bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between interleukin‐1 polymorphisms and their protein expression in Chinese Han patients with breast cancer
Authors: Wang Juan , Shi Yonggang , Wang Gaochao , Dong Shiliang , Yang Daoke , Zuo Xiaoxiao
Published: July 2019

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths among women worldwide. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes have been shown to alter their expressions or functions in patients with BC. In recent years, the molecular structure and function of IL‐1 have been studied. Its genetic polymorphism could affect the transcription and expression of the IL‐1 gene. Moreover, it is closely related to several diseases. This fact and plethora of gene polymorphism data prompted us to investigate the relationship between IL‐1 polymorphisms and IL‐1 protein expression in Chinese Han BC patients.

Method

In total, 298 patients with BC and 287 healthy control women were studied. The genetic polymorphisms for IL‐1 were analyzed by the MassARRAY sequencing method. Tumor markers and IL‐1β levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence and ELISA, respectively. All gene selection GRCh38 version.

Results

The rs1143623 (NC_000002.12:g.112838252C>G) (GC), rs16944 (NC_000002.12:g.112837290A>G)(AG), and rs10490571 (NC_000002.12:g.102100877C>T) (CC) SNPs were found to be significantly lower in the BC group than in the controls. The variant G/C genotype of rs1143623 was associated with a significantly increased risk for BC (OR = 2.34, p < 0.05). The alleles for rs16944 (A/G; OR = 3.15, p < 0.05) and rs10490571 (T/C; OR = 2.48, p < 0.05) were also significantly associated with BC. Moreover, the genotypes of rs1143623, rs16944, and rs10490571 were significantly correlated with serum IL‐1β levels and other tumor markers.

Conclusion

Our data reveal the association between genetic polymorphisms of IL‐1 and BC susceptibility in the Chinese Han population and indicates that IL‐1 polymorphisms are closely associated with tumor markers and IL‐1β protein expression in BC patients.
An analysis of a mathematical model describing acid‐mediated tumor invasion
Authors: de Araujo Anderson L. A. , Fassoni Artur C. , Salvino Luís F.
Published: July 2019

We present a mathematical analysis of a reaction‐diffusion model describing acid‐mediated tumor invasion. The model describes the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of tumor cells, normal cells, and excess lactic acid concentration. The model assumes that tumor‐induced alteration of microenvironmental pH provides a simple but complete mechanism for cancer invasion. We provide results on the existence and uniqueness of a solution considering Neumann boundary condition and comments about the same results with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We also provide numerical simulations to the solutions considering both boundary conditions.
Response characterization of EBT‐XD radiochromic films in megavoltage photon and electron beams
Authors: León‐Marroquín E. Yazmin , Mulrow Daniel , Darafsheh Arash , Khan Rao
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the beam quality dependence of the EBT‐XD radiochromic films for megavoltage photon and electron beam irradiations by studying their spectral response. Dose, dose rate, and interbatch dependencies were investigated as well.

Methods

EBT‐XD and EBT3 radiochromic films were cut into 5 cm2 × 5 cm2 pieces, placed between solid water phantoms, and irradiated with 6 and 15 MV photon beams, 6 and 10 MV flattening filter free photon beams, and 6 and 20 MeV electron beams at dose levels between 0.5 and 50 Gy. In order to measure the spectral response, the films were illuminated by a deuterium and tungsten‐halogen lamp and net absorption was measured in 400–800 nm spectral range using a fiber‐coupled optical spectrometer. Film samples were then analyzed using a flatbed scanner in the red, green, and blue channel to obtain the optical density of the films.

Results

The net absorption spectra of the EBT‐XD and EBT3 films showed two absorption bands centered at 635 and 585 nm, characteristic of the EBT model. However, for a given dose, the EBT‐XD films showed lower net absorbance compared to the EBT3 films. At a given dose level, the net absorption spectra and dose–response curves for EBT‐XD films showed only slight variations across various beam qualities. When a calibration curve obtained from a given beam quality is used to measure dose from films irradiated with other beam qualities, the maximum uncertainty in the calculated dose, in ranges 5–40 and 8–50 Gy for red and green channels, respectively, were ~3.1% and ~2.4%.

Conclusions

The response of the EBT‐XD films is dose rate independent but batch dependent. No significant beam quality dependence was observed in EBT‐XD films in the dose range up to 50 Gy.
A multi‐centre study to explore the feasibility and acceptability of collecting data for complex regional pain syndrome clinical studies using a core measurement set: Study protocol
Authors: Grieve Sharon , Brunner Florian , Buckle Lisa , Gobeil Francois , Hirata Hitoshi , Iwasaki Norimasa , Moseley Lorimer , Sousa Gudson , Vatine Jean‐Jacques , Vaughan‐Spickers Nicole , Xu Jijun , McCabe Candida
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This international, multicentre study will inform the final data collection tools and processes which will comprise the first international, clinical research registry for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This study will: (a) test the feasibility and acceptability of collecting outcome measurement data using a patient reported, questionnaire core measurement set (COMPACT [Core Outcome Measurement set for complex regional PAin syndrome Clinical sTudies]); and (b) test and refine an electronic data management system to collect and manage the data.

