bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data
Authors: KRUEGER W. S. , HILBORN E. D. , CONVERSE R. R. , WADE T. J. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYHelicobacter pylori imparts a considerable burden to public health. Infections are mainly acquired in childhood and can lead to chronic diseases, including gastric ulcers and cancer. The bacterium subsists in water, but the environment's role in transmission remains poorly understood. The nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was examined for environmental risk factors associated with H. pylori seroprevalence. Data from 1999–2000 were examined and weighted to represent the US population. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with seropositivity. Self-reported general health condition was inversely associated with seropositivity. Of participants aged <20 years, seropositivity was significantly associated with having a well as the source of home tap water (aOR 1·7, 95% CI 1·1–2·6) and living in a more crowded home (aOR 2·3, 95% CI 1·5–3·7). Of adults aged ⩾20 years, seropositivity was not associated with well water or crowded living conditions, but adults in soil-related occupations had significantly higher odds of seropositivity compared to those in non-soil-related occupations (aOR 1·9, 95% CI 1·2–2·9). Exposures to both well water and occupationally related soil increased the effect size of adults' odds of seropositivity compared to non-exposed adults (aOR 2·7, 95% CI 1·3-5·6). Environmental exposures (well-water usage and occupational contact with soil) play a role in H. pylori transmission. A disproportionate burden of infection is associated with poor health and crowded living conditions, but risks vary by age and race/ethnicity. These findings could help inform interventions to reduce the burden of infections in the United States.
The Effect of Furosemide Dose Administered in the Out-of-hospital Setting on Renal Function Among Patients with Suspected Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Nieves L. Celeste , Mehrtens Gia M. , Pores Noah , Pickrell Christie , Tanis James , Satty Timothy , Chuang Michelle , Young Tina C. , Merlin Mark A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe most effective dose of prehospital furosemide in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has not yet been identified and concerns of worsening renal function have limited its use.ObjectiveTo assess if administering high-dose furosemide is associated with worsening renal function.MethodsThe authors conducted a 2-center chart review for patients who presented via a single Emergency Medical Service (EMS) from June 5, 2009 through May 17, 2013. Inclusion criteria were shortness of breath, primarily coded as ADHF, and the administration of furosemide prior to emergency department (ED) arrival. A total of 331 charts were identified. The primary endpoint was an increase in creatinine (Cr) of more than 0.3 mg/dL from admission to any time during hospital stay. Exploratory endpoints included survival, length-of-stay (LOS), disposition, urine output in the ED, change in BUN/Cr from admission to discharge, and change in Cr from admission to 72 hours and discharge.ResultsWhen treated as a binary variable, there was no association observed between an increase in Cr of more than 0.3 mg/dL and prehospital furosemide dose. Baseline characteristics found to be associated with dose were included in the logistic regression model. Lowering the dose of prehospital furosemide was associated with higher odds of attaining a 0.3 mg/dL increase in Cr (adjusted OR = 1.49 for a 20 mg decrease; P = .019). There was no association found with any of the exploratory endpoints.ConclusionsPatients who received higher doses of furosemide prehospitally were less likely to have an increase of greater than 0.3 mg/dL in Cr during the hospital course.NievesLC, MehrtensGM, PoresN, PickrellC, TanisJ, SattyT, ChuangM, YoungTC, MerlinMA. The effect of furosemide dose administered in the out-of-hospital setting on renal function among patients with suspected acute decompensated heart failure. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(1):1-8.
