bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the clinical significance of errors in pediatric radiograph interpretation between emergency physicians and radiologists
Authors: Taves Jonathan , Skitch Steve , Valani Rahim
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Emergency physicians (EPs) interpret plain radiographs for management and disposition of patients. Radiologists subsequently conduct their own interpretations, which may differ. The purposes of this study were to review the rate and nature of discrepancies between radiographs interpreted by EPs and those of radiologists in the pediatric emergency department, and to determine their clinical significance.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of discrepant radiology reports from a single-site pediatric emergency department from October 2012 to December 2014. All radiographs were interpreted first by the staff EP, then by a radiologist. The report was identified as a “discrepancy” if these reports differed. Radiographs were categorized by body part and discrepancies classified as false positive, false negative, or not a discrepancy. Clinically significant errors that required a change in management were tracked.

Results

There were 25,304 plain radiographs completed during the study period, of which 252 (1.00%) were identified as discrepant. The most common were chest radiographs (41.7%) due to missed pneumonia, followed by upper and lower extremities (26.2% and 17.5%, respectively) due to missed fractures. Of the 252 discrepancies, 207 (82.1%) were false negatives and 45 (17.9%) were false positives. In total, 105 (0.41% of all radiographs) were clinically significant.

Conclusion

There is a low rate of discrepancy in the interpretation of pediatric emergency radiographs between emergency department physicians and radiologists. The majority of errors occur with radiographs of the chest and upper extremities. The low rate of clinically significant discrepancy allows safe management based on EP interpretation.
Some parallels, accidental and expected
Authors: Labov William
Published: June 2017

The articles in this issue were developed from presentations in the Intersections workshop held concurrently with NWAV44. The goals of that workshop were to widen and deepen the study of linguistic variation by creating intersections with other approaches to linguistic analysis.
The Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI): Developing workforce capacity for health disparities research
Authors: Butler James , Fryer Craig S. , Ward Earlise , Westaby Katelyn , Adams Alexandra , Esmond Sarah L. , Garza Mary A. , Hogle Janice A. , Scholl Linda M. , Quinn Sandra C. , Thomas Stephen B. , Sorkness Christine A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Efforts to address health disparities and achieve health equity are critically dependent on the development of a diverse research workforce. However, many researchers from underrepresented backgrounds face challenges in advancing their careers, securing independent funding, and finding the mentorship needed to expand their research.

Methods

Faculty from the University of Maryland at College Park and the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed and evaluated an intensive week-long research and career-development institute—the Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI)—with the goal of increasing the number of underrepresented scholars who can sustain their ongoing commitment to health equity research.

Results

In 2010-2016, HELI brought 145 diverse scholars (78% from an underrepresented background; 81% female) together to engage with each other and learn from supportive faculty. Overall, scholar feedback was highly positive on all survey items, with average agreement ratings of 4.45-4.84 based on a 5-point Likert scale. Eighty-five percent of scholars remain in academic positions. In the first three cohorts, 73% of HELI participants have been promoted and 23% have secured independent federal funding.

Conclusions

HELI includes an evidence-based curriculum to develop a diverse workforce for health equity research. For those institutions interested in implementing such an institute to develop and support underrepresented early stage investigators, a resource toolbox is provided.
Portfolio-specific accountability and retrospective voting: the case of Italy
Authors: Plescia Carolina
Published: June 2017

How do voters attribute responsibility for government outcomes when they are the result of a collective decision taken by multiple parties within a coalition government? In this article we test the argument that in a multiparty coalition system, responsibility attribution should vary according to the quantity and quality of portfolios that the coalition partner controls. The article uses data from the Italian National Election Study in Italy, a country usually characterized by governments formed by more than two parties. We find no consistent empirical evidence that coalition parties collectively suffer from perceived negative performance. While the prime minister party is held responsible on average more than the other coalition partners, responsibility attribution decreases by party size in the parliament rather than by the quantity of ministerial portfolios the incumbent party controls. Issue saliency, however, plays an important role in the retrospective voting mechanism. These results have important implications for our understanding of electoral behaviour and democratic accountability.
AN AXIOMATIC APPROACH TO FREE AMALGAMATION
Authors: CONANT GABRIEL
Published: June 2017

We use axioms of abstract ternary relations to define the notion of a free amalgamation theory. These form a subclass of first-order theories, without the strict order property, encompassing many prominent examples of countable structures in relational languages, in which the class of algebraically closed substructures is closed under free amalgamation. We show that any free amalgamation theory has elimination of hyperimaginaries and weak elimination of imaginaries. With this result, we use several families of well-known homogeneous structures to give new examples of rosy theories. We then prove that, for free amalgamation theories, simplicity coincides with NTP2 and, assuming modularity, with NSOP3 as well. We also show that any simple free amalgamation theory is 1-based. Finally, we prove a combinatorial characterization of simplicity for Fraïssé limits with free amalgamation, which provides new context for the fact that the generic Kn-free graphs are SOP3, while the higher arity generic $K_n^r$-free r-hypergraphs are simple.
DOWNWARD TRANSFERENCE OF MICE AND UNIVERSALITY OF LOCAL CORE MODELS
Authors: CAICEDO ANDRÉS EDUARDO , ZEMAN MARTIN
Published: June 2017

If M is a proper class inner model of ZFC and $\omega _2^{\bf{M}} = \omega _2 $, then every sound mouse projecting to ω and not past 0¶ belongs to M. In fact, under the assumption that 0¶ does not belong to M, ${\bf{K}}^{\bf{M}} \parallel \omega _2 $ is universal for all countable mice in V.

