeks. The intervention groups were treated with 0.1 mL 2% carrageenan for 4 weeks. Beginning at week three, the IL1‐RA group received 0.94 mg of the IL1‐RA (2.5 mg/kg) added to the 0.1 mL 2% carrageenan and 0.94 mg of the IL1‐RA alone for the final 2 weeks, while the CAR received 0.1 mL saline for the final 2 weeks. Animals were euthanized 6 weeks after initial injection. The CAR group demonstrated significantly (P < 0.05) shorter tendon lengths (7.81 ± 0.44 mm) than the control (8.25 ± 0.58 mm) and IL1‐RA (8.34 ± 0.52 mm) group (P < 0.05). Macroscopically, plaque‐like formations were reduced and margins of the tendon were more evident in the IL1‐RA group compared to the CAR group. CAR group demonstrated significantly greater histopathologic changes (inflammatory cell density, disorganization of collagen, nuclear rounding, and angiogenesis) than the control and IL1‐RA group. No significant difference in mechanical properties of the tendon was noted. These findings demonstrate IL1‐RA can reduce pathologic changes in the patellar tendon in an established tendonitis model although did not demonstrate a difference in mechanical properties.
The Hispanic Extracurricular Participation Gap*
Authors: Kitchens Karin E. , Gormley William 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesScholars have noted a gap in extracurricular (EC) participation between Hispanic students and other students. But why exactly does this gap exist? We consider four possible explanations: parental awareness, financial resources, family obligations, and access to EC activities.MethodsTo test these possible explanations for the EC participation gap, we use data on middle school participation in EC activities from Tulsa, Oklahoma. We fit a series of ordinary least squares models to analyze membership in EC activities across seven activity types for 381 Hispanic and 447 white students in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We also investigate whether EC activity predicts academic outcomes in middle school.ResultsParental awareness is the dominant predictor of EC activity. EC activity also has positive effects on math test scores, math and reading grades, and overall grade point average, even after controlling for early academic success.ConclusionsThe key to narrowing the Hispanic‐white EC participation gap would seem to be greater parental awareness of the value of EC activities as well as practical steps that might be taken to enlist children in such activities.
Bad Samaritans: Religion and Anti‐Immigrant and Anti‐Muslim Sentiment in the United States*
Authors: Sherkat Darren E. , Lehman Derek 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesNegative sentiment toward immigrants helps fuel preferences for restrictive immigration policy. Religious commitments have been linked to both positive and negative dispositions toward immigrants, Muslims, and immigration. This study tests how religious factors impact negative sentiments toward immigrants and Muslims, and preferences for more restrictive immigration policy.MethodsWe analyze data from the 1996 and 2004–2016 General Social Surveys (GSS), examining scales for negative sentiment toward immigrants, civil liberties for Muslims, and preferences to restrict immigration. Ordinary least squares and ordinal regression models are used to examine the effects of religious factors net of social background and political identifications.ResultsSectarian Protestants, white Catholics, and biblical literalists were found to have more hostile views of immigrants and Muslims, while nonwhite Catholics, non‐Christians, the unaffiliated, and those with secular beliefs held more positive views of immigrants and immigration.ConclusionsWhile elite sectarian Protestants and the Catholic Church hierarchy have urged tolerance for immigrants and immigration, our findings suggest that the sectarians, white Catholics, and biblical literalists hold negative views of immigrants, Muslims, and immigration. Subscription to Christian nationalism also appears to play a role in structuring negative views of immigrants and Muslims.
The impact of the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement on Australia's education exports to China: A legal and economic assessment
Authors: Xi Junfang , Zhou Weihuan , Wang Heng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAs a landmark achievement in the development of the China–Australia bilateral economic relations, the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (“ChAFTA”) achieves a higher level of liberalisation in education services compared with China's commitments under the World Trade Organisation and its other free trade agreements. However, the ChAFTA fails to relax the major regulatory barriers in China, which will remain the key obstacles to Australia's education services exports to China. Through a preliminary study and a regression analysis of the impacts of the ChAFTA on Australia's education exports to China based on available data, we show that the ChAFTA did not play a significant role in promoting the application and approval of Sino‐Australian joint programmes but did contribute to the growth of international student enrolments from China. The effect of the ChAFTA is, at best, secondary to that of domestic regulation and tends to be greater in less regulated areas.
Climate Change Is not Only GHGs but Also Economics
Authors: Lane Jan-Erik 
Published: September 2018

