Wave-packet treatment of neutrino oscillations and its implications on determining the neutrino mass hierarchy

We derive the neutrino flavor transition probabilities with the neutrino treated as a wave packet. The decoherence and dispersion effects from the wave-packet treatment show up as damping and phase-shifting of the plane-wave neutrino oscillation patterns. If the energy uncertainty in the initial neutrino wave packet is larger than around 0.01 of the neutrino energy, the decoherence and dispersion effects would degrade the sensitivity of reactor neutrino experiments to mass hierarchy measurement to lower than 3 $\sigma$ confidence level

A Vision to Smart Radio Environment: Surface Wave Communication Superhighways

Complementary to traditional approaches that focus on transceiver design for bringing the best out of unstable, lossy fading channels, one radical development in wireless communications that has recently emerged is to pursue a smart radio environment by using software-defined materials or programmable metasurfaces for establishing favourable propagation conditions. This article portraits a vision of communication superhighways enabled by surface wave (SW) propagation on "smart surfaces" for future smart radio environments. The concept differs from the mainstream efforts of using passive elements on a large surface for bouncing off radio waves intelligently towards intended user terminals. In this vision, energy efficiency will be ultra-high, due to much less pathloss compared to free space propagation, and the fact that SW is inherently confined to the smart surface not only greatly simplifies the task of interference management, but also makes possible exceptionally localized high-speed interference-free data access. We shall outline the opportunities and associated challenges arisen from the SW paradigm. We shall also attempt to shed light on several key enabling technologies that make this realizable. One important technology which will be discussed is a software-controlled fluidic waveguiding architecture that permits dynamic creation of high-throughput data highways.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Investigation on the Effects of Hydroponic-planting Versus Soil-planting Using Plectranthus amboinicusas a Plant Model

Hydroponic system is a method of growing crops or plants in a soilless system, by suspending the plant crops in a nutrient-rich solution, with reduced interferences from factors such as soil quality, irrigation and climate. However, there is limited infor-mation available on how hydroponic planting will affect the plant’s bioactivities, as well as the associated biochemical, mineral, phytochemical and antioxidant enzyme contents. In this study, we used Plectranthus amboinicus(Indian borage) as a medic-inal plant model, to investigate the differences between hydroponic-planted (HP) ver-sus soil-planted (SP) plants. Here, aqueous extracts of Indian borage from HP and SP samples were prepared, followed by testing for their phytochemical, mineral, chloro-phyll and carotenoid contents. Based on our results, SP sample was detected with higher antioxidant potentials, using two different radical scavenging assays. This ob-servation is correlating to the higher phytochemical contents (total phenolic, flavo-noid, and hydroxycinnamic acids contents), as well as higher chlorophyll and carote-noid contents, detected in the SP sample. However, no significant difference was de-tected between HP and SP samples, in terms of their protein protection potentials. On the other hand, HP sample was tested with higher mineral contents (iron, copper, mag-nesium and calcium) using the atomic absorption spectroscopy method. Additionally, higher antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase) were also detected in the HP sample using in vitrobiochemical assays. In the future study, more plant mod-els can be included in the comparison between HP and SP effects, to determine if a similar phenomenon is observed. Through similar studies, more related information could be gathered to guide the choice of suitable planting systems with regard to food security, in terms of both harvest yields and nutritional contents

CHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND ANTIPROLIFERATIVE STUDIES OF ISOLATED POLYISOPRENYLATED BENZOPHENONES FROM STEM-BARK OF Garcinia maingayi

In the current study, sequential solvents extraction from the stem bark of Garcinia maingayi, a native plant to Malaysia has led to the isolation of four polyisoprenylated benzophenones: 30-epi-cambogin (GB 1), 14-deoxy-30-epi-cambogin (GB 2), guttiferone F (GB 3), and 14-deoxy-guttiferone F (GB 4). The structures were elucidated using IR, optical rotation, and NMR spectral data. The compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative effect using MTT assay, apoptosis using Annexin V/7-AAD flow cytometry, cell cycle progression, and activation of caspases 3/7, 8 and 9 and BCL2 mRNA expression in MCF-7, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cell lines. Compounds GB 1 to GB 4 exhibited a remarkable antiproliferative effect on HeLa, MCF-7, and HepG2 cells with IC50 values ranging from 5 to 45 µM. Compounds GB 1 to GB 4 induced significant cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase corroborated with the decrease in the number of MCF-7 and HepG2 cells in S and G2/M phases (P<0.05). Compounds GB 1 to GB 4 induced apoptosis at 48 h. Further, among these, compounds GB 1 and GB 2 induced significant levels of caspases 3 and 9 in HeLa cells, while GB 3 induced caspase 9 activities in both MCF-7 and HepG2 cells. No significant induction of caspase 8 was observed suggesting that the apoptotic effects are mainly mediated through the intrinsic pathway. Only compound GB 1 inhibited the BCL2 mRNA expression significantly in all treated cancer cells. In conclusion, these compounds possess anticancer properties and thus further investigation is crucial on the mechanistic study, structure-activity relationship, and identification of putative molecular targets