Methods

A maximum of 240 adults, meeting the Budapest diagnostic clinical criteria for CRPS type I or II, will be recruited across eight countries. The COMPACT questionnaire will be completed on two occasions: at baseline (T1) and 6 months later (T2). At T2, participants will choose to complete COMPACT using a paper or electronic version. Participants will be asked to feed back on their experience of completing COMPACT via a questionnaire. A separate questionnaire will ask clinicians to feed back their experience of data collection.

Analysis

The study is not aiming to derive statistically significant data but to ascertain the practicalities of collecting data, using the COMPACT questionnaire set, across a range of different cultures and populations. At the end of the study, a single workshop will be convened to review the findings and agree the final documents and processes for the international registry.
A method for multiparametric statistical quantification of the heterogeneity of free Na+concentration by19F MR spectroscopy: Proof of principlein silicoandin vitro
Authors: Lutz Norbert W. , Bernard Monique
Published: July 2019

Sodium(I) (Na+) is one of the most important cations in mammalian tissues. Since Na+plays a key role in basic cell function, noninvasive methods for measuring intracellular concentrations of free sodium ions in biological tissue have been developed on the basis of19F NMR spectroscopy. However, intracellular Na+levels are often not uniform throughout a tissue volume (or voxel) being measured. In such cases, [Na+] heterogeneity is not reflected in results obtained by the classical technique, and may even result in biased average values. For this reason, we have designed an approach for quantifying [Na+] heterogeneity.

First, the19F MRS resonance from FCrown‐1 serving as a “Na+probe” is transformed into a [Na+] curve. Then the digital points of the resulting [Na+] profile are used to construct a histogram with specially developed algorithms.

From each [Na+] histogram, at least eight quantitative parameters describing the underlying statistical [Na+] distribution were computed: weighted median, weighted mean, standard deviation, range, mode(s), kurtosis, skewness, and entropy. In addition to our new paradigm, we present a first validation based on (i) computer simulations and (ii) experimentally obtained19F MR spectra of model solutions.

This basic proof of principle warrants future in vivo experiments, in particular because of its ability to provide quantitative information complementary to that made available by commonly used23Na MRI: (i) multiparametric statistical characterization of [Na+] distributions; (ii) total [Na+] heterogeneity analysis not intrinsically limited by the size of any MRI voxels; and (iii) analysis of unequivocally intracellular [Na+], as opposed to measurement of a combination of intra‐and extracellular [Na+].
The missing link? Using LinkedIn to market your professional programs
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: July 2019

Dominated by career‐oriented professionals and industry thought leaders, LinkedIn is often untapped as a platform to reach prospective students. What once seemed like only a place to host your résumé and connect with colleagues has become an incredibly active space for conversation, career information, and learning.
Epoxidation of Alkenes by Peracids: From Textbook Mechanisms to a Quantum Mechanically Derived Curly‐Arrow Depiction
Authors: Klein Johannes E. M. N. , Knizia Gerald , Rzepa Henry S.
Published: July 2019

Using the intrinsic bond orbital (IBO) analysis based on accurate quantum mechanical calculations of the reaction path for the epoxidation of propene using peroxyacetic acid, we find that the four commonly used curly arrows for representing this reaction mechanism are insufficient and that seven curly arrows are required as a result of changes to σ and π bonding interactions, which are usually neglected in all textbook curly arrow representations. The IBO method provides a convenient quantitative method for deriving curly arrows in a rational manner rather than the normalad hocrepresentations used ubiquitously in teaching organic chemistry.
Mannose‐Modified Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a Delivery Nanovector Optimizing the Antigen Presentation of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Dong Zhipeng , Wang Qiyan , Huo Ming , Zhang Nanxia , Li Bingxia , Li Hongmei , Xu Yisong , Chen Meng , Hong Hao , Wang Yue
Published: July 2019

Dendritic cells (DCs) based cancer immunotherapy is largely dependent on adequate antigen delivery and efficient induction of DCs maturation to produce sufficient antigen presentation and ultimately lead to substantial activation of tumor‐specific CD8+ T cells. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted great attention in biomedicine because of their unique physicochemical properties. In order to effectively deliver tumor antigens to DCs and trigger a strong anti‐tumor immune response, herein, a specific DCs target delivery system was assembled by using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes modified with mannose which can specifically bind to the mannose receptor on DCs membrane. Ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen, could be adsorbed on the surface of mannose modified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (Man‐MWCNTs) with a large drug loading content. This nanotube‐antigen complex showed low cytotoxicity to DCs and was efficiently engulfed by DCs to induce DCs maturation and cytokine release in vitro, indicating that it could be a potent antigen‐adjuvant nanovector of efficient antigen delivery for therapeutic purpose.
Potential benefits of arginine formulation in oral health care products
Authors: Ahsan Haseeb
Published: July 2019