Climate and Earth scientists have recently provided compelling evidence for abrupt climate change, but this amount to only 50% of this drama. We must ask: If GHGs threaten human survival, why do not humans alter the system of economic production, especially the energy supply responsible for the accelerating global warming? The question of how to transform energy consumption is little discussed: tools, mechanisms, global coordination, country resilience, state or market? Actually, the resistance to energy change is very strong,
Cardiorespiratory fitness is impaired and predicts mid‐term postoperative survival in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm disease
Authors: Rose G. A. , Davies R. G. , Appadurai I. R. , Lewis W. G. , Cho J. S. , Lewis M. H. , Williams I. M. , Bailey D. M. 
Published: September 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?To what extent cardiorespiratory fitness is impaired in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysmal (AAA) disease and corresponding implications for postoperative survival requires further investigation.
What is the main finding and its importance?Cardiorespiratory fitness is impaired in patients with AAA disease. Patients with peak oxygen uptake of <13.1 ml O2 kg−1 min−1 and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide at anaerobic threshold ≥34 are associated with increased risk of postoperative mortality at 2 years. These findings demonstrate that cardiorespiratory fitness can predict mid‐term postoperative survival in AAA patients, which may help to direct care provision.
AbstractPreoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing is a standard assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and risk stratification. However, to what extent CRF is impaired in patients undergoing surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease and the corresponding implications for postoperative outcome requires further investigation. We measured CRF during an incremental exercise test to exhaustion using online respiratory gas analysis in patients with AAA disease (n = 124, aged 72 ± 7 years) and healthy sedentary control subjects (n = 104, aged 70 ± 7 years). Postoperative survival was examined for association with CRF, and threshold values were calculated for independent predictors of mortality. Patients who underwent preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing before surgical repair had lower CRF [age‐adjusted mean difference of 12.5 ml O2 kg−1 min−1 for peak oxygen uptake (), P < 0.001 versus control subjects]. After multivariable analysis, both and the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide at anaerobic threshold () were independent predictors of mid‐term postoperative survival (2 years). Hazard ratios of 5.27 (95% confidence interval 1.62–17.14, P = 0.006) and 3.26 (95% confidence interval 1.00–10.59, P = 0.049) were observed for < 13.1 ml O2 kg−1 min−1 and ≥ 34, respectively. Thus, CRF is lower in patients with AAA, and those with a < 13.1 ml O2 kg−1 min−1 and ≥ 34 are associated with a markedly increased risk of postoperative mortality. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CRF can predict mid‐term postoperative survival in AAA patients, which may help to direct care provision.
Yolk sac–embryo distance in correlation with soluble form of vascular endothelial growth factor levels in pregnancy with potentially reserved evolutivity
Authors: Bucuri Carmen Elena , Ciortea Razvan , Diculescu Doru , Malutan Andrei , Mocan-Hognogi Radu , Berceanu Costin , Nicula Renata , Rada Maria , Mihu Dan 
Published: September 2018

Aims: Embryonic demise is a frequent complication of the first trimester pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between a serum biomarker, the soluble form of the vasculo-endothelial growth factor (sFlt-1) and the distance between the yolk sac (YS) and embryo (DYSE), determined by ultrasonography.Material and methods: The study was a prospective case-control study that included 2 groups of patients – the control group with 81 first-trimester pregnancies in evolution and the case group with 89 first-trimester pregnancies with a potentially reserved evolutivity.Results: A correlation between the serum level of sFlt-1 and DYSE in embryos with crown-rump length (CRL) greater than 5 mm was identified, showing that a DYSE ≤3 mm correlates with a low level of sFlt-1 (p<0.05) and a DYSE> 4 mm correlates with an increased level of sFlt-1 (p<0.05).Conclusions: A low level of sFlt-1 associated with a distance between the embryo and yolk sac of small dimensions, respectively <3 mm, correlates with an increased rate of non-viable embryos. This correlation between an ultrasound and a serum parameter is of great value and brings important information about the viability of firsttrimester pregnancies.
Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric ulcer mimicking gastric neoplasia: a case report
Authors: Catinean Adrian , Motocu Radu , Fetica Bogdan , Mezei Anita 
Published: September 2018

We describe a rare case of a severe gastric ulcer of a 66-year-old immunocompetent man who was associated with primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and temporarily misdiagnosed with gastric lymphoma. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT-scan) of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis followed by EUS revealed a neoplastic infiltrative-ulcerative semicircumferentialgastric mass and a 1 cm large satellite adenopathy, being classified as T3N1M0 gastric neoplasia. The histological analysis of the ¾ distal stomach and lymph node sthat were resected contradicted the initial biopsy report, suggesting EBV gastric ulcer, etiology confirmed by the in situ hybridization technique.
Ultrasound for kidney access in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a contemporary review
Authors: Iordache Alexandru , Baston Catalin , Silviu-Stelian Guler-Margaritis , Angelescu Emil , Cerempei Vasile , Olivier Traxer , Sinescu Ioanel 
Published: September 2018