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activity of Solvent Extracts and Fractions of Typha domingensis (Typhaceae) Fruit

Purpose: To identify a solvent fraction with potent antiglucosidase and antioxidant activities from the fruit of Typha domingensis.Methods: Extracts were prepared using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone (AE), methanol, and water. Antiglucosidase and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of extracts were assessed. The most active extract was partitioned into chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol (BF) and water, and the antiglucosidase and radical scavenging activities of the fractions were determined. Mode of inhibition of the strongest antiglucosidase fraction was investigated. Polyphenol, coumarin, proanthocyanidin (TPro), and hydroxycinnamic acid contents of the extracts and fractions were evaluated.Results: AE had the highest antiglucosidase (EC50 = 12.36 μg/mL) and radical scavenging (EC50 = 8.57 μg/mL) activities. Solvent-partitioning of AE resulted in BF, which showed markedly stronger antiglucosidase activity (EC50 = 4.27 μg/mL) than quercetin (EC50 = 22.18 μg/mL). BF also had potent radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 7.20 μg/mL). BF was rich in TPro (735.65 mg/g) and was a competitive glucosidase inhibitor. TPro content correlated with antiglucosidase (R2 = 0.709) and DPPH scavenging activities (R2 = 0.838).Conclusion: TPro-rich BF of T. domingensis fruit is a highly potent glucosidase inhibitor and radical scavenger. The findings demonstrate a potential for the development of natural antihyperglycemic agents with antioxidant effect from T. domingensis fruit.Keywords: Typha domingensis, Antiglucosidase, Antioxidant, Proanthocyanidin, Hydroxycinnamic acid, Polyphenol, Coumari

MIMO Evolution Beyond 5G Through Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces and Fluid Antenna Systems

With massive deployment, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems continue to take mobile communications to new heights, but the ever-increasing demands mean that there is a need to look beyond MIMO and pursue the next disruptive wireless technologies. Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is widely considered a key candidate technology block to provide the next generational leap. The first part of this article provides an updated overview of the conventional reflection-based RIS technology, which complements the existing literature to include active and semiactive RIS, and the synergies with cell-free massive MIMO (CF mMIMO). Then, we widen the scope to discuss the surface-wave-assisted RIS that represents a different design dimension in utilizing metasurface technologies. This goes beyond being a passive reflector and can use the surface as an intelligent propagation medium for superb radio propagation efficiency. The third part of this article turns the attention to the fluid antenna, a novel antenna technology that enables a diverse form of reconfigurability that can combine with RIS for ultrahigh capacity, power efficiency, and scalability. This article concludes with a discussion of the potential synergies that can be exploited between MIMO, RIS, and fluid antennas

Oral health of community dwelling elders in Hong Kong

Introduction: The world’s population is ageing and the elders are vulnerable to oral health problems. This project aimed to observe the oral health status of community dwelling elders in Hong Kong, investigate the oral health impact on their quality of life and nutritional status, and provide oral health education and preventive service. Methods: Community dwelling elders (65 or above) were recruited from five community centers. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed to collect information on their socio-demographic background and oral health perception/practice. Their oral health related quality of life (OHQoL) and nutritional status were measured by using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), respectively. Their tooth and periodontal status, oral hygiene and soft tissues were examined. Individualized advice, oral health education and scaling were provided. Results: A total of 195 elders participated. Despite their sound knowledge on dental caries, their awareness of the causes and risk factors of periodontal diseases was low. Several misconceptions of oral health were common and their expectation towards oral health was low. Although 81% brush their teeth at least twice a day, over 75% did not perform interdental cleaning mainly due to unawareness of the necessity (32%) and lack of skills (42%). Their dental visits were treatment-driven and mainly for pain-relieving and emergency care. Only 19% were regular dental attendees. The mean (SD) DMFT was 8.9 (7.8). Over 60% had periodontal pockets; 6% were edentulous and 38% had fewer than 20 teeth. The mean (SD) total GOHAI score was 56.4 (8.0); 60% reported negative impact of oral health on their quality of life. The mean (SD) MNA score was 25.2 (2.9); 30% had malnutrition or were at risk. Multivariate analysis showed that tooth loss and untreated decayed teeth (DT) were significant determinants of poor OHQoL; older age, higher education level, and poorer OHQoL were significantly associated with higher risk of malnutrition (all p<0.05). Conclusions: Oral health problems are common among community dwelling elders in Hong Kong. Their oral health awareness and practice are yet to be improved. Tooth loss and unmet treatment need for dental caries significantly compromise elders’ quality of life, which in turn increases their risk for malnutrition. Outreach oral health education and service are well received by the community.published_or_final_versio

