bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting of high mobility group A2 by small interfering RNA‐loaded nanoliposome‐induced apoptosis and migration inhibition in gastrointestinal cancer cells
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Mansoori Behzad , Savadi Pouria , khaze Vahid , Minouei Mahsa , McMillan Nigel A. J. , Hallaj‐Nezhadi Somayeh , Baradaran Behzad
Published: December 2018

Background

Considering the complex nature of gastrointestinal cancer, different methods including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are considered for the treatment. Novel strategies including silencing of oncogenes using safe delivery systems could be considered as a novel approach in colorectal cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the silencing effect of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) small interfering RNA (siRNA)–loaded nanoliposomes on gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods

The siRNA‐lipoplexes were prepared using dioleoyl trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP)/cholesterol (Chol)/1, 2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) through the freeze‐drying of a monophase solution method. The size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta‐potential of nanoliposomes were determined using Zetasizer analyzer. The morphology of the nanoliposomes was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The agarose gel‐retardation assay was carried out to confirm the loading of siRNAs into liposome. The silencing of the HMGA2 in cancer cells was evaluated by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The effect of liposomes on cell cytotoxicity was studied by MTT assay. The inhibitory effect of siRNA‐loaded liposomes was evaluated by a wound‐healing assay. The apoptosis induction was investigated via the annexin V/propidium iodide assay.

Results

The size, PDI, and zeta‐potential of the prepared liposomes were found to be 350 nm, 0.67, and 86.3 mV, respectively. They were spherical in shape and could efficiently associate with siRNA. The results of gene silencing showed that the optimum condition of HMGA2 silencing was 80 pmol HMGA2 and 24 hours after treatment in each cancer cell lines. MTT assays indicated that silencing of HMGA2 in optimal condition could reduce the viability of the cancer cells more than 60% in the three cell lines. The result of the apoptosis assay showed more than 50% of the cell deaths related to the apoptosis in all three cell lines. The gene expression evaluation confirmed that apoptosis was induced via the intrinsic pathway inducing both caspase‐3 and ‐9 expressions. Also, the reduction in Bcl2 expression confirmed the activation apoptosis pathway in the treated cancer cells. The wound‐healing assay showed the suppression of cancer cell migration after treatment with the prepared nanoliposomes.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed the HMGA2 siRNA‐loaded nanoliposomes could be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
Smac mimetics as novel promising modulators of apoptosis in the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Nikkhoo Afshin , Rostami Narges , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Azizi Gholamreza , Yousefi Bahman , Ghalamfarsa Ghasem , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad
Published: December 2018

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women. Despite improvements in treatment, the rate of breast cancer‐related deaths is still high, and this issue needs further, accurate investigations. Although several treatment options are available, none of them are efficient for complete remission, particularly in advanced stages of the disease. It is known that cancerous cells have dysregulated apoptosis‐related pathways, by which they can remain alive for a long time, expand freely, and escape from apoptosis‐inducing drugs or antitumor immune responses. Therefore, modulation of apoptosis resistance in cancer cells may be an efficient strategy to overcome current problems faced in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of breast cancer. The inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAPs) are important targets for cancer therapy because it has been shown that these molecules are overexpressed and highly active in various cancer cells and suppress apoptosis process in malignant cells by blockage of caspase proteins. There is evidence of Smac mimetics efficacy as a single agent; however, recent studies have indicated the efficacy of current anticancer immunotherapeutic approaches when combined with Smac mimetics, which are potent inhibitors of IAPs and synthesized mimicking Smac/Diablo molecules. In this review, we are going to discuss the efficacy of treatment of breast cancer by Smac mimetics alone or in combination with other therapeutics.
Does blastomere removal alter the expression level of miR‐Let7a and its target genes following mouse embryo biopsy?
Authors: Naseri Fatemeh , Hosseini Sara , Ghaffari Novin Marefat , Hosseini Ahmad , Heidari Mohammad hasan , Salehi Mohammad
Published: December 2018

Embryo manipulations may cause the misexpression of various genes, most of which play critical roles in the regulation of implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of embryo biopsy on the expression of miR‐Let‐7a and its gene targets including ErbB4, Tgf‐α, Itg‐αv, Itg β3 on the implantation of mouse embryo. Embryos were produced by in vitro fertilization followed by blastomere biopsy at the eight‐cell stage. The effects of blastomere removal on the expression of genes ErbB4, Tgf‐α, Itg αv, Itg β3, and miR‐Let‐7a as well as the alteration of the blastocyst cell number were compared in both biopsied and non‐biopsied groups. Finally, blastocyst attachment was assessed on culture dishes precoated with Fibronectin. The results revealed that there were no significant differences between the biopsied and non‐biopsied embryos with reference to the blastocyst formation rates, the average inner cell mass, trophectoderm cell number, and percentage of attachment of blastocysts (P > 0.05). The expression of ErbB4, Itg‐β3, Itg‐αv, TGF‐α transcripts, and miR‐Let‐7a in blastocysts biopsied embryos did not differ from the non‐biopsied blastocysts (P > 0.05). The results demonstrated that the preimplantation embryo development and attachment of biopsied embryos in vitro is not adversely affected by one blastomere biopsy at the eight‐cell stage embryo.
Identification of hub genes to regulate breast cancer metastasis to brain by bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Tang Dongyang , Zhao Xin , Zhang Li , Wang Zhiwei , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2018

