bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions of Biodegradable Ionic Liquids with a Model Naphthenic Acid
Authors: Wu Chongchong , De Visscher Alex , Gates Ian Donald 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDensity functional theory models are used to examine five biodegradable ionic liquids (ILs) each one consisting of a substitutional group (-OH, -NH2, -COOH, -COOCH3, and -OCH3) incorporated into the cation of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]). The results reveal that hydrogen atoms in -NH2, -COOH, and -COOCH3 form intramolecular hydrogen bonds with fluorine atoms in [BF4]−, whereas hydrogen atoms in -OH and -OCH3 do not form hydrogen bonds with [BF4]−. Further analysis of electron density at bond critical points and noncovalent interactions suggest that [BMIM][BF4] with -COOH has stronger intramolecular hydrogen bonds than other ILs. The extraction mechanism for a model naphthenic acid is hydrogen bonding, with F···H being the strongest hydrogen bond and O···H ranking second. More intermolecular hydrogen bonds occur when model naphthenic acid is adsorbed by [BMIM][BF4] with -COOH and -COOCH3. The interaction energy between model naphthenic acid and ILs with -COOH and -COOCH3 is higher than that with -OH, -NH2, and -OCH3.
RFX1 and RFX3 Transcription Factors Interact with the D Sequence of Adeno-Associated Virus Inverted Terminal Repeat and Regulate AAV Transduction
Authors: Julien Laura , Chassagne Julie , Peccate Cécile , Lorain Stéphanie , Piétri-Rouxel France , Danos Olivier , Benkhelifa-Ziyyat Sofia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAdeno-associated virus (AAV) transduction efficiency depends on the way in which cellular proteins process viral genomes in the nucleus. In this study, we have investigated the binding of nuclear proteins to the double stranded D (dsD) sequence of the AAV inverted terminal repeat (ITRs) by electromobility shift assay. We present here several lines of evidence that transcription factors belonging to the RFX protein family bind specifically and selectively to AAV2 and AAV1 dsD sequences. Using supershift experiments, we characterize complexes containing RFX1 homodimers and RFX1/RFX3 heterodimers. Following transduction of HEK-293 cells, the AAV genome can be pulled-down by RFX1 and RFX3 antibodies. Moreover, our data suggest that RFX proteins which interact with transcriptional enhancers of several mammalian DNA viruses, can act as regulators of AAV mediated transgene expression.
Exhaled air dispersion during bag-mask ventilation and sputum suctioning - Implications for infection control
Authors: Chan Matthew T. V. , Chow Benny K. , Lo Thomas , Ko Fanny W. , Ng Susanna S. , Gin Tony , Hui David S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMask ventilation and coughing during oro-tracheal suctioning produce aerosols that enhance nosocomial transmission of respiratory infections. We examined the extent of exhaled air dispersion from a human-patient-simulator during mask ventilation by different groups of healthcare workers and coughing bouts. The simulator was programmed to mimic varying severity of lung injury. Exhaled airflow was marked with tiny smoke particles, and highlighted by laser light-sheet. We determined the normalized exhaled air concentration in the leakage jet plume from the light scattered by smoke particles. Smoke concentration ≥20% was considered as significant exposure. Exhaled air leaked from mask-face interface in the transverse plane was most severe (267 ± 44 mm) with Ambu silicone resuscitator performed by nurses. Dispersion was however similar among anesthesiologists/intensivists, respiratory physicians and medical students using Ambu or Laerdal silicone resuscitator, p = 0.974. The largest dispersion was 860 ± 93 mm during normal coughing effort without tracheal intubation and decreased with worsening coughing efforts. Oro-tracheal suctioning reduced dispersion significantly, p < 0.001, and was more effective when applied continuously. Skills to ensure good fit during mask ventilation are important in preventing air leakage through the mask-face interface. Continuous oro-tracheal suctioning minimized exhaled air dispersion during coughing bouts when performing aerosol-generating procedures.
The ESO’s VLT type Ia supernova spectral set of the final two years of SNLS
Authors: Balland C. , Cellier-Holzem F. , Lidman C. , Astier P. , Betoule M. , Carlberg R. G. , Conley A. , Ellis R. S. , Guy J. , Hardin D. , Hook I. M. , Howell D. A. , Pain R. , Pritchet C. J. , Regnault N. , Sullivan M. , Arsenijevic V. , Baumont S. , El-Hage P. , Fabbro S. , Fouchez D. , Mitra A. , Möller A. , Mourão A. M. , Neveu J. , Roman M. , Ruhlmann-Kleider V. 
Published: January 2018

