bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONTRACEPTIVE USE AND TIME TO FIRST BIRTH
Authors: Tshiswaka-Kashalala Gauthier , Koch Steven F.
Published: May 2017

Although contraception allows women to delay childbirth, stop unwanted childbearing, and postpone childbirth, not all contraception is equally effective, equally easy to access, or equally easy to use. Due to heterogeneity in women’s contraception opportunities and choices, in the effectiveness of the contraception used and even in luck, women differ in both their birth intervals and their age at first childbirth. We explore this heterogeneity, theoretically, incorporating contraception effectiveness and uncertainty (along with potential earnings, contraception costs, and net child benefits) into a potential mother’s childbearing decisions. Empirically, these factors are incorporated into a first hit time duration model, focusing on time to first birth, estimated with data from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results provide nuanced insights into the income-fertility puzzle. Our evidence suggests that educated women start childbearing later, and are better able to use contraception, even less effective contraception. Thus, there are education-related heterogeneities in contraceptive effectiveness. Further, we find that women using more effective contraception start childbearing at a later age, as do women with better access to contraception. Both improved female education and improved access to modern contraception have the potential to hasten the fertility transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Quality of food-frequency questionnaire validation studies in the dietary assessment of children aged 12 to 36 months: a systematic literature review
Authors: Lovell Amy , Bulloch Rhodi , Wall Clare R. , Grant Cameron C.
Published: May 2017

A child's diet is an important determinant of growth and development. Because of this, the accurate assessment of dietary intake in young children remains a challenge. A systematic search of studies validating FFQ methodologies in children 12 to 36 months of age was completed. English-language articles published until March 2016 were searched using three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL). Quality assessment of the identified studies was carried out using The Reduced Summary Score and EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned (EURRECA) scoring system. Seventeen studies were included and categorised according to whether they reflected long-term (≥7 d) or short-term (<7 d) intake, or used a biomarker. A total score for each micronutrient was calculated from the mean of the correlation coefficients weighted by the study quality score. At least three validation studies per micronutrient were required for inclusion. Fifteen studies (83 %) that considered validity of the FFQ in assessing nutrient intakes had quality scores from 2·5 to 6·0. Of those, ten (67 %) studies found FFQ to have good correlations in assessing dietary intake (>0·4). Of the nutrients with three or more studies available, FFQ validated using a reference method reflecting short-term intake had a good weighted correlation for Ca (0·51), and acceptable weighted correlations for vitamin C (0·31) and Fe (0·33). Semi-quantitative FFQ were shown to be valid and reproducible when estimating dietary intakes at a group level, and are an acceptable instruments for estimating intakes of Ca, vitamin C and Fe in children 12 to 36 months of age.
DENSITY-1-BOUNDING AND QUASIMINIMALITY IN THE GENERIC DEGREES
Authors: CHOLAK PETER , IGUSA GREGORY
Published: May 2017

We consider the question “Is every nonzero generic degree a density-1-bounding generic degree?” By previous results [8] either resolution of this question would answer an open question concerning the structure of the generic degrees: A positive result would prove that there are no minimal generic degrees, and a negative result would prove that there exist minimal pairs in the generic degrees.

We consider several techniques for showing that the answer might be positive, and use those techniques to prove that a wide class of assumptions is sufficient to prove density-1-bounding.

We also consider a historic difficulty in constructing a potential counterexample: By previous results [7] any generic degree that is not density-1-bounding must be quasiminimal, so in particular, any construction of a non-density-1-bounding generic degree must use a method that is able to construct a quasiminimal generic degree. However, all previously known examples of quasiminimal sets are also density-1, and so trivially density-1-bounding. We provide several examples of non-density-1 sets that are quasiminimal.

Using cofinite and mod-finite reducibility, we extend our results to the uniform coarse degrees, and to the nonuniform generic degrees. We define all of the above terms, and we provide independent motivation for the study of each of them.

Combined with a concurrently written paper of Hirschfeldt, Jockusch, Kuyper, and Schupp [4], this paper provides a characterization of the level of randomness required to ensure quasiminimality in the uniform and nonuniform coarse and generic degrees.
SINGULAR INTEGRALS SUPPORTED BY SUBVARIETIES FOR VECTOR-VALUED FUNCTIONS
Authors: LIU HONGHAI
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we show that singular integrals supported by subvarieties are bounded on $L^{p}(\mathbb{R}^{n};\mathbf{X})$ for $1<p<\infty$ and some UMD space $\mathbf{X}$. In the terminology from operator space theory, we prove that singular integrals supported by subvarieties are completely $L^{p}$-bounded.
Handling Overdispersion in CRONUS-Earth Intercomparison Measurements: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Muzikar Paul , Goehring Brent , Lifton Nathaniel
Published: May 2017

