bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PROLONGED BIRTH INTERVALS IN HAMEDAN, IRAN: VARIATIONS AND DETERMINANTS
Authors: Erfani Amir , Nojomi Marzieh , Hosseini Hatam 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe 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

ABSTRACTIn 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.
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

AbstractRashba 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

AbstractMesenchymal 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

AbstractCurrent 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractAnchovies 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

AbstractIt 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

AbstractDynamics 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

AbstractDrug 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

AbstractMicroglia 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

AbstractTuberous 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractTo 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

AbstractHaemophilia 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.
Introduction to the Plant Theory
Authors: Scholten Jan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis 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.
A Proving and a Case of Veitchia Merrillii (Christmas Palm)
Authors: Ritzer Friedrich 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPeople, 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.