bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interference reduction in long‐term evolution‐advanced by frequency and power domains
Authors: Sbit Selma , Dadi Mohamed B. , Rhaimi Belgacem C.
Published: March 2019

Mobile communication systems are growing steadily. In addition, users require better quality of service and large coverage offering a high quality of signal. To meet these challenges, a new concept named heterogeneous network (Het‐Net) has been adopted. The Het‐Net is a network deploying different types of cells (from a macro shape up to femto ones). Operators look to improve the performance of their networks and to remedy the problem of areas with low coverage. However, the coexistence of these different cell models causes interference at the downlink which can affect offered signal's quality. This interference results therefore performance degradation. Therefore, a novel intercell interference mitigation scheme, based on frequency and power domain, is proposed in order to reduce interference in Het‐Net long‐term evolution‐advanced. In frequency domain, the macrocell has to allocate a frequency band by using fractional frequency reuse scheme and the femtocells choose subbands that are not used in the macrocell sector to reduce interference. On the other hand, the small cells transmitted powers are controlled for limiting the interference imposed by it on the other users in the cell area. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme enhances the signal to interference plus noise ratio of macro and femto users and the overall throughput in the network.
MicroRNA‐503 contributes to podocyte injury via targeting E2F3 in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zha Fangfang , Bai Lin , Tang Bo , Li Ji , Wang Yakun , Zheng PengXi , Ji Tingting , Bai Shoujun
Published: March 2019

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is serious diabetic complication with capillary injury. Podocyte injury exerts a crucial effect on DN pathogenesis. MicroRNA‐503 (miR‐503) has been reported in various diseases including DN. Here, we investigated the detailed mechanism of miR‐503 in the podocyte injury of DN. The functional role of miR‐503 was investigated in cultured podocytes and diabetic rats. Podocyte injury was evaluated by migration and apoptosis experiments in podocytes and we observed that high glucose elevated miR‐503 in a time and dose‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3), as a crucial regulator in multiple diseases, was predicted as a potential target of miR‐503 here. It was shown that E2F3 was greatly decreased in podocytes incubated with high glucose and miR‐503 modulated its expression negatively. In addition, downregulation of E2F3 contributed to podocyte injury, which was reversed by miR‐503 inhibitors in vitro. Furthermore, we proved that increase of miR‐503 resulted in an unfavorable renal function in diabetic rats via targeting E2F3. These revealed for the first time that the overexpression of miR‐503 promoted podocyte injury via targeting E2F3 in diabetic nephropathy and miR‐503/E2F3 axis might represent a pathological mechanism of diabetic nephropathy progression.
miRNA‐301b‐3p accelerates migration and invasion of high‐grade ovarian serous tumor via targeting CPEB3/EGFR axis
Authors: Liu Fengying , Zhang Guilian , Lv Shiming , Wen Xinmian , Liu Peishu
Published: March 2019

High‐grade ovarian serous carcinoma (HGS‐OvCa), a type of ovarian cancer with poor prognosis due to distant metastasis, is urgently in need of new therapeutic targets. microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs, perform significant roles in tumor progression. Mounting evidence has revealed the aberrant expression of miRNA in various cancers, one of which is HGS‐OvCa. Present study planned to investigate that miRNA‐301b‐3p accelerates migration and invasion of high‐grade ovarian serous tumor via targeting CPEB3/EGFR axis. Upregulation of miR‐301b‐3p was uncovered in HGS‐OvCa tissues and cell lines, and was identified to be associated with metastasis. The Kaplan‐Meier analysis confirmed the association of miR‐301b‐3p with poor prognosis of HGS‐OvCa patients. Transwell assay validated the oncogenic effect of miR‐301b‐3p on migration and invasion of HGS‐OvCa cells. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 3 (CPEB3) was then identified as a target of miR‐301b‐3p. It was also discovered that CPEB3 was downregulated in HGS‐OvCa tissues and cell lines. The Spearman correlation curve presented the negative correlation of CPEB3 expression with miR‐301b‐3p. Furthermore, rescue assays proved that miRNA‐301b‐3p regulated the invasion and migration through CPEB3. Western blot and qRT‐PCR analysis showed that miRNA‐301b‐3p induced epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream metastasis‐related proteins, p38, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), through CPEB3. To be concluded, these results indicated that miRNA‐301b‐3p accelerated migration and invasion of high‐grade ovarian serous tumor via targeting CPEB3/EGFR axis.
XRCC4, which is inhibited by PFDA, regulates DNA damage repair and cell chemosensitivity
Authors: Liu Fengyan , Fan Ziyan , Song Ning , Han Mingyong , Yan Ming , Guo Liang‐Hong , Jihui Jia , Liu Shili
Published: March 2019

