bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Population Pharmacokinetics and Dose Selection for Further Clinical Evaluation in Pediatric Patients with Complicated Urinary Tract or Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections
Authors: Larson Kajal B. , Patel Yogesh T. , Willavize Susan , Bradley John S. , Rhee Elizabeth G. , Caro Luzelena , Rizk Matthew L.
Published: April 2019

Ceftolozane-tazobactam, a combination of the novel antipseudomonal cephalosporin ceftolozane and the well-established extended-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam, is approved for treating complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) in adults. To determine doses likely to be safe and efficacious in phase 2 pediatric trials for the same indications, single-dose ceftolozane-tazobactam plasma pharmacokinetic data from a recently completed phase 1 trial in pediatric patients (birth to <18 years old) with proven/suspected Gram-negative bacterial infections, along with pharmacokinetic data from 12 adult studies, were integrated into a population pharmacokinetic (popPK) analysis.
Transmission-Blocking Vaccines: Old Friends and New Prospects
Authors: Acquah Festus K. , Adjah Joshua , Williamson Kim C. , Amoah Linda E.
Published: April 2019

In the progression of the life cycle ofPlasmodium falciparum, a small proportion of asexual parasites differentiate into male or female sexual forms called gametocytes. Just like their asexual counterparts, gametocytes are contained within the infected host’s erythrocytes (RBCs).
Burkholderia cepacia Complex Contact-Dependent Growth Inhibition Systems Mediate Interbacterial Competition
Authors: Myers-Morales Tanya , Oates A. Elizabeth , Byrd Matthew S. , Garcia Erin C.
Published: April 2019

Competition among bacteria affects microbial colonization of environmental niches and host organisms, particularly during polymicrobial infections. The Bcc is a group of environmental bacteria that can cause life-threatening opportunistic infections in patients who have cystic fibrosis or are immunocompromised. Understanding the mechanisms used by these bacterial pathogens to compete with one another may lead to the development of more effective therapies. Findings presented here demonstrate that a Bcc species,
Burkholderia multivorans
, produces functional CDI system proteins and that growth of this pathogen can be controlled by CDI system proteins produced by neighboring
Burkholderia
cells.
Effects of a Novel Probiotic Combination on Pathogenic Bacterial-Fungal Polymicrobial Biofilms
Authors: Hager Christopher L. , Isham Nancy , Schrom Kory P. , Chandra Jyotsna , McCormick Thomas , Miyagi Masaru , Ghannoum Mahmoud A.
Published: April 2019

The effects of diversity of the gut microbiome on inflammation have centered mainly on bacterial flora. Recent research has implicated fungal species and their interactions with other organisms in the inflammatory process. New ways to restore microbial balance in the gut are being explored. Our goal was to identify beneficial probiotic strains that would antagonize these fungal and bacterial pathogens that are elevated in the inflamed gut, and which also have antibiofilm activity. Fungus-bacterium correlation analysis allowed us to identify candidate probiotic species that can antagonize microbial pathogens, which we subsequently incorporated into a novel probiotic formulation. Amylase, which is known to have some antibiofilm activity, was also added to the probiotic mixture. This novel probiotic may have utility for the management of inflammatory bowel diseases by disrupting polymicrobial biofilm formation.
Mechanisms, Detection, and Relevance of Protein Acetylation in Prokaryotes
Authors: Christensen D. G. , Baumgartner J. T. , Xie X. , Jew K. M. , Basisty N. , Schilling B. , Kuhn M. L. , Wolfe A. J.
Published: April 2019

Posttranslational modification of a protein, either alone or in combination with other modifications, can control properties of that protein, such as enzymatic activity, localization, stability, or interactions with other molecules.
N
-ε-Lysine acetylation is one such modification that has gained attention in recent years, with a prevalence and significance that rival those of phosphorylation.
Role of the cerebral ultrasound in a case of Sturge-Weber syndrome
Authors: Ferraz Ana , Morais Sofia , Mimoso Gabriela
Published: April 2019

Cerebral ultrasound (CUS) can be a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for brain involvement in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). Literature discussing the relevance of ultrasound in SWS is, however, scarce.

We report a case of a newborn with SWS and serious brain abnormalities diagnosed on the first day of life with a CUS.
Tuberculosis at the animal–human interface in the Ugandan cattle corridor using a third-generation sequencing platform: a cross-sectional analysis study
Authors: Pullen Matthew Flinn , Boulware David R , Sreevatsan Srinand , Bazira Joel
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Mycobacterial diseases are a significant source of disease burden, withMycobacterium tuberculosisbeing the most common infectious cause of death worldwide. Given this, the emergence of antibiotic resistance in these species is of particular interest. By examining the epidemiology of mycobacteria in humans and cattle in an area of intense human–animal contact (the Ugandan cattle corridor [UCC]) and using a novel whole-genome sequencing technique to analyse organism diversity, this study will explore the role bidirectional transmission of mycobacteria plays in the local ecology, as well the significance of zoonoticMycobacterium bovisin the human population.

