bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoreceptor projection from a four‐tiered retina to four distinct regions of the first optic ganglion in a jumping spider
Authors: Nagata Takashi , Arikawa Kentaro , Kinoshita Michiyo
Published: November 2018

Jumping spiders have four pairs of eyes (ocelli) of which only the principal eyes (PEs) are used to detect features of objects. Photoreceptors in the retina of the PEs form four layers (PL1–4) and terminate in the first optic ganglion (FOG). Here, we focus on Hasarius adansoni because it has unique depth vision besides color vision and its FOG appears to contribute to the initial processing of these visual modalities. We first investigated the neuroanatomical organization of the FOG. The three‐dimensional structure of the FOG revealed by synapsin immunostaining is horseshoe‐shaped and consists of four terminal zones (TZ1–4). Then, we traced single photoreceptors through serial sections and found that green‐sensitive receptors of PL1 and 2 terminate in TZ1 and 2, respectively, by keeping retinotopic organization. In contrast to TZ1 and 2, TZ3 receives terminals of ultraviolet‐sensitive receptors from lateral regions of both PL3 and 4, while photoreceptors of the medial region of PL3 and 4 terminate in TZ4. We further studied details of photoreceptor terminals and the branching pattern of interneurons in the FOG in Golgi stained preparations. Photoreceptors have long lateral processes in each terminal zone. Some photoreceptors terminating in TZ3 have branches innervating TZ1, indicating that TZ1 receives different spectral information. A type of interneuron connects TZ1 and 2, while others have branches within a single terminal zone or in the entire FOG. These results suggest that TZ1 and 2 contribute to color, shape, and depth vision, while TZ3 and 4 have specific roles for UV vision.
Adopt 5 proven strategies to increase learning and student retention
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2018

DALLAS — For most deans and provosts, the top priorities are for students to learn as much as they can and to graduate. But what are the best strategies to accomplish those goals? Tony Holland, special assistant to the chief of staff and vice chancellor of academics for the Alabama Community College System, shared the top five strategies implemented in his system at a session at the American Association of Community Colleges annual meeting.
Study finds lack of consistency, amenities for on‐campus lactation spaces
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2018

Nine out of 10 colleges and universities offer designated lactation areas on campus, but awareness of those lactation spaces could be improved, according to a study conducted in collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and the Society for College and University Planning. The research was conducted by principal investigator Diane L. Spatz, Ph.D., RN‐BC, FAAN; Dare Henry‐Moss, MPH; Joyce Lee, FAIA, LEED fellow; and SCUP.
Fine‐needle aspiration of alveolar soft part sarcoma: Histologic correlation and aberrant CD68 expression
Authors: Xu Ya , Zhou Ting , Yu Wendong , Zarrin‐Khameh Neda
Published: November 2018

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare highly malignant neoplasm of the soft tissue and usually occurs in the lower extremities of children and young adults. We report two cases of alveolar soft part sarcoma: a 24‐year‐old Latino man with a 10‐cm neck mass and a 56‐year‐old Latino woman with a recurring thigh mass. Fine‐needle aspiration and a core biopsy were performed on both, which was followed by tumor resection on the man. The smears displayed numerous loosely cohesive or single large cells with abundant granular cytoplasm, round nuclei, vesicular chromatin, and occasional prominent nucleoli. Periodic and Schiff (PAS)‐positive, diastase‐resistant rhomboid, or needle‐shaped crystals were present. Both tumors had diffuse and strong nuclear TFE3 expression and aberrant cytoplasmic CD68 expression. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was performed in the first case, which detected a characteristic translocation t(X;17)(p11;q25). The diagnosis of alveolar soft part sarcoma was rendered in both cases. Herein, we present the cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular findings and discuss the differential diagnosis.
Drought and grazing drive the retrogressive succession by changing the plant–plant interaction of the main species in Inner Mongolia Steppe
Authors: Gao Shaobo , Zheng Zhirong , Wang Yukun , Liu Lei , Zhao Nianxi , Gao Yubao
Published: November 2018

Plant–plant interactions play a key role in the function and structure of communities. The combined effect of drought stress and grazing disturbance on shaping plant–plant interactions is still poorly understood, while this combination is common in semiarid ecosystems. Four species including Stipa grandis, which is dominant in the typical steppe, and Stipa krylovii, Artemisia frigida, and Cleistogenes squarrosa, which are dominant species in the S. grandis degraded communities, were selected as study targets. We conducted a competition experiment (uniformly dense monoculture or mixture, respectively) under controlled conditions, including both drought stress and mowing disturbance, and calculated the relative interaction index (RII) of tiller number and RII of biomass for each species under each condition. (a) Under the same condition, the RII of tiller number and that of biomass for the same species usually showed reverse trends. (b) Mowing disturbance rather than drought stress played a negative role in influencing S. grandis’ or S. krylovii’s RII of tiller number and played a positive role in influencing A. frigida's RII of biomass. (c) Drought stress rather than mowing disturbance played a positive role in influencing C. squarrosa’s RII of tiller number. (d) Neighbor species significantly influenced S. grandis’ RII of tiller number, S. krylovii’s RII of tiller number, A. frigida's RII of tiller number and biomass, and C. squarrosa’s RII of biomass. These results could provide an explanation for why S. krylovii, A. frigida, and C. squarrosa can replace S. grandis and become the dominant species when S. grandis communities undergo a process of degradation due to overgrazing or climatic drought in natural communities. The present study provided powerful evidences for species replacement in the typical steppe of Inner Mongolia and elucidated the driving mechanisms of S. grandis communities’ retrogressive succession.
Heavy‐ion mutagenesis significantly enhances enduracidin production by Streptomyces fungicidicus
Authors: Liu Lu , Hu Wei , Li Wen‐jian , Wang Shu‐yang , Lu Dong , Tian Xue‐jiao , Mao Yan‐qin , Liu Jing , Chen Ji‐hong
Published: November 2018