The mechanism of environmental pollution promoting gastric cancer incidence and difficulty of treatment is not fully understood. In the present article, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), a common persistent environmental pollutant, was used to treat the gastric cell lines and mice to test its genotoxicity. The γ‐H2AX immunoblot and plasmid fragment PCR results showed that PFDA had a promotion effect on the DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in human and mouse cells. Subsequent results showed that PFDA significantly altered the sensitivity of cells to chemotherapy. Microarray data showed that the expressions of some important DNA repair genes were changed. Further investigation discovered that PFDA inhibition of DNA repair was mediated by X‐ray repair cross complementing 4 (XRCC4). The cells deficient in XRCC4 generally exhibited reduced proliferation and premature aging in culture; however, our results indicated that PFDA induced p53 inhibition rescued cells from the apoptosis that was triggered by nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ) inactivation, and overexpression of p53 expression in PFDA‐treated cells enhanced their apoptosis. Finally, T‐cell specific factor 4 was suggested by the results as an upstream regulator of XRCC4. This article revealed for the first time that perfluorinated chemicals affect chemotherapeutic sensitivity and the NHEJ pathway, and p53 reduction rescues cells from death.
Reduced PDGF‐AA in subchondral bone leads to articular cartilage degeneration after strenuous running
Authors: Yao Zilong , Chen Peisheng , Wang Shengnan , Deng Ganming , Hu Yanjun , Lin Qingrong , Zhang Xianrong , Yu Bin
Published: March 2019

To identify the effects of running on articular cartilage and subchondral bone remodeling, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, moderate‐, and strenuous running. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bone marrow lesions in the knee subchondral bone in the strenuous‐running group in contrast with the other two groups. The microcomputed tomography analysis showed promoted bone formation in the subchondral bone in mice subjected to strenuous running. Histological and immunohistochemistry results indicated that terminal differentiation of chondrocytes and degeneration of articular cartilage were enhanced but, synthesis of platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA (PDGF‐AA) in the subchondral bone was suppressed after strenuous running. In vitro, excessive mechanical treatments suppressed the expression of PDGF‐AA in osteoblasts, and the condition medium from mechanical‐treated osteoblasts stimulated maturation and terminal differentiation of chondrocytes. These results indicate that strenuous running suppresses the synthesis of PDGF‐AA in subchondral bone, leading to downregulated PDGF/Akt signal in articular cartilage and thus cartilage degeneration.
Combination therapy with dacarbazine and statins improved the survival rate in mice with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Tsubaki Masanobu , Takeda Tomoya , Obata Naoya , Kawashima Keishi , Tabata Mitsuki , Imano Motohiro , Satou Takao , Nishida Shozo
Published: March 2019

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer, and the overall median survival in patients with metastatic melanoma is only 6–9 months. Although molecular targeted therapies have recently been developed and have improved the overall survival, melanoma patients may show no response and acquisition of resistance to these drugs. Thus, other molecular approaches are essential for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cotreatment with dacarbazine and statins on tumor growth, metastasis, and survival rate in mice with metastatic melanomas. We found that cotreatment with dacarbazine and statins significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis via suppression of the RhoA/RhoC/LIM domain kinase/serum response factor/c‐Fos pathway and enhanced p53, p21, p27, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 expression in vivo. Moreover, the cotreatment significantly improved the survival rate in metastasis‐bearing mice. Importantly, treatment with dacarbazine plus 100 mg/kg simvastatin or fluvastatin prevented metastasis‐associated death in 4/20 mice that received dacarbazine + simvastatin and in 8/20 mice that received dacarbazine + fluvastatin (survival rates, 20% and 40%, respectively). These results suggested that cotreatment with dacarbazine and statins may thus serve as a new therapeutic approach to control tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma patients.
Enhanced phycocyanin and protein content of Arthrospira by applying neutral density and red light shading filters: a small‐scale pilot experiment
Authors: Kilimtzidi Evmorfia , Cuellar Bermudez Sara , Markou Giorgos , Goiris Koen , Vandamme Dries , Muylaert Koenraad
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The cyanobacterium Arthrospira contains proteins and the blue pigment phycocyanin that can be used as a natural colourant in the food industry. The aim of this study was to investigate a strategy for increasing the yield of phycocyanin and protein from Arthrospira cultures by shading the cultures with neutral density and red light filters. Experiments were conducted under three different irradiance conditions: (i) laboratory tests under relatively low light intensities (100 μmol m−2 s−1), (ii) laboratory tests under relatively high light intensities (516 μmol m−2 s−1) and (iii) scaled‐up tests under natural conditions by cultivating Arthrospira in raceway ponds in a greenhouse.

RESULTS

In all cases, shading of cultures with red filters resulted in biomass with increased phycocyanin content achieving a maximum of 134, 71 and 121 mg g−1 under low light intensity, high light intensity and natural conditions, respectively. Under high light intensity and natural conditions, shaded cultures displayed phycocyanin of higher purity and increased protein content, which reached up to 43 and 65%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Shading of Arthrospira cultures by low‐cost polyester red light filters may be an effective way for enhancing phycocyanin production and improving its purity in outdoor ‘spirulina farms’. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Abdominal Ultrasonography: Improved Image Quality with the Combined Use of a Diet and Laxatives
Authors: Vogel Huibert J. Ph. , Schipper Jaap , Hermans Jo
Published: March 2019

Intestinal contents (gas and food particles) are well known to cause problems in abdominal ultrasonography by inducing confusing and inconclusive images. We prospectively studied the effect on the combination of a 2‐day low‐calorie, low gasforming diet with laxatives on abdominal sonographic image quality.

