bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a protective role of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Liu Chang , Hong Kun , Chen Huifang , Niu Yanping , Duan Weisong , Liu Yakun , Ji Yingxiao , Deng Binbin , Li Yuanyuan , Li Zhongyao , Wen Di , Li Chunyan 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Aberrant microglial activation and neuroinflammation is a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is mostly expressed on neuronal cells. The fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) is predominantly expressed on microglia. Many progressive neuroinflammatory disorders show disruption of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 communication system. But the exact role of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in ALS pathology remains unknown. F1 nontransgenic/CX3CR1+/− females were bred with SOD1G93A/CX3CR1+/− males to produce F2 SOD1G93A/CX3CR1−/−, SOD1G93A/CX3CR1+/+. We analyzed end-stage (ES) SOD1G93A/CX3CR1−/− mice and progression-matched SOD1G93A/CX3CR1+/+ mice. Our study showed that the male SOD1G93A/CX3CR1−/− mice died sooner than male SOD1G93A/CX3CR1+/+ mice. In SOD1G93A/CX3CR1−/− mice demonstrated more neuronal cell loss, more microglial activation and exacerbated SOD1 aggregation at the end-stage of ALS. The NF-κB pathway was activated; the autophagy-lysosome degradation pathway and the autophagosome maturation were impaired. Our results indicated that the absence of CX3CR1/CX3CL1 signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) may worsen neurodegeneration. The CX3CL1/CX3CR1 communication system has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and plays an important role in maintaining autophagy activity. This effort may lead to new therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and provide a therapeutic target for ALS patients.
The demographic determinants of Africa’s changing global position
Authors: Bankóová Valéria 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Demographic growth has in recent years been one of the determining characteristics of African development, and if projections are correct, the continent is set to become a population superpower. Its proportion of the world population, especially relative to the “old continent”, is increasing in a historically unprecedented manner, and its inhabitants are younger than ever. Although it is still difficult to assess whether this trend should be regarded as an opportunity or as a potential risk factor, it is already possible to discern the first definitive signs of how this evolving new distribution of demographic power is shifting Africa’s geopolitical and economic position in today’s polycentric world.
Afropolitanism as a critique of conventional narratives of African identity and emancipation
Authors: Kasanda Albert 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Afropolitanism lies at the core of a debate concerning African identity, particularly on account of new configurations and flows generated by the globalization process. Proponents of this concept argue it has the capacity to better express the way Africa relates to and negotiates with the world than conventional African narratives of identity and emancipation. The paper aims at examining the relevance of this position, particularly through Mbembe’s approach to the concept and his criticism of conventional narratives of African identity and emancipation.
Ubuntu and the concept of cosmopolitanism
Authors: Graness Anke 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Based on the ideas of two main representatives of the academic discourse on Ubuntu, Michael O. Eze and Mogobe B. Ramose, the paper shows how the concept of Ubuntu can contribute to transcending conventional concepts of cosmopolitanism. Referring to the concept of Ubuntu, Ramose and Eze criticize ‘Western’ concepts of cosmopolitanism because they always seem to start from binary oppositions (‘I’ and ‘other’), which must be reconciled. ‘Western’ cosmopolitanism continues to build on boundaries (nations, cultures, etc.) that constitute communities and exclude the ‘other’. Here the boundary remains a place of exclusion. Therefore, it is necessary to conceptualize categories such as ‘boundary’ and the ‘Other’ in a different way. Ubuntu as a concept where the human being is essentially a relational being (one who exists in and through relationships) seems to offer an alternative in the sense of a ‘critical’ (Mignolo, 2002a) or ‘emancipatory’ cosmopolitanism. (Pieterse, 2006; Ngcoya, 2015).
Afropolitan narratives and empathy: Migrant identities in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah and Sefi Atta’s A Bit of Difference
Authors: Pucherova Dobrota 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The article analyzes two novels of migration by Nigerian women authors in the context of Afropolitanism: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah (2013) and Sefi Atta’s A Bit of Difference (2013). It is argued that Afropolitanism obscures the reasons why migration from Africa to the West has been increasing in the decades since independence, rather than decreasing. In comparing the two novels, the article focuses on empathy towards and solidarity between fellow Nigerians, which has been seen by Nigerian philosopher Chielozona Eze as crucial for building African civil society and functional state.
Spatio-temporal trends in the risk of adolescent pregnancy in Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2000–2015
Authors: da Roza Daiane Leite , de Oliveira Carla Maria Teixeira , de Pina Maria de Fátima Rodrigues Pereira , de Melo Vasques de Mendonça Denisa Maria , Martinez Edson Zangiacomi 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate, through a spatio-temporal analysis, the association between the percentages of live births of adolescent mothers (LBAM) and the human development index (HDI), including the three components: income, education and longevity.