Similarly, if M is a proper class inner model of ZFC, δ > ω1 is regular, (δ+)M = δ+ and in V there is no proper class inner model with a Woodin cardinal, then ${\bf{K}}^{\bf{M}} \parallel \delta $ is universal for all mice in V of cardinality less than δ.
DECIDABLE ALGEBRAIC FIELDS
Authors: JARDEN MOSHE , SHLAPENTOKH ALEXANDRA
Published: June 2017

We discuss the connection between decidability of a theory of a large algebraic extensions of ${\Bbb Q}$ and the recursiveness of the field as a subset of a fixed algebraic closure. In particular, we prove that if an algebraic extension K of ${\Bbb Q}$ has a decidable existential theory, then within any fixed algebraic closure $\widetilde{\Bbb Q}$ of ${\Bbb Q}$, the field K must be conjugate over ${\Bbb Q}$ to a field which is recursive as a subset of the algebraic closure. We also show that for each positive integer e there are infinitely many e-tuples $\sigma \in {\text{Gal}}\left( {\Bbb Q} \right)^e $ such that the field $\widetilde{\Bbb Q}\left( \sigma \right)$ is primitive recursive in $\widetilde{\Bbb Q}$ and its elementary theory is primitive recursively decidable. Moreover, $\widetilde{\Bbb Q}\left( \sigma \right)$ is PAC and ${\text{Gal}}\left( {\widetilde{\Bbb Q}\left( \sigma \right)} \right)$ is isomorphic to the free profinite group on e generators.
Immigration and Support for Social Policy: An Experimental Comparison of Universal and Means-Tested Programs
Authors: Muñoz Jordi , Pardos-Prado Sergi
Published: June 2017

A growing body of research suggests that immigration undermines native support for the welfare state. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship and the possible moderating effects of institutions remain inconclusive. In this study, we identify via survey experiments how means-tested programs and targeted spending exacerbate the negative effect of immigration on public support for redistribution. Our findings suggest that different institutional settings can attach different weights to identity considerations across the whole socio-economic spectrum. We conclude by discussing the implications of our results for previous contradictory findings in the literature, and for the effectiveness of welfare policies in times of increasing ethnic diversity.
Radiocarbon Dating of Ahdname, Mantel, and Armorial from the Fojnica Franciscan Monastery, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Horvatinčić Nada , Sironić Andreja , Barešić Jadranka , Kozjak Igor
Published: June 2017

In this work, we present the results of radiocarbon (14C) dating of three historically important objects related to the period of the reign of the Ottoman Empire in Europe. The following objects from the museum collection of the Franciscan Monastery in Fojnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina were 14C dated: (1) paper from the Ahdname (Fojnička ahdnama); (2) textile of the mantel of Fra Anđeo Zvizdović; and (3) paper from the Fojnica Armorial (Fojnički grbovnik). It was assumed that the Ahdname was issued in AD 1463 by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II to the Catholic monks and that the Mantel had belonged to Fra Anđeo Zvizdović, who received the Ahdname. The Fojnica Armorial is an important source of the classical heraldry of the Balkans Peninsula, with various estimates of the age. The 14C calibrated ages of the Ahdname are as follows: lower part, cal AD 1430–1465, upper part, cal AD 1665–1808, proving that only the lower part of the Ahdname was original. The 14C calibrated age of the textile from the outer layer of the Mantel is cal AD 1492–1641, somewhat younger than expected, and inner lining even younger, cal AD 1652–1805. Good coincidence between the calibrated age span of the renewed part of the Ahdname and the lining material of the Mantel can suggest that both objects had been renewed around the same time. Two samples of the Fojnica Armorial were dated: thick paper, cal AD 1631–1667 and thin paper, cal AD 1809–1926, showing that the Armorial had been compiled during different periods.
Paleoenvironmental Records Influenced by Sea Level Variations During the Holocene in the Vitória Bay Region, Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: de Freitas Alex da Silva , Ferreira Barreto Cintia , Cardoso Bastos Alex , Baptista Neto José Antônio
Published: June 2017

Vitória Bay is located in the south-central part of the State of Espírito Santo (SES). Multiproxy analyses were performed on samples from a 490-cm-long sediment core collected at the coordinates 40°18′23′′W and 20°14′48′′S. The objective of this study was to identify and integrate the multiproxy data to determine the environmental dynamics during the Holocene. The material was subsampled every 10 m and submitted to standard methodological processing. The sediment core was dated to two depths: the oldest age was between 9396 and 9520 cal yr BP at a 480-cm depth, and the youngest age was from 7423 to 7511 cal yr BP at a 304-cm depth. The integrated analysis revealed evidence of three major environmental changes in Vitória Bay. The first phase had a fluvial influence (depth of 490–480 cm; 9396–9520 cal yr BP). This was followed by a transitional period (depth of 480–290 cm; 7423–7511 cal yr BP) with a salt influence due to the Last Marine Transgression (LMT). Later, the environmental stability was similar to that of today (290 cm to the core top). This was a reflection of the Last Marine Regression (LMR) in the Holocene.
Attraction and consumption of methyl eugenol by male Bactrocera umbrosa Fabricius (Diptera: Tephritidae) promotes conspecific sexual communication and mating performance
Authors: Wee S.L. , Abdul Munir M.Z. , Hee A.K.W.
Published: June 2017