For a total group of 100 consecutive outpatients, 50 patients (diet‐laxative or DL group) were randomly assigned to follow the preparation of a diet and laxatives, and 50 patients (control or C group) served as a control group without any special preparation. The sonographic imaging quality of abdominal organs and retroperitoneal structures was assessed without knowledge of which group the patients were assigned to. The DL group patients showed a significant improvement in visibility of the extrahepatic common bile duct (p = 0.009), head and body of the pancreas (p = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively), para‐aortic region (p = 0.001), and the iliac vessels (p = 0.0005).

The combined use of a low‐calorie, low gas‐forming diet and laxatives improves the abdominal sonographic image quality of the above‐mentioned structures to such an extent that the sonographer will be able to make more pertinent statements about the presence or absence of pathology.
Gallbladder Wall Thickening in Acute Pyelonephritis
Authors: Talarico Henry P. , Rubens Deborah
Published: March 2019

Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) are frequently utilized in the assessment of patients with abdominal pain. During examination of the gallbladder, wall thickness is easily demonstrated and felt to be an important characteristic of intrinsic gallbladder disease.1—4 Other documented causes of diffuse gallbladder wall thickening include ascites, hypoalbuminemia, peptic ulcer disease, portal hypertension, pericholecystic abscess, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, chronic heart failure, and chronic renal disease.5—7 To our knowledge, acute pyelonephritis has not been previously described as a cause of gallbladder wall thickening. We present 3 patients diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis who demonstrated diffuse gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasound and/or CT examination during their initial evaluation.
Echographic Diagnosis of Omphalocele in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Pagliano Marco , Mossetti Massimo , Ragno Patrizia
Published: March 2019

Ultrasound represent an invaluable modality for the early diagnosis of structural alterations of the fetus, and facilitates a correct prognosis and effective therapeutic action.

Omphalocele is the herniation of the abdominal organs at the insertion of the umbilical cord. It develops between 8 and 11 weeks, menstrual age.

The echographic diagnosis of omphalocele is easily carried out during the second trimester of pregnancy; however, a careful examination of the fetus is necessary for a differential diagnosis in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Examining the international literature we found that the earliest reported diagnosis of omphalocele was carried out at the 12th week, menstrual age.

The following is a report of a case of omphalocele identified at 10.9 weeks, menstrual age.
Prenatal Sonographic Appearance and Subsequent Management of a Fetus with Oromandibular Limb Hypogenesis Syndrome Associated with Pulmonary Hypoplasia
Authors: Shechter Sharon A. , Sherer David M. , Geilfuss Charles J. , Metlay Leon A. , Woods James R.
Published: March 2019

Skeletal abnormalities are found in a large number of syndromes including facial/skeletal defects, skeletal dysplasias, and connective tissue, muscle, and metabolic disorders.1 Skeletal malformations associated with aglossia were first described by Rosenthal.2 Recently, Kaplan et al. have emphasized a spectrum of skeletal disorders and have suggested some common elements in proposed modes of developmental pathology.3 We present a case of the oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome (OLHS) with the associated prenatal sonographic findings.
Characteristic Ultrasonographic Appearance of the Krukenberg Tumor
Authors: Shimizu Hiromu , Yamasaki Masato , Ohama Koso , Nozaki Tadaharu , Tanaka Yoshiaki
Published: March 2019

We studied the value of ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of Krukenberg tumors (N = 15) and primary ovarian cancers (N = 15) using the echo pattern of the tumor wall, solid component and cystic component. Fourteen of the 15 Krukenberg tumors had a clear tumor margin, an irregular hyperechoic solid pattern, and moth‐eaten cyst formation. In contrast, the primary ovarian cancer had unclear tumor margins, an irregular hypoechoic solid pattern, clear cyst formation, papillary proliferation, and irregular thickness of the septum. These data suggest that Krukenberg tumors can be distinguished ultrasonographically from primary ovarian cancers.
A Case of Scrotal Birth Trauma: Sonographic Evaluation
Authors: Weinberg Brighita , Rodriguez Luis R. , Diakoumakis Evangelos E.
Published: March 2019

Real‐time sonography has been proven to be useful in the evaluation of the traumatized scrotum, especially since in many instances the clinical assessment is quite limited. Testicular rupture is accurately diagnosed, thus leading to prompt surgical intervention. Hematoceles and areas of focal alteration in the texture of the testis corresponding to intratesticular infarction or hemorrhage can be identified.