The recently completed CRONUS-Earth project broadly studied the production systematics of terrestrial in-situ cosmogenic nuclides and also incorporated an intercomparison study in which multiple labs measured various nuclides in homogenized geologic materials. Aliquots of these materials were measured in several labs for multiple nuclides, and the results combined to determine benchmark, consensus values. Results for some of these samples exhibited overdispersion, meaning that the measurements from the various labs differed by more than we would expect, given the quoted uncertainties. A traditional way to handle overdispersion is to add an extra amount to the variance of each lab. Another approach is to use a method that identifies potential outliers and then gives the outliers less weight in determining the final answer. A group of such methods is based on Bayesian thinking; one relatively simple member of this group was first proposed by Press (1997). We review the Press method and then apply it to the CRONUS data sets. We compare these results to those obtained by the added variance method and discuss the implications.
Small-mass graphite preparation for AMS 14C measurements performed at GIGCAS, China
Authors: Ding P , Shen C D , Yi W X , Wang N , Ding X F
Published: May 2017

The sealed tube Zn reduction method has been applied for small-mass samples ranging from 15 to 100 μg carbon preparation for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon (14C) measurements at the AMS-14C Preparation Lab in Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (GIGCAS). The volume of the sealed reactor tube is reduced to ~0.75 cm3 in order to increase the yield of graphite. Graphite targets are measured at the Keck Carbon Cycle AMS Facility at the University of California, Irvine (KCCAMS). The targets generate a maximum 12C+1 current of about 0.5 μA per 1 μg C. The modern-carbon background is estimated to be 0.25–0.60 μg C, and dead-carbon background to be ~0.3–0.9 μg C. Both modern-carbon background and dead-carbon background are size dependent, so the results can be corrected. The precision of the small-mass modern carbon standard samples is±15–25‰ for the size of ~15–20 μg C,±5–10‰ for ~20–50 μg C, and±3–10‰ for 50–100 μg C. Further reduction of dead-carbon and modern-carbon contamination is needed in preparation of small-mass samples at GIGCAS.
Anthelmintic activity of Tunisian chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) against Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Hajaji S. , Alimi D. , Jabri M.A. , Abuseir S. , Gharbi M. , Akkari H.
Published: May 2017

The chemical treatment of gastrointestinal parasitic diseases has been undermined by increasing resistance and high toxicity. There is an urgent need to search for alternative natural sources for the treatment of such parasites. In this respect, the present study aims to quantify phenolic compounds of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and to study their in vitro anti-oxidant and anthelmintic activities in solvents with increasing polarity. In vitro determination of anti-oxidant capacity was carried out using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation methods. In vitro anthelmintic activity was investigated on egg-hatching inhibition and loss of motility of adult worms of Haemonchus contortus from sheep. The results showed that methanolic and aqueous extracts contain more total polyphenols, total flavonoids and condensed tannins than chloroformic and hexanic extracts. ABTS and DPPH assays showed that methanolic extracts had the highest anti-oxidant potency (IC50 = 1.19 μg/ml and 1.18 μg/ml, respectively). In vitro anthelmintic activity showed that both methanolic (IC50 = 1.559 mg/ml) and aqueous (IC50 = 2.559 mg/ml) extracts had the greatest effect on egg hatching and motility of worms (100% after 8 h post exposure at 8 mg/ml). A significant and positive correlation between DPPH and ABTS tests was observed for all tested extracts. Therefore, total phenolic, total flavonoid and condensed tannin values were correlated with IC50 from both ABTS and DPPH, and with inhibition of egg hatching. To our knowledge, this report is the first of its kind to deal with in vitro anthelmintic activities of chamomile extracts.
Ethiopian Muslims and the discourse about moderation
Authors: Østebø Terje , Shemsedin Wallelign
Published: May 2017

This article provides insights into particular aspects of contemporary Islamic reformism in Ethiopia, focusing on what we have labelled the Intellectualist movement. Analysing the trajectory and the ideological underpinnings of the movement from the early 1990s to the present, the study interrogates the assertion that Ethiopian Islam has moved in a radical direction and argues that the Intellectualist movement has been a significant force moderating the domestic political-religious discourses. We demonstrate that it contributed to the production of political awareness among generations of young Ethiopian Muslims, which rather than contesting the existing political system, moved in a direction of a strengthened belief in secularism and democratic values. What is important here is that this took place in an increasingly constraining political environment, which, as often assumed, did not trigger any reaction of radicalization, but rather reinforced the adherence to a moderating discourse.
The effect of heart rate variability biofeedback training on stress and anxiety: a meta-analysis
Authors: Goessl V. C. , Curtiss J. E. , Hofmann S. G.
Published: May 2017

Background

Some evidence suggests that heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback might be an effective way to treat anxiety and stress symptoms. To examine the effect of HRV biofeedback on symptoms of anxiety and stress, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies extracted from PubMed, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library.

Methods

The search identified 24 studies totaling 484 participants who received HRV biofeedback training for stress and anxiety. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

The pre-post within-group effect size (Hedges' g) was 0.81. The between-groups analysis comparing biofeedback to a control condition yielded Hedges' g = 0.83. Moderator analyses revealed that treatment efficacy was not moderated by study year, risk of study bias, percentage of females, number of sessions, or presence of an anxiety disorder.

