bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nucleobase derivatives induce in‐source decay of oligonucleotides as new matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization matrices
Authors: Kimura Satoshi , Fujisaka Aki , Obika Satoshi 
Published: October 2019

RationaleFor quality control of oligonucleotide therapeutics, accurate and efficient structural characterization using mass spectrometry techniques, such as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), is essential. In MALDI MS analysis, matrix selection is critical and a new matrix could enable more efficient and rapid structural analysis.MethodsWe hypothesized that nucleobase derivatives could act as matrices more efficiently than the currently used matrices for oligonucleotides because of structural similarity, which leads to close contact with the analyte. To evaluate their suitability as matrices, 16 nucleobase derivatives were selected and tested as matrix candidates for oligonucleotide analysis.ResultsSix of the 16 nucleobase derivatives acted as matrices for oligonucleotides. Particularly, 6‐thioguanine (TG) performed well and induced clear in‐source decay fragmentation. When TG or 2‐amino‐6‐chloropurine was used as the matrix, oligonucleotides were ionized, and mainly the w and d fragment ions were observed.ConclusionsHerein we demonstrate that a 10‐mer RNA or DNA sequence can be successfully characterized using TG as matrix and suggest the possibility of using nucleobase derivatives as novel matrices in oligonucleotide sequencing.
H∞ tracking control for linear discrete‐time systems via reinforcement learning
Authors: Liu Ying‐Ying , Wang Zhan‐Shan , Shi Zhan 
Published: October 2019

SummaryIn this paper, the H∞ tracking control of linear discrete‐time systems is studied via reinforcement learning. By defining an improved value function, the tracking game algebraic Riccati equation with a discount factor is obtained, which is solved by iteration learning algorithms. In particular, Q‐learning based on value iteration is presented for H∞ tracking control, which does not require the system model information and the initial allowable control policy. In addition, to improve the practicability of algorithm, the convergence analysis of proposed algorithm with a discount factor is given. Finally, the feasibility of proposed algorithms is verified by simulation examples.
Stabilization of stochastic Markovian switching systems on networks with multilinks based on aperiodically intermittent control: A new differential inequality technique
Authors: Li Sen , Yao Xiangrui , Ding Xiaohua 
Published: October 2019

