bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Investigation of Difluoroboron Complex of Curcuminoid Derivatives with and without Phenyl Substituent (at Meso Position): Linear and Non‐Linear Optical Study
Authors: Raikwar Manish M. , Rhyman Lydia , Ramasami Ponnadurai , Sekar Nagaiyan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTwo difluoroboron curcumin analogs and their phenylated versions were studied for their photophysical and non‐linear optical properties based on comprehensive density functional theory approach. The ground state geometry optimization, vertical excitation, and the first excited state optimization were carried out using B3LYP and CAM−B3LYP functionals with 6–31G(d) basis set. The geometry of the difluoroboron curcumin analogs was found to remain planar in both the ground and excited states. The computed vertical excitation and emission values obtained with global hybrid functional are in good correlation with the observed values. The phenylated analogs show enhancement in the photophysical properties. The linear and non‐linear optical properties were computed using two global hybrids functionals (B3LYP and BHHLYP) and a range separated hybrid functional (CAM−B3LYP) with 6–31+G(d,p) basis set. The difluoroboron curcumin analogs without the phenyl substituent have larger polarizability and hyperpolarizabiliy parameters than the phenylated analogs. The polarizability and hyperpolarizabiliy were found to be comparable with the BHHLYP and CAM−B3LYP functionals.
Copper Catalyzed C−H Activation
Authors: Kantam M. Lakshmi , Gadipelly Chandrakanth , Deshmukh Gunjan , Reddy K. Rajender , Bhargava Suresh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractActivation of C−H bonds and their application in cross coupling chemistry has received a wider interest in recent years. The conventional strategy in cross coupling reaction involves the pre‐functionalization step of coupling reactants such as organic halides, pseudo‐halides and organometallic reagents. The C−H activation facilitates a simple and straight forward approach devoid of pre‐functionalization step. This approach also addresses the environmental and economical issues involved in several chemical reactions. In this account, we have reported C−H bond activation of small organic molecules, for example, formamide C−H bond can be activated and coupled with β‐dicarbonyl or 2‐carbonyl substituted phenols under oxidative conditions to yield carbamates using inexpensive copper catalysts. Phenyl carbamates were successfully synthesized in moderate to good yields by cross dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of phenols with formamides using copper catalysts in presence of a ligand. We have also prepared unsymmetrical urea derivatives by oxidative cross coupling of formamides with amines using copper catalysts. Synthesis of N,N‐dimethyl substituted amides, 5‐substituted‐γ‐lactams and α‐acyloxy ethers was carried out from carboxylic acids using recyclable CuO nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles afforded N‐aryl‐γ‐amino‐γ‐lactams by oxidative coupling of aromatic amines with 2‐pyrrolidinone. Reusable transition metal HT‐derived oxide catalyst was used for the synthesis of N,N‐dimethyl substituted amides by the oxidative cross‐coupling of carboxylic acids and substituted benzaldehydes. Overview of our work in this area is summarized.
Sarcomania? The Inapplicability of Sarcopenia Measurement in Predicting Incisional Hernia Development
Authors: van Rooijen M. M. J. , Kroese L. F. , van Vugt J. L. A. , Lange J. F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIncisional hernia is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery. A risk factor for incisional hernia, related to body composition, is obesity. Poor skeletal muscle mass might also be a risk factor, as it may result in weakness of the abdominal wall. However, it remains unknown if sarcopenia (i.e. low skeletal muscle mass) is a risk factor for incisional hernia. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether a relation between sarcopenia and incisional hernia exists.MethodsPatients from the STITCH trial, who underwent elective midline laparotomy, were included. Computed tomography examinations performed within 3 months preoperatively were used to measure the skeletal muscle index (SMI; cm2/m2). Primarily, SMI measured continuously, sarcopenia based on previously described cut‐off values for the SMI, and sarcopenia as the lowest gender‐specific SMI quartile were assessed as measures to predict incisional hernia occurrence. Secondary, the association between these three measures and post‐operative complications was investigated.ResultsIn total, 283 patients (45.2% male; mean age 63.7 years; mean BMI 25.36 kg/m2) were included, of whom 52 (18%) developed an incisional hernia. Mean SMI was 44.23 cm2/m2 (SD 7.77). The Nagelkerke value for the three measures of sarcopenia was about 0.020 (2.0%) for incisional hernia development. Logistic regressions with the three measures of sarcopenia did not show any predictive value of the model (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.67 for incisional hernia; 0.69 for post‐operative complications).DiscussionIn this study, sarcopenia does not seem to be a risk factor for the development of an incisional hernia.