We report a case of a neonate with a deep scrotal injury from birth trauma that was diagnosed by sonography.
An Efficient Ugi‐Azide Four‐Component Approach for the Preparation of Novel 1‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐10‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrazino[1,2‐a] Indoles
Authors: Salahi Saleh , Ghandi Mehdi , Abbasi Alireza
Published: March 2019

The synthesis of novel 1‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐10‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrazino[1,2‐a] indole derivatives starting from the initially prepared 1‐(2‐bromoethyl)‐3‐chloro‐1H‐indole‐2‐carbaldehyde is described. A variety of likely biologically relevant pyrazino[1,2‐a] indole‐based 1,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles was obtained in moderate to high yields via an Ugi‐azide reaction. These reactions presumably proceed by the imine formation, intramolecular cyclization to iminium ion, and nucleophilic addition tandem reactions, respectively.
Evaluating network meta‐analysis and inconsistency using arm‐parameterized model in structural equation modeling
Authors: Shih Ming‐Chieh , Tu Yu‐Kang
Published: March 2019

Network meta‐analysis (NMA) uses both direct and indirect evidence to compare the efficacy and harm between several treatments. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a statistical method that investigates relations among observed and latent variables. Previous studies have shown that the contrast‐based Lu‐Ades model for NMA can be implemented in the SEM framework. However, the Lu‐Ades model uses the difference between treatments as the unit of analysis, thereby introducing correlations between observations. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate how to undertake NMA in SEM using the outcome of treatment arms as the unit of analysis (arm‐parameterized model) and to evaluate direct‐indirect evidence inconsistency under this framework. We then showed that our models can include trials of within‐person designs without the need for complex data manipulation. Moreover, we showed that a novel approach to meta‐analysis, the unrestricted weighted least squares, can be readily extended to NMA under our framework. Finally, we demonstrated that the direct‐indirect evidence inconsistency can be evaluated by using multiple group analysis in SEM. We then proposed a novel arm‐parameterized inconsistency model for inconsistency evaluation. We applied the proposed models to two NMA datasets and showed that our approach yielded results identical to the Lu‐Ades model. We also showed that relaxing variance assumptions can reduce the confidence intervals for certain treatment contrasts, thereby yielding greater statistical power. The arm‐parameterized inconsistency model unifies current approaches to inconsistency evaluation.
Transfollicular delivery of gold microparticles in healthy skin and acne vulgaris, assessed by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Fuchs Christine S. K. , Ortner Vinzent Kevin , Mogensen Mette , Philipsen Peter Alshede , Haedersdal Merete
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Topical application of gold microparticles (GMPs) for selective photothermolysis is a recently FDA‐cleared therapy for acne vulgaris. Current evidence indicates the potential of optical imaging to non‐invasively visualize GMPs and describe photothermal tissue effects.

Objectives

To qualitatively and quantitatively describe GMP delivery in vivo and visualize laser‐mediated thermal effects of GMPs in facial skin of acne patients and healthy participants, using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Patients with facial acne (n = 14), and healthy participants (n = 7) were included. RCM and OCT images were acquired at baseline, after GMP application, and after diode laser exposure. All images were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively with regards to GMP delivery in skin layers and morphological thermal effects. Lastly, skin biopsies were obtained to compare RCM and OCT findings to histology.

Results

GMPs were delivered equally in healthy participants and acne patients, and in lesional and non‐lesional acne skin. In RCM images, GMPs appeared as hyperreflective aggregates inside hair follicles and eccrine ducts, corresponding to natural skin openings (NSOs). The fraction of NSOs with hyperreflective content increased significantly after GMP application compared to baseline (50–75% increase, P = 8.88 × 10−16). Similarly, in OCT images, GMPs appeared as hyperreflective columns inside hair follicles and were not detected in surrounding skin. GMPs reached a maximum depth of 920 μm (median 300 μm). After laser exposure, RCM and histology revealed selective perifollicular tissue changes around NSOs.

Conclusion

Optical imaging visualizes GMP delivery and thermal tissue response following laser exposure and enables bedside monitoring of transfollicular microparticle delivery. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:430–438, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Junctional adhesion molecule‐A is down‐regulated in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas and reduces cancer cell aggressiveness by modulating p53 and GSK3 α/β pathways
Authors: Orlandella Francesca Maria , Mariniello Raffaela Mariarosaria , Iervolino Paola Lucia Chiara , Auletta Luigi , De Stefano Anna Elisa , Ugolini Clara , Greco Adelaide , Mirabelli Peppino , Pane Katia , Franzese Monica , Denaro Maria , Basolo Fulvio , Salvatore Giuliana
Published: March 2019

Junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM‐A) is a transmembrane protein that contributes to different biological process, including the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Through an EMT profiler array, we explored the molecular players associated with human thyroid cancer progression and identified JAM‐A as one of the genes mostly deregulated. The quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that downregulation of JAM‐A occurred in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) compared with normal thyroid (NT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues and correlated with extrathyroid infiltration, tumor size, and ATC histotype. In ATC cell lines, JAM‐A restoration suppressed malignant hallmarks of transformation including cell proliferation, motility, and transendothelial migration. Accordingly, knockdown of JAM‐A enhanced thyroid cancer cell proliferation and motility in PTC cells. Through the proteome profiler human phospho‐kinase array, we demonstrated that higher expression of JAM‐A was associated with a significant increased level of phosphorylation of p53 and GSK3 α/β proteins. In conclusion, our findings highlight a novel role of JAM‐A in thyroid cancer progression and suggest that JAM‐A restoration could have potential clinical relevance in thyroid cancer treatment.
Differentiated‐product distribution in a dual‐channel supply chain
Authors: Pu Xujin , Sun Shuxing , Han Guanghua
Published: March 2019