Conclusions

HRV biofeedback training is associated with a large reduction in self-reported stress and anxiety. Although more well-controlled studies are needed, this intervention offers a promising approach for treating stress and anxiety with wearable devices.
PIC simulation of a two-foil vircator
Authors: Dubinov A.E. , Tarakanov V.P.
Published: May 2017

Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation of a two-foil magnetoinsulated vircator is carried out. Evolution of electron phase portrait has been studied. Formation of two regions with a squeezed state of electron beam is observed, separated from each other by an electronic phase vortex. The power of two-foil vircator's microwave generation was calculated. It is demonstrated that in the phase vortex mode, the power of vircator's microwave radiation may excel the outcome power of a usual one-foil vircator by two times. The spectral characteristics of two-foil vircators were studied. It was found that it is necessary to change the energy of electrons for the variation of primary microwave generation frequency.
Introduction: Popular Music and Space in Post-War German History
Authors: BROWN TIMOTHY SCOTT , HAYTON JEFF , SNEERINGER JULIA
Published: May 2017

Scholars are increasingly turning to rock'n’roll and its many genres as a means of exploring the recent past. What is electrifying about popular music in all its myriad forms is that it becomes a channel for rethinking social relations and affective communities (those held together by emotional ties) in the post-war period. These new identities and unconventional groupings exploded onto national societies, and their emancipatory programmes and inventive scenes drove democratisation. Societal responses to rock'n’roll indicate that popular music and the spaces where it manifested were highly contested, confrontations that enable scholars to reconsider historical narratives from alternative perspectives. Perhaps most importantly, as an expressive genre both driving and recording change, popular music is uniquely positioned to initiate and then document, through its material output, the efforts by individuals to alter everyday life and, as such, is an ideal vehicle for exploring the tremendous transformations that society has undergone in the post-war era.
On-Scene and Final Assessments and Their Interrelationship Among Patients Who Use the EMS on Multiple Occasions
Authors: Tärnqvist Julia , Dahlén Erik , Norberg Gabriella , Magnusson Carl , Herlitz Johan , Strömsöe Anneli , Axelsson Christer , Andersson Hagiwara Magnus
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The use of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is increasing. A number of patients call repeatedly for EMS. Early studies of frequent callers show that they form a heterogenous group.

Problem

There is a lack of research on frequent EMS callers. There is furthermore a lack of knowledge about characteristics and the prehospital assessment of the patients who call for EMS on several occasions. Finally, there is a general lack of knowledge with regard to the association between the prehospital assessment by health care providers and the final diagnosis.

Method

Patients in Skaraborg in Western Sweden, who used the EMS at least four times in 2014, were included, excluding transport between hospitals. Information on the prehospital assessment on-scene and the final diagnosis was collected from the EMS and hospital case records.

Results

In all, 339 individual patients who used the EMS on 1,855 occasions were included, accounting for five percent of all missions. Fifty percent were women. The age range was 10-98 years, but more than 50.0% were in the age range of 70-89 years.

The most common emergency signs and symptoms (ESS) codes on the scene were dyspnea, chest pain, and abdominal pain. The most common final diagnosis was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (eight percent).

Thirteen percent of all cases had a final diagnosis defined as a potentially life-threatening condition. Among these, 22.0% of prehospital assessments were retrospectively judged as potentially inappropriate.

Forty-nine percent had a defined final diagnosis not fulfilling the criteria for a potentially life-threatening condition. Among these cases, 30.0% of prehospital assessments were retrospectively judged as potentially inappropriate.

Conclusion:

Among patients who used EMS on multiple occasions, the most common symptoms on-scene were dyspnea, chest pain, and abdominal pain. The most common final diagnosis was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 13.0%, the final diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening condition was indicated. In a minority of these cases, the assessment on-scene was judged as potentially inappropriate.

TärnqvistJ, DahlénE, NorbergG, MagnussonC, HerlitzJ, StrömsöeA, AxelssonC, Andersson HagiwaraM. On-scene and final assessments and their interrelationship among patients who use the EMS on multiple occasions. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(5):528–535.
Evaluation of the long-term safety and tolerability of cariprazine in patients with schizophrenia: results from a 1-year open-label study
Authors: Cutler Andrew J. , Durgam Suresh , Wang Yao , Migliore Raffaele , Lu Kaifeng , Laszlovszky István , Németh György
Published: May 2017

Objective

Cariprazine, a dopamine D3/D2partial agonist atypical antipsychotic with preferential binding to D3receptors, is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. The efficacy and safety of cariprazine was established in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week trials in patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. This 53-week study evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of cariprazine in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

This was a multicenter, open-label, flexible-dose study of cariprazine 3–9 mg/d in adults with schizophrenia. Participants included new patients and patients who had completed one of two phase III lead-in studies (NCT01104766, NCT01104779). Eligible patients entered a no-drug screening period of up to 1 week followed by 48 weeks of flexibly dosed, open-label cariprazine treatment (3–9 mg/d) and 4 weeks of safety follow-up.

Results

A total of 586 patients received open-label cariprazine treatment, ~39% of whom completed the study. No unexpected safety issues or deaths were reported. The most common (≥10%) adverse events (AEs) observed were akathisia (16%), headache (13%), insomnia (13%), and weight gain (10%). Serious AEs occurred in 59 (10.1%) patients, and 73 (12.5%) patients discontinued the study due to AEs during open-label treatment. Mean changes in metabolic, hepatic, and cardiovascular parameters were not considered clinically relevant. Mean body weight increased by 1.5 kg during the study, prolactin levels decreased slightly, and measures of efficacy remained stable.