Paenibacillus amylolyticus 27C64 has a diverse set of carbohydrate-active enzymes and complete pectin deconstruction system
Authors: Keggi Christian , Doran-Peterson Joy 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
A draft genome of Paenibacillus amylolyticus 27C64 was assembled and a total of 314 putative CAZymes in 108 different families were identified. Comparison to well-studied polysaccharide-degrading organisms revealed that P. amylolyticus 27C64 has as many or more putative CAZymes than most of these organisms. Four different pectic substrates and xylan supported growth but cellulose was not utilized. Measurement of enzyme activities in culture supernatants revealed low levels of cellulase activity, high levels of xylanase activity, and pectinase activities that adapted to the specific polysaccharides provided. Relative expression levels of each putative pectinase in cells grown with and without three different pectic substrates were evaluated with RT-qPCR and distinct sets of genes upregulated in response to homogalacturonan, methylated homogalacturonan, and rhamnogalacturonan I were identified. It is also noted that this organism’s pectinolytic system differs from other well-studied systems and contains enzymes which are of value for further study.
Age stratification corrects bias in estimated hazard of APOE genotype for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Liu Li , Caselli Richard J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is a major genetic risk factor of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease. However, its interaction with two other canonical risk factors, age and sex, is not clear. Previous studies have reported conflicting results on its differential effects in men and women, its association with young‐onset AD before the age of 65 years, and its significance in genetic admixture populations. In these studies, the hazard of the e4 allele was assumed to be constant during aging. However, this hypothesis has not been tested and its violation may lead to significant biases and contribute to such discrepant findings.MethodsIn a prospective cohort of 4727 subjects, we performed Cox regression analysis of the association of the e4 allele with AD age of onset. We then performed diagnostics on the resulting model and tested if the hazard of the e4 allele violated the assumption of proportionality during aging. We examined whether incorporating age stratifications and time‐dependent coefficients could restore the proportionality. We then validated our findings in four independent cohorts.ResultsHazard of the e4 allele for AD was nonproportional. It took a stepwise decline around the age of 80 years for men and around the age of 75 years for women. By stratifying subjects into a younger group and an older group, we detected more consistent effects of the e4 allele across multiple independent cohorts. We also found that the e4 allele was a significant risk factor for young‐onset AD with age of onset before 65 years.DiscussionAge compositions of study cohorts can significantly bias the estimated effect of the APOE genotype. Studies of AD should consider hidden age structures among subjects and routinely employ appropriate age and sex stratification strategies or nonparametric modeling in experimental designs and data analysis. Finally, we argue that the e4 allele is a risk factor not only for late‐onset AD but also for young‐onset AD.
A porcine model to study the effect of brain death on kidney genomic responses
Authors: Sally Mitchell B. , Malinoski Darren J. , Zaldivar Frank P. , Le Tony , Khoshnevis Matin , Pinette William A. , Hutchens Michael , Radom-Aizik Shlomit 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionA majority of transplanted organs come from donors after brain death (BD). Renal grafts from these donors have higher delayed graft function and lower long-term survival rates compared to living donors. We designed a novel porcine BD model to better delineate the incompletely understood inflammatory response to BD, hypothesizing that adhesion molecule pathways would be upregulated in BD.MethodsAnimals were anesthetized and instrumented with monitors and a balloon catheter, then randomized to control and BD groups. BD was induced by inflating the balloon catheter and animals were maintained for 6 hours. RNA was extracted from kidneys, and gene expression pattern was determined.ResultsIn total, 902 gene pairs were differently expressed between groups. Eleven selected pathways were upregulated after BD, including cell adhesion molecules.ConclusionsThese results should be confirmed in human organ donors. Treatment strategies should target involved pathways and lessen the negative effects of BD on transplantable organs.
