bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Scale Fabrication of Shaped High Index Dielectric Nanoparticles on a Substrate and in Solution
Authors: Verre Ruggero , Odebo Länk Nils , Andrén Daniel , Šípová Hana , Käll Mikael
Published: February 2018

High index dielectric nanoparticles and metasurfaces have been proposed for many different applications, including light harvesting, sensing, and metalenses. However, widespread utilization in practice also requires large‐scale fabrication methods able to produce homogeneous structures with engineered optical properties in a cost effective manner. Here, a facile fabrication method for silicon nanoparticles is presented that is scalable to 4 inch wafers and can produce a wide range of nanoparticle shapes on demand. Furthermore, it is shown that the fabricated nanoparticles can be detached from their support using a simple substrate removal technique and then transferred to colloidal suspension. The method is universal in the sense that it can be used to generate monodispersed colloidal solutions of nanoparticles of various shapes, sizes and compositions and it therefore opens up a range of new possibilities for applications, for example in nanomedicine and bionanotechnology.
Low Energy Nanoemulsions as Templates for the Formulation of Hydrophobic Drugs
Authors: Badruddoza Abu Zayed Md , Gupta Ankur , Myerson Allan S. , Trout Bernhardt L. , Doyle Patrick S.
Published: February 2018

Most small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are hydrophobic which poses formulation challenges due to their poor water solubility. Current approaches are energy intensive and involve presenting the API in a nanoparticle form that is then combined with other additives into a stable formulation. Here, a bottom‐up and scalable method that formulates nanoparticles (crystalline or amorphous) of poorly water‐soluble APIs directly embedded in composite hydrogel beads is presented. Using nanoemulsions prepared from a low energy method as templates, the flexible approach allows to vary the embedded API nanoparticle size from 100 to 500 nm and the hydrogel bead size from 100 to 1200 µm, and subsequently achieve control over the dissolution kinetics. To better understand the dissolution process, a physical model is build that allows to collapse the kinetic data onto a master curve and predict the dependence of release rates on size of both API nanoparticles and hydrogel beads. Lastly, it is demonstrated that the dissolution kinetics of multiple drugs embedded in the same hydrogel matrix can be tuned simultaneously, an attractive property for commercial multi‐drug dosage applications. The new approach not only leads to process intensification, but also improved performance.
High complement levels in astrocyte‐derived exosomes of Alzheimer disease
Authors: Goetzl Edward J. , Schwartz Janice B. , Abner Erin L. , Jicha Gregory A. , Kapogiannis Dimitrios
Published: February 2018

Objective

Astrocytes fulfill neuronal trophic roles normally, but are transformed in Alzheimer disease (AD) into A1‐type reactive astrocytes that may destroy neurons through unknown mechanisms.

Methods

To investigate astrocyte inflammatory mechanisms, astrocyte‐derived exosomes (ADEs) were isolated immunochemically from plasma samples of AD patients and matched controls for enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay quantification of complement proteins.

Results

ADE levels of C1q, C4b, C3d, factor B, factor D, Bb, C3b, and C5b‐C9 terminal complement complex, but not mannose‐binding lectin, normalized by the CD81 exosome marker were significantly higher for AD patients (n = 28) than age‐ and gender‐matched controls (all p < 0.0001). ADE normalized levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and IL‐1β were significantly higher for AD patients than controls, but there was greater overlap between the two groups than for complement proteins. Mean ADE levels of complement proteins for AD patients in a longitudinal study were significantly higher (n = 16, p < 0.0001) at the AD2 stage of moderate dementia than at the AD1 preclinical stage 5 to 12 years earlier, which were the same as for controls. ADE levels of complement regulatory proteins CD59, CD46, decay‐accelerating factor (DAF), and complement receptor type 1, but not factor I, were significantly lower for AD patients than controls (p < 0.0001 for CD59 and DAF), were diminished by the AD1 stage, and were further decreased at the AD2 stage.

Interpretation

ADE complement effector proteins in AD are produced by dysregulated systems, attain higher levels than in controls, and may potentially damage neurons in the late inflammatory phase of AD. Ann Neurol 2018;83:544–552
Microbial origin xanthan gum‐based solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Tavares Fabiele Collovini , Dörr Dóris Sippel , Pawlicka Agnieszka , Oropesa Avellaneda César
Published: February 2018

Natural polymers are widely used as matrices for solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) in electrochemical devices due to their richness in nature, low cost, and biodegradation properties. Xanthan gum (XG) is a natural polymer obtained from microbial origin and when dissolved form transparent solution with high viscosity and stability even in different temperature conditions. This article describes the synthesis of XG‐based SPEs with proton conduction. These new materials were obtained by crosslinking XG with glutaraldehyde, plasticized with ethylene glycol, and doped with acetic acid as ions source. The ionic conducting membranes, casted from this polymer solution, showed a high ionic conductivity of 7.93 × 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature, a microscopically homogeneous surface, thermal stability, and predominantly amorphous structure. These results prove that XG‐based SPEs are very promising new materials that could be applied in modern electrochemical devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46229.
Activation and Migration of Adventitial Fibroblasts Contributes to Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Han Xiaowan , Wu Aiming , Wang Jie , Chang Hong , Zhao Yizhou , Zhang Yan , Mao Yingqiu , Lou Lixia , Gao Yonghong , Zhang Dongmei , Li Tong , Yang Tao , Wang Lei , Feng Cuiling , Zhao Mingjing
Published: February 2018