Conclusions

Long-term cariprazine treatment at doses up to 9 mg/d appeared to be generally safe and well tolerated in patients with schizophrenia.
The Effect of Endogenous and Synthetic Estrogens on Whole Blood Clot Formation and Erythrocyte Structure
Authors: Swanepoel Albe C. , Emmerson Odette , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: May 2017

As erythrocyte and estrogens interact so closely and erythrocytes can indicate the healthiness of an individual, it is essential to investigate the effects of natural estrogens as well as synthetic estrogens on these cells. Whole blood samples were used for thromboelastography (TEG), light microscopy (LM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation. Viscoelastic investigation with TEG revealed that estrogens affected the rate of clot formation without any significant effect on the strength or stability of the clot. Axial ratio analysis with LM showed a statistically significant increase in number of erythrocytes with decreased roundness. Morphological analysis with SEM confirmed the change in erythrocyte shape and revealed both ultrastructural membrane changes and erythrocyte interactions. As erythrocyte shape and membrane flexibility correlates to physiological functioning of these cells in circulation, these changes, indicative of possible eryptosis brought on by estrogens, when experienced by individuals with an underlying inflammatory or hematological illness, could impair erythrocyte functioning and even result in obstructions in circulation. In conclusion, we suggest that whole blood analysis with viscoelastic and morphological techniques could be used as assessment of the hematological healthiness of individuals using estrogens.
Effect of Progesterone and Synthetic Progestins on Whole Blood Clot Formation and Erythrocyte Structure
Authors: Swanepoel Albe C. , Emmerson Odette , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: May 2017

Combined oral contraceptive (COC) use is a risk factor for venous thrombosis (VT) and related to the specific type of progestin used. VT is accompanied by inflammation and pathophysiological clot formation, that includes aberrant erythrocytes and fibrin(ogen) interactions. In this paper, we aim to determine the influence of progesterone and different synthetic progestins found in COCs on the viscoelasticity of whole blood clots, as well as erythrocyte morphology and membrane ultrastructure, in anin vitrolaboratory study. Thromboelastography (TEG), light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were our chosen methods. Our results point out that progestins influence the rate of whole blood clot formation. Alterations to erythrocyte morphology and membrane ultrastructure suggest the presence of eryptosis. We also note increased rouleaux formation, erythrocyte aggregation, and spontaneous fibrin formation in whole blood which may explain the increased risk of VT associated with COC use. Although not all COC users will experience a thrombotic event, individuals with a thrombotic predisposition, due to inflammatory or hematological illness, should be closely monitored to prevent pathological thrombosis.
Long-term beneficial outcome of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for smaller and larger vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Sadik Zjiwar H. A. , Mendez Romero Alejandra , van Linge Anne , Dallenga Alof H. G. , Pauw Robert-Jan , Wolbers John G.
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) is an alternative treatment for large vestibular schwannomas (VS), if patients are not fit for or refuse surgery. In this study, we compared long-term clinical and radiological outcome in both small–medium sized and larger tumours.

Material and methods

A retrospective study was performed of patients with sporadic VS who underwent primarily conventional FSRT. In total, 50 consecutive patients were divided into two groups by volume. Clinical and volumetric parameters were analysed.

Results

In all, 41 patients (82%) had large tumours affecting the 4thventricle (modified Koos stage 4). Definitive expansion of VS occurred in eight out of 50 patients (16%). After 7·2 years (median) the overall freedom from clinical failure was 100% in smaller and 92% in larger schwannomas (arbitrarily sized >7·4 cc). Useful hearing was preserved in only 35% of the patients. The facial nerve remained intact in all cases, while new deficit of the trigeminal nerve occurred in 20% of the cases. Of the larger tumours 20% needed a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt.

Conclusions

FSRT is a treatment in its own right as it is highly effective in both smaller and larger VS without causing permanent disabling complications. The outcome is beneficial also in larger tumours that affect the 4thventricle.
Where does good quality qualitative health care research get published?
Authors: Richardson Jane C. , Liddle Jennifer
Published: May 2017

This short report aims to give some insight into current publication patterns for high-quality qualitative health research, using the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 database. We explored patterns of publication by range and type of journal, by date and by methodological focus. We also looked at variations between the publications submitted to different Units of Assessment, focussing particularly on the one most closely aligned with our own research area of primary care. Our brief analysis demonstrates that general medical/health journals with high impact factors are the dominant routes of publication, but there is variation according to the methodological approach adopted by articles. The number of qualitative health articles submitted to REF 2014 overall was small, and even more so for articles based on mixed methods research, qualitative methodology or reviews/syntheses that included qualitative articles.
Psychological aspects of meaning-centered group psychotherapy: Spanish experience
Authors: Fraguell Clara , Limonero Joaquín T. , Gil Francisco
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Our aim was to identify the themes that arise when applying adapted meaning-centered group psychotherapy (MCGP) in Spanish-speaking advanced cancer patients.