SummaryIn this paper, the stabilization problem of stochastic Markovian switching systems on networks with multilinks and time‐varying delays (SMNMT) is investigated via aperiodically intermittent control. At first, a new differential inequality is established for SMNMT, which relaxes the conditions of time‐varying delays compared with existing literature. Different from previous approaches of studying multilinks systems, new differential inequality technique combined with graph theory and Lyapunov method is adopted, based on which two types of sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the stability of SMNMT. The topological structure of multilinks systems on networks, stochastic perturbation, the transition rate of Markov chain, and intermittent control has a great impact on these developed conditions. The theoretical results are applied to stochastic Markovian switching oscillators networks with multilinks (SMONM), and a stabilization criterion of SMONM is derived as well. Finally, a numerical example is shown to illustrate the feasibility of our theoretical results.
Photoactive Earth‐Abundant Iron Pyrite Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chang Chia‐Che , Li Sin‐Ren , Chou Hung‐Lung , Lee Yi‐Cheng , Patil Shivaraj , Lin Ying‐Sheng , Chang Chun‐Chih , Chang Yuan Jay , Wang Di‐Yan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe generation of ammonia, hydrogen production, and nitrogen purification are considered as energy intensive processes accompanied with large amounts of CO2 emission. An electrochemical method assisted by photoenergy is widely utilized for the chemical energy conversion. In this work, earth‐abundant iron pyrite (FeS2) nanocrystals grown on carbon fiber paper (FeS2/CFP) are found to be an electrochemical and photoactive catalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient temperature and pressure. The electrochemical results reveal that FeS2/CFP achieves a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ≈14.14% and NH3 yield rate of ≈0.096 µg min−1 at −0.6 V versus RHE electrode in 0.25 m LiClO4. During the electrochemical catalytic reaction, the crystal structure of FeS2/CFP remains in the cubic pyrite phase, as analyzed by in situ X‐ray diffraction measurements. With near‐infrared laser irradiation (808 nm), the NH3 yield rate of the FeS2/CFP catalyst can be slightly improved to 0.1 µg min−1 with high FE of 14.57%. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the N2 molecule has strong chemical adsorption energy on the iron atom of FeS2. Overall, iron pyrite‐based materials have proven to be a potential electrocatalyst with photoactive behavior for ammonia production in practical applications.
A vision for advancing systems science as a foundation for the systems engineering and systems practice of the future
Authors: Rousseau David 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this paper, I argue that the fragmented state and uneven maturity of current systems science will render it increasingly inadequate for meeting the future needs of the engineering and practice disciplines depending on it. I explain that it is not the case that System Science is a holistic discipline in contrast with the reductionism of classical science, but that Systems Science has both reductionistic and holistic dimensions, dealt with respectively by two “movements” within systems science, which I will designate as “Complexity Science” and “Systems Research”. I argue that in many situations the internal workings of a system can be satisfactorily addressed with the mainly reductionistic methods of Complexity Science, whereas when external factors play a significant role, the mainly holistic methods of Systems Research are brought to the fore. This suggest that Complexity Science and Systems Research are not really as disjunct as often portrayed, but represent special cases under a wider conception that would hold across a spectrum of ratios between ‘internal complexity’ and ‘external complexity’ of the system of interest, and that would entail a differential emphasis on reductionistic and holistic methods based on contextual factors. Such a wider conception could not only help to unify systems science, but would also support analysis and intervention in the ‘middle ground’ between these polar types. This is relevant for Systems Engineering and Practice because as the world's complexity grows engineers and practitioners will increasingly have to deal with situations that are complex both internally and externally. This suggests an increasingly urgent need for the development of the envisioned ‘wider conception’ of systems in which we can deal in an elegant and principled way with shifts in the balance between internal and external complexity. In this paper I propose that a scientific general theory of systems could provide such a wider conception, and that it could serve as a basis for the unification of systems science, provide support for the scientific maturation of the discipline, and extend the capability and utility of systems science in important ways. I present approaches and frameworks that would support the development of such a theory, present wide‐ranging evidence suggesting that we are in a favourable position for developing one, and indicate important areas to focus on in future research.
Direct thermal desorption technique as a very fast, easy and low‐cost method for analysis of volatile components compounds by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Piryaei Marzieh 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn medicinal plants, mass spectrometry with gas chromatography has an effective application to the determination as well as quantification of essential oil components. Nevertheless, since the excessively long period is required for sample preparation, the efficiency is restricted. The purpose of this study was to optimize a novel direct thermal desorption procedure coupled with mass spectrometry and gas chromatography for identification and semi‐quantification of volatile components in the medicinal plant samples. A direct thermal desorption mass spectrometry with gas chromatography technique has been employed to determine volatile components of a medicinal plant. The mentioned technique was used for desorption of volatile components of Stachys inflata Benth in the gas chromatography injection port. In this approach, only a dry sample of 2 mg is required for obtaining results. The results have indicated the identification and quantification more than 35 volatile compounds for Stachys inflata Benth. All obtained results indicate that the current approach is a successful instrument for high‐speed analysis of volatile components of plants. Furthermore, there are good correlations between the volatile components constituent determined by direct thermal desorption technique and conventional hydrodistillation method. The results indicated that the direct thermal desorption technique is a fast, simple, low‐cost, highly efficient and solvent‐free extraction approach.
Review of Thermal Plasma Simulation Technique
Authors: Tanaka Yasunori , Fujino Takayasu , Iwao Toru 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe thermal plasma is widely used for power applications such as circuit breakers, welding, cutting, material processing, waste treatment, and recycling. Transient and three‐dimensional simulations have recently been conducted, assisting in the understanding of physical phenomena through new developments in computers and calculation methods. In this review, a thermal plasma simulation technique is described. Specifically, the modeling of a new type of inductively coupled thermal plasma, a radiation transfer analysis of thermal plasma in a gas circuit breaker, and plasma movement of arc welding, DC circuit breakers, electric trains, vacuum circuit breakers, and surface treatment affected by an electromagnetic force are described. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nonparametric curve estimation and bootstrap bandwidth selection