The Cedar Project: exploring determinants of psychological distress among young Indigenous people who use drugs in three Canadian cities
Authors: Pearce M. E. , Jongbloed K. A. , Pooyak S. D. , Blair A. H. , Christian W. M. , Sharma R. , Mazzuca A. , Zamar D. S. , Schechter M. T. , Spittal P. M. ,   for the Cedar Project Partnership
Published: October 2018

Background.Mental health and wellbeing, including addressing impacts of historical trauma and substance use among young people, has been identified as a key priority by Indigenous communities and leaders across Canada and globally. Yet, research to understand mental health among young Indigenous people who have used drugs is limited.Aims.To examine longitudinal risk and strengths-based factors associated with psychological distress among young Indigenous people who use drugs.Method.The Cedar Project is an ongoing cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in Vancouver, Prince George, and Chase, British Columbia, Canada. This study included participants who completed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, returned for follow-up between 2010 and 2012, and completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Adjusted linear mixed-effects models estimated effects of study variables on changes in area T-scores of psychological distress.Results.Of 202 eligible participants, 53% were women and the mean age was 28 years. Among men, childhood maltreatment (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect), any drug use, blackouts from drinking, and sex work were associated with increased distress. Among women, childhood maltreatment (emotional abuse, physical abuse, physical neglect), blackouts from drinking, and sexual assault were associated with increased distress, while having attempted to quit using drugs was associated with reduced distress. Marginal associations were observed between speaking their traditional language and living by traditional culture with lower distress among men.Conclusion.Culturally safe mental wellness interventions are urgently needed to address childhood trauma and harmful coping strategies that exacerbate distress among young Indigenous people who use drugs.
The effect of pulsation frequency on transition in pulsatile pipe flow
Authors: Xu Duo , Avila Marc 
Published: October 2018

Pulsatile flows are common in nature and in applications, but their stability and transition to turbulence are still poorly understood. Even in the simple case of pipe flow subject to harmonic pulsation, there is no consensus among experimental studies on whether pulsation delays or enhances transition. We here report direct numerical simulations of pulsatile pipe flow at low pulsation amplitude$A\leqslant 0.4$. We use a spatially localized impulsive disturbance to generate a single turbulent puff and track its dynamics as it travels downstream. The computed relaminarization statistics are in quantitative agreement with the experiments of Xuet al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 831, 2017, pp. 418–432) and support the conclusion that increasing the pulsation amplitude and lowering the frequency enhance the stability of the flow. In the high-frequency regime, the behaviour of steady pipe flow is recovered. In addition, we show that, when the pipe length does not permit the observation of a full cycle, a reduction of the transition threshold is observed. We obtain an equation quantifying this effect and compare it favourably with the measurements of Stettler & Hussain (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 170, 1986, pp. 169–197). Our results resolve previous discrepancies, which are due to different pipe lengths, perturbation methods and criteria chosen to quantify transition in experiments.