Breast cancer with metastasis especially brain metastasis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the hub genes and potential molecular mechanism in brain metastasis breast cancer. Expression profiles of the genes were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted at Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was established by STRING database constructed by Cytoscape software. Hub genes were identified by the molecular complex detection (MCODE) plugin and the CytoHubba plugin. The transcription factor (TF) that regulates the expression of hub genes was analyzed using the NetworkAnalyst algorithm. Kaplan‐Meier curve was used to analyze the effects of hub genes on overall survival. Two GEO databases (GSE100534 and GSE52604) were downloaded from GEO databases. A total of 102 overlapped genes were identified, and the top five KEGG pathways enriched were pathways in cancer, HTLV‐I infection, focal adhesion, ECM‐receptor interaction, and protein digestion and absorption. By combing the results of MCODE and CytoHubba, a total of 10 hub genes were selected. Kaplan‐Meier curve showed that ANLN, BUB1, TTK, and SKA3 were closely associated with the overall survival of breast cancer patients. TF analysis results showed that E2F4, KDM5B, and MYC were crucial regulators for these four hub genes. The current study based on the GEO database provided novel understanding regarding the mechanism of breast cancer metastasis to brain and may provide novel therapeutic targets.
Equitable partitions of Latin‐square graphs
Authors: Bailey R. A. , Cameron Peter J. , Gavrilyuk Alexander L. , Goryainov Sergey V.
Published: December 2018

We study equitable partitions of Latin‐square graphs and give a complete classification of those whose quotient matrix does not have an eigenvalue −3.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of Harlequin ichthyosis
Authors: Brandão Pedro , Seco Sandra , Loureiro Teresa , Ramalho Carla
Published: December 2018

Harlequin ichthyosis is the most severe form of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses. So far, there are only a few reports of prenatal diagnosis in the literature, as prenatal sonographic features are quite subtle. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of Harlequin ichthyosis on third‐trimester sonographic examination in a consanguineous couple with no history of the disease and describe its characteristic sonographic features.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antioxidant Evaluation of Some Novel Pyrazolo[3,4‐c][1,2]diazepine and Pyrazolo[3,4‐c]pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Mohammed Khaled S. , Elbeily Engy E. , El‐Taweel Fathy M. , Fadda Ahmed A.
Published: December 2018

5‐Hydrazineyl‐3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole (1) was used as a starting material for the synthesis of novel pyrazolo[3,4‐c][1,2]diazepine derivatives 3, 4, and 6a,b by its reaction with acetylacetone, ethyl acetoacetate, and isatylidene derivatives 5a,b, respectively. Also, pyrazolo[3,4‐c][1,2]diazepine derivative 11 was synthesized via multicomponent reaction of 1, benzaldehyde, and malononitrile. Moreover, compound 1 was used for synthesis novel pyrazolo[3,4‐c]pyrazole derivative 7 by its reaction with isatin. In addition, pyrazolo[3,4‐c]pyrazole derivatives 18a–c were synthesized by treatment of 2‐cyano‐N′‐(3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)acetohydrazide (13) with aromatic aldehydes 16a–c. The newly synthesized compounds were valeted by means of analytical and spectral data. All newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antioxidant activities. Compounds 3, 13, 18b, and 18c showed higher radical‐scavenging activities.
Global temporal changes in the proportion of children with advanced disease at the start of combination antiretroviral therapy in an era of changing criteria for treatment initiation
Authors: Panayidou Klea , Davies Mary‐Ann , Anderegg Nanina , Egger Matthias ,   The IeDEA, COHERE, PHACS and IMPAACT 219C Collaborations Writing Group
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The CD4 cell count and percent at initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are measures of advanced HIV disease and thus are important indicators of programme performance for children living with HIV. In particular, World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 guidelines on advanced HIV disease noted that >80% of children aged <5 years started cART with WHO Stage 3 or 4 disease or severe immune suppression. We compared temporal trends in CD4 measures at cART start in children from low‐, middle‐ and high‐income countries, and examined the effect of WHO treatment initiation guidelines on reducing the proportion of children initiating cART with advanced disease.

Methods

We included children aged <16 years from the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (IeDEA) Collaboration (Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia‐Pacific, and West, Central, East and Southern Africa), the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research in Europe (COHERE), the North American Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS) and International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) 219C study. Severe immunodeficiency was defined using WHO guidelines. We used generalized weighted additive mixed effect models to analyse temporal trends in CD4 measurements and piecewise regression to examine the impact of 2006 and 2010 WHO cART initiation guidelines.

