bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of uplink massive MIMO systems with variable‐resolution ADCs using MMSE and MRC detection
Authors: Xiong Youzhi , Zhang Zhongpei , Wei Ning , Li Binrui , Chen Yang
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we analyze the performance of uplink massive multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) systems with variable‐resolution analog‐to‐digital converters (ADCs), ie, each receive antenna uses a pair of ADCs with arbitrary resolution. Given that the minimum mean square error (MMSE) or the maximum ratio combining (MRC) detection can be employed at the base station (BS); using perfect channel state information (CSI) and results from the random matrix theory, we first derive the closed‐form approximate expression of sum achievable rate for these two type detectors, respectively. Suppose that only imperfect CSI is available at the BS. We then provide a scheme to estimate the equivalent channel based on the classical linear MMSE technique and derive the sum achievable rate using the estimated equivalent channel. Moreover, to improve the system performance, we take the impacts of channel estimation error and quantization noise into account and achieve the corresponding analytical results. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate our theoretical analysis and provide some insights on the massive MIMO systems with variable resolution ADCs. Additionally, for the MMSE and MRC detector with perfect and imperfect CSI in the considered architecture, the trade‐off between the spectral efficiency and the energy efficiency is investigated as well.
Can skewness of the futures‐spot basis predict currency spot returns?
Authors: Jiang Xue , Han Liyan , Yin Libo
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the relationship between skewness of the futures‐spot basis and expected currency spot returns. The empirical results show that the expected spot returns are negatively correlated with the basis skewness. We find that the basis skewness exhibits statistically significant in‐sample and out‐of‐sample forecasting power. Furthermore, the basis skewness beat the random walk (without drift) in economic measures. The impacts of the basis skewness on spot returns barely vary with time and have no structural breaks. We also find that the basis skewness can really improve the predictability of spot returns, even when the futures‐spot basis is considered.
Geochemical and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic study of Early Cretaceous A‐type rhyolites in Hong Kong: Implications for Palaeo‐Pacific Plate subduction
Authors: Jiang Yang , Zhao Xilin , Yu Shengyao , Xing Guangfu , Yang Zhuliang , Shen Jialin , Xu Mingzuan , Wang Cunzhi , Zhu Qingbo , Jin Guodong
Published: January 2019

Hong Kong is located at the southern margin of a Mesozoic igneous belt in Southeast China, where voluminous magmatism formed during the Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. The final phase of volcanism formed the rhyolitic High Island Formation, which shows geochemistry similar to A‐type granite. For example, these rocks have high content of SiO2and alkali (e.g., high K2O + Na2O, with K2O/Na2O ratios greater than 1.0) and are characterized by weakly enrichment in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs) and rare‐earth elements (REEs) (except for Eu) and extreme depletion of Ba, Sr, P, Ti, and Eu, with high 10,000× Ga/Al ratios. Zircon U–Pb dating for three porphyroclastic rhyolite samples from the High Island Formation yielded weighted mean206Pb/238U ages of 140.0 ± 0.8, 139.8 ± 0.7, and 139.1 ± 1.1 Ma. These zircons haveεHf(t) values of −9.0 to +0.4, with two‐stage Hf model ages (TDM2) of 1,763–1,172 Ma, indicating a magma source that involved melting of predominantly Palaeoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic continental crust with a minor juvenile mantle component. The ~140 Ma A‐type magmas in Hong Kong area were probably formed in response to rollback and/or break‐off of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate. Previous studies indicate that the tectonic transformation from the Palaeo‐Tethys to Palaeo‐Pacific tectonic domain occurred at >165 Ma. Hong Kong underwent a repeated slab subduction and rollback process involving (a) Palaeo‐Pacific Plate subduction formed I‐type granites and continental margin arc volcanic rocks at 165–161 Ma; (b) slab rollback lead to the formation of A‐type granites at 161–159 Ma with minor magmatism formation during the rollback stage at ~159–148 Ma; (c) renewed slab subduction formed continental margin arc rocks at 148–141 Ma; and (d) renewed slab rollback resulted in the formation of A‐type volcanic rocks at 141–139 Ma (e.g., High Island Formation).
Pharmacological basis for sedative and hypnotic like effects of Pyrus pashia using in vivo experimental models
Authors: Ain Quratul , Khan Haroon
Published: January 2019

Objective

Pyrus pashia has traditionally been used as a therapeutic agent including sedative. In this regard, hydroethanolic extract of Pyrus pashia (HEPP) was screened for phytochemical investigation, acute toxicity, and sedative‐hypnotic activity to provide a scientific rationale to its ethno‐medicinal uses.

Methods

Mice were used in acute toxicity test; sedative potential was observed in open field test while thiopental‐induced sleeping time and barbiturate‐induced sleeping time tests were used for the assessment of hypnotic like effects of HEPP. Various phytochemical groups were detected in preliminary phytochemical tests.