Arginine (Arg) is derived from dietary intake, body protein breakdown, and endogenous Arg production, and is also present in saliva. Arg has been introduced as an additive in toothpaste and other fluoride‐containing dental care products and is now being promoted as more efficacious than conventional fluoride‐only toothpaste for the prevention of dental caries. Arg inclusion in dentifrice could potentially inhibit oral biofilm formation and destabilize dental plaque. Arg is expected to inhibit oral biofilm formation and destabilize complex aggregates in dental plaque and its inclusion in mouth rinse could facilitate oral biofilm removal. The destabilization of the oral biofilm by Arg may facilitate the removal of dental plaque during routine oral care. Since removing this solid biological plaque from tooth surfaces by water rinsing or brushing can be difficult, Arg metabolism in oral biofilms leading to an increase in pH decreases the risk for caries development. Moreover, clinical data have shown that Arg‐containing toothpaste increased benefits leading to the prevention of dental caries. However, there are concerns regarding the use of Arg dentifrice in caries progression or regression and some studies contradict the claims of Arg benefits in caries progression or regression.
The effectiveness of busulfan‐based conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation against lymphomas in children, adolescents, and young adults in Japan
Authors: Hori Daiki , Kobayashi Ryoji , Fujita Naoto , Suzumiya Junji , Suzuki Ritsuro , Kato Koji , Kawata Takahito , Fukuda Takahiro , Inoue Masami , Goto Hiroaki , Hama Asahito , Iwato Koji , Okumura Hirokazu , Eto Tetsuya , Hashii Yoshiko , Atsuta Yoshiko , Mitsui Tetsuo
Published: July 2019

Conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation (SCT) involving total body irradiation (TBI) are generally preferred over busulfan (BU)‐based ones for lymphoid malignancies. However, reports of favorable results using BU against lymphomas have recently emerged. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of BU and TBI regimens for SCT against lymphomas. We retrospectively analyzed 893 lymphoma patients who underwent primary SCT in Japan between 1980 and 2015. The median age of all patients was 18 years (range, 0–30 years) with 589 males, 303 females, and 1 patient whose sex was unknown. Overall survival (OS) was not different between those receiving BU and TBI (P = 0.672). OS in patients receiving autologous SCT was significantly better with BU over TBI regimens (P = 0.038), particularly in children (0–15 years) (P = 0.024). Conversely, OS in adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 16–30 years) receiving allogeneic SCT was significantly worse with BU over TBI regimens (P = 0.035). Overall, BU regiments had comparable effectiveness to TBI conditioning regimens, and, although less effective for AYAs with allogeneic SCT, were particularly more effective than TBI regimens for children who received autologous SCT.
The role of ultrasound in the choice between chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis for patients with a positive NIPT result for trisomy 18/13
Authors: Zhen Li , Yang Yan‐Dong , Li Yu‐Juan , Xu Li‐Li , Li Dong‐Zhi
Published: July 2019

What's already known about this topic?

Positive predict value (PPV) is vitally important because it indicates the probability that a positive test result represents a true fetal abnormality.

PPV of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is lower for trisomy 18/13 compared with trisomy 21.

What does this study add?

In our study cohort of women with a high‐risk noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) result and normal nuchal translucency measurement, >90% (32/35) of cases with true fetal trisomy 18/13 had a fetal abnormality on ultrasound, compared with none of the fetuses with confined placental mosaicism and normal amniocentesis result.

Detailed sonographic examination of the fetus following a high‐risk NIPT result for trisomy 13/18 is an important component of clinical management and may influence the choice of confirmatory prenatal diagnostic procedure.
On the modeling and optimization of UV‐curable fluoro‐siloxane formulations and their solvent absorption and adhesion properties
Authors: Crook Russell Allan , Allen Andrew
Published: July 2019

A screening study was performed on a family of UV‐curable fluoro‐silicone polymers designed to coat aluminum. Solvent durability, adhesion, dimensional stability, and thermal oxidative stability were important physical parameters to control. An XVERT mixture experimental design was used to model the behavior of selected polymer formulations. A calibrated linear model showed excellent correlation with experimental data. The coefficients from this model were then used to predict and optimize the responses of the polymer formulations to specific requirements. It was shown that percent fluorination was a strong influence on the amount of solvent absorption and the level of thermal oxidative stability, while the amount of hydrocarbon‐based alcohol was shown to be necessary for adhesion to aluminum and a post cure polyurethane top coat. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1678–1687 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and analysis of thermal characteristics of polybenzoxazine based on phenol and 3‐Amino phenyl boronic acid
Authors: İpek Halil , Hacaloğlu Jale
Published: July 2019

In this work, 3‐amino phenyl boronic acid (AB) was used as an aniline derivative in the preparation of polybenzoxazine based on phenol. In order to investigate the effect of boronic acid on thermal characteristics, polybenzoxazines based on pure aniline and 50% aniline and AB mixture were also prepared and analyzed. Significant improvements in thermal characteristics, increase in thermal stability and char yield, was recorded for the polymers based on AB or its mixture. This behavior was associated with crosslinked structures generated by condensation reactions of BOH groups. Morphologic and thermal characteristics of polybenzoxazines samples were investigated by NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and direct pyrolysis mass spectrometry (DP‐MS) techniques. Application of DP‐MS technique also supplied additional information on crosslinked structures produced by boronic acid units. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1711–1716
Multi‐temporal 3D point cloud‐based quantification and analysis of geomorphological activity at an alpine rock glacier using airborne and terrestrial LiDAR
Authors: Zahs Vivien , Hämmerle Martin , Anders Katharina , Hecht Stefan , Sailer Rudolf , Rutzinger Martin , Williams Jack G. , Höfle Bernhard
Published: July 2019