Results

We included 52,153 children from fourteen low‐, eight lower middle‐, five upper middle‐ and five high‐income countries. From 2004 to 2013, the estimated percentage of children starting cART with severe immunodeficiency declined from 70% to 42% (low‐income), 67% to 64% (lower middle‐income) and 61% to 43% (upper middle‐income countries). In high‐income countries, severe immunodeficiency at cART initiation declined from 45% (1996) to 14% (2012). There were annual decreases in the percentage of children with severe immunodeficiency at cART initiation after the WHO guidelines revisions in 2006 (low‐, lower middle‐ and upper middle‐income countries) and 2010 (all countries).

Conclusions

By 2013, less than half of children initiating cART had severe immunodeficiency worldwide. WHO treatment initiation guidelines have contributed to reducing the proportion of children and adolescents starting cART with advanced disease. However, considerable global inequity remains, in 2013, >40% of children in low‐ and middle‐income countries started cART with severe immunodeficiency compared to <20% in high‐income countries.
How to avoid interfering electrochemical reactions in ESI‐MS analysis
Authors: Lübbert Christian , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

The presence of electrochemical reactions occurring in an electrospray processes at the point where the current enters the liquid is discussed since the early 1990's. This current transfer to the liquid results in oxidation or reduction of either electrolyte species in the liquid sprayed or of the electrode material in contact with the liquid. As a result, new chemical species are generated. These products of the electrochemical reaction might be detected as altered species in mass spectra; they might be volatile and not recognized at all or accumulate on the electrode surface and cause cross contamination later on. In other cases, it might happen that the products of the electrochemical reactions are the only detectable species formed from an otherwise nondetectable analyte. An electrospray setup in which electrochemical reactions do not interfere with the analyte under investigation excludes the electrochemical reaction as source of sample contamination and sample altering and may serve as reference setup for experiments focused on the electrochemical reaction itself. We present a simple and inexpensive current coupling approach and specify operation conditions for which any impact of the electrochemical reaction on the sample under investigation is inherently excluded. On the basis of a practical example, we show the impact of the electrochemical reaction on sample composition and demonstrate the benefit of using the proposed current coupling method. Because of the obvious benefit of this method and its simple realization, it has the potential to be employed as standard feeding approach, especially for electrosprays operated at small flow rates.
Effects of statins on multispecies oral biofilm identify simvastatin as a drug candidate targeting Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Kamińska Marta , Aliko Ardita , Hellvard Annelie , Bielecka Ewa , Binder Veronika , Marczyk Agata , Potempa Jan , Delaleu Nicolas , Kantyka Tomasz , Mydel Piotr
Published: December 2018

Background

Statins effectively reduce risk of cardiovascular‐related morbidity and mortality in patients with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes. In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, several studies have attributed statins with immunomodulatory and bactericidal properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate statins' antimicrobial activity against periodontal homeostasis bacteria.

Methods

Statin effect on bacterial growth was tested using planktonic monocultures and multibacterial biofilms. The latter consisted of five microbial species (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces naeslundii, Tannerella forsythia, and Streptococcus gordonii) associated with dysbiosis of the oral microbiota underlying establishment and perpetuation of periodontitis.

Results

All four tested statins efficiently inhibited P. gingivalis growth and significantly decreased the cumulative bacterial load in developing and established biofilms. Simvastatin was most efficient and decreased P. gingivalis counts more than 1,300‐fold relative to the control.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that similar effects on bacterial composition of the dental plaque may occur in vivo in patients on statins, thus, leading to a shift of the oral microbiome from a dysbiotic to a more homeostatic one. Simvastatin, being highly effective against P. gingivalis while not affecting commensal microbiota, possesses many properties qualifying it as a potential adjunctive treatment for chronic periodontitis. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether similar effects on bacterial composition of the dental plaque may occur in vivo in patients on statins, thus, leading to a shift of the oral microflora from dysbiotic to a more homeostatic one.
Isolation of antioxidative peptide from the protein hydrolysate of Caragana ambigua seeds and its mechanism for retarding lipid auto‐oxidation
Authors: Jie Yu , Zhao Hongfei , Sun Xiaoqi , Lv Xinran , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Bolin
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Peptides can act as antioxidants in emulsion, although the mechanism involved is poorly understood. Caragana ambigua seed is a potential protein source for which the commercial applications have not been explored yet. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the bio‐economic potential of C. ambigua by isolating and characterizing antioxidative peptides from the protein hydrolysate of its seeds for the purpose of protecting lipids from oxidation.