To improve fermentative production of enduracidin, heavy‐ion beams generated by the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL), China, were employed for the first time to generate mutations in Streptomyces fungicidicus. Initial screening detected 44 positive mutants with larger inhibition zone, which were subsequently tested based on flask fermentation. Finally, 20 mutants showed 20% increase in enduracidin production, when compared with the original strain. Among them, enduracidin production by the three mutants (M13, M30, and M34) was significantly higher than that by the original strain. In particular, mutant M30 exhibited highest enduracidin production, which was 114% higher than that obtained with the original strain. Following culture optimization, the maximal enduracidin yield obtained by M30 reached 918.5 mg/L in 10 days, which was 34% higher than that noted in the control.
Follow best practices to recruit transfer students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2018

SALT LAKE CITY — When you're recruiting an adult student population, you regularly work with transfer students and returning students with some credits. But as demographic shifts mean the number of high school graduates will drop in many parts of the country, you're likely to be competing more fiercely than ever for these students. In fact, officials at 40 percent of institutions, public and private, plan to increase transfer enrollment in the next year, said David Follick, dean of admissions at Nassau Community College in New York, citing Ruffalo Noel Levitz's 2018 Cost of Recruiting an Undergraduate Student Report.
Report provides insights on cybersecurity
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2018

Do you follow best practices to prevent a data breach and to address one if it occurs? Why Cybersecurity Matters: and What Registrars, Enrollment Managers and Higher Education Should Do About It outlines steps you can take to secure your institution's and students’ data.
Support access, inclusion with innovative financial aid approaches
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2018

College costs for students in the middle and upper middle classes have risen dramatically. And students from lower‐income families aren't applying to institutions that match their readiness because they don't think they can afford to enroll, said Yvonne Romero da Silva, vice president for enrollment at Rice University.
Bidirectional relations among common psychiatric and neurologic comorbidities and epilepsy: Do they have an impact on the course of the seizure disorder?
Authors: Kanner Andres M. , Ribot Ramses , Mazarati Andrey
Published: November 2018

The treatment of epilepsy is not limited to the achievement of a seizure‐free state. It must also incorporate the management of common psychiatric and neurologic comorbidities, affecting on average between 30 and 50% of patients with epilepsy, which have a significant impact on their lives at various levels, including quality of life and the prognosis of the seizure disorder. Mood and anxiety disorders are the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities, whereas stroke and migraine are among the more common neurologic comorbidities, migraine among the younger patients and stroke among the older patients. Not only do these psychiatric and neurologic comorbidities each have a bidirectional relation with epilepsy, but primary mood disorders have a bidirectional relation with these 2 neurologic disorders. Furthermore, depression and migraine have been each associated with a more severe epilepsy course, whereas depression has been associated with a more severe course of stroke and migraines. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical implications of the complex relations among epilepsy and these 3 comorbid disorders, and to identify any clinical and/or experimental evidence that may suggest that having more than one of these comorbid disorders may increase the risk of and course of epilepsy.
On cooperative NOMA relay selection under Nakagami‐m fading and imperfect channel estimation
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Ge Jianhua , Serpedin Erchin , Radaydeh Redha M. , Hu Yifan
Published: November 2018

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA), which is an effective technique to achieve high spectral efficiency, has been emerging as a candidate for the fifth‐generation multiple access. In addition, NOMA reflects a transition on the forms of power allocation comparing with the orthogonal multiple access (OMA). In this paper, two relay selection schemes are considered to evaluate the achieved performance of a NOMA‐based relaying network, ie, the max‐min relay selection (MMRS) and the two‐stage relay selection (TSRS) schemes. Exact expression analyses for the system outage probability using the MMRS and TSRS schemes are derived to evaluate the system performance under Nakagami‐m fading. The existence of the error floor, caused by the estimation error, is confirmed by the detailed analysis of the asymptotic result. By comparing NOMA with OMA, and comparing the MMRS scheme with the TSRS scheme, one can reveal that cooperative NOMA under Nakagami‐m fading and imperfect channel estimation can maintain superior performance gain than OMA.
Reactive astrocytes in multiple sclerosis impair neuronal outgrowth through TRPM7‐mediated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan production
Authors: Kamermans Alwin , Planting Kirsten E. , Jalink Kees , van Horssen Jack , de Vries Helga E.
Published: November 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by inflammation‐mediated demyelination, axonal injury and neurodegeneration. The mechanisms underlying impaired neuronal function are not fully understood, but evidence is accumulating that the presence of the gliotic scar produced by reactive astrocytes play a critical role in these detrimental processes. Here, we identified astrocytic Transient Receptor Potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7), a Ca2+‐permeable nonselective cation channel, as a novel player in the formation of a gliotic scar. TRPM7 was found to be highly expressed in reactive astrocytes within well‐characterized MS lesions and upregulated in primary astrocytes under chronic inflammatory conditions. TRPM7 overexpressing astrocytes impaired neuronal outgrowth in vitro by increasing the production of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, a key component of the gliotic scar. These findings indicate that astrocytic TRPM7 is a critical regulator of the formation of a gliotic scar and provide a novel mechanism by which reactive astrocytes affect neuronal outgrowth.
The effect of cancer diagnosis on switching health insurance in medicare
Authors: Lissenden Brett
Published: November 2018