A diet high in sugar-sweetened beverage and low in fruits and vegetables is associated with adiposity and a pro-inflammatory adipokine profile
Authors: Koebnick Corinna , Black Mary Helen , Wu Jun , Shu Yu-Hsiang , MacKay Adrienne W. , Watanabe Richard M. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Xiang Anny H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDiet, obesity and adipokines play important roles in diabetes and CVD; yet, limited studies have assessed the relationship between diet and multiple adipokines. This cross-sectional study assessed associations between diet, adiposity and adipokines in Mexican Americans. The cohort included 1128 participants (age 34·7±8·2 years, BMI 29·5±5·9 kg/m2, 73·2 % female). Dietary intake was assessed by 12-month food frequency questionnaire. Adiposity was measured by BMI, total percentage body fat and percentage trunk fat using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Adiponectin, apelin, C-reactive protein (CRP), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV), IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-18, leptin, lipocalin, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1), resistin, secreted frizzled protein 4 (SFRP-4), SFRP-5, TNF-α and visfatin were assayed with multiplex kits or ELISA. Joint multivariate associations between diet, adiposity and adipokines were analysed using canonical correlations adjusted for age, sex, energy intake and kinship. The median (interquartile range) energy intake was 9514 (7314, 11912) kJ/d. Overall, 55 % of total intake was accounted for by carbohydrates (24 % from sugar). A total of 66 % of the shared variation between diet and adiposity, and 34 % of diet and adipokines were explained by the top canonical correlation. The diet component was most represented by sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), fruit and vegetables. Participants consuming a diet high in SSB and low in fruits and vegetables had higher adiposity, CRP, leptin, and MCP-1, but lower SFRP-5 than participants with high fruit and vegetable and low SSB intake. In Mexican Americans, diets high in SSB but low in fruits and vegetables contribute to adiposity and a pro-inflammatory adipokine profile.
The Tools of Institutional Change under Post-Neoliberalism: Rafael Correa's Ecuador
Authors: Sánchez Francisco , Polga-Hecimovich John 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHow have governments in Latin America been able to counteract two decades of neoliberalism and pursue post-neoliberal developmental reforms, and what tools have they used to do so? We argue that post-neoliberal projects are possible through the use of three necessary conditions in a context of economic bonanza: (1) extensive use of the legal-constitutional framework to facilitate interventionism; (2) an increase in the centrality of public planning agencies to design those policies; and (3) growth of the bureaucracy to implement the policies. Through a case study of Rafael Correa's Ecuador, we show how a constituent assembly, empowerment of the state planning agency, and an increase in the size of the public administration allowed the president to combat neoliberalism and pursue his ambitiousBuen Vivir(Good Living) plan. This simple framework offers important clues for understanding post-liberalism and the return of the state in Ecuador and beyond.
Lobbying, learning and policy reinvention: an examination of the American States’ drunk driving laws
Authors: Yu Jinhai , Jennings Edward T. , Butler J. S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractScholars have consistently shown that learning of successful policies in other states leads to higher likelihood of policy adoption. This study extends this finding two ways. First, policy learning can also lead to more comprehensive adoption of successful policies. Second, the effect of policy learning on policy comprehensiveness is conditional on lobbying by interest groups, an alternative source of information about policy success. To test these hypotheses, we conduct a directed dyad-year analysis using a dataset on American state drunk driving regulations from 1983 to 2000. The results show that more comprehensive policy adoption by states is positively related to policy success in other states when lobbying by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is relatively low. Moreover, lobbying by MADD increases policy comprehensiveness when policy success is relatively low. This study advances the literature by examining the conditional effects of lobbying on the relationship between policy learning and policy reinvention.
Oscillating two-stream instability in strongly coupled plasma
Authors: Sharma Prerana , Avinash K. , Gupta D. N. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOscillating two-stream instability (OTSI) of a high amplitude laser or a plasma wave is investigated in plasmas with strongly coupled ions. It is shown that in some parameter regime, the pressure of strongly coupled ions becomes negative, which leads to enhance the bunching of ion and concomitant destabilization of OTSI. Applications of these results to ion accelerator and inertial confinement fusion experiments are discussed.
