bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An online resource allocation algorithm to minimize system interference for inband underlay D2D communications
Authors: Hassan Md Yeakub , Hussain Faisal , Hossen Md Sakhawat , Choudhury Salimur
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the research question of total system interference minimization while maintaining a target system sum rate gain in an inband underlay device‐to‐device (D2D) communication. To the best of our knowledge, most of the state of the art research works exploit offline resource allocation algorithms to address the research problem. However, in Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) and beyond systems (4G, 5G, or 5G+), offline resource allocation algorithms do not comply with the fast scheduling requirements because of the high data rate demand. In this paper, we propose a bi‐phase online resource allocation algorithm to minimize the total system interference for inband underlay D2D communication. Our proposed algorithm assumes D2D pairs as a set of variable elements whereas takes the cellular user equipment (UEs) as a set of constant elements. The novelty of our proposed online resource allocation algorithm is that it incurs a minimum number of changes in radio resource assignment between two successive allocations among the cellular UEs and the D2D pairs. Graphical representation of the simulation results suggests that our proposed algorithm outperforms the existing offline algorithm considering number of changes in successive allocation for a certain percentage of sum rate gain maintaining the total system interference and total system sum rate very similar.
Catalytic Growth of Graphitic Carbon‐Coated Silicon as High‐Performance Anodes for Lithium Storage
Authors: Shi Minyuan , Nie Ping , Fu Ruirui , Fang Shan , Li Zihan , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: June 2019

Although silicon is considered as one of the most promising anode materials in next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries, large volumetric expansion during cycling hampers its practical application. The fabrication of silicon/carbon composites is an effective way to improve electrical conductivity and inhibit electroactive material delaminating from the current collector. Herein, a graphitic carbon‐coated porous silicon nanospheres (p‐SiNSs@C) composite is prepared through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique by using the magnesiothermic reduction by‐product MgO as a template and catalyst. With the template of in situ generation of MgO, the p‐SiNSs@C material is obtained in a very short time. Due to the graphitic carbon shell and porous structure inside the silicon nanospheres, the obtained p‐SiNSs@C, with 8 min carbon growing time (p‐SiNSs@C‐2), deliver a high initial reversible capacity of 2220 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and respectable rate capability. Furthermore, the p‐SiNSs@C‐2//LiCoO2 Li‐ion full cell displays a high energy density of ≈409 Wh kg−1 and good cycling performance. The high performance of the p‐SiNSs@C‐2 composite can be attributed to the synergistic effect of nanoscale‐sized Si, porous structure, and stable carbon shell.
Electric vehicles with small batteries and high‐efficiency on‐board electricity production
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: June 2019

Data of plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), that includes both traditional hybrids electric vehicles (HEV) with the additional opportunity to recharge the battery by plugging into an electric outlet such as the Toyota Prius Prime, and battery electric vehicles (BEV) with range extender such as the BMW i3 REx, demonstrate the need of a less constrained research and development to optimize the design of electric vehicles with range extender for better energy economy and range. BEV with smaller, rather than larger, batteries, and onboard high‐efficiency electricity production, are superior economically and environmentally, until the times the electricity production will be overwhelming renewable, there will be a widespread recharging infrastructure, materials to produce the batteries will be abundant and ethically sourced, and the disposal of the batteries will be properly addressed. A hypothetical BMW i3 with a 30 Ah battery pack, and a high‐efficiency ICE, may have an MPGe (miles‐per‐gallon equivalent) working electric of 127 miles, a MPGe between 62 and 127 while sharing the energy supply, and a MPGe of 62 only using the gasoline energy supply.
Molecular evolution across developmental time reveals rapid divergence in early embryogenesis
Authors: Cutter Asher D. , Garrett Rose H. , Mark Stephanie , Wang Wei , Sun Lei
Published: June 2019

Ontogenetic development hinges on the changes in gene expression in time and space within an organism, suggesting that the demands of ontogenetic growth can impose or reveal predictable pattern in the molecular evolution of genes expressed dynamically across development. Here, we characterize coexpression modules of the Caenorhabditis elegans transcriptome, using a time series of 30 points from early embryo to adult. By capturing the functional form of expression profiles with quantitative metrics, we find fastest evolution in the distinctive set of genes with transcript abundance that declines through development from a peak in young embryos. These genes are highly enriched for oogenic function and transient early zygotic expression, are nonrandomly distributed in the genome, and correspond to a life stage especially prone to inviability in interspecies hybrids. These observations conflict with the “early conservation model” for the evolution of development, although expression-weighted sequence divergence analysis provides some support for the “hourglass model.” Genes in coexpression modules that peak toward adulthood also evolve fast, being hyper-enriched for roles in spermatogenesis, implicating a history of sexual selection and relaxation of selection on sperm as key factors driving rapid change to ontogenetically distinguishable coexpression modules of genes. We propose that these predictable trends of molecular evolution for dynamically expressed genes across ontogeny predispose particular life stages, early embryogenesis in particular, to hybrid dysfunction in the speciation process.
Prevalence of trismus in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Watters Amber L. , Cope Shane , Keller Meir N. , Padilla Mariela , Enciso Reyes
Published: June 2019

Background

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the prevalence of trismus in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to April 2018. Level of evidence was assessed based on Oxford Centre for Evidence‐based Medicine. Publications were restricted to prospective cohort studies (n = 15), randomized clinical trials (n = 3), and cross‐sectional studies (n = 5) reporting on trismus as mouth maximum opening less than or equal to 35 mm in the English language.