Aims. We aim to present 70 spectra of 68 new high-redshift type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) measured at ESO’s VLT during the final two years of operation (2006–2008) of the Supernova Legacy Survey (SNLS). This new sample complements the VLT three year spectral set. Altogether, these two data sets form the five year sample of SNLS SN Ia spectra measured at the VLT on which the final SNLS cosmological analysis will partly be based. In the redshift range considered, this sample is unique in terms of homogeneity and number of spectra. We use it to investigate the possibility of a spectral evolution of SNe Ia populations with redshift as well as SNe Ia spectral properties as a function of lightcurve fit parameters and the mass of the host-galaxy.
Methods. Reduction and extraction are based on both IRAF standard tasks and our own reduction pipeline. Redshifts are estimated from host-galaxy lines whenever possible or alternatively from supernova features. We used the spectro-photometric SN Ia model SALT2 combined with a set of galaxy templates that model the host-galaxy contamination to assess the type Ia nature of the candidates.
Results. We identify 68 new SNe Ia with redshift ranging from z = 0.207 to z = 0.98 for an average redshift of z = 0.62. Each spectrum is presented individually along with its best-fit SALT2 model. Adding this new sample to the three year VLT sample of SNLS, the final dataset contains 209 spectra corresponding to 192 SNe Ia identified at the VLT. We also publish the redshifts of other candidates (host galaxies or other transients) whose spectra were obtained at the same time as the spectra of live SNe Ia. This list provides a new redshift catalog useful for upcoming galaxy surveys. Using the full VLT SNe Ia sample, we build composite spectra around maximum light with cuts in color, the lightcurve shape parameter (“stretch”), host-galaxy mass and redshift. We find that high-z SNe Ia are bluer, brighter and have weaker intermediate mass element absorption lines than their low-z counterparts at a level consistent with what is expected from selection effects. We also find a flux excess in the range [3000–3400] Å for SNe Ia in low mass host-galaxies (M < 1010M⊙) or with locally blue U–V colors, and suggest that the UV flux (or local color) may be used in future cosmological studies as a third standardization parameter in addition to stretch and color.
Exploring the 13CO/C18O abundance ratio towards Galactic young stellar objects and HII regions
Authors: Areal M. B. , Paron S. , Celis Peña M. , Ortega M. E. 
Published: January 2018

Aims. Determining molecular abundance ratios is important not only for the study of Galactic chemistry, but also because they are useful to estimate physical parameters in a large variety of interstellar medium environments. One of the most important molecules for tracing the molecular gas in the interstellar medium is CO, and the 13CO/C18O abundance ratio is usually used to estimate molecular masses and densities of regions with moderate to high densities. Nowadays isotope ratios are in general indirectly derived from elemental abundances ratios. We present the first 13CO/C18O abundance ratio study performed from CO isotope observations towards a large sample of Galactic sources of different natures at different locations.
Methods. To study the 13CO/C18O abundance ratio, we used 12CO J = 3 − 2 data obtained from the CO High-Resolution Survey, 13CO and C18O J = 3 − 2 data from the 13CO/C18O (J = 3 − 2) Heterodyne Inner Milky Way Plane Survey, and some complementary data extracted from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope database. We analyzed a sample of 198 sources composed of young stellar objects (YSOs), and HII and diffuse HII regions as catalogued in the Red MSX Source Survey in 27.°5 ≤ l ≤ 46.°5 and |b|0.°5.
Results. Most of the analyzed sources are located in the galactocentric distance range 4.0–6.5 kpc. We found that YSOs have, on average, lower 13CO/C18O abundance ratios than HII and diffuse HII regions. Taking into account that the gas associated with YSOs should be less affected by the radiation than in the case of the others sources, selective far-UV photodissociation of C18O is confirmed. The 13CO/C18O abundance ratios obtained in this work are systematically lower than those predicted from the known elemental abundance relations. These results will be useful in future studies of molecular gas related to YSOs and HII regions based on the observation of these isotopes.
Weinreb β-Ketoamides in Enantioselective Organocatalysis: A Balance between Reactivity and Selectivity
Authors: Bugaut Xavier , Du Haiying , Dudognon Yohan , Rodriguez Jean , Constantieux Thierry 
Published: January 2018