The combined role of MRI prostate and prostate health index in improving detection of significant prostate cancer in a screening population of Chinese men

Using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer (PCa) screening led to overinvestigation and overdiagnosis of indolent PCa. We aimed to investigate the value of prostate health index (PHI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prostate in an Asian PCa screening program. Men aged 50-75 years were prospectively recruited from a community-based PSA screening program. Men with PSA 4.0-10.0 ng ml -1 had PHI result analyzed. MRI prostate was offered to men with PSA 4.0-50.0 ng ml -1. A systematic prostate biopsy was offered to men with PSA 4.0-9.9 ng ml -1 and PHI ≥35, or PSA 10.0-50.0 ng ml -1. Additional targeted prostate biopsy was offered if they had PI-RADS score ≥3. Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group (GG) ≥2 or ISUP GG 1 with involvement of ≥30% of total systematic cores. In total, 12.8% (196/1536) men had PSA ≥4.0 ng ml -1. Among 194 men with PSA 4.0-50.0 ng ml -1, 187 (96.4%) received MRI prostate. Among them, 28.3% (53/187) had PI-RADS ≥3 lesions. Moreover, 7.0% (107/1536) men were indicated for biopsy and 94.4% (101/107) men received biopsy. Among the men received biopsy, PCa, ISUP GG ≥2 PCa, and csPCa was diagnosed in 42 (41.6%), 24 (23.8%), and 34 (33.7%) men, respectively. Compared with PSA/PHI pathway in men with PSA 4.0-50.0 ng ml -1, additional MRI increased diagnoses of PCa, ISUP GG ≥2 PCa, and csPCa by 21.2% (from 33 to 40), 22.2% (from 18 to 22), and 18.5% (from 27 to 32), respectively. The benefit of additional MRI was only observed in PSA 4.0-10.0 ng ml -1, and the number of MRI needed to diagnose one additional ISUP GG ≥2 PCa was 20 in PHI ≥35 and 94 in PHI &lt;35. Among them, 45.4% (89/196) men with PSA ≥4.0 ng ml -1 avoided unnecessary biopsy with the use of PHI and MRI. A screening algorithm with PSA, PHI, and MRI could effectively diagnose csPCa while reducing unnecessary biopsies. The benefit of MRI prostate was mainly observed in PSA 4.0-9.9 ng ml -1 and PHI ≥35 group. PHI was an important risk stratification step for PCa screening.</p

Albumin-bilirubin grade predicts the outcomes of liver resection versus radiofrequency ablation for very early/early stage of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and purposeWhether liver resection or ablation should be the first-line treatment for very early/early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who are candidates for both remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine if the newly-developed Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grade might help in treatment selections and to evaluate the survival of patients treated with liver resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).MethodsPatients with BCLC stage 0/A HCC who were treated with curative liver resection and RFA from 2003 to 2013 were included. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were retrieved and reviewed from the hospital database. Liver function and its impact on survival was assessed by the ALBI score. Overall and disease-free survivals were compared between the two groups.Results488 patients underwent liver resection (n = 318) and RFA (n = 170) for BCLC stage 0/A HCC during the study period. Liver resection offered superior survival to RFA in patients with BCLC stage 0/A HCC in the whole cohort. After propensity score matching, liver resection offered superior overall survival and disease-free survival to RFA in patients with ALBI grade 1 (P = 0.0002 and P ConclusionsLiver resection offered superior survival to RFA in patients with BCLC stage 0/A HCC. The ALBI grade could identify those patients with worse liver function who did not gain any survival advantage from curative liver resection