Results

A total of 636 abstracts were reviewed for inclusion. Twenty‐three studies were included in qualitative analysis and 15 studies in meta‐analysis. The results included 2786 patients with head and neck cancer treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy either alone or in combination. Based on meta‐analyses, the weighted average prevalence of trismus increased from 17.3% at baseline (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8%‐26.5%) to a peak of 44.1% at 6 months (95% CI, 36.7%‐51.8%) and decreased to 32.1% at 12 months (95% CI, 27.2%‐37.4%) and continued in average 32.6% at 3‐10 years (95% CI, 22.0%‐45.3%).

Conclusions

Having a primary site of the oral cavity or oropharynx was associated with a higher risk for developing trismus based on individual studies. Prospective cohort studies or randomized controlled trials with multiple objective trismus measurements, evaluation of disease characteristics, and treatment variables are needed to further investigate the prevalence of trismus secondary to head and neck cancer treatment.
Outcomes of dental and craniofacial osseointegrated implantation in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Moore Phillip , Grinsell Damien , Lyons Bernard , Hewson Ian
Published: June 2019

Background

Treatment of head and neck cancer may result in disfiguring and debilitating anatomical changes. Osseointegrated implants may be used in these patients to facilitate attachment of implant‐retained dentures or cosmetic prostheses.

Methods

A retrospective audit was performed, reviewing the treatment of patients who received dental or craniofacial osseointegrated implants during treatment of head and neck cancer.

Results

One hundred sixty implants were inserted in 54 patients with oral, nasal, orbital, or auricular defects. Overall, 85% of implants were successful after mean follow‐up of 25.7 months. The brand of implant used was shown to impart a statistically significant implant survival difference, and orbital implants had poorer survival compared to nonorbital implants. There was a statistical insignificant implant survival advantage in both nonsmokers and patients who did not undergo radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Dental and craniofacial osseointegrated implants may be reliably used in patients with head and neck cancer. However, further research is required to clarify the role of smoking in osseointegrated implant failure.
Sestrin 3 Protects Against Diet‐Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice Through Suppression of Transforming Growth Factor β Signal Transduction
Authors: Huang Menghao , Kim Hyeong Geug , Zhong Xiaolin , Dong Chuanpeng , Zhang Brian , Fang Zhigang , Zhang Yang , Lu Xiaoyu , Saxena Romil , Liu Yunlong , Zhang Chi , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Dong X. Charlie
Published: June 2019

Sestrin 3 (Sesn3) belongs to the three‐member sestrin protein family. Sestrins have been implicated in antioxidative stress, adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin signal transduction, and metabolic homeostasis. However, the role of Sesn3 in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been previously studied. In this work, we generated Sesn3 whole‐body knockout and liver‐specific transgenic mice to investigate the hepatic function of Sesn3 in diet‐induced NASH. With only 4 weeks of dietary treatment, Sesn3 knockout mice developed severe NASH phenotype as characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Strikingly, after 8‐week feeding with a NASH‐inducing diet, Sesn3 transgenic mice were largely protected against NASH development. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that multiple extracellular matrix–related processes were up‐regulated, including transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) signaling and collagen production. Further biochemical and cell biological analyses have illustrated a critical control of the TGF‐β–mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad) pathway by Sesn3 at the TGF‐β receptor and Smad3 levels. First, Sesn3 inhibits the TGF‐β receptor through an interaction with Smad7; second, Sesn3 directly inhibits the Smad3 function through protein–protein interaction and cytosolic retention. Conclusion: Sesn3 is a critical regulator of the extracellular matrix and hepatic fibrosis by suppression of TGF‐β–Smad3 signaling.
DNA‐Organized Light‐Harvesting Antennae: Energy Transfer in Polyaromatic Stacks Proceeds through Interposed Nucleobase Pairs
Authors: Bösch Caroline D. , Abay Elif , Langenegger Simon M. , Nazari Maryam , Cannizzo Andrea , Feurer Thomas , Häner Robert
Published: June 2019

DNA‐based light‐harvesting antennae with varying arrangements of light‐absorbing phenanthrene donor units and a pyrene acceptor dye were synthesized and tested for their light‐harvesting properties. Excitation of phenanthrene is followed by rapid transfer of the excitation energy to the pyrene chromophore. A block of six light‐absorbing phenanthrenes was separated from the site of the acceptor in a stepwise manner by an increasing number of intervening AT base pairs. Energy transfer occurs through interposed AT base pairs and is still detected when the phenanthrene antenna is separated by 5 AT base pairs.
Melanoma‐derived extracellular vesicles instigate proinflammatory signaling in the metastatic microenvironment
Authors: Gener Lahav Tzlil , Adler Omer , Zait Yael , Shani Ophir , Amer Malak , Doron Hila , Abramovitz Lilach , Yofe Ido , Cohen Noam , Erez Neta
Published: June 2019