The Artocarpus fruit fly, Bactrocera umbrosa (Fabricius) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an oligophagous fruit pest infesting Moraceae fruits, including jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamarck), a fruit commodity of high value in Malaysia. The scarcity of fundamental biological, physiological and ecological information on this pest, particularly in relation to behavioural response to phytochemical lures, which are instrumental to the success of many area-wide fruit fly control and management programmes, underpins the need for studies on this much-underrated pest. The positive response of B. umbrosa males to methyl eugenol (ME), a highly potent phytochemical lure, which attracts mainly males of many Bactrocera species, was shown to increase with increasing age. As early as 7 days after emergence (DAE), ca. 22% of males had responded to ME and over 50% by 10 DAE, despite no occurrence of matings (i.e. the males were still sexually immature). Male attraction to ME peaked from 10 to 27 DAE, which corresponded with the flies’ attainment of sexual maturity. In wind-tunnel assays during the dusk courtship period, ME-fed males exhibited earlier calling activity and attracted a significantly higher percentage of virgin females compared with ME-deprived males. ME-fed males enjoyed a higher mating success than ME-deprived males at 1-day post ME feeding in semi-field assays. ME consumption also promotes aggregation behaviour in B. umbrosa males, as demonstrated in wind-tunnel and semi-field assays. We suggest that ME plays a prominent role in promoting sexual communication and enhancing mating performance of the Artocarpus fruit fly, a finding that is congruent with previous reports on the consequences of ME acquisition by other economically important Bactrocera species.
PROLONGED BIRTH INTERVALS IN HAMEDAN, IRAN: VARIATIONS AND DETERMINANTS
Authors: Erfani Amir , Nojomi Marzieh , Hosseini Hatam
Published: June 2017

The enduring sub-replacement level of fertility in Iran is the result of changing timing of births. Using data from the 2015 Hamedan Survey of Fertility, conducted in a representative sample of 3000 married women aged 15–49, this study examined variations in median lengths of birth intervals employing cumulative survival functions, and investigated the determinants of birth interval lengths using regression hazard models. The results showed that the median first, second and third birth intervals, estimated at 28, 74 and 136 months respectively, doubled between 1995 and 2015. The multivariate analysis results indicated the strong impact of contraceptive use and higher education on lengthening birth intervals, with greater effects on the timing of second and third births. The relative risks of second and third births were higher among rural migrants, unemployed women and those with shorter periods of breast-feeding and the death of a preceding birth. Only timing of the third birth was influenced by son preference. The implications of the results for low fertility and maternal and child health in Iran are discussed.
Marriage after the transition to stroke: a systematic review
Authors: ANDERSON SHARON , KEATING NORAH
Published: June 2017

In health and chronic illness, satisfying marriages promote wellbeing and life satisfaction, yet stroke research has focused on either the stroke survivor as the patient or the spouse as a care-giver. Using Pope, Mays and Popay's framework for synthesising qualitative and quantitative methods, we conducted a systematic review and synthesis of 39 peer-reviewed studies to determine what happens to marital relationships after one partner has suffered a stroke. All the articles examined the impact of stroke. Three overarching themes characterise the evolution of marriage after stroke: chaos in the marriage, work to re-establish the marriage and evolution of the marriages. While both the stroke condition itself and the survivors’ need for care undermined the emotional qualities of the relationship for some couples, about two-thirds were able to retain or regain the relationship closeness. As in other chronic illnesses, the relationship closeness and a couple's ability to collaborate contributed to the survivor's recovery and to the satisfaction with life of the stroke survivor and the spouse. Our results underscore the need to consider the quality of, and the qualities of, the relationship between stroke survivors and their spouses. Future research could include a greater focus on qualitative or mixed-methods approaches to explore the interactions between stroke survivors and spouses that impact the wellbeing of both partners.
The response of male and female rats to a high-fructose diet during adolescence following early administration ofHibiscus sabdariffaaqueous calyx extracts
Authors: Ibrahim K. G. , Chivandi E. , Mojiminiyi F. B. O. , Erlwanger K. H.
Published: June 2017

Metabolic syndrome is linked to the consumption of fructose-rich diets. Nutritional and pharmacological interventions perinatally can cause epigenetic changes that programme an individual to predispose or protect them from the development of metabolic diseases later.Hibiscus sabdariffa(HS) reportedly has anti-obesity and hypocholesterolaemic properties in adults. We investigated the impact of neonatal intake of HS on the programming of metabolism by fructose. A total of 85 4-day-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups. The control group (n=27, 12 males, 15 females) received distilled water at 10 ml/kg body weight. The other groups received either 50 mg/kg (n=30, 13 males, 17 females) or 500 mg/kg (n=28, 11 males, 17 females) of an HS aqueous calyx extract orally till postnatal day (PND) 14. There was no intervention from PND 14 to PND 21 when the pups were weaned. The rats in each group were then divided into two groups; one continued on a normal diet and the other received fructose (20% w/v) in their drinking water for 30 days. The female rats that were administered with HS aqueous calyx extract as neonates were protected against fructose-induced hypertriglyceridaemia and increased liver lipid deposition. The early administration of HS resulted in a significant (P⩽0.05) increase in plasma cholesterol concentrations with or without a secondary fructose insult. In males, HS prevented the development of fructose-induced hypercholesterolaemia. The potential beneficial and detrimental effects of neonatal HS administration on the programming of metabolism in rats need to be considered in the long-term well-being of children.
Giant Rashba effect at the topological surface of PrGe revealing antiferromagnetic spintronics
Authors: Banik Soma , Das Pranab Kumar , Bendounan Azzedine , Vobornik Ivana , Arya A. , Beaulieu Nathan , Fujii Jun , Thamizhavel A. , Sastry P. U. , Sinha A. K. , Phase D. M. , Deb S. K.
Published: June 2017