Because health insurance is intended to protect patients in the event of a health shock, it is important to evaluate health insurance policy in the context of patients who experience health shocks. I measure the effect of cancer diagnosis on health insurance switching in order to compare cancer patient's preferences among private and publicly administered Medicare. I estimate that a cancer diagnosis increases the probability a patient will leave a private Medicare plan, for the public plan, by 0.8% points (41%). Similarly, a cancer diagnosis decreases the probability a patient will leave the public Medicare plan, for a private plan, by 0.5% points (16%). The implication is that private Medicare plans are relatively less attractive to cancer patients than they are to noncancer patients.
18F‐FDG PET/CT for locoregional surveillance following definitive treatment of head and neck cancer: A meta‐analysis of reported studies
Authors: Wong Erin T. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Yu Eugene , Waldron John , Lu Lin , Fazelzad Rouhi , de Almeida John R. , Veit‐Haibach Patrick , O'Sullivan Brian , Xu Wei , Huang Shao Hui
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of 18F‐fluorodeoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) in identifying local failure and regional failure following curative radiotherapy or surgery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search identified studies published between January 2010 and August 2016. Diagnostic performance of 18F‐FDG PET/CT was evaluated for local failure/regional failure stratified by treatment‐to‐scan time interval of ≤3 versus >3 months.

Results

Twenty‐four studies (2627 patients) were included. Compared to ≤3 months, 18F‐FDG PET/CT performed >3 months showed significantly improved sensitivity (87% vs 60%, P = 0.020) and specificity (93% vs 84%, P < 0.001) for local failure. There was no significant difference in sensitivity (79% vs 56%, P = 0.100) or specificity (95% vs 97%, P = 0.35) for regional failure >3 versus ≤3 months.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis confirms high specificity but modest sensitivity of posttreatment 18F‐FDG PET/CT for local failure and regional failure. Sensitivity and specificity are significantly improved when 18F‐FDG PET/CT is performed >3 months for local failure.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in cancer management: Current status and perspectives
Authors: Chen Danfeng , Wu Jingyi , Jin Duochen , Wang Bangmao , Cao Hailong
Published: November 2018

The human gut is home to a large and diverse microbial community, comprising about 1,000 bacterial species. The gut microbiota exists in a symbiotic relationship with its host, playing a decisive role in the host's nutrition, immunity and metabolism. Accumulating studies have revealed the associations between gut dysbiosis or some special bacteria and various cancers. Emerging data suggest that gut microbiota can modulate the effectiveness of cancer therapies, especially immunotherapy. Manipulating the microbial populations with therapeutic intent has become a hot topic of cancer research, and the most dramatic manipulation of gut microbiota refers to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy individuals to patients. FMT has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy against Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and it is highly recommended for the treatment of recurrent or refractory CDI. Lately, interest is growing in the therapeutic potential of FMT for other diseases, including cancers. We briefly reviewed the current researches about gut microbiota and its link to cancer, and then summarized the recent preclinical and clinical evidence to indicate the potential of FMT in cancer management as well as cancer‐treatment associated complications. We also presented the rationale of FMT for cancer management such as reconstruction of intestinal microbiota, amelioration of bile acid metabolism, and modulation of immunotherapy efficacy. This article would help to better understand this new therapeutic approach for cancer patients by targeting gut microbiota.
FCGR2A/FCGR3A Gene Polymorphisms and Clinical Variables as Predictors of Response to Tocilizumab and Rituximab in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jiménez Morales Alberto , Maldonado‐Montoro Mar , Martínez de la Plata Juan Enrique , Pérez Ramírez Cristina , Daddaoua Abdelali , Alarcón Payer Carolina , Expósito Ruiz Manuela , García Collado Carlos
Published: November 2018