Results

In acute toxicity study, the extract was found safe up to 1g/kg while the extract caused 50% death at 1500 mg/kg. In all animal models, the extract had shown sedative and hypnotic effects but the most significant effect observed at increased dose in comparison with standard diazepam‐treated group. In open field test, the extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, there is mild decrease in number of lines crossed by tested animals (mice) while significant reduction shown at 600 mg/kg compared with diazepam‐treated group at dose 0.5 mg/kg. In phytochemical investigation HEPP subjected to different phytochemical tests. From the thoroughly study, it is revealed that these constituents mainly participating in sedation and hypnosis.

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed significant sedative‐hypnotic effects of the HEPP in mice and that the central benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the sedative‐hypnotic effects of this plant.
Investigating inappropriate admissions and hospitalizations in Yasuj educational hospitals based on appropriateness evaluation protocol (AEP): A case study in the internal and surgical wards
Authors: Rahimi Hamed , Ostovar Rahim , Vali Leila , Angha Parvin
Published: January 2019

Background

Examining the conditions for hospital admission and its appropriateness, and continuous investigation of hospital services are important issues that can improve resource productivity, service quality, and hospital efficacy. So, the present study was conducted to determine the appropriateness of the services provided in Yasuj educational hospitals.

Methods

This descriptive‐analytical study was carried out on 204 hospitalized patients who were selected through multistage quota sampling in 2016. The appropriateness evaluation protocol (AEP) was used to collect the data. Analytical tests such as paired t‐test, chi‐square test, and Fisher's exact test were used to determine the relationship between appropriate and inappropriate admission and hospitalization and demographic characteristics. The data were analyzed using the SPSS18 statistical software.

Results

A total of 980 days of stay were evaluated, and according to the AEP, 35 days of hospitalization were considered inappropriate (3.57%). The mean hospitalization duration was 6/16 ± 5/53 days. The results showed that inappropriate admission and hospitalization rates were respectively 0.6% and 13.8%.

Conclusion

Unnecessary admissions and hospitalizations can be considered as one of the challenges of the health system. Reducing unnecessary hospitalization will increase hospital productivity, reduce the waiting list and hospitalization costs, and also reduce the risk of exposure to hospital infections. In order to prevent inappropriate admissions and unnecessary hospitalizations, special measures can be taken, including the use of clinical guidelines, modification of the discharge process, and modification of the lower levels of the service providing system.
Economic sanctions and child HIV
Authors: Kim Yiyeon
Published: January 2019

Approximately 1.8 million children under age 15 were living with HIV. This study is the first to empirically examine the impact of sanctions on children's new HIV infection and AIDS‐related death rates. Using sanction and HIV/AIDS data that are available for 71 developing countries from 1990 to 2012, this study reveals that sanctions increase children's new HIV infection and their AIDS‐related death rates. This study increases understanding about the consequences of sanctions, especially their effect on a marginalized population and is in line with previous literature. The significant impacts of sanctions on children's HIV/AIDS suggest that the leader in a country targeted by sanctions needs to consider extending programs to respond to children's HIV/AIDS both during sanctioning and after it is lifted.
An analysis of potential bias in the sensitivity of toxicity data used to construct sensitivity distributions for copper
Authors: Croteau Kelly , Santore Robert , DeForest David , Baken Stijn
Published: January 2019

Since the mid-1970s, thousands of studies have evaluated the toxicity of various chemicals to aquatic organisms. Results from many of these studies have been used to develop species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) or genus sensitivity distributions (GSDs) for deriving water quality guidelines. Recently, there has been more emphasis on evaluating the toxicity of chemicals to sensitive organisms rather than the entire range of sensitivities. The SSD approach is intended to inform the derivation of guidelines for the protection of all species, not just those that were included in the SSD. The overemphasis of the more sensitive end of the SSD can contribute to a skew in the observed distribution such that the shape of the distribution is distorted from what it would be if all species could be tested, which ultimately affects the derived guideline value. The freshwater acute Cu GSD derived by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is one that exemplifies this trend, with one-third of the genera in the GSD belonging to only 3 taxonomic families, all of which are nearer to the sensitive end of the distribution. The stronger representation of the more sensitive families does not seem to mirror the overall abundance of species within those families in nature. This tendency toward testing sensitive organisms is not seen in the chronic Cu SSD. In the present study, Cu toxicity literature is reviewed and long-term trends in the availability of toxicity information for species of varying sensitivity are examined. As part of the present review, the apparent bias that favors the publication of toxicity data for sensitive taxa is demonstrated, and implications for the representativeness of SSDs and their use in developing water quality guidelines are discussed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:000–000. © 2019 SETAC
Protein Corona Mediated Stealth Properties of Biocompatible Carbohydrate‐based Nanocarriers
Authors: Simon Johanna , Christmann Sarah , Mailänder Volker , Wurm Frederik R. , Landfester Katharina
Published: January 2019

Carbohydrates possess ideal properties for the synthesis of biocompatible nanocarriers. Therefore, hydroxyethyl starch was chosen as building material to produce biodegradable nanocarriers allowing the encapsulation of drugs. A mandatory feature for the successful application of nanocarriers in drug delivery is to avoid non‐specific uptake into macrophages. Todays’ gold standard is poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) attached onto the surface of nanocarriers. As alternatives, we synthesize completely carbohydrate‐based nanocarriers by functionalizing the surface with different sugar derivatives (hydroxyethyl starch, dextran, or glucose) via copper‐free click reaction. Studying the interaction of sugar‐modified nanocarriers and plasma proteins indicates a strong enrichment of adsorbed ‘stealth’ proteins (clusterin) which are also identified on PEGylated nanocarriers. Cellular uptake studies proved that there is no unspecific interaction between carbohydrate‐ modified nanocarriers and phagocytic cells, herby underlining the stealth properties.
Cold stress results in sustained locomotor and behavioral deficits in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Garcia Mark J. , Teets Nicholas M.
Published: January 2019

Tolerance of climatic stressors is an important predictor of the current distribution of insect species, their potential to invade new environments, and their responses to rapid climate change. Cold stress causes acute injury to nerves and muscles, and here we tested the hypothesis that low temperature causes sublethal deficits in locomotor behaviors that are dependent on neuromuscular function. To do so, we applied a previously developed assay, the rapid iterative negative geotaxis (RING) assay, to investigate behavioral consequences of cold stress in Drosophila melanogaster. The RING assay allows for rapid assessment of negative geotaxis behavior by quantifying climbing height and willingness to climb after cold stress. We exposed flies to cold stress at 0°C and assessed the extent to which duration of cold stress, recovery time, and cold acclimation influenced climbing performance. There was a clear dose‐response relationship between cold exposure and performance deficits, with climbing height and willingness decreasing as cold exposure increased from 2 to 24 hr. Following cold exposure of an intermediate duration (12 hr), climbing height and willingness gradually improved as recovery time increased from 4 to 72 hr but flies never fully recovered. Finally, cold acclimation improved overall climbing height and willingness in both untreated and cold‐stressed flies but did not prevent a reduction in climbing performance. Thus, cold stress causes deficits in locomotor and behavior that are dependent on the dose of cold exposure and persist long after the stress subsides. These results likely have implications for the ecological and evolutionary responses of insect populations to thermally variable environments.
The dark side of socialization: How and when divestiture socialization undermines newcomer outcomes
Authors: Montani Francesco , Maoret Massimo , Dufour Lucas
Published: January 2019

This research examines the potential downsides of divestiture socialization. We theorize that supervisor behaviors and attitudes—that is, support for authenticity and creativity expectations—moderate the different stages of a model in which newcomers' authentic self‐expression mediates the negative effect of divestiture socialization on newcomer task performance, creativity, social integration, and job satisfaction. Specifically, supervisor support for authenticity allows newcomers to express their authentic self when faced with divestiture processes, and perceived supervisor creativity expectations enable them to deploy their authentic self‐expressions to enhance their creativity. A time‐lagged, multisource study of 142 newcomer—supervisor dyads provides support for these predictions, offering notable implications for theory and practice.
Compact high‐sensitivity symmetrical integrated optical system for the detection of Raman scattering with dual channels
Authors: Fan Xian‐guang , Chen Jun , Wang Xin
Published: January 2019

We present here a compact symmetrical integrated optical system for the high‐sensitivity handheld Raman spectrometer. This symmetric optical system is of higher sensitivity of Raman spectrum detection by coupling collection optics to the spectrometer directly, reflecting excitation laser incident at 45° while efficiently passing the longer Raman‐shift wavelength with two long‐pass dichroic laser‐flat beam‐splitters placed in parallel. Three aspherical collecting lens with high‐numerical aperture were used to collect Raman scattering. Four protected silver plane mirrors, two right‐angle mirrors, and an aspherized achromatic focusing lens were used to focus Raman scattering into the slit on the collecting optical path. The Raman scattering light from the entrance slit were collimated to a blazed holographic reflective grating by an achromatic doublet lens, and the two diffraction lights with different orders were focused onto the two different surface of charge‐coupled device with two broadband dielectric coating concave mirrors, respectively. The coma and astigmatism of this optical system are decreased by optimizing the optical structure parameters. The finer Raman spectrum of samples can be obtained through the second order diffraction spectrum acquisition channel, whereas the first order diffraction channel covers almost all the Raman spectrum range. The tested spectrum of Benzoyl peroxide indicates that this symmetric integrated optical system with three collecting channels and double‐detecting channels has a higher sensitivity, higher signal‐to‐noise ratio, and finer Raman spectrum than the conventional portable Raman spectrometer with independent probe and single detection channel.
Extending storage potential of de‐hulled fresh pistachios in passive‐modified atmosphere
Authors: Sheikhi Abdollatif , Mirdehghan Seyed H , Ferguson Louise
Published: January 2019

Background

The effects of passive modified‐atmosphere packaging (passive‐MAP) on the postharvest quality of de‐hulled fresh pistachios (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kerman) stored at cold temperature (0 ± 0.5 °C) and 90 ± 1% relative humidity was investigated with fruits under ambient air condition as the control treatment. The fruit quality parameters measured included kernel firmness, color values (L*, a*, b*, h°, and C*), weight loss, fungal decay and marketability, ethylene production, respiration rate, and sensory characteristics at 0, 30, 60, and 105 days of storage. The carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) concentrations in the package headspace were monitored during storage.

RESULTS

A modified atmosphere of 0.95–3.35% O2 and 23.17–29.82% CO2 was achieved in the passive‐MAP treatment. Fruit respiration rates increased significantly relative to controls throughout storage (P ≤ 0.01). However, storage had no significant effect on ethylene production rates. Additionally, passive‐MAP‐stored fruits maintained firmness, shell lightness, kernel color, and sensory quality with minimum weight loss and fungal decay, compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate storage life of fresh pistachios in passive‐MAP can be extended up to 105 days, compared with 30 days in ambient conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzymatic production of emulsifying whey protein hydrolysates without the need of heat inactivation
Authors: Ewert Jacob , Luz Anja , Volk Veronika , Stressler Timo , Fischer Lutz
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

One possible way to modify the emulsifying properties of whey proteins is by enzymatic hydrolysis. However, most studies covering the influence of the hydrolysis on whey proteins used a heating step (>65 °C) to inactivate the enzyme. This leads to irreversible product changes, like protein denaturation and increased viscosity. Here, the objective was to investigate the single effect of hydrolysis on the emulsifying properties of whey proteins under conditions without a temperature step for enzyme inactivation. Therefore, two acidic peptidase preparations (Maxipro AFP, Protease AP‐30L) differing in their peptidase composition were investigated and applied at 45 °C and pH 2.75. The enzyme inactivation was realized by a simple shift to pH 7.0.

RESULTS

After the pH shift, no activity or further hydrolysis was measurable. For the products, no differences (assuming P > 0.05) regarding the emulsifying properties were detected between the two peptidase preparations used. The emulsifying properties of the whey protein isolate hydrolysates produced increased (i.e. half‐life >71%) until a degree of hydrolysis of 1.1%. This indicated that the endopeptidase (aspergillopepsin I) present in both preparations was determining the emulsifying properties. As a plus, the presence of exopeptidases in Protease AP‐30L compared with Maxipro AFP reduced the bitterness of the hydrolysate (−50%).

CONCLUSION

The application of acidic endo‐ and exopeptidases enables the production of emulsifying whey protein isolate hydrolysates at high protein concentrations (≥10%) without a commonly used heat inactivation step. The presence of exopeptidases in acidic peptidase preparations is favorable, due to the improved taste. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of diet of the donor cows on in vitro measurements of methane production from wheat and corn incubated in various forage‐to‐grain ratios
Authors: Alvarez‐Hess Pablo S , Moate Peter J , Williams S Richard O , Jacobs Joe L , Beauchemin Karen A , Durmic Zoey , Hannah Murray C , Eckard Richard J
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Supplementation of ruminant diets with wheat and corn grains influences ruminal fermentation. In vitro fermentation is a methodology that can be used to screen feeds for their potential to produce enteric methane. However, there is evidence that the diet of the donor cows could impact the results of in vitro analysis. This research investigated the in vitro fermentation of wheat and corn grain when incubated in ruminal fluid from cows fed different grain types and different forage‐to‐grain ratios.

RESULTS

The type of grain fed to the donor cows, as well as forage‐to‐grain ratio, affected the outcome of fermentation of wheat and corn grain. Differences in methane production (MP) between grains were only observed when incubated with ruminal fluid adapted to each specific grain type. Increasing proportions of wheat but not of corn decreased in vitro MP in a linear manner compared with MP produced from forage only.

CONCLUSIONS

Wheat grain has a greater in vitro antimethanogenic effect than corn. However, to detect the different fermentations between wheat and corn, grains should be incubated in ruminal fluid from cows adapted to that specific grain type. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship Between the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Visceral Fat Thickness Based on Ultrasound in Patients With Obesity Who Have Normal Renal Function Without Hypertension or Diabetes
Authors: Kang Yaning , Huang Lizhen , Wang Rongrong , Xu Lei , Yang Yuanyuan , Cui Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between visceral fat thickness measured by US and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with obesity who did not have hypertension or diabetes and who had normal renal function.

Methods

Inclusion criteria included an estimated GFR of greater than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, blood pressure lower than 120/80 mm Hg, and a fasting blood glucose level of less than 126 mg/dL. Patients were divided into groups with (body mass index ≥28 kg/m2) and without (body mass index <28 kg/m2) obesity. Subcutaneous and visceral fat thicknesses were measured with ultrasound.