Change analysis of rock glaciers is crucial to analyzing the adaptation of surface and subsurface processes to changing environmental conditions at different timescales because rock glaciers are considered as potentially unstable slopes and solid water reservoirs. To quantify surface change in complex surface topographies with varying surface orientation and roughness, a full three‐dimensional (3D) change analysis is required. This study therefore proposes a novel approach for accurate 3D point cloud‐based quantification and analysis of geomorphological activity on rock glaciers. It is applied to the lower tongue area of the Äußeres Hochebenkar rock glacier, Ötztal Alps, Austria. Multi‐temporal and multi‐source topographic LiDAR data are used to quantify surface changes and to reveal their spatial and temporal characteristics at different timescales within the period 2006–2018. LiDAR‐based examinations are complemented with subsurface characteristics obtained from electrical resistivity tomography. This combined approach reveals active and variable spatial and temporal surface dynamics in the investigated area, with minimum detectable change between 0.09 and 0.65 m at 95% confidence. Given that this approach overcomes current uncertainties in established methods of differentiating complex rock glacier surfaces, we consider it a valuable addition that can be applied to objects of similar properties such as landslides or glaciers.
Assessing the durability, stability, and usability of genetic resistance to a non‐native fungal pathogen in two pine species
Authors: Sniezko Richard A. , Johnson Jeremy S. , Savin Douglas P.
Published: July 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Damage to white pine forests by white pine blister rust, caused by the non‐native invasive fungal pathogenCronartium ribicola, is affecting people across western North America. The loss of white pine forests can impact economic opportunities as well as ecosystem and human well‐being. In this paper we quantify the durability, stability, and usability of natural genetic resistance to the disease in two white pine species using long‐term field trials. By combining quantitative genetic resistance breeding programs with data from field validation trials, land managers and policy makers will be able to better ensure healthy forests for the future.

Summary

Many tree species are susceptible to non‐native pathogens or pests. Their level of susceptibility can be so severe that they are extirpated, and their use for forest restoration or reforestation is curtailed. Programs to find, enhance, and utilize genetic resistance in tree species are underway. Because trees are long‐lived, resistance must be effective for decades to centuries to be useful. Resistance needs to be durable, stable, and present at a useful level. Field plantings provide the best opportunity to assess resistance durability and stability across a range of environments.

In this paper we examine the durability and stability of resistance levels, previously identified in seedling screening trials, of two white pine species,Pinus monticola(western white pine) andP. lambertiana(sugar pine) to white pine blister rust, using eight 15 to 20‐year‐old field trials in Oregon and northern California.

We found that resistance varies for each host species and in different environments. Major gene resistance (MGR) may have limited utility and the search for resistance should include all types of resistance, as quantitative disease resistance (QDR) appears to be more durable than MGR in the long term at many sites in our study.

Our data provide encouragement and support for the use of long‐term field validation studies in combination with quantitative genetic resistance breeding programs. We advocate for an increased use of field trials to ensure that resistance is effective for restoration and recovery against invasive pathogens and pests.
Balance between DNA‐binding affinity and specificity enables selective recognition of longer target sequences in vivo
Authors: Sunami Tomoko , Kono Hidetoshi
Published: July 2019

Although genome‐editing enzymes such as TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 are being widely used, they have an essential limitation in that their relatively high‐molecular weight makes them difficult to be delivered to cells. To develop a novel genome‐editing enzyme with a smaller molecular weight, we focused on the engrailed homeodomain (EHD). We designed and constructed proteins composed of two EHDs connected by a linker to increase sequence specificity. In bacterial one‐hybrid assays and electrophoresis mobility shift assay analyses, the created proteins exhibited good affinity for DNA sequences consisting of two tandemly aligned EHD target sequences. However, they also bound to individual EHD targets. To avoid binding to single target sites, we introduced amino acid mutations to reduce the protein–DNA affinity of each EHD monomer and successfully created a small protein with high specificity for tandem EHD target sequences.
F508del disturbs the dynamics of the nucleotide binding domains of CFTR before and after ATP hydrolysis
Authors: Abreu Bárbara , Lopes Emanuel F. , Oliveira A. S. F. , Soares Cláudio M.
Published: July 2019