RESULTS

A novel decapeptide, identified as QITEGEDGGG, was purified by high‐protein liquid chromotography based on the enrichment of antioxidant fractions, and its antioxidative activity for walnut oil was evaluated in terms of its effect on oil quality, primary and secondary peroxide formation, oxidation kinetics, and structure of oil droplets. A molecular simulation involving the peptide and fatty acid was carried out aiming to understand the mechanism underlying the prevention of lipid oxidation by the peptide. The peptide effectively scavenged superoxide anions (86.46%), inhibited the rate of linoleic acid oxidation (60.37%) and delayed auto‐oxidation of walnut oil. Its inhibition of lipid oxidation was attributed to the protection of phenolic compounds and polyunsaturated fatty acids of walnut oil.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study will help in the exploitation of novel antioxidant peptides of lipids from woody seed‐based protein sources such the seeds of C. ambigua trees. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Receipt of sentinel lymph node biopsy for thin melanoma is associated with distance traveled for care
Authors: Kang Ravinder , Columbo Jesse A. , Trooboff Spencer W. , Servos Mariah M. , Goodney Philip P. , Wong Sandra L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is not routinely recommended for thin melanoma. However, it is considered when high‐risk features, clinicopathological, or sociodemographic, are present. It was our objective to evaluate the impact of travel distance on decision‐making for SLNB in thin melanoma.

Methods

We used the National Cancer DataBase (1998‐2011) to identified patients with thin melanoma (≤1 mm thickness). The primary exposure was distance traveled for care, categorized as short (<12.5 miles), intermediate (12.5‐49.9 miles), or long (≥50 miles). The primary outcome was receipt of SLNB.

Results

We identified 21 124 cases of thin melanoma; 48.8%, 38.2%, and 13.0% traveled short, intermediate, and long distances, respectively. Overall, SLNB was performed in 32.8% of patients. Traveling farther was associated with a step‐wise increase in the likelihood of undergoing a SLNB (P‐trend < 0.001). Even after adjusting for patient, disease, and facility factors, we found that patients who traveled an intermediate distance were 18% more likely to undergo a SLNB (OR:1.18; 95%CI: 1.10,1.27), and those who traveled a long distance were 24% more likely (OR:1.24; 95%CI: 1.11,1.39) compared with those who traveled a short distance.

Conclusions

The distance patients travel for surgical care appears to be an independent factor influencing the receipt of SLNB.
Nutrient enrichment homogenizes taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in shallow lakes
Authors: Zhang You , Cheng Long , Li Kuanyi , Zhang Lu , Cai Yongjiu , Wang Xiaolong , Heino Jani
Published: December 2018

Eutrophication alters the trophic dynamics in lakes and may result in biotic homogenization. How nutrient enrichment drives patterns of taxonomic and functional (i.e., trait‐based) homogenization of macroinvertebrate assemblages at within‐lake (local) and among‐lake (regional) scales is, however, not well understood. Taxonomic and functional compositions of macroinvertebrate assemblages in 41 lakes of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Huaihe River were analyzed at within‐lake and among‐lake scales. Our results indicated that there was a significant difference in macroinvertebrate assemblages among lakes under different trophic status, and that total phosphorus was the major environmental factor that regulated both taxonomic and functional beta diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages. That the abundances of pollution‐tolerant species (e.g., Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Microchironomus tabarui) increased with trophic state contributed the most to among‐lake dissimilarity. Functional beta diversity was significantly positively correlated with taxonomic beta diversity, while functional beta diversity was on average lower than taxonomic beta diversity. A combination of univariate and multivariate techniques revealed that nutrient enrichment homogenized taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in shallow lakes at within‐lake and among‐lake scales, and that there was an overall trend toward taxonomic homogenization that exceeded the trend of functional homogenization. Thus, taxonomic and functional compositions should be considered simultaneously to improve understanding of the response of aquatic communities to anthropogenic disturbance, as the loss and gain of species may be influenced by species‐specific features, and functional composition may exhibit a relatively high correspondence with changes in environmental conditions.
On the Lipschitz equivalence of self‐affine sets
Authors: Luo Jun Jason
Published: December 2018

Recently Lipschitz equivalence of self‐similar sets on has been studied extensively in the literature. However for self‐affine sets the problem is more awkward and there are very few results. In this paper, we introduce a w‐Lipschitz equivalence by repacing the Euclidean norm with a pseudo‐norm w. Under the open set condition, we prove that any two totally disconnected integral self‐affine sets with a common matrix are w‐Lipschitz equivalent if and only if their digit sets have equal cardinality. The main methods used are the technique of pseudo‐norm and Gromov hyperbolic graph theory on iterated function systems.
Evolution of efficacious pangenotypic hepatitis C virus therapies
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Usman , Iman Kanzal , Khalid Muhammad Farhan , Salman Hafiz Muhammad , Shafi Talha , Rafi Momal , Javaid Nida , Hussain Rashid , Ahmad Fayyaz , Shahzad‐Ul‐Hussan Syed , Mirza Shaper , Shafiq Muhammad , Afzal Samia , Hamera Sadia , Anwar Saima , Qazi Romena , Idrees Muhammad , Qureshi Sohail A. , Chaudhary Safee Ullah
Published: December 2018