Rashba spin-orbit splitting in the magnetic materials opens up a new perspective in the field of spintronics. Here, we report a giant Rashba spin-orbit splitting on the PrGe [010] surface in the paramagnetic phase with Rashba coefficientαR = 5 eVÅ. We find thatαRcan be tuned in this system as a function of temperature at different magnetic phases. Rashba type spin polarized surface states originates due to the strong hybridization between Pr 4fstates with the conduction electrons. Significant changes observed in the spin polarized surface states across the magnetic transitions are due to the competition between Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction and exchange interaction present in this system. Presence of Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction on the topological surface give rise to Saddle point singularity which leads to electron-like and hole-like Rashba spin split bands in the$$\bar{{\boldsymbol{Z}}}^{\prime} -\bar{{\boldsymbol{\Gamma }}}-\bar{{\boldsymbol{Z}}}$$Z¯′−Γ¯−Z¯and$$\bar{{\boldsymbol{X}}}^{\prime} -\bar{{\boldsymbol{\Gamma }}}-\bar{{\boldsymbol{X}}}$$X¯′−Γ¯−X¯directions, respectively. Supporting evidences of Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction have been obtained as anisotropic magnetoresistance with respect to field direction and first-order type hysteresis in the X-ray diffraction measurements. A giant negative magnetoresistance of 43% in the antiferromagnetic phase and tunable Rashba parameter with temperature makes this material a suitable candidate for application in the antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.
Mesenchymal stem cells secretome-induced axonal outgrowth is mediated by BDNF
Authors: Martins Luís F. , Costa Rui O. , Pedro Joana R. , Aguiar Paulo , Serra Sofia C. , Teixeira Fabio G. , Sousa Nuno , Salgado António J. , Almeida Ramiro D.
Published: June 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine, with increasing importance in central and peripheral nervous system repair. However, MSCs grafting present disadvantages, such as, a high number of cells required for transplantation and low survival rate when transplanted into the central nervous system (CNS). In line with this, MSCs secretome which present on its composition a wide range of molecules (neurotrophins, cytokines) and microvesicles, can be a solution to surpass these problems. However, the effect of MSCs secretome in axonal elongation is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that application of MSCs secretome to both rat cortical and hippocampal neurons induces an increase in axonal length. In addition, we show that this growth effect is axonal intrinsic with no contribution from the cell body. To further understand which are the molecules required for secretome-induced axonal outgrowth effect, we depleted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from the secretome. Our results show that in the absence of BDNF, secretome-induced axonal elongation effect is lost and that axons present a reduced axonal growth rate. Altogether, our results demonstrate that MSCs secretome is able to promote axonal outgrowth in CNS neurons and this effect is mediated by BDNF.
Uniting the neurodevelopmental and immunological hypotheses: Neuregulin 1 receptor ErbB and Toll-like receptor activation in first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Kéri Szabolcs , Szabó Csilla , Kelemen Oguz
Published: June 2017

Current pathophysiological models of schizophrenia focus on neurodevelopmental and immunological mechanisms. We investigated a molecular pathway traditionally linked to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis (neuregulin 1 - ErbB), and pathogen-associated pattern recognition receptors associated with the immune hypothesis (Toll-like receptors, TLRs). We recruited 42 first-episode, drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia and 42 matched healthy control subjects. In monocytes TLR4/TLR5 and ErbB expressions were measured with flow-cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were determined following the stimulation of TLR4/TLR5 and ErbB. Results revealed increased TLR4/TLR5 and decreased ErbB4 expression in schizophrenia relative to the control subjects. The expression of ErbB2 and ErbB3 receptors was unaltered in schizophrenia. TLR4 stimulation resulted in lower pro-inflammatory cytokine production in schizophrenia compared to the control levels, whereas the stimulation of ErbB by neuregulin 1 led to higher pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with schizophrenia relative to the control group. In healthy controls, ErbB activation was associated with a marked production of IL-10, which was dampened in schizophrenia. These results indicate that the stimulation of TLR4 and ErbB induces opposite pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in schizophrenia.
Effectively infinite optical path-length created using a simple cubic photonic crystal for extreme light trapping
Authors: Frey Brian J. , Kuang Ping , Hsieh Mei-Li , Jiang Jian-Hua , John Sajeev , Lin Shawn-Yu
Published: June 2017