Results

A total of 95 patients were enrolled with an age range of 25 to 58 years. The patients were divided into groups with (n = 48) and without obesity (n = 47); patients with obesity were further divided into subcutaneous obesity (n = 23) and visceral obesity (n = 25) groups. The estimated GFR in the group with obesity was significantly lower than that in the group without obesity (P = .037), and the estimated GFR in the group with visceral obesity was significantly lower than that in the group with subcutaneous obesity (P = .006). Moreover, the estimated GFR was negatively correlated with visceral fat thickness (V1:r = −0.750;P7 < 0.001;V2:r = −0.824;P < 0.001) but not correlated with subcutaneous fat thickness.

Conclusions

Ultrasound is an easy and accurate practical evaluation modality for measuring the thickness of fat. There was an inverse relationship between the estimated GFR and visceral fat thickness in patients with obesity who did not have hypertension or diabetes and who had normal renal function. This result suggests that as visceral fat increases, the estimated GFR may be reduced accordingly.
How research data is cited in scholarly literature: A case study of HINTS
Authors: Yoon JungWon , Chung EunKyung , Lee Jae Yun , Kim Jihyun
Published: January 2019

This study investigated how Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) was cited in the scholarly literature. It addressed the following research questions: (1) What patterns of citations exist among authors of research articles using HINTS data? and (2) How is the citation format of HINTS data characterized? We collected scholarly articles that used HINTS data as primary or secondary data for analysis from Web of Science databases and HINTS publications on the NCI website. Among the resulting 250 articles, we identified citations to HINTS data themselves (data citations) and those to HINTS‐related documents (data‐related citations). Among the 250 articles, 156 articles (62.4%) cited HINTS data or HINTS‐related documents; only 29 articles (11.6%) cited HINTS data, while 127 (50.8%) cited HINTS‐related documents. Both data and data‐related citations increased over time. Data citation format varied, and 13 different compositions of citation elements were identified. Author, Title, and Location (URL) were common elements. The frequent use of URLs is undesirable due to URL instability. Furthermore, the data citations showed not only various compositions of citation elements but also ill‐defined element formats. Standardized citation formats are therefore needed.
Schwarz problem for higher‐order complex partial differential equations in the upper half plane
Authors: Aksoy Ümit , Begehr Heinrich , Çelebi A. Okay
Published: January 2019

Linear and nonlinear elliptic complex partial differential equations of higher‐order are considered under Schwarz conditions in the upper‐half plane. Firstly, using the integral representations for the solutions of the inhomogeneous polyanalytic equation with Schwarz conditions, a class of integral operators is introduced together with some of their properties. Then, these operators are used to transform the problem for linear equations into singular integral equations. In the case of nonlinear equations such a transformation yields a system of integro‐differential equations. Existence of the solutions of the relevant boundary value problems for linear and nonlinear equations are discussed via Fredholm theory and fixed point theorems, respectively.
A note on the low‐quality advantage in vertical product differentiation
Authors: Niem Le Duc
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we modify the analysis of Schubert (2017), who found low‐quality advantage arising from vertical differentiation. Here, we relax the assumption of a sufficiently high reservation utility (so that consumers will always buy the good) to include the case in which they can refrain from buying the good. We find an explicit solution to profit functions, with the result that low‐quality advantage disappears.
Improved method for the intraoffice infrastructure optical fiber fault location the based on reflectometric analyses
Authors: Pereira João A. , Madureira Miguel , André Paulo S.
Published: January 2019

The monitoring of the optical fiber infrastructure, especially within the interoffice range, is an essential procedure for the maintenance of the quality of service. Many fiber monitoring techniques can be employed, nevertheless the majority of these methods carry unbearable costs and do not allow a permanent fiber fault examination. In this article, we propose a low‐cost monitoring technique for implementation in reconfigurable optical add‐drop multiplexer architectures. This method makes use of the optical payload itself to assess the integrity of the interoffice fiber section. Our results shown that, considering the broadcast of synchronous digital hierarchy signals, an operation range up to 6.5 km can achieved.
A revised time domain force identification method based on Bayesian formulation
Authors: Li Qiaofeng , Lu Qiuhai
Published: January 2019

Time domain force identification problems are generally ill‐posed. Regularization techniques are widely adopted to well‐condition the problem. Traditional regularization such as Tikhonov regularization is mathematically equivalent to assuming a zero‐mean prior distribution on the unknown force. This assumption could be unreasonable for problems where notable trend components exist in force histories, such as vehicle‐bridge moving force identification and cutting tool force identification. In this paper, a revised method is proposed to address this issue. The proposed method formulates the force identification problem within the Bayesian framework. The trend components are considered as low‐order polynomials and as the mean term in the prior distribution of the force history. The joint maximum a posterior estimate of unknown variables is derived. The solution algorithm is given based on conditional maximization. A mass‐spring system and a cutting tool under forces containing various types of trend components and vehicle‐bridge systems under moving interaction forces are simulated to validate the proposed method.
Cost analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage and respiratory tract biopsies in the diagnosis and management of suspected invasive fungal infection in children with cancer or who have undergone stem cell transplant
Authors: Rossoff Jenna , Locke Margaret , Helenowski Irene B. , Batra Surabhi , Katz Ben Z. , Hijiya Nobuko
Published: January 2019

Background

Identification of an organism is the gold standard for the diagnosis of fungal infection; however, we have previously shown that invasive procedures infrequently lead to a change in management in children with cancer or who have undergone stem cell transplant with suspected respiratory tract invasive fungal infection (RT‐IFI). There is also a paucity of data on the cost of RT‐IFI in this population. We therefore compared the costs of RT‐IFI diagnosed based on CT scan alone versus those who underwent a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or respiratory tract biopsy (RTB).