β-Dicarbonyl compounds have established themselves as substrates of choice in enantioselective organocatalysis because of their easy activation. Among them, β-diketones, β-diesters, and β-ketoesters lead the dance and there has been only limited work with other β-dicarbonyl compounds as pronucleophiles. In this Synpacts article, we wish to discuss our recent contributions to the introduction of Weinreb β-ketoamides in organocatalyzed transformations, where they can provide an interesting balance between reactivity and selectivity, with also interesting potentialities in terms of postfunctionalization.1	Introduction2	Preparation of Weinreb β-Ketoamides3	Michael Addition to Nitroolefins4	Multicomponent Synthesis of Tetrahydropyridines5	Outlook
Predictive Value of a Persistent Tachycardia to Indicate Impending Perforation in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Becker Jan , van der Schyff Francisca 
Published: January 2018

Introduction Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease of infancy. Full-thickness bowel wall necrosis may lead to perforation, peritonitis, and death. Timeous clinical diagnosis of impending perforation is imperative.
Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether a persistent tachycardia in an infant with proven NEC is indicative of full-thickness bowel wall necrosis and therefore impending perforation.
Study Design This study was conducted at the University of Pretoria academic hospitals. Forty-five neonates with proven NEC were divided into a surgical group (32 progressed to full-thickness bowel necrosis) and a nonsurgical group (13 resolved on conservative treatment). Differences in the pulse rate between the groups were analyzed.
Results The 24-hour leading average pulse rate data for the surgical group were analyzed over a period of 10 days leading up to surgery and compared with the nonsurgical group. A clear upward trend of the mean pulse rate was observed in the surgical group, 48 hours prior to surgery. This was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion This study demonstrated that a persistent tachycardia in a neonate with NEC is a predictor of progression to full-thickness bowel wall necrosis. Pulse rate is therefore an important clinical tool when deciding on operative management in NEC.
Have the Annual Trends of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Changed?
Authors: Harb Matthew , Solow Max , Newman Jared , Sodhi Nipun , Pivec Robert , George Jaiben , Sultan Assem , Khlopas Anton , Shah Neil , Roche Martin , Mont Michael 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAs the use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs have increased, it remains unclear whether or not this has affected the rates of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the annual trends of RA patients who underwent TKA. Specifically, we evaluated: (1) the annual trends of TKAs due to RA in the United States population; and (2) the annual trends in the proportion of TKAs due to RA in the United States. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify all patients who underwent TKA between 2002 and 2013 (n = 6,492,873). Then, we identified TKA patients who had a diagnosis of RA, defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 714.0. The incidence of TKAs with a diagnosis of RA in the United States was calculated using the U.S. population as the denominator. Regression models were used to analyze the annual trends of RA in patients who underwent TKA. A total of 209,332 RA patients were identified who underwent TKA. The annual prevalence of RA in patients who underwent TKA slightly increased, from 33.2 per 1,000 TKAs in 2002 to 35 per 1,000 TKAs in 2013 (R
2 = 0.254, p = 0.095). The annual number of TKAs with a diagnosis of RA increased by 93.1% from 11,618 to 22,430. After normalizing for the U.S. population, the incidence of TKAs with RA increased from 5.4 to 9.2 TKAs per 1 million U.S. adults (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.05; p < 0.001). In 2002, 11,618 (3.31%) TKAs, and in 2013, 22,430 (3.50%) TKAs were due to RA. The prevalence of RA in those who underwent TKA remained the same from 2002 to 2013 (coefficient = 0.02; 95% CI, –0.01 to 0.05; p = 0.095). The results of this study demonstrated that the rates of TKA performed in RA patients have remained relatively stable. Furthermore, there may have been a decline in the rate of RA patients undergoing TKA, due to an increase in the U.S. population by approximately 28.8 million during the study period.
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 17 Alpha-hydroxyprogesterone Caproate in the Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Sit Anita , Sherwin Katie , Lyell Deirdre , Blumenfeld Yair , El-Sayed Yasser , Langen Elizabeth 
Published: January 2018