This study presents a theoretical framework to explore the mechanism of firms' preference for different distribution strategies. The results indicate that the manufacturer, retailer, and e‐tailer would prefer the distribution strategy of selling low‐end and high‐end products through offline and online channels, respectively, when consumers are minimally sensitive to the product‐quality differentiation. By contrast, supply‐chain firms would prefer the distribution strategy of selling high‐end and low‐end products through offline and online channels when consumers are significantly sensitive to the product‐quality differentiation. Firms demonstrate different preferences for distribution strategy when consumers are moderately sensitive to product‐quality differentiation.
Special relativistic Fourier transformation and convolutions
Authors: Hitzer Eckhard
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we use the steerable special relativistic (space‐time) Fourier transform (SFT) and relate the classical convolution of the algebra for space‐time Cl(3,1)‐valued signals over the space‐time vector space
, with the (equally steerable) Mustard convolution. A Mustard convolution can be expressed in the spectral domain as the point wise product of the SFTs of the factor functions. In full generality do we express the classical convolution of space‐time signals in terms of finite linear combinations of Mustard convolutions and vice versa the Mustard convolution of space‐time signals in terms of finite linear combinations of classical convolutions.
Ectopic expression of DNA methyltransferases DNMT3A2 and DNMT3L leads to aberrant hypermethylation and postnatal lethality in mice
Authors: Sasaki Keisuke , Hara Satoshi , Yamakami Reina , Sato Yusuke , Hasegawa Saki , Kono Tomohiro , Morohaku Kanako , Obata Yayoi
Published: March 2019

DNA methylation is generally known to inactivate gene expression. The DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), DNMT3A and DNMT3B, catalyze somatic cell lineage‐specific DNA methylation, while DNMT3A and DNMT3L catalyze germ cell lineage‐specific DNA methylation. How such lineage‐ and gene‐specific DNA methylation patterns are created remains to be elucidated. To better understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying DNA methylation, we generated transgenic mice that constitutively expressed DNMT3A and DNMT3L, and analyzed DNA methylation, gene expression, and their subsequent impact on ontogeny. All transgenic mice were born normally but died within 20 weeks accompanied with cardiac hypertrophy. Several genes were repressed in the hearts of transgenic mice compared with those in wild‐type mice. CpG islands of these downregulated genes were highly methylated in the transgenic mice. This abnormal methylation occurred in the perinatal stage. Conversely, monoallelic DNA methylation at imprinted loci was faithfully maintained in all transgenic mice, except H19. Thus, the loci preferred by DNMT3A and DNMT3L differ between somatic and germ cell lineages.
Heuristics for the strong generalized minimum label spanning tree problem
Authors: Cerrone Carmine , D'Ambrosio Ciriaco , Raiconi Andrea
Published: March 2019

In this work we introduce and study the strong generalized minimum label spanning tree (GMLST), a novel optimization problem defined on edge‐labeled graphs. Given a label set associated to each edge of the input graph, the aim is to look for the spanning tree using the minimum number of labels. Differently from the previously introduced GMLST problem, including a given edge in the solution means that all its labels are used. We present a mathematical formulation, as well as three heuristic approaches to solve the problem. Computational results compare the performances of the proposed algorithms.
A simple explicit single step time integration algorithm for structural dynamics
Authors: Kim Wooram
Published: March 2019

In this article, a new single‐step explicit time integration method is developed based on the Newmark approximations for the analysis of various dynamic problems. The newly proposed method is second‐order accurate and able to control numerical dissipation through the parameters of the Newmark approximations. Explicitness and order of accuracy of the proposed method are not affected in velocity‐dependent problems. Illustrative linear and nonlinear examples are used to verify performances of the proposed method.
Training of NANDA‐I Nursing Diagnoses (NDs), Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), in Psychiatric Wards: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taghavi Larijani Taraneh , Saatchi Babak
Published: March 2019

Aim

To assess the effect of Training NANDA‐I Nursing Diagnoses, Nursing Interventions Classification and Nursing Outcomes Classification (The NNN system), on the nursing care related to the patient safety, in psychiatric wards.

Method

In a randomized controlled trial, 80 nurses were selected randomly and assigned into two, Control and Experimental, groups. Nurses documented reports, reviewed and analysed in terms of using the NNN system. The intervention of the study was the training of the NNN system, based on recognition of the signs, symptoms and aetiology of the important phenomena in the psychiatric wards.

Results

The Control Group used the NNN system (N = 34), both before and after the intervention, while the experimental group usage increased from (N = 26)–(N = 434). Therefore, the NNN system training, can improve the nursing care related to the patient safety in psychiatric wards.
Promoting self‐management of breast and nipple pain in breastfeeding women: Protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lucas Ruth , Bernier Katherine , Perry Mallory , Evans Heather , Ramesh Divya , Young Erin , Walsh Stephen , Starkweather Angela
Published: March 2019

The majority of women experience pain during breastfeeding initiation with few strategies to manage breast and nipple pain. In fact, women cite breast and nipple pain as among the most common reasons for breastfeeding cessation. To address this important issue, we developed a breastfeeding self‐management (BSM) intervention, based on the Individual and Family Self‐Management Theory Framework. In this framework, self‐management is conceptualized as a process in which women use knowledge, beliefs, and social facilitation to achieve breastfeeding goals. The purpose of this longitudinal pilot randomized controlled trial was to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the BSM intervention with women initiating breastfeeding. Recruitment of 60 women intending to breastfeed occurred within 48 hr of delivery and women were randomized to either the intervention or usual care group. The BSM intervention group received BSM education modules that included information of how to manage breast and nipple pain and self‐management support through biweekly texting from the study nurse, and were asked to complete a daily breastfeeding journal. Primary outcomes measured at baseline, 1, 2, and 6 weeks will be used to (a) evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the BSM intervention, and (b) assess the influence of protective and risk factors of breastfeeding pain (including individual genetic polymorphisms related to pain sensitivity) on process variables for self‐management of breastfeeding and breastfeeding pain, and on proximal (breastfeeding pain severity and interference, breastfeeding frequency) and distal outcomes (breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and general well‐being).
Impact of accountability on the performance of police service: Palestinian police case study
Authors: Ahmad Ayman Taha Hassan , Barakat Khaled
Published: March 2019

In the Palestinian case, the police officers tried to provide some requirements and undertake some development initiatives. The issue of accountability was the most important part of them. Therefore, this research provides an assessment and analysis for the issue of accountability in the Palestinian police. It aims to identify the relationship and impact on the development of police performance. The researchers used a questionnaire for this purpose, which was distributed to a sample of 332 police personnel in the four largest police departments in the West Bank. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that the elements of the Palestinian police system are subject to accountability through clear structures, mechanisms, procedures, and standards from inside and outside of the system. This system of accountability has a clear impact on the development and improvement of the performance of police elements.
Synthesis of a novel oil‐absorption resin and optimization of its performance parameters using response surface design
Authors: Kong Lingtong , Ma Lei , Jin Haibo , Hou Jing , He Guangxiang , Zhang Rongyue
Published: March 2019

A novel porous oil absorbing resin with the main monomers of stearyl methacrylate and isooctyl methacrylate was synthesized using suspension polymerization. The synthesis experiments were conducted using the response surface design method. And the influences of initiator concentration, cross‐linker concentration, and dispersant concentration were investigated. Through analyzing the second‐order polynomial mathematical models and the corresponding data, the mutual effects between these factors on the oil‐absorption performance were obtained. The response surface was used to analyze the oil (gasoline, diesel, and kerosene) absorption performance in the pure oil samples and oily water samples, respectively. The content of initiator and cross‐linker exhibited a necessary effect on the absorption of gasoline and kerosene. Moreover, the two most significant factors for diesel are the amount of initiator and dispersant. The experimental results showed that the oil‐absorbing resin synthesized under the optimized condition could achieve better oil‐absorption rate on all three oils. The absorption rates of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene are 10.14, 10.73, and 11.69 g/g, respectively, which the deoiling rate can reach closed 100% in the water sample containing gasoline and kerosene.
Thermal and mechanical performance of unidirectional composites from bamboo fibers with varying volume fractions
Authors: Yang Mengqing , Wang Fang , Zhou Shujue , Lu Zhisong , Ran Siyan , Li Lu , Shao Jiaxing
Published: March 2019

In this work, a simple hand lay‐up technique was employed to fabricate bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy resin composites, and subsequently composites with different fiber volume fractions (0%, 30%, 50%, and 70%) were prepared. To investigate the composite thermal properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used. DSC demonstrates a decrease of glass transition temperature when fibers are incorporated into epoxy resin. TG results reveal that the degradation temperature increases with increasing the fiber content, and then a better thermal stability is achieved. The thermal results indicate that bamboo fibers provide a good resistance for heat insulation, suppressing the epoxy thermal decomposition. DMA shows that both storage modulus and loss modulus increase with increasing the fiber volume fraction in the temperature range of 30–200°C. Tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also conducted on the specimens to investigate the material mechanical behavior. Compared with epoxy resin, the composites incorporated with bamboo fibers exhibit an improved tensile strength and modulus. The detailed analysis reveals that bamboo fibers have a positive effect on the thermo‐mechanical properties of epoxy resin, providing a feasibility to using natural composites in a specific construction. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3929–3937, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of silymarin supplementation on blood lipids: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Mohammadi Hamed , Hadi Amir , Arab Arman , Moradi Sajjad , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2019

Dyslipidemia is a leading cause of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Several studies used silymarin as an herbal supplement in hyperlipidemic subjects. The aim of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the effect of silymarin supplementation on blood lipids. PubMed, Scopus, Ovid (Cochrane library), ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched until March 2018 to find intervention studies that examined the impact of silymarin supplementation on blood lipids in adults. Changes in blood lipids and potential sources of between‐study variation were extracted. We run a subgroup analysis to determine potential sources of inter‐study heterogeneity. Ten clinical trials fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Meta‐analysis indicated that silymarin supplementation in combination with other treatments (not silymarin alone) reduced total cholesterol (change: −25.45 mg/dl; 95% confidence interval [CI] [−47.89, −3.01 mg/dl]) and low‐density lipoprotein (change: −28.25 mg/dl; 95% CI [−53.09, −3.42 mg/dl]). Also, silymarin increased high‐density lipoprotein concentration (change: 4.82 mg/dl; 95% CI [2.01, 7.63 mg/dl]). Blood concentration of triglyceride was significantly after silymarin supplementation in comparison with controls (change: −22.55 mg/dl; 95% CI [−44.32, −0.78 mg/dl]). Present systematic review and meta‐analysis revealed that silymarin supplementation in combination with other treatments had a favorable effect on blood lipids.
Average dwell time based stability analysis for nonautonomous continuous‐time switched systems
Authors: Lu Junjie , She Zhikun
Published: March 2019