The major cause of melanoma mortality is metastasis to distant organs, including lungs and brain. Reciprocal interactions of metastasizing tumor cells with stromal cells in secondary sites play a critical role in all stages of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Changes in the metastatic microenvironment were shown to precede clinically relevant metastases, and may occur prior to the arrival of disseminated tumor cells to the distant organ, thus creating a hospitable “premetastatic niche.” Exosomes secreted by tumor cells were demonstrated to play an important role in the preparation of a hospitable metastatic niche. However, the functional role of melanoma‐derived exosomes on metastatic niche formation, and the downstream pathways activated in stromal cells at the metastatic niche are largely unresolved. Here we show that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by metastatic melanoma cells that spontaneously metastasize to lungs and to brain, activate proinflammatory signaling in lung fibroblasts and in astrocytes. Interestingly, unlike paracrine signaling by melanoma cells, EVs secreted by metastatic melanoma cells instigated a proinflammatory gene signature in lung fibroblasts but did not activate wound‐healing functions, suggesting that tumor cell‐secreted EVs activate distinct CAF characteristics and tumor‐promoting functions. Moreover, melanoma‐secreted EVs also activated proinflammatory signaling in astrocytes, indicating that EV‐mediated reprogramming of stromal cells is a general mechanism of modulating the metastatic niche in multiple distant organs. Thus, our study demonstrates that melanoma‐derived EVs reprogram tumor‐promoting functions in stromal cells in a distinct manner, implicating a central role for tumor‐derived EV signaling in promoting the formation of an inflammatory metastatic niche.
How to inform relatives at risk of hereditary diseases? A mixed‐methods systematic review on patient attitudes
Authors: van den Heuvel L.M. , Smets E.M.A. , van Tintelen J.P. , Christiaans I.
Published: June 2019

When a genetic disease‐causing variant causing autosomal dominant diseases is identified, predictive DNA testing is possible for at‐risk relatives to investigate whether they are carrying the familial variant. In current practice, the proband is asked to inform at‐risk relatives, often supported by a family letter. This review summarizes the literature on preferences of probands and relatives regarding how and by whom at‐risk relatives should be informed. A search involving digital databases (Pubmed, Medline, and PsycInfo) focusing on patient attitudes toward informing relatives at risk of autosomal dominant onco‐, cardio‐, or neurogenetic disease, resulted in 1,431 screened records, of which 117 full‐text papers were assessed. Eventually, 32 studies were selected. This review shows that a majority of participants was in favor of someone in the family to inform their at‐risk relatives, with participants generally feeling responsible for informing relatives at risk themselves. However, variation in patient preferences regarding who should inform was observed. Face‐to‐face disclosure by the proband with additional information material for relatives provided by HCPs was most appreciated. Actively offered support of healthcare professionals was desired. In conclusion, although the family‐mediated approach was appreciated by a majority of participants, support by healthcare professionals was desired. By taking patient attitudes into account, the approach used to inform at‐risk relatives could be improved. Subsequently, more relatives will be informed and enabled to attend genetic counseling and make an informed decision regarding predictive DNA testing. Further research on patient attitudes, specifying for disease type and cultural background, is needed.
SERPINE2 rs16865421 polymorphism is associated with a lower risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Uygur population: A case–control study
Authors: Li Li , Li Shi Yue , Zhong Xuemei , Ren Jie , Tian Xuwei , Tuerxun Maimaitiaili , Xie Chengxin , Li Feifei , Zheng Aifang , Aini Paierda , Yasen Mukeremu , Wang Huaizhen , Zou Xiaoguang
Published: June 2019

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between seven polymorphisms of the serine protease inhibitor‐2 (SERPINE2) gene and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Uygur population via a case–control study.

Methods

In total, 440 Uygur patients with COPD were included in the patient group and 384 healthy individuals were recruited in the matched control group. Data on demographic variables, smoking status, occupational dust exposure history and living conditions were collected. Polymorphism analysis was performed for seven loci of the SERPINE2 gene by mass spectrometry.