A 900 nm thick TiO2 simple cubic photonic crystal with lattice constant 450 nm was fabricated and used to experimentally validate a newly-discovered mechanism for extreme light-bending. Absorption enhancement was observed extending 1–2 orders of magnitude over that of a reference TiO2 film. Several enhancement peaks in the region from 600–950 nm were identified, which far exceed both the ergodic fundamental limit and the limit based on surface-gratings, with some peaks exceeding 100 times enhancement. These results are attributed to radically sharp refraction where the optical path length approaches infinity due to the Poynting vector lying nearly parallel to the photonic crystal interface. The observed phenomena follow directly from the simple cubic symmetry of the photonic crystal, and can be achieved by integrating the light-trapping architecture into the absorbing volume. These results are not dependent on the material used, and can be applied to any future light trapping applications such as phosphor-converted white light generation, water-splitting, or thin-film solar cells, where increased response in areas of weak absorption is desired.
Insights on the drivers of genetic divergence in the European anchovy
Authors: Catanese Gaetano , Watteaux Romain , Montes Iratxe , Barra Marco , Rumolo Paola , Borme Diego , Buongiorno Nardelli Bruno , Botte Vincenzo , Mazzocchi Maria Grazia , Genovese Simona , Di Capua Iole , Iriondo Mikel , Estonba Andone , Ruggeri Paolo , Tirelli Valentina , Caputo-Barucchi Vincenzo , Basilone Gualtiero , Bonanno Angelo , Iudicone Daniele , Procaccini Gabriele
Published: June 2017

Anchovies represent the largest world’s marine fish catches and the current threats on their populations impose a sustainable exploitment based on sound scientific information. In the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), the existence of several populations has been proposed but a global view is missing. Using a multidisciplinary approach, here we assessed the divergence among different ecotypes and its possible causes. SNPs have revealed two functionally distinct ecotypes overlapping in the Central Mediterranean, with one ecotype confined near the river estuaries. The same SNPs outliers also segregated two distinct populations in the near Atlantic, despite their large spatial distance. In addition, while most studies suggested that adaptation to low salinity is key to divergence, here we show that the offshore ecotype has higher environmental tolerance and an opportunistic feeding behaviour, as assessed by the study of environmental conditions, anchovy diet and trophic levels, and passive egg dispersal. These results provide insights into the anchovy evolutionary history, stressing the importance of behaviour in shaping ecotypes.
Over Expression of Long Non-Coding RNA PANDA Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Senescence Associated Inflammatory Factor IL8
Authors: Peng Chuanhui , Hu Wendi , Weng Xiaoyu , Tong Rongliang , Cheng Shaobing , Ding Chaofeng , Xiao Heng , Lv Zhen , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Wu Jian , Zheng Shusen
Published: June 2017

It has been reported that long non-coding RNA PANDA was disregulated in varieties types of tumor, but its expression level and biological role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains contradictory. We detected PANDA expression in two independent cohorts (48 HCC patients following liver transplantation and 84 HCC patients following liver resection), and found that PANDA was down-regulated in HCC. Thereafter we explored its function in cancer biology by inversing its low expression. Surprisingly, overexpression of PANDA promoted HCC proliferation and carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PANDA repressed transcriptional activity of senescence associated inflammatory factor IL8, which leaded to inhibition of cellular senescence. Therefore, our research help to better understand the complex role of PANDA in HCC, and suggest more thoughtful strategies should be applied before it can be treated as a potential therapeutic target.
Suppression of collapse for two-dimensional Airy beam in nonlocal nonlinear media
Authors: Kong Qian , Wei Ning , Fan Cuizhi , Shi Jielong , Shen Ming
Published: June 2017

Dynamics and collapse of two-dimensional Airy beams are investigated numerically in nonlocal nonlinear media with split step Fourier transform method. In particular, the stability and self-healing properties of the Airy beams depend crucially on the location and topological charge of the vortex when the beams carry angular momentum. The propagation of abruptly autofocusing Airy beams is also demonstrated in local and nonlocal media. In strongly self-focusing regime, with the help of nonlocality, stationary propagation of two-dimensional Airy beams can be obtained, which always collapse in local nonlinear media.
miR-15b-5p resensitizes colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil by promoting apoptosis via the NF-κB/XIAP axis
Authors: Zhao Ci , Zhao Qi , Zhang Chunhui , Wang Guangyu , Yao Yuanfei , Huang Xiaoyi , Zhan Fei , Zhu Yuanyuan , Shi Jiaqi , Chen Jianan , Yan Feihu , Zhang Yanqiao
Published: June 2017

Drug resistance, which is closely correlated with an imbalance in apoptosis, endows colorectal cancer (CRC) with enhanced progression capacity irrespective of the treatment with therapeutics. We report that miR-15b-5p is a tumor suppressor whose level is globally decreased in CRC cells and tissues. Over-expression of miR-15b-5p not only promoted 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced cellular apoptosis but also reversed the chemoresistance of 5-FU in vitro and in vivo. As a key mediator of inflammation-induced cancer, miR-15b-5p enhances these therapeutic effects are mainly attributed to targeting of the NF-κB signaling pathway through negative regulation of NF-κB1 and one of its kinase complexes IKK-α. miR-15b-5p mediates NF-ĸB regulation by targeting the anti-apoptosis protein XIAP in vitro. Together, these results establish an axis of miR-15b-mediated apoptosis regulation, which reverses chemoresistance and suppresses CRC progression. These findings suggest that miR-15b-5p may be a potential agent for CRC treatment, particularly for 5-FU-resistant CRC.
ATP release during cell swelling activates a Ca2+-dependent Cl− current by autocrine mechanism in mouse hippocampal microglia
Authors: Murana E. , Pagani F. , Basilico B. , Sundukova M. , Batti L. , Di Angelantonio S. , Cortese B. , Grimaldi A. , Francioso A. , Heppenstall P. , Bregestovski P. , Limatola C. , Ragozzino D.
Published: June 2017