Hepatitis C compromises the quality of life of more than 350 million individuals worldwide. Over the last decade, therapeutic regimens for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have undergone rapid advancements. Initially, structure‐based drug design was used to develop molecules that inhibit viral enzymes. Subsequently, establishment of cell‐based replicon systems enabled investigations into various stages of HCV life cycle including its entry, replication, translation, and assembly, as well as role of host proteins. Collectively, these approaches have facilitated identification of important molecules that are deemed essential for HCV life cycle. The expanded set of putative virus and host‐encoded targets has brought us one step closer to developing robust strategies for efficacious, pangenotypic, and well‐tolerated medicines against HCV. Herein, we provide an overview of the development of various classes of virus and host‐directed therapies that are currently in use along with others that are undergoing clinical evaluation.
Multi‐area lymphaticovenous anastomosis with multi‐lymphosome injection in indocyanine green lymphography: A prospective study
Authors: Hara Hisako , Mihara Makoto
Published: December 2018

Background

Detecting more number of functional lymphatic vessels is the essential point in lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). The purpose of this prospective study was to elucidate the efficacy of multi‐area injection in indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography in LVA.

Methods

We injected ICG into the first web spaces of the feet or the second web space of the hands, subcutaneously. In multi‐area injection group, we injected additional ICG in other areas. We determined the incision design of LVA on the line at about 5 cm distal to dermal backflow point. In control group, we determined the incision site based on the linear pattern in ICG lymphography and lymphoscintigraphic findings. We performed LVA, and evaluated the circumference change and the intraoperative condition of the collecting lymphatic vessels based on Normal, Ectasis, Contraction, and Sclerosis Type (NECST) classification.

Results

Sixty patients (115 limbs) in multi‐injection group and 49 patients (81 limbs) in control group were included. We injected ICG into an average of 1.9 sites in multi‐injection group. The average number of anastomoses per limb was 3.3 in both groups. The average circumference change was −1.83% in multi‐injection group and −0.34% in control group (P = .021). The percentage of the Ectasis type lymphatic vessels was 59.0% in multi‐injection group and 40.2% in control group (P = 3.30 × 10−5).

Conclusions

By injecting ICG into multiple sites in the affected limbs, we could detect a greater number of functional lymphatic vessels (Ectasis type) during LVA. This could lead to a better surgical result.
A low‐profile 28‐GHz Rotman lens‐fed array beamformer for 5G conformal subsystems
Authors: Rahimian Ardavan , Abbasi Qammer H. , Alomainy Akram , Alfadhl Yasir
Published: December 2018

This paper reports on the first demonstration of an experimental millimeter‐wave (mm‐wave) beamforming based on the conformal Rotman lens. The passive switched‐beam network is intended for operation in the 28‐GHz band, covering the 18‐38 GHz range, for the deployment in the fifth generation (5G) subsystems. The primary objective of this work is to conduct the feasibility of designing a beamforming network (BFN) based on the liquid‐crystal polymer substrate, and to evaluate the performances in terms of the scattering (S)‐parameters and surface currents for the proposed flexural case of the convex‐circumferential bending. A prototype has been accurately fabricated, and a setup has also been deployed to conduct the measurements. The performance in terms of the linear progressive phase behavior, as the main figure of merit, has been shown. The BFN exhibits significant characteristics to be used as a low‐profile unit of the transceivers with the in‐built beam steering for the conformal 5G subsystems.
Defected ground structured compact MIMO antenna with low mutual coupling for automotive communications
Authors: Madhav Boddapati T. P. , Usha Devi Yalavarthi , Anilkumar Tirunagari
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the analysis of a T‐stub loaded two element MIMO antenna placed in the vehicular environment at different positions on the vehicle. The MIMO antenna consists of two collinear printed dipoles as the elements. It operates for millimetre wave frequencies from 24.6–42.1 GHz and 50.1–52.5 GHz with a bandwidth of 17.5 GHz and 2.4 GHz respectively. The two elements of the MIMO antenna have the minimum mutual coupling of −89.5dB over the operating band. The envelop correlation coefficient (ECC) of the MIMO antenna is less than 0.01 throughout the band and the diversity gain (DG) is about 10. The MIMO antenna is placed at four different positions on the vehicle in virtual vehicular environment using ANSYS SAVANT. The measured results are matching with the simulation results and the proposed MIMO antenna can be used for future 5G communications for different automotive applications.
Measuring intra‐axonal T2 in white matter with direction‐averaged diffusion MRI
Authors: McKinnon Emilie T. , Jensen Jens H.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To demonstrate how the T2 relaxation time of intra‐axonal water (T2a) in white matter can be measured with direction‐averaged diffusion MRI.

Methods

For b‐values larger than about 4000 s/mm2, the direction‐averaged diffusion MRI signal from white matter is dominated by the contribution from water within axons, which enables T2a to be estimated by acquiring data for multiple TE values and fitting a mono‐exponential decay curve. If given a value of the intra‐axonal diffusivity, an extension of the method allows the extra‐axonal relaxation time (T2e) to be calculated also. This approach was applied to estimate T2a in white matter for 3 healthy subjects at 3 T, as well as T2e for a selected set of assumed intra‐axonal diffusivities.