Results

The genotype distribution of rs16865421 showed a significant difference between the patient and control groups (p < 0.05). Participants carrying the rs16865421‐AG heterozygous mutant genotype had a lower risk of COPD compared to those with the rs16865421‐A allele (odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.47–0.98, p = 0.041). However, no such association was found for rs1438831, rs6734100, rs6748795, rs7583463, rs840088 and rs975278. No significant interaction was observed between the genotypes and risk factors.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms of rs16865421‐AG carried by the Uygur population may be protective against COPD.
Critical role for PI3Kγ-dependent neutrophil reactive oxygen species in WKYMVm-induced microvascular hyperpermeability
Authors: Hao Li , Lei Xi , Zhou Hong , Marshall Aaron J , Liu Lixin
Published: June 2019

PI3K has been indicated in regulating microvascular permeability changes during inflammation. However, its role in neutrophil-driven microvascular leakage in acute inflammation remains unclear. Using intravital microscopy in mice, we examined the role of PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ in formyl peptide WKYMVm- and chemokine CXCL2-induced permeability changes and assessed simultaneously neutrophil adhesion and emigration in post-capillary venules of murine cremaster muscle. We found a PI3Kγ-specific mechanism in WKYMVm-induced but not CXCL2-induced microvascular hyperpermeability. The increased microvascular permeability triggered by WKYMVm was not entirely due to neutrophil adhesion and emigration in cremasteric microvasculature in different PI3K transgenic mouse strains. The PI3Kγ-specific hyperpermeability was neutrophil-mediated as this was reduced after depletion of neutrophils in mouse circulation. Chimeric mice with PI3Kγ-deficient neutrophils but wild-type endothelium also showed reduced hyperpermeability. Furthermore, we found that the catalytic function of PI3Kγ was required for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in neutrophils stimulated with WKYMVm. Pharmacological scavenging PI3Kγ-dependent ROS in the tissue eliminated the discrepancy in hyperpermeability between different PI3K transgenic mice and alleviated WKYMVm-induced microvascular leakage in all mouse strains tested. In conclusion, our study uncovers the critical role for PI3Kγ-dependent ROS generation by neutrophils in formyl peptide-induced microvascular hyperpermeability during neutrophil recruitment.
The synthesis of isotopologues of AZD7307: A selective β2‐adrenoreceptor agonist
Authors: Kingston Lee P. , Hickey Michael J. , Elmore Charles S.
Published: June 2019

A medicinal chemistry program to develop potent and selective LABA compounds required the synthesis of both carbon‐14 and stable‐isotope labelled materials.  Carbon‐14 labelled AZD7307 was successfully synthesised in 6 steps from [14C]chloroacetyl chloride in an overall radiochemical yield of 10%. In addition, the synthetic route of a stable labelled isotopomer of AZD7307 is also described and synthesised in four linear steps from [13C6]cyclohexylamine hydrochloride in an overall yield of 12%.
Can clinical radiomics nomogram based on 3D multiparametric MRI features and clinical characteristics estimate early recurrence of pelvic chondrosarcoma?
Authors: Yin Ping , Mao Ning , Liu Xia , Sun Chao , Wang Sicong , Chen Lei , Hong Nan
Published: June 2019

Background

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor, with a relatively high recurrence rate. However, an effective method that estimates whether pelvic CS will recur after surgery, which influences the formulation of a clinical treatment plan, remains lacking.

Purpose

To develop and validate a clinical radiomics nomograms based on 3D multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) features and clinical characteristics that could estimate early recurrence (ER) (≤1 year) of pelvic CS.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 103 patients (ER = 41, non‐ER = 62) with histologically proven CS were retrospectively analyzed and divided into a training set (n = 72) and a validation set (n = 31).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T axial T1‐weighted (T1‐w), T2‐weighted (T2‐w), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (CET1‐w).

Assessment

Risk factors (sex, age, type, grade, resection margins, etc.) associated with ER were evaluated. Five individual models based on T1‐w, T2‐w, DWI, CET1‐w, and clinical data were built. Then we compared the performance of models based on T1‐w, T2‐w, CET1‐w and their combination. Lastly, two nomograms based on the best model + clinical data and DWI + clinical data were built.

Statistical Tests

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy (ACC) were used to evaluate different models.

Results

Grade was the most important univariate clinical predictor of ER of pelvic CS patients (odds ratio [OR]1 = 4.616, OR2 = 8.939, P < 0.05). T1‐w + T2‐w + CET1‐w had a significantly higher performance than CET1‐w in the training set (P = 0.01). Radiomics features are more important than clinical characteristics in clinical radiomics nomograms, especially for multisequence combined features (OR = 3.208, P < 0.01). Clinical radiomics nomogram based on combined features (T1‐w + T2‐w + CET1‐w) + clinical data achieved an AUC of 0.891 and ACC of 0.857, followed by DWI + clinical data (AUC = 0.882, ACC = 0.760) in the validation set.

Data Conclusion

The clinical radiomics nomogram had good performance in estimating ER of pelvic CS patients, which would be helpful in clinical decision‐making.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:435–445.
Comparative efficacy of modified atmospheres enriched with carbon dioxide against Cadra (=Ephestia) cautella
Authors: Tutuncu Sule , Emekci Mevlut
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Cadra (=Ephestia) cautella (Walker) is a serious cosmopolitan pest that can feed on a wide variety of stored foods. It is controlled mainly by fumigation with phosphine, to which strong resistance has been documented in major stored‐product insects in many countries. The need for reliable, user‐ and environmentally friendly alternatives is therefore high on the agenda to avoid the development of potential resistance and to reduce human exposure to toxic insecticides. Two modified atmospheres (MAs) composed of high carbon dioxide (CO2) and low oxygen (O2) (90% and 96% CO2 in air) were studied at the laboratory at 20 °C and 65 ± 3% relative humidity (RH) against C. cautella.