We evaluated the influence of clinical, biochemical, and genetic factors on response in 142 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, of whom 87 patients were treated with tocilizumab (61.26%) and 55 patients were treated with rituximab (38.7%;) according to the variables European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response, remission, low disease activity, and improvement in Disease Activity Score, 28 joints (DAS28) at 6, 12, and 18 months. A retrospective prospective cohort study was conducted. Patients carrying the FCGR3A rs396991‐TT genotype treated with tocilizumab showed higher EULAR response (OR, 5.075; 95%CI, 1.20–21.33; P = .027) at 12 months, those who were naive for biological disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) at the beginning of treatment showed satisfactory EULAR response, higher remission, and greater improvement in DAS28 at 6 months. Younger age at start of tocilizumab treatment was associated with satisfactory EULAR response at 18 months and greater remission at 6 and 18 months. Subcutaneous tocilizumab administration was associated with higher remission at 6 months and improved low disease activity rate at 12 months. In patients treated with rituximab, carriers of the FCGR2A rs1801274‐TT genotype had higher EULAR response at 6 months (OR, 4.861; 95%CI, 1.11–21.12; P = .035), 12 months (OR, 4.667; p = 0.066, 95%CI, 0.90–24.12; P = .066), and 18 months (OR, 2.487; 95%CI, 0.35–17.31; P = .357), higher remission (OR: 10.625; p = 0.044, CI95%: 1.07, 105.47) at 6 months, and greater improvement in DAS28 at 12 months (B = 0.782; 95%CI, −0.15 to 1.71; P = .098) and 18 months (B = 1.414; 95%CI, 0.19–2.63; P = .025). The FCGR3A rs396991‐G allele was associated with improved low disease activity rate (OR, 4.904; 95%CI, 0.84–28.48; P = .077) and greater improvement in DAS28 (B = −1.083; 95%CI, −1.98 to −0.18; P = .021) at 18 months. Patients with a lower number of previous biological therapies had higher remission at 12 months. We suggest that the FCGR3A rs396991‐TT genotype, higher baseline value of DAS28, subcutaneous tocilizumab administration, younger age at the beginning of treatment, and being bDMARD naive are associated with better response to tocilizumab. In patients treated with rituximab, we found better response in those patients with the FCGR2A rs1801274‐TT genotype, the FCGR3A rs396991‐G allele, and lower number of previous biological therapies.
Full‐thickness rotator cuff tear in rat results in distinct temporal expression of multiple proteases in tendon, muscle, and cartilage
Authors: Treviño Elda A. , McFaline‐Figueroa Jennifer , Guldberg Robert E. , Platt Manu O. , Temenoff Johnna S.
Published: November 2018

The etiology of joint tissue degeneration following rotator cuff tear remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand the timeline of protease activity in the soft tissues of the shoulder (tendon, muscle, and cartilage) that may lead to down‐stream degeneration following rotator cuff tear. A well‐established rat model involving suprascapular nerve denervation and supraspinatus/infraspinatus tendon transection was employed. Histological staining and/or micro‐computed tomography (µCT) were used to observe structural damage in the supraspinatus tendon and muscle, humeral head cartilage, and subchondral bone. Multiplex gelatin zymography was utilized to assess protease activity in the supraspinatus tendon and muscle, and humeral head cartilage. Zymography analysis demonstrated that cathepsins were upregulated in the first week in all tissues, while MMP‐2 maintained prolonged activity in supraspinatus tendon between 1 and 3 weeks and increased only at 3 weeks in supraspinatus muscle. In supraspinatus tendon, increased cathepsin L and MMP‐2 activity in the first week was concurrent with matrix disorganization and infiltration of inflammatory cells. In contrast, significant upregulation of cathepsin L and K activity in supraspinatus muscle and humeral head cartilage did not correspond to any visible tissue damage at 1 week. However, focal defects developed in half of all animals’ humeral head cartilage by 12 weeks (volume: 0.12 ± 0.09 mm3). This work provides a more comprehensive understanding of biochemical changes to joint tissue over time following rotator cuff tear. Overall, this provides insight into potential therapeutic targets and will better inform ideal intervention times and treatments for each tissue. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:490–502, 2019.
Dietary nutrient levels alter the metabolism of arginine family amino acids in the conceptus of Huanjiang mini‐pigs
Authors: Duan Yehui , Zhao Yue , Zhu Qian , Cai Qiaoli , Li Huawei , Yin Yulong , Wang Zhanbin , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

The arginine family amino acids (AFAAs) exert important roles in the metabolism, growth and development of the conceptus. However, to date, few studies have investigated the effects of maternal nutrient levels on the concentrations and metabolism of AFAAs in the conceptus.

RESULTS

Compared to low nutrient diets, high nutrient diets increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of citrulline and proline (Pro) in plasma; the concentrations of arginine, glutamine, Pro and ornithine (Orn) in the amniotic fluid; and the concentrations of all detected AFAAs in the allantoic fluid, which were most pronounced on day 45 of pregnancy. High nutrient diets upregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of arginase I (Arg I), Pro oxidase and spermidine synthetase (SRM) in the fetal placenta, as well as Arg II, SRM and spermine synthetase (SMS) expression in the fetal liver (most pronounced on day 45 of pregnancy). The same effect was observed for mRNA expression of NO synthase and Orn aminotransferase (OAT), mainly on day 110 of pregnancy, and for mRNA expression of Arg I, Arg II, OAT, Orn decarboxylase and SMS throughout pregnancy. High nutrient diets upregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Y+ L‐type amino acid transporter (LAT) and cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1) in the fetal jejunum throughout pregnancy. Dietary treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) mRNA expression of Y+ LAT1, sodium‐coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) and CAT1 in the fetal placenta, skeletal muscle and colon.