Nowadays percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the standard of care for renal staghorn calculus or large (>20 mm) pelvic or caliceal stones, as well as for the failure of other treatment options. This review aims to evaluate the contemporary use of ultrasound imaging in PCNL, by comparing it to conventional fluoroscopy, reviewing data regarding the complication and success rate of nephrostomy tract creation and stone free rate (SFR), as well as data concerning the learning curve for these procedures and cost indicators. The evidence acquired shows that the ultrasound guided access (USGA) is a comparable method with the classic fluoroscopic guided access (FGA), with a similar safety profile, with a significant reduction in radiation exposure, up to radiation free complete PCNL. USGA PCNL seems to lead to decreased bleeding and need for transfusion, especially when the Doppler mode is used, and also to a slightly higher SFR than conventional FGA PCNL. USGA PCNL reduces the overall costs of the procedure by about 30% and can be safely learnt and performed by urologists. For an experienced endourologist, familiar withFGA PCNL, the learning curve for shifting to USGA PCNL is of approximately 20 procedures.
Doctor Referral of Overweight People to Low Energy total diet replacement Treatment (DROPLET): pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Astbury Nerys M , Aveyard Paul , Nickless Alecia , Hood Kathryn , Corfield Kate , Lowe Rebecca , Jebb Susan A 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Objective
To test the effectiveness and safety of a total diet replacement (TDR) programme for routine treatment of obesity in a primary care setting.

Design
Pragmatic, two arm, parallel group, open label, individually randomised controlled trial.

Setting
10 primary care practices in Oxfordshire, UK.

Participants
278 adults who were obese and seeking support to lose weight: 138 were assigned to the TDR programme and 140 to usual care. 73% of participants were re-measured at 12 months.

Interventions
The TDR programme comprised weekly behavioural support for 12 weeks and monthly support for three months, with formula food products providing 810 kcal/day (3389 kJ/day) as the sole food during the first eight weeks followed by reintroduction of food. Usual care comprised behavioural support for weight loss from a practice nurse and a diet programme with modest energy restriction.

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was weight change at 12 months analysed as intention to treat with mixed effects models. Secondary outcomes included biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Adverse events were recorded.

Results
Participants in the TDR group lost more weight (−10.7 kg) than those in the usual care group (−3.1 kg): adjusted mean difference −7.2 kg (95% confidence interval −9.4 to −4.9 kg). 45% of participants in the TDR group and 15% in the usual care group experienced weight losses of 10% or more. The TDR group showed greater improvements in biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than the usual care group. 11% of participants in the TDR group and 12% in the usual care group experienced adverse events of moderate or greater severity.

Conclusions
Compared with regular weight loss support from a practice nurse, a programme of weekly behavioural support and total diet replacement providing 810 kcal/day seems to be tolerable, and leads to substantially greater weight loss and greater improvements in the risk of cardiometabolic disease.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials No
ISRCTN75092026
.
Impact of pre-eclampsia on the cardiovascular health of the offspring: a cohort study protocol
Authors: Hoodbhoy Zahra , Hasan Babar Sultan , Mohammed Nuruddin , Chowdhury Devyani 
Published: September 2018

IntroductionPre-eclampsia is a common disorder associated with serious maternal and fetal complications. It is associated with abnormal placentation, which significantly reduces flow, resulting in a relative hypoxic state. These pathophysiological changes lead to subtle macrovascular and cardiac structural and functional changes in the fetus. This can predispose the child with maternal history of pre-eclampsia to risk of premature cardiovascular disease.Methods and analysisThe children will be identified from a cohort of women with pre-eclampsia. The study will be conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Inclusion criteria will be children who are between 2 and 5 years of age and have a maternal history of pre-eclampsia. The child’s current weight, height and blood pressure will be recorded. A two-dimensional functional echocardiogram and vascular assessment will be performed to evaluate alterations in cardiac function as well as macrovascular remodelling in these children. Data will be presented as mean±SD, median (IQR) or percentages as appropriate. Independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test will be used for testing of continuous variables (based on the assumption of normality). A p<0.05 will be used to determine statistical significance.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from AKUH Ethics Review Committee. Findings will be disseminated through scientific publications and project summaries for the participants.
Impact of punitive immigration policies, parent-child separation and child detention on the mental health and development of children
Authors: Wood Laura C N 
Published: September 2018

In April 2018, the US government introduced a ‘zero tolerance’ illegal immigration control strategy at the US-Mexico border resulting in the detention of all adults awaiting federal prosecution for illegal entry and the subsequent removal of their children to separate child shelters across the USA. By June 2018, over 2300 immigrant children, including infants, had been separated from their parents for immigration purposes. Media reports and scenes of distraught families ignited global condemnation of US immigration policy and fresh criticism of immigration detention practices.Detention of children for immigration purposes is known to be practised in over 100 countries worldwide, despite a significant body of research demonstrating the extensive harm of such policies. This review explores and contextualises the key potential impacts of family separation and detention of children for immigration purposes including damaged attachment relationships, traumatisation, toxic stress and wider detrimental impacts on immigrant communities. As such, it is critical for host nation governments to cease the practice of family separation and child detention for immigration control and promote postmigration policies that protect children from further harm, promote resilience and enable recovery.