Do schools in Quebec foster healthy eating? An overview of associations between school food environment and socio-economic characteristics
Authors: Morin Pascale , Demers Karine , Robitaille Éric , Lebel Alexandre , Bisset Sherri 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveA school environment that encourages students to opt for food with sound nutritional value is both essential and formative in ensuring that young people adopt healthy eating habits. The present study explored the associations between the socio-economic characteristics of the school environment and the school food environment.DesignA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2008–2009. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed on data from public primary and secondary schools.SettingQuebec, Canada. The school food offering was observed directly and systematically by trained research assistants. Interviews were conducted to fully describe food offerings in the schools and schools’ child-care services.SubjectsA two-stage stratified sampling was used to build a representative sample of 143 French-speaking public schools. The response rate was 66·2 %.ResultsThe primary and secondary schools in low-density areas were more likely to be located near diners (primary:P=0·018; secondary:P=0·007). The secondary schools in deprived areas were less likely to have a regular food committee (P=0·004), to seek student input on menu choices (P=0·001) or to have a long lunch period (P=0·010). The primary schools in deprived areas were less likely to have a food service (P=0·025) and their meal periods were shorter (P=0·033).ConclusionsThe schools in areas with lower socio-economic status provided an environment less favourable for a healthy diet. From a public health perspective, the results of this analysis could assist policy makers and managers to identify actions to support the creation of favourable school environments.
Vitamin A-fortified cooking oil reduces vitamin A deficiency in infants, young children and women: results from a programme evaluation in Indonesia
Authors: Sandjaja  , Jus’at Idrus , Jahari Abas B , Ifrad  , Htet Min Kyaw , Tilden Robert L , Soekarjo Damayanti , Utomo Budi , Moench-Pfanner Regina , Soekirman  , Korenromp Eline L 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess oil consumption, vitamin A intake and retinol status before and a year after the fortification of unbranded palm oil with retinyl palmitate.DesignPre–post evaluation between two surveys.SettingTwenty-four villages in West Java.SubjectsPoor households were randomly sampled. Serum retinol (adjusted for subclinical infection) was analysed in cross-sectional samples of lactating mothers (baselinen324/endlinen349), their infants aged 6–11 months (n318/n335) and children aged 12–59 months (n469/477), and cohorts of children aged 5–9 years (n186) and women aged 15–29 years (n171), alongside food and oil consumption from dietary recall.ResultsFortified oil improved vitamin A intakes, contributing on average 26 %, 40 %, 38 %, 29 % and 35 % of the daily Recommended Nutrient Intake for children aged 12–23 months, 24–59 months, 5–9 years, lactating and non-lactating women, respectively. Serum retinol was 2–19 % higher at endline than baseline (P<0·001 in infants aged 6–11 months, children aged 5–9 years, lactating and non-lactating women; non-significant in children aged 12–23 months;P=0·057 in children aged 24–59 months). Retinol in breast milk averaged 20·5 μg/dl at baseline and 32·5 μg/dl at endline (P<0·01). Deficiency prevalence (serum retinol <20 μg/dl) was 6·5–18 % across groups at baseline, and 0·6–6 % at endline (P≤0·011). In multivariate regressions adjusting for socio-economic differences, vitamin A intake from fortified oil predicted improved retinol status for children aged 6–59 months (P=0·003) and 5–9 years (P=0·03).ConclusionsAlthough this evaluation without a comparison group cannot prove causality, retinyl contents in oil, Recommended Nutrient Intake contributions and relationships between vitamin intake and serum retinol provide strong plausibility of oil fortification impacting vitamin A status in Indonesian women and children.
Microscopy and X-Ray Spectroscopy Analyses for Assessment of Gilding and Silvering Techniques of Portuguese Illuminated Manuscripts
Authors: Le Gac Agnès , Nogueira Isabel D. , Guerra Mauro , Frade José Carlos , Longelin Stéphane , Manso Marta , Pessanha Sofia , Seruya Ana Isabel M. , Carvalho Maria Luisa 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe objects of this study are various local charters (cartas de foral, in Portuguese) granted by Dom Manuel I, King of Portugal (1495–1521), which substituted for medieval ones and were intended to achieve an administrative unification. These are luxuriously illuminated manuscripts, and our study aims at obtaining a better understanding of the gilding and silvering techniques applied to the parchments, in which theforaiswere written, between 1500 and 1520. The combined use of microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy analyses allowed us to identify the vestigial materials used for making the parchments, including products such as salt (NaCl), lime (CaO), pumice stone (SiO2+Al2O3), and chalk (CaCO3). Chalk was employed as a whitening agent to give the parchment its final color and opacity. Shell-gold and shell-silver mixed in with animal glue or gum binding media were directly applied on type 1 and 3forais, while very thin gold leaves (<1µm) were applied over lead-based tempera grounds (50–180µm thick) in type 2forais.Silver was always employed in its finest form without a further protective layer (thus its recursive state of corrosion), while gold was used in various alloy grades.
