bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Yee Marianne E. , Bakshi Nitya , Graciaa Sara H. , Lane Peter A. , Jerris Robert C. , Wang Yun F. , Yildirim Inci 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundChildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for invasive infection with encapsulated bacteria. Antibiotic prophylaxis and immunizations against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) have decreased the overall incidence of invasive infections and have shifted distribution of serotypes causing disease toward those not covered by immunizations. We sought to determine the current incidence of invasive H. influenzae infections in children with SCD and to describe the clinical features and management of these infections.MethodsMicrobiology reports of a large pediatric tertiary care center were reviewed to identify all isolates of H. influenzae detected in sterile body fluid cultures from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2017. Results were compared with the center's comprehensive clinical database of all children with SCD to identify all cases of children ages 0 to18 years with SCD with invasive H. influenzae disease for the same time period.ResultsWe captured 2444 patients with SCD, with 14,336 person‐years. There were eight episodes of H. influenzae bacteremia in seven children with SCD (five type f, two non‐typable, one type a). Most episodes (7 of 8) were in children < 5 years. The incidence rate of invasive H. influenzae in SCD was 0.58/1000 person‐years for ages 0 to 18 years and 1.60/1000 person‐years for children age < 5 years. There were no deaths from H. influenzae infection.ConclusionsIn the era of universal antibiotic prophylaxis and immunization against Hib, invasive H. influenzae disease due to nonvaccine serotypes remains a risk for children with SCD, particularly those under five years of age.
Use of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and the risk of arthralgia: Population‐based cohort and nested case–control studies
Authors: Wang Chen‐Yu , Fu Shau‐Huai , Yang Rong‐Sen , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate the association between the administration of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors (cumulative duration, timing, and individual substance) and the risk of arthralgia by using a nationwide database with two methodological approaches including cohort and nested case–control study designs.MethodsUsing Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified patients who were newly prescribed with DPP‐4 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), or acarbose between 1 March 2009 and 31 December 2012. The exposure of studied drugs was categorized into five exclusive categories: DPP‐4 inhibitor, TZD, acarbose, combined use, or non‐use, and assessed in a time‐varying manner. Time‐dependent Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between DPP‐4 inhibitors and the risk of arthralgia. Particularly, we tested the impact of different cumulative duration, timing, and individual substance of DPP‐4 inhibitors use on risk of arthralgia. A corresponding nested case–control study using conditional logistic regression was conducted to verify this association.ResultsAn increased risk of arthralgia was observed during the first year after initiating DPP‐4 inhibitors (adjusted Hazard Ratio = 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.75) but the risk declined with cumulative use. This duration–response relation was not found in TZDs use and acarbose use. In the nested case–control study, there was a slightly increased risk of arthralgia (aOR = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.12) associated with current DPP‐4 inhibitor use.ConclusionA relatively higher risk of arthralgia was associated with the initial administration of DPP‐4 inhibitors, however, the risk declined among long‐term users.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Upregulation of Ketogenesis in Cardiomyocytes Differentiated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Sunjoo , Jeon Ju Mi , Kwon Oh Kwang , Choe Mu Seog , Yeo Han Cheol , Peng Xiaojun , Cheng Zhongyi , Lee Min Young , Lee Sangkyu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDiverse metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation, regulate the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to cells of specific lineages and organs. Here, the protein dynamics during cardiac differentiation of human iPSCs into cardiomyocytes (CMs) are characterized. The differentiation is induced by N‐(6‐methyl‐2‐benzothiazolyl)‐2‐[(3,4,6,7‐tetrahydro‐4‐oxo‐3‐phenylthieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐2‐yl)thio]‐acetamide, a Wnt signaling inhibitor, and confirmed by the mRNA and protein expression of cTnT and MLC2A in CMs. For comparative proteomics, cells from three stages, namely, hiPSCs, cardiac progenitor cells, and CMs, are prepared using the three‐plex tandem mass tag labeling approach. In total, 3970 proteins in triplicate analysis are identified. As the result, the upregulation of proteins associated with branched chain amino acid degradation and ketogenesis by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis are observed. The levels of 3‐hydroxymethyl‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA lyase, 3‐hydroxymethyl‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase 2, and 3‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1, involved in ketone body metabolism, are determined using western blotting, and the level of acetoacetate, the final product of ketogenesis, is higher in CMs. Taken together, these observations indicate that proteins required for the production of diverse energy sources are naturally self‐expressed during cardiomyogenic differentiation. Furthermore, acetoacetate concentration might act as a regulator of this differentiation.