Procedure

We collected cost data on patients at a single center undergoing chemotherapy or who were post‐hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and were suspected of having RT‐IFI between 2007 and 2012. Cost data were included for 14 days from the day of their diagnostic CT scan or procedure.

Results

Cost data were available for 76 patients. Thirty‐six patients were diagnosed with suspected RT‐IFI based on CT only, and 40 patients underwent BAL or RTB. Costs related to chest X‐rays (CXRs), inpatient/intensive care unit (ICU) beds, anesthesia, operating room (OR) time, and procedures were significantly higher in the BAL/RTB group versus CT scan group (all P < 0.01). Costs related to CT scans were significantly higher in the CT scan group (P = 0.0002). Overall costs were significantly higher for patients who underwent BAL or RTB versus CT scan only (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our previous data showed that BAL and RTB infrequently led to a change in management in this population. We now demonstrate that this strategy is costly as well.
Characterization of natural killer cells expressing markers associated with maturity and cytotoxicity in children and young adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Abraham Allistair A. , Lang Haili , Meier Emily Riehm , Nickel Robert S. , Dean Marcus , Lawal Nurah , Speller‐Brown Barbara , Wang Yunfei , Kean Leslie , Bollard Catherine M.
Published: January 2019

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is increasingly recognized as a red blood cell disorder modulated by abnormally increased inflammation. We have previously shown that in patients with SCD not on a disease‐modifying therapy (hydroxyurea or chronic transfusions), natural killer (NK) cell numbers are increased. In the current study, we further investigated the NK cell function to determine if there was evidence of increased activation and cytotoxicity.

Procedure

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 44 patients with HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassemia at steady state (hydroxyurea = 13, chronic transfusion = 11, no disease‐modifying therapy = 20) and 23 healthy controls. Using a fresh blood sample, NK immunophenotyping was performed as follows: NK cells (CD3−CD56+ lymphocytes) were evaluated for makers associated with activation (NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, and CD69) and maturity (CD57, killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR), and CD56dim). Degranulation and cytotoxicity assays were performed to evaluate NK cell function.

Results

Patients with SCD who were not on disease‐modifying therapy had a higher number of NK cells with an immunophenotype associated with increased cytotoxicity (NKG2D+, NKp30+, CD56dim+, and KIR+ NK cells) compared with healthy controls and patients on hydroxyurea. NK cells from SCD patients not on disease‐modifying therapy demonstrated significantly increased cytotoxicity (measured by assaying NK cell killing of the K562 cell line) compared with healthy controls (P = 0.005). Notably, NK cell cytotoxicity against K562 cells in the hydroxyurea or chronic transfusion patients was not significantly different from that in healthy controls.

Conclusion

SCD is associated with increased NK cell function as well as increased NK cell numbers, which appears to be normalized with disease‐modifying therapy.
The Ganzfeld experience—A stably inducible altered state of consciousness: Effects of different auditory homogenizations
Authors: Schmidt Timo T. , Prein Julia C.
Published: January 2019

In the Ganzfeld technique, the visual and auditory perceptual fields are homogenized. After a short exposure to completely unstructured sensory input, participants transit into an altered state of consciousness. Visual homogenization is typically accomplished by a combination of goggles and bright light; auditory homogenization is accomplished by the presentation of unstructured auditory noise via headphones. The induced state is phenomenologically similar to a transition state between wakefulness and sleep, characterized by alterations in attentiveness, perception, and awareness, as well as by a compressed sense of time. Due to these replicable features of the Ganzfeld‐induced state, it can be used within empirical research on the neuronal underpinnings of altered states phenomena. After a historic overview, here, we present data from a study on the stability of the subjectively experienced effects induced under different auditory homogenization conditions. In a fully randomized within‐subject design (n = 24), we tested for the effects of three different auditory noise conditions: (1) violet, (2) white, and (3) brown noise. The combination of a standardized psychometric assessment, ratings on subjective time perception, as well as open reports prove the Ganzfeld‐induced effects as being stable and effects within each participant as highly replicable, and therefore well suited for experimental purposes. Finally, the subjective experiences elucidated by the Ganzfeld technique are discussed within the framework of predictive coding and how changes in the interaction of top‐down and bottom‐up brain mechanisms could lead to the observed phenomenology.
Amniotic membrane and placental histopathological findings after open and fetoscopic prenatal neural tube defect repair
Authors: Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Castro Eumenia , Sharhan Dina , Torres Paola , Yepez Mayel , Espinoza Jimmy , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Nassr Ahmed A. , Popek Edwina , Whitehead William , Belfort Michael A.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To describe and compare placental and amniotic histology in women who underwent a fetoscopic myelomeningocele repair to those who underwent an open hysterotomy myelomeningocele repair. Also, we intended to compare findings from both prenatal repair groups to age‐matched control pregnant patients.

