bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential effect of parity on rat mammary carcinogenesis after pre- or post-pubertal exposure to radiation
Authors: Takabatake Masaru , Daino Kazuhiro , Imaoka Tatsuhiko , Blyth Benjamin J. , Kokubo Toshiaki , Nishimura Yukiko , Showler Kaye , Hosoki Ayaka , Moriyama Hitomi , Nishimura Mayumi , Kakinuma Shizuko , Fukushi Masahiro , Shimada Yoshiya 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRadiation exposure during the peri-pubertal period is a proven risk factor for breast cancer, whereas parity is an established protective factor. The present study investigated whether parity imposes differential protective effects against radiation-induced rat mammary carcinoma depending on the age at exposure. Pre- and post-pubertal female rats, irradiated or left unirradiated, were mated and allowed to nurse until weaning or left unmated. Appearance of mammary tumors was monitored, and serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were measured following weaning. Carcinomas were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and the cell proliferation marker Ki-67. Parity reduced the risk of carcinoma in unirradiated and pre-pubertally irradiated rats but not post-pubertally irradiated rats. Although radiation exposure increased serum progesterone level, parity after pre-pubertal exposure significantly decreased the elevated progesterone to a normal level, reflecting a protective effect. Moreover, parity significantly decreased the proportion of hormone receptor–positive carcinomas after pre-pubertal exposure. Parity was also related to the observed positive association between progesterone receptor and Ki-67 indices in cancer tissue, implying progesterone receptor–dependent cell proliferation. Thus, parity protects against radiation-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis depending on the age at exposure; the mechanisms may involve changes in hormone levels and cancer tissue.
Quantifying paraspinal muscle tone and stiffness in young adults with chronic low back pain: a reliability study
Authors: Hu Xiaoqian , Lei Di , Li Le , Leng Yan , Yu Qiuhua , Wei Xiaoyu , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe reliability of a handheld myotonometer when used in a clinical setting to assess paraspinal muscle mechanical properties is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the between-session intra-rater reliability of a handheld myotonometer in young adults with low back pain (LBP) in a clinical environment. One assessor recorded lumbar paraspinal muscle tone and stiffness in an outpatient department on two occasions. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest real difference (SRD) and Bland-Altman analysis were conducted to assess reliability. The results indicated acceptable between-days intra-rater reliability (ICC > 0.75) for all measurements. The SEM of the muscle tone and stiffness measurements ranged between 0.20–0.66 Hz and 7.91–16.51 N/m, respectively. The SRD was 0.44–1.83 Hz for muscle tone and 21.93–52.87 N/m for muscle stiffness. SEM and SRD at L1-L2 were higher than those at other levels. The magnitude of agreement appeared to decrease as muscle tone and stiffness increased. The myotonometer demonstrated acceptable reliability when used in a clinical setting in young adults with chronic LBP. Measurements of the upper lumbar levels were not as reliable as those of the lower lumbar levels. The crural attachment of the diaphragm at L1 and L2 may affect paraspinal muscle tone and stiffness during respiratory cycles.
Extracting h-Backbone as a Core Structure in Weighted Networks
Authors: Zhang Ronda J. , Stanley H. Eugene , Ye Fred Y. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDetermining the core structure of complex network systems allows us to simplify them. Using h-bridge and h-strength measurements in a weighted network, we extract the h-backbone core structure. We find that focusing on the h-backbone in a network allows greater simplification because it has fewer edges and thus fewer adjacent nodes. We examine three practical applications: the co-citation network in an information system, the open flight network in a social system, and coauthorship in network science publications.