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate whether weekly administration of 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) increases the number of women who achieve 34 weeks of gestation after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Study Design We conducted a multicenter double-blind, randomized controlled trial of 17-OHPC versus placebo among women with PPROM. Women with singleton pregnancy, clinically confirmed PPROM, and without evidence of active infection or major fetal malformation between 240/7 and 320/7 weeks of pregnancy were offered enrollment. Women received weekly injections of 17-OHPC versus placebo until 340/7 weeks of gestation or delivery. The remainder of care was per hospital protocol. The primary outcome was achievement of 34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included length of latency and maternal and fetal outcomes.
Results In this study, 21 women were enrolled. Eleven women received placebo and 10 received 17-OHPC. The study was closed prematurely secondary to poor enrollment. None of the women remained pregnant until 34 weeks of gestation. The median latency periods were 8 and 14.5 days for the placebo and 17-OHPC groups, respectively (p = 0.14). There were no differences in maternal or neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion We did not identify any benefit from administration of 17-OHPC in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.
Transient visual pathway critical for normal development of primate grasping behavior
Authors: Mundinano Inaki-Carril , Fox Dylan M. , Kwan William C. , Vidaurre Diego , Teo Leon , Homman-Ludiye Jihane , Goodale Melvyn A. , Leopold David A. , Bourne James A. 
Published: January 2018

Significance
Visually guided actions have been central to the neural and behavioral evolution of primates, culminating in precision grasping and object manipulation. Here, we reveal that the establishment and maturation of the cortical areas controlling reach-and-grasp behaviors are dependent on a transient visual pathway from the retina to the medial inferior pulvinar of the thalamus, which relays the information to the dorsal stream of the visual cortex, via the middle temporal (MT) area, in early life. Disruption of this pathway in early life leads to permanent anatomical, connectional, and reach-and-grasp behavior deficits.
Hypoxia-induced transcription factor signaling is essential for larval growth of the mosquitoAedes aegypti
Authors: Valzania Luca , Coon Kerri L. , Vogel Kevin J. , Brown Mark R. , Strand Michael R. 
Published: January 2018