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel is an ion channel responsible for chloride transport in epithelia and it belongs to the class of ABC transporters. The deletion of phenylalanine 508 (F508del) in CFTR is the most common mutation responsible for cystic fibrosis. Little is known about the effect of the mutation in the isolated nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), on dimer dynamics, ATP hydrolysis and even on nucleotide binding. Using molecular dynamics simulations of the human CFTR NBD dimer, we showed that F508del increases, in the prehydrolysis state, the inter‐motif distance in both ATP binding sites (ABP) when ATP is bound. Additionally, a decrease in the number of catalytically competent conformations was observed in the presence of F508del. We used the subtraction technique to study the first 300 ps after ATP hydrolysis in the catalytic competent site and found that the F508del dimer evidences lower conformational changes than the wild type. Using longer simulation times, the magnitude of the conformational changes in both forms increases. Nonetheless, the F508del dimer shows lower C‐α RMS values in comparison to the wild‐type, on the F508del loop, on the residues surrounding the catalytic site and the portion of NBD2 adjacent to ABP1. These results provide evidence that F508del interferes with the NBD dynamics before and after ATP hydrolysis. These findings shed a new light on the effect of F508del on NBD dynamics and reveal a novel mechanism for the influence of F508del on CFTR.
Discovery of receptor‐ligand interfaces in the immunoglobulin superfamily
Authors: Gil Nelson , Fajardo Eduardo J. , Fiser Andras
Published: July 2019

Cell‐surface‐anchored immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) proteins are widespread throughout the human proteome, forming crucial components of diverse biological processes including immunity, cell‐cell adhesion, and carcinogenesis. IgSF proteins generally function through protein‐protein interactions carried out between extracellular, membrane‐bound proteins on adjacent cells, known as trans‐binding interfaces. These protein‐protein interactions constitute a class of pharmaceutical targets important in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and cancer. A molecular‐level understanding of IgSF protein‐protein interactions would greatly benefit further drug development. A critical step toward this goal is the reliable identification of IgSF trans‐binding interfaces. We propose a novel combination of structure and sequence information to identify trans‐binding interfaces in IgSF proteins. We developed a structure‐based binding interface prediction approach that can identify broad regions of the protein surface that encompass the binding interfaces and suggests that IgSF proteins possess binding supersites. These interfaces could theoretically be pinpointed using sequence‐based conservation analysis, with performance approaching the theoretical upper limit of binding interface prediction accuracy, but achieving this in practice is limited by the current ability to identify an appropriate multiple sequence alignment for conservation analysis. However, an important contribution of combining the two orthogonal methods is that agreement between these approaches can estimate the reliability of the predictions. This approach was benchmarked on the set of 22 IgSF proteins with experimentally solved structures in complex with their ligands. Additionally, we provide structure‐based predictions and reliability scores for the 62 IgSF proteins with known structure but yet uncharacterized binding interfaces.
Theoretical Study of the Stability and Electronic Properties of HgMnTe Alloys
Authors: de Carvalho Luiz Claudio , Silveira Orlando José , Alves Horácio Wagner Leite
Published: July 2019

Herein, preliminary theoretical results for the structural and electronic properties of Hg1−xMnxTe alloys in the zincblende structure using density functional theory calculations are presented. The results suggest that there is a strong dependence of the electronic structure of the alloys on the exchange correlation functional used. When using the generalized gradient approximation, the evaluated data show that this material behaves as a semimetal in almost all Mn concentration range, in disagreement with the experimental data. However, with the hybrid Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof functional calculations, results show that the band gap of these alloys opens for the diluted Mn concentration range 0.05 < x < 0.2, consistent with the experimental observations. Moreover, when considering the magnetic ordering of the Mn spins in the alloy, the results show that, in this material, the lower total spin configurations is energetically more favorable.
Monitoring Ethylene in Plants: Genetically Encoded Reporters and Biosensors
Authors: Fernandez‐Moreno Josefina‐Patricia , Stepanova Anna N.
Published: July 2019

Phytohormone ethylene regulates numerous aspects of plant physiology, from fruit ripening to pathogen responses. The molecular basis of ethylene biosynthesis and action has been investigated for over 40 years, and a combination of biochemistry, genetics, cell, and molecular biology have proven successful at uncovering the core machinery of the ethylene pathway. A number of molecular tools have been developed over the years that enable visualization of the sites of ethylene production and response in the plant. Genetically encoded biosensors take advantage of reporter proteins, i.e., fluorescent, luminescent, or colorimetric markers, to highlight the tissues that make, perceive, or respond to the hormone. This review describes the different types of biosensors currently available to the ethylene community and discusses potential new strategies for developing the next generation of genetically encoded ethylene reporters.
Novel chaotic map‐based privacy‐preserving authenticated key agreement scheme without the electricity service provider involvement
Authors: Abbasinezhad‐Mood Dariush , Ostad‐Sharif Arezou , Nikooghadam Morteza
Published: July 2019