Study of the effects of the outer space environment on dormant forms of microorganisms, fungi and plants in the ‘Expose-R’ experiment
Authors: Novikova N. , Deshevaya E. , Levinskikh M. , Polikarpov N. , Poddubko S. , Gusev O. , Sychev V. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractInvestigations of the effects of solar radiation combined with the spaceflight factors on biological objects were performed in the «EXPOSE-R» experiment on the outer surface of ISS. After more than 1 year of outer space exposure, the spores of microorganisms and fungi, as well as two species of plant seeds were analysed for viability and the set of biological properties. The experiment provided evidence that not only bacterial and fungal spores but also dormant forms of plants had the capability to survive a long-term exposure to outer space.
Boomerangs over Lac Léman: Transnational Lobbying and Foreign Venue Shopping in WTO Dispute Settlement
Authors: ECKHARDT JAPPE , DE BIÈVRE DIRK 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this article, we explore the conditions under which firms engage in transnational lobbying and foreign venue shopping in the framework of WTO dispute settlement. Classical World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement cases mostly originate in domestic firms instigating their public authorities to bring a complaint against foreign trade barriers incompatible with WTO law. In recent years, however, we have witnessed the rise of WTO cases in which firms get a foreign government to file a case against its own authorities. By analysing transnational lobbying by EU firms in the WTO footwear case filed by China against the EU, and by US firms in the WTO gambling case Antigua brought against the US, we highlight the increasing resemblance between trade disputes and investment disputes.
Ethnic-specific associations of rare and low-frequency DNA sequence variants with asthma
Authors: Igartua Catherine , Myers Rachel A. , Mathias Rasika A. , Pino-Yanes Maria , Eng Celeste , Graves Penelope E. , Levin Albert M. , Del-Rio-Navarro Blanca E. , Jackson Daniel J. , Livne Oren E. , Rafaels Nicholas , Edlund Christopher K. , Yang James J. , Huntsman Scott , Salam Muhammad T. , Romieu Isabelle , Mourad Raphael , Gern James E. , Lemanske Robert F. , Wyss Annah , Hoppin Jane A. , Barnes Kathleen C. , Burchard Esteban G. , Gauderman W. James , Martinez Fernando D. , Raby Benjamin A. , Weiss Scott T. , Williams L. Keoki , London Stephanie J. , Gilliland Frank D. , Nicolae Dan L. , Ober Carole 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCommon variants at many loci have been robustly associated with asthma but explain little of the overall genetic risk. Here we investigate the role of rare (<1%) and low-frequency (1–5%) variants using the Illumina HumanExome BeadChip array in 4,794 asthma cases, 4,707 non-asthmatic controls and 590 case–parent trios representing European Americans, African Americans/African Caribbeans and Latinos. Our study reveals one low-frequency missense mutation in the GRASP gene that is associated with asthma in the Latino sample (P=4.31 × 10−6; OR=1.25; MAF=1.21%) and two genes harbouring functional variants that are associated with asthma in a gene-based analysis: GSDMB at the 17q12–21 asthma locus in the Latino and combined samples (P=7.81 × 10−8 and 4.09 × 10−8, respectively) and MTHFR in the African ancestry sample (P=1.72 × 10−6). Our results suggest that associations with rare and low-frequency variants are ethnic specific and not likely to explain a significant proportion of the ‘missing heritability’ of asthma.