Methods
The percentage of LBAM was obtained from the Brazilian Live Births Information System for the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil in the period 2000–2015 and the HDI data and its components were obtained from United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) Human Development Reports. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to estimate the relative risk of LBAM in relation to the HDI and to identify spatial clusters of the geographical distribution of LBAM, the Moran global and local index was used.

Results
There is an association between the HDI and its components with LBAM. The high values of relative risk are spatially concentrated in the northern part of the state of Minas Gerais. The graphs indicated a nonlinear relationship between LBAM over the years.

Conclusions
There is a strong spatial dependence of LBAM in Minas Gerais, which suggests that a geographical location plays a fundamental role in understanding it. The regional disparity confirmed in this study is inherent in the process of human development, it is important for planning actions aimed at the development of these regions in order to minimize existing disparities.
Sexual behaviour and its correlates among adolescents in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of having had sexual intercourse among adolescents in Brunei Darussalam. The sample included 2599 school-going adolescents that responded to the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) [mean age 14.7 years, standard deviation (SD) = 1.4]. Sexual behaviour with a range of other health behaviours and protective factors were assessed based on a self-report. The relationship between socio-demographic, substance use, psychosocial, protective factors and ever had sexual intercourse were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Results indicate that 11.3% ever had sexual intercourse and 2.1% had two or more sexual partners in their lifetime. Among the sexually active students, 50% had early sexual debut (<14 years), 38.3% had used a condom at last sex, and 31.8% had used other birth control at last sex. In adjusted analysis, older age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.58, confidence interval (CI) = 1.04, 2.42], current tobacco use (OR = 1.67, CI = 1.10, 2.52), current alcohol consumption (OR = 2.26, CI = 1.26, 4.93), history of attempted suicide (OR = 1.96, CI = 1.20, 3.19) and bullying victimisation (OR = 1.43, CI = 1.00, 2.05) were associated with ever having had sexual intercourse. Significant sexual risk behaviour was found and several risk factors identified for incorporation in comprehensive sex education.
Association between a vegetarian diet and emotional symptoms: a cross-sectional study among adolescents in four developing countries
Authors: Santivañez-Romani Alejandra , Carbajal-Vega Valeria , Pereyra-Elías Reneé 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Studies assessing the association between vegetarianism and mental health have found divergent results. Evidence from adolescents in developing countries is scarce.

Objective
To evaluate the association between a vegetarian diet and emotional symptoms in 15-year-old adolescents from Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam.

Methods
A cross-sectional, secondary analysis of the Young Lives cohort study was used. The exposure variable was the self-report of being a vegetarian (yes or no). The outcome was the level of emotional symptoms, numerically evaluated using the score obtained in the subscale “Emotional Symptoms” of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We calculated crude and adjusted coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), using generalized linear models of the Gaussian family, considering each sentinel site as a cluster. The analysis was stratified by country. Additionally, we made a global analysis including the four countries.

Results
A total of 3484 adolescents were analyzed. The overall prevalence of vegetarianism was 4.4%, but it varied between countries (from 0.4% in Vietnam to 11.5% in India). The average emotional symptoms score was 3.5 [standard deviation (SD) 2.3] points. The scores were not statistically different between vegetarians and non-vegetarians (p > 0.05). In the adjusted analysis, in Vietnam, vegetarians had lower emotional symptoms scores on average than non-vegetarians [β: −1.79; 95% CI: −3.05 to −0.55]. No differences were found neither in the other countries nor in the overall sample.

Conclusion
There was no association between a vegetarian diet and emotional symptoms in the analyzed adolescents of four developing countries.
A prospective 1-year study on load reduction of school backpacks shows reversible changes of body posture in schoolchildren
Authors: Grannemann Julia J. , Holzhauer Sonja , Blumentritt Siegmar , Larsen Jörg , Braunschweig Lena , Hell Anna K. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
The impact of backpack carrying on body postural changes in schoolchildren has been discussed intensively. However, findings are inconsistent mainly due to the lack of long-term results.

Objective
The purpose of this investigation was to study the influence of backpack weight on body posture and prevalence of back pain.

Methods
In our prospective, comparative study, we investigated the influence of backpack weight on 77 schoolchildren (average age 10.8 ± 0.7 years) over a 1-year period. Participants were evaluated at the beginning of the study by clinical examination and formal static posture analysis. Forty-nine students comprised the control group while 28 students in the intervention cohort had the weight of their backpacks reduced by 2 kg. All students were reevaluated after 6 and 12 months by formal postural examination.