Microglia cells, resident immune cells of the brain, survey brain parenchyma by dynamically extending and retracting their processes. Cl− channels, activated in the cellular response to stretch/swelling, take part in several functions deeply connected with microglia physiology, including cell shape changes, proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, the molecular identity and functional properties of these Cl− channels are largely unknown. We investigated the properties of swelling-activated currents in microglial from acute hippocampal slices of Cx3cr1+/GFP
mice by whole-cell patch-clamp and imaging techniques. The exposure of cells to a mild hypotonic medium, caused an outward rectifying current, developing in 5–10 minutes and reverting upon stimulus washout. This current, required for microglia ability to extend processes towards a damage signal, was carried mainly by Cl− ions and dependent on intracellular Ca2+. Moreover, it involved swelling-induced ATP release. We identified a purine-dependent mechanism, likely constituting an amplification pathway of current activation: under hypotonic conditions, ATP release triggered the Ca2+-dependent activation of anionic channels by autocrine purine receptors stimulation. Our study on native microglia describes for the first time the functional properties of stretch/swelling-activated currents, representing a key element in microglia ability to monitor the brain parenchyma.
Inhibition of ERK1/2 Restores GSK3β Activity and Protein Synthesis Levels in a Model of Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Pal Rituraj , Bondar Vitaliy V. , Adamski Carolyn J. , Rodney George G. , Sardiello Marco
Published: June 2017

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a multi-organ autosomal dominant disorder that is best characterized by neurodevelopmental deficits and the presence of benign tumors. TS pathology is caused by mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes and is associated with insulin resistance, decreased glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity, activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and subsequent increase in protein synthesis. Here, we show that extracellular signal–regulated kinases (ERK1/2) respond to insulin stimulation and integrate insulin signaling to phosphorylate and thus inactivate GSK3β, resulting in increased protein synthesis that is independent of Akt/mTORC1 activity. Inhibition of ERK1/2 in Tsc2−/− cells—a model of TS—rescues GSK3β activity and protein synthesis levels, thus highlighting ERK1/2 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of TS.
A High-Power Broadband Terahertz Source Enabled by Three-Dimensional Light Confinement in a Plasmonic Nanocavity
Authors: Yardimci Nezih Tolga , Cakmakyapan Semih , Hemmati Soroosh , Jarrahi Mona
Published: June 2017

The scope and potential uses of time-domain terahertz imaging and spectroscopy are mainly limited by the low optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency of photoconductive terahertz sources. State-of-the-art photoconductive sources utilize short-carrier-lifetime semiconductors to recombine carriers that cannot contribute to efficient terahertz generation and cause additional thermal dissipation. Here, we present a novel photoconductive terahertz source that offers a significantly higher efficiency compared with terahertz sources fabricated on short-carrier-lifetime substrates. The key innovative feature of this source is the tight three-dimensional confinement of the optical pump beam around the terahertz nanoantennas that are used as radiating elements. This is achieved by means of a nanocavity formed by plasmonic structures and a distributed Bragg reflector. Consequently, almost all of the photo-generated carriers can be routed to the terahertz nanoantennas within a sub-picosecond time-scale. This results in a very strong, ultrafast current that drives the nanoantennas to produce broadband terahertz radiation. We experimentally demonstrate that this terahertz source can generate 4 mW pulsed terahertz radiation under an optical pump power of 720 mW over the 0.1–4 THz frequency range. This is the highest reported power level for terahertz radiation from a photoconductive terahertz source, representing more than an order of magnitude of enhancement in the optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency compared with state-of-the-art photoconductive terahertz sources fabricated on short-carrier-lifetime substrates.
Structural alteration of a BYDV-like translation element (BTE) that attenuates p35 expression in three mild Tobacco bushy top virus isolates
Authors: Wang Deya , Yu Chengming , Liu Shanshan , Wang Guolu , Shi Kerong , Li Xiangdong , Yuan Xuefeng
Published: June 2017

To identify the molecular effects of Tobacco bushy top virus (TBTV) evolution on the degeneration of tobacco bushy top disease, three TBTV isolates with mild virulence were compared with wild-type TBTV to assess the translation of p35, which relies on a BYDV-like translation element (BTE) in a cap-independent manner. The in vitro expression of p35 in the mild isolates was only 20% to 40% of the expression observed in wt TBTV. Based on translation data from chimeric TBTV RNA, low-level p35 expression in the three mild isolates was associated with two regions: the 5′ terminal 500 nt region (RI) and the 3′ internal region (RV), which included the BTE. For the RV region, low level p35 expression was mainly associated with structural alterations of the BTE instead of specific sequence mutations within the BTE based on SHAPE structural probing and mutation analysis. Additionally, structural alteration of the TBTV BTE resulted from mutations outside of the BTE, implying structural complexity of the local region surrounding the BTE. This study is the first report on the structural alteration of the 3′ cap-independent translation element among different isolates of a given RNA virus, which is associated with variations in viral virulence.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing via postnatal administration of AAV vector cures haemophilia B mice
Authors: Ohmori Tsukasa , Nagao Yasumitsu , Mizukami Hiroaki , Sakata Asuka , Muramatsu Shin-ichi , Ozawa Keiya , Tominaga Shin-ichi , Hanazono Yutaka , Nishimura Satoshi , Nureki Osamu , Sakata Yoichi
Published: June 2017