RESULTS

Eggs (1, 2, and 3 days old), young and mature larvae (10 and 20 days old), pupae (1, 2 and 3 days old) and adults (1 day old) were exposed to two MAs consisting of high CO2 and low O2 for the range of 2 to 104 h. Eggs, old larvae, and pupae were found to be the most tolerant. Adults were rather easily killed and young larvae were the most susceptible. Lethal exposure time (LT99) values were between 11.74 h and 128.97 h.

CONCLUSION

Modified atmospheres consisting of high CO2 and low O2 offer an affordable combination to control C. cautella effectively. From the perspective of economics and efficacy, 90% CO2 might be the concentration of choice. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of the effects of dynamic high‐pressure microfluidization and conventional homogenization on the quality of peach juice
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Wang Shuangshuang , Wang Wenjing , Ge Zhenzhen , Zhang Lihua , Li Changwen , Zhang Bei , Zong Wei
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Dynamic high‐pressure microfluidization (DHPM) is an emerging and promising technique for continuous production of fluid foods. This study aimed to investigate the influence of DHPM and conventional homogenization (CH) on the quality of peach juice. Processing was performed by passing peach juice through CH at 20 MPa and DHPM at 20–160 MPa for one or three passes. The effect of DHPM pressure and passing number were also assessed.

RESULTS

The results indicate that DHPM could maintain the antioxidant activity of peach juice much better than CH processing. Total phenolic compounds were decreased by 11.7% and 7.9%–15.8% through CH and DHPM processing in different conditions. Moreover, particle size, non‐enzymatic browning index and turbidity decreased significantly under DHPM and CH processing, and decreased more and more with the increasing of DHPM pressure and treatment times. However, vitamin C content and zeta‐potential did not reveal remarkable variation before and after these two types of processing.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, DHPM is able to maintain the quality and stability of peach juice, which can be a reliable technological alternative to CH to produce fresh‐like peach juices. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A data‐mining‐based approach for aeolian desertification susceptibility assessment: A case‐study from Northern China
Authors: Yaojie Yue , Min Li , Lin Wang , A‐Xing Zhu
Published: June 2019

Desertification is a grave threat to the environment and livelihoods. Desertification susceptibility assessment (DSA) plays a critical role in reasonable desertification prevention planning by mapping the extent, intensity, and classification of desertification. Numerous desertification maps have been produced using various DSA methods. However, the method of rapid desertification mapping by objectively discovering valuable DSA knowledge from experienced experts stored in such maps has rarely been explored. We propose a data‐mining‐based approach to mapping aeolian desertification that applies the decision tree (DT) C5.0 (C5) algorithm as a knowledge discovery tool to the reference map and corresponding environmental variables. The results of our case‐study in Northern China show that the overall accuracy of aeolian desertification classification based on C5 is 86.69%, and the predicted map is highly consistent with the reference map. The DT algorithm outperforms the artificial neural network and naive Bayes approaches. Our results highlight the importance of selecting more representative training samples across where interleaved distributions of multiple aeolian desertification land exist when applying the DT algorithm. The findings of the present study are valuable for highlighting the significance of the data mining approach in DSA, with the growth of desertification maps. Given that aeolian desertification is a complex process coupling natural and human factors, and there are significant regional and scale differences in Northern China, further studies at a fine‐scale regarding human factors deserve more attention.
A High‐Index Ge2Sb2Te5‐Based Fabry–Perot Cavity and Its Application for Third‐Harmonic Generation
Authors: Cao Tun , Liu Kuan , Tang Yutao , Deng Junhong , Li Kingfai , Li Guixin
Published: June 2019

Third‐order harmonic generation (THG) plays a vital role in microscopy, optical communications, etc. Conventional methods of obtaining efficient THG in macroscopic crystals is already mature; however, they will finally limit the miniaturization and integration of on‐chip laser sources. To date, THG from either photonic crystals or metamaterials provides compact photonic platforms; however, selection of materials remains elusive. Herein, a giant enhancement of THG efficiency from an air/high index Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST)/gold multi‐layered Fabry–Perot cavity is experimentally demonstrated. At cavity resonant wavelength in near‐infrared regime, the efficiency of THG from a 50‐nm thick amorphous GST planar film is boosted 422 times compared to that of nonresonant conditions. Interestingly, the THG efficiency has a dramatic decrease of three orders when the structural state of GST is transformed from amorphous to crystalline. These findings have a potential for achieving an ultracompact nonlinear optical source with high efficiency and switchable functionality.
Laser Vaginal Tightening Complications: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Al‐Badr Ahmed , Alkhamis Waleed H.
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

Laser vaginal tightening (LVT) outpatient procedures have become increasingly popular for cosmetic reasons, for enhancement of sexual functioning and to treat vaginal laxity, mild pelvic organ prolapsed (POP), and urinary incontinence, although scientific short‐ and long‐term evidence is lacking.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Report of three patients with vaginal laxity who previously underwent LVT procedures.