Results
Children with reduced backpack weights had a significantly improved bending posture when wearing their backpacks when compared to the participants of the control group, whereas the analysis of the children while they did not wear their backpacks revealed no difference between the groups. Within the follow-up period all postural changes were reversible once the backpack weight was removed.

Conclusions
Schoolchildren with heavy backpack loads show postural changes while carrying their backpack but this impact was reversible when backpacks were removed. Continuous reduction of backpack loads minimizes prevalence of back pain.
L-stable Explicit Nonlinear Method with Constant and Variable Step-size Formulation for Solving Initial Value Problems
Authors: Qureshi Sania , Ramos Higinio 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In this work, we develop a nonlinear explicit method suitable for both autonomous and non-autonomous type of initial value problems in Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). The method is found to be third order accurate having L-stability. It is shown that if a variable step-size strategy is employed then the performance of the proposed method is further improved in comparison with other methods of same nature and order. The method is shown to be working well for initial value problems having singular solutions, singularly perturbed and stiff problems, and blow-up ODE problems, which is illustrated using a few numerical experiments.
Two-Dimensional Legendre Wavelets for Solving Variable-Order Fractional Nonlinear Advection-Diffusion Equation with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Hosseininia M. , Heydari M. H. , Avazzadeh Z. , Maalek Ghaini F. M. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This article studies a numerical scheme for solving two-dimensional variable-order time fractional nonlinear advection-diffusion equation with variable coefficients, where the variable-order fractional derivative is in the Caputo type. The main idea is expanding the solution in terms of the 2D Legendre wavelets (2D LWs) where the variable-order time fractional derivative is discretized. We describe the method using the matrix operators and then implement it for solving various types of fractional advection-diffusion equations. The experimental results show the computational efficiency of the new approach.
Immediate effect of mind sound resonance technique (MSRT – a yoga-based relaxation technique) on blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety in individuals with hypertension: a pilot study
Authors: Wang Yuni , Metri Kashinath G , Singh Amit , Raghuram Nagaratna 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Mind sound resonance technique (MSRT) is a yoga-based relaxation technique. Previous studies on MSRT demonstrated its potential health-benefiting effects in both clinical and nonclinical population. Present study intended to assess the acute effect of MSRT intervention on blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and state anxiety in patients with essential hypertension (HTN).

Methods
Thirty participants (13 females) with HTN, within the age range 30–60 years (with mean±SD: 57.23±11.3 years), who visited SVYASA University campus to attend 1-week residential yoga program for HTN treatment, were considered for this study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participants received a 4-day MSRT orientation sessions prior to the study. Each participant underwent 30-min session of both MSRT and supine rest (SR) on 2 successive days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, pulse rate, and state anxiety were measured before and immediately after both MSRT and SR sessions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Repeated-measure analysis of variance was applied to assess within-subjects changes.

Results
After MSRT session, significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, and state anxiety was observed compared to baseline. Similarly, after SR session, significant changes were found in HR and state anxiety. No significant change was seen in SBP and DBP following SR compared to SR session; MSRT session showed significantly better improvement in SBP, DBP, HR, and state anxiety.

Conclusion
Present study demonstrated the usefulness of single session of MSRT in reducing blood pressure, HR, and state anxiety among individuals with HTN as compared to SR. These findings encourage the further studies with larger sample size and long-term intervention with a robust research design.
Load and Link Aware Protection Switching Technique for WDM Networks
Authors: Ravi Prakash Rao T. , Malleswara Rao V. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Providing reliable connection-oriented services in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks becomes challenging because of bad channel quality and overload. Most of the existing works have not considered node failures and congestion which are the essential characteristics for survivable routing. In this paper, a load and link aware protection switching technique for survivable routing in WDM networks is proposed. The technique estimates k-shortest paths for a connection request. Based on four different path possibilities, it provides the best path as connection path in terms of bandwidth. For establishing the primary path, the least virtual hop first routing algorithm is used. If the source node receives either failure or congestion warning message from the intermediate nodes, it triggers the load balanced rerouting algorithm for establishing the backup path. The proposed technique is simulated in NS-2, and the simulation results prove the efficiency of the scheme.
Design and Simulation of 1.28 Tbps Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex System Suitable for Long Haul Backbone
Authors: Amusan Akinwumi A. , Amusan Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Wavelength division multiplex (WDM) system with on/off keying (OOK) modulation and direct detection (DD) is generally simple to implement, less expensive and energy efficient. The determination of the possible design capacity limit, in terms of the bit rate – distance product in WDM – OOK –DD systems is therefore crucial, considering transmitter/receiver simplicity, as well as energy and cost efficiency.
A 32-channel WDM system is designed and simulated over 1000 km fiber length using Optsim commercial simulation software. The standard channel spacing of 0.4 nm was used in the C–band range from 1.5436 to 1.556 nm.
Each channel used the simple non return to zero – on/off keying (NRZ – OOK) modulation format to modulate a continuous wave (CW) laser source at 40 Gbps using an external modulator, while the receiver uses a DD scheme.
It is proposed that the design will be suitable for long haul mobile backbone in a national network, since up to 1.28 Tbps data rates can be transmitted over 1000 km.
A bit rate length product of 1.28 Pbps.km was obtained as the optimum capacity limit in 32 channel dispersion managed WDM – OOK – DD system.
Antenatal magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection: a critical appraisal and systematic review of clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Jayaram Pradeep M. , Mohan Manoj K. , Farid Ibrahim , Lindow Stephen 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Magnesium sulfate is an accepted intervention for fetal neuroprotection. There are some perceived differences in the international recommendations on the use magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection in preterm labor.