Results

The estimated T2a values ranged from about 50 ms to 110 ms, with considerable variation among white matter regions. For white matter tracts with primarily collinear fibers, T2a was found to depend on the angle of the tract relative to the main magnetic field, which is consistent with T2a being affected by magnetic field inhomogeneities arising from spatial differences in magnetic susceptibility. The T2e values were significantly smaller than the T2a values across white matter regions for several plausible choices of the intra‐axonal diffusivity.

Conclusion

The relaxation time for intra‐axonal water in white matter can be determined in a straightforward manner by measuring the direction‐averaged diffusion MRI signal with a large b‐value for multiple TEs. In healthy brain, T2a is greater than T2e and varies considerably with anatomical region.
Impact of VNF placements on QoE monitoring in the cloud
Authors: Dinh‐Xuan Lam , Popp Christian , Burger Valentin , Wamser Florian , Hoßfeld Tobias
Published: December 2018

The fast growth of video streaming is responsible for a huge amount of traffic over the past few years. Because of the variety of video content on the Internet, a potential market is emerging for video providers. However, a rapid increase in video traffic and users poses challenges for network operators maintaining user expectation. To address this problem, network operators need a mechanism to monitor the quality of experience (QoE) perceived by the user. This allows reacting to quality degradation to improve the service. With the paradigm of network function virtualization, network operators are able to deploy such a video monitoring function in the cloud. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of deploying a virtual network function (VNF) for video buffer and QoE monitoring on the Amazon Web Service cloud.

To this end, we implement a VNF to analyze video flows in the network by using deep packet inspection. We investigate the influence of different points of presence (PoP) in the cloud and mobile network on the performance of the VNF for monitoring video buffer and QoE. Our findings show that the accuracy of the QoE monitoring decreases with the distance of the PoP to the client. This is not only due to the delay and bottleneck between the monitoring point and the client but also due to the client mobile access network.
Reporting adverse events—Swedish Registered Nurses experience in a municipal home care context
Authors: Pejner Margaretha Norell , Kihlgren Annica
Published: December 2018

Aim

To describe how Registered Nurses in a municipal home care context experience adverse event reports.

Design

A qualitative design was used.

Method

Twelve semistructured individual interviews with Registered Nurses in a municipal home care context were collected on two occasions and analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The results show that conflicts exist between being able to trust the managers and their feedback, being loyal to colleagues and retaining professional pride. These are described in the theme “Contradiction” and the three categories: “Awareness”; “Uncertainty”; and “Concealment.”
Discontinuous Galerkin method for solving the black‐oil problem in porous media
Authors: Cappanera Loïc , Rivière Béatrice
Published: December 2018

We introduce a new algorithm for solving the three‐component three‐phase flow problem in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional heterogeneous media. The oil and gas components can be found in the liquid and vapor phases, whereas the aqueous phase is only composed of water component. The numerical scheme employs a sequential implicit formulation discretized with discontinuous finite elements. Capillarity and gravity effects are included. The method is shown to be accurate and robust for several test problems. It has been carefully designed so that calculation of appearance and disappearance of phases does not require additional steps.
Mix‐&‐Read Determination of Mercury(II) at Trace Levels with Hybrid Mesoporous Silica Materials Incorporating Fluorescent Probes by a Simple Mix‐&‐Load Technique
Authors: Climent Estela , Hecht Mandy , Witthuhn Heike , Gawlitza Kornelia , Rurack Knut
Published: December 2018

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Dr. Knut Rurack at the Department of Analytical Chemistry; Reference Materials at the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und ‐prüfung (BAM) in Berlin (Germany). The cover picture shows how differences in color and fluorescence on a test strip can be easily read out with a mobile device. Two reference spots frame the sensitive spot that indicates the presence of trace amounts of HgII below the threshold in a natural water sample. This dipstick contains a hybrid material that combines boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) probes sterically loaded into specifically tailored mesoporous silica particles, allowing for ultrasensitive HgII detection through enhanced fluorescence in a few seconds. The applicability in real water samples and fish extracts are also studied. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201800277.
Comparative study of capsaicin molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by different polymerization methods
Authors: Wang Haixiang , Yuan Lili , Zhu Hua , Jin Risheng , Xing Jiudong
Published: December 2018

In this study, the molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) of capsaicin are prepared by bulk polymerization (MIPs1), precipitation polymerization (MIPs2), and surface imprinting technology based on SiO2/Fe3O4 particles (MIPs3), respectively. MIPs are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of these composites are also investigated to estimate their capacity to rebind capsaicin. The adsorption kinetics show that the adsorption process of MIPs1 is fitted to pseudo first‐order kinetic model, while the kinetic properties of MIPs2 and MIPs3 are well described by pseudo second‐order kinetic model. Adsorption thermodynamics analysis indicated that there are two kinds of binding sites with different affinity in each MIPs, whereas only one kind of binding site in non‐imprinted polymers. All adsorption isotherms of MIPs are fitted to Freundlich models, illustrated that binding sites are distributed heterogeneously in the surface of the materials, and the adsorption might occur in the multimolecular layers. Comparisons of experimental data of three MIPs are achieved and the results show that MIPs3 has the best affinity and absorption capacity to capsaicin. Moreover, the MIPs3 maintain the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 particles, which will be applied to the rapid separation of capsaicin from chili peppers samples. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 157–164
Enhanced Device Performances of Blue‐Emitting PLEDs Coupled with Silver‐Nanoicosahedrons
Authors: Chen Sy‐Hann , Huang Cheng‐Liang , Cheng Bo‐Han , Ku Hao‐Jung , Hsiao Hsin‐I , Kao Po‐Ching
Published: December 2018