CONCLUSION

High nutrient diets increased the concentration and transport of AFAAs in the mothers and conceptus, which likely improves growth and development of the conceptus. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐Assembly of Polymer‐Coated Plasmonic Nanocrystals: From Synthetic Approaches to Practical Applications
Authors: Lu Derong , Zhou Jiajing , Chen Yonghao , Ma Jielin , Duan Hongwei
Published: November 2018

Self‐assembly of plasmonic nanocrystals (PNCs) and polymers provides access to a variety of functionalized metallic‐polymer building blocks and higher‐order hybrid plasmonic assemblies, and thus is of considerable fundamental and practical interest. The hybrid assemblies often not only inherit individual characteristics of polymers and PNCs but also exhibit distinct photophysical and catalytic properties compared to that of a single PNC building block. The tailorable plasmonic coupling between PNCs within assemblies enables the precise control over localized surface plasmon resonance, which subsequently affords a series of light‐driven or photo‐activated applications, such as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection, photoacoustic imaging, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy. In this review, the synthetic strategies of a library of PNC‐polymer hybrid building blocks and corresponding assemblies are summarized along with the mechanisms of polymer‐assisted self‐assembly of PNCs and the concepts for bridging the intrinsic properties of PNC‐polymer assemblies to widespread practical applications.
Threshold dynamics of a delayed virus infection model with cellular immunity and general nonlinear incidence
Authors: Xu Jinhu , Geng Yan
Published: November 2018

The goal of this paper is to investigate the dynamical behavior of a general nonlinear delayed viral infection model with cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. The intrinsic growth rate of uninfected hepatocytes, incidence rate of infection, removal rate of infected hepatocytes and capsids, production and removal rate of viruses, activation rate of CTLs, and decay rate of CTLs are given by general nonlinear functions with a set of conditions on these general nonlinear functions, which make the analysis of the model more difficult. The global threshold dynamics with respect to the reproduction numbers for viral infection
and for CTL immune response
have been presented by constructing suitable Lyapunov functionals. Numerical simulations are carried out for a model with specific forms of the general functions to confirm the theoretical results and show that both the numerical and theoretical results are consistent.
On the symmetry of scattering matrix in waveguide circuits
Authors: Gentili Gian Guido , Pelosi Giuseppe , Piccioli Francesco , Selleri Stefano
Published: November 2018

The well‐known symmetry property of the scattering matrix relative to propagating modes becomes tricky in the case of arbitrary polarization or arbitrary complex modal functions, as in the case of waveguide polarizers and ortho‐mode transducers. A straightforward transformation between different modal bases for the guided waves leads to a loss of symmetry. Only by gaining a deeper insight on the properties of the scattering matrices and with separate transformations for the incident and reflected waves is symmetry recovered.
Inset‐fed rectangular MICROSTRIP patch antenna bandwidth enhancement
Authors: Mbinack Clément , Bodo Bertrand , Eyébé Fouda Jean‐Sire A. , Tonye Emmanuel
Published: November 2018

Bandwidth enhancement of the traditional inset‐fed rectangular microstrip patch antenna is numerically analyzed using degraded ground plane technique. Input impedance calculation based on the electromagnetic theory in traveling‐wave in conjunction with field distribution in quasi‐TEM mode approximation is carried out. Radiated electric field properties are performed using Ampere's law of the magneto‐static. Some antenna performances such as −10 dB return loss bandwidth of 36.7%, beam‐width of about 94°, and stable gain of 3.4 dB have been achieved.
Wide‐bandwidth thru‐reflect‐line calibration for empty substrate‐integrated coaxial line with grounded coplanar transitions
Authors: Fernandez Marcos D. , Ballesteros José A. , Martinez Juan A. , de Dios Juan Jose , Belenguer Angel
Published: November 2018

Empty coaxial structures built with printed circuit boards have low radiation, low losses, high quality factor and non‐dispersive features. The full integration of empty substrate‐integrated coaxial line (ESICL) in a planar substrate is nowadays a fact thanks to a grounded coplanar transition. To properly characterize and measure this new ESICL family of devices, a low cost and easy to manufacture thru‐reflect‐line calibration kit is proposed to de‐embed not only the connectors and feeding lines, but also the ESICL transitions.
Impact of Facilitated Behavior Change Strategies on Food Intake Monitoring and Body Weight Measurements in Acute Care: Case Examples From the More‐2‐Eat Study
Authors: Laur Celia , Butterworth Donna , Nasser Roseann , Bell Jack , Marcell Chelsa , Murphy Joseph , Valaitis Renata , Bernier Paule , Ray Sumantra , Keller Heather
Published: November 2018