Haemophilia B, a congenital haemorrhagic disease caused by mutations in coagulation factor IX gene (F9), is considered an appropriate target for genome editing technology. Here, we describe treatment strategies for haemophilia B mice using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system. Administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) 8 vector harbouring Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) and single guide RNA (sgRNA) to wild-type adult mice induced a double-strand break (DSB) at the target site of F9 in hepatocytes, sufficiently developing haemophilia B. Mutation-specific gene editing by simultaneous induction of homology-directed repair (HDR) sufficiently increased FIX levels to correct the disease phenotype. Insertion of F9 cDNA into the intron more efficiently restored haemostasis via both processes of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and HDR following DSB. Notably, these therapies also cured neonate mice with haemophilia, which cannot be achieved with conventional gene therapy with AAV vector. Ongoing haemophilia therapy targeting the antithrombin gene with antisense oligonucleotide could be replaced by SaCas9/sgRNA-expressing AAV8 vector. Our results suggest that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing using an AAV8 vector provides a flexible approach to induce DSB at target genes in hepatocytes and could be a good strategy for haemophilia gene therapy.
Graphitic C3N4 nanosheet-sensitized brookite TiO2 to achieve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light
Authors: Ma Jian , Tan Xin , Jiang Feng , Yu Tao
Published: June 2017

Graphitic C3N4 nanosheet with 2D structure can effectively sensitize brookite TiO2 for photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation.
Digestion of isolated legume cells in a stomach-duodenum model: three mechanisms limit starch and protein hydrolysis
Authors: Bhattarai Rewati R. , Dhital Sushil , Wu Peng , Chen Xiao Dong , Gidley Michael J.
Published: June 2017

Retention of intact plant cells to the end of the small intestine leads to transport of entrapped macronutrients such as starch and protein for colonic microbial fermentation, and is a promising mechanism to increase the content of resistant starch in diets.
CO2-Responsive fluorescent hyperbranched poly(ether amine)s
Authors: Yu Bing , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2017

Hyperbranched polymers bearing a fluorophore display gas-controlled fluorescence switching as a result of reversible protonation/deprotonation of amino groups in their structure.
Facile synthesis of potassium copper ferrocyanide composite particles for selective cesium removal from wastewater in the batch and continuous processes
Authors: Zong Youli , Zhang Yongde , Lin Xiaoyan , Ye Dong , Qiao Dan , Zeng Shuangneng
Published: June 2017

A composite CMC–KCuFC particle adsorbent was fabricated in this study, based on the use of a CMC biopolymer cross-linked with Cu2+via a syringe pump device, serving as an efficient biosorbent for Cs ion removal and adsorption from wastewater.
Towards sustainable hydrogenation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural: a two-stage continuous process in aqueous media over RANEY® catalysts
Authors: Lima Sérgio , Chadwick David , Hellgardt Klaus
Published: June 2017

Two-stage process for DHMTHF production from HMF through continuous-flow.
In situ synthesis of hierarchical structured cotton fibers/MnO2 composites: a versatile and recyclable device for wastewater treatment
Authors: Jiao Chenlu , Tao Jin , Xu Sijun , Zhang Desuo , Chen Yuyue , Lin Hong
Published: June 2017

Hierarchical structured cotton fiber–MnO2 composites were prepared by a new two-step strategy “ion exchange–redox reaction”.
Epitaxial growth and magnetic/transport properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films grown on SrTiO3 with optimized growth conditions
Authors: Wang K. , Tang M. H. , Xiong Y. , Li G. , Xiao Y. G. , Zhang W. L. , Wang Z. P. , Li Z. , He J.
Published: June 2017

Epitaxial growth of colossal magnetoresistive thin films of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) has been achieved on TiO2-terminated (001) SrTiO3 (STO) single-crystal substrates using PLD (pulsed laser deposition).
Incorporating doped carbon nanodots and metal ions as an excellent artificial peroxidase for H2O2 detection
Authors: Li Feng , Yu Xian-He , Kong Fen-Ying , Wang Zhong-Xia , Wang Wei
Published: June 2017

Novel nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (NCdots) were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method using 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) as a carbon–nitrogen source.
Unusual renormalization group (RG) flow and temperature-dependent phase transition in strongly-insulating monolayer epitaxial graphene
Authors: Huang Lung-I. , Yang Yanfei , Liu Chieh-Wen , Elmquist Randolph E. , Lo Shun-Tsung , Liu Fan-Hung , Liang Chi-Te
Published: June 2017