Method:

A mixed qualitative–quantitative analysis was performed on the transcripts of interviews with 22 advanced cancer patients who had been assigned to three MCGP subgroups.

Results:

We found six new emergent themes in addition to the originally constructed themes of MCGP. Threat and uncertainty were the two most frequent emergent issues for our Spanish patients.

Significance of results:

The implementation of MCGP in Spanish patients validated the themes proposed by Breitbart and colleagues' foundational work on MCGP and also suggested new issues relevant to patient well-being (classified as “emergent themes”). Taking our findings into account, we propose that these new themes be considered in the Spanish adaptation of MCGP as well as in future adaptations of this form of psychotherapy in treating Latin American patients.
2D Extended envelope memory polynomial model for concurrent dual-band RF transmitters
Authors: Amin Shoaib , Landin Per N. , Händel Peter , Rönnow Daniel
Published: May 2017

The paper presents a two-dimensional (2D) extended envelope memory polynomial model for concurrent dual-band radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (PAs). The model is derived based on the physical knowledge of a dual-band RF PA. The derived model contains cross-modulation terms not included in previously published models; these terms are found to be of importance for both behavioral modeling and digital predistortion (DPD). The performance of the derived model is evaluated both as the behavioral model and DPD, and the performance is compared with state-of-the-art 2D-DPD and dual-band generalized memory polynomial (DB-GMP) models. Experimental result shows that the proposed model resulted in normalized mean square error of −51.7/−51.6 dB and adjacent channel error power ratio of −63.1/−63.4 dB, for channel 1/2, whereas the 2D-DPD resulted in the largest model error and DB-GMP resulted in model parameters that are three times more than those resulted with the proposed model with the same performance. As pre-distorter, the proposed model resulted in adjacent channel power ratio of −55.8/−54.6 dB for channel 1/2 and is 7–10 dB lower than those resulted with the 2D-DPD model and 2–4 dB lower compared with the DB-GMP model.
Double-ring multiband microstrip patch antenna with parasitic strip structure for heterogeneous wireless communication systems
Authors: Singla Geetanjali , Khanna Rajesh
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a novel design of compact Coplanar Waveguide-fed planar monopole antenna with enhanced bandwidth and multiband characteristics has been proposed. Two rectangular rings have been incorporated in a rectangular patch to obtain multiband operation for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) (2.3/2.5/5.5 GHz) bands. A parasitic strip and meandering along with double-ringed structure have been used to achieve enhanced impedance bandwidth in WLAN (from 2.26 to 3.03 GHz) and WiMAX (from 4.48 to 6.85 GHz) bands. The parametric analysis is carried out to study effect of varying dimensions on antenna performance. The proposed antenna is optimized and prototype is designed and fabricated. Simulated and measured radiation patterns in elevation and azimuthal planes are also observed. The antenna shows significant gain of 7.33 dBi at 6.54 GHz frequency.
A wideband bandpass filter with multi-mode resonator and mixed electromagnetic coupling
Authors: Shen Mengkui , Lin Xian Qi , He Zhaosheng
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a wideband bandpass filter using multi-mode resonator and mixed electromagnetic (EM) coupling is presented. To increase the bandwidth while not enlarge the circuit size, multi-short-stub multi-mode resonator, which produces multiple resonances, is utilized. Furthermore, the capacitive gap between open ends of the stubs is utilized to realize electric coupling between the multi-mode resonator and quarter-wavelength stepped impedance resonator. Meanwhile, a high-impedance transmission line between them is used to implement magnetic coupling. This mixed EM coupling can produce transmission zero near the passband, consequently improving the frequency selectivity of proposed filter. Measured results of the filter prototype are in good agreement with the simulated ones. The filter is with an insertion loss at central frequency of 15.86 GHz about 2.5 dB, a 3 dB bandwidth about 5.72 GHz (the fractional bandwidth about 36%), and the variation of group delay over the whole passband <0.28 ns. Additionally, the effective circuit size of the filter is about 0.126 λg2, where λg is the wavelength of 15.86 GHz. All these results have shown that proposed filter is promising for future high-precision imaging system or high-speed communication application.
Laws Relating to Planes Gliding in the Air
Authors: Pénaud Alphonse
Published: May 2017

Newton, who was the first to study the resistance that fluids offer to a body moving in them, stated implicitly that the molecules of the fluid remained immovable up to the moment that the body touched them, and returned to a state of rest immediately afterwards.