Simple method for fabricating scattering layer using random nanoscale rods for improving optical properties of organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kwack Jin Ho , Choi Junhee , Park Cheol Hwee , Hwang Ha , Park Young Wook , Ju Byeong-Kwon 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe investigated a low-temperature mask-free process for preparing random nanoscale rods (RNRs) as a scattering layer. The process involves spin coating and dry etching, which are already widely applied in industry. Our film exhibited 17–33% optical haze at 520 nm wavelength and 95% total transmittance in the visible range. Therefore, this film can be used as a scattering layer for improving viewing angle characteristics and decreasing substrate mode loss in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Specifically, we focussed on varying the height and density of the RNRs to control the optical characteristics. As a result, the OLEDs with RNRs revealed a variation in colour coordinates of Δ(x, y) = (0.007, 0.014) for a change in the viewing angle, which was superior to those without the RNRs that displayed a variation of Δ(x, y) = (0.020, 0.034) in CIE 1931. Moreover, the OLEDs with RNRs exhibited 31% enhanced external quantum efficiency compared to those of the OLEDs with the bare substrate. The flexibility of the polymer used for the RNRs and the plasma treatment suggests that the RNRs can be applied to flexible OLED displays and lighting systems.
ADIPOR1 is essential for vision and its RPE expression is lost in the Mfrprd6 mouse
Authors: Sluch Valentin M. , Banks Angela , Li Hui , Crowley Maura A. , Davis Vanessa , Xiang Chuanxi , Yang Junzheng , Demirs John T. , Vrouvlianis Joanna , Leehy Barrett , Hanks Shawn , Hyman Alexandra M. , Aranda Jorge , Chang Bo , Bigelow Chad E. , Rice Dennis S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe knockout (KO) of the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) gene causes retinal degeneration. Here we report that ADIPOR1 protein is primarily found in the eye and brain with little expression in other tissues. Further analysis of AdipoR1 KO mice revealed that these animals exhibit early visual system abnormalities and are depleted of RHODOPSIN prior to pronounced photoreceptor death. A KO of AdipoR1 post-development either in photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) resulted in decreased expression of retinal proteins, establishing a role for ADIPOR1 in supporting vision in adulthood. Subsequent analysis of the Mfrprd6 mouse retina demonstrated that these mice are lacking ADIPOR1 in their RPE layer alone, suggesting that loss of ADIPOR1 drives retinal degeneration in this model. Moreover, we found elevated levels of IRBP in both the AdipoR1 KO and the Mfrprd6 models. The spatial distribution of IRBP was also abnormal. This dysregulation of IRBP hypothesizes a role for ADIPOR1 in retinoid metabolism.
Noncollinear and nonlinear pulse propagation
Authors: Kardaś Tomasz M. , Stepanenko Yuriy , Radzewicz Czesław 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA novel method for numerical modelling of noncollinear and nonlinear interaction of femtosecond laser pulses is presented. The method relies on a separate treatment of each of the interacting pulses by it’s own rotated unidirectional pulse propagation equation (UPPE). We show that our method enables accurate simulations of the interaction of pulses travelling at a mutual angle of up to 140°. The limit is imposed by the unidirectionality principal. Additionally, a novel tool facilitating the preparation of noncollinear propagation initial conditions - a 3D Fourier transform based rotation technique - is presented. The method is tested with several linear and nonlinear cases and, finally, four original results are presented: (i) interference of highly chirped pulses colliding at mutual angle of 120°, (ii) optical switching through cross-focusing of perpendicular beams (iii) a comparison between two fluorescence up-conversion processes in BBO with large angles between the input beams and (iv) a degenerate four-wave mixing experiment in a boxcar configuration.
Electrostatic potential and valence modulation in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films
Authors: Trappen Robbyn , Garcia-Castro A. C. , Tra Vu Thanh , Huang Chih-Yeh , Ibarra-Hernandez Wilfredo , Fitch James , Singh Sobhit , Zhou Jinling , Cabrera Guerau , Chu Ying-Hao , LeBeau James M. , Romero Aldo H. , Holcomb Mikel B. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe Mn valence in thin film La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 was studied as a function of film thickness in the range of 1–16 unit cells with a combination of non-destructive bulk and surface sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques. Using a layer-by-layer valence model, it was found that while the bulk averaged valence hovers around its expected value of 3.3, a significant deviation occurs within several unit cells of the surface and interface. These results were supported by first principles calculations. The surface valence increases to up to Mn3.7+, whereas the interface valence reduces down to Mn2.5+. The change in valence from the expected bulk value is consistent with charge redistribution due to the polar discontinuity at the film-substrate interface. The comparison with theory employed here illustrates how this layer-by-layer valence evolves with film thickness and allows for a deeper understanding of the microscopic mechanisms at play in this effect. These results offer insight on how the two-dimensional electron gas is created in thin film oxide alloys and how the magnetic ordering is reduced with dimensionality.