Results

Three premenopausal women who previously underwent LVT for vaginal laxity but had no improvement. On subsequent posterior vaginal repair procedures, their vaginal mucosa was found to be scarred or friable, making surgery and dissection more difficult.

Conclusions

LVT procedures lack scientific evidence of safety and efficacy regarding management of mild POP and vaginal laxity, and healthcare providers should counsel and educate their patients of the potential risks, some of which is still unreported. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional independence of Taiwanese patients with mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Lee Chung‐Lin , Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Chuang Chih‐Kuang , Chiu Huei‐Ching , Tu Ru‐Yi , Huang You‐Hsin , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Chiu Pao‐Chin , Niu Dau‐Ming , Chen Yann‐Jang , Chao Mei‐Chyn , Chang Tung‐Ming , Lin Ju‐Li , Chang Chia‐Ying , Kao Yu‐Chia , Lin Shuan‐Pei
Published: June 2019

Background

Information on functional strengths and weaknesses of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) patients is important for early intervention programs and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

Methods

We used the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) questionnaire to assess the functional skills of 63 Taiwanese MPS patients (median age, 13 years 3 months; range, 3–20 years) from January 2012 to December 2018.

Results

Mean total WeeFIM score was 75.4 of a potential score of 126. Mean total WeeFIM scores of each type (MPS I, MPS II, MPS IIIB, MPS IVA, and MPS VI) were 103.8, 76.2, 41.6, 92.2, and 113.6, respectively. Mean scores for self‐care, mobility, and cognition domains were 30 (maximum 56), 23 (maximum 35), and 22 (maximum 35), respectively. MPS type IIIB patients had the lowest scores in self‐care, mobility, cognition, and total domains compared to other types of MPS. All patients with ERT in MPS I, II, and IVA had higher scores in self‐care and mobility domains than patients without ERT. Most patients required assistance for self‐care skills, especially in grooming and bathing.

Conclusion

MPS patients require support and supervision in self‐care tasks. For cognition tasks, MPS IIIB patients also require help. This questionnaire is useful to identify the strengths and limitations of MPS patients.
A 10‐year prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in Khorramabad (Urban Western Iran)
Authors: Taee Nadereh , Faraji Goodarzi Mojgan , Safdari Mohammad , Bajelan Amir
Published: June 2019

Background

Congenital hypothyroidism in infants is the cause of mental retardation in children, it can be detected in patient and treated at a relatively cheap rate, preventing patient retard. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism among Khorramabad children.

Methods

In the present study, we identified all patients who had received levothyroxine prescriptions during the study period (2007–2017). Using this as a congenital hypothyroidism surrogate marker, we considered the congenital hypothyroidism prevalence in children above 3 years.

Results

Of 574 patients who had received levothyroxine during the neonatal period up to 3 years, the results of one‐variable logistic regression analysis showed that the chance of temporary disease in children with small thyroid ultrasonography was 62% less, than for those without problems, and this difference was significant. The chance of temporary disease in children who had other cases was 87% less than those without problems, and this difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in young patients up to 3 years is 0.143%, these values are at least twice those of previous estimates. This proposes an elevation in autoimmune thyroid disease, which is similitude to the rising prevalence of diabetes type 1, which possibly indicates a rising incidence of autoimmunity in youth.
A fractional order epidemic model and simulation for avian influenza dynamics
Authors: Ye Xingyang , Xu Chuanju
Published: June 2019

We present a nonlinear fractional order epidemic model to investigate the spreading dynamical behavior of the avian influenza. The population of the model contains susceptible individuals, asymptomatic but infective latent individuals, and infective individuals. We first establish the existence, uniqueness, nonnegativity, and positive invariance of the solution, then we study the reproduction number of the model and the stability of the disease‐free equilibrium. We observe that the reproduction number varies with the order of the fractional derivative ν. In terms of epidemics, this suggests that varying ν induces a change in the avian's epidemic status. Furthermore, we derive the sufficient conditions for the existence and the stability of the endemic equilibrium. Finally, we carry out some numerical simulations to validate the analytical results. We find from simulations that the solution of the fractional order model tends to a stationary state over a longer period of time with decreasing the value of the fractional derivative, and the size of epidemic decreases with decreasing ν.
Dietary Manganese Exposure in the Adult Population in Germany—What Does it Mean in Relation to Health Risks?
Authors: Sachse Benjamin , Kolbaum Anna Elena , Ziegenhagen Rainer , Andres Susanne , Berg Katharina , Dusemund Birgit , Hirsch‐Ernst Karen Ildico , Kappenstein Oliver , Müller Frederic , Röhl Claudia , Lindtner Oliver , Lampen Alfonso , Schäfer Bernd
Published: June 2019