He found that the resistance experienced by a flat surface was proportionate, 1° to its extent, 2° to the density of the fluid, 3° to the square of the velocity, 4° to the square of the sine of the angle of incidence, and 5° that it is normal to the surface. It was, however, soon discovered that this theory, altogether empirical, was often at discord with what experience taught, and a great number of experimental researches have been made at different periods in order to throw further light on the subject.
A Paper in Condemnation of Gas as an Aid to Aërial Machines
Authors: Brearey Fred. W.
Published: May 2017

I Wish to protest against the ever-recurring project of the sustentation of so-called aerial machines, by the employment of gas contained in any form of envelope, stiffened, strutted, or spherical. The mind, which enters freshly into the study of aerial navigation pure and simple, often confounded by the inability to rise from the earth, naturally suggests the aid of gas to take off the weight of the apparatus. This, however, would be a combination quite destructive of flight. The flying machine, if ever one worthy of the name be constructed, will be some apparatus of two dimensions, and will consequently be dwarfed by any auxiliary aid of cubical dimensions, such asa balloon, or any apparatus of the nature of a balloon, whatever be its shape.
“The Possibility of Man-Flight”
Authors: Barry E. A.
Published: May 2017

The question which I propose to consider in the following pages is a very old one, and one which is almost universally answered with a confident negative. It is this: “Can man imitate the flight of birds by means of a machine set in motion by his own muscular power?” For the sake of brevity, I will call this the problem of man-flight. As I have said, the great majority of people will answer at once, “No,” and will give as their reason the alleged fact that man has not enough power. The fact that a man can raise himself by means of a ladder seemed, however, to me to prove that he is possessed of sufficient power, the difficulty or impossibility of the problem lying in the difficulty or impossibility of constructing an apparatus which should be at the same time reasonably light, and yet take firm hold of the air. In considering this question, the first thing to be done was evidently to ascertain the power a man can exert.
Upon the employment of Oxygen mixed with Atmospheric Air in Respiration
Authors: Gaudin M. A.
Published: May 2017

Apropos of the very remarkable effects of the respiration of atmospheric air enriched with oxygen confirmed by MM. Crocé-Spinelli and Sivel during their last aérostatic ascent, I remember to have obtained some long time since very analagous results.

This was in the year 1832, on the occasion of the great epidemic of cholera. A young physician employed me to administer to the cholera-patients of the ambulance of the Rue Grange-Batelière pure oxygen to assist in producing re-action. We operated upon the sick in the last stage of the malady, and some were saved by the employment of this means.
Germination of Winter Annual Grass Weeds under a Range of Temperatures and Water Potentials
Authors: Scherner Ananda , Melander Bo , Jensen Peter K. , Kudsk Per , Avila Luis A.
Published: May 2017

Silky windgrass and annual bluegrass are among the most troublesome weeds in northern European winter crops, while problems with rattail fescue have been especially linked to direct-drilling practices. This study investigated the germination patterns of silky windgrass, annual bluegrass, and rattail fescue in multiple water potentials and temperature regimes. Temperature and water potential effects were similar between silky windgrass and rattail fescue, but differed from annual bluegrass. The three grass weeds were able to germinate under low water potential (−1.0 MPa), although water potentials ≤−0.25 MPa strongly delayed their germination. Silky windgrass and rattail fescue seeds were able to germinate at 1 C, while the minimum temperature for annual bluegrass germination was 5 C. Germination of silky windgrass and rattail fescue was very similar across temperature and water potentials, which implies similar emergence flushes under field conditions, allowing management interventions to follow the same scheme.
Qualitative Längsschnittstudien im Forschungsfeld Palliative Care – Methodische, ethische und psychosoziale Aspekte
Authors: Kreyer Christiane , Pleschberger Sabine
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Einleitung: Trotz der Relevanz qualitativer Längsschnittdesigns für das Forschungsfeld Palliative Care gibt es nur eine geringe pflegewissenschaftliche Auseinandersetzung mit diesem Ansatz. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, methodische, ethische und psychosoziale Herausforderungen, die im Rahmen einer qualitativen Längsschnittstudie (QLS) in Palliative Care aufgetreten sind, aufzuzeigen. Methode: Ausgehend von einem Dissertationsprojekt, das sich mit dem Handeln Angehöriger in der häuslichen Palliativversorgung befasste, wurden die Erfahrungen bei der Entwicklung und Durchführung einer QLS reflektiert und analysiert. Über eine Literaturanalyse wurde der Bezug zum aktuellen Diskussionsstand hergestellt. Ergebnisse: Methodisch stellte sich die Bestimmung der Erhebungszeitpunkte als Herausforderung dar. In der Folge wurden flexible Interviewintervalle mit den Angehörigen vereinbart. Dies und die bewusste Etablierung einer tragfähigen Beziehung förderte den Verbleib der Teilnehmenden in der Studie und sicherte darüber hinaus die Datenqualität. Aus diesem Ansatz und aus weiteren ethischen Implikationen ergaben sich für die Forschende eine hohe ethische Verantwortung sowie emotionale Herausforderungen.
Häufigkeit von Richt- und Abgabefehlern von Medikamenten in einem Schweizer Universitätsspital
Authors: Küng Kaspar , Aeschbacher Katrin , Rütsche Adrian , Goette Jeannette
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Prospektive Observationsstudien, welche die Häufigkeit von Medikationsfehlern in Schweizer Spitälern durch direkte Beobachtung von Fachpersonen und Medikamentendosen erhoben haben, fehlten bislang. Eine wissenschaftliche Evaluation eines elektronisch unterstützten Richt- und Abgabeprozesses von Medikamenten in einem Universitätsspital liefert nun aktuelle Daten dazu. Ziel: Ziel der Studie war, die Häufigkeit von Richt- und Abgabefehlern von Medikamenten auf zwei Abteilungen eines Universitätsspitals, vor der Implementierung eines Systems zur elektronischen Unterstützung des Richt- und Abgabeprozesses zu erheben. Methode: Mittels Goldstandard, d. h. durch direkte Beobachtung von Fachpersonen und Medikamentendosen, wurden Richt- und Abgabefehler von Medikamenten während drei Monaten erhoben. Zudem wurde die Zeit, die für das Richten, Kontrollieren und Abgeben von Medikamenten benötigt wurde, gemessen. Ergebnisse: Während der Baseline-Messung wurden in den Prozessen Richten, Kontrollieren und Abgeben von Medikamenten insgesamt 14 571 Medikamentendosen beobachtet. Die Fehlerhäufigkeit beim Richten von Medikamenten lag je nach Abteilung und Fehlertyp zwischen 1 % und 7,6 %. Die Häufigkeit von Abgabefehlern lag, inklusive Zeitfehler, zwischen 21 % und 27 %, wobei Zeitfehler mit einem Anteil von durchschnittlich 84,1 % am häufigsten auftraten. Schlussfolgerungen: Die vorliegende Studie ist die erste Observationsstudie in einem Schweizer Universitätsspital, welche die Häufigkeit von Richt- und Abgabefehlern von Medikamenten systematisch erhoben hat. Sie bietet damit die Grundlage, Effekte von elektronisch unterstützen Medikationsprozessen wissenschaftlich nachzuweisen.
Activity-based protein profiling as a robust method for enzyme identification and screening in extremophilic Archaea
Authors: Zweerink Susanne , Kallnik Verena , Ninck Sabrina , Nickel Sabrina , Verheyen Julia , Blum Marcel , Wagner Alexander , Feldmann Ingo , Sickmann Albert , Albers Sonja-Verena , Bräsen Christopher , Kaschani Farnusch , Siebers Bettina , Kaiser Markus
Published: May 2017