Content
This systematic review analyses the available clinical guidelines for the use of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection and compares the recommendations, and assesses the quality of guidelines. This provides the consensus, differences and explores the areas for future collaborative research. We searched databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, Web of Science, LILACS; and included the national and the international clinical practice guidelines. We included seven guidelines out of 227 search results. We evaluated the methodological quality of guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool and systematically extracted guideline characters, recommendation and supporting evidence base.

Summary
Five guidelines were of high quality and two were of moderate quality. One guideline achieved more than an 80% score in all the domains of AGREE II tool. All guidelines recommend use of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection. However, there are differences in other recommendations such as upper gestational age, dose, duration, repeating treatment and use of additional tocolytics.

Outlook
Future guidelines should include recommendations on all aspects of magnesium sulfate therapy for fetal neuroprotection. Future research and international collaboration should focus on areas where there are no international consensual recommendations.
Kant und der praktische Syllogismus
Authors: Wolff Michael 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
According to Bittner, Kant has established a theory of action that is untenable because it attempts to explain action on the basis of a theory of practical syllogisms. This article defends Kant’s view (developed in GMS II, AA 04: 412.26-30) by explaining the meaning in which actions can be ‘deduced’ from practical laws or from maxims.
Ein Leben Mohammeds
Authors: Dräger Paul 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The principal purpose and nucleus of the article is the publication of a Latin text of highly demanding qualities in terms of philological principles which, in connection with its first abundantly annotated translation into German, has hitherto scarcely been noticed by researchers. The only literary collection which bears witness to the existence of the manuscript is a folio edition which presumably came into being in the middle of the 12th century, i. e. during the time of the crusades (conquest of Jerusalem in 1099) and is kept in the municipal library of the city of Treves.
The dialogue between the anonymous author and a Greek, who hates the Saracens, forms the content. When, in the centre of the text, the author asks about Mohammed, the ‘monster’ (monstrum), the Greek relates the life of the hater of all Christians in the darkest colours. He begins wit Mohammed’s youth when he was a swineherd, continues with his devil-initiated encounter with the heretic Nestorius and the general development of a new common ‘faith’ as well as its spreading among the desert tribes by means of sorcery and deceipt and the student’s treacherous murder of his teacher. The assassin is then married to a Babylonian royal widow and, finally, meets his contumelious death caused by a pigs’ attack.
The repeated comparison of our text with poetical ‘western’ scripts of the 11th and 12th centuries (Embricho of Mayence, Guibert of Nogent, Walter of Compiègne) as regards the subject matter leads us to the conclusion that our manuscript is likely to be of a most Islam critical tendency.
High-efficiency broadband light coupling between optical fibers and photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Son Gyeongho , Han Seungjun , Park Jongwoo , Kwon Kyungmok , Yu Kyoungsik 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Efficient light energy transfer between optical waveguides has been a critical issue in various areas of photonics and optoelectronics. Especially, the light coupling between optical fibers and integrated waveguide structures provides essential input-output interfaces for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and plays a crucial role in reliable optical signal transport for a number of applications, such as optical interconnects, optical switching, and integrated quantum optics. Significant efforts have been made to improve light coupling properties, including coupling efficiency, bandwidth, polarization dependence, alignment tolerance, as well as packing density. In this review article, we survey three major light coupling methods between optical fibers and integrated waveguides: end-fire coupling, diffraction grating-based coupling, and adiabatic coupling. Although these waveguide coupling methods are different in terms of their operating principles and physical implementations, they have gradually adopted various nanophotonic structures and techniques to improve the light coupling properties as our understanding to the behavior of light and nano-fabrication technology advances. We compare the pros and cons of each light coupling method and provide an overview of the recent developments in waveguide coupling between optical fibers and integrated photonic circuits.