Manganese is both an essential nutrient and a potential neurotoxicant. Therefore, the question arises whether the dietary manganese intake in the German population is on the low or high side. Results from a pilot total diet study in Germany presented here reveal that the average dietary manganese intake in the general population in Germany aged 14–80 years is about 2.8 mg day−1 for a person of 70 kg body weight. This exposure level is within the intake range of 2–5 mg per person and day as recommended by the societies for nutrition in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. No information on the dietary exposure of children in Germany can be provided so far. Although reliable information on health effects related to oral manganese exposure is limited, there is no indication from the literature that these dietary intake levels are associated with adverse health effects either by manganese deficiency or excess. However, there is limited evidence that manganese taken up as a highly bioavailable bolus, for example, uptake via drinking water or food supplements, could pose a potential risk to human health—particularly in certain subpopulations—when certain intake amounts, which are currently not well defined, are exceeded.
Reduced edge‐to‐edge spaced MIMO antenna using parallel coupled line resonator for WLAN applications
Authors: Mark Robert , Singh Harsh Verdhan , Mandal Kaushik , Das Soma
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a pair of parasitic parallel coupled line resonators (PCLR) is printed between the two patches that reduce the mutual coupling in multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna system. The proposed design offers reduced edge‐to‐edge spacing of 3.5 mm (0.066λo, λo is the free space wavelength) at 5.7 GHz. The proposed decoupling structure of length 0.49λo and area 0.05λo × 0.49λo consists of a pair of parallel coupled lines, placed between the antenna elements and provides a band stop properties over the desired operating band that helps to eradicate the near coupled field. The PCLR decoupling structure helps to improve the isolation and bandwidth by 16 dB and 0.22 GHz, respectively, at the resonating frequency without any change in radiation characteristics of the MIMO system. Moreover, the antenna system yields a good broadside gain of 6.43 dBi, efficiency 70–85%, with acceptable channel diversity performances over the entire operating band (5.47–5.9 GHz). Good agreements between the simulated and measured results make the proposed design approach suitable for a closely packed MIMO system.
Potential roles of nuclear receptors in mediating neurodevelopmental toxicity of known endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in ascidian embryos
Authors: Gomes Isa D. L. , Gazo Ievgeniia , Besnardeau Lydia , Hebras Céline , McDougall Alex , Dumollard Rémi
Published: June 2019

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are molecules able to interfere with the vertebrate hormonal system in different ways, a major one being the modification of the activity of nuclear receptors (NRs). Several NRs are expressed in the vertebrate brain during embryonic development and these NRs are suspected to be responsible for the neurodevelopmental defects induced by exposure to EDCs in fishes or amphibians and to participate in several neurodevelopmental disorders observed in humans.

Known EDCs exert toxicity not only on vertebrate forms of marine life but also on marine invertebrates. However, because hormonal systems of invertebrates are poorly understood, it is not clear whether the teratogenic effects of known EDCs are because of endocrine disruption. The most conserved actors of endocrine systems are the NRs which are present in all metazoan genomes but their functions in invertebrate organisms are still insufficiently characterized. EDCs like bisphenol A have recently been shown to affect neurodevelopment in marine invertebrate chordates called ascidians. Because such phenotypes can be mediated by NRs expressed in the ascidian embryo, we review all the information available about NRs expression during ascidian embryogenesis and discuss their possible involvement in the neurodevelopmental phenotypes induced by EDCs.
Metabolomic profile as a noninvasive adjunct tool for the diagnosis of Grades III and IV endometriosis‐related infertility
Authors: Braga Daniela P. A. F. , Montani Daniela A. , Setti Amanda S. , Turco Edson G. Lo , Oliveira‐Silva Diogo , Borges Edson
Published: June 2019

The aim of the present case‐control study was to develop a noninvasive adjuvant tool for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Serum samples from 100 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection were split into two groups according to the cause of infertility: an endometriosis group (n = 50), consisting of samples derived from patients with Grade III and IV endometriosis, and a control group (n = 50), comprising samples derived from patients with isolated male factor infertility. The metabolomic profile of each sample was obtained, through mass spectrometry. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was able to clearly classify the endometriosis and control groups. Ten potential biomarkers were selected based on their importance for model prediction. These ions were used to build the receiver‐operating characteristic curve, which presented an area under the curve of 0.904 (95% confidence interval: 0.796–0.985). To validate the model, 30 other samples from infertile women without any evidence of endometriosis were tested. Considering these ions as possible biomarkers, the model was able to correctly classify 84% of the patients. Finally, a similar prediction potential was observed in the model validated set, when samples from the disease‐free group were tested. Serum metabolomics may be useful as a noninvasive adjunct tool for the selection of patients who must undergo laparoscopy for definitive endometriosis diagnosis.
LIN28B regulates androgen receptor in human trophoblast cells through Let‐7c
Authors: McWhorter Erin S. , West Rachel C. , Russ Jennifer E. , Ali Asghar , Winger Quinton A. , Bouma Gerrit J.
Published: June 2019