Design of a miniature modular inchworm robot with an anisotropic friction skin
Authors: Saab Wael , Racioppo Peter , Kumar Anil , Ben-Tzvi Pinhas 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYThis paper presents the design, analysis, and experimental validation of a miniature modular inchworm robot (MMIR). Inchworm robots are capable of maneuvering in confined spaces due to their small size, a desirable characteristic for surveillance, exploration and search and rescue operations. This paper presents two generations of the MMIR (Version 1—V1 and Version 2—V2) that utilize anisotropic friction skin and an undulatory rectilinear gait to produce locomotion. This paper highlights design improvements and a multi-body dynamics approach to model and simulate the system. The MMIR V2 incorporates a slider-crank four-bar mechanism and a relative body revolute joint to produce high-frequency relative translation and rotation to increase forward velocity and enable turning capabilities. Friction analysis and locomotion experiments were conducted to assess the systems performance on various surfaces, validate the dynamic model and simulation results, and measure the maximum forward velocity. The MMIR V1 and V2 were able to achieve maximum forward velocities of 12.7 mm/s and 137.9 mm/s, respectively. These results are compared to reported results of similar robots published in the literature.
Experience participating in the American College of Cardiology Quality NetworkTM: paediatric and adult congenital cardiology collaborative quality improvement
Authors: Hartwell Lauren P. , Baker Annette L. , Jenkins Kathy J. , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Saleeb Susan F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe American College of Cardiology Quality Network enables national benchmarking and collaborative quality improvement through vetted metrics. We describe here our initial experience with the Quality Network.MethodsQuarterly data for metrics pertaining to chest pain, Kawasaki disease, tetralogy of Fallot, elevated body mass index, and others were shared with the collaboratives for benchmarking. National improvement efforts focussed on counselling for elevated body mass index and 22q11.2 testing in tetralogy of Fallot. Improvement strategies included developing multi-disciplinary workgroups, educational materials, and electronic health record advances.ResultsChest pain metric performance was high compared with national means: obtaining family history (90–100% versus 51–77%), electrocardiogram (100% versus 89–99%), and echocardiogram for exertional complaints (95–100% versus 74–96%). Kawasaki metric performance was high, including obtaining coronary measurements (100% versus 85–97%), prescribing aspirin (100% versus 86–99%), follow-up with imaging (100% versus 85–98%), and documenting no activity restriction without coronary aneurysms (83–100% versus 64–93%). Counselling for elevated body mass index was variable (25–75% versus 31–50%) throughout quality improvement efforts. Testing for 22q11.2 deletion in tetralogy of Fallot patients was consistently above the national mean (60–85% versus 54–68%) with improved genetics data capture.ConclusionThe Quality Network promotes meaningful benchmarking and collaborative quality improvement. Our high performance for chest pain and Kawasaki metrics is likely related to previous improvement efforts in chest pain management and a dedicated Kawasaki team. Uptake of counselling for elevated body mass index is variable; stronger engagement among numerous providers is needed. Recommendations for 22q11.2 testing in tetralogy of Fallot were widely recognised and implemented.
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome: A Unique Case Study
Authors: Tan Alexander , Goodspeed Kimberly , Edgar Veronica Bordes 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectives: Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by insufficient expression of the TCF4 gene. Most cases are characterized by severe intellectual disability, absent speech, motor delays, and autism spectrum disorder. Many have abnormal brain imaging, dysmorphic facial features, and medical comorbidities: myopia, constipation, epilepsy, and apneic spells. The present case study expands existing understanding of this disorder by presenting a unique phenotype with higher cognitive abilities and fewer medical comorbidities. Methods: The present case study reports on a 13-year-old, Caucasian male with a recent diagnosis of PTHS following genetic testing (i.e., whole exome sequencing). He was referred for a neuropsychological evaluation to document his neurocognitive functioning to assist with intervention planning. Results: Evaluation of intellectual, attention/executive, memory, visual-motor/fine-motor, academic, adaptive, and emotional/behavioral functioning revealed global impairment across all areas of functioning. However, he demonstrated abilities beyond what has been detailed in the literature, including use of full sentences, capacity to learn and solve novel problems, basic academic functioning, and independent ambulation. Conclusions: Children with PTHS may demonstrate a spectrum of abilities beyond what has been documented in the literature thus far. Failure to recognize this spectrum can result in late identification of an accurate diagnosis. (JINS, 2018, 24, 995–1002)