The rat carotid artery balloon injury model was used to prove the activation and migration of adventitial fibroblasts. We found that at day 7 after injury, adventitial fibroblasts proliferated, transformed into myofibroblasts under transmission electron microscopy in the model group. Simultaneously, we proved that the adventitial cells migrated to the media and intima on seventh day after injury by directly labeled the adventitial cells by the in vivo gene transfer technique. Moreover, we captured the precise moment when the adventitial fibroblasts migrated from the adventitia to the media through the external elastic plate under transmission electron microscope. This study provides direct evidences that adventitial fibroblasts activate and migrate to the media and intima, then actively take part in revascularization. Anat Rec, 301:1216–1223, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extracting functional groups of ALLINI to design derivatives of FDA‐approved drugs: Inhibition of HIV‐1 integrase
Authors: Kalathiya Umesh , Padariya Monikaben , Baginski Maciej
Published: February 2018

HIV‐1 integrase (IN) is crucial for integration of viral DNA into the host genome and a promising target in development of antiretroviral inhibitors. In this work, six new compounds were designed by linking the structures of two different class of HIV‐1 IN inhibitors (active site binders and allosteric IN inhibitors (ALLINIs)). Among newly designed compounds, INRAT10b was found most potent HIV‐1 IN inhibitor considering different docking results. To further validate protein–ligand interactions obtained from dockings, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for inhibitor raltegravir and INRAT10b placed either at active site or allosteric site of HIV‐1 IN (monomer or dimer). Results suggest that both raltegravir and INRAT10b were interacting with residue Gln62, Gly140, Ile141, and Ser147. However, INRAT10b interacts better with high H‐bond occupancy, which can explain the strong binding affinity of INRAT10b than raltegravir with the HIV‐1 IN protein. Subdomains rearrangements in HIV‐1 IN suggest that the C‐terminal and catalytic core domains develop their closeness in the presence of ligand. More significantly, the newly designed derivatives represent novel compounds targeting catalytic site and C‐terminal (protein–protein interaction) domains simultaneously. And we also propose INRAT10b as a promising lead compound for the development of potent HIV‐1 IN inhibitors.
Nachträglicher Einbau von Weißen Wannen in den Gebäudebestand
Authors: Hohmann Rainer
Published: February 2018

Feuchteschäden, die auf geänderte Grundwasserverhältnisse in Kombination mit einer nicht auf die Beanspruchung angepassten Konstruktion zurückzuführen sind, haben in den letzten Jahren bundesweit zugenommen. Häufig müssen betroffene Untergeschosse nicht nur abgedichtet, sondern auch statisch verstärkt werden.

Im folgenden Beitrag werden verschiedene Möglichkeiten aufgezeigt, mit denen betroffene Gebäude in Abhängigkeit von den objektspezifischen Randbedingungen durch den nachträglichen Einbau einer Weißen Wanne gegen drückendes Wasser abgedichtet und gleichzeitig statisch verstärkt werden können.
Wasserundurchlässige Bauwerke aus Beton
Authors: Freimann Thomas
Published: February 2018

Wasserundurchlässige Bauwerke erfordern besondere betontechnologische und ausführungstechnische Maßnahmen, um sicher die Gebrauchstauglichkeit des Bauwerks zu erzielen. Planungsgrößen wie Druckgefälle, Entwurfskonzept oder Fugenplanung beeinflussen sowohl die Bauteilkonstruktion als auch die Betonfestlegungen. In der Ausführung sind grundsätzliche Maßnahmen zur Reduzierung der Eigen‐ und Zwangsspannungen ebenso bedeutsam wie Detailfragen zum richtigen Einbau von Einbauteilen und Bewehrungszulagen. Bei WU‐Bauwerken ist ein hohes Maß an Sorgfalt beim Betoneinbau und der fachgerechten Verdichtung erforderlich. Nachbehandlungsmaßnahmen sind stets zu planen und in ihrer Auswirkung auf die Eigenspannung im Bauteil zu bewerten. Überwachungsmaßnahmen sollten neben den Normvorgaben auch die Kontrolle wesentlicher Ausführungsschritte und eine Dokumentation hierüber umfassen.
If not now, why are you waiting?
Authors: Butman Samuel M.
Published: February 2018

Key Points

There is some surrogate outcome data supporting deferring PCI in STEMI

No hard data to support deferring PCI in STEMI

No hard data to refute deferring PCI in STEMI

Current national quality measures do not offer a method to adequately document appropriateness of deferring PCI
Mycoplasma pneumoniae‐induced mucositis without rash in an 11‐year‐old boy
Authors: Bowling Morgan , Schmutzler Tyler , Glick Sarah
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of childhood pneumonia, and extrapulmonary manifestations may be noted at the time of infection. While M. pneumoniae has long been associated with Stevens–Johnson syndrome, a separate diagnostic entity, Mycoplasma pneumoniae‐induced rash and mucositis (MIRM), has recently been proposed to better characterize the rash and severe mucositis that some patients exhibit. A subset of patients with MIRM will have mucositis without skin rash. Physicians should recognize this clinical entity and be familiar with treatment options for MIRM.
Prenatal sonography of placental abscess and prolonged antibiotic treatment for Serratia marcescens bacteremia
Authors: Mak Annisa Shui Lam , Tang Tommy Hing Cheung , Lam Kwok Wai , Kwok Angie Lok Ming , Cheuk Wah , Wu Tak Chiu , Leung Kwok Yin
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

Termination of pregnancy is indicated for Serratia marcescens bacteremia, a major cause of mortality. Our present case was highly challenging because the patient wished to continue with her pregnancy, and the ultrasonography showed features of a placental abscess. Although the outcomes were good after prolonged antibiotic treatment, this was an exceptional case.
Psychometric evaluation and adaptation of the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire to evaluate health‐related quality of life in patients with spinal metastases
Authors: Versteeg Anne L. , Sahgal Arjun , Rhines Laurence D. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Schuster James M. , Weber Michael H. , Varga Peter Pal , Boriani Stefano , Bettegowda Chetan , Fehlings Michael G. , Clarke Michelle J. , Arnold Paul M. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Fisher Charles G. ,   AOSpine Knowledge Forum Tumor
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ) was developed as the first spine oncology‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measure. This study evaluated the psychometric properties and clinical validity of the SOSGOQ in a diverse cohort of patients with spinal metastases.

METHODS

An international, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study including patients with spinal metastases who underwent surgery and/or radiotherapy was conducted by the AOSpine Knowledge Forum Tumor. Demographic, tumor, and treatment data were collected. HRQOL was evaluated using the SOSGOQ and Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) at baseline and fixed follow‐up times. Construct validity was assessed using multitrait scaling analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, and correlation with the SF‐36 and NRS pain score. Test‐retest reliability was assessed in a subgroup of patients between 12 weeks after treatment and the retest 4 to 9 days later.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients were enrolled at 9 centers across North America; 153 of these patients had HRQOL data available at 12 weeks after treatment. Multitrait scaling analyses and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a refined version of the SOSGOQ with 4 domains and 4 single items. The revised SOSGOQ (SOSGOQ2.0) demonstrated strong correlations with SF‐36 and the ability to discriminate between clinically distinct patient groups. Reliability of the SOSGOQ2.0 was demonstrated to be good, with an intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.58 to 0.92 for the different domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The SOSGOQ2.0 is a reliable and valid measure with which to evaluate HRQOL in patients with spinal metastases. It is recommended to use the SOSGOQ2.0 together with a generic HRQOL outcome measure to comprehensively assess HRQOL and increase sensitivity and specificity. Cancer 2018;124:1828‐38. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Treatment and survival vary by race/ethnicity in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Roche Ansley M. , Fedewa Stacey A. , Shi Lucy L. , Chen Amy Y.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the rarest type of thyroid cancer and has the lowest overall survival. To the authors' knowledge, the impact of socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity has not yet been described.

METHODS

Data regarding 719 patients diagnosed with their first primary malignant ATC from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2011 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program registries were examined. Differences in receipt of thyroidectomy, radiotherapy, and lymph node examination were examined by race/ethnicity. Survival also was examined by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Nearly 70% of patients were non‐Hispanic white, and 55.4% of patients received treatment. Tumor size (P = .13), lymph node involvement (P = .60), and residence in high poverty neighborhoods (P = .08) did not vary by race/ethnicity. Nonwhite patients were more likely to receive no treatment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.16‐0.54). When receipt of radiotherapy was adjusted for, nonwhite patients had a higher risk of overall death (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.54), although not disease‐specific death (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.92‐1.42). Patients living in areas of high poverty had lower overall survival (aHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09‐2.18) and disease‐specific survival (aHR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.36).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population‐based study of patients with ATC, nonwhite patients were found to be less likely to receive treatment. Furthermore, nonwhite patients had poorer overall survival, and patients living in areas of high poverty had both worse overall and disease‐specific survival. Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities appear to exist in the treatment and survival of patients with ATC. Cancer 2018;124:1780‐90. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Gray matter volume of the anterior insular cortex and social networking
Authors: Spagna Alfredo , Dufford Alexander J. , Wu Qiong , Wu Tingting , Zheng Weihao , Coons Edgar E. , Hof Patrick R. , Hu Bin , Wu Yanhong , Fan Jin
Published: February 2018

In human life, social context requires the engagement in complex interactions among individuals as the dynamics of social networks. The evolution of the brain as the neurological basis of the mind must be crucial in supporting social networking. Although the relationship between social networking and the amygdala, a small but core region for emotion processing, has been reported, other structures supporting sophisticated social interactions must be involved and need to be identified. In this study, we examined the relationship between morphology of the anterior insular cortex (AIC), a structure involved in basic and high‐level cognition, and social networking. Two independent cohorts of individuals (New York groupn = 50, Beijing groupn = 100) were recruited. Structural magnetic resonance images were acquired and the social network index (SNI), a composite measure summarizing an individual's network diversity, size, and complexity, was measured. The association between morphological features of the AIC, in addition to amygdala, and the SNI was examined. Positive correlations between the measures of the volume as well as sulcal depth of the AIC and the SNI were found in both groups, while a significant positive correlation between the volume of the amygdala and the SNI was only found in the New York group. The converging results from the two groups suggest that the AIC supports network‐level social interactions.
Engraving Electrolyte and Ion‐Transport Tunnels in a Holey Carbon Nanosheet Array for Fast Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Chen Yuxiang , Li Jie , Lai Yanqing , Li Junming , Zhang Zhian
Published: February 2018

2D carbon materials are considered as attractive electrode materials for sodium ion batteries. Nevertheless, there are major hurdles for the electrolyte as well as for Na+ to access a wall‐like 2D structure and a serious restack of the 2D structure. Herein, we report a unique design of a holey carbon nanosheet array (HCNA) with engraved electrolyte and ion‐transport tunnels. HCNA possesses a highly continuous network of opened channels and spaces, and the restack and agglomeration are greatly suppressed. Based on electrochemical analysis, HCNA displays fast charge transfer at the electrode‐electrolyte interface and excellent sodium ion diffusion kinetics with a high Na+ diffusion coefficient (5.5×10−9 cm2 s−1). As a result, HCNA electrodes deliver excellent high‐rate performance of 197.4 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1. Such an architecture provides a promising structural platform for the fabrication of 2D carbons for highly reversible and high‐capacity sodium ion batteries and other alkali metal ion energy storage systems.
Diversifying selection drives parallel evolution of gill raker number and body size along the speciation continuum of European whitefish
Authors: Häkli Katja , Østbye Kjartan , Kahilainen Kimmo K. , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Præbel Kim
Published: February 2018

Adaptive radiation is the evolution of ecological and phenotypical diversity. It arises via ecological opportunity that promotes the exploration of underutilized or novel niches mediating specialization and reproductive isolation. The assumed precondition for rapid local adaptation is diversifying natural selection, but random genetic drift could also be a major driver of this process. We used 27 populations of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) from nine lakes distributed in three neighboring subarctic watercourses in northern Fennoscandia as a model to test the importance of random drift versus diversifying natural selection for parallel evolution of adaptive phenotypic traits. We contrasted variation for two key adaptive phenotypic traits correlated with resource utilization of polymorphic fish; the number of gill rakers and the total length of fish, with the posterior distribution of neutral genetic differentiation from 13 microsatellite loci, to test whether the observed phenotypic divergence could be achieved by random genetic drift alone. Our results show that both traits have been under diversifying selection and that the evolution of these morphs has been driven by isolation through habitat adaptations. We conclude that diversifying selection acting on gill raker number and body size has played a significant role in the ongoing adaptive radiation of European whitefish morphs in this region.
The fitness effects of delayed switching to sex in a facultatively asexual insect
Authors: Burke Nathan W. , Bonduriansky Russell
Published: February 2018

Facultative reproductive strategies that incorporate both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction should be optimal, yet are rarely observed in animals. Resolving this paradox requires an understanding of the economics of facultative asexuality. Recent work suggests that switching from parthenogenesis to sex can be costly and that females can resist mating to avoid switching. However, it remains unclear whether these costs and resistance behaviors are dependent on female age. We addressed these questions in the Cyclone Larry stick insect, Sipyloidea larryi, by pairing females with males (or with females as a control) in early life prior to the start of parthenogenetic reproduction, or in mid‐ or late life after a period of parthenogenetic oviposition. Young females were receptive to mating even though mating in early life caused reduced fecundity. Female resistance to mating increased with age, but reproductive switching in mid‐ or late life did not negatively affect female survival or offspring performance. Overall, mating enhanced female fitness because fertilized eggs had higher hatching success and resulted in more adult offspring than parthenogenetic eggs. However, female fecundity and offspring viability were also enhanced in females paired with other females, suggesting a socially mediated maternal effect. Our results provide little evidence that switching from parthenogenesis to sex at any age is costly for S. larryi females. However, age‐dependent effects of switching on some fitness components and female resistance behaviors suggest the possibility of context‐dependent effects that may only be apparent in natural populations.
Efficacy and safety of intermittent intravenous outpatient administration of levosimendan in patients with advanced heart failure: the LION‐HEART multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Comín‐Colet Josep , Manito Nicolás , Segovia‐Cubero Javier , Delgado Juan , García Pinilla José Manuel , Almenar Luis , Crespo‐Leiro María G. , Sionis Alessandro , Blasco Teresa , Pascual‐Figal Domingo , Gonzalez‐Vilchez Francisco , Lambert‐Rodríguez José Luis , Grau María , Bruguera Jordi ,   on behalf of the LION‐HEART Study Investigators
Published: February 2018

Aims

The LION‐HEART study was a multicentre, double‐blind, randomised, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of intravenous administration of intermittent doses of levosimendan in outpatients with advanced chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

Sixty‐nine patients from 12 centres were randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to levosimendan or placebo groups, receiving treatment by a 6‐hour intravenous infusion (0.2 μg/kg/min without bolus) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the effect on serum concentrations of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) throughout the treatment period in comparison with placebo. Secondary endpoints included evaluation of safety, clinical events and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The area under the curve (AUC, pg.day/mL) of the levels of NT‐proBNP over time for patients who received levosimendan was significantly lower than for the placebo group (344 × 103 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 283 × 103−404 × 103] vs. 535 × 103 [443 × 103−626 × 103], p = 0.003). In comparison with the placebo group, the patients on levosimendan experienced a reduction in the rate of heart failure hospitalisation (hazard ratio 0.25; 95% CI 0.11–0.56; P = 0.001). Patients on levosimendan were less likely to experience a clinically significant decline in HRQoL over time (P = 0.022). Adverse event rates were similar in the two treatment groups.

Conclusions

In this small pilot study, intermittent administration of levosimendan to ambulatory patients with advanced systolic heart failure reduced plasma concentrations of NT‐proBNP, worsening of HRQoL and hospitalisation for heart failure. The efficacy and safety of this intervention should be confirmed in larger trials.
Synthesis of Flowerlike g‐C3N4/BiOBr with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity for Dye Degradation
Authors: Jiang Man , Shi Yanbiao , Huang Jingwei , Wang Lei , She Houde , Tong Jinhui , Su Bitao , Wang Qizhao
Published: February 2018

In this work, flowerlike g‐C3N4/BiOBr Z‐scheme composites were constructed by a simple solvothermal method. The physical and chemical properties of the material were characterized mainly by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance of the as‐prepared samples was measured by degradation of the model organic pollutant methyl orange (MO) dye and rhodamine B (RhB). The decrease in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) after the degradation of the two dyes was determined as well. During the degradation of MO, the decrease in the COD value reached 62.5 %. By a capture experiment, the identities of the main radicals (·OH, ·O2–) in the photocatalysis experiment were further ascertained. The results indicate that g‐C3N4/BiOBr displays excellent photocatalytic activity, which might be due to the formation of a heterojunction between g‐C3N4 and BiOBr, resulting in efficient separation and transmission of electrons and holes.
Large Gain in Pyroelectric Energy Conversion through a Candle Soot Coating
Authors: Sharma Moolchand , Kumar Anuruddh , Singh V. P. , Kumar Rajeev , Vaish Rahul
Published: February 2018

A large gain in pyroelectric voltage and current when exposed to infrared radiation after candle soot coating on material surfaces is reported. A piezoelectric buzzer is selected to quantify the effect of candle soot on pyroelectric output. For a given temperature change, the peak value of the open‐circuit voltage is enhanced from 2 V to 8 V and electric current is boosted from 15 nA to 95 nA. A load capacitor is also connected through a full wave rectifier. Energy storage in a 10 μF load capacitor is increased from 5 nJ to 70 nJ.
Self Assembled Rice Ball‐Like ZnCo2O4 Inlaid on rGO as Flexible Anodes with High Lithium Storage Capability and Superior Cycling Stability
Authors: Ru Qiang , Wang Zhen , Cheng Shikun , Liu Peng , Hou Xianhua , Su Shichen , Ling Francis Chi‐Chung
Published: February 2018

A unique flexible configuration with ordered porous rice ball‐like ZnCo2O4 (ZCO) microspheres embedded in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) network was demonstrated by a facile solvothermal route and vacuum filtration method. As binder‐free anodes for LIBs, sandwiched structure ZCO/rGO electrode synergistically realized high lithium storage capability and good cycling stability due to enhanced conductive skeleton, robust mechanical stability and high hierarchical porosity. The ZCO/rGO hybrid depicts a reversible discharge capacity of 908.7 mAh g−1 after 500 long‐term cycles at a current density of 500 mA g−1. In addition, the flexible electrode also shows the excellent rate capacity with an average capacity of 681.8 mAh g−1 even at a large current density of 6000 mA g−1.
Global importance of vertebrate pollinators for plant reproductive success: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ratto Fabrizia , Simmons Benno I , Spake Rebecca , Zamora‐Gutierrez Veronica , MacDonald Michael A , Merriman Jennifer C , Tremlett Constance J , Poppy Guy M , Peh Kelvin S‐H , Dicks Lynn V
Published: February 2018

Vertebrate pollinators are increasingly threatened worldwide, but little is known about the potential consequences of declining pollinator populations on plants and ecosystems. Here, we present the first global assessment of the importance of vertebrate pollinators in the reproductive success of selected flowering plants. Our meta‐analysis of 126 experiments on animal‐pollinated plants revealed that excluding vertebrate pollinators – but not insect pollinators – reduced fruit and/or seed production by 63% on average. We found bat‐pollinated plants to be more dependent on their respective vertebrate pollinators than bird‐pollinated plants (an average 83% reduction in fruit/seed production when bats were excluded, as compared to a 46% reduction when birds were excluded). Plant dependence on vertebrate pollinators for fruit/seed production was greater in the tropics than at higher latitudes. Given the potential for substantial negative impacts associated with the loss of vertebrate pollinators, there is a clear need for prompt, effective conservation action for threatened flower‐visiting vertebrate species. Additional research on how such changes might affect wider ecosystems is also required.
MicroRNA (miR)‐433 and miR‐22 dysregulations induce histone‐deacetylase‐6 overexpression and ciliary loss in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Mansini Adrian P. , Lorenzo Pisarello Maria J. , Thelen Kristen M. , Cruz‐Reyes Maetzin , Peixoto Estanislao , Jin Sujeong , Howard Brynn N. , Trussoni Christy E. , Gajdos Gabriella B. , LaRusso Nicholas F. , Perugorria Maria J. , Banales Jesus M. , Gradilone Sergio A.
Published: February 2018

Cholangiocytes normally express primary cilia, a multisensory organelle that detects signals from the cellular environment. Cilia are significantly reduced in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) by a mechanism involving overexpression of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). Despite HDAC6 overexpression in CCA, we found no differences in its mRNA level, suggesting a posttranscriptional regulation, possibly involving microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we describe that at least two HDAC6‐targeting miRNAs, miR‐433 and miR‐22, are down‐regulated in CCA both in vitro and in vivo. Experimental restoration of these miRNAs in CCA cells reduced HDAC6 expression, induced ciliary restoration, and decreased the malignant phenotype. Furthermore, in contrast to the mature forms, levels of precursor forms of these miRNAs were higher in CCA compared to normal cholangiocytes and accumulated in the nuclei, suggesting a defective nuclear export. We assessed the expression of Exportin‐5, the protein responsible for transporting miRNA precursors out of the nucleus, and found it to be reduced by 50% in CCA compared to normal cholangiocytes. Experimental overexpression of Exportin‐5 in CCA cells restored precursor and mature forms of these miRNAs to normal levels, inducing a decrease in the expression of HDAC6 and a decrease in the malignant phenotype. Conversely, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) depletion of Exportin‐5 in normal cholangiocytes resulted in increased nuclear retention of precursor miRNAs, decreased mature miRNAs, increased cell proliferation, and shorter cilia. Conclusion: These data suggest that down‐regulated Exportin‐5 impairs the nuclear export of miR‐433 and miR‐22 precursor forms, causing a decrease in levels of mature miR‐433 and miR‐22 forms, and leading to overexpression of HDAC6 and ciliary loss in CCA. (Hepatology 2018).
New revelations from an old receptor: Immunoregulatory functions of the inhibitory Fc gamma receptor, FcγRIIB (CD32B)
Authors: Roghanian Ali , Stopforth Richard J , Dahal Lekh N , Cragg Mark S
Published: February 2018

The Fc gamma receptor IIB (FcγRIIB/CD32B) was generated million years ago during evolution. It is the sole inhibitory receptor for IgG, and has long been associated with the regulation of humoral immunity and innate immune homeostasis. However, new and surprising functions of FcγRIIB are emerging. In particular, FcγRIIB has been shown to perform unexpected activatory roles in both immune-signaling and monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapy. Furthermore, although ITIM signaling is an integral part of FcγRIIB regulatory activity, it is now clear that inhibition/activation of immune responses can occur independently of the ITIM. In light of these new findings, we present an overview of the established and noncanonical functions of FcγRIIB and discuss how this knowledge might be exploited therapeutically.
Cross multivariate correlation coefficients as screening tool for analysis of concurrent EEG‐fMRI recordings
Authors: Ji Hong , Petro Nathan M. , Chen Badong , Yuan Zejian , Wang Jianji , Zheng Nanning , Keil Andreas
Published: February 2018

Over the past decade, the simultaneous recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data has garnered growing interest because it may provide an avenue towards combining the strengths of both imaging modalities. Given their pronounced differences in temporal and spatial statistics, the combination of EEG and fMRI data is however methodologically challenging. Here, we propose a novel screening approach that relies on a Cross Multivariate Correlation Coefficient (xMCC) framework. This approach accomplishes three tasks: (1) It provides a measure for testing multivariate correlation and multivariate uncorrelation of the two modalities; (2) it provides criterion for the selection of EEG features; (3) it performs a screening of relevant EEG information by grouping the EEG channels into clusters to improve efficiency and to reduce computational load when searching for the best predictors of the BOLD signal. The present report applies this approach to a data set with concurrent recordings of steady‐state‐visual evoked potentials (ssVEPs) and fMRI, recorded while observers viewed phase‐reversing Gabor patches. We test the hypothesis that fluctuations in visuo‐cortical mass potentials systematically covary with BOLD fluctuations not only in visual cortical, but also in anterior temporal and prefrontal areas. Results supported the hypothesis and showed that the xMCC‐based analysis provides straightforward identification of neurophysiological plausible brain regions with EEG‐fMRI covariance. Furthermore xMCC converged with other extant methods for EEG‐fMRI analysis.
Raman spectroscopy studies on dimethyl selenium at pressures of up to 40.6 GPa
Authors: Qin Zhenxing , Wang Wenhai , Wu Yujie , Zhan Xiaozhi , Zhang Qingmei
Published: February 2018