Authors: Barbeito Inés , Cao Ricardo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOver the last four decades, the bootstrap method has been considered so as to define data‐driven bandwidth selectors for nonparametric curve estimation. An extensive and updated review of bootstrap methods used to select the smoothing parameter for the nonparametric estimation of several curves has been carried out. Different data generating processes have been profoundly reviewed, such as the classical independent and identically distributed setup as well as dependent, censored, length‐biased, grouped, missing or directional data, among others. Several curves have also been considered, such as the density, regression, hazard rate, intensity, latency, incidence, or distribution functions, among many others. It is worth mentioning that there exist situations where Monte Carlo methods are not needed when using the bootstrap for bandwidth selections. This idea has also been exploited to find closed expressions for the bootstrap version of criterion functions for some proxy of the real curve estimator.This article is categorized under:
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bootstrap and Resampling
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Density Estimation
Estimating Currents and Electric Fields at Low Latitudes from Satellite Magnetic Measurements
Authors: Alken Patrick 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLow-latitude ionospheric electric currents produce prominent signatures in the magnetic field measurements made by low Earth-orbiting satellites. Analyzing these magnetic signatures not only provides insight into the currents themselves, but also many other important and interesting phenomena in the low-latitude ionosphere and thermosphere. The low-latitude currents are modulated by thermospheric winds, so attaining a global knowledge of the spatial structure of the currents can give insight into the neutral tidal harmonics present at ionospheric altitudes. Furthermore, the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) current is driven by an equatorial electric field which in turn is generated by a dynamo process. This electric field is additionally responsible for the vertical plasma fountain and equatorial ionization anomaly at low-latitudes. Magnetic measurements of the EEJ, therefore, allows the study of low-latitude plasma motion in the E and F regions of the ionosphere. This chapter will present techniques developed for processing magnetic measurements of the EEJ to extract information about the low-latitude currents and their driving electric fields. This chapter will present a line current approach to recover the EEJ current strengths, with an emphasis on cleaning the satellite data and minimizing magnetic fields from other internal and external sources. The electric fields will be determined using a combination of physical modeling and fitting the EEJ current strengths from the satellite measurements.
Kynurenic acid and cancer: facts and controversies
Authors: Walczak Katarzyna , Wnorowski Artur , Turski Waldemar A. , Plech Tomasz 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous tryptophan metabolite exerting neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties in the brain. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. KYNA is produced endogenously in various types of peripheral cells, tissues and by gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it was found in several products of daily human diet and its absorption in the digestive tract was evidenced. More recent studies were focused on the potential role of KYNA in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy; however, the results were ambiguous and the biological activity of KYNA in these processes has not been unequivocally established. This review aims to summarize the current views on the relationship between KYNA and cancer. The differences in KYNA concentration between physiological conditions and cancer, as well as KYNA production by both normal and cancer cells, will be discussed. The review also describes the effect of KYNA on cancer cell proliferation and the known potential molecular mechanisms of this activity.
Osteocalcin is an Independent Predictor for Hungry Bone Syndrome After Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Ko Wen‐Ching , Liu Chien‐Liang , Lee Jie‐Jen , Liu Tsang‐Pai , Wu Chih‐Jen , Cheng Shih‐Ping 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundHungry bone syndrome is characterized by prolonged and severe hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy. Previously, we reported that preoperative alkaline phosphatase is a major factor predicting prolonged hospital stay. Nonetheless, some patients with low alkaline phosphatase levels presented with hungry bone syndrome, suggesting that additional factors may play a role.MethodsFrom September 2010 to December 2017, consecutive dialysis patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism were analyzed. Length of hospital stay was used as a surrogate marker for postoperative bone hunger.ResultsA total of 260 patients were included in the study. The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days, and 69 (27%) patients had a stay longer than 3 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that alkaline phosphatase (odds ratio [OR] = 1.005), osteocalcin (OR = 1.001), and subtotal parathyroidectomy (OR = 0.061) were associated with prolonged hospital stay. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that age (β = − 0.170), alkaline phosphatase (β = 0.430), and osteocalcin (β = 0.166) were correlated with the length of stay. After surgery, the median osteocalcin level increased from 264 to 478 ng/mL (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlkaline phosphatase is the main predictor of hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy, and preoperative osteocalcin is an additional independent predictor. Patients with a high osteocalcin level may prone to have a higher demand for calcium supplementation.
Trends in age- and sex-adjusted body mass index and the prevalence of malnutrition in children with cancer over 42 months after diagnosis: a single-center cohort study
Authors: Aarnivala Henri , Pokka Tytti , Soininen Riina , Möttönen Merja , Harila-Saari Arja , Niinimäki Riitta 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The adequate nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients is particularly important to enable them to cope with the demands of the disease and its treatment and to maintain normal growth. Malnutrition and obesity have both been associated with reduced survival and increased drug toxicity. We investigated trends in the age- and sex-adjusted body mass index (ISO-BMI) and the prevalence of malnutrition in a Finnish cohort of 139 consecutive children receiving chemotherapy for cancer, with a follow-up period of 42 months after diagnosis. In total, 28% (39/139) of the patients experienced malnutrition (ISO-BMI < 17 or > 10% weight loss), and 12% (16/139) had a nasogastric tube or underwent gastrostomy. Patients with acute or chronic myeloid leukemia (5/10), central nervous system (CNS) tumors (5/13), or solid tumors (13/31) most frequently suffered from malnutrition. There was a significant increase in the ISO-BMI of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (+ 2.1 kg/m2) and lymphomas (+ 2.4 kg/m2) during the first 6 months, and the ISO-BMI of patients with ALL remained higher at 42 months compared to baseline (+ 1.9 kg/m2).
Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of malnutrition in Finnish pediatric cancer patients is comparable to that reported in other populations. The nutritional status of patients with acute myeloid leukemia, CNS tumors, or solid tumors should be monitored with extra care to facilitate early intervention in the case of impending malnutrition.What is known:• Both malnutrition and obesity are associated with reduced survival and increased drug toxicity in pediatric cancer patients.What is new:• Overall, 28 % of Finnish children receiving chemotherapy for cancer suffer from malnutrition during the first 42 months following the initial cancer diagnosis. • ISO-BMI curves from initial diagnosis to 42 months after diagnosis are provided for patients with different types of cancer.
Accuracy of the neurosurgeons estimation of extent of resection in glioblastoma
Authors: Sezer Sümeyye , van Amerongen Martin J. , Delye Hans H. K. , ter Laan Mark 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The surgeons’ estimate of the extent of resection (EOR) shows little accuracy in previous literature. Considering the developments in surgical techniques of glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, we hypothesize an improvement in this estimation. This study aims to compare the EOR estimated by the neurosurgeon with the EOR determined using volumetric analysis on the post-operative MR scan.