Methods and analysis

This ongoing study includes both a cross-sectional analysis of the UCC mycobacteria-positive population and novel laboratory-based research focused on differentiating the species causingM. tuberculosiscomplex-linked disease. We will use a third-generation sequencing platform (the MinION sequencer from Oxford Nanopore Technology), comparing data from a sample subset to the Illumina platform as a means of measuring viability of the MinION platform in this specific setting. Our full sample set will be sequenced on Illumina and the data will be used to perform epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from both the University of Minnesota IRB committee and the Ugandan National Council for Science and Technology—Research Ethics Committee. Samples were obtained after patients signed an informed consent indicating samples could be retained and used for research purposes. All samples are deidentified, with only basic demographic and geographic information being retained per national tuberculosis (TB) recording guidelines. Significant drug resistance results will be referred back to the local TB control officer to inform patient care. Final results of the study will be submitted to infectious disease-specific journals and will be submitted to the annual Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) meeting.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous people experiencing homelessness and mental illness in two Canadian cities: A retrospective analysis and implications for culturally informed action
Authors: Bingham Brittany , Moniruzzaman Akm , Patterson Michelle , Distasio Jino , Sareen Jitender , O’Neil John , Somers Julian M
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Indigenous people in Canada are not only over-represented among the homeless population but their pathways to homelessness may differ from those of non-Indigenous people. This study investigated the history and current status of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people experiencing homelessness and mental illness. We hypothesised that compared with non-Indigenous people, those who are Indigenous would demonstrate histories of displacement earlier in life, higher rates of trauma and self-medication with alcohol and other substances.

Design and setting

Retrospective data were collected from a sample recruited through referral from diverse social and health agencies in Winnipeg and Vancouver.

Participants

Eligibility included being 19 years or older, current mental disorder and homelessness.

Measures

Data were collected via interviews, using questionnaires, on sociodemographics (eg, age, ethnicity, education), mental illness, substance use, physical health, service use and quality of life. Univariate and multivariable models were used to model the association between Indigenous ethnicity and dependent variables.

Results

A total of 1010 people met the inclusion criteria, of whom 439 self-identified as Indigenous. In adjusted models, Indigenous ethnicity was independently associated with being homeless at a younger age, having a lifetime duration of homelessness longer than 3 years, post-traumatic stress disorder, less severe mental disorder, alcohol dependence, more severe substance use in the past month and infectious disease. Indigenous participants were also nearly twice as likely as others (47% vs 25%) to have children younger than 18 years.

Conclusions

Among Canadians who are homeless and mentally ill, those who are Indigenous have distinct histories and current needs that are consistent with the legacy of colonisation. Responses to Indigenous homelessness must be developed within the context of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, addressing trauma, substance use and family separations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN42520374,ISRCTN57595077,ISRCTN66721740.
Healthcare Options for People Experiencing Depression (HOPE*D): the development and pilot testing of an encounter-based decision aid for use in primary care
Authors: Barr Paul J , Forcino Rachel C , Dannenberg Michelle D , Mishra Manish , Turner Erick , Zisman-Ilani Yaara , Matthews Jim , Hinn Michelle , Bruce Martha , Elwyn Glyn
Published: April 2019

Objective

To develop and pilot an encounter-based decision aid (eDA) for people with depression for use in primary care.

Design

We developed an eDA for depression through cognitive interviews and pilot tested it using a one-group pretest, post-test design in primary care. Feasibility, fidelity of eDA use and acceptability were assessed using recruitment rates and semistructured interviews with patients, medical assistants and clinicians. Treatment choice and shared decision-making (SDM) were also assessed.

Setting

Interviews with adult patients and the public were conducted in a mall and library in Grafton County, New Hampshire, while clinician interviews took place by phone or at the clinician’s office. Pilot testing occurred in a New Hampshire primary care practice.

Participants

Cognitive interviews were conducted with adults, ≥18 years, who could read English from the following stakeholder groups: history of depression, the public and clinicians. Patients with a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥5 were recruited for piloting.

Results

Three stages of cognitive interviews were conducted (n=28). Changes to eDA included moving the combination therapy information and access to treatment information, adding colour, modifying pictograms and editing the talk-therapy description. Clinician concerns about patient health literacy were not reflected in patient interviews. Of 59 patients who reviewed study information, 56 were eligible and agreed to participate in pilot testing; however, only 29 could be reached for follow-up. The eDA was widely accepted, though clinicians did not always use it as intended. We found no impact of eDA use on SDM, though patients chose a wider range of treatment options.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility of the use of an eDA for depression in primary care that was widely accepted. Further research is needed to improve the fidelity with which the eDA is used and to assess its impact on SDM and related health outcomes.
Bidirectional association between migraine and fibromyalgia: retrospective cohort analyses of two populations
Authors: Penn I-Wen , Chuang Eric , Chuang Tien-Yow , Lin Cheng-Li , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: April 2019

Objective

Fibromyalgia (FM) and migraine are common pain disorders that tend to coexist. This study determined whether these two conditions exhibited any mutual influences.