LIN28B is an RNA‐binding protein necessary for maintaining pluripotency in stem cells and plays an important role in trophoblast cell differentiation. LIN28B action on target gene function often involves the Let‐7 miRNA family. Previous work in cancer cells revealed that LIN28 through Let‐7 miRNA regulates expression of androgen receptor (AR). Considering the similarities between cancer and trophoblast cells, we hypothesize that LIN28B also is necessary for the presence of AR in human trophoblast cells. The human first‐trimester trophoblast cell line, ACH‐3P was used to evaluate the regulation of AR by LIN28B, and a LIN28B knockdown cell line was constructed using lentiviral‐based vectors. LIN28B knockdown in ACH‐3P cells resulted in significantly decreased levels of AR and increased levels of Let‐7 miRNAs. Moreover, treatment of ACH‐3P cells with Let‐7c mimic, but not Let‐7e or Let‐7f, resulted in a significant reduction in LIN28B and AR. Finally, forskolin‐induced syncytialization and Let‐7c treatment both resulted in increased expression of syncytiotrophoblast marker ERVW‐1 and a significant decrease in AR in ACH‐3P. These data reveal that LIN28B regulates AR levels in trophoblast cells likely through its inhibitory actions on let‐7c, which may be necessary for trophoblast cell differentiation into the syncytiotrophoblast.
Who coupled which stream(s)? Policy entrepreneurship and innovation in the energy–water nexus in Gujarat, India
Authors: Goyal Nihit , Howlett Michael , Chindarkar Namrata
Published: June 2019

Although policy entrepreneurship is essential for fostering policy innovations to achieve sustainable development, the literature has conflated different types of entrepreneurship and disaggregated it using inconsistent terminology. We conceptualize entrepreneurship using a six‐stream variant of the multiple streams framework (MSF)—which addresses key limitations of the original MSF—to examine entrepreneurial activities in the case of theJyotigram Yojana, a widely recognized policy innovation for managing the energy–water nexus in Gujarat, India. We find that whereas policy and political entrepreneurship no doubt played a significant role in coupling the streams and fostering this policy innovation, the process broker, program champion, and technology innovator were also important in policy formulation, implementation, and “success.” We conclude that the six‐stream variant of MSF is useful for identifying and distinguishing various types of entrepreneurship involved in policy innovation for sustainability.
A methodological approach for the simultaneous quantification of glycerol and fatty acids from cork suberin in a single GC run
Authors: Marques António V. , Pereira Helena
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Suberin, as part of plant protective barriers, is one of the most important natural polymers after cellulose and lignin. For a full elucidation of suberin structure the quantification of glycerol, fatty α,ω‐diacids and ω‐hydroxyacids, the major building blocks of suberin, is of primary importance. Glycerol is often lost in the most used analytical procedures or rarely determined by deficient or too laborious techniques.

Objectives

Propose a simple, accessible and reliable methanolysis work‐up procedure for an accurate and simultaneous quantification of glycerol and suberin fatty monomers in the same GC run.

Material and methods

Cork from Quercus suber L. was depolymerised by methanolysis. Glycerol was derivatised to an organic soluble form before the suberin monomers recovery in water/organic solvent partition. Gas chromatography flame ionisation detector (GC‐FID) response factors were determined for glycerol, ferulic acid and one for each fatty monomer substructure. Additionally, 1,2,4‐butanetriol and methyl nonadecanoate were used as internal standards.

Results

The proposed experimental approach allowed the glycerol and all the fatty suberin monomers in the same GC run to be quantified accurately. Glycerol represented 30.6 area%, 14.2 mass% and 38.4 molar% of suberin and the COOH/OH groups ratio was 0.6:1 in the proposed experimental approach in contrast with 0.10 area% and COOH/OH ratio of 3:1 in the most used protocol. Furthermore, ω‐hydroxyacids/α,ω‐diacids mass ratio was 1:1 as opposed to an area ratio of 1.5:1.

Conclusion

The proposed work‐up procedure revealed to be a reliable analytical tool for the complete analysis of suberin allowing the future knowledge to grow towards a better understanding of suberin structure throughout its range and variability.
Subtly adjusted active layer self‐assembly process for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Jian , Sun Qianqian , Xiao Jing , Zhu Mei , Chen Liang , Chen Jun
Published: June 2019

The phase separation degree of active layers plays a vital role in enhancing the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells. Two post treatments were employed to optimize the phase separation degree of active layers by subtly adjusting the self‐assembly process for SMPV1:PC71BM based active layers (SMPV1, 2,6‐bis[2,5‐bis(3‐octylrhodanine)‐(3,3‐dioctyl‐2,2':5,2''‐terthiophene)]‐4,8‐bis((5‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene; PC71BM, [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester). In this work, a power conversion efficiency of 7.93% was obtained for devices with an as‐cast active layer, which is close to the highest values reported for SMPV1 based devices. The power conversion efficiency was further increased to 8.64% or 8.99% for active layers with thermal annealing or thermal annealing together with solvent vapor annealing, respectively. The enhanced performance is mainly attributed to more efficient photon harvesting and charge transport induced by the post annealing treatment of the active layers. The face‐on molecular orientation of SMPV1 is increased for active layers with post annealing treatment, which is beneficial for charge transport along directions perpendicular to the substrate. This work further confirms the positive effect of post annealing treatment on the performance improvement of organic solar cells. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry