bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic efficacy of RLIP inhibition and 2′‐hydroxyflavanone against DMBA‐induced mammary carcinogenesis in SENCAR mice
Authors: Singhal Sharad S. , Horne David , Singhal Jyotsana , Vonderfecht Steven , Salgia Ravi , Awasthi Sanjay
Published: April 2019

Substantial evidence suggests that 7,12‐dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)‐induced mammary carcinogenesis in mice mimics human breast cancer (BC) in many respects. Therefore, it has been used extensively to evaluate preventive and therapeutic agents for human BC. Mammary carcinogenesis induced by DMBA administration in female SENsitive to CARcinogen (SENCAR) mice was characterized by histopathological analysis of the mammary glands and alterations to the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (PI3K/Akt/CDK1) pathway. We recently reported that 2′‐hydroxyflavanone (2HF) is a promising diet‐derived chemotherapeutic agent that suppresses BC growth in vitro and in vivo by targeting a 76 kDa ral‐interacting protein (RLIP). The objective of the current study was to investigate the synergistic anticarcinogenic effects of RLIP inhibition/depletion and 2HF in an in vivo model of DMBA‐induced mammary carcinogenesis in SENCAR mice. Mice were given 2HF (50 mg/kg, bw, orally on alternate days), RLIP antibody (Rab; 5 mg/kg, bw, ip weekly), RLIP antisense (RAS; 5 mg/kg, b.w., ip weekly), or a combination of 2HF + Rab + RAS. Animals were monitored daily, and 7 days after the first appearance of moribund behavior, tissues were harvested for morphological and immunohistological analysis. Western blot analyses were performed to determine the expression of anti‐ and proapoptotic proteins in the mammary glands. Our results reveal that 2HF, RAS, and Rab significantly prevented the carcinogenic effects of DMBA administration in the mammary glands and other organs. Further, mice treated with a combination of 2HF + RAS + Rab exhibited no carcinogenic effect of DMBA as compared to either or the single agent‐treated mice. This study demonstrates for the first time the anticarcinogenic effects of 2HF and RLIP inhibition/depletion in vivo in a novel DMBA‐induced model of BC in SENCAR mice and provides the rationale for further clinical investigation.
Intervention increases tobacco abstinence in people with SMI
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2019

Observing that people with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, are three times more likely to smoke than the wider population, contributing to widening health inequalities, researchers tested the effectiveness of a combined behavioral and pharmacological smoking‐cessation intervention targeted specifically at this population.
Accelerated 3D T2w‐imaging of the prostate with 1‐millimeter isotropic resolution in less than 3 minutes
Authors: Vidya Shankar Rohini , Roccia Elisa , Cruz Gastao , Neji Radhouene , Botnar René , Prezzi Davide , Goh Vicky , Prieto Claudia , Dregely Isabel
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To achieve 3D T2w imaging of the prostate with 1‐mm isotropic resolution in less than 3 min.

Methods

We devised and implemented a 3D T2‐prepared multishot balanced steady state free precession (T2prep‐bSSFP) acquisition sequence with a variable density undersampled trajectory combined with a total variation regularized iterative SENSE (TV‐SENSE) reconstruction. Prospectively undersampled images of the prostate (acceleration factor R = 3) were acquired in 11 healthy subjects in an institutional review board‐approved study. Image quality metrics (subjective signal‐to‐noise ratio, contrast, sharpness, and overall prostate image quality) were evaluated by 2 radiologists. Scores of the proposed accelerated sequence were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Kruskal‐Wallis non‐parametric tests to prostate images acquired using a fully sampled 3D T2prep‐bSSFP acquisition, and with clinical standard 2D and 3D turbo spin echo (TSE) T2w acquisitions. A P‐value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The 3× accelerated 3D T2prep‐bSSFP images required a scan time (min:s) of 2:45, while the fully sampled 3D T2prep‐bSSFP and clinical standard 3D TSE images were acquired in 8:23 and 7:29, respectively. Image quality scores (contrast, sharpness, and overall prostate image quality) of the accelerated 3D T2prep‐bSSFP, fully sampled T2prep‐bSSFP, and clinical standard 3D TSE acquisitions along all 3 spatial dimensions were not significantly different (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

3D T2w images of the prostate with 1‐mm isotropic resolution can be acquired in less than 3 min, with image quality that is comparable to a clinical standard 3D TSE sequence but only takes a third of the acquisition time.
A macro‐element strategy based upon spectral finite elements and mortar elements for transient wave propagation modeling. Application to ultrasonic testing of laminate composite materials
Authors: Imperiale Alexandre , Demaldent Edouard
Published: April 2019

Proposing efficient numerical modeling tools for high‐frequency wave propagation in realistic configurations, such as the one appearing in ultrasonic testing experiments, is a major challenge, especially in the perspective of inversion loops or parametric studies. We propose a numerical methodology addressing this challenge and based upon the combination of the spectral finite element method and the mortar element method. From a prior decomposition of the scene of interest into “macro‐elements,” we show how one can improve the performances of the standard finite element procedures in terms of memory footprint and computational load. Additionally, using this decomposition, we are able to efficiently reconstruct important modeling features on‐the‐fly, such as orientations of anisotropic materials or splitting directions of perfectly matched layers formulations, altogether in a robust and efficient manner. We believe that this strategy is particularly suitable for parametric studies and sensitivity analysis. We illustrate our strategy by simulating the propagation of an ultrasonic wave into an immersed and curved anisotropic laminate 3D specimen flawed with an internal circular delamination of varying size, thus showing the efficiency and the robustness of our approach.
Widespread pain and pain intensity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. A cross‐sectional comparison between smokers and non‐smokers
Authors: Karlsson Marie‐Louise , Elkan Ann‐Charlotte , Hafström Ingiäld
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim was to investigate if smoking status at time for diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis was associated with pain intensity or pain spread.

Design

A cross‐sectional study conducted in 2012–2013.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients, of whom 16 were current smokers and 62 never or previous smokers, with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis were assessed as to pain intensity, widespread pain and disease activity.

Results

Of the participants, 56% had unacceptable pain, 77% had spread pain and 28% had chronic widespread pain. There were no differences in pain intensity, widespread pain or chronic widespread pain between smoking status groups. However, there was a positive association between pain intensity and disease activity, r = 0.52.

Conclusion

In this study, patients with early rheumatoid arthritis had a high‐frequency unacceptable pain and wide spread pain, irrespective of smoking status. However, we cannot exclude that the inflammatory‐associated pain overshadowed a possible negative effect of smoking.
A psychometric analysis of the Caring Assessment Tool version V
Authors: Sim Jenny , Lapkin Samuel , Joyce Joanne , Gordon Rob , Kobel Conrad , Fernandez Ritin
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure and construct validity of the Caring Assessment Tool version V (CAT‐V) for patients in Australian hospitals.

Design

Secondary analysis of CAT‐V surveys from the Australian Nursing Outcomes Collaborative (AUSNOC) data set was used. The CAT was originally developed in the United States of America.

Methods

The 27‐item CAT‐V was administered to patients prior to discharge from eight wards in three Australian hospitals in 2016. The psychometric properties of the CAT were evaluated using item analysis and exploratory factor analyses.

Results

Item analysis of surveys from 476 participants showed high levels of perceived caring behaviours and actions. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two‐factor structure consisting of: Nurse–patient communication; and Feeling cared for. The CAT‐V is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring patients’ perceptions of the attitudes and actions of nurses in Australia.
The use of impulse and stepped‐frequency radar to characterize the hydric behaviour of a porous pavement structure
Authors: Dérobert X. , Ihamouten A. , Guilbert D. , Bosc F. , Bernardin F.
Published: April 2019

This study focusses on examining the behaviour of an innovative asphalt pavement which is created as a solar energy collector, using non‐destructive testing involving ground‐penetrating radar. The concept of heat exchanger is based on the use of drainage asphalt in the bonding layer through which a heated fluid flows via gravity to de‐ice the roadway. In order to develop hydrothermal models for a test site representing such a pavement, the saturated porous layer assumption was required when the water level in each tank (up‐ and downstream of the structure) was same as the top of the porous layer. Two ground‐penetrating radar techniques were tested at this test site: a ground‐coupled impulse radar and an air‐coupled stepped‐frequency radar. The impulse ground‐penetrating radar, a high‐efficiency non‐destructive testing technique which is widely used in civil engineering, provides accurate geometric information, especially for pavement investigation. In the second innovative approach, air‐coupled stepped‐frequency radar was combined with full‐waveform inversion to obtain quantitative information, while retrieving the electromagnetic properties of the successive pavement layers.

We concentrated on the early‐stage water imbibition in the pavement structure using the impulse ground‐penetrating radar to estimate the fluid transfer velocity and both ground‐penetrating radar techniques to verify the saturated porous layer assumption in the steady state. Ground‐coupled radar enabled us to follow the water front and to capture different water‐transfer behaviours in the porous asphalt layer. Our observation could be explained by the vertical topology of the upper watertight interface. Air‐coupled stepped‐frequency ground‐penetrating radar presented similar results to ground‐coupled ground‐penetrating radar but provided a quantitative estimate of the changes within the porous layer during the test.
A comparative evaluation of vertical fractures using different azimuthal electrical resistivity survey arrays
Authors: Moreira S.S. , Bacellar L.A.P. , Aranha P.R.A.
Published: April 2019

The identification of geological discontinuities such as fractures and faults is fundamental to geotechnical and hydrogeological characterization of rock masses. It is difficult to characterize these discontinuities, even by means of drill cores. Electrical resistivity has been historically employed as an alternative tool for the characterization of discontinuities, and new equipment for data acquisition and modern interpretation techniques have increased this possibility. However, when the characterization of vertical discontinuities is to be carried out in small areas, such as urban zones or for engineering works, traditional surveying may be impracticable, because it requires larger areas for proper acquisition. In these situations, azimuthal electrical resistivity surveying can be a good option, thanks to faster data acquisition and the possibility of reaching greater depths of investigation. There are several types of azimuthal arrays, but comparative analyses of their efficiency are still scarce. The objective of this study is to compare the applicability of several types of azimuthal resistivity surveys to identify vertical discontinuities in rock masses. The study was carried out in the laboratory using a scale model (tank), where boundary conditions could be well‐defined. We tried to replicate the natural conditions of a karstic area in Brazil, known to have hydrogeological and geotechnical problems associated with subvertical discontinuities. The simulations involved a limestone rock mass crosscut by a set of discontinuities with varied apertures. The selected arrays (square, equatorial dipole–dipole, Wenner and Schlumberger) encompassed varied inter‐electrode spacings and three different thicknesses of a saturated isotropic overburden, so as to represent field conditions. The azimuthal resistivity surveys, especially the Wenner array, proved to be promising in order to detect vertical discontinuities. The non‐collinear arrays are preferable when it comes to discerning the depth of investigation (square) and detecting electric anisotropy (equatorial dipole–dipole), despite small azimuthal distortions that were observed in relation to the strike of the discontinuities.
Primary fetal pleural effusion: Characteristics, outcomes, and the role of intervention
Authors: Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Erfani Hadi , Aalipour Soroush , Shah Sohum C. , Nassr Ahmed A. , Stewart Kelsey A. , Rezaei Atefeh , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Espinoza Jimmy , Belfort Michael A.
Published: April 2019

Background

We aimed to present the natural history and outcomes of fetal primary pleural effusions (PPE).

Methods

Fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of PPE delivered between January 2011 and June 2018 were included. Fetal PPE were separated into groups: resolved, stable, or progressive. Progressive PPE was diagnosed, using fetal echocardiography, by the new onset of fetal hydrops or impaired cardiac function. Data were reported as median [range] and n (%).

Results

Among 189 fetuses with antenatal diagnosis of pleural effusion, 30 had a PPE. A total of 26.7% (n = 8), 26.7% (n = 8), and 40.0% (n = 12) were classified as resolved, stable, and progressive, respectively; two were lost to follow‐up. In 14 cases (50%), there were bilateral pleural effusions. Of the 12 cases in the progressive group, four (33.3%) had amnioreduction, six (50.0%) had thoracentesis, and eight (66.7%) had shunt placement performed. There were two fetal deaths, both in the progressive group, one of which received amnioreduction and the other underwent both thoracentesis and shunt placement prior to demise.

Conclusion

In more than half of fetuses with prenatal PPE, the effusion remained stable or spontaneously resolved, and the perinatal outcomes were generally favorable. This information will be useful in optimizing the counseling and care of these patients.
Vulcanization accelerator functionalized nanosilica: Effect on the reinforcement behavior of SSBR/BR
Authors: Mao Yimei , Tian Qingfeng , Zhang Chunhua , Tang Yuan , Wang Yanpeng , Li Xiaohong , Ding Tao
Published: April 2019

The application of nanosilica in high performance tire highly depends on its uniform dispersion in rubber matrix. A series of dispersible nanosilica (denoted as DNS) modified by diphenyl guanidine (denoted as DPG, a vulcanization accelerator) were synthesized by liquid phase in situ surface chemical modification. The structure of the as‐obtained DNS‐DPG fillers was investigated in relation to Fourier transform infrared spectrometric analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic light scattering test, and transmission electron microscopic observation. It was found that the rubber vulcanization accelerator DPG was successfully grafted onto the surface of nanosilica, thereby effectively preventing the silica nanoparticles from agglomeration and significantly reducing the average particle size. The reinforcing effect of the DPG‐modified DNS nano‐fillers for the solution polymerized styrene butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber (denoted as SSBR/BR) was dependent on the fraction of the modifier DPG; in particular, when the amount of modifier DPG is 135.25 mmol/kg (denoted as DNS‐DPG‐3), silica exhibited very homogeneous dispersion in the SSBR/BR matrix, which contributed to significantly enhancing the filler‐rubber compatibility. As a result, SSBR/BR/DNS‐DPG‐3 nanocomposite exhibited the best mechanical properties, integrated high abrasion resistance and low rolling resistance. The modified silica not only possessed the effect of accelerating the crosslinking reaction, but also showed the reinforcing effect. This could make it feasible for SSBR/BR/DNS‐DPG nanocomposite to find promising application in green tire tread. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1270–1278 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of cross‐linked poly(sodium acrylate)/sodium silicate hydrogels
Authors: Mastalska‐Popławska Joanna , Izak Piotr , Wójcik Łukasz , Stempkowska Agata , Góral Zuzanna , Krzyżak Artur T. , Habina Iwona
Published: April 2019

Transparent and intumescent polymer‐silicate hydrogels were synthesized by free‐radical polymerization, in the presence of the redox initiators system (potassium persulphate/sodium thiosulphate) and cross‐linking monomer (N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide). Hydrogels obtained in such a manner were rheologically tested and it was found that the same sample with a different sodium acrylate concentration polymerized faster when its content was lower. The spectroscopic and thermal analysis proved that the polymer combines with sodium silicate by hydrogen bonds and during thermal degradation only small polymer fragments and water molecules were released. NMR studies have shown that the content of water glass causes shorter relaxation times. Conducted fire tests showed that glass panes systems filled with the tested hydrogels meet the relevant construction standards and what is their big advantage, a thin 1 mm layer of polymer‐silicate gel is sufficient for this purpose. We believe that these results will contribute to the development of intumescent hydrogels with enhanced fire‐retardant properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1279–1287 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Do combined upper airway cultures identify lower airway infections in children with chronic cough?
Authors: Hare Kim M. , Chang Anne B. , Smith‐Vaughan Heidi C. , Bauert Paul A. , Spain Brian , Beissbarth Jemima , Grimwood Keith
Published: April 2019

Background

Obtaining lower airway specimens is important for guiding therapy in chronic lung infection but is difficult in young children unable to expectorate. While culture‐based studies have assessed the diagnostic accuracy of nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal specimens for identifying lower airway infection, none have used both together. We compared respiratory bacterial pathogens cultured from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures as the “gold standard” to better inform the diagnosis of lower airway infection in children with chronic wet cough.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and BAL fluid specimens were collected concurrently from consecutive children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy for chronic cough and cultured for bacterial pathogens.

Results

In cultures from 309 children (median age, 2.3 years) with chronic endobronchial suppuration, all main pathogens detected (Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis) were more prevalent in nasopharyngeal than oropharyngeal swabs (37%, 34%, and 23% vs 21%, 6.2%, and 3.2%, respectively). Positive and negative predictive values for lower airway infection by any of these three pathogens were 63% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 55, 70) and 85% (95% CI, 78, 91) for nasopharyngeal swabs, 65% (95% CI, 54, 75), and 66% (95% CI, 59, 72) for oropharyngeal swabs, and 61% (95% CI, 54,68), and 88% (95% CI, 81, 93) for both swabs, respectively.

Conclusions

Neither nasopharyngeal nor oropharyngeal swabs, alone or in combination, reliably predicted lower airway infection in children with chronic wet cough. Although upper airway specimens may be useful for bacterial carriage studies and monitoring antimicrobial resistance, their clinical utility in pediatric chronic lung disorders of endobronchial suppuration is limited.
One‐pot synthesis, structure and structure–activity relationship of novel bioactive diphenyl/diethyl (3‐bromo‐1‐(3‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)(arylamino)methylphosphonates
Authors: Wang Bao‐Lei , Zhu Hong‐Wei , Li Zheng‐Ming , Zhang Xiao , Yu Shu‐Jing , Ma Yi , Song Hai‐Bin
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

N‐Pyridylpyrazole derivatives have received continuous attention in agrochemical research during the last decade owing to their remarkable insecticidal or fungicidal potentials. To look for novel heterocyclic agrochemicals for increasing production of agriculture, a series of novel α‐aminophosphonate derivatives containing N‐pyridylpyrazole moiety were synthesized.

RESULTS

The structures of the title compounds were confirmed via melting point, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR, HRMS and elemental analysis. The single crystal structure of diethyl (3‐bromo‐1‐(3‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)(2,6‐dimethylphenylamino)methylphosphonate (compound 12b) was first reported. Moreover, the bioassays displayed that the title compounds exhibited modest or weak insecticidal activities against oriental armyworm at 200 μg mL−1. The first investigation on the fungicidal potential of chlorantraniliprole showed no significant activities towards the six tested fungi found in this study, however, most of the title compounds displayed apparent in vitro fungicidal activity against some plant fungi, in particular excellent activities towards Physalospora piricola. Compounds 11a and 11b had EC50 values of 18.8 and 17.4 μg mL−1, respectively, which were comparable with that of fungicide control triadimefon (EC50 = 24.7 μg mL−1) against Physalospora piricola. In addition, some compounds exhibited modest in vivo control efficacy at 0.5 mg mL−1 towards Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (11b: 30.1(±1.8)%), Rhizoctonia cerealis (11a: 20.4(±2.1)%; 11b: 30.2(±2.2)%), and Erysiphe graminis (11a: 30.3(±1.8)%; 12d: 40.2(±0.9)%).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 11a, 11b and 12d could be promising new lead structures for the development and discovery of novel fungicides towards Physalospora piricola and Erysiphe graminis. The structure‐activity relationship (SAR) analysis provided useful guidance and new understanding for the design of novel pyridylpyrazole‐containing agrochemicals. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Furanodienone overcomes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma through the downregulation of CSPG4‐Akt‐ERK signalling by inhibiting EGR1‐dependent transcription
Authors: Chen Lei , Liu Yue‐cheng , Zheng Yue‐yang , Xu Ji , Zhang Yuan , Liu Wen‐lan , Li Zong‐yang , Huang Guo‐dong , Li Wei‐ping
Published: April 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive type of brain tumour. Patients with GBM respond poorly to chemotherapy and have poor survival outcomes. Neuron‐glial antigen 2 (NG2), also known as chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), has been shown to contribute to critical processes, such as cell survival, proliferation, and chemotherapy resistance, during glioma progression. In this study, we found that furanodienone (FUR), a diene‐type sesquiterpene isolated from the rhizomes of Rhizoma curcumae, exhibited a potential cytotoxic effect on temozolomide (TMZ)–resistant GBM cells in vitro by inhibiting CSPG4 and related signalling pathways. Studies investigating the mechanism demonstrated that FUR suppressed CSPG4‐Akt‐ERK signalling, inflammatory responses, and cytokine levels but activated caspase‐dependent pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, an immunofluorescence assay and a dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that inhibition of EGR1‐mediated transcription might have contributed to the FUR‐dependent blockade of CSPG4 signalling and glioma cell survival. These results established a link between FUR‐induced CSPG4 inhibition and the suppression of EGR1‐dependent transcription. Attenuation of ERK1/2 and cytokine signalling might have generated the EGR1‐dependent negative feedback loop of the CSPG4 pathway during FUR‐induced apoptosis. These findings suggested that FUR could be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of malignant glioma via targeting CSPG4 signalling.
Relativistic calculations of AuSi+ and AuSi−
Authors: Barysz Maria , Černušák Ivan , Kellö Vladimir
Published: April 2019

Theoretical calculations of the electronic structure of the ground state and a series of excited states of the AuSi+ and AuSi− molecules are presented. The calculations were carried out with the spin‐free relativistic infinite‐order two‐component (IOTC) method and high‐level complete active space self‐consistent field/complete active space perturbation theory correlated methods. The spin‐orbit (SO) coupling was introduced via the restricted active space state interaction method with the use of the atomic mean‐field SO integrals. The work presents the spectroscopic parameters of calculated states and full potential energy curves of the ionic AuSi+ and AuSi− structures for the first time. Electrostatic potential maps projected on the electron density surface illustrate the significant relativistic effects on going from nonrelativistic to scalar relativistic treatments.
Characterization of ethoxylated alcohols in friction reducers using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: York Jamie L. , Magnuson Robert H. , Camdzic Dino , Schug Kevin A.
Published: April 2019

Rationale

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) provides detailed information for the analysis of ethoxylated alcohols and polymers. In this study, five friction reducers used in commercial hydraulic fracturing processes were analyzed in their as‐received form to identify their ethoxylated alcohol content. The friction reducers were then subjected to lab‐simulated downhole conditions. Characterization of friction reducers before and after being subjected to reactive conditions can provide fingerprints associated with produced oilfield waste for source apportionment and information on the stability of these key hydraulic fracturing additives.

Methods

Five different industrially used friction reducers were analyzed for their ethoxylated alcohol content using MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Three different matrices were assessed for optimal response: α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid with 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (2,5‐DHB + E). Reaction times, temperatures, and sample matrices (deionized water, produced water inorganic, produced water, and produced water + shale core) were varied to assess changes in molecular weight distribution and polydispersity of the ethoxylated alcohols relative to their as‐received content.

Results

A preference for the 2,5‐DHB + E matrix was observed. The friction reducers were found to contain ethoxylated alcohols with carbon chain lengths of 12 and 14 with degrees of ethoxylation ranging from 6 to 18. Upon being subjected to 100°C for 24 hours, the ethoxylated alcohols tended to polymerize further, returning higher average molecular weights. Less polymerization was seen in more complex matrices, as supported by dispersity calculations.

Conclusions

Ethoxylated alcohol content was effectively determined in friction reducers using MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Although this is not a new technique to characterize ethoxylated alcohols, it has proven to be a quick and effective way to determine ethoxylated alcohol content in friction reducers in complex oilfield matrices. This technique can be used as a rapid and straightforward way to determine ethoxylated alcohol content in friction reducers and hydraulic fracturing wastewater for fingerprinting.
Frame synchronization for pulsed jammed satellite telecommand links
Authors: Noels Nele , Moeneclaey Marc
Published: April 2019

A new issue of the satellite telecommand synchronization and channel coding sublayer protocol includes LDPC‐coded communication link transmission units (CLTUs) that contain a 64‐bit start sequence. The novel data structures allow operation at lower signal‐to‐noise ratios than before and offer improved protection against jamming attacks. This paper considers the corresponding CLTU frame synchronization process. We derive practical algorithms to locate the start sequence in the presence of high noise levels and pulsed jamming. The different algorithms are compared in terms of implementation complexity and performance under various jamming conditions. It is shown that among the considered frame synchronizers, those involving a full search over the entire observation window provide the desired accuracy, ie, they guarantee a frame synchronization error probability that is significantly smaller than the codeword error rate, for codeword error rates near a target value of 10−4. Among these synchronizers, the full‐search hard‐decision–directed correlation‐based algorithm has the lowest complexity.
Entrepreneurial firms grow up: Board undervaluation, board evolution, and firm performance in newly public firms
Authors: Garg Sam , John Li Qiang , Shaw Jason D.
Published: April 2019

Research Summary

An initial public offering (IPO) ushers in many changes to the organization's boards of directors, including the installation of a formal and comprehensive board leadership structure. This paper shows that higher board undervaluation, that is, the average degree to which directors' qualifications based on normatively accepted criteria for board leadership are not duly reflected in their appointments to the board chair and committee chair positions, is associated with higher director turnover, and with lower qualifications among new directors in the subsequent years. Further, the effect of board undervaluation on firm performance is mediated both by director turnover and new directors' qualifications. But these two mediators operate as opposite forces on performance—director turnover is associated with lower firm performance, but counter‐intuitively lower new‐director‐qualifications are associated with higher firm performance.

Managerial Summary

How should a privately‐held entrepreneurial firm design its board leadership structure at IPO? What are the implications for board evolution and even firm performance? We find that higher board undervaluation, that is, the average degree to which directors' qualifications based on normatively accepted criteria for board leadership are not duly reflected in their appointments to the board chair and committee chair positions, is associated with higher director turnover, and with lower qualifications among new directors in the subsequent years. These two evolutionary paths act in opposite ways on performance—director turnover lowers firm performance, but lower new‐director‐qualifications improve firm performance. This has important implications for boards, investors, and stock exchange guidelines on board leadership structure.
Market reactions to non‐market strategy: Congressional testimony as an indicator of firm political influence
Authors: Ridge Jason W. , Ingram Amy , Abdurakhmonov Mirzokhidjon , Hasija Dinesh
Published: April 2019

Research Summary

We argue that because influence in the political arena can net benefits for firms, investors will respond favorably to indications of firm political influence. We focus on testimony before Congress because it is one of the most highly sought after and influential points of governmental access. Our findings indicate that firms reap positive abnormal returns surrounding Congressional testimony and that investors respond more favorably to aspects of testimony that indicate additional political influence (i.e., witness status, testimony length, and committee jurisdiction). Further, we find regulatory risk strengthens the effect of witness status and testimony length while Congressional negativity strengthens the effect of witness status. Taken together, our results suggest that investors respond favorably to indications that firms have influence in the political arena.

Managerial Summary

Our findings showcase that investors react positively to firm Congressional testimonies and their attributes, such as the status of a firm representative, the length of the testimony, and the committee industry jurisdiction. Further, we also find that investors will respond even more positively to these Congressional testimony attributes when a firm is facing high regulatory risk and when the Congressional representative's tone is negative. In general, our findings suggest that firms may gain market returns through obtaining public access to Congressional committees.
The impact of feature types, classifiers, and data balancing techniques on software vulnerability prediction models
Authors: Kaya Aydin , Keceli Ali Seydi , Catal Cagatay , Tekinerdogan Bedir
Published: April 2019

Software vulnerabilities form an increasing security risk for software systems, that might be exploited to attack and harm the system. Some of the security vulnerabilities can be detected by static analysis tools and penetration testing, but usually, these suffer from relatively high false positive rates. Software vulnerability prediction (SVP) models can be used to categorize software components into vulnerable and neutral components before the software testing phase and likewise increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall verification process. The performance of a vulnerability prediction model is usually affected by the adopted classification algorithm, the adopted features, and data balancing approaches. In this study, we empirically investigate the effect of these factors on the performance of SVP models. Our experiments consist of four data balancing methods, seven classification algorithms, and three feature types. The experimental results show that data balancing methods are effective for highly unbalanced datasets, text‐based features are more useful, and ensemble‐based classifiers provide mostly better results. For smaller datasets, Random Forest algorithm provides the best performance and for the larger datasets, RusboostTree achieves better performance.
Boundary objects and their use in agile systems engineering
Authors: Wohlrab Rebekka , Pelliccione Patrizio , Knauss Eric , Larsson Mats
Published: April 2019

Agile methods are increasingly introduced in automotive companies in the attempt to become more efficient and flexible in the system development. The adoption of agile practices influences communication between stakeholders and makes companies rethink the management of artifacts and documentation like requirements, safety compliance documents, and architecture models. Practitioners aim to reduce irrelevant documentation but face a lack of guidance to determine what artifacts are needed and how they should be managed. This paper presents artifacts, challenges, guidelines, and practices for the continuous management of systems engineering artifacts in automotive based on a theoretical and empirical understanding of the topic. In collaboration with 53 practitioners from six automotive companies, we conducted a design‐science study involving interviews, a questionnaire, focus groups, and practical data analysis of a systems engineering tool. The guidelines suggest the distinction between artifacts that are shared among different actors in a company (boundary objects) and those that are used within a team (locally relevant artifacts). We propose an analysis approach to identify boundary objects and three practices to manage systems engineering artifacts in industry.
Association between impedance to blood flow in umbilical arteries and infant survival in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Espinoza A. F. , Belfort M. A. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Hudson K. M. , Parisi X. , Nassr A. A. , Sanz Cortes M. , Erfani H. , Espinoza J.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate infant survival according to the Doppler pattern of impedance to blood flow in the umbilical arteries (UAs) prior to laser surgery, in pregnancies with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women with a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy who underwent laser surgery for TTTS between January 2012 and May 2018 at a single institution. Absolute intertwin difference in UA pulsatility index (DUAPI) was measured within 48 h prior to laser surgery. Twins with intermittent or persistent absent/reversed end‐diastolic flow (EDF) in the UA (UA‐EDF) were analyzed separately. Survival of both or at least one infant at birth and at 30 days postpartum was compared between pregnancies with an intertwin DUAPI of ≥ 0.4 and those with an intertwin DUAPI of < 0.4, as well as between fetuses with intermittent and those with persistent absent/reversed UA‐EDF. Parametric and non‐parametric tests were used for analysis. Regression analysis was performed to determine if intertwin DUAPI and intermittent or persistent absent/reversed UA‐EDF were associated independently with infant survival, while controlling for gestational age at delivery, Quintero stage and other important confounding variables.

Results

Of 231 TTTS pregnancies that underwent laser surgery during the study period, UA Doppler information could be retrieved for 206 and delivery information was available for 184, which comprised the study population. Rates of double‐twin survival at birth were significantly higher in pregnancies with an intertwin DUAPI of < 0.4 than in those with an intertwin DUAPI of ≥ 0.4 (83.9% (78/93) vs 50.0% (12/24); P < 0.001). Double‐infant survival at birth was higher in pregnancies with intermittent compared to those with persistent absent/reversed UA‐EDF (73.0% (27/37) vs 36.7% (11/30); P = 0.003). Regression analysis demonstrated that an intertwin DUAPI of < 0.4 was associated with increased survival of both twins at delivery (P < 0.001) and at 30 days postpartum (P = 0.002), as well as increased survival of at least one twin at delivery (P = 0.009). Similarly, intermittent absent/reversed UA‐EDF was associated with increased survival of both twins at delivery (P = 0.007) and at 30 days after birth (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

Evaluation of intertwin differences in UA impedance to blood flow as well as identification
of intermittent or persistent absent or reversed UA‐EDF prior to laser surgery could help in the prediction of double‐infant survival at birth and to 30 days in twin pregnancies with TTTS. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Subleading power rapidity divergences and power corrections for qT
Authors: Ebert Markus A. , Moult Ian , Stewart Iain W. , Tackmann Frank J. , Vita Gherardo , Zhu Hua Xing
Published: April 2019

Abstract

A number of important observables exhibit logarithms in their perturbative description that are induced by emissions at widely separated rapidities. These include transverse-momentum (qT) logarithms, logarithms involving heavy-quark or electroweak gauge boson masses, and small-xlogarithms. In this paper, we initiate the study of rapidity logarithms, and the associated rapidity divergences, at subleading order in the power expansion. This is accomplished using the soft collinear effective theory (SCET). We discuss the structure of subleading-power rapidity divergences and how to consistently regulate them. We introduce a new pure rapidity regulator and a corresponding$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$MS¯-like scheme, which handles rapidity divergences while maintaining the homogeneity of the power expansion. We find that power-law rapidity divergences appear at subleading power, which give rise to derivatives of parton distribution functions. As a concrete example, we consider theqTspectrum for color-singlet production, for which we compute the completeqT2/Q2suppressed power corrections at$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s\right) $$Oαs, including both logarithmic and nonlogarithmic terms. Our results also represent an important first step towards carrying out a resummation of subleading-power rapidity logarithms.
Finite quark-mass effects in Higgs boson production with dijets at large energies
Authors: Andersen Jeppe R. , Cockburn James D. , Heil Marian , Maier Andreas , Smillie Jennifer M.
Published: April 2019

Abstract

The production of a Higgs boson in association with at least two jets receives contributions both from the fusion of weak vector bosons (VBF) and from QCD processes, especially gluon fusion (GF). The former process is important for measuring the coupling of the Higgs boson to weak bosons, whereas the latter process plays an important role in determining any CP-admixtures in the Higgs sector. In this paper we go beyond the current state-of-the-art for fixed order calculations of the GF process (i.e. one loop H + 2j including full quark mass effects) by including the all-order effects in leading log(ŝ/p

t

2
), together with full quark mass and loop-propagator kinematic effects. We calculate the mass-dependent components and implement the resummation within the framework of High Energy Jets.

The high-energy effects suppress the prediction compared to fixed order at large Δy
12 and m

jj
(and therefore within the usual VBF cuts of widely separated jets), just as found in the limit of m

t
→ ∞. The mass dependence is more significant than at fixed order, because the systematic inclusion of the leading logarithms in ŝ/p

t

2
results in a hardening of the transverse momentum of the Higgs boson, which in turn probes in more detail the loop-structure of the coupling. In particular, the full mass dependence reduces the cross section within VBF cuts by 11% compared to a calculation based just on the infinite top mass limit, but the impact of the bottom quark remains small. This all implies that the gluon-fusion contribution within VBF-cuts is less severe than current estimates suggest.
Rate of cluster decomposition via Fermat-Steiner point
Authors: Avdoshkin Alexander , Astrakhantsev Lev , Dymarsky Anatoly , Smolkin Michael
Published: April 2019

Abstract

In quantum field theory with a mass gap correlation function between two spatially separated operators decays exponentially with the distance. This fundamental result immediately implies an exponential suppression of all higher point correlation functions, but the predicted exponent is not optimal. We argue that in a general quantum field theory the optimal suppression of a three-point function is determined by total distance from the operator locations to the Fermat-Steiner point. Similarly, for the higher point functions we conjecture the optimal exponent is determined by the solution of the Euclidean Steiner tree problem. We discuss how our results constrain operator spreading in relativistic theories.
Reduced Elective Operation Rates and High Patient Satisfaction After the Implementation of Decision Aids in Patients with Gallstones or an Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Latenstein Carmen S. S. , van Wely Bob J. , Klerkx Mieke , Meinders Marjan J. , Thomeer Bastiaan , de Reuver Philip R.
Published: April 2019

Background

For both gallbladder removal and inguinal hernia repair, it is important to include patients’ perspective in the decision‐making process, as watchful waiting is an accepted alternative in selected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate operation rates before and after implementation of decision aids (DAs) and to assess patient compliance with the use of DAs.

Methods

A single‐centered retrospective study was performed, including all patients ≥18 years referred to the surgical outpatient clinic with symptomatic gallstones or an inguinal hernia between January 2014 and December 2017. Operation rates before and after implementation of DAs (December 2015) were compared. In addition, patient compliance with the use of DAs and satisfaction with final treatment were assessed.

Results

Overall, 1625 patients with gallstones and 1798 patients with an inguinal hernia were included. After implementation, DAs were provided to 512 patients (63.1%) with gallstones of whom 80.7% (413/512) used the DA and to 528 patients (58.8%) with an inguinal hernia, which was used by 80.7% (426/528). Before implementation, the operation rate in patients with gallstones was 72.0% (586/814) and after implementation 56.7% (460/811) (− 15.3%, p < 0.001). The operation rate in patients with an inguinal hernia decreased from 77.8% (700/900) to 64.6% (580/898) (− 13.2%, p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction with final treatment was high (9/10).

Conclusion

Implementation of DAs in the surgical outpatient clinic for patients with gallstones or an inguinal hernia is associated with reduced elective operation rates and is associated with high DA compliance.
Analysis of Surgical Adverse Events at a Major University Hospital in South Africa
Authors: Wain Howard , Kong Victor , Bruce John , Laing Grant , Clarke Damian
Published: April 2019

Background

Surgical ‘never events’ have serious adverse outcomes for patients. A never event can be defined as a serious, avoidable patient safety incident that would not occur if necessary preventative measures are implemented. The literature from South Africa on this topic is limited. This study aims to understand these never events in our setting and to develop a taxonomy to classify these events which facilitates the development of strategies to prevent and reduce the incidence and impact of surgical never events.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was undertaken over a 5‐year period (December 2012–December 2017) at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Surgical Service, South Africa. All morbidities and surgical never events recorded on the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry (HEMR) were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

A total of 20,432 patient admissions were captured on HEMR, and total of 7187 morbidities were recorded. Of these morbidities, 61.6% were in males and 38.3% in females. Patients admitted to general surgery accounted for 62.7% of the total, and trauma surgery and pediatric surgery accounted for 33.6% and 3.8%, respectively, of the total number of morbidities. Of these 7187 morbidities, a total of 79 never events were identified: 53 (67.1%) in males and 26 (32.9%) in females. Of all morbidities reported, 1.1% (79/7187) constituted a never event. The rate of never events for all admissions was (79 never events/20,432 admissions) or 0.39%. Among the 79 never events, general surgery patients experienced 47 (59.5%), trauma surgery 25 (31.6%), and pediatric surgery 7 (8.9%). In addition to these 79 never events, a total of 126 near misses were identified, of which 80 (63.5%) occurred in males.

Conclusion

Surgical morbidity is common and has a substantial impact of both the individual patient and society as a whole. Robust reporting mechanisms are needed to capture data, and these data must feed into evidence‐based strategies to reduce the incidence and impact of this morbidity. Our systems ensure that our incidence of surgical never events is relatively low, but ongoing efforts must be made to ensure that we drive this level down even further.