Site-1 protease function is essential for the generation of antibody secreting cells and reprogramming for secretory activity
Authors: Al-Maskari Muna , Care Matthew A. , Robinson Emily , Cocco Mario , Tooze Reuben M. , Doody Gina M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe unfolded protein response (UPR) and activation of XBP1 is necessary for high secretory efficiency and functional differentiation of antibody secreting cells (ASCs). The UPR additionally includes a branch in which membrane-bound transcription factors, exemplified by ATF6, undergo intramembrane-proteolysis by the sequential action of site-1 (MBTPS1/S1P) and site-2 proteases (MBTPS2/S2P) and release of the cytoplasmic domain as an active transcription factor. Such regulation is shared with a family of CREB3-related transcription factors and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). Of these, we identify that the CREB3 family member CREB3L2 is strongly induced and activated during the transition from B-cell to plasma cell state. Inhibition of site-1 protease leads to a profound reduction in plasmablast number linked to induction of autophagy. Plasmablasts generated in the presence of site-1 protease inhibitor segregated into CD38high and CD38low populations, the latter characterized by a marked reduction in the capacity to secrete IgG. Site-1 protease inhibition is accompanied by a distinctive change in gene expression associated with amino acid, steroid and fatty acid synthesis pathways. These results demonstrate that transcriptional control of metabolic programs necessary for secretory activity can be targeted via site-1 protease inhibition during ASC differentiation.
Cell cycle reentry triggers hyperploidization and synaptic dysfunction followed by delayed cell death in differentiated cortical neurons
Authors: Barrio-Alonso E. , Hernández-Vivanco A. , Walton C. C. , Perea G. , Frade J. M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCell cycle reentry followed by neuronal hyperploidy and synaptic failure are two early hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however their functional connection remains unexplored. To address this question, we induced cell cycle reentry in cultured cortical neurons by expressing SV40 large T antigen. Cell cycle reentry was followed by hyperploidy in ~70% of cortical neurons, and led to progressive axon initial segment loss and reduced density of dendritic PSD-95 puncta, which correlated with diminished spike generation and reduced spontaneous synaptic activity. This manipulation also resulted in delayed cell death, as previously observed in AD-affected hyperploid neurons. Membrane depolarization by high extracellular potassium maintained PSD-95 puncta density and partially rescued both spontaneous synaptic activity and cell death, while spike generation remained blocked. This suggests that AD-associated hyperploid neurons can be sustained in vivo if integrated in active neuronal circuits whilst promoting synaptic dysfunction. Thus, cell cycle reentry might contribute to cognitive impairment in early stages of AD and neuronal death susceptibility at late stages.
Long-term effects of H. pylori eradication on epigenetic alterations related to gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Michigami Yuki , Watari Jiro , Ito Chiyomi , Nakai Keisuke , Yamasaki Takahisa , Kondo Takashi , Kono Tomoaki , Tozawa Katsuyuki , Tomita Toshihiko , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Morimoto Takeshi , Das Kiron M. , Miwa Hiroto 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe risk of gastric cancer (GC) remains in precancerous conditions, including atrophic mucosa and intestinal mucosa (IM), even after H. pylori treatment. To define the molecular changes following H. pylori eradication, molecular alterations in the gastric mucosa with and without GC were evaluated in a long-term follow-up study. A total of 232 biopsy specimens from 78 consecutive patients, including atrophic gastritis patients with follow-up ≥3 y after successful H. pylori eradication (AG group), patients who developed early GC after successful eradication (≥3 y) (GC group), and patients with H. pylori-positive atrophic gastritis (Hp group), were analyzed. H. pylori eradication was associated with significant reductions of methylation of several genes/loci in atrophic mucosa (non-IM), but not in IM. In contrast, the incidence of CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in IM was significantly higher in the GC group than in the AG group. miR-124a-3 methylation and miR-34c methylation were more frequently identified in IM, with very few in non-IM mucosa among the three groups. H. pylori eradication can reverse methylation only in non-IM mucosa. CIMP in IM may have potential as a surrogate maker of GC development, and methylation of miR-124a-3 and miR-34c is a molecular event in IM that may not be associated with GC development.
The plasminogen binding protein PbsP is required for brain invasion by hypervirulent CC17 Group B streptococci
Authors: Lentini Germana , Midiri Angelina , Firon Arnaud , Galbo Roberta , Mancuso Giuseppe , Biondo Carmelo , Mazzon Emanuela , Passantino Annamaria , Romeo Letizia , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Teti Giuseppe , Beninati Concetta 
Published: September 2018

AbstractStreptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus or GBS) is a frequent cause of serious disease in newborns and adults. Epidemiological evidence indicates a strong association between GBS strains belonging to the hypervirulent CC17 clonal complex and the occurrence of meningitis in neonates. We investigate here the role of PbsP, a cell wall plasminogen binding protein, in colonization of the central nervous system by CC17 GBS. Deletion of pbsP selectively impaired the ability of the CC17 strain BM110 to colonize the mouse brain after intravenous challenge, despite its unchanged capacity to persist at high levels in the blood and to invade the kidneys. Moreover, immunization with a recombinant form of PbsP considerably reduced brain infection and lethality. In vitro, pbsP deletion markedly decreased plasmin-dependent transmigration of BM110 through brain microvascular endothelial cells. Although PbsP was modestly expressed in bacteria grown under standard laboratory conditions, pbsP expression was markedly upregulated during in vivo infection or upon contact with cultured brain endothelial cells. Collectively, our studies indicate that PbsP is a highly conserved Plg binding adhesin, which is functionally important for invasion of the central nervous system by the hypervirulent CC17 GBS. Moreover, this antigen is a promising candidate for inclusion in a universal GBS vaccine.
Shallow carbon storage in ancient buried thermokarst in the South Kara Sea
Authors: Portnov Alexey , Mienert Jürgen , Winsborrow Monica , Andreassen Karin , Vadakkepuliyambatta Sunil , Semenov Peter , Gataullin Valery 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGeophysical data from the South Kara Sea reveal U-shaped erosional structures buried beneath the 50–250 m deep seafloor of the continental shelf across an area of ~32 000 km2. These structures are interpreted as thermokarst, formed in ancient yedoma terrains during Quaternary interglacial periods. Based on comparison to modern yedoma terrains, we suggest that these thermokarst features could have stored approximately 0.5 to 8 Gt carbon during past climate warmings. In the deeper parts of the South Kara Sea (>220 m water depth) the paleo thermokarst structures lie within the present day gas hydrate stability zone, with low bottom water temperatures −1.8 oC) keeping the gas hydrate system in equilibrium. These thermokarst structures and their carbon reservoirs remain stable beneath a Quaternary sediment blanket, yet are potentially sensitive to future Arctic climate changes.
Electro‐optic filter based on guided‐mode resonance for optical communication
Authors: Ren Zhibin , Sun Yahui , Hu Jiasheng , Zhang Shuqing , Lin Zihao , Zhi Xiyang 
Published: September 2018

An electro‐optic filter based on guided‐mode resonance for optical communication has been designed and fabricated. The rigorous coupled‐wave analysis is used to calculate the reflection spectra of the designed filter. The grating structure of the filter is patterned by interference lithography with two ultraviolet laser beams. The polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal is injected into the gap between the glass substrate and the bottom of the grating to fabricate the electro‐optic filter. The measured spectra of the fabricated filter exhibit a 38.7 nm shift of the resonant reflected wavelength by controlling the applied voltage.