Setting

Cohort study.

Participants

A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted using data obtained from a nationwide healthcare database. This study had two arms. Arm 1 comprised 33 216 patients with FM and arm 2 consisted of 7420 patients with migraine; all of these patients were diagnosed between 2000 and 2010. Using the aforementioned database, control subjects who had neither FM nor migraine and were matched with the FM and migraine patients by sex, age and index date of diagnosis were recruited. Each control cohort was four times the size of the corresponding study cohort. Follow-up for the control and study cohorts was conducted until the end of 2011.

Results

The incidence rates of FM and migraine were calculated in arms 1 and 2, respectively. The overall incidence of migraine was greater in the FM cohort than in the corresponding control cohort (4.39 vs 2.07 per 1000 person-years (PY)); crude HR=2.12, 95% CI=1.96 to 2.30; adjusted HR (aHR)=1.89, 95% CI=1.75 to 2.05). After adjustment for sex, age and comorbidities, the overall incidence of FM in the migraine cohort was 1.57 times greater than that in the corresponding control cohort (7.01 vs 4.49 per 1000 PY; aHR=1.52, 95% CI=1.39 to 1.65).

Conclusions

The present study revealed a bidirectional link between FM and migraine.
Association of tea drinking and dysmenorrhoea among reproductive-age women in Shanghai, China (2013–2015): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Rongrong , Chen Dan , Huang Rong , Tian Ying , Zhang Ping , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To investigate the association between tea drinking and dysmenorrhoea among women of reproductive age.

Design

A cross-sectional study based on Shanghai Birth Cohort Study.

Setting

Two preconceptional care clinics in Shanghai, China.

Participants

1183 women of reproductive age who sought preconceptional care were recruited from August 2013 to April 2015.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Participants were asked if they had pelvic pain associated with menstrual bleeding during the past 12 months and to further grade the intensity of menstrual cramp as mild, moderate and severe. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the association of tea drinking and dysmenorrhoea. Other information, such as demographic and lifestyle factors, was also collected and assessed in relation to dysmenorrhoea.

Results

The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 57.8%, among whom 10.4% and 3.5% had moderate and severe dysmenorrhoea, respectively. Tea drinking was associated with a lower prevalence of dysmenorrhoea (adjusted OR [aOR]=0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.93 for mild dysmenorrhoea; aOR=0.59 (95% CI 0.32 to 1.04) for moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhoea). Green tea and oolong tea appeared to have most reduction in the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea (for mild dysmenorrhoea: green tea: aOR=0.63 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.90) and oolong tea: aOR=0.60 (95% CI 0.35 to 1.03); for moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhoea: green tea: aOR=0.42 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.85) and oolong tea: aOR=0.34 (95% CI 0.11 to 1.09)).

Conclusions

Consumptions of green tea and possibly oolong tea were associated with a lower prevalence of dysmenorrhoea.
What are junior doctors for? The work of Foundation doctors in the UK: a mixed methods study
Authors: Vance Gillian , Jandial Sharmila , Scott Jon , Burford Bryan
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To examine what activities constitute the work of Foundation doctors and understand the factors that determine how that work is constructed.

Design

Cross-sectional mixed methods study. Questionnaire survey of the frequency with which activities specified in curricular documents are performed. Semistructured interviews and focus groups.

Setting

Postgraduate medical training in the UK.

Participants

Doctors in their first 2 years of postgraduate practice (Foundation Programme). Staff who work with Foundation doctors—supervisors, nurses and employers (clinical; non-clinical).

Results

Survey data from 3697 Foundation doctors identified curricular activities (41/103, 42%) that are carried out routinely (performed at least once or twice per week by >75% of respondents). However, another 30 activities (29%) were carried out rarely (at least once or twice per week by <25% respondents), largely because they are routinely part of nurses’, and not doctors’, work. Junior doctors indicated their work constituted three roles: ‘support’ of ward and team, ‘independent practitioner’ and ‘learner’. The support function dominated work, but conflicted with stereotyped expectations of what ‘being a doctor’ would be. It was, however, valued by the other staff groups. The learner role was felt to be incidental to practice, but was couched in a limited definition of learning that related to new skills, rather than consolidation and practice. Activities and perceived role were shaped by the organisational context, medical hierarchies and through relationships with nurses, which could change unpredictably and cause tension. Training progression did not affect what activities were done, but supported greater autonomy in how they were carried out.

Conclusions

New doctors must be fit for multiple roles. Strategies for transition should manage graduates’ expectations of real-world work, and encourage teams and organisations to better accommodate graduates. These strategies may help ensure that new doctors can adapt to the variable demands of the evolving multiprofessional workforce.
Not quite a doctor, but should I help? A qualitative exploration of medical students’ attitudes towards responding to medical emergencies that occur in the public domain
Authors: Xie Jessica Ying-Yi , Frost Rachael , Meakin Richard
Published: April 2019

Objective

To explore medical students’ views on and experiences of responding to out-of-hospital medical emergencies.

Setting

University College London (UCL).

Participants

11 UCL Medical School students.

Study design

Qualitative.

Methods and outcome measures

We carried out 11 one-to-one semistructured interviews, with participant validation and reflective work. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three core themes were identified. (1) ‘We Did Debate a Bit: Should We Go? Should We Not?’—Students’ decisions to respond were based on the appearance of the casualty; the presence and actions of bystanders; witnessing the incident; self-perceived competence, confidence and knowledge; and personal experiences and feelings associated with medical emergencies. (2) ‘It Would Represent the Medical Profession Well if We Did Step In and Help’—Students felt that they had an ethical and/or professional duty to help. (3) ‘No One Should Die Because of a Lack of… Basic Life-Saving Techniques’—Students felt that medical school training alone had not sufficiently prepared them to respond to out-of-hospital medical emergencies. Improvements to training were suggested: integrating first aid/response training into the horizontal (systems-based) modules; teaching both common and less common medical emergencies and presentations; training that is led by experienced first responders and that increases students’ exposure to out-of-hospital medical emergencies; and providing more revision training sessions.

Conclusions

Students felt that medical school training could be improved to better prepare them for responding to out-of-hospital medical emergencies, and wanted clarification on whether or not they have an ethical and/or professional duty to help. Further mixed-methods research using a larger sample needs to be carried out to confirm whether findings are transferable to other UK medical schools.
Ring1b-dependent epigenetic remodelling is an essential prerequisite for pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Benitz Simone , Straub Tobias , Mahajan Ujjwal Mukund , Mutter Jurik , Czemmel Stefan , Unruh Tatjana , Wingerath Britta , Deubler Sabrina , Fahr Lisa , Cheng Tao , Nahnsen Sven , Bruns Philipp , Kong Bo , Raulefs Susanne , Ceyhan Güralp O , Mayerle Julia , Steiger Katja , Esposito Irene , Kleeff Jörg , Michalski Christoph W , Regel Ivonne
Published: April 2019

Background and aims

Besides well-defined genetic alterations, the dedifferentiation of mature acinar cells is an important prerequisite for pancreatic carcinogenesis. Acinar-specific genes controlling cell homeostasis are extensively downregulated during cancer development; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Now, we devised a novel in vitro strategy to determine genome-wide dynamics in the epigenetic landscape in pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Design

With our in vitro carcinogenic sequence, we performed global gene expression analysis and ChIP sequencing for the histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. Followed by a comprehensive bioinformatic approach, we captured gene clusters with extensive epigenetic and transcriptional remodelling. Relevance of Ring1b-catalysed H2AK119ub in acinar cell reprogramming was studied in an inducible Ring1b knockout mouse model. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Ring1b ablation as well as drug-induced Ring1b inhibition were functionally characterised in pancreatic cancer cells.

Results

The epigenome is vigorously modified during pancreatic carcinogenesis, defining cellular identity. Particularly, regulatory acinar cell transcription factors are epigenetically silenced by the Ring1b-catalysed histone modification H2AK119ub in acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and pancreatic cancer cells. Ring1b knockout mice showed greatly impaired acinar cell dedifferentiation and pancreatic tumour formation due to a retained expression of acinar differentiation genes. Depletion or drug-induced inhibition of Ring1b promoted tumour cell reprogramming towards a less aggressive phenotype.

Conclusions

Our data provide substantial evidence that the epigenetic silencing of acinar cell fate genes is a mandatory event in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Targeting the epigenetic repressor Ring1b could offer new therapeutic options.
Longitudinal investigation of haematological alterations among permethrin-exposed pesticide applicators in the Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture study
Authors: Shearer Joseph J , Beane Freeman Laura E , Liu Danping , Andreotti Gabriella , Hamilton Jennifer , Happel Julie , Lynch Charles F , Alavanja Michael C , Hofmann Jonathan N
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Permethrin use has been associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM) among pesticide applicators. However, the biological plausibility and mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess whether exposure to permethrin is related to haematological alterations among occupationally exposed pesticide applicators.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study among 33 pesticide applicators in the Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture study comparing haematological parameters in the offseason with the day after permethrin exposure and, for 27 participants, approximately 3 weeks postexposure. Complete blood counts with white blood cell differential and lymphocyte subsets were measured at each visit. Multivariate linear mixed effects models were used to assess the relationship between natural log-transformed haematological parameters and exposure to permethrin.

Results

The adjusted geometric mean immature granulocyte count was elevated among pesticide applicators following permethrin exposure compared with their offseason levels (37% increase, 95% CI 6% to 76%). Modest but statistically significant (p<0.05) alterations in red blood cell (RBC) parameters (eg, decreased RBC count and haemoglobin and increased mean corpuscular volume and RBC distribution width-SD) were also observed the day after permethrin use compared with offseason levels; decreases in RBC count and haemoglobin and increases in RBC distribution width-SD persisted approximately 3 weeks after permethrin use.

Conclusions

Altered haematological parameters could be indicative of disrupted haematopoiesis, providing insights into the biological plausibility of the observed association between permethrin use and MM risk among pesticide applicators.
Statistics of the efficiency in community detection by most similar node pairs
Authors: Chang YunFeng , Gao Feng , Zhang ZhiWei , Liu ZhiYang , Li Yi , Zhang YuDong
Published: April 2019

Individuals that share common properties self-organize into communities. Therefore, community analysis is an important way to ascertain whether or not a complex system consists of sub-structures with different properties. In this paper, we give a two-level community structure analysis for the SSCI journal system by most similar node pairs. Five different strategies for the selection of node pairs are introduced. The efficiency is checked by normalized mutual information (NMI) technique. Statistical properties and comparisons of the community results show that both of the two level detections could give instructional information for the community structure in complex systems. Further comparisons of the five strategies show more indications. Firstly, it is always efficient to assign individuals with maximum similarity into the same community whether the interaction information is complete or not; secondly, rational random selection plays an important role in community diversity, and it is not a good idea to keep two much information for rational random selection; finally, random selection generates small-world community structure with no inside order. These results give valuable indication for efficient and stable community detection for huge complex systems with big interaction data.
Quantum-like signal-tuned approach to V1 modeling
Authors: Torreão José R. A. , Amaral Marcos S.
Published: April 2019

Signal-tuned Gabor functions — Gaussian-modulated sinusoids whose parameters are determined by a spatial or spectral “tuning signal” — have previously been shown to provide a plausible model for the stimulus-dependent receptive fields and responses of the simple and complex cells of the primary visual cortex (V1). The signal-tuned responses obey Schrödinger equations, which has led to the proposal of a quantum-like model for V1 cells: by considering the squared magnitude of a particular signal-tuned wave function as a probability density, one arrives at a Poisson spiking process which appears consistent with the neurophysiological findings. Here, by incorporating Hermite-polynomial factors to the signal-tuned Gabor functions, we obtain a generalized quantum-like signal-tuned model for which further relevant properties are demonstrated, such as receptive-field coding of the stimulus and its derivatives, saturating spatial summation curves and half-wave rectification of the simple cell responses. Although only a one-dimensional approach is considered here, such properties will carry over to a two-dimensional model, in which case, as our preliminary analysis indicates, end-stopping — another important feature of cortical cells — can also be accommodated.
Determinantal invariant gravity
Authors: Pirinççiog̃lu Nurettin
Published: April 2019

Einstein–Hilbert action with a determinantal invariant has been considered. The obtained field equation contains the inverse Ricci tensor, [Formula: see text]. The linearized solution of invariant has been examined, and it is concluded that the constant curvature spacetime metric solution of the field equation gives different curvature constant for each values of [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text] gives a trivial solution for constant curvature, [Formula: see text].
RF/Microwave Power Amplifiers: The Development Route and State-of-the-Art
Authors: Li Xuguang , Fu Haipeng , Ma Kaixue , Zhu Shoukui , Cheng Qianfu
Published: April 2019

Recent decades have seen significant progresses in the field of power amplifiers (PAs). In order to present the evolution of the field, this paper shows the development trends of the PA research based on the statistical analysis from 1970 to 2017. The brief history of radio frequency (RF)/microwave PAs and a comprehensive review on the evolution of RF/microwave PAs are presented. The state-of-the-art PAs thus far based on the statistical analysis in terms of the figure of merit (FoM) of RF/microwave PAs have been discussed in this paper. A quantitative relationship of trade-off of PA performance metrics is proposed, and the potential room for improvement of the performance of the PAs is also revealed.
A study of anisotropic compact stars based on embedding class 1 condition
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Deb Debabrata , Ray Saibal , Kuhfittig P. K. F.
Published: April 2019

This paper discusses a generalized model for compact stars, assumed to be anisotropic in nature due to the presence of highly dense and ultra-relativistic matter distribution. After embedding the 4D Riemannian space locally and isometrically into a 5D pseudo-Euclidean space, we solve the Einstein equations by employing a class of physically acceptable metric functions. The physical properties determined include the anisotropic factor showing that the anisotropy is zero at the center and maximum at the surface. Other boundary conditions yield the values of various parameters needed for rendering the numerous plots and also led to the EOS parameters. It is further determined that the usual energy conditions are satisfied and that the compact structures are stable, based on several criteria, viz., the equilibrium of forces, Herrera cracking concept, adiabatic index, etc. We note that the proposed stellar model satisfies the Buchdahl condition. Finally, the values of the numerous constants and physical parameters are determined, specifically for the compact stellar object [Formula: see text], which we choose as a representative of the compact stars to present the analysis of the obtained results. Finally, we show that the present generalized model can justify most of the compact stars including white dwarfs and ultra-dense compact stars for a suitable tuning of the parametric values of [Formula: see text].
Optimizing orbits for TianQin
Authors: Ye Bo-Bing , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhou Ming-Yue , Wang Yan , Yuan Hui-Min , Gu Defeng , Ding Yanwei , Zhang Jinxiu , Mei Jianwei , Luo Jun
Published: April 2019