Archaea are characterized by a unique life style in often environmental extremes but their thorough investigation is currently hampered by a limited set of suitable in vivo research methodologies. Here, we demonstrate that in vivo activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) may be used to sensitively detect either native or heterogeneously expressed active enzymes in living archaea even under these extreme conditions. In combination with the development of a genetically engineered archaeal screening strain, ABPP can furthermore be used in functional enzyme screenings from (meta)genome samples. We anticipate that our ABPP approach may therefore find application in basic archaeal research but also in the discovery of novel enzymes from (meta)genome libraries.
Genome sequencing and population genomic analyses provide insights into the adaptive landscape of silver birch
Authors: Salojärvi Jarkko , Smolander Olli-Pekka , Nieminen Kaisa , Rajaraman Sitaram , Safronov Omid , Safdari Pezhman , Lamminmäki Airi , Immanen Juha , Lan Tianying , Tanskanen Jaakko , Rastas Pasi , Amiryousefi Ali , Jayaprakash Balamuralikrishna , Kammonen Juhana I , Hagqvist Risto , Eswaran Gugan , Ahonen Viivi Helena , Serra Juan Alonso , Asiegbu Fred O , de Dios Barajas-Lopez Juan , Blande Daniel , Blokhina Olga , Blomster Tiina , Broholm Suvi , Brosché Mikael , Cui Fuqiang , Dardick Chris , Ehonen Sanna E , Elomaa Paula , Escamez Sacha , Fagerstedt Kurt V , Fujii Hiroaki , Gauthier Adrien , Gollan Peter J , Halimaa Pauliina , Heino Pekka I , Himanen Kristiina , Hollender Courtney , Kangasjärvi Saijaliisa , Kauppinen Leila , Kelleher Colin T , Kontunen-Soppela Sari , Koskinen J Patrik , Kovalchuk Andriy , Kärenlampi Sirpa O , Kärkönen Anna K , Lim Kean-Jin , Leppälä Johanna , Macpherson Lee , Mikola Juha , Mouhu Katriina , Mähönen Ari Pekka , Niinemets Ülo , Oksanen Elina , Overmyer Kirk , Palva E Tapio , Pazouki Leila , Pennanen Ville , Puhakainen Tuula , Poczai Péter , Possen Boy J H M , Punkkinen Matleena , Rahikainen Moona M , Rousi Matti , Ruonala Raili , van der Schoot Christiaan , Shapiguzov Alexey , Sierla Maija , Sipilä Timo P , Sutela Suvi , Teeri Teemu H , Tervahauta Arja I , Vaattovaara Aleksia , Vahala Jorma , Vetchinnikova Lidia , Welling Annikki , Wrzaczek Michael , Xu Enjun , Paulin Lars G , Schulman Alan H , Lascoux Martin , Albert Victor A , Auvinen Petri , Helariutta Ykä , Kangasjärvi Jaakko
Published: May 2017

Silver birch (Betula pendula) is a pioneer boreal tree that can be induced to flower within 1 year. Its rapid life cycle, small (440-Mb) genome, and advanced germplasm resources make birch an attractive model for forest biotechnology. We assembled and chromosomally anchored the nuclear genome of an inbred B. pendula individual. Gene duplicates from the paleohexaploid event were enriched for transcriptional regulation, whereas tandem duplicates were overrepresented by environmental responses. Population resequencing of 80 individuals showed effective population size crashes at major points of climatic upheaval. Selective sweeps were enriched among polyploid duplicates encoding key developmental and physiological triggering functions, suggesting that local adaptation has tuned the timing of and cross-talk between fundamental plant processes. Variation around the tightly-linked light response genes PHYC and FRS10 correlated with latitude and longitude and temperature, and with precipitation for PHYC. Similar associations characterized the growth-promoting cytokinin response regulator ARR1, and the wood development genes KAK and MED5A.
The zinc-finger transcriptional factor Slug transcriptionally downregulates ERα by recruiting lysine-specific demethylase 1 in human breast cancer
Authors: Bai J-W , Chen M-N , Wei X-L , Li Y-Ch , Lin H-Y , Chen M , Li J-W , Du C-W , Man K , Zhang G-J
Published: May 2017

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is related with epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis, and serves as an important therapeutic predictor and prognostic factor in breast cancer patients. The triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by loss of hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2), and lacks effective targeted therapy with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms of ERα deficiency, which becomes hormone independent and results in resistance to endocrine therapy, remain to be elucidated in breast cancer. In this study, we observed an inverse correlation between Slug, a zinc-finger transcriptional repressor, and ERα expression in both human breast cancer tissues and cell lines. In ERα-negative breast cancer patients, high Slug messenger RNA expression showed obviously shorter relapse-free survival. We found that Slug binds to the E-box located in the promoter of estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) to suppress its expression. More specifically, Slug recruits lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to the E-box and thereby inhibits ERα expression by demethylating H3K4me2, which is evidenced by the interaction between Slug and LSD1. Moreover, the amount of H3K4me2 binding to the E-box was significantly increased after LSD1 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells. Functionally, the ability to proliferate, invade and metastasize was significantly suppressed after knockdown of either Slug or LSD1 alone, or both simultaneously. Taken together, these results suggest that Slug transcriptionally inhibits ERα expression by recruiting LSD1 to the ESR1 promoter in breast cancers. Thus, targeted inhibition of Slug and LSD1 may restore ERα and lead to resensitization to hormone therapy, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for ERα-negative breast cancer patients, especially for TNBC.
Penicillinase-resistant antibiotics induce non-immune-mediated cholestasis through HSP27 activation associated with PKC/P38 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways
Authors: Burban Audrey , Sharanek Ahmad , Hüe Romain , Gay Marion , Routier Sylvain , Guillouzo André , Guguen-Guillouzo Christiane
Published: May 2017

The penicillinase-resistant antibiotics (PRAs), especially the highly prescribed flucloxacillin, caused frequent liver injury via mechanisms that remain largely non-elucidated. We first showed that flucloxacillin, independently of cytotoxicity, could exhibit cholestatic effects in human hepatocytes in the absence of an immune reaction, that were typified by dilatation of bile canaliculi associated with impairment of the Rho-kinase signaling pathway and reduced bile acid efflux. Then, we analyzed the sequential molecular events involved in flucloxacillin-induced cholestasis. A crucial role of HSP27 by inhibiting Rho-kinase activity was demonstrated using siRNA and the specific inhibitor KRIBB3. HSP27 activation was dependent on the PKC/P38 pathway, and led downstream to activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Other PRAs induced similar cholestatic effects while non PRAs were ineffective. Our results demonstrate that PRAs can induce cholestatic features in human hepatocytes through HSP27 activation associated with PKC/P38 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and consequently support the conclusion that in clinic they can cause a non-immune-mediated cholestasis that is not restricted to patients possessing certain genetic determinants.
Intranasal drug delivery of small interfering RNA targeting Beclin1 encapsulated with polyethylenimine (PEI) in mouse brain to achieve HIV attenuation
Authors: Rodriguez Myosotys , Lapierre Jessica , Ojha Chet Raj , Kaushik Ajeet , Batrakova Elena , Kashanchi Fatah , Dever Seth M. , Nair Madhavan , El-Hage Nazira
Published: May 2017

We previously reported that activation of the host autophagic protein, Beclin1, by HIV-1 infection represents an essential mechanism in controlling HIV replication and viral-induced inflammatory responses in microglial cells. Existing antiretroviral therapeutic approaches have been limited in their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively and recognize and selectively eliminate persistent HIV-infected brain reservoirs. In the present study and for the first time, the bio-distribution and efficacy of noninvasive intranasal delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the Beclin1 gene using the cationic linear polyethylenimines (PEI) as a gene carrier was investigated in adult mouse brain. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled control siRNA delivered intranasally was found in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells of the prefrontal cortex at 4 and 24 hours post-delivery, with no major adverse immune reaction encountered. Intranasal delivery of the siRNA targeting Beclin1 significantly depleted the target protein expression levels in brain tissues with no evidence of toxicity. Binding of siRNA to PEI-polymer was characterized and confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. These results indicate that the intranasal drug delivery allows for the direct delivery of the PEI-siRNA nano-complex to the central nervous system, which could potentially offer an efficient means of gene silencing-mediated therapy in the HIV-infected brain.