Inspired by the idea of multiple Lyapunov functions and the average dwell time, we address the stability analysis of nonautonomous continuous‐time switched systems. First, we investigate nonautonomous continuous‐time switched nonlinear systems and successively propose sufficient conditions for their (uniform) stability, global (uniform) asymptotic stability, and global (uniform) exponential stability, in which an indefinite scalar function is utilized to release the nonincreasing requirements of the classical multiple Lyapunov functions. Afterwards, by using multiple Lyapunov functions of quadratic form, we obtain the corresponding sufficient conditions for (uniform) stability, global (uniform) asymptotic stability, and global exponential stability of nonautonomous switched linear systems. Finally, we consider the computation issue of our current results for a special class of nonautonomous switched systems (ie, rational nonautonomous switched systems), associated with two illustrative examples.
Stochastic stability and extended dissipativity analysis for uncertain neutral systems with semi‐Markovian jumping parameters via novel free matrix–based integral inequality
Authors: Wu Tao , Xiong Lianglin , Cao Jinde , Zhang Haiyang
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the issues of stochastic stability and extended dissipativity analysis for uncertain neutral systems with semi‐Markovian jumping parameters. A new criterion about the stochastic stability and extended dissipativity of uncertain neutral systems with semi‐Markovian jumping parameters is obtained based on the new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals together with the introduced novel free matrix–based integral inequality. The major contribution of this study is that the stochastic stability and extended dissipativity concept for uncertain neutral systems with semi‐Markovian jumping parameters can be developed to simultaneously analyze the solutions of the L2 − L∞ performance, H∞ action, passivity behavior, and
dissipativity by selecting different weighting matrices. Finally, several interesting numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness and less conservatism of the proposed method.
Dynamic intermittent Q‐learning–based model‐free suboptimal co‐design of ‐stabilization
Authors: Yang Yongliang , Vamvoudakis Kyriakos G. , Ferraz Henrique , Modares Hamidreza
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes an intermittent model‐free learning algorithm for linear time‐invariant systems, where the control policy and transmission decisions are co‐designed simultaneously while also being subjected to worst‐case disturbances. The control policy is designed by introducing an internal dynamical system to further reduce the transmission rate and provide bandwidth flexibility in cyber‐physical systems. Moreover, a Q‐learning algorithm with two actors and a single critic structure is developed to learn the optimal parameters of a Q‐function. It is shown by using an impulsive system approach that the closed‐loop system has an asymptotically stable equilibrium and that no Zeno behavior occurs. Furthermore, a qualitative performance analysis of the model‐free dynamic intermittent framework is given and shows the degree of suboptimality concerning the optimal continuous updated controller. Finally, a numerical simulation of an unknown system is carried out to highlight the efficacy of the proposed framework.
Investigation on Trimethylamine Sensing Performance of PdO‐Decorated ZnO Flower‐Like Structures Synthesized by One‐ Step Hydrothermal Method
Authors: San Xiaoguang , Liu Dongyu , Wang Guosheng , Shen Yanbai , Meng Dan , Meng Fanli
Published: March 2019

ZnO and PdO‐decorated ZnO flower‐like structures have been synthesized using a facile one‐step hydrothermal method followed by subsequent calcination. Then, their structural information and trimethylamine (TMA) sensing performance were investigated. The results exhibited that the diameter of these ZnO flower‐like structures was in the range of 3–7 μm. Its morphology was maintained after introducing PdO nanoparticales. By comparing the sensing properties, it is found that sensors based on PdO‐decorated ZnO flower‐like structures showed higher TMA response than that of pure one. Especially, the sensor fabricated by 1 mol% PdO‐decorated ZnO flower‐like structures displayed superior gas sensing performances including high response, rapid response/recover characteristics, good stability, and high selectivity. Such a superior sensing performance is mainly due to the chemical and electrical sensitization of PdO nanoparticles. This simple synthesis strategy and a desirable TMA sensing performance could be broadly developed other metallic doped metal oxide flower‐like structures as high performance sensing materials.
Thin Carbon Layer Coated Porous Fe3O4 Particles Supported by rGO Sheets for Improved Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Qi Hui , Cao Liyun , Li Jiayin , Huang Jianfeng , Xu Zhanwei , Jie Yanni , Wang Caiwei
Published: March 2019