TianQin is a geocentric space-based gravitational-wave observatory mission consisting of three drag-free controlled satellites in an equilateral triangle with an orbital radius of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km. The constellation faces the white-dwarf binary RX J0806.3[Formula: see text]1527 located slightly below the ecliptic plane, and is subject to gravitational perturbations that can distort the formation. In this study, we present combined methods to optimize the TianQin orbits so that a set of 5-year stability requirements can be met. Moreover, we discuss slow long-term drift of the detector pointing due to orbital precession, and put forward stable orbits with six other pointings along the lunar orbital plane. Some implications of the findings are pointed out.
KOZENY–CARMAN CONSTANT FOR GAS FLOW THROUGH FIBROUS POROUS MEDIA BY FRACTAL-MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS
Authors: XIAO BOQI , ZHANG XIAN , JIANG GUOPING , LONG GONGBO , WANG WEI , ZHANG YIDAN , LIU GANG
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the Kozeny–Carman constant of fibrous porous media is simulated by the Fractal-Monte Carlo technique. The proposed probability model of the Kozeny–Carman constant is obtained based on the fractal distribution of pore size in fibrous porous media, and thus can be expressed as a function of structural parameters of fibrous porous media, including porosity, micro-pore size, fiber diameter, tortuosity fractal dimension and area fractal dimension of pores. Our results demonstrate that the Kozeny–Carman constant of fibrous porous media increases with increases in tortuosity fractal dimension and fiber diameter. Our results also illustrate a satisfying agreement of the Fractal Monte-Carlo simulations obtained by the proposed model and the existing experimental data. Therefore, the proposed Fractal-Monte Carlo technique can be used to characterize other transport properties of fluid in fibrous porous media.
COMPOSITION OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS AND THEIR RIEMANN–LIOUVILLE FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL
Authors: YU BIN , ZHANG TAO , YAO LEI , ZHAO WEI
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we make research on composition of continuous functions with Box dimension one of bounded variation or unbounded variation on [Formula: see text]. It has been proved that one-dimensional continuous functions must be one of functions with bounded variation, or functions with finite unbounded variation points, or functions with infinite unbounded variation points on [Formula: see text]. Based on discussion of one-dimensional continuous functions, fractal dimension, such as Box dimension, of Riemann–Liouville (R-L) fractional integral of those functions have been calculated. We get an important conclusion that Box dimension of R-L fractional integral of any one-dimensional continuous functions of any positive orders still is one. R-L fractional derivative of certain one-dimensional continuous functions has been explored elementary.
SOME LOCAL FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES FOR GENERALIZED PREINVEX FUNCTIONS AND APPLICATIONS TO NUMERICAL QUADRATURE
Authors: SUN WENBING
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a new identity with parameters involving local fractional integrals is derived. Using this identity, some general local fractional integral inequalities for generalized preinvex functions are established. A parallel development is deduced for generalized preconcave functions. Taking special values for the parameters, some generalized midpoint inequalities, trapezoidal inequalities and Simpson inequalities are obtained. Finally, as some applications, error estimates of numerical integration for local fractional integrals are given.
COMPLEXITY-BASED DECODING OF THE EFFECT OF MACHINING PARAMETERS ON THE MACHINED SURFACE IN MILLING OPERATION
Authors: BISSOONAUTH KUSHAL , NAMAZI HAMIDREZA
Published: April 2019

Acquiring the desired surface quality is one of the major efforts in machining of materials. Milling operation is a widely used machining operation to shape the material in different forms. Machining parameters and conditions are two major factors that affect the surface quality of machined workpiece in milling operation. In this paper, we analyze the surface finish of machined workpiece under the variations of machining parameters and conditions (wet and dry conditions) in milling operation. For our analysis, we use fractal dimension as the indicator of complexity of structure. Based on the obtained results, in the case of wet machining condition, by increasing the depth of cut, feed rate and spindle speed in separate experiments, the fractal dimension of machined surface increases. However, the obtained results in the case of dry machining condition are not consistent with the variations of different machining parameters. The obtained results will be discussed in terms of complex structure of machined surface. The method of analysis employed in this research can be investigated with other machining operations to check how the machining parameters and conditions affect the surface quality of machined surface.
AVERAGE GEODESIC DISTANCE ON SIERPINSKI HEXAGON AND SIERPINSKI HEXAGON NETWORKS
Authors: ZHU JIALI , TIAN LI , WANG QIN
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate the average geodesic distance on the Sierpinski hexagon in terms of finite patterns on integrals. Applying this result, we also obtain the asymptotic formula for average distances of Sierpinski hexagon networks.
TAILORING THE ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF CARBON NANOTUBE REINFORCED TRANSPARENT TiO2 COMPOSITES BY VARYING NANOTUBE CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: UYSAL BENGÜ ÖZUĞUR , ARIER ÜMIT ÖZLEM AKKAYA , PEKCAN ÖNDER
Published: April 2019