Methods

Placental and membrane histopathology from 43 prenatally repaired spina bifida cases (17 fetoscopic and 26 open) and 18 healthy controls were retrospectively assessed. Quantitative assessment of histopathology included apoptosis count and maternal and fetal underperfusion scores. Qualitative assessment included the detection of pigmented macrophages and/or signs of placental/amniotic inflammation. Associations between the duration of surgery or the duration of CO2 insufflation and quantitative histological parameters were tested.

Results

Fetoscopic surgery cases did not show significant differences in any of the studied parameters when compared against controls. No differences were detected either when compared with open repaired cases, except for lower proportion of pigmented laden macrophages in the fetoscopic group (11.8% vs 61.5%, P < 0.01). No associations between the duration of surgery or the duration of CO2 exposure and any of the quantitative histological parameters were detected.

Conclusions

These preliminary results support the lack of detrimental effects of the use of heated and humidified CO2 gas for uterine insufflation to fetal membranes and placenta.
Impact of breast milk on respiratory outcomes in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Kim Lydia Y. , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A. , Collaco Joseph M.
Published: January 2019

Background

The objective of our study was to examine whether outpatient respiratory morbidities in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are influenced by the human milk consumption.

Methods

Caregivers of subjects recruited from a BPD clinic completed questionnaires regarding breast milk intake and respiratory outcomes.

Results

One‐hundred eighty‐eight caregivers completed the questionnaire. Of these, 173 (92.0%) reported that the child received some breast milk. Infants who received breast milk for fewer months were more likely to be non‐white, and have a lower household income, public insurance, and secondhand smoke exposure. A longer receipt of breast milk was associated with reduced likelihoods of emergency department visits, systemic steroid courses, and cough or chest congestion, and a trend towards a lower risk of re‐hospitalizations.

Conclusions

Longer duration of breast milk intake was associated with markers of higher socio‐economic status, and reduced likelihood of acute and chronic respiratory morbidities among preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Vitamin D3 in children with allergic asthma in clinical practice
Authors: Licari Amelia , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: January 2019

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder; type 2 inflammation is the most common asthma endotype in childhood. T regulatory cells are functionally and allergen‐specifically defective in allergic patients. Vitamin D3 exerts many functions on immune system, mainly concerning T regulatory function. Asthma control is the goal of the asthma treatment. We aimed to stratified a group of 76 consecutive children (50 males, 26 females, mean age 10.4 + 2.2 years) with allergic asthma and visited for the first time at a third‐level paediatric clinic during a 3‐month period, considering the Vitamin D3 serum levels. The three Vitamin D3 classes were not able to discriminate significant difference for all the parameters considered. In conclusion, Vitamin D3 serum assessment seems to be scarcely useful to pheno/endotyping allergic asthmatic children in clinical practice.
Predictors of sleep hypoxemia in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Isaiah Amal , Daher Amine , Sharma Preeti B. , Naqvi Kamal , Mitchell Ron B.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To identify the determinants of nocturnal hypoxemia in children with CF using clinical parameters, polysomnography (PSG), and lung function.

Hypothesis

Sleep hypoxemia in children with CF is predicted by both apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (pFEV1).

Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Children aged 5‐18 years were included based on (i) a diagnosis of CF; and (ii) availability of concurrent PSG and pFEV1 data. The impact of (i) demographic and clinical parameters; and (ii) PSG and pFEV1, on the total sleep time spent with arterial oxygen saturation below 90% (TSpO2 < 90) was measured using regression analysis. P‐value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The mean age was 11.6 years (95% confidence interval: 9.5, 13.1). Twenty of 35 (57%) were boys and the mean body mass index percentile was 42.1 (31.5, 52.6). The most common ethnicity was white (66%). OSA was diagnosed in 50%. Neither demographic predictors nor clinical variables predicted the severity of hypoxemia (R2 = 0.23, P = 0.09). While pFEV1 and PSG variables accounted for significant proportion of the overall variance in TSpO2 < 90 (R2 = 0.53, P < 0.001), pFEV1 was identified as the single best predictor of sleep hypoxemia. A pFEV1 cut‐off of 53% indicated a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.87 in predicting sleep hypoxemia.

