bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Output optimization of scalar and 2‐dimension time‐varying nonlinear systems using zeroing dynamics
Authors: Zhang Yunong , Shi Nini , Yang Min , Guo Jinjin , Chen Jianrong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe optimal control of time‐varying nonlinear systems is an important research topic and faces many difficulties and challenges, but also has substantial benefits. In this paper, the output optimization of scalar time‐varying nonlinear (STVN) system and 2‐dimension time‐varying nonlinear (2DTVN) system is considered. The zeroing dynamics (ZD) method, which can solve the time‐varying problems flexibly and effectively, has been extensively used in recent years. By introducing the ZD method, the time‐varying optimal system state is attained, and the controller with the optimal output is designed. Meanwhile, the direct dynamics (DD) method is presented to further illustrate the superiority of the ZD method. Theoretical analyses prove that the ZD method has a faster convergence rate (that is, exponential convergence). In addition, the effectiveness and feasibility of the ZD method for solving the output optimization of STVN and 2DTVN systems are verified by numerical experiments, and further substantiated via output optimization of a two‐wheeled mobile robot.
Inconsistencies in repeated refugee status decisions
Authors: Pärnamets Philip , Tagesson Alexander , Wallin Annika 
Published: February 2020

AbstractConsistency in civil servant decisions is paramount to upholding judicial equality for citizens and individuals seeking safety through governmental intervention. We investigated refugee status decisions made by a sample of civil servants at the Swedish Migration Agency. We hypothesized, based on the emotional demands such decisions bring with them, that participants would exhibit a compassion fade effect such that refugee status was less likely to be granted over time. To test this, we administered a questionnaire containing brief presentations of asylum seekers and asked participants to judge how likely they would be to give refugee status to the person. Crucially the first, middle, and final case presented were matched on decision relevant characteristics. Consistent with our hypothesis, we saw a significant decline in ratings. These effects were accentuated by the amount of time a participant had worked at the agency, consistent with depletion of affective resources, and attenuated in workers with greater responsibility and additional training. We conclude that active regulation of empathic and affective responses to asylum seekers may play a role in determining the outcome in refugee status decisions.
The link between student‐perceived teacher talk and student enjoyment, anxiety and discursive engagement in the classroom
Authors: Chen Gaowei , Zhang Jiahong , Chan Carol K. K. , Michaels Sarah , Resnick Lauren B. , Huang Xiaorui 
Published: February 2020

This study seeks to understand the emotional connection of teachers' academically productive talk (APT) with student learning from the students' perspective. Using a sample of 2,225 students (N7th grade = 1,146 and N8th grade = 1,079) from 16 middle schools in a city of China, we investigate the relationship between students' perceptions of their teachers’ APT, student emotions (enjoyment and anxiety) and their discursive engagement with others in the mathematics classroom. Results from structural equation modelling and mediation analysis show that after controlling for gender, family resources and mathematics achievement, student‐perceived teacher APT was positively associated with their discursive engagement with classmates. Furthermore, student enjoyment and anxiety in class mediated the relationship between student‐perceived teacher APT and student discursive engagement with classmates. Multi‐group analysis revealed that the model was invariant across genders and grades, indicating that the associations were applicable to male and female students as well as to seventh and eighth graders. These findings shed light on the emotional relationship of teacher APT with the discursive engagement of their students. Although prior research observes a positive relationship between teacher productive classroom talk and student discursive engagement primarily through classroom observations and teacher reflections, this study provides evidence from the students’ perspective and highlights the mediating role of student emotions in the relationship.
Multiomics characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells cultured in monolayer and as aggregates
Authors: Doron Gilad , Klontzas Michail E. , Mantalaris Athanasios , Guldberg Robert E. , Temenoff Johnna S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have failed to consistently demonstrate their therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials, due in part to variability in culture conditions used for their production. Of various culture conditions used for MSC production, aggregate culture has been shown to improve secretory capacity (a putative mechanism of action in vivo) compared with standard monolayer culture. The purpose of this study was to perform multiomics characterization of MSCs cultured in monolayer and as aggregates to identify aspects of cell physiology that differ between these culture conditions to begin to understand cellular‐level changes that might be related to secretory capacity. Targeted secretome characterization was performed on multiple batches of MSC‐conditioned media, while nontargeted proteome and metabolome characterization was performed and integrated to identify cellular processes differentially regulated between culture conditions. Secretome characterization revealed a reduction in MSC batch variability when cultured as aggregates. Proteome and metabolome characterization showed upregulation of multiple protein and lipid metabolic pathways, downregulation of several cytoskeletal processes, and differential regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis. Integration of proteome and metabolome characterization revealed individual lipid metabolites and vesicle‐trafficking proteins as key features for discriminating between culture conditions. Overall, this study identifies several aspects of MSC physiology that are altered by aggregate culture. Further exploration of these processes and pathways is needed to determine their potential role in regulating cell secretory capacity.
Evaluation of nine active components of Lu‐Jiao Fang in normal and hypertrophic rat myocardia via LC–MS/MS
Authors: Ma Jing‐ya , Shi Xiao‐li , Liu Li , Xu Guang‐lin , Zhang Jian‐wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLu‐Jiao Fang (LJF), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, can improve the cardiac function of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients; however, knowledge about the cardiac distribution of LJF, especially in CHF animal models, is rather limited. This work aimed to explore the cardiac distribution of LJF in pressure overload‐induced CHF rats at the last gavage administration of LJF after 30 weeks of treatment. LC–MS/MS methods for analyzing nine active components (i.e. loganin, hesperidin, epimedin C, icariin, psoralen, isopsoralen, baohuoside I, morroniside and specnuezhenide) of LJF in cardiac tissue samples were established, and the components were then analyzed in left ventricular wall (LVW) and right ventricular wall (RVW) in parallel at same time point postdose for three dose groups. The results showed that most analytical component levels in LVW (hypertrophic myocardium) were only 39–74% of those in RVW (normal myocardium); however, psoralen and isopsoralen levels in LVW were equal to or even greater than the levels in RVW, suggesting that the hypertrophic myocardium tissue affinity of psoralen and isopsoralen might overcome the negative effect of decreased blood flow on distribution. This study indicated that the pathological state may influence drug distribution, and the efficacy of psoralen and isopsoralen for improving CHF deserves further investigation.
Evaluation of the role of stress in patients with breast cancer and depression by paykel's life event and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy approach
Authors: Cvetković Jovana , Ivanović Kovačevic Svetlana , Cvetkovic Milan , Cvetkovic Slavica 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to identify and analyze the stress factors and the level of stress a year preceding the onset of breast cancer and depression in the studied female patients.MethodsThe research in this work was mostly prospectively (clinical and analytical). During the research, Scale of Life Events‐Paykel was applied. Stressful life events differed significantly between the groups. In the studied group, the following events were significantly more prevalent: partner infidelity (χ2 = 12.663;p < .001), failure at work (χ2 = 44.429;p < .001), and spontaneous abortions or stillbirths (χ2 = 13.818;p < .001).ResultsAccording to the results of this study, stressful life events differed significantly between the observed groups. These stressful life events had a significant impact on the increase of risk for breast cancer, as well as on depressivity. Afterward, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system was used for prediction of the Paykel's Life Event according to Fisher's exact test.ConclusionThe obtained results could be of practical usage for improving stress behavior of the patients with breast cancer and depression.
Expression of human Krüppel‐like factor 3 in peripheral blood as a