On Representations of the Quantum Holonomy Diffeomorphism Algebra
Authors: Aastrup Johannes , Grimstrup Jesper Møller 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this paper we establish the existence of the non‐perturbative theory of quantum gravity known as quantum holonomy theory by showing that a Hilbert space representation of the algebra, which is an algebra generated by holonomy‐diffeomorphisms and by translation operators on an underlying configuration space of connections, exist. We construct operators, which correspond to the Hamiltonian of general relativity and the Dirac Hamiltonian, and show that they give rise to their classical counterparts in a classical limit. We also find that the structure of an almost‐commutative spectral triple emerge in the same limit. The Hilbert space representation, that we find, is non‐local, which appears to rule out spacial singularities such as the big bang and black hole singularities. Finally, the framework also permits an interpretation in terms of non‐perturbative Yang‐Mills theory as well as other non‐perturbative quantum field theories. This paper is the first of two, where the second paper contains mathematical details and proofs.
Highly Excavated Octahedral Nanostructures Integrated from Ultrathin Mesoporous PtCu3 Nanosheets: Construction of Three‐Dimensional Open Surfaces for Enhanced Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wu Fengxia , Niu Wenxin , Lai Jianping , Zhang Wei , Luque Rafael , Xu Guobao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDeveloping electrocatalysts with ultrathin nanostructures and high mesoporosity is a relevant high‐priority research direction toward enhancing the performance of noble metals. Herein, mesoporous, highly excavated octahedral PtCu3 nanostructures are prepared by a facile one‐pot synthesis. The mesoporous, highly excavated octahedral PtCu3 nanostructures are built with mutually perpendicular interlaced mesoporous nanosheets with a thickness of ≈4.5 nm. Benefiting from its mesoporous features, three‐dimensional (3D) open surfaces, ultrathin nanosheets, and a Cu‐rich surface, PtCu3 exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance and high antipoisoning activity toward the methanol oxidation reaction.
Platinum Group Nanowires for Efficient Electrocatalysis
Authors: Shao Qi , Lu Kunyan , Huang Xiaoqing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAt the frontier of electrocatalysis, there is a research endeavor focusing on platinum group (PG)‐based nanomaterials due to their fantastic morphological diversity and superior catalytic performance. In contrast to catalysts with other morphologies, nanowire catalysts show great potential in electrocatalysis due to their large surface area, abundant high‐index facet sites for catalysis, quick electron and mass transport for better conductivity, promotion for recycling and 3D structure construction, and good prohibition for vulnerability to dissolution, Ostwald ripening, and aggregation. Yet, it is challenging to endow PG nanowires with a precise control on size, shape, and composition. Here, the recently available strategies for designing PG‐based nanowire electrocatalysts with enhanced activity and stability are highlighted. A summary of the synthetic methods for generating different kinds of nanowires with detailed experimental parameters is also provided, with particular emphases on the recent progress of PG‐based nanowires for boosting the electrocatalytic reactions, including fuel cell reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction, and oxygen evolution reaction. In the final section, available perspectives on the future development of PG‐based nanowires for enhanced catalytic performances are discussed separately.
Anhydrobiosis in yeasts: Psychrotolerant yeasts are highly resistant to dehydration
Authors: Khroustalyova Galina , Giovannitti Gaia , Severini Daria , Scherbaka Rita , Turchetti Benedetta , Buzzini Pietro , Rapoport Alexander 
Published: February 2019

AbstractYeast cells are able to transition into a state of anhydrobiosis (temporary reversible suspension of metabolism) under conditions of desiccation. One of the most efficient approaches for understanding the mechanisms underlying resistance to dehydration–rehydration is to identify yeasts, which are stable under such treatments, and compare them with moderately resistant species and strains. In the current study, we investigated the resistance to dehydration–rehydration of six psychrotolerant yeast strains belonging to two species. All studied strains of Solicoccozyma terricola and Naganishia albida were found to be highly resistant to dehydration–rehydration. The viability of S. terricola strains was close to 100%. Such results have not been previously reported in studies of anhydrobiosis in yeasts. The plasma membrane changes, revealed by determining its permeability under various rehydration conditions, were also surprisingly minimal. Thus, the high level of resistance of psychrotolerant yeast strains might be related to the chemical composition and molecular organisation of their plasma membranes. Aside from plasma membrane characteristics, other important factors may also influence the maintenance of yeast cell viability under conditions of dehydration–rehydration.
Cumulative material damage from train of ultrafast infrared laser pulses
Authors: Hanuka A. , Wootton K. P. , Wu Z. , Soong K. , Makasyuk I. V. , England R. J. , Schächter L. 
Published: February 2019

We developed a systematic experimental method to demonstrate that damage threshold fluence (DTF) for fused silica changes with the number of femtosecond laser (800 nm, $65\pm 5~\text{fs}$, 10 Hz and 600 Hz) pulses. Based on the experimental data, we were able to develop a model which indicates that the change in DTF varies with the number of shots logarithmically up to a critical value. Above this value, DTF approaches an asymptotic value. Both DTF for a single shot and the asymptotic value as well as the critical value where this happens, are extrinsic parameters dependent on the configuration (repetition rate, pressure and geometry near or at the surface). These measurements indicate that the power of this dependence is an intrinsic parameter independent of the configuration.