The high‐pressure behavior of dimethyl selenium was investigated at room temperature by Raman scattering measurements with pressures up to 40.6 GPa. With the first solid phase already appeared only at 0.4 GPa, phase transitions at 4.4 and 26.1 GPa were found and evidenced by the wavenumber shifts, pressure coefficients, and changes in full width half maximum of related modes. These phase transitions were suggested to result from the changes in the intermolecular and intramolecular bonding of the material. Interestingly, it was found that deformation mode of CH3 groups exhibited a hyperactive pressure effect, yet the expected softening was never found throughout the compression, suggesting that the CH3 groups became active upon compression. More surprising, a lattice mode appeared only at 0.4 GPa, which not only showed crystalline dimethyl selenium at this pressure but also provided a possibility to design the unique hydrogen bond at such low pressures. These phenomena make it possible to gain superiority for this compound to further investigate the superconductivity with high‐transition temperatures of bulk hydrogen.
A novel triple‐band bandpass filter based on equilateral triangle substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Rao Jia Yu , Cheng Jun Jie , Hong Jia Sheng , Liu Fa Lin
Published: February 2018

A novel compact triple‐mode triple‐band bandpass filter (TB‐BPF) based on equilateral triangle substrate integrated waveguide is first proposed. The first passband response is achieved by the fundamental modes of the first and third cavities. To obtain the second and third passbands, a new postperturbation method is proposed. And based on it, the perturbed TM101 and TM201 modes of the second cavity can couple with TM102 modes of first and third cavities via inductive window, respectively. By adjusting the width of the inductive window, the second and third passbands can be achieved. Source‐load coupling and complementary split‐ring resonators (CSRRs) are introduced to produce transmission zeros (TZs). Total eight TZs are obtained, which highly improve the performance of the out‐of‐band. Finally, a TB‐BPF is designed, fabricated, and measured. The simulated and measured results show good agreement.
Highly linear balanced power amplifiers for carrier aggregation
Authors: Olukoya Oludotun , Budimir Djuradj
Published: February 2018

This article presents a highly linear balanced power amplifier with miniaturized quadrature hybrid coupler for carrier aggregation (CA). The miniaturized quadrature coupler is designed using a novel U‐shaped transmission line (USTL) concept to achieve good size reduction. The novel branch‐line coupler is used to design a wideband balanced PA. The performance of the balanced PA is compared to a single PA solution. The balanced PA shows better performance with improved matching properties and better electrical stability. There was an increase in saturated maximum output power (Pout) from 8 dBm for the individual PA to 13.41 dBm for the balanced with a power‐aided efficiency (PAE) of 43.92%. The highly linear balanced PA achieves a 14 dB ACPR reduction and also improves ACPR by 12 dB for noncontiguous and 9 dB for contiguous carrier aggregation.
Design of balanced band‐notched UWB filtering high‐gain slot antenna
Authors: Lee Ching‐Her , Ho Pei‐Shan , Hsu Chung‐I G. , Chen Hsun‐Hsiang
Published: February 2018

A balanced band‐notched ultra‐wideband (UWB) filtering slot antenna with high gain is proposed in this article. The high gain is achieved by deploying two identical open‐ended T‐shaped slot radiators in a back‐to‐back fashion. These two slot radiators are fed by differential‐mode (DM) signals output from a balanced band‐notched UWB bandpass filter (BPF) constructed using a stepped‐impedance one‐wavelength (1λ) slotline resonator. The DM notched band for blocking the 5‐GHz WLAN band signals is generated by symmetrically placing a pair of microstrip resonators and a pair of slotline resonators, both being half‐wavelength long, on the two sides of the 1λ slotline resonator. Measured and simulated DM return loss responses agree quite well. The common‐mode (CM) response is excellent with a measured CM return loss of below 0.54 dB in 1‐12 GHz. As compared with its single‐ported standalone slot antenna counterpart, the proposed balanced filtering slot antenna exhibits 2‐dB‐higher measured peak realized gains at, if not all, most frequencies in the notch‐band‐excluded passband.
Multilayer bandpass filter‐polarizer with stopband extension far beyond twofold center frequency
Authors: Belyaev B.A. , Tyurnev V.V.
Published: February 2018

We propose a multilayer bandpass filter in which every resonator consists of two identical dielectric layers separated by a grating of parallel strip conductors. The resonators themselves are separated from each other and from the ambient space by gratings of strip conductors with an axis orthogonal to the axis of the gratings inside the resonators. The proposed filter construction acts at the same time as a polarizer. The device frequency response computed with use of the provided simple formulas is in a good qualitative agreement with numerical electromagnetic analysis of its 3D model.
Development of a microstrip based sensor aimed at salinity and sugar detection in water considering dielectric properties
Authors: Rahman M. N. , Islam M. T. , Samsuzzaman M.
Published: February 2018