Devising proper security measures to protect the usage reports of customers against unauthorized accesses is of prime importance. Authenticated key agreement schemes are one of the solutions, which are extensively used to provide secure data reading from the smart meters. Over the past decade, a number of key agreement protocols have been proposed for the smart meters that are covered by the smart grid data communication network. However, there are only two schemes, which have been presented quite recently particularly for the isolated smart meters. Since these schemes rely on the Internet and for each key agreement, the electricity service provider needs to involve, in this paper, we propose a novel anonymous authenticated key agreement scheme that is free from the electricity service provider entanglement. Further, the proposed scheme takes the advantage of substantial reduction in the communication overhead. The security of the presented scheme has been formally validated using the well‐known ProVerif tool and random oracle model and its efficiency has been analyzed in comparison to the related ones. The outcome indicates the superiority of the proposed scheme to be employed for the isolated smart meters.
Anwendungsregeln für Slim‐Floor‐Träger unter Berücksichtigung von Sicherheit, Funktionalität und Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Lam Dennis , Zandonini Riccardo , Aggeloupolos Eleftherios , Tibolt Mike , Sheehan Therese , Baldassino Nadia , Labory Francoise , Schorr Johannes
Published: July 2019

Slim‐Floor‐Träger als teilweise einbetonierte Verbundträger erlauben besonders geringe Konstruktionshöhen bei dennoch großen Spannweiten. Das Ziel des europäischen Forschungsprojekts „SlimAPP – Slim‐Floor Beams – Preparation of Application rules in view of improved safety, functionality and LCA“ war die Verbesserung der Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Stahlanwendungen in Gebäuden durch die Entwicklung von verlässlichen und vorteilhaften Anwendungsregeln für Slim‐Floor‐Träger in Bezug auf Sicherheit, Funktionalität und Lebenszyklusbewertungen. Neben einem ganzheitlichen Ansatz, der alle Gesichtspunkte eines optimalen technischen und nachhaltigen Entwurfs berücksichtigt, wurde ein besonderer Schwerpunkt auf den Einfluss der Schubtragfähigkeit von effizienten Verbundmitteln aus Betondübeln mit Bewehrungsstählen gelegt. Für Slim‐Floor‐Träger, die bisher im Eurocode 4 nicht berücksichtigt sind, wurde die Anwendung der bekannten Bemessungsregeln geprüft und zum Teil neue Regeln für die Bemessung insbesondere der Betondübel entwickelt. Mithilfe von Beispielen verschiedener Slim‐Floor‐Lösungen wird die Bemessung im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit erläutert und mit einer ganzheitlichen Lebenszyklusanalyse untereinander verglichen.
Slim‐Floor‐Konstruktion ohne Kompromisse
Authors: Schaaf Sascha
Published: July 2019

Ein Fußballstadion ist kein konventionelles Gebäude des klassischen Hochbaus. Hier treffen kombinierte Anforderungen, wie großzügige VIP‐Lounges und auch der Tribünenbau, zusammen. Der barrierefreie Wechsel zwischen Innen‐ und Außenbereichen ist eine Herausforderung für die Planung und Umsetzung der Anforderungen an die Dauerhaftigkeit und die Gebrauchstauglichkeit. Alle differenzierten Anforderungen, verbunden mit einer möglichst kurzen Bauzeit, optimal in Einklang zu bringen, ist bei diesem Projekt besonders eindrucksvoll gelungen (Bild 1).
Thymoquinone suppresses the proliferation of renal cell carcinoma cells via reactive oxygen species‐induced apoptosis and reduces cell stemness
Authors: Liou Yih‐Farng , Chen Pei‐Ni , Chu Shu‐Chen , Kao Shao‐Hsuan , Chang Yan‐Zin , Hsieh Yih‐Shou , Chang Horng‐Rong
Published: July 2019

Thymoquinone is a phytochemical compound isolated from Nigella sativa and has various biological effects, including anti‐inflammation, antioxidation, and anticancer. Here, we further investigated the anticancer effects and associated molecular mechanism of 2‐methyl‐5‐isopropyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone (thymoquinone) on human renal carcinoma cell lines 786‐O and 786‐O‐SI3 and transitional carcinoma cell line BFTC‐909. Results showed that thymoquinone significantly reduced cell viability, inhibited the colony formation of renal cancer cells, and induced cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential change in both cancer cells. In addition, thymoquinone also triggered the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide and the activation of apoptotic and autophagic cascade. ROS inhibition suppressed the caspase‐3 activation and restored the decreased cell viability of 786‐O‐SI3 in response to thymoquinone. Autophagy inhibition did not restore the cell viability of 786‐O‐SI3 suppressed by thymoquinone. Moreover, thymoquinone suppressed the cell sphere formation and the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase, Nanog, Nestin, CD44, and Oct‐4 in 786‐O‐SI3 cells. The tumor‐bearing model showed that thymoquinone in vivo inhibited the growth of implanted 786‐O‐SI3 cell. All these findings indicate that thymoquinone inhibits the proliferation of 786‐O‐SI3 and BFTC‐909 cell possibly due to the induction of ROS/superoxide and the consequent apoptosis, suggesting that thymoquinone may be a potential anticancer supplement for genitourinary cancer.
A codex on linearized Nordström supergravity in eleven and ten dimensional superspaces
Authors: Gates S. James , Hu Yangrui , Jiang Hanzhi , Mak S.-N. Hazel
Published: July 2019