Novel host immune evasion strategy of the endoparasitoid Drino inconspicuoides
Authors: Yamashita K. , Zhang K. , Ichiki R.T. , Nakamura S. , Furukawa S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe tachinid fly Drino inconspicuoides (Diptera: Tachinidae) is an ovolarviparous endoparasitoid whose larvae develop in the host haemocoel and avoids the host immune system. In this study, we investigated the immune evasion mechanisms of this species during infestation in the host Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). We discovered a unique ‘cloak’ that surrounded D. inconspicuoides larvae that penetrated into the host and determined through genomic polymerase chain reaction analysis that this structure originated from the host rather than the tachinid. The ‘cloak’ contained both haemocytes and fat body cells from the host, with the haemocytes assembling around the larvae first and the fat body cells then covering the haemocyte layer, following which the two mixed. Living D. inconspicuoides larvae that were wrapped in the ‘cloak’ were not melanized whereas encapsulated dead larvae were melanized, suggesting that this structure contributes to the avoidance of host immune reactions.
Genetic structure and range expansion ofZeugodacus Cucurbitae(Diptera: Tephritidae) in Africa
Authors: Delatte H. , De Meyer M. , Virgilio M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHypotheses about the worldwide colonization routes of the melon fly,Zeugodacus cucurbitae(Diptera: Tephritidae), are mainly based on sparse historical records. Here we aim at reconstructing the colonization history of the African continent based on an improved description of the population structure ofZ. cucurbitaeand approximate Bayesian analyses. Individuals ofZ. cucurbitaewere sampled in 17 localities from East, West and Central Africa and genotyped at 19 microsatellite markers. Bayesian analyses showed intracontinental population structuring with populations from Uganda diverging from those of Tanzania and populations from Burundi and Kenya showing traces of admixture with West African samples. Approximate Bayesian Computation provided support to the hypothesis of a single introductionZ. cucurbitaeinto East Africa and subsequent expansion to West Africa, each colonization event was followed by a bottleneck that promoted population divergence within Africa. Parameter estimates suggested that these events are roughly compatible with the historical records ofZ. cucurbitaepresence in sub-Saharan Africa (viz. 1936 in East Africa and 1999 in West Africa) and allow excluding alternative hypotheses on older or multiple introductions ofZ. cucurbitae.
Pharyngeal pouch: comparison of surgical treatment with botulinum toxin injection to the cricopharyngeus
Authors: Lau K , Watson M G 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundPharyngeal pouch surgical treatments can be carried out via an endoscopic or open approach. Injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeus was first described as an alternative treatment to the more invasive surgical procedures performed for cricopharyngeal dysfunction. It has not been previously described as a treatment option for pharyngeal pouch.ObjectivesTo compare operative time, average stay, complication rates and symptom control between endoscopic laser diverticulotomy, botulinum toxin injection and open procedures for pharyngeal pouch patients.MethodsThe medical records for 66 pharyngeal pouch procedures, carried out on 47 patients treated between 2011 and 2017, were identified and reviewed.ResultsThe mean operative time was 21 minutes for botulinum toxin injection, 38 for endoscopic laser diverticulotomy and 104 for open surgery. The mean hospital stay was 0.6 days for botulinum toxin injection, 4.7 for endoscopic laser diverticulotomy and 4 for open surgery. The improvement in Reflux Symptom Index scores was statistically significant for both endoscopic laser diverticulotomy and botulinum toxin injection. Botulinum toxin injection had a 0 per cent complication rate.ConclusionBotulinum toxin injection is a safe and effective treatment for pharyngeal pouch.
The evaluation of nasal mucociliary clearance in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Üstün Bezgin S , Çakabay T , Irak K , Koçyiğit M , Serin Keskineğe B , Giran Örtekin S 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to examine nasal mucociliary clearance time in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection.MethodsFifty patients who were newly diagnosed with H pylori infection using gastric biopsy in the gastroenterology out-patient clinic, and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy adults who were admitted to the otorhinolaryngology out-patient clinic, were included in this study. After an otorhinolaryngological examination (anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopic examination), the nasal mucociliary clearance time of each subject was calculated using the saccharine test.ResultsThe mean mucociliary clearance time was 06:29 ± 3:31 minutes (range, 00:55–15:19 minutes) in the control group and 10:12 ± 06:09 minutes (range, 01:28–32:00 minutes) in the study group. Comparisons of the two groups revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.002).ConclusionNasal mucociliary clearance time was significantly increased in patients with H pylori infection. The results suggest that H pylori infection may have an unfavourable effect on nasal mucociliary clearance.
Optimized Model-Functions for CCD-Camera Based Astrometric Plate
Measurements
Authors: Winter L. 