A microstrip based sensor aimed at detection of salinity and sugar content in water is presented in this study. The microstrip technology is based on the microstrip patch antenna fed by a microstrip feedline. The patch antenna is a low cost and low profile antenna, which is modeled to transmit and receive an electromagnetic signal. The presented antenna comprises of a crescent shape patch and slotted partial ground. The antenna is imprinted on an FR4 substrate and the substrate has a thickness of 1.60 mm with 4.6 relative permittivity. The antenna has a compact size of 32 × 22 mm2. To simulate the performances of the presented antenna, the High‐Frequency Structural Simulator is used. The result shows that the presented antenna achieves 10 dB return loss from 2.50 to 18 GHz. The antenna achieves consistent radiation pattern throughout the operating band with 6.10 dBi of maximum gain and considerable efficiency. The presented antenna is used as a sensor to detect the salinity and sugar in water in terms of the reflection coefficient based on the dielectric properties of the solution. The percentage of salt and sugar in water changes the dielectric properties of the solution and consequently the reflection coefficients also change. The results during the practical observations show that the reflection coefficient decreases with the increment of the salt and sugar content in the solution.
Liquid crystal based tunable spurline filters with notch frequencies at 50 and 85 GHz
Authors: Economou Evangelos C. , Lovejoy James , Harward Ian , Nobles Jason E. , Kula Przemyslaw , Herman Jakub , Glushchenko Anatoliy , Celinski Zbigniew
Published: February 2018

Electrically tunable double‐spurline notch filters with a nematic liquid crystal (LC) material as a dielectric medium were modeled, manufactured, and characterized. The spurlines, which were embedded into an inverted microstrip, consisted of quarter‐wavelength resonant elements. A Finite Difference Time Domain solver was used to model the filters. Photolithography and thin film deposition were employed to create the filters, followed by standard LC cell assembly. The filters, with central notch frequencies at 50 and 85 GHz, were characterized on‐wafer with a vector network analyzer. The stopband frequencies were tunable by 3% when a 14 volt peak‐to‐peak AC bias was applied across the 38 μm thick LC layer (electric field of 0.19 V/μm). The minimum stopband insertion loss of both filters achieved lower than −50 dB, while the stopband return loss varied from −4 to −12 dB. The −3 dB passband widths of the stopband filters were 12.2 and 28.3 GHz for the 50 and 85 GHz filters, respectively, giving a Q‐factor of 3–4.
Broadband tapered planar monopole antenna with parasitic elements for multiple wireless operations
Authors: Karakus C. , Dogusgen (Erbas) C. , Yurt S. C. , Kent S.
Published: February 2018

We designed a planar monopole antenna with an impedance matching part and two rectangular parasitic elements. Parasitic elements significantly increased radiation bandwidth and gain. Measured fractional bandwidth and maximum gain for the case with parasitic elements were 129.9% and 5.67 dB, respectively. Antenna operated between 675 MHz and 3177.5 MHz.
Solving the bifurcated and nonbifurcated robust network loading problem with k‐adaptive routing
Authors: Silva Marco , Poss Michael , Maculan Nelson
Published: February 2018

We experiment with an alternative routing scheme for the robust network loading problem with demand uncertainty. Named k‐adaptive, it is based on the fact that the decision‐maker chooses k second‐stage solutions and then commits to one of them only after realization of the uncertainty. This routing scheme, with its corresponding k‐partition of the uncertainty set, is dynamically defined under an iterative method to sequentially improve the solution. The method has an inherent characteristic of multiplying the number of variables and constraints after each iteration, so that additional measures are introduced in the solution strategy in order to control time performance. We compare our k‐adaptive results with the ones obtained through other routing schemes and also verify the effectiveness of the methods utilized using several realistic networks from SNDlib and other sources.
An approximation algorithm for the Steiner connectivity problem
Authors: Borndörfer Ralf , Karbstein Marika
Published: February 2018

This article presents an approximation algorithm for the Steiner connectivity problem, which is a generalization of the Steiner tree problem that involves paths instead of edges. The problem can also be seen as hypergraph‐version of the Steiner tree problem; it arises in line planning in public transport. We prove a approximation guarantee, where is the minimum of the maximum number of nodes in a path minus 1 and the maximum number of terminal nodes in a path. The result is based on a structural degree property for terminal nodes.
Assessment of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for varenicline (Chantix): A multistage patient survey
Authors: Amend Kandace L. , Younus Muhammad , Petronis Kenneth R. , Mo Jingping , Seeger John D. , Gately Robert , Gu Xiangmei , Enger Cheryl
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for varenicline by assessing patients' understanding of the varenicline medication guide (MG) at pre‐specified time points: 18 months, 3 years, and 7 years after the REMS approval.

Methods

Self‐administered surveys were mailed to people who received varenicline based on a pharmacy dispensing. Survey questions assessed understanding of potential risks outlined in the MG: neuropsychiatric symptoms, skin reactions, allergic reactions, and cardiovascular risks. Crude and weighted analyses were conducted.

Results

The response to the survey overall was between 18% and 19%. Among responders, approximately 90% recalled receiving the MG, and at least 80% read all or part of it. At least 88% correctly identified neuropsychiatric symptoms as potential medication effects, while 41% did so for skin reactions, 53% for allergic reactions, and 82% for cardiovascular risks. Patients who read the MG had a high proportion of correct responses to the risk comprehension questions.

Conclusions

A large majority of patients who were dispensed varenicline recalled receiving the MG and were able to correctly recall neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular risks in all 3 surveys. The varenicline MG may be an effective tool for patient education.