In the present work, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-doped TiO2 nanocomposite films were synthesized by sol–gel method. The influence of nanotube concentration on the structural, electrical and optical properties of the films was investigated. The beneficial effects of the addition of carbon nanotubes into a TiO2 film and titania-coated MWCNTs have much in common. On the other hand, this work contributes to the previous studies in terms of the optical and electrical properties of MWCNT. For this reason, MWCNT/rare brookite-phased TiO2 matrix as simple sol–gel deposited composite films were investigated in our study. The XRD studies showed that the composite film has a brookite crystal structure at the annealing temperature of 450∘C. According to the surface morphology investigations, SEM image of nanocomposite film shows that composite film has a granular and rod-like structure. The absorbance measurements of the films were carried out by the UV–Vis spectrophotometer to investigate transparency and to calculate the bandgap energy of composite films. The surface resistivity of the MWCNT-doped TiO2 composites decreased from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] ohm/sq with increase in MWCNT content.
Real-time Performance Evaluation of Modified Cascaded Median-based Noise Estimation for Speech Enhancement System
Authors: Kumar Bittu
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the performance evaluation of Modified Cascaded Median (MCM)-based noise estimation method for speech enhancement system has been carried out. The MCM-based method, though reported earlier, was not extensively evaluated; particularly, its real-time performance had not been considered. In the present study, the performance of the MCM-based noise estimation method has been compared with those based on Dynamic Quantile Tracking (DQT) and Cascaded Median (CM), through simulation as well as real-time implementation using TMS320C6416T DSK. All comparisons were made for speech quality (subjectively — mean opinion score and objectively — PESQ score, log-likelihood ratio, weighted spectral slope distance, segmented signal-to-noise ratio and composite measures for signal distortion [Formula: see text], background intrusiveness [Formula: see text] and overall distortion [Formula: see text]) at the 95% level of confidence. The real-time parameters such as memory consumption and execution time have been used for real-time implementation and compared for the three methods. The results, for different SNR-based degraded speech signals, show that the modified cascaded median-based noise estimation is the best in terms of PESQ score, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and mean opinion score. On the other hand, for different noise corrupted-based speech signals, it performs well as compared to the original CM. Memory consumption and average execution time for the MCM-based noise estimation lie in-between those for DQT and CM-based methods.
Lq-Estimates for stationary Stokes system with coefficients measurable in one direction
Authors: Dong Hongjie , Kim Doyoon
Published: April 2019

We study the stationary Stokes system with variable coefficients in the whole space, a half space, and on bounded Lipschitz domains. In the whole and half spaces, we obtain a priori [Formula: see text]-estimates for any [Formula: see text] when the coefficients are merely measurable functions in one fixed direction. For the system on bounded Lipschitz domains with a small Lipschitz constant, we obtain a [Formula: see text]-estimate and prove the solvability for any [Formula: see text] when the coefficients are merely measurable functions in one direction and have locally small mean oscillations in the orthogonal directions in each small ball, where the direction is allowed to depend on the ball.
Convergence rates of theta-method for NSDDEs under non-globally Lipschitz continuous coefficients
Authors: Tan Li , Yuan Chenggui
Published: April 2019

This paper is concerned with strong convergence and almost sure convergence for neutral stochastic differential delay equations under non-globally Lipschitz continuous coefficients. Convergence rates of [Formula: see text]-EM schemes are given for these equations driven by Brownian motion and pure jumps, respectively, where the drift terms satisfy locally one-sided Lipschitz conditions, and diffusion coefficients obey locally Lipschitz conditions, and the corresponding coefficients are highly nonlinear with respect to the delay terms.
Matrix biorthogonal polynomials on the real line: Geronimus transformations
Authors: Ariznabarreta Gerardo , García-Ardila Juan C. , Mañas Manuel , Marcellán Francisco
Published: April 2019