A fluorescent hormone biosensor reveals the dynamics of jasmonate signalling in plants
Authors: Larrieu Antoine , Champion Antony , Legrand Jonathan , Lavenus Julien , Mast David , Brunoud Géraldine , Oh Jaesung , Guyomarc’h Soazig , Pizot Maxime , Farmer Edward E. , Turnbull Colin , Vernoux Teva , Bennett Malcolm J. , Laplaze Laurent 
Published: January 2015

AbstractActivated forms of jasmonic acid (JA) are central signals coordinating plant responses to stresses, yet tools to analyse their spatial and temporal distribution are lacking. Here we describe a JA perception biosensor termed Jas9-VENUS that allows the quantification of dynamic changes in JA distribution in response to stress with high spatiotemporal sensitivity. We show that Jas9-VENUS abundance is dependent on bioactive JA isoforms, the COI1 co-receptor, a functional Jas motif and proteasome activity. We demonstrate the utility of Jas9-VENUS to analyse responses to JA in planta at a cellular scale, both quantitatively and dynamically. This included using Jas9-VENUS to determine the cotyledon-to-root JA signal velocities on wounding, revealing two distinct phases of JA activity in the root. Our results demonstrate the value of developing quantitative sensors such as Jas9-VENUS to provide high-resolution spatiotemporal data about hormone distribution in response to plant abiotic and biotic stresses.
Structural basis for the facilitative diffusion mechanism by SemiSWEET transporter
Authors: Lee Yongchan , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Yamashita Keitaro , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Nureki Osamu 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSWEET family proteins mediate sugar transport across biological membranes and play crucial roles in plants and animals. The SWEETs and their bacterial homologues, the SemiSWEETs, are related to the PQ-loop family, which is characterized by highly conserved proline and glutamine residues (PQ-loop motif). Although the structures of the bacterial SemiSWEETs were recently reported, the conformational transition and the significance of the conserved motif in the transport cycle have remained elusive. Here we report crystal structures of SemiSWEET from Escherichia coli, in the both inward-open and outward-open states. A structural comparison revealed that SemiSWEET undergoes an intramolecular conformational change in each protomer. The conserved PQ-loop motif serves as a molecular hinge that enables the ‘binder clip-like’ motion of SemiSWEET. The present work provides the framework for understanding the overall transport cycles of SWEET and PQ-loop family proteins.
A mild alkali treated jute fibre controlling the hydration behaviour of greener cement paste
Authors: Jo Byung-Wan , Chakraborty Sumit 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTo reduce the antagonistic effect of jute fibre on the setting and hydration of jute reinforced cement, modified jute fibre reinforcement would be a unique approach. The present investigation deals with the effectiveness of mild alkali treated (0.5%) jute fibre on the setting and hydration behaviour of cement. Setting time measurement, hydration test and analytical characterizations of the hardened samples (viz., FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA and free lime estimation) were used to evaluate the effect of alkali treated jute fibre. From the hydration test, the time (t) required to reach maximum temperature for the hydration of control cement sample is estimated to be 860 min, whilst the time (t) is measured to be 1040 min for the hydration of a raw jute reinforced cement sample. However, the time (t) is estimated to be 1020 min for the hydration of an alkali treated jute reinforced cement sample. Additionally, from the analytical characterizations, it is determined that fibre-cement compatibility is increased and hydration delaying effect is minimized by using alkali treated jute fibre as fibre reinforcement. Based on the analyses, a model has been proposed to explain the setting and hydration behaviour of alkali treated jute fibre reinforced cement composite.
High step‐up current‐fed ZVS dual half‐bridge DC–DC converter for high‐voltage applications
Authors: Meghdad Taheri , Jafar Milimonfared , Bijan Abbasi 
Published: January 2015

In this study, a new high step‐up current‐fed zero voltage switching (ZVS) dual half‐bridge DC–DC converter is proposed. The presented topology is composed of two paralleled boost half‐bridge converters. In this converter, only two switches are efficiently utilised such that the adopted scheme has a simpler control circuit, lower losses and lower cost. It is very noteworthy that over the whole range of load and input voltage variations, the switches keep ZVS operation and the output diodes operate in zero current switching (ZCS) condition leading to high overall efficiency. Also, taking the advantage of voltage‐doubler circuits, transformers with lower turn‐ratio and diodes with lower reverse voltage can be used to build the desired high output voltage. Regarding the mentioned characteristics, the proposed converter can be well nominated for distributed generation systems. In‐depth analysis, design and performance comparison of this new converter are illustrated; then for verification purpose, experimental results with an output voltage of 400 V and output current of 2.5 A are presented.
A direct comparison of X-ray spectral models for tori in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Xiaobo 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Several X-ray spectral models for tori in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are available to constrain the properties of tori; however, the accuracy of these models has not been verified. We recently constructed a code for the torus using geant4, which can easily handle different geometries. Thus, we adopt the same assumptions as Murphy & Yaqoob (2009, MNRAS, 397, 1549) and Brightman & Nandra (2011, MNRAS, 413, 1206) and try to reproduce their spectra. As a result, we can reproduce well the reflection spectra and the strength of the Fe Kα line of Murphy & Yaqoob, for both NH = 1024 and 1025 cm−2. However, we cannot produce the strong reflection component of Brightman & Nandra in the low-energy band. The origin of this component is the reflection from the visible inner wall of the torus, and the reflection should be very weak in the edge-on directions under the geometry of Brightman & Nandra. Therefore, the behaviour of the reflection spectra in Brightman & Nandra is not consistent with their geometry. The strength of the Fe Kα line of Brightman & Nandra is also different from our results and the analytical result in the optically thin case. The limitation of the spectral model will bias the parameters from the X-ray spectral fitting.
A systematic survey of the Cys2His2 zinc finger DNA-binding landscape
Authors: Persikov Anton V. , Wetzel Joshua L. , Rowland Elizabeth F. , Oakes Benjamin L. , Xu Denise J. , Singh Mona , Noyes Marcus B. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Cys2His2 zinc fingers (C2H2-ZFs) comprise the largest class of metazoan DNA-binding domains. Despite this domain's well-defined DNA-recognition interface, and its successful use in the design of chimeric proteins capable of targeting genomic regions of interest, much remains unknown about its DNA-binding landscape. To help bridge this gap in fundamental knowledge and to provide a resource for design-oriented applications, we screened large synthetic protein libraries to select binding C2H2-ZF domains for each possible three base pair target. The resulting data consist of &gt;160 000 unique domain–DNA interactions and comprise the most comprehensive investigation of C2H2-ZF DNA-binding interactions to date. An integrated analysis of these independent screens yielded DNA-binding profiles for tens of thousands of domains and led to the successful design and prediction of C2H2-ZF DNA-binding specificities. Computational analyses uncovered important aspects of C2H2-ZF domain–DNA interactions, including the roles of within-finger context and domain position on base recognition. We observed the existence of numerous distinct binding strategies for each possible three base pair target and an apparent balance between affinity and specificity of binding. In sum, our comprehensive data help elucidate the complex binding landscape of C2H2-ZF domains and provide a foundation for efforts to determine, predict and engineer their DNA-binding specificities.
Digit evolution in gymnophthalmid lizards
Authors: Roscito Juliana G. , Nunes Pedro M.S , Rodrigues Miguel T. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe tetrapod limb is a highly diverse structure, and reduction of the limbs accounts for much of the phenotypes observed within species. Squamate reptiles represent one of the many lineages in which the limbs have been greatly modified from the pentadactyl generalized pattern; within the group, limb-reduced morphologies can vary from minor reductions in size of elements to complete limblessness, with several intermediate forms in between. Even though limb reduction is widespread, it is not clear what are the evolutionary and developmental mechanisms involved in the formation of reduced limb morphologies.MethodsIn this study, we present an overview of limb morphology within the microteiid lizard group Gymnophthalmidae, focusing on digit number.ResultsWe show that there are two major groups of limb-reduced gymnophthalmids. The first group is formed by lizard-like - and frequently pentadactyl - species, in which minor reductions (such as the loss of 1-2 phalanges mainly in digits I and V) are the rule; these morphologies generally correspond to those seen in other squamates. The second group is formed by species showing more drastic losses, which can include the absence of an externally distinct limb in adults. We also show the expression patterns of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) in the greatly reduced fore and hindlimb of a serpentiform gymnophthalmid.ConclusionsOur discussion focus on identifying shared patterns of limb reduction among tetrapods, and explaining these patterns and the morphological variation within the gymnophthalmids based on the current knowledge of the molecular signaling pathways that coordinate limb development.