Conclusions

pFEV1 is the best predictor of sleep hypoxemia in children with CF and referred for PSG. No demographic or clinical predictors of hypoxemia were identified in this population.
Brain‐machine interface of upper limb recovery in stroke patients rehabilitation: A systematic review
Authors: Carvalho Raquel , Dias Nuno , Cerqueira João José
Published: January 2019

Background

Technologies such as brain‐computer interfaces are able to guide mental practice, in particular motor imagery performance, to promote recovery in stroke patients, as a combined approach to conventional therapy.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to provide a status report regarding advances in brain‐computer interface, focusing in particular in upper limb motor recovery.

Methods

The databases PubMed, Scopus, and PEDro were systematically searched for articles published between January 2010 and December 2017. The selected studies were randomized controlled trials involving brain‐computer interface interventions in stroke patients, with upper limb assessment as primary outcome measures. Reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the trials, using the PEDro methodologic rating scale.

Results

From 309 titles, we included nine studies with high quality (PEDro ≥ 6). We found that the most common interface used was non‐invasive electroencephalography, and the main neurofeedback, in stroke rehabilitation, was usually visual abstract or a combination with the control of an orthosis/robotic limb. Moreover, the Fugl–Meyer Assessment Scale was a major outcome measure in eight out of nine studies. In addition, the benefits of functional electric stimulation associated to an interface were found in three studies.

Conclusions

Neurofeedback training with brain‐computer interface systems seem to promote clinical and neurophysiologic changes in stroke patients, in particular those with long‐term efficacy.
CUL4B/miR‐33b/C‐MYC axis promotes prostate cancer progression
Authors: Zhao Mingfeng , Qi Mei , Li Xinjun , Hu Jing , Zhang Jing , Jiao Meng , Bai Xinnuo , Peng Xijia , Han Bo
Published: January 2019

Background

Cullin 4B (CUL4B), a scaffold protein that assembles CRL4B ubiquitin ligase complexes, is overexpressed in many types of solid tumors and contributes to epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors. However, its clinical significance and underlying molecular mechanisms in prostate cancer (PCa) remain unknown.

Methods

The clinical significance of CUL4B in PCa was characterized by in silico method. RT‐qPCR and Western blot were used to study the transcript and protein expression levels of CUL4B and C‐MYC. Bioinformatics tools, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assay were utilized to identify and characterize the microRNAs (miRNAs) regulated by CUL4B. The biological function of CUL4B and miR‐33b‐5p was evaluated by MTS, transwell, and wound healing assays, accordingly.

Results

CUL4B is significantly overexpressed in PCa tissues compared with benign prostatic tissues and its overexpression is correlated with poor prognosis. CUL4B promotes proliferation and aggressiveness of PCa cells in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that CUL4B upregulates the expression of C‐MYC at post‐transcriptional level through epigenetic silencing of miR‐33b‐5p. Importantly, CUL4B‐induced oncogenic activity in PCa by targeting C‐MYC is repressed by miR‐33b‐5p.

Conclusions

Our results suggested a novel CUL4B/miR‐33b/C‐MYC axis implicated in PCa cell growth and progression. This might provide novel insight into how CUL4B contributed to PCa aggressiveness and progression.
The interplay between viruses and TRIM family proteins
Authors: Khan Ramisha , Khan Amna , Ali Amjad , Idrees Muhammad
Published: January 2019

Novel therapeutic options are urgently needed to improve the global treatment of viral infections. Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins are involved in various biological and cellular functions including differentiation, development, proliferation, oncogenesis, innate immunity, and viral autophagy. Various TRIM proteins show antiviral properties against different viral infections and are now transitioning from ubiquitin proteins to an efficient and emerging therapeutic class of proteins. TRIM proteins combat viruses by targeting them at pre/post transcription levels. This review summarizes the comprehensive roles of different TRIM proteins along with their expression systems and their applications towards antiviral therapeutics.
TrackerBots: Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle for real‐time localization and tracking of multiple radio‐tagged animals
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Van , Chesser Michael , Koh Lian Pin , Rezatofighi S. Hamid , Ranasinghe Damith C.
Published: January 2019

Autonomous aerial robots provide new possibilities to study the habitats and behaviors of endangered species through the efficient gathering of location information at temporal and spatial granularities not possible with traditional manual survey methods. We present a novel autonomous aerial vehicle system—TrackerBots—to track and localize multiple radio‐tagged animals. The simplicity of measuring the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values of very high frequency (VHF) radio‐collars commonly used in the field is exploited to realize a low‐cost and lightweight tracking platform suitable for integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Due to uncertainty and the nonlinearity of the system based on RSSI measurements, our tracking and planning approaches integrate a particle filter for tracking and localizing and a partially observable Markov decision process for dynamic path planning. This approach allows autonomous navigation of a UAV in a direction of maximum information gain to locate multiple mobile animals and reduce exploration time and, consequently, conserve on‐board battery power. We also employ the concept of search termination criteria to maximize the number of located animals within power constraints of the aerial system. We validated our real‐time and online approach through both extensive simulations and field experiments with five VHF radio‐tags on a grassland plain.