Background: Assessing and monitoring food intake and body weight of all hospital patients is considered part of “best practice” nutrition care. This study presents case examples describing the impact of behavior change strategies on embedding these 2 monitoring processes in hospitals.Methods: Four hospital medical units that participated in the More‐2‐Eat implementation study to improve nutrition care focused on improving food intake and/or weight monitoring practices. The percentage of admitted patients who received these care practices were tracked through chart audits over 18 months. Implementation progress and behavior change strategies were documented through interviews, focus groups, scorecards, and monthly telephone calls. Case examples are explored using mixed methods.Results: Of the 4 units, 3 implemented food intake monitoring. One provided food service workers the opportunity to record food intake, with low intake discussed by an interdisciplinary team during bedside rounds (increased from 0% to 97%). Another went from 0% to 61% of patients monitored by introducing a new form (“environmental restructuring”) reminding staff to ask patients about low intake. A third unit increased motivation to improve documentation of low intake and improved from 3% to 95%. Two units focused on regularity of body weight measurement. One unit encouraged a team approach and introduced 2 weigh days/week (improved from 14% to 63%), while another increased opportunity by having all patients weighed on Saturdays (improved from 11% to 49%).Conclusion: Difficult‐to‐change nutrition care practices can be implemented using diverse and ongoing behavior change strategies, staff input, a champion, and an interdisciplinary team.
A priori and a posteriori error estimates of finite‐element approximations for elliptic optimal control problem with measure data
Authors: Shakya Pratibha , Sinha Rajen Kumar
Published: November 2018

We analyze both a priori and a posteriori error analysis of finite‐element method for elliptic optimal control problems with measure data in a bounded convex domain in
(d = 2or3). The solution of the state equation of such type of problems exhibits low regularity due to the presence of measure data, which introduces some difficulties for both theory and numerics of the finite‐element method. We first prove the existence, uniqueness, and regularity of the solution to the optimal control problem. To discretize the control problem, we use continuous piecewise linear elements for the approximations of the state and co‐state variables, whereas piecewise constant functions are used for the control variable. We derive a priori error estimates of order
for the state, co‐state, and control variables in the L2‐norm. Further, global a posteriori upper bounds for the state, co‐state, and control variables in the L2‐norm are established. Moreover, local lower bounds for the errors in the state and co‐state variables and a global lower bound for the error in the control variable are obtained in the case of two space dimensions (d = 2). Numerical experiments are provided, which support our theoretical results.
The direct architecture of carbon fiber‐carbon nanofiber hierarchical reinforcements for superior interfacial properties of CF/epoxy composites
Authors: Zheng Hao , Li Quanjiang , Yu Chaoyong , Zhu Xue , Guo Pinting , Mu Yuanyuan , Ma Lichun
Published: November 2018

A simple and efficient chemical method was developed to graft directly carbon nanofibers (CNFs) onto carbon fiber (CF) surface to construct a CF‐CNF hierarchical reinforcing structure. The grafted CF reinforcements via covalent ester linkage at low temperature without any usage of dendrimer or catalyst was investigated by FTIR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic contact angle analysis, and single fiber tensile testing. The results indicated that the CNFs with high density could effectively increase the polarity, wettability, and roughness of the CF surface. Simultaneous enhancements of the interfacial shear strength, flexural strength, and dynamic mechanical properties as well as the tensile strength of CFs were achieved, for an increase of 75.8%, 21.9%, 21.7%, and 0.5%, respectively. We believe the facile and effective method may provide a novel and promising interface design strategy for next‐generation advanced composite structures.
Synthesis and kinetic study on the thermal degradation of triblock copolymer of polycaprolactone‐poly (glycidyl nitrate)‐polycaprolactone (PCL‐PGN‐PCL) as an energetic binder
Authors: Abrishami Fatemeh , Zohari Narges , Zeynali Vida
Published: November 2018

In this study, an energetic binder is synthesized via ring opening copolymerization of ε‐caprolactone with poly (glycidyl nitrate) (PGN) of low molecular weight (Mn = 1350 g mol−1) as a macroinitiator to form triblock copolymer polycaprolactone‐PGN‐polycaprolactone (PCL‐PGN‐PCL) (Mn = 4128 g mol−1). The effects of catalyst type and its concentration, reaction time, and solvent are investigated in this polymerization reaction. The resulting triblock copolymer is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The DSC result shows that the glass transition temperature of triblock copolymer (Tg = −50°C) is lower than PGN (Tg = −35°C). Also, the decomposition kinetics of this energetic binder is studied by DSC, TGA, and its derivative (DTG). An advanced isoconversional method is applied for kinetic analysis. Activation energy is calculated by Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger methods. The resulting activation energy from Kissinger method for the first and the second steps are 42.98 and 74.56 kJ mol−1, respectively. Also, it is found from FWO results that the activation energy for the copolymer increases with degradation degree (α).
The human circadian clock from health to economics
Authors: Koritala Bala S. C. , Çakmaklı Selim
Published: November 2018