Silver‐nanoicosahedron particles (AgNIPs) are produced by chemical reduction and photochemical methods and doped into the hole transport layer (HTL) or emissive layer (EML) of blue‐emitting polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) to improve their luminous efficiency. The optimal distributed‐densities of the AgNIPs are determined from current density–voltage–luminance measurements at different doping concentrations. The AgNIP dopant doses that maximize the average luminous efficiency of the proposed PLED are 6.71 µg cm−2 in EML (achieving 3.48 cd A−1) and 6.88 µg cm−2 in HTL (achieving 3.35 cd A−1). Although the luminous efficiencies of the blue‐emitting PLEDs fabricated by both doping methods are not significantly different, the maximum plasmonic enhancement (around 30‐fold) of the blue‐emitting PLED with AgNIPs in EML is red‐shifted to the green region (≈530 nm in the electroluminescence spectrum), seriously degrading the luminescent monochromaticity of the blue‐emitting PLED. The maximum plasmonic enhancement (around 33‐fold) of blue‐emitting PLED with AgNIPs in HTL occurred at 430 nm, overlapping the localized surface‐plasmon resonance extinctions of the AgNIPs in HTL (425 nm), thus favoring the enhancement of fluorescence emission. Therefore, to enhance the large‐area emission of blue‐emitting PLEDs, the AgNIPs should be doped in the HTL rather than the EML.
The Asymptotic dS Swampland Conjecture ‐ a Simplified Derivation and a Potential Loophole
Authors: Hebecker Arthur , Wrase Timm
Published: December 2018

Recently, arguments for a refined de Sitter conjecture were put forward in [1]. Using the large distance conjecture of [2], the authors provide evidence for this dS conjecture in asymptotic regimes of field space, where the parametric control of string theory becomes arbitrarily good. Their main tool is Bousso's covariant entropy bound.[3] Here, we describe a simpler way to reach a similar conclusion. The argument is based on the fact that the cutoff of an effective theory with gravity decreases as the number of species grows. We then discuss a loophole in this argument and its possible counterpart in the assumptions underlying the entropy‐based derivation. The idea is to consider potentials which, while they remain below an exponentially falling bound, have small oscillations leading locally to relatively flat regions or even to an infinite series of dS minima.
Escalating insecticide resistance in Australian grain pests: contributing factors, industry trends and management opportunities
Authors: Umina Paul A , McDonald Garrick , Maino James , Edwards Owain , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: December 2018

Insecticide resistance is an ever‐increasing problem that threatens food production globally. Within Australia, the grain industry has a renewed focus on resistance due to diminishing chemical options available to farmers and the increasing prevalence and severity of resistance encountered in the field. Chemicals are too often used as the major tool for arthropod pest management, ignoring the potent evolutionary forces from chemical selection pressures that lead to resistance. A complex array of factors (biological, social, economic, political, climatic) have contributed to current trends in insecticide usage and resistance in the Australian grain industry. We review the status of insecticide resistance and provide a context for how resistance is currently managed. We discuss emerging technologies and research that could be applied to improve resistance management. This includes generating baseline sensitivity data for insecticides before they are launched, developing genetic diagnostics for the full complement of known resistances, expanding resistance monitoring programs, and utilizing new technologies. Additional benefits are likely to be achieved through a combination of industry awareness and engagement, risk modeling, adoption of integrated pest management tactics, greater collaboration between industry stakeholders, and policy changes around chemical use and record keeping. The Australian grain context provides lessons for other agricultural industries. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential of locally sustainable food baits and traps against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata in Bolivia
Authors: Candia Ilich Figueroa , Bautista Veronica , Larsson Herrera Sebastian , Walter Abigail , Ortuño Castro Noel , Tasin Marco , Dekker Teun
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Small‐scale farmers often take a double hit from pests such as tephritid fruit‐flies. The high price of products against fruit‐flies, together with the higher risk of reinfestation from neighboring orchards, limits options for control. Therefore, management requires low‐cost local products and concerted action. Peach production in central Bolivia is increasingly affected by invasive Ceratitis capitata. To provide locally sustainable techniques that could incentivize area‐wide cooperation of growers, we tested efficiency and specificity of low‐cost lures and traps compared with commercial lures and traps (Tephritrap).