SignificanceGut microbes positively affect the physiology of many animals, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits remain poorly understood. Recent studies indicate that gut bacteria reduce oxygen levels in the mosquito gut, which serves as a growth signal. Here, we report that transduction of a bacteria-induced low-oxygen signal requires mosquito-encoded hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs). Our results further indicate that HIFs activate several processes with essential growth and metabolic functions. These findings can potentially be used to disrupt mosquito development into adults that transmit human diseases.
Oligomeric forms of bacterial malate dehydrogenase: a study of the enzyme from the phototrophic non-sulfur bacterium Rhodovulum steppense A-20s
Authors: Eprintsev Alexander T , Falaleeva Marina I , Lyashchenko Maya S , Toropygin Ilya Y , Igamberdiev Abir U 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37) was purified to homogeneity from the phototrophic purple non-sulfur bacterium Rhodovulum steppense A-20s. According to gel-chromatography and electrophoretic studies, malate dehydrogenase is present as a dimer, tetramer and octamer depending on cultivation conditions. In phototrophic aerobic conditions only the tetrameric form was present, in chemotrophic aerobic conditions all three forms were detected, while in the absence of oxygen the octameric form disappeared. The malate dehydrogenase oligomers are encoded by a single gene and composed of the same 35 kDa polypeptide but differ in pH and temperature optimum, in affinities to malate, oxaloacetate, NADH and NAD+ and in regulation by cations and citrate. By modulating the cultivation conditions, it has been established that the dimer participates in the glyoxylate cycle; the tetramer operates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the octamer may be involved in the adaptation to oxidative stress.
Carbon-free production of 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose (DOI) in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942
Authors: Watanabe Satoru , Ozawa Hiroaki , Kato Hiroaki , Nimura-Matsune Kaori , Hirayama Toshifumi , Kudo Fumitaka , Eguchi Tadashi , Kakinuma Katsumi , Yoshikawa Hirofumi 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Owing to their photosynthetic capabilities, there is increasing interest in utilizing cyanobacteria to convert solar energy into biomass. 2-Deoxy-scyllo-inosose (DOI) is a valuable starting material for the benzene-free synthesis of catechol and other benzenoids. DOI synthase (DOIS) is responsible for the formation of DOI from d-glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin and butirosin. DOI fermentation using a recombinant Escherichia coli strain has been reported, although a carbon source is necessary for high-yield DOI production. We constructed DOI-producing cyanobacteria toward carbon-free and sustainable DOI production. A DOIS gene derived from the butirosin producer strain Bacillus circulans (btrC) was introduced and expressed in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. We ultimately succeeded in producing 400 mg/L of DOI in S. elongatus without using a carbon source. DOI production by cyanobacteria represents a novel and efficient approach for producing benzenoids from G6P synthesized by photosynthesis.
Acoustic change complex for frequency changes
Authors: Kalaiah Mohan Kumar 
Published: January 2018

Purpose:
Acoustic change complex (ACC) reflects brain’s capacity to discriminate the acoustic features present in the signal, hence serves as an index of discrimination capacity. ACC for intensity changes and gaps-in-noise have consistently shown that the ACC threshold is consistent with behavioral intensity discrimination and gap detection thresholds. While, the ACC threshold for frequency change is found to be highly variable. The present study was carried out to investigate the agreement between behavioral frequency discrimination threshold and the ACC threshold for frequency change.

Methods:
Ten young adults with normal hearing in both ears participated in the study. The ACC was elicited using frequency changing tones, with a frequency change of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 Hz.

Results:
The present study showed that a greater frequency change is required to elicit the ACC compared to behavioral discrimination threshold. In most of the participants, a frequency change greater than 50 Hz was required to elicit the ACC. Magnitude of frequency change had effect on latency and amplitude of peaks of the ACC, amplitude was higher and latency was shorter for greater frequency change.

Conclusion:
ACC threshold for frequency change does not resemble behavioral discrimination threshold and is variable across participants.
How to do (or not to do) … a health financing incidence analysis
Authors: Ataguba John E , Asante Augustine D , Limwattananon Supon , Wiseman Virginia 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Financing incidence analysis (FIA) assesses how the burden of health financing is distributed in relation to household ability to pay (ATP). In a progressive financing system, poorer households contribute a smaller proportion of their ATP to finance health services compared to richer households. A system is regressive when the poor contribute proportionately more. Equitable health financing is often associated with progressivity. To conduct a comprehensive FIA, detailed household survey data containing reliable information on both a cardinal measure of household ATP and variables for extracting contributions to health services via taxes, health insurance and out-of-pocket (OOP) payments are required. Further, data on health financing mix are needed to assess overall FIA. Two major approaches to conducting FIA described in this article include the structural progressivity approach that assesses how the share of ATP (e.g. income) spent on health services varies by quantiles, and the effective progressivity approach that uses indices of progressivity such as the Kakwani index. This article provides some detailed practical steps for analysts to conduct FIA. This includes the data requirements, data sources, how to extract or estimate health payments from survey data and the methods for assessing FIA. It also discusses data deficiencies that are common in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The results of FIA are useful in designing policies to achieve an equitable health system.