bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whose Odyssey Is It? Family‐Centered Care in the Genomic Era
Authors: Brosco Jeffrey P.
Published: August 2018

Despite a century of progress in medical knowledge, many diagnostic odysseys end in disappointment, especially when the child has a developmental disorder. In cases of autism and intellectual disability, relatively few children receive a specific diagnosis, and virtually none of those diagnoses lead to a specific medical treatment. Whole‐genome or ‐exome sequencing offers a quantum leap in the diagnostic odyssey, in that we will always learn something from sequencing—sometimes much more than families bargained for, as discussed elsewhere in this special report. The trick is whether the knowledge gained will help the child and family. A family‐centered approach gives families permission to choose but does not lay all of the responsibility on them. The goal is to pursue the degree of medical diagnostic evaluation that matches the family's values.
A New Era, New Strategies: Education and Communication Strategies to Manage Greater Access to Genomic Information
Authors: Lewis Megan A. , Bonhomme Natasha , Bloss Cinnamon S.
Published: August 2018

As next‐generation genomic sequencing, including whole‐genome sequencing information, becomes more common in research, clinical, and public health contexts, there is a need for comprehensive communication strategies and education approaches to prepare patients and clinicians to manage this information and make informed decisions about its use, and nowhere is that imperative more pronounced than when genomic sequencing is applied to newborns. Unfortunately, in‐person counseling is unlikely to be applicable or cost‐effective when parents obtain genomic risk information directly via the Internet. As a rule, communication strategies should match how people are accessing health information. Today, many people can obtain health information in a variety of settings, including through direct‐to‐consumer services, via websites, and through other digital channels or settings. In response to these changes, new communication strategies need to be considered. Adopting a comprehensive communication model means understanding the multiple levels of influence experienced by parents and the clinicians who serve them. In addition, applying communication‐science principles can help in addressing some key challenges to effectively communicating genomic information to parents.
Families’ Experiences with Newborn Screening: A Critical Source of Evidence
Authors: Grob Rachel , Roberts Scott , Timmermans Stefan
Published: August 2018

Debates about expanding newborn screening with whole genome sequencing are fueled by data about public perception, public opinion, and the positions taken by public advocates and advocacy groups. One form of evidence that merits attention as we consider possible uses of whole‐genome sequencing during the newborn period is parents’ (and children's) diverse experiences with existing expanded screening protocols. What do we know about this experience base? And what implications might these data have for decisions about how we use whole genome sequencing and how we assess its impact in the future? Although the broader literature on genetic susceptibility testing suggests that testing usually does not have adverse effects on children's psychosocial well‐being, certain newborn screening results have been demonstrated to cause distress, alter behavior, and even to influence the formation of new parental and family identities.
The Legal Dimensions of Genomic Sequencing in Newborn Screening
Authors: Zacharias Rachel L. , Smith Monica E. , King Jaime S.
Published: August 2018

The possible integration of genomic sequencing (including whole‐genome and whole‐exome sequencing) into the three contexts addressed in this special report—state‐mandated screening programs, clinical care, and direct‐to‐consumer services—raises related but distinct legal issues. This essay will outline the legal issues surrounding the integration of genomic sequencing into state newborn screening programs, parental rights to refuse and access sequencing for their newborns in clinical and direct‐to‐consumer care, and privacy‐related legal issues attending the use of sequencing in newborns.
Measuring snow ablation rates in alpine terrain with a mobile multioffset ground‐penetrating radar system
Authors: Griessinger Nena , Mohr Franziska , Jonas Tobias
Published: August 2018

Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) has become a promising technique in the field of snow hydrological research. It is commonly used to measure snow depth, density, and water equivalent over large distances or along gridded snow courses. Having built and tested a mobile lightweight set‐up, we demonstrate that GPR is capable of accurately measuring snow ablation rates in complex alpine terrain. Our set‐up was optimized for efficient measurements and consisted of a multioffset radar with four pairs of antennas mounted to a plastic sled, which was small enough to permit safe and convenient operations. Repeated measurements at intervals of 2 to 7 days were taken during the 2014/2015 winter season along 10 profiles of 50 to 200 m length within two valleys located in the eastern Swiss Alps. Resulting GPR‐based data of snow depth, density, and water equivalent, as well as their respective change over time, were in good agreement with concurrent manual measurements, in particular if accurate alignment between repeated overpasses could be achieved. Corresponding root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) values amounted to 4.2 cm for snow depth, 17 mm for snow water equivalent, and 22 kg/m3 for snow density, with similar RMSE values for corresponding differential data. With this performance, the presented radar set‐up has the potential to provide exciting new and extensive datasets to validate snowmelt models or to complement lidar‐based snow surveys.
A universal anti‐cancer vaccine: Chimeric invariant chain potentiates the inhibition of melanoma progression and the improvement of survival
Authors: Sharbi‐Yunger Adi , Grees Mareike , Cafri Gal , Bassan David , Eichmüller Stefan B. , Tzehoval Esther , Utikal Jochen , Umansky Viktor , Eisenbach Lea
Published: August 2018