Iron oxide (Fe3O4) is considered as a promising sodium ion anode material due to high capacity, low cost and nontoxic features. However, the main challenges associated with Fe3O4 anodes are structure instability and low initial Coulombic efficiency (∼50%) during charge/discharge process. In this work, thin carbon layer (∼2.5 nm) coated porous Fe3O4 particles (∼ 100 nm) anchored on reduced graphene oxide sheets (Fe3O4@C/rGO) are achieved. Fe3O4@C/rGO composite shows a stable cycling performance of 356 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 with a slight decay of 0.098 mAh g−1 per cycle. Moreover, it exhibits a high initial Coubombic efficiency of 74%, superior to the values in most reported literatures for Fe3O4/carbon composites. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the porous structure of Fe3O4 which can accommodate the mechanical stress induced by the volume expansion, and the outside carbon layers which can protect Fe3O4 from electrolyte to form a stable solid electrolyte interface film.
Melting the Cultural Iceberg in Indigenizing Higher Education: Shifts to Accountability in Times of Reconciliation
Authors: Vaudrin‐Charette Julie
Published: March 2019

In this chapter, the author draws on personal experiences as pedagogical advisor and as a doctoral student, to consider how recognizing voice, family, and vulnerabilities may assist in developing a sense of accountability in academia. Reflecting on the Canadian context of reconciliation, the author considers how moving from an intercultural to an equity paradigm may melt the cultural iceberg.
Amniotic fluid volume at presentation with early preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and association with severe neonatal respiratory morbidity
Authors: Weiner E. , Barrett J. , Zaltz A. , Ram M. , Aviram A. , Kibel M. , Lipworth H. , Asztalos E. , Melamed N.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Amniotic fluid volume (AFV) plays an important role in early fetal lung development, and oligohydramnios in early pregnancy is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between AFV at the time of presentation with early preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and severe neonatal respiratory morbidity and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all women with a singleton pregnancy, admitted to a single tertiary referral center between 2004 and 2014, for expectant management of PPROM at 20 + 0 to 28 + 6 weeks' gestation. The primary exposure was AFV at presentation, classified according to sonographic maximum vertical pocket (MVP) as: normal AFV (> 2 cm), oligohydramnios (≤ 2 cm and > 1 cm) or severe oligohydramnios (≤ 1 cm). The primary outcome was a composite variable of severe respiratory morbidity, defined as either of the following: (1) need for respiratory support in the form of mechanical ventilation using an endotracheal tube for ≥ 72 h and need for surfactant; or (2) bronchopulmonary dysplasia, defined as requirement for oxygen at postmenstrual age of 36 weeks or at the time of transfer to a Level‐II facility. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CI for the primary and secondary outcomes were calculated for each AFV‐at‐presentation group (using normal AFV as the reference), adjusting for gestational age (GA) at PPROM, latency period, birth weight, mode of delivery and chorioamnionitis.

Results

In total, 580 women were included, of whom 304 (52.4%) had normal AFV, 161 (27.8%) had oligohydramnios and 115 (19.8%) had severe oligohydramnios at presentation. The rates of severe respiratory morbidity were 16.1%, 26.7% and 45.2%, respectively. Compared with normal AFV at presentation, oligohydramnios (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.84–5.84) and severe oligohydramnios (aOR, 4.11; 95% CI, 2.26–7.56) at presentation were associated independently with severe respiratory morbidity. Other variables that were associated independently with the primary outcome were GA at PPROM (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.43–0.69), latency period (aOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98) and Cesarean delivery (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.21–3.32).

Conclusions

In women with early PPROM, AFV at presentation, as assessed by the MVP on ultrasound examination, is associated independently with severe neonatal respiratory morbidity. This information may be taken into consideration when counseling women with early PPROM regarding neonatal outcome and management options. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Putting the boot into the swampland
Authors: Conlon Joseph P. , Quevedo Fernando
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The swampland program of delineating the space of effective field theories consistent with quantum gravity appears similar to the bootstrap program of delineating the space of quantum field theories consistent with conformal symmetry. With this in mind we rewrite the effective field theory of the Large Volume Scenario in AdS space solely in terms of R
AdS, in a form suitable for holographic analysis. This rewritten EFT takes a remarkably universal (and previously unnoticed) form, which is uniquely determined in the large-volume limit up to terms suppressed by

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

(1/lnR
AdS), with no reference to any of the fluxes, brane or instanton configurations that enter the microphysics of moduli stabilisation. The putative dual 3d CFT will have two low-lying single trace scalars, an even-parity scalar Φ dual to the volume modulus with

$$ {\Delta}_{\varPhi }=\frac{3}{2}\left(1+\sqrt{19}\right)\simeq 8.038 $$

Δ
Φ

=

3
2

1
+

19

≃
8.038

and an odd-parity scalar a dual to the volume axion with Δ
a
= 3. On the AdS side the higher-point interactions are likewise uniquely determined. As the AdS theory is both subject to swampland constraints and holographically related to a CFT, we argue that holography will lead to a ‘bootland’ — a map between swampland constraints on the AdS side and bootstrap constraints on the CFT side. We motivate this with a discussion of swampland quantum gravity constraints on the axion decay constant in the ν → ∞ limit and the 〈ΦΦaa〉 4-point function on the CFT side.