Methods
Pre- and post-operative tumor volumes were calculated through semi-automatic volumetric assessment by three observers. Interobserver agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A univariate general linear model was used to study the factors influencing the accuracy of estimation of resection percentage.

Results
ICC was high for all three measurements: pre-operative tumor volume was 0.980 (0.969–0.987), post-operative tumor volume 0.974 (0.961–0.984), and EOR 0.947 (0.917–0.967). Estimation of EOR by the surgeon showed moderate accuracy and agreement. Multivariable analysis showed a statistically significant effect of operating neurosurgeon (p = 0.01), use of fluorescence (p < 0.001), and resection percentage (p < 0.001) on the accuracy of the EOR estimation.

Conclusion
All measurements through semi-automatic volumetric analysis show a high interobserver agreement, suggesting this to be a reliable assessment of EOR. We found a moderate reliability of the surgeons’ estimate of EOR. Therefore, (early) post-operative MRI scanning for evaluation of EOR remains paramount.
Graft patency at 3 months after off- and on-pump coronary bypass surgery: a randomized trial
Authors: Sajja Lokeswara Rao , Sarkar Kunal , Mannam Gopichand , Kodali Venkata Krishna Kumar , Padmanabhan Chandrasekar , Peter Sanjeeth , Mulay Anvay , Beri Prashanthi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed either with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump) or without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump). There is a scarcity of angiographic data to support the non-inferiority of off-pump technique to on-pump technique. The objective of this study is to ascertain the non-inferiority of off-pump CABG when compared to on-pump CABG in terms of angiographically assessed graft patency at 3 months.

Methods
A total of 320 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were enrolled in a multicenter prospective randomized trial either to on-pump CABG (n = 162) or off-pump CABG (n = 158) between March 2016 through March 2017. Graft patency was evaluated by using either multidetector computerized tomographic angiography or conventional coronary angiography at 3 months. The major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE) were also analyzed at 3 months.

Results
The median number of grafts per patient in off-pump was 3.00 (Q1:3.00 and Q3:4.00) vs on-pump 4.00 (Q1:3.00 to Q3:4.00), and the mean number of grafts per patient was lower in the off-pump CABG at 3.45 ± 0.75 vs 3.64 ± 0.70 in the on-pump CABG (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in mortality at 3 months between the off-pump (0.63%) and on-pump groups (1.85%) with p value of 0.62. The cumulative combined MACCE showed significant difference between off-pump group (0.63%) and on-pump group (5.55%), p = 0.01. Follow-up angiograms were done in 239 (75%) patients with 120 off-pump and 119 in the on-pump group. The analysis was also done regarding graft patency in a graded manner—when analysis of A (excellent) grafts vs B (stenosed) grafts and O (occluded) grafts were made, there was no statistically significant difference in overall graft patency at 3 months between on-pump [376 /429 grafts (87.6%)] and off-pump [366 /420 grafts (87.1%)] groups (p = 0.82). The patency rates were similar among bypass conduits (left internal thoracic artery (ITA) in off-pump (91.4%) vs on-pump (92.9%) p = 0.66, right ITA in off-pump (82.1%) vs on-pump (81.8%) p = 0.97, radial artery in off-pump (84.4%) vs on-pump (82.6%) p = 0.81; saphenous vein in off-pump (85.8%) vs on-pump (86.3%), p = 0.86 and among 3 coronary territories.

Conclusions
Off-pump CABG is non-inferior to on-pump CABG in terms of overall graft patency at 3 months and was associated with a fewer combined cumulative MACCE compared to on-pump CABG.