For many years, clinicians and scientists attempt to develop methods to stimulate the immune system to target malignant cells. Recent data suggest that effective cancer vaccination requires combination immunotherapies to overcome tumor immune evasion. Through presentation of both MHC‐I and II molecules, DCs‐based vaccine platforms are effective in generating detectable CD4 and CD8 T cell responses against tumor‐associated antigens. Several platforms include DC transfection with mRNA of the desired tumor antigen. These DCs are then delivered to the host and elicit an immune response against the antigen of interest. We have recently established an mRNA genetic platform which induced specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response by DC vaccination against melanoma. In our study, an MHC‐II mRNA DCs vaccine platform was developed to activate CD4+ T cells and to enhance the anti‐tumor response. The invariant chain (Ii) was modified and the semi‐peptide CLIP was replaced with an MHC‐II binding peptide sequences of melanoma antigens. These chimeric MHC‐II constructs are presented by DCs and induce proliferation of tumor specific CD4+ T cells. When administered in combination with the MHC‐I platform into tumor bearing mice, these constructs were able to inhibit tumor growth, and improve mouse survival. Deciphering the immunological mechanism of action, we observed an efficient CTLs killing in addition to higher levels of Th1 and Th2 subsets in the groups immunized with a combination of the MHC‐I and MHC‐II constructs. These universal constructs can be applied in multiple combinations and offer an attractive opportunity to improve cancer treatment.
SOCIOEMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN TODDLERS WITH LANGUAGE DELAY
Authors: Thurm Audrey , Manwaring Stacy S. , Cardozo Jimenez Cecilia , Swineford Lauren , Farmer Cristan , Gallo Renee , Maeda Mika
Published: August 2018

Toddlers with language delay are at risk for persistent developmental and behavioral difficulties; however, the association between socioemotional/behavior problems and language in young children is not well understood. This study explored socioemotional/behavior problems in a unique sample of toddlers with language delays using a measure developed explicitly for this age group. Toddlers identified by 18 months with receptive and expressive language delay (LD; n = 30) or typical development (TD; n = 61) were evaluated at 18 and 24 months of age using the Infant‐Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (ITSEA) and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Compared to toddlers who had TD, toddlers with LD had significantly more concerning scores at 18 and 24 months on all ITSEA domains. The rate of “clinical concern” on most domains was not high in either group, except that >60% of LD toddlers were in the clinical concern range on the Competence domain. Socioemotional/behavioral problems were dimensionally related to receptive and expressive language, with greater language delay associated with more concerning ITSEA scores. Socioemotional and behavioral problems are related to receptive and expressive language abilities in 18‐ and 24‐month‐olds, indicating the need for screening of both types of concerns in toddlers identified with potential language delays.
Study on the relationship between insulin growth factor 1 and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cao Li‐Hua , Lu Feng‐Min , Lu Xiao‐Jie , Zhu Li‐Yao
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the correlation between serum protein level of insulin growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The cases are divided into four groups. Then serum levels of IFG‐1, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, and HCV genotypes were detected simultaneously in patients with hepatitis C, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was measured by transient elastography, and aspartate aminotransferase platelet ratio (APRI) score was determined.

Results

There was no significant difference between CHC with T2DM group and CHC group in diabetes family history (P > 0.05), but the difference between the two groups were significantly lower than that of T2DM group (
P < 0.05). The levels of fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in CHC group with T2DM group were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (
P < 0.05), while the IGF‐1 RNA and the serum protein level in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the CHC group, and were lower than those in the control group (
P < 0.05). The level of serum IGF‐1 was negatively correlated with HOMA‐IR, LSM, and APRI score in CHC with T2DM group (
r = −0.71, −0.75, and −0.69;
P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The degree of hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHC combined with T2DM was higher than that in non‐T2DM patients with CHC, which was mainly related to insulin resistance (IR) induced by 1b genotype HCV infection. IR can lead to impaired synthesis of IGF‐1, and the degree of damage has a corresponding relationship with hepatic fibrosis.
Influenza A virus inhibits influenza virus replication by inducing IL‐37
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhu Cheng‐Liang , Niu Zhi‐Li , Xu Feng‐Xia , Song Hui , Liu Xing‐Hui
Published: August 2018

Backgrounds

The influenza virus is one of the major pathogens that seriously affect human health. It can cause a strong immune response and trigger a series of complications. Interleukin 37 (IL‐37) is a newly discovered cytokine that plays an important regulatory role in infection and immunity. To date, there have been few studies on the correlation between influenza virus infection and IL‐37.

Methods

Serum levels of IL‐37 in 115 patients with influenza A virus (IAV) infection and 102 healthy subjects were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) was used to detect differences in IL‐37 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between IAV patients and healthy subjects. IL‐37 expression was measured in A549 cells and PBMCs infected with IAV H3N2 using ELISA and RT‐qPCR. After the H3N2‐infected A549 cells were treated with human IL‐37, the concentration of viral RNA was determined using RT‐qPCR, and the titer of influenza virus was determined by a hemagglutination test.