Abstract

As the full off-shell theories of supergravity in the important dimensions of eleven and ten dimensions are currently unknown, we introduce a superfield formalism as a foundation and experimental laboratory to explore the possibility that the scalar versions of the higher dimensional supergravitation theory can be constructed.
Neue Musterweiterbildungsordnung Humangenetik
Authors: Tecklenburg Johanna
Published: July 2019

Nach langem Entstehungsprozess hat der Vorstand der Bundesärztekammer die Gesamtnovelle der neuen Musterweiterbildungsordnung (MWBO) am 15.11.2018 einstimmig beschlossen. Eine wesentliche Neuerung ist die Kompetenzbasierung der Weiterbildung – nicht mehr abgeleistete Zeiten sollen im Vordergrund stehen, sondern die tatsächlich erworbenen Inhalte, Kompetenzen und ärztliche Haltung. Weiteres Ziel ist die Flexibilisierung, Digitalisierung und eine größere Transparenz, auch durch die Einführung eines elektronischen Logbuchs zur kontinuierlichen Dokumentation der Weiterbildung. Für das Fachgebiet Humangenetik sieht die neue MWBO eine Stärkung der humangenetischen Patientenversorgung, eine deutlich dezidiertere Benennung der zu erwerbenden Kompetenzen, eine Anpassung an die aktuelle Entwicklung humangenetischer Labormethoden und eine Stärkung des klinisch-interdisziplinären Charakters vor. Die MWBO hat letztlich nur empfehlenden Charakter und muss durch die jeweiligen Landesärztekammern in eine verbindliche Weiterbildungsordnung umgesetzt werden. Eine konkrete Aussage, wann mit der bundesweiten Umsetzung durch die Landesärztekammern gerechnet werden kann, gibt es nicht, in einzelnen Kammern ist eine Umsetzung in der ersten Hälfte des Jahres 2020 geplant.
Using Field Experiments to Encourage Healthy Eating in Schools
Authors: Price Joseph
Published: July 2019

Schools provide a unique opportunity to influence healthy eating decisions in children. Field experiments provide a practical tool for evaluating the types of interventions that can have the largest impact on these decisions in the short and long run. This article provides some insights on conducting field experiments in schools; the issues it covers are related to data collection, randomization, heterogeneous treatment effects, and statistical inference.
Traumatic brain injury and intimate partner violence: Addressing knowledge and service gaps among indigenous populations in Canada
Authors: Haag Halina (Lin) , Biscardi Melissa ,   Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Smith Noel (Natalia) , MacGregor Nneka , Colantonio Angela
Published: July 2019

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious consequence of intimate partner violence (IPV) that is often overlooked. In the case of Indigenous women in Canada the challenges are broad, multidimensional, and left almost entirely unexplored. Given the elevated rates of violence and injury experienced by women exposed to IPV and the increased levels of physical assault among Indigenous women in Canada, it is important to understand the unique experiences and service needs of these women. This study sought to identify barriers and facilitating factors for TBI-sensitive service provision for Indigenous women experiencing IPV.

Method:

As part of a larger national stakeholder consultation process to develop a TBI educational toolkit for IPV service providers, input from Indigenous stakeholders was specifically sought to allow for insights into unique challenges and strengths related to this population. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with IPV direct-service providers, support professionals, and advocates working with Canadian First Nations and Inuit women.

Findings:

Findings suggest that multiple intersections of marginalization, shame and stigma, and colonization, coupled with significant barriers to service provision in remote communities are such that solutions generated for urban-based settler populations are ineffective.

Conclusions:

Recommendations include a widespread educational campaign to raise awareness of the seriousness of TBI among Indigenous women exposed to IPV. Education is particularly important among healthcare and direct service providers, survivors and their families and communities, legal professionals and child protection agencies, and Indigenous and settler government bodies. Future research should focus on expanding our understanding of this complex issue and developing culturally sensitive, community-based supports.
Inertial migration of an electrophoretic rigid sphere in a two-dimensional Poiseuille flow
Authors: Choudhary A. , Renganathan T. , Pushpavanam S.
Published: July 2019

There has been a recent interest in integrating external fields with inertial microfluidic devices to tune particle focusing. In this work, we analyse the inertial migration of an electrophoretic particle in a two-dimensional Poiseuille flow with an electric field applied parallel to the walls. For a thin electrical double layer, the particle exhibits a slip-driven electrokinetic motion along the direction of the applied electric field, which causes the particle to lead or lag the flow (depending on its surface charge). The fluid disturbance caused by this slip-driven motion is characterized by a rapidly decaying source-dipole field which alters the inertial lift on the particle. We determine this inertial lift using the reciprocal theorem. Assuming no wall effects, we derive an analytical expression for a ‘phoretic lift’ which captures the modification to the inertial lift due to electrophoresis. We also take wall effects into account, at the leading order, using the method of reflections. We find that for a leading particle, the phoretic lift acts towards the regions of high shear (i.e. walls), while the reverse is true for a lagging particle. Using an order-of-magnitude analysis, we obtain different components of the inertial force and classify them on the basis of the interactions from which they emerge. We show that the dominant contribution to the phoretic lift originates from the interaction of the source-dipole field (generated by the electrokinetic slip at the particle surface) with the stresslet field (generated due to particle’s resistance to strain in the background flow). Furthermore, to contrast the slip-driven phenomenon (electrophoresis) from the force-driven phenomenon (buoyancy) in terms of their influence on the inertial migration, we also study a non-neutrally buoyant particle. We show that the gravitational effects alter the inertial lift primarily through the interaction of the background shear with the buoyancy-induced Stokeslet field.
Monte Carlo fusion
Authors: Dai Hongsheng , Pollock Murray , Roberts Gareth
Published: July 2019