A new X-ray-selected sample of very extended galaxy groups from the ROSAT All-Sky Survey
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Ramos-Ceja Miriam E. , Pacaud Florian , Reiprich Thomas H. , Erben Thomas 
Published: September 2018

Context.Some indications for tension have long been identified between cosmological constraints obtained from galaxy clusters and primary cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements. Typically, assuming the matter density and fluctuations, as parameterized with Ωmandσ8, estimated from CMB measurements, many more clusters are expected than those actually observed. This has been reinforced recently by the Planck collaboration. One possible explanation could be that certain types of galaxy groups or clusters were missed in samples constructed in previous surveys, resulting in a higher incompleteness than estimated.Aims.In this work, we aim to determine if a hypothetical class of very extended, low-surface-brightness galaxy groups or clusters have been missed in previous X-ray cluster surveys based on the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS).Methods.We applied a dedicated source-detection algorithm sensitive also to more unusual group or cluster surface-brightness distributions. It includes a multiresolution filtering, a source-detection algorithm, and a maximum-likelihood fitting procedure. To optimize parameters, this algorithm is calibrated using extensive simulations before it is used to reanalyze the RASS data. In addition, the cross-correlation of the candidates with optical/infrared surveys is used for cluster identification and redshift estimation.Results.We found many known groups but also a number of new group candidates, which are not included in any previous X-ray or SZ cluster catalogs. In this paper, we present a pilot sample of 13 very extended groups discovered in the RASS at positions where no X-ray source has been detected previously and with clear optical counterparts. The X-ray fluxes of at least 5 of these are above the nominal flux-limits of previous RASS cluster catalogs (≳3 × 10−12erg s−1cm−2in the 0.1 − 2.4 keV energy band). They have low mass (1013M⊙≲M500≲ 1014M⊙; i.e., they are galaxy groups), are at low redshift (z< 0.08), and exhibit flatter surface-brightness distributions than usual.Conclusions.We demonstrate that galaxy groups were missed in previous RASS surveys, possibly due to the flat surface-brightness distributions of this potential new population. Analysis of the full sample will show if this might have a significant effect on previous cosmological parameter constraints based on RASS cluster surveys.
The demographics of neutron star – white dwarf mergers
Authors: Toonen S. , Perets H. B. , Igoshev A. P. , Michaely E. , Zenati Y. 
Published: September 2018

Context. The mergers of neutron stars (NSs) and white dwarfs (WDs) could give rise to explosive transients, potentially observable with current and future transient surveys. However, the expected properties and distribution of such events is not well understood.
Aims. Here we characterise the rates of such events, their delay-time distributions, their progenitors, and the distribution of their properties.
Methods. We use binary population synthesis models and consider a wide range of initial conditions and physical processes. In particular we consider different common-envelope evolution models and different NS natal kick distributions. We provide detailed predictions arising from each of the models considered.
Results. We find that the majority of NS–WD mergers are born in systems in which mass-transfer played an important role, and the WD formed before the NS. For the majority of the mergers the WDs have a carbon-oxygen composition (60−80%) and most of the rest are with oxygen-neon WDs. The time-integrated rates of NS–WD mergers are in the range of 3−15% of the type Ia supernovae (SNe) rate. Their delay-time distribution is very similar to that of type Ia SNe, but is slightly biased towards earlier times. They typically explode in young 100 Myr < τ < 1 Gyr environments, but have a tail distribution extending to long, gigayear-timescales. Models including significant kicks give rise to relatively wide offset distribution extending to hundreds of kiloparsecs.
Conclusions. The demographic and physical properties of NS–WD mergers suggest they are likely to be peculiar type Ic-like SNe, mostly exploding in late-type galaxies. Their overall properties could be related to a class of recently observed rapidly evolving SNe, while they are less likely to be related to the class of Ca-rich SNe.