Results

The IL‐37 levels in the sera and PBMCs of patients infected with IAV were higher than those of healthy subjects. The expression of IL‐37 mRNA and protein in IAV‐infected A549 cells and PBMCs was upregulated, and IL‐37 protein was able to inhibit the replication of IAV RNA.

Conclusion

IAV‐induced IL‐37 expression inhibits IAV replication.
HNA‐1, ‐3, ‐4, and ‐5 genotyping using multiplex PCR among southern Thais: Developing continual HNA‐1 null detection
Authors: Intharanut Kamphon , Sasikarn Wiradee , Mitundee Supattra , Nathalang Oytip
Published: August 2018

Background

Antibodies against human neutrophil antigens (HNAs) are involved in various clinical conditions including transfusion‐related acute lung injury and auto/alloimmune neutropenia. We aimed to determine HNA‐1, ‐3, ‐4, and ‐5 frequencies among southern Thais using multiplex PCR and to develop HNA‐1 null detection.

Methods

Samples obtained from 427 southern Thai blood donors were genotyped HNA‐1, ‐3, ‐4, and ‐5 using multiplex PCR and compared their allele frequencies with those previously reported in Thai populations. HNA‐1 null samples were tested by newly developed PCR‐SSP and PCR‐RFLP and confirmed by DNA sequencing.

Results

The frequencies of FCGR3B*01, FCGR3B*02, FCGR3B*03, SLC44A2*01, SLC44A2*02, ITGAL*01, and ITGAL*02 among southern Thais differed from other Thai populations, except ITGAM*01 and ITGAM*02 frequencies. Two samples without specific fragments of FCGR3B*01, FCGR3B*02, and FCGR3B*03 tested by multiplex PCR were confirmed by PCR‐RFLP to identify FCGR3B deficiency (HNA‐1 null). Moreover, to reduce test steps, the newly developed PCR‐SSP for FCGR3B deficiency was validated and tested in all samples and the results were in agreement with DNA sequencing.

Conclusions

This was the first study to report HNA‐1, ‐3, ‐4, and ‐5 frequencies among southern Thais. The indeterminate results of multiplex PCR for HNA‐1 genotyping led to establish HNA‐1 null detection using PCR‐SSP, which is simple, convenient and cost‐effective and can be used to identify FCGR3B deficiency.
Cancer metastasis versus stem cell homing: Role of platelets
Authors: Naderi‐Meshkin Hojjat , Ahmadiankia Naghmeh
Published: August 2018

One of the major obstacles in achieving a successful stem cell therapy is insufficient homing of transplanted cells. To overcome this obstacle, understanding the underlying mechanisms of stem cell homing is of obvious importance. Central to this review is the concept that cancer metastasis can be viewed as a role model to build up a comprehensive concept of stem cell homing. In this novel perspective, the prosurvival choices of the cancerous cells in the bloodstream, their arrest, extravasation, and proliferation at the secondary site can be exploited in favor of targeted stem cell homing. To date, tumor cells have been found to employ a wide variety of strategies to promote metastasis. One of these strategies is through their ability to activate platelets and subsequently activated platelets serve cancer cell survival and metastasis. Accordingly, in the first part of this review the roles of platelets in cancer metastasis as well as stem cell homing are discussed. Next, we provide some lessons learned from cancer metastasis in favor of developing strategies for improvement of stem cell homing with emphasis on the role of platelets. Based on direct or indirect evidence from metastasis, strategies such as manipulation of stem cells to enhance interaction with platelets, preconditioning–pretreatment of stem cells with platelets in vitro, and coinjection of both stem cells and platelets are proposed to improve stem cell homing.
Left ventricular noncompaction in patients with coronary artery disease: Preliminary analysis of echocardiographic findings
Authors: Zhu Xiangming , Ya Yang , Hu Guobing
Published: August 2018

We retrospectively analyzed the echocardiographic findings of eight patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) and concurrent coronary artery disease. This study was conducted in Yijishan Hospital between January 2012 and May 2017. Of the eight patients, six were diagnosed with coronary arterial atherosclerosis, one patient with coronary pulmonary fistula, and one with coronary myocardial bridge. Regional wall motion abnormalities were detected in all patients. Echocardiography can provide significant information about LVNC in patients with coronary artery disease. However, whether regional wall motion abnormalities are caused by coronary artery disease or noncompaction of the myocardium remains unknown in most patients.
Gold nanoparticles for enhanced ionization and fragmentation of biomolecules using LDI‐MS
Authors: Sacks Cody D. , Stumpo Katherine A.
Published: August 2018

New applications for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry are presented here. This work expands on previous biomolecule studies and introduces carbohydrates, steroids, bile acids, and other small molecules as a focus. Broad trends in ionization are observed, and specifically of interest are new species that have not previously been reported from AuNPs (e.g., [M + Au]+). Interesting fragmentation effects have been observed for diphenhydramine, including similarity to electron impact mass spectra and possible radical driven reactions, providing insight into the mechanism of ionization when using AuNPs.
Acoustic properties of polyurethane compositions enhanced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles
Authors: Yıldırım B. , Sancak A. , Navidfar A. , Trabzon L. , Orfali W.
Published: August 2018