In this paper we propose a new theory and methodology to tackle the problem of unifying Monte Carlo samples from distributed densities into a single Monte Carlo draw from the target density. This surprisingly challenging problem arises in many settings (for instance, expert elicitation, multiview learning, distributed ‘big data’ problems, etc.), but to date the framework and methodology proposed in this paper (Monte Carlo fusion) is the first general approach which avoids any form of approximation error in obtaining the unified inference. In this paper we focus on the key theoretical underpinnings of this new methodology, and simple (direct) Monte Carlo interpretations of the theory. There is considerable scope to tailor the theory introduced in this paper to particular application settings (such as the big data setting), construct efficient parallelised schemes, understand the approximation and computational efficiencies of other such unification paradigms, and explore new theoretical and methodological directions.
Relational exchangeability
Authors: Crane Harry , Dempsey Walter
Published: July 2019

A relationally exchangeable structure is a random combinatorial structure whose law is invariant with respect to relabeling its relations, as opposed to its elements. Historically, exchangeable random set partitions have been the best known examples of relationally exchangeable structures, but the concept now arises more broadly when modeling interaction data in modern network analysis. Aside from exchangeable random partitions, instances of relational exchangeability include edge exchangeable random graphs and hypergraphs, path exchangeable processes, and a range of other network-like structures. We motivate the general theory of relational exchangeability, with special emphasis on the alternative perspective it provides and its benefits in certain applied probability problems. We then prove a de Finetti-type structure theorem for the general class of relationally exchangeable structures.
A unified stability theory for classical and monotone Markov chains
Authors: Kamihigashi Takashi , Stachurski John
Published: July 2019

In this paper we integrate two strands of the literature on stability of general state Markov chains: conventional, total-variation-based results and more recent order-theoretic results. First we introduce a complete metric over Borel probability measures based on ‘partial’ stochastic dominance. We then show that many conventional results framed in the setting of total variation distance have natural generalizations to the partially ordered setting when this metric is adopted.
Dinoflagellate cysts of the La Meseta Formation (middle to late Eocene), Antarctic Peninsula: implications for biostratigraphy, palaeoceanography and palaeoenvironment
Authors: Amenábar Cecilia R. , Montes Manuel , Nozal Francisco , Santillana Sergio
Published: July 2019

Dinoflagellate cyst assemblages recovered from the La Meseta Formation cropping out in Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula, are studied herein and their distribution is compared with the biostratigraphic scheme available for the Palaeogene of the Southern Ocean and other high-latitude regions. In this way, the La Meseta Formation is dated as middle Lutetian to Priabonian (46.2–36 Ma), which differs from the age provided by other fossils, isotopes and also with the magnetostratigraphic scheme recently performed for the unit. The dinoflagellate cyst data support the proposal of ocean circulation patterns on the South American Shelf prior to the opening of Drake Passage. Assemblages from the La Meseta Formation contain Antarctic-endemic taxa which are also dominant in several circum-Antarctic sites, located south of 45° S. Their distribution reflects an ocean-circulation scheme with wide clockwise gyres surrounding Antarctica that were disrupted as a consequence of the deepening and definitive apertures of the Tasmanian Gateway and Drake Passage towards the Eocene/Oligocene transition. The palaeoenvironmental inference based on the S/D ratio (sporomorphs versus dinoflagellate cysts) and the P/G ratio (peridinioid versus gonyaulacoid dinoflagellate cysts) suggests an overall trend through the section from marine-dominated assemblages with poorly productive waters in the lower part of the section to more terrestrially dominated assemblages with increasing productivity in the upper part of the unit, reflecting a shallowing trend to the top.
A Beveridge Plan for India? Social Insurance and the Making of the “Formal Sector”
Authors: Ahuja Ravi
Published: July 2019

The article explores the history of the Employees’ State Insurance Act of 1948 (ESI), a law enacted in the first year of Indian independence. Global trends in social policy had influenced debates on a social insurance for Indian workers since the 1920s. Transformations of Indian industry, World War II, the post-war crisis, and the emerging economic policy of the postcolonial State then created conditions for legislation. Just as the international welfare discourse, Indian contributions included, converged on social welfare as a universal citizen right, the regulatory content of the health insurance scheme devised for India diverged from this normative consensus: the ESI Act remained strictly employment-based, contributed to an emerging structure of graded entitlements, and to the hardening of boundaries between what would later be called “formal” and “informal” labour. Simultaneously, it also generated horizons of expectation that continue to inform labour struggles.