In the course of evolution, health is prioritized for human well‐being and economies. Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that modern life habits, including eating habits, and living and working conditions, can deteriorate health through circadian misalignment. This has been most commonly observed with urban societies and working classes of non‐standard working schedules (NSWSs), such as shift work, night work, and overtime work. Poor health conditions with NSWSs generate economic burden for the modern society. Therefore, we attempt to provide a systematic approach to understanding the relations among the circadian clock, health, and economics. To understand these connections, we review the mechanisms of the human circadian clock and how modern living conditions can misalign the circadian system and associated health consequences. We also emphasize the importance of health for the modern economy and the economic costs of health disorders associated with circadian disruption and NSWSs.
The Portuguese version of the Personality Inventory for the DSM‐5 in a community and a clinical sample
Authors: Pires Rute , Sousa Ferreira Ana , Gonçalves Bruno , Henriques‐Calado Joana , Paulino Marco
Published: November 2018

The Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5) measures the maladaptive traits of the model for personality and its disorders, as proposed in section III of the DSM‐5. The current study aimed to examine whether the Portuguese PID‐5 distinguished non‐clinical participants (N = 1223, Mage = 36.73, standard deviation = 15.72) from clinical participants (N = 202, Mage = 43.82, standard deviation = 11.33) with respect to dysfunctional personality traits and to explore the PID‐5 factor structure in both samples. The PID‐5 scale medians were higher in the clinical sample than in the community sample. All analyses were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) with medium size effects. In the community sample, a five‐factor structure emerged, and the factors resembled the PID‐5 domains. However, in the clinical sample, a four‐factor structure was retained, in which the Psychoticism domain did not clearly emerge. The composition of the clinical sample along with its small size may account for these unexpected results. Overall, the results provide evidence of the PID‐5's ability to distinguish between psychiatric and community individuals and of the model's structural similarity in community samples, across studies and nationalities. More research is required to understand the Portuguese PID‐5 structure in clinical samples. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migration processes and the underlying reasons: A study on pensioner migrants in Poland
Authors: Pytel Sławomir , Rahmonov Oimahmad
Published: November 2018

Although population ageing is progressing, seniors migrate with increasing frequency. This paper explores the question why Polish pensioners decide to migrate, as existing research has not provided satisfactory explanations. Reasons for migrations were determined on the basis of pensioners' answers to a questionnaire survey. The results show that migration decisions are taken for a number of reasons, which depend, inter alia, on the respondents' education level, age, and sex. For women as well as for men, the economic aspect plays a crucial role (e.g., building or buying a new house). Ward's method was employed to distinguish five main migration types according to the main motivating factor; that is, family and finance, family, environmental, economic, and health. An analysis of internal as well as external migrations of Polish seniors shows that they differ considerably from migrations of seniors in other countries. Due to their unsatisfactory finances as well as deficits in knowledge of foreign languages, Polish pensioners, unlike their peers in other countries, rarely decide to settle down abroad. The Polish model of multigenerational family in which seniors assist their children in raising their grandchildren also contributes to lower emigration.
Tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside protected against diabetes‐induced osteoporosis in mice with streptozotocin‐induced hyperglycemia
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Chen Xiangfan , Chen Bingbing , Tong Lijuan , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2018

Tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside (TSG), an active component from medicinal herb Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, could block the activity of the tissue renin–angiotensin system (RAS), which plays a critical role in development of diabetic osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine if TSG therapy could alleviate bone deteriorations in diabetic mouse model induced by streptozotocin. The diabetic mice showed the loss of trabecular bone mass and the changes of trabecular bone microarchitectural parameters as well as the increase in amount of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)–positive osteoclasts at the distal metaphysis of femur when compared with those of nondiabetic mice. Treatment with TSG significantly elevated calcium content in serum and bone and improved biological parameters of trabecular bone, accompanied by increasing messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of RUNX‐2, COL‐I, and OCN and protein expression of β‐catenin as well as down‐regulating protein expression of RAS components including renin and AT1R. In addition, TSG repressed diabetes‐induced decrease in ratio of OPG/RANKL expression and increase in sclerostin expression in bone. The similar effects of TSG on osteoblasts‐specific genes were found in MC3T3‐E1 cells. Taken together, the present study demonstrated the osteopreserve effects of TSG in diabetic mice, and the underlying mechanism might be attributed to its regulation on osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis.
Generalized criteria on delay‐dependent stability of highly nonlinear hybrid stochastic systems
Authors: Fei Weiyin , Hu Liangjian , Mao Xuerong , Shen Mingxuan
Published: November 2018

Our recent paper (Fei W, etal. Delay dependent stability of highly nonlinear hybrid stochastic systems. Automatica. 2017;82:165‐170) is the first to establish delay‐dependent criteria for highly nonlinear hybrid stochastic differential delay equations (SDDEs) (by highly nonlinear, we mean that the coefficients of the SDDEs do not have to satisfy the linear growth condition). This is an important breakthrough in the stability study as all existing delay stability criteria before could only be applied to delay equations where their coefficients are either linear or nonlinear but bounded by linear functions (namely, satisfy the linear growth condition). In this continuation, we will point out one restrictive condition imposed in our earlier paper. We will then develop our ideas and methods there to remove this restrictive condition so that our improved results cover a much wider class of hybrid SDDEs.
From Supramolecular Vesicles to Micelles: Controllable Construction of Tumor‐Targeting Nanocarriers Based on Host–Guest Interaction between a Pillar[5]arene‐Based Prodrug and a RGD‐Sulfonate Guest
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Yu , Gao Lei , Mosel Stefanie , Ehlers Martin , Zellermann Elio , Jiang Hao , Knauer Shirley K. , Wang Leyong , Schmuck Carsten
Published: November 2018