In this paper, Geronimus transformations for matrix orthogonal polynomials in the real line are studied. The orthogonality is understood in a broad sense, and is given in terms of a nondegenerate continuous sesquilinear form, which in turn is determined by a quasi-definite matrix of bivariate generalized functions with a well-defined support. The discussion of the orthogonality for such a sesquilinear form includes, among others, matrix Hankel cases with linear functionals, general matrix Sobolev orthogonality and discrete orthogonal polynomials with an infinite support. The results are mainly concerned with the derivation of Christoffel-type formulas, which allow to express the perturbed matrix biorthogonal polynomials and its norms in terms of the original ones. The basic tool is the Gauss–Borel factorization of the Gram matrix, and particular attention is paid to the non-associative character, in general, of the product of semi-infinite matrices. The Geronimus transformation in which a right multiplication by the inverse of a matrix polynomial and an addition of adequate masses are performed, is considered. The resolvent matrix and connection formulas are given. Two different methods are developed. A spectral one, based on the spectral properties of the perturbing polynomial, and constructed in terms of the second kind functions. This approach requires the perturbing matrix polynomial to have a nonsingular leading term. Then, using spectral techniques and spectral jets, Christoffel–Geronimus formulas for the transformed polynomials and norms are presented. For this type of transformations, the paper also proposes an alternative method, which does not require of spectral techniques, that is valid also for singular leading coefficients. When the leading term is nonsingular, a comparison of between both methods is presented. The nonspectral method is applied to unimodular Christoffel perturbations, and a simple example for a degree one massless Geronimus perturbation is given.
Some trace inequalities for exponential and logarithmic functions
Authors: Carlen Eric A. , Lieb Elliott H.
Published: April 2019

Consider a function [Formula: see text] of pairs of positive matrices with values in the positive matrices such that whenever [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] commute [Formula: see text] Our first main result gives conditions on [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. (Note that [Formula: see text] is absent from the right side of the inequality.) We give several examples of functions [Formula: see text] to which the theorem applies. Our theorem allows us to give simple proofs of the well-known logarithmic inequalities of Hiai and Petz and several new generalizations of them which involve three variables [Formula: see text] instead of just [Formula: see text] alone. The investigation of these logarithmic inequalities is closely connected with three quantum relative entropy functionals: The standard Umegaki quantum relative entropy [Formula: see text], and two others, the Donald relative entropy [Formula: see text], and the Belavkin–Stasewski relative entropy [Formula: see text]. They are known to satisfy [Formula: see text]. We prove that the Donald relative entropy provides the sharp upper bound, independent of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] in a number of cases in which [Formula: see text] is homogeneous of degree [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. We also investigate the Legendre transforms in [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and show how our results for these lead to new refinements of the Golden–Thompson inequality.
Krawtchouk transforms and convolutions
Authors: Feinsilver Philip , Schott René
Published: April 2019

We present an operator calculus based on Krawtchouk polynomials, including Krawtchouk transforms and corresponding convolution structure which provides an inherently discrete alternative to Fourier analysis. This approach is well suited for applications such as digital image processing. This paper includes the theoretical aspects and some basic examples.
Words of Engel type are concise in residually finite groups
Authors: Detomi Eloisa , Morigi Marta , Shumyatsky Pavel
Published: April 2019

Given a group-word [Formula: see text] and a group [Formula: see text], the verbal subgroup [Formula: see text] is the one generated by all [Formula: see text]-values in [Formula: see text]. The word [Formula: see text] is said to be concise if [Formula: see text] is finite whenever the set of [Formula: see text]-values in [Formula: see text] is finite. In 1960s, Hall asked whether every word is concise but later Ivanov answered this question in the negative. On the other hand, Hall’s question remains wide open in the class of residually finite groups. In the present paper we show that various generalizations of the Engel word are concise in residually finite groups.
Embedding of vector-valued Morrey spaces and separable differential operators
Authors: Ragusa Maria Alessandra , Shakhmurov Veli
Published: April 2019

The paper is the first part of a program devoted to the study of the behavior of operator-valued multipliers in Morrey spaces. Embedding theorems and uniform separability properties involving [Formula: see text]-valued Morrey spaces are proved. As a consequence, maximal regularity for solutions of infinite systems of anisotropic elliptic partial differential equations are established.
n-Fold Boolean, Implicative and Integral Ideals on Bounded Commutative Residuated Lattices
Authors: Tchoua Yinga Fabrice , Koguep Njionou Blaise B. , Temgoua Alomo Etienne R. , Lele Celestin
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of [Formula: see text]-fold boolean ideals, [Formula: see text]-fold implicative ideals and [Formula: see text]-fold integral ideals in residuated lattices and we state and prove their properties. Several characterizations of these notions are derived and the relations between those notions are investigated. Also, we construct the correspondence between the notions of [Formula: see text]-fold ideal and [Formula: see text]-fold filter in residuated lattices.
Primary Filters in BL-algebras
Authors: Motamed Somayeh , Moghaderi Javad
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we defined the prime-like filters of [Formula: see text]-algebras, and proved some relations between this filter and other types of filters in [Formula: see text]-algebras. Also, we found the relation between prime-like filters and constructed the quotient [Formula: see text]-algebras via this filter. We proved some results that have proven for prime filters of [Formula: see text]-algebras, to the case of prime-like filters of [Formula: see text]-algebras. In this way, we found new properties for the primary filters of [Formula: see text]-algebras. Also, we introduced the notions of prime-like [Formula: see text]-algebras ([Formula: see text]-algebras), and Top-like [Formula: see text]-algebras. And we applied the notion of prime-like filters to define and study a new topology on [Formula: see text]-algebras.