By changing the measurement temperature (T), one can vary the effective sample size so as to study the renormalization group (RG) (or T-driven) flow of a semiconductor, a topological insulator, or a graphene device in the complex conductivity plane.
High energy conversion efficiency conducting polymer actuators based on PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs composite electrode
Authors: Wang Dongxing , Lu Chao , Zhao Jingjing , Han Song , Wu Minghong , Chen Wei
Published: June 2017

High performance actuator with large deformation and high conversion efficiency.
Isotope selective activation: a new insight into the catalytic activity of urease
Authors: Maithani Sanchi , Pal Mithun , Maity Abhijit , Pradhan Manik
Published: June 2017

Isotope selective enzymatic activity of urease.
Self-healable hydrogels with NaHCO3 degradability and a reversible gel–sol–gel transition from phenolic ester containing polymers
Authors: An Heng , Li Xu , Fu Xuehong , Hu Juan , Lang Xiaojie , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Yong , Wang Haijun , Chang Ruixue , Qin Jianglei
Published: June 2017

Self-healable hydrogels which can be degraded by NaHCO3 were prepared. Based on the reversible properties the hydrogel showed gel–sol–gel transition under a variety of stimuli.
Single-molecule spectroelectrochemical cross-correlation during redox cycling in recessed dual ring electrode zero-mode waveguides
Authors: Han Donghoon , Crouch Garrison M. , Fu Kaiyu , Zaino III Lawrence P. , Bohn Paul W
Published: June 2017

The ability of zero-mode waveguides (ZMW) to guide light into subwavelength-diameter nanoapertures has been exploited for studying electron transfer dynamics in zeptoliter-volume nanopores under single-molecule occupancy conditions.
An in situ grown bacterial nanocellulose/graphene oxide composite for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Qisheng , Kacica Clayton , Soundappan Thiagarajan , Liu Keng-ku , Tadepalli Sirimuvva , Biswas Pratim , Singamaneni Srikanth
Published: June 2017

A flexible supercapacitor electrode with excellent electrochemical performance and mechanical flexibility is fabricated via in situ incorporation of graphene oxide flakes and conducting polymer (PEDOT:PSS) into a layered bacterial nanocellulose network during its growth.
Enhanced specific heat capacity of binary chloride salt by dissolving magnesium for high-temperature thermal energy storage and transfer
Authors: Tian Heqing , Du Lichan , Huang Chenglong , Wei Xiaolan , Lu Jianfeng , Wang Weilong , Ding Jing
Published: June 2017

Thermal energy storage and transfer technology has received significant attention with respect to concentrating solar power (CSP) and industrial waste heat recovery systems.
A mussel-inspired poly(γ-glutamic acid) tissue adhesive with high wet strength for wound closure
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Rui , Xu Tingting , Ma Xuebin , Yao Zhong , Chi Bo , Xu Hong
Published: June 2017

A novel mussel-inspired γ-PGA–DA tissue-adhesive hydrogel via a horseradish peroxidase-mediated reaction with robust tissue adhesive strength and hemostasis performance when wet.
Effect of eriodictyol on preneoplastic lesions, oxidative stress and bacterial enzymes in 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Mariyappan P. , Kalaiyarasu T. , Manju V.
Published: June 2017

Eriodictyol exerts inhibitory effects on DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis, which means it can act as an anticarcinogenic agent.
Introduction to the Plant Theory
Authors: Scholten Jan
Published: June 2017

This article is a short introduction to the Plant theory. It describes the application of the theory with the use of the Remedy code. The Remedy code is a short code of seven digits or numbers that describe the position and classification of each plant. It is a kind of short Materia Medica. The first digit stands for the kingdom, which is 3 in the case of the Plant kingdom. The next three digits stand for series as known from the Element theory. The next two digits, digits 5 and 6, stand for Phases. Phases are similar to the Stages of the Element theory. The difference is that there are 8 Phases, in contrast to the 18 Stages. The Phases are linked to the eight columns of the Carbon series and Silicon series of the Periodic system. The last digit, digit 7, stands for the Stage as known from the Element theory.
Vitis vinifera—Forceful Rebellion while Feeling Bounded by Responsibilities
Authors: Flores Matilde
Published: June 2017

A case of recurrent diverticulitis responds to Vitis vinifera and a few years after the prescription, Vitis vinifera's place in the plant kingdom is nicely confirmed by Jan Scholten's Plant Theory.
Applying the Plant Theory: A Journey of Exploration
Authors: Frederick Nancy
Published: June 2017

This article describes the process of experimentation and exploration of Jan Scholten's Plant theory in practice. Rather than having to start from scratch with this new system, it is possible to utilise known strategies and cured cases as conceptual structures on which to build and broaden the scope of understanding.
Structural Homeopathy
Authors: Friesel Hillel
Published: June 2017

This article proposes a homeopathic method of cure that follows three main principles:
The Plant Theory: Taking the Case and the Analysis of Three Common Remedies
Authors: Williams Sally
Published: June 2017

This article presents case taking techniques to ascertain the information needed to analyse a case via the Plant Theory. Also presented are three common remedies to help explain the theory.
A Proving and a Case of Veitchia Merrillii (Christmas Palm)
Authors: Ritzer Friedrich
Published: June 2017

People, who need this remedy, are very energetic, and they achieve a lot in a short span of time. Because of dominance and ignorance, tensions and quarrels arise. Health, families, or companies disintegrate. A sudden collapse and ruin and a fast downward movement follow. In this article, a proving and a case are presented.