Published: February 2019

While digitizing the first 1500 photographic plates (astrograph plates and
prime focus plates of various telescopes) using our CCD-based measuring machine,
we gained a detailed understanding of the properties of the digitized stellar
images. These images are different from those obtained by digitizing photographic
plates with microdensitometers and similar scanners. Therefore it was necessary to
reject the modelling methods given in the literature and compose new models that
describe the stellar images more accurately.
First results of simulating the whole imaging process, starting with the
atmosphere, aberrations of the telescope, etc., and ending by including the
imaging-properties of our measuring machine, show good agreement with the measured
images as well as the modelling functions.
The Second Byurakan Survey
Authors: Stepanian J. 
Published: February 2019

On the basis of the Second Byurakan Survey (SBS), we have produced a new
complete sample of bright QSOs.
The observations were obtained using the 1.5, 3 and 4 degree objective prisms
with the 40–52 inch Schmidt telescope at the Byurakan Observatory. The total sky
coverage area of SBS is 1000 square degrees from R.A. 07h40m–17h15m and Dec.
+49–+61.
In all, in SBS about 3000–1600 stellar objects have been selected, and about
1400 galaxies down to a limiting magnitude B ∼ 19.5.
290 QSO and 67 Sy galaxies are spectroscopically confirmed.
The estimate of surface density of SBS QSOs in the magnitude range 15.5
&lt; B &lt; 17.2 and redshift distribution of SBS QSOs and Sy galaxies are
given.
China's E-Commerce: Empowering Rural Women?
Authors: Yu Haiqing , Cui Lili 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article employs a feminist political economy perspective to explore the connection between e-commerce, entrepreneurship and gender in rural China. It discusses gendered engagement with, and discourses of, the new digital economy represented by Taobao villages, and asks: how has the success of rural e-commerce impacted the evolving gender mandate and hierarchy in a competitive market economy in rural China? Has rural women's participation in digital economic activities changed their gendered roles and the patriarchal structure in their family and village? This article argues that women's socioeconomic enablement does not necessarily translate into cultural and political empowerment. The enabling potential of female entrepreneurship is tempered by traditional constraints on women and digital capitalist exploitation of their cheap, flexible and docile labour.
Dynamic pathways between rejection and antisocial behavior in peer networks: Update and test of confluence model
Authors: Kornienko Olga , Ha Thao , Dishion Thomas J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe confluence model theorizes that dynamic transactions between peer rejection and deviant peer clustering amplify antisocial behavior (AB) within the school context during adolescence. Little is known about the links between peer rejection and AB as embedded in changing networks. Using longitudinal social network analysis, we investigated the interplay between rejection, deviant peer clustering, and AB in an ethnically diverse sample of students attending public middle schools (N = 997; 52.7% boys). Adolescents completed peer nomination reports of rejection and antisocial behavior in Grades 6–8. Results revealed that rejection status was associated with friendship selection, and adolescents became rejected if they were friends with others who were rejected. Youth befriended others with similar levels of AB. Significant patterns of peer influence were documented for AB and rejection. As hypothesized, rejected youth with low AB were more likely to affiliate with others with high AB instead of similarly low AB. In contrast, nonrejected youth preferred to befriend others with similarly high or low AB. Results support an updated confluence model of a joint interplay between rejection and AB as ecological conditions that lead to self-organization into deviant clusters in which peer contagion on problem behaviors operates.
Understanding engagement in a family-focused, multicomponent, childhood weight management programme delivered in the community setting
Authors: Kelleher Emily , McHugh Sheena M , Harrington Janas M , Perry Ivan J , Shiely Frances 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo describe public health nurses’ (PHN) experiences of referring to, and families’ experiences of being referred to, a multicomponent, community-based, childhood weight management programme and to provide insight into families’ motivation to participate in and complete treatment.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews and the draw-and-write technique.SettingTwo geographical regions in the south and west of Ireland.ParticipantsNine PHN involved in the referral process, as well as ten parents and nine children who were referred to and completed the programme, participated in the present study.ResultsPHN were afraid of misclassifying children as obese and of approaching the subject of excess weight with parents. Peer support from other PHN as well as training in how best to talk about weight with parents were potential strategies suggested to alleviate these fears. Parents recalled the anxiety provoked by the ‘medical terminology’ used during referral and their difficulty interpreting what it meant for the health of their child. Despite initial fears, concern for their children’s future health was a major driver behind their participation. Children’s enjoyment, the social support experienced by parents as well as staff enthusiasm were key to programme completion.ConclusionsThe present study identifies the difficulties of referring families to community weight management programmes and provides practical suggestions on how to support practitioners in making referrals. It also identifies key positive factors influencing parents’ decisions to enrol in community weight management programmes. These should be maximised by staff and policy makers when developing similar programmes.