In this study, in order to enhance acoustic properties of polyurethane (PU) foams multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and/or silica nanoparticles were added to polyol‐isocyanate composition up to 2 wt%, and acoustic properties of polyurethane foam samples with small amount of carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles (spherical and/or amorphous types) were determined in the frequency range from 50 Hz up to 6400 Hz. Acoustic properties, especially absorption coefficient of the produced samples were measured for all the prepared samples and results were investigated to come up with the best polyurethane samples that can be applied for sound absorption application at the desired frequency range. It was found that double combination of carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles, especially 0.7 wt% carbon nanotubes and 0.2 wt% spherical silica nanoparticle added polyurethane composition has better sound absorption ratio overall all frequencies levels compared to the other samples. Thus, it is possible to obtain polyurethane nanocomposite with a higher amount of carbon nanotube by weight at the same time enhancing sound absorption properties. Moreover, there is a synergic effect between carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles when mixed and added into polyurethane matrix at predetermined levels to get enhanced acoustic response with a higher level of carbon nanotube in polyurethane foam.
A comparative performances analysis of UHF RFID two crossed dipoles antenna based on FR4 substrate
Authors: Ben Abdallah E. , Egels M. , Bergeret E. , Benzaim O. , Pannier P.
Published: August 2018

The design of an FR4‐based UHF RFID portable quasi‐isotropic reader antenna with a circular polarization is reported. This low‐cost small size antenna consists of two crossed dipoles with dimensions of 50 × 80 × 1.6 mm3. A 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 10 MHz can be obtained and a quasi‐isotropic radiation pattern is achieved. The designed antenna performances are investigated for 6 prototypes using the same substrate and different boards. A performances comparison and analysis between the different realizations are presented in this article. Results demonstrate that inaccuracies in FR4 characteristics have effects on the antenna performances. Therefore, the key parameters of this type of antennas are identified.
Melatonin supplementation during prolonged in vitro maturation improves the quality and development of poor‐quality porcine oocytes via anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects
Authors: Lin Tao , Lee Jae Eun , Kang Jeong Won , Oqani Reza K , Cho Eun Seok , Kim Seong Bok , Il Jin Dong
Published: August 2018

Poor‐quality oocytes (those with 1–2 layers of cumulus cells) typically possess low meiotic competence and development. Prolonging the duration of in vitro maturation (IVM; 52 hr) can enhance the maturation rate of poor‐quality oocytes, but it does not improve subsequent embryonic development. This likely reflects the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis seen in these oocytes compared with the non‐prolonged IVM (44 hr) group. Melatonin is a free radical scavenger, anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptotic agent that reported to enhance the quality of embryos by inhibiting ROS generation and apoptosis. Therefore, we herein investigated whether melatonin combined with prolonged IVM (52 hr) could improve the quality and development of poor‐quality oocytes. We supplemented IVM and/or in vitro culture (IVC) media with various concentrations (0, 10−7, 10−6, 10−5 M) of melatonin, and estimated parameters related to oocyte quality and development. The addition of melatonin (10−6 M) to a prolonged IVM system improved the oocyte quality and development compared with those of the melatonin‐free poor‐quality oocytes group, and that this was due to decreases in ROS generation, apoptosis, and DNA damage. When melatonin was added during both IVM (10−6 M) and IVC (10−6 M), we observed a cumulative positive influence on the embryonic development and quality; this treatment enhanced the expression level of Oct4 and decreased the levels of ROS, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Together, these findings suggest that the combination of melatonin plus prolonged IVM can improve the quality and development of poor‐quality porcine oocytes via anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects.
Fracture behavior of transversely isotropic rocks with discrete weak interfaces
Authors: Celleri Humberto M. , Sánchez Martín , Otegui José L.
Published: August 2018

Anisotropic rocks have gained increasing attention due to the development of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. This type of reservoir requires complex engineering procedures from drilling to completion, and the mechanical properties of the rocks play a significant role. One of the most important characteristics of unconventional formations is the presence of well‐defined layers, which greatly modify both elastic and fracture properties of the rocks. Rock elastic response is direction dependent, commonly described as vertically transversely isotropic (VTI), meaning that there is an isotropic plane of symmetry with respect to the vertical direction. Between layers, calcitic veins or ash beds alter the rock's properties substantially. These interfaces, which can have low or no cohesion at all, act as preferential planes for fracture nucleation and propagation, affecting the rocks strength. In this work, the fracture behavior of VTI rocks with weak interfaces is studied using numerical simulations of brazilian tests. A hybrid discontinuous Galerkin–cohesive zone model was used to simulate fracture initiation and propagation on discs in the presence of weak planes. With this approach, we determined the effective brazilian test strength of the rocks under different conditions, namely, relative angles between layers and the loading direction, densities, and cohesion of weak interfaces. Shear reactivation of the interfaces is analyzed using the Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion and Mohr circles.
Preparation and characterization of polymethacrylimide/silicate foam
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Xu Miaojun , Li Bin
Published: August 2018