The targeting ability, drug‐loading capacity, and size of the drug nanocarriers are crucial for enhancing the therapeutic index for cancer therapy. Herein, the morphology and size‐controllable fabrication of supramolecular tumor‐targeting nanocarriers based on host–guest recognition between a novel pillar[5]arene‐based prodrug WP5‐DOX and a Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD)‐modified sulfonate guest RGD‐SG is reported. The amphiphilic WP5‐DOX⊃RGD‐SG complex with a molar ratio of 5:1 self‐assembles into vesicles, whereas smaller‐sized micelles can be obtained by changing the molar ratio to 1:3. This represents a novel strategy of controllable construction of supramolecular nanovehicles with different sizes and morphologies based on the same host−guest interactions by using different host−guest ratios. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that both these prodrug nanocarriers could selectively deliver doxorubicin to RGD receptor‐overexpressing cancer cells, leading to longer blood retention time, enhanced antitumor efficacy, and reduced systematic toxicity in murine tumor model, suggesting their potential application for targeted drug delivery.
Piezophototronic Effect Modulated Multilevel Current Amplification from Highly Transparent and Flexible Device Based on Zinc Oxide Thin Film
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Kim Hong‐Sik , Lee Gyeong‐Nam , Lim Donggun , Kim Joondong
Published: November 2018

In this work, a strain modulated highly transparent and flexible ZnO/Ag‐nanowires/polyethylene terephthalate optoelectronic device is developed. By utilizing the applied external strain‐induced piezophototronic effects of a ZnO thin film, a UV‐generated photocurrent is tuned in a wide range starting from 0.01 to 85.07 µA and it is presented in a comprehensive map. Particularly, the performance of the device is effectively enhanced 7733 times by compressive strain, as compared to its dark current in a strain‐free state. The observed results are explained quantitatively based on the modulation of oxygen desorption/absorption on the ZnO surface under the influence of applied strains. The presented simple optoelectronic device can be easily integrated into existing planar structures, with potential applications in highly transparent smart windows, wearable electronics, smartphones, security communication, and so on.
Recent Advances in Cell Membrane–Camouflaged Nanoparticles for Cancer Phototherapy
Authors: Zhen Xu , Cheng Penghui , Pu Kanyi
Published: November 2018

Phototherapy including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs phototherapeutic agents to generate heat or cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), and has therefore garnered particular interest for cancer therapy. However, the main challenges faced by conventional phototherapeutic agents include easy recognition by the immune system, rapid clearance from blood circulation, and low accumulation in target sites. Cell‐membrane coating has emerged as a potential way to overcome these limitations, owing to the abundant proteins on the surface of cell membranes that can be inherited to the cell membrane–camouflaged nanoparticles. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of biomimetic cell membrane–camouflaged nanoparticles for cancer phototherapy. Different sources of cell membranes can be used to coat nanoparticles uisng different coating approaches. After cell‐membrane coating, the photophysical properties of the original phototherapeutic nanoparticles remain nearly unchanged; however, the coated nanoparticles are equipped with additional physiological features including immune escape, in vivo prolonged circulation time, or homologous targeting, depending on the cell sources. Moreover, the coated cell membrane can be ablated from phototherapeutic nanoparticles under laser irradiation, leading to drug release and thus synergetic therapy. By combining other supplementary agents to normalize tumor microenvironment, cell‐membrane coating can further enhance the therapeutic efficacy against cancer.
Carburization Behavior of Siderite Pellets in CO–CO2–H2 Mixtures
Authors: Chen Dong , Guo Hongwei , Zhang Shunhu , Lv Yanan , Tang Jianguo
Published: November 2018

Siderite is a complex and refractory iron ore, which is hard to be utilized in iron and steel industry nowadays. For the effective utilization of siderite, a study of the carburization behavior of siderite pellet is carried out to improve the preparation of iron carbide from siderite. Siderite pellets are carburized in CO–CO2–H2 mixtures, and its carburization behaviors are demonstrated by measuring carbon content, phase change, and microstructure under X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and optical microscopy. The results show that high temperature favors to the reduction of siderite pellets, but it hinders the carburization of siderite pellet. The optimum carburization temperature is at the range of 600–650 °C. At the early stage of carburization, the main reactions are the reduction of iron oxide, while the main reactions are the carburization of metallic iron at the late stage. At the middle stage, reduction and carburization reactions coexist. Carburization of roasted product of siderite pellet ranking from easiest to hardest is as follows: Fe>FeO>Fe2O3>Fe3O4. The study of carburization behavior of siderite pellet demonstrates that preparation of iron carbide from siderite is a feasible way.
3d s-confinement for three-index matters
Authors: Nii Keita
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We present s-confinement phases for three-index matters in three-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories. We find that the 3d

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

SU(6) and USp(6) gauge theories with three-index anti-symmetric matters show confining phases. The exact super-potentials which describe their low-energy dynamics are derived. We check the validity of our analysis in various ways, including superconformal indices and some deformations.