RESULTS

In the laboratory, the local fermented beverage ‘chicha’ and baker's yeast were equally or more attractive than commercial lures. Both chicha and baker's yeast trapped more flies in field (average FTD 10.31 and 9.49), whereas commercially hydrolyzed protein lure (4.71) or Torula yeast (6.82). However, many non‐target species were caught (57.3% and 53.4%). Of the six PET bottles‐based traps used, the T‐trap caught a similar number of flies (average FTD 5.55), but fewer beneficial insects (0.16) compared to the Tephritrap (0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides fruit growers with an economical and effective method to capture large numbers of C. capitata, suitable to be part of integrated pest management programs for fruit fly control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The Role of the Fe/Mo Cations Ordering Degree and Oxygen Non‐Stoichiometry on the Formation of the Crystalline and Magnetic Structure of Sr2FeMoO6−δ
Authors: Kalanda Nikolay , Turchenko Vitalii , Karpinsky Dmitry , Demyanov Sergey , Yarmolich Marta , Balasoiu Maria , Lupu Nicoleta , Tyutyunnikov Sergey , Sobolev Nikolai A.
Published: December 2018

Single‐phase Sr2FeMoO6−δ powders with various oxygen indices (δ) and degrees of the superstructural ordering (P) of the Fe/Mo cations are obtained from SrFeO2.52 and SrMoO4 reagents via solid‐state synthesis. It has been established by means of the X‐ray and neutron diffraction that, upon reducing the oxygen content and enhancing the superstructural ordering, the lengths of the Fe–O1 and Mo–O2 bonds in the crystal lattice increase, whereas the Fe–O2 and Mo–O1 bond lengths decrease. At the same time, the volume of the unit cell is reduced, which indicates an enhancement of the covalency degree of the bonds and stimulates a redistribution of the electron density, as well as an increase of the concentration of the spin‐down charge carriers located in the conduction band on the Mo(t2g)↓ orbitals. This circumstance leads to an increase of the density of states at the Fermi level, accompanied by an amplification of the exchange interaction and elevation of the Curie temperature, which points to the leading role of the spin‐polarized charge carriers at the Fermi level in the exchange interaction.
Computational Analysis of the Mechanical Impedance of the Sandwich Beam with Auxetic Metal Foam Core
Authors: Strek Tomasz , Michalski Jakub , Jopek Hubert
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a three‐layered sandwich beam with a metal foam core is investigated. Outer layers of the sandwich beam are made of AlSi12 alloy and the core is metal porous foam made of AlSi12. Numerical analysis is made for different parameters of the core – average damping loss factor, densities, Young modulus, and Poisson's ratio of core foam. The simulations are used to determine the mechanical impedance for a sandwich beam with the applied harmonic load. Numerical calculations are made with the use of finite element method. The results imply that the auxetic core of the composite beam can have a great impact on the dynamic behavior (mobility) of the system. Furthermore, it appears that there are ranges of frequencies in which the mobility of the system can be minimized by using the auxetic foam core.
Density Functional Theory Analysis of Electronic and Optical Properties of Two‐Dimensional Tantalum Carbides Tan+1Cn (n = 1, 2, 3)
Authors: Wang Shun , Guan Chunlong , Zhao Zhiwei , Wang Renjie , Tian Ye , Du Yulei
Published: December 2018

Using first principles methods based on the density functional theory, the electronic structure and optical properties of Ta‐containing MXenes (Tan+1Cn, n = 1, 2, 3) are theoretically studied. The results show that the monolayer thickness has a significant effect on the optical properties of Tan+1Cn. In the infrared region (<1.6 eV), the thickest Ta4C3 monolayer with seven atomic layers has highest values of absorption coefficients, reflectivity and refraction index. In the visible region, Ta4C3 exhibits different optical characteristics as compared to Ta2C and Ta3C2 due to the different structure configuration and electron interaction. Moreover, a high transmittance over 50% is demonstrated for both Ta2C and Ta3C2, while Ta4C3 monolayer exhibits selectively transmitting feature with a low transmittance of 35% at 1.65 eV and a high transmittance of 84% at 2.25 eV, making Ta4C3 monolayer highly responsive when exposed to visible light and favorable for optical detection.
Robust attitude control for tail‐sitter unmanned aerial vehicles in flight mode transitions
Authors: Liu Deyuan , Liu Hao , Li Zhaoying , Hou Xiaolei , Wang Qingling
Published: December 2018

Tail‐sitter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can flight as rotorcrafts as well as fixed‐wing aircrafts, but it is hard to control the flight mode transition. The vehicle dynamics involves serious parametric uncertainties, highly nonlinear dynamics, and is easy to be affected by external disturbances, especially during the mode transition. This paper presents a robust control method for a kind of tail‐sitter UAVs to achieve the flight mode transition. The robust controller is proposed based on the state‐feedback control scheme and the robust compensation method. The proposed control method does not need to switch the coordinate system, the controller structure, or the controller parameters during the mode transitions. Theoretical analysis is given to guarantee the robustness stability of the designed flight control system. Numerical simulation results are presented to show the advantages of the proposed control method compared with the state‐feedback control method and the sliding mode control approach.