The polymethacrylimide/silicate (PMI/silicate) composites were successfully prepared from the monomers of acrylonitrile (AN) and methacrylic acid (MAA) via the monomer in situ intercalation polymerization and free foaming. The formation of imide groups was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results of FTIR and XPS indicated that the imide groups were gradually formed and cyano groups were dwindling but still existed during foaming and thermal treatment. The thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that the thermal stability of the PMI/silicate composites was improved, the rate of thermal degradation was reduced, and the residue was increased because of the addition of silicates. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the rigidity and the glass transition temperature of the composites were improved. The limit oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter (CONE) test showed that the fire‐retardant properties were improved because of the barrier effect of silicates. The cell morphologies of the PMI/silicate composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results showed that the silicate particles were distributed on the cell walls, but the cells slightly cracked. The mechanical properties were measured by tensile, flexural, and compressive strength. The mechanical strength, especially flexural strength, was significantly improved. The flexural strength of PMI/MMT, PMI/kaolin, and PMI/talc containing 8 wt% silicates was improved to 172%, 240%, and 233%.
Combined high‐dose intra‐arterial and intrathecal chemotherapy for the treatment of a case of extraocular retinoblastoma
Authors: Rodriguez Anabel , Zugbi Santiago , Requejo Flavio , Deu Alejandra , Sampor Claudia , Sgroi Mariana , Bosaleh Andrea , Fandiño Adriana , Schaiquevich Paula , Chantada Guillermo
Published: August 2018

Patients with retinoblastoma and central nervous system (CNS) involvement are rarely curable with available treatments. We designed a high‐dose intra‐arterial regimen targeting the ophthalmic artery and chiasm combined with intrathecal chemotherapy to treat a 4‐year‐old patient with retinoblastoma metastasized to the CNS. After three cycles of this regimen, including carboplatin, melphalan, and intrathecal topotecan, a partial response of the orbital tumor mass and chiasmatic lesion, and complete response in the cerebrospinal fluid and bone marrow were achieved. This new treatment strategy may be explored as a treatment component for patients with overt extraocular retinoblastoma and CNS dissemination.
Effect of Alfa fiber mechanical separation on dielectric properties of hybrid unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Omri Mohamed Amin , Triki Asma , Ben Hassen Mohamed , Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa , Arous Mourad , Kallel Ali
Published: August 2018

An exhaustive study of dielectric and impedance analysis on two Alfa‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester hybrid composites was performed. Alfa fiber reinforcements were hybridized by wool and PE/PET fibers in the relative volume fraction ratio 17:2:1. However, these reinforcements differ by the number of mechanical separation of Alfa fibers in the Shirley analyzer. For Composite (1), Alfa fibers were separated mechanically once in the Shirley analyzer whereas for the Composite (2), they were separated mechanically twice in the Shirley analyzer. Dielectric parameters analysis (, ) revealed the presence of the α‐relaxation process at intermediate temperature range for the matrix and the water dipoles polarization at low temperatures for the Composite (1). No dynamic dielectric relaxation was observed for the Composite (2) at low temperatures. However, dielectric properties were controlled by the dc conductivity effect at higher temperatures. The Kramers‐Kronig relation was used to eliminate its effect. Hence, α mode relaxation was observed for the matrix and the interfacial polarization effect was observed for its composites. The attenuated effect of this latter for the Composite (2) was attributed to its homogeneous structure. Electrical conductivity analysis using the Jonscher law allowed determining the transport mechanism for all studied materials and confirmed such result. Complex impedance analysis supported the homogeneous structure for the Composite (2). POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1774–1785, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Should We Regulate Digital Platforms? A New Framework for Evaluating Policy Options
Authors: Nooren Pieter , van Gorp Nicolai , van Eijk Nico , Fathaigh Ronan Ó
Published: August 2018

The economic and societal impact of digital platforms raises a number of questions for policymakers, including whether existing regulatory approaches and instruments are sufficient to promote and safeguard public interests. This article develops a practical framework that provides structure and guidance to policymakers who design policies for the digital economy. The framework differs from other approaches in taking the digital business models of platforms as the starting point for the analysis. The framework consists of three pillars, namely determining a platform's characteristics, relating these to public interests, and formulating policy options. The framework then invokes a return‐path analysis for assessing how the interventions affect the business model, whether it has the desired effect on public interests, and ensuring it has no undesired side‐effects on public interests. The framework puts forward two key messages for current discussions on digital platforms. First, one should look at the underlying characteristics of platforms rather than trying to understand digital platforms as a single category. Second, policymakers should explore existing rules and policy options, as they seem fit to deal with several characteristics of digital platforms in a time frame that matches the rapid development of platform technologies and business models.
Delivering problem‐solving therapy to family caregivers of people with cancer: A feasibility study in outpatient palliative care
Authors: Washington Karla T. , Demiris George , Parker Oliver Debra , Albright David L. , Craig Kevin W. , Tatum Paul
Published: August 2018

Objective

In response to the well‐documented need for evidence‐based cancer caregiver support, we examined the feasibility of problem‐solving therapy for family caregivers of cancer patients receiving outpatient palliative care and investigated the impact of problem‐solving therapy on family caregivers' anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

Methods

We conducted a feasibility study of a structured problem‐solving therapy intervention delivered to family caregivers of cancer patients receiving outpatient palliative care from an academic health center in the Midwestern United States. Participants (N = 83) were randomly assigned to receive usual care or usual care plus a problem‐solving therapy intervention, which was delivered over three sessions via web‐based videoconferencing or telephone. Descriptive statistics were used to determine feasibility relative to recruitment, retention, and fidelity to core intervention components. Outcome data were analyzed using ordinary least squares multiple regression.

Results

Problem‐solving therapy for family caregivers of patients with cancer was found to be highly feasible in the outpatient palliative care setting. Caregivers who received problem‐solving therapy reported less anxiety than those who received only usual care (P = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were observed for caregiver depression (P = 0.07) or quality of life (P = 0.06).

Conclusions

Problem‐solving therapy is a feasible and promising approach to reducing cancer family caregivers' anxiety in the outpatient palliative care setting. Further testing in multiple sites is recommended.
Overexpression of AR‐regulated lncRNA TMPO‐AS1 correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Wenhua , Su Xinya , Yan Wei , Kong Zhe , Wang Dan , Huang Yan , Zhai Qiaoli , Zhang Xiaowei , Wu Hai , Li Yao , Li Tao , Wan Xuechao
Published: August 2018

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of death in males all over the world; besides, the diagnosis and therapy of it are still challenging. Researchers have revealed that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the genesis and progression of human cancers, including PCa.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis were utilized to confirm TMPO‐AS1 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. The TMPO‐AS1 levels in both patient tissues and PCa cell lines were determined by qRT‐PCR analysis. Moreover, the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay identified that TMPO‐AS1 was a direct target of AR. The effect of overexpression or knockdown of TMPO‐AS1 on cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis was assessed by using CCK‐8, transwell assays, and flow cytometric analysis, respectively.

Results

Based on primary screening, we found that TMPO‐AS1 could be a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for PCa, whose expression was upregulated in PCa samples and associated with poorer prognosis. Bioinformatics predictions revealed TMPO‐AS1 was associated with a series of biological processes involved in PCa progression. In PCa cells, TMPO‐AS1 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and directly down‐regulated by AR. Gain/loss‐of‐function assays showed TMPO‐AS1 overexpression increased cell proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression and promoted migration, but reduced apoptosis of PCa cells. In addition, TMPO‐AS1 may be a diagnostic and prognostic marker in multiple cancer types.

Conclusions

AR‐regulated lncRNA TMPO‐AS1 functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA in PCa, and may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker to be used as a therapeutic target for PCa.
Pre‐Transitional Behavior in Tetragonal to Cubic Phase Transition in HfO2 Revealed by High Temperature Diffraction Experiments
Authors: Tobase Tsubasa , Yoshiasa Akira , Arima Hiroshi , Sugiyama Kazumasa , Ohtaka Osamu , Nakatani Tomotaka , Funakoshi Ken‐ichi , Kohara Shinji
Published: August 2018

Using the container‐less levitation technique, high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction experiments have been performed on HfO2 powders to confirm the temperature dependences of the lattice constants, thermal expansion character, and phase relations. A two‐dimensional imaging plate detector is used for short‐time observations; diffraction data in a wide area are projected in one dimension for Rietveld analysis, as large‐grain growth occurred at high temperatures. The lattice constants, thermal expansions, and c/a ratios for the tetragonal (space group P42/nmc) and cubic (space group Fm3m) HfO2 phases are measured at high temperature. The transition temperature of HfO2 from the tetragonal phase to the cubic phase is specified to be between 2500 and 2550 °C. The pre‐transitional behavior is clearly observed around 2200 °C. As no clear lattice volume change is observed at the transition point from the tetragonal phase to the cubic phase, a phase boundary between the tetragonal phase and the cubic phase has been proposed which does not exhibit a negative slope. It has been estimated that the stable region of the cubic phase is narrow in the higher‐pressure region.
Standardized testing conditions for satellite communications on‐the‐move (SOTM) terminals
Authors: Alazab Elkhouly Mostafa , König Jonas , Beuster Niklas , Raschke Florian , Ihlow Alexander , Robinson Colin , Orus‐Perez Raul , Schurig Fritz , Knopp Andreas , Heuberger Albert , Landmann Markus , Del Galdo Giovanni
Published: August 2018

Performance validation of Satcom on‐the‐move (SOTM) terminals is becoming more important as the satellite operators continue to recognize the negative influence of suboptimal terminals on their satellite networks. Traditionally, SOTM testing is performed with actual operational satellites in field tests, which lack repeatability. The capability to repeat the conditions in which SOTM terminals are tested is important, especially when the performance of multiple terminals is compared. This contribution describes how the qualification test of SOTM terminals can be conducted in a laboratory environment so that repeatability can be ensured. A major advantage of a laboratory environment is the ability to test the complete terminal as if it was in the field of operation, yet without the involvement of real satellites effectively reducing the costs of testing. The main contributions of this paper are motion and shadowing profiles suitable for standardization of SOTM testing. Standardization of such profiles is necessary to guarantee a fair comparison of the performance of different terminals. Moreover, the paper presents the methodology for testing SOTM terminals at the Fraunhofer Facility for Over‐the‐air Research and Testing, the procedure used to obtain the proposed profiles and results of testing a Ka‐band SOTM terminal, taken as an example.
Sustainability assessment for crude palm oil production in Malaysia using the palm oil sustainability assessment framework
Authors: Lim Chye Ing , Biswas Wahidul
Published: August 2018

The sustainability of production is one of the greatest challenges experienced by the Malaysian palm oil industry. Palm oil products consistently receive negative press and criticism, for causing deforestation, land use changes, peat land conversion, species loss, greenhouse gas emissions, biomass waste generation, violation of indigenous people's rights and limited local employment. This paper evaluates the sustainability of the most common crude palm oil supply chain in Malaysia, located in Sarawak, using the Palm Oil Sustainability Assessment (POSA) framework. The results show that the overall sustainability score for a typical crude palm oil supply chain in Malaysia is 3.47/5, which is below the sustainability target of 5/5. Hotspots identified include smallholder inequity, lack of biomass waste recycling and recovery, improper plantation practices, lower average wages and local employment. The site‐specific application of the POSA framework in the current study demonstrates its potential to be used universally across Malaysia.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Graphene by ICP‐Assisted Amorphous Carbon Sputtering
Authors: Ye Xing , Zhou Haiping , Levchenko Igor , Bazaka Kateryna , Xu Shuyan , Xiao Shaoqing
Published: August 2018

Efficient and affordable synthesis of graphene at low temperatures remains a significant challenge that potentially limits the use of this material in real‐life applications. We describe here a simple, efficient, highly controllable technique to synthesize graphene by sputtering carbon from a solid source with the assistance of inductively coupled plasma (ICP), followed by controllable low‐temperature annealing at about 550 oC. Raman scattering and X‐ray diffraction characterizations have revealed the formation of a few layer graphene of high quality, confirmed by a low (∼0.48) ID/IG ratio. Raman analysis of samples formed at various annealing temperatures has revealed an upper limit for annealing temperature of 585 oC, beyond which the formed graphene reversibly dissolves in the metal. The ICP‐assisted process was innovatively employed to improve the quality of thus‐fabricated graphene at low temperatures. The mechanism of graphene formation was attributed to the metal induced graphitization in combination with the carbon precipitation onto the catalyst surface.
Cascade Synthesis of 5‐(Acetoxymethyl)furfural from Carbohydrates over Sn‐Mont Catalyst
Authors: Shinde Suhas , Deval Kashmira , Chikate Rajeev , Rode Chandrashekhar
Published: August 2018

The 5‐(Acetoxymethyl)furfural (AcMF) is emerged as an important alternative for 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF). It is also a starting material for those products which are typically prepared from HMF. The growing importance of AcMF encouraged us to prepare it directly from cheap and abundant carbohydrates. The production AcMF from glucose and glucose‐like carbohydrates is an exigent assignment, owing to tough isomerisation of glucose to fructose. The Sn‐Mont catalyst having a unique combination of Lewis as well as Brønsted acid sites was employed for direct glucose conversion into AcMF. Lewis acid sites of Sn‐Mont facilitate the isomerisation of glucose to fructose. At the same time, dehydrative‐esterification of fructose to AcMF is catalyzed by Brønsted acid sites of Sn‐Mont. Different concentrations of Sn containing Sn‐Mont catalysts were by prepared mixing montmorillonite clay with different molar concentration (e. g. 0.1 M‐0.4 M) of aqueous solutions of SnCl4⋅5H2O. AcMF was produced in as high as 43% yield directly from glucose over Sn‐Mont(0.3 M) catalyst owing to its highest acid strength. The efficacy of Sn‐Mont(0.3 M) catalyst was also probed for sucrose and fructose that resulted in 53% and 58% yield of AcMF, respectively. The critical properties of all the prepared Sn‐Mont catalysts were investigated through XRD, BET surface area, ICP‐OES, temperature‐programmed desorption of NH3 and pyridine‐FTIR and XPS techniques.
Experimental study on the static performance of steel reinforced concrete columns with high encased steel ratios
Authors: Zhao Xianzhong , Wen Fuping , Chen Yiyi , Hu Jingli , Yang Xiaotian , Dai Liusi , Cao Si
Published: August 2018

The static performances of 12 steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns with high encased steel ratios subjected to biaxial bending and axial loadings are studied experimentally. The main design parameters of the specimens in this experiment are the encased steel ratio, axial compression ratio, and shape distribution of the encased steel section. The crack formation, failure processes, bearing capacity, and ductility of the specimens are investigated in detail. The experimental results show that the increased encased steel ratio results in the increased bearing capacity and ductility of the specimens. Furthermore, the stiffness of the specimen degenerates gradually beyond the peak point with an increase in the axial compression ratio. In addition, a more extensive shape distribution of an encased steel section has a positive influence on the ductility of the specimen. A comparison of the yield and peak bearing capacities between the experimental results of this study and the predictions according to Eurocode 4 also highlights that Eurocode 4 would underestimate the bearing capacity of SRC columns with high encased steel ratios because it ignores the confinement of concrete provided from the steel section and hoops and it employs a conservative prediction approach for the simplified axial load‐bending moment curve.
Effects of postcast connection locations on the seismic performance of precast concrete frame joints
Authors: Feng Bo , Xiong Feng , Chen Jiang , Chen Wen , Zhang Yiping
Published: August 2018

For the precast structure with postcast connections, the location of the connection is usually the midspan of the beam, joint core, and beam end. However, the postcast connections located at the midspan of the beam or the joint core would increase the difficulty of construction because of the large dimension of the precast components or reinforcement congestion at joint core, respectively. A connection located at the beam end could decrease the seismic performance the energy dissipation mechanism being disturbed. To balance the requirements on the transportation, construction, and seismic performance, the connection is proposed to be located at one plastic hinge length from the beam end. A quasi‐static test was conducted on three 6 m × 3 m beam‐column joints, including two precast joints and a monolithic joint. The results show that the joint with connections located outside the plastic hinge zone had good seismic performance. When the connection located at the beam end, the ductility, strength, and energy dissipation reduced 8%, 10%, and 30%, respectively. To optimize the postcast location, finite element analysis was conducted and 2h was suggested for the postcast location according to the analysis results.
All partial breakings in $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supergravity with a single hypermultiplet
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Derendinger Jean-Pierre , Petropoulos P. Marios , Siampos Konstantinos
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We consider partial supersymmetry breaking in$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supergravity coupled to a single vector and a single hypermultiplet. This breaking pattern is in principle possible if the quaternion-Kähler space of the hypermultiplet admits (at least) one pair of commuting isometries. For this class of manifolds, explicit metrics exist and we analyse a generic electro-magnetic (dyonic) gauging of the isometries. An example of partial breaking in Minkowski spacetime has been found long ago by Ferrara, Girardello and Porrati, using the gauging of two translation isometries on SO(4, 1)/SO(4). We demonstrate that no other example of partial breaking of$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supergravity in Minkowski spacetime exists. We also examine partial-breaking vacua in anti-de Sitter spacetime that are much less constrained and exist generically even for electric gaugings. On SO(4, 1)/SO(4), we construct the partially-broken solution and its global limit which is the Antoniadis-Partouche-Taylor model.
Fall to the centre in atom traps and point-particle EFT for absorptive systems
Authors: Plestid R. , Burgess C. P. , O’Dell D. H. J.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Polarizable atoms interacting with a charged wire do so through an inverse-square potential, V = −g/r
2. This system is known to realize scale invariance in a nontrivial way and to be subject to ambiguities associated with the choice of boundary condition at the origin, often termed the problem of ‘fall to the center’. Point-particle effective field theory (PPEFT) provides a systematic framework for determining the boundary condition in terms of the properties of the source residing at the origin. We apply this formalism to the charged-wire/polarizable-atom problem, finding a result that is not a self-adjoint extension because of absorption of atoms by the wire. We explore the RG flow of the complex coupling constant for the dominant low-energy effective interactions, finding flows whose character is qualitatively different when g is above or below a critical value, g

c
. Unlike the self-adjoint case, (complex) fixed points exist when g > g

c
, which we show correspond to perfect absorber (or perfect emitter) boundary conditions. We describe experimental consequences for wire-atom interactions and the possibility of observing the anomalous breaking of scale invariance.
Resurgence analysis of 2d Yang-Mills theory on a torus
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi , Sakai Kazuhiro
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We study the large N ’t Hooft expansion of the partition function of 2d U(N) Yang-Mills theory on a torus. We compute the 1/N genus expansion of both the chiral and the full partition function of 2d Yang-Mills using the recursion relation found by Kaneko and Zagier with a slight modification. Then we study the large order behavior of this genus expansion, from which we extract the non-perturbative correction using the resurgence relation. It turns out that the genus expansion is not Borel summable and the coefficient of 1-instanton correction, the so-called Stokes parameter, is pure imaginary. We find that the non-perturbative correction obtained from the resurgence is reproduced from a certain analytic continuation of the grand partition function of a system of non-relativistic fermions on a circle. Our analytic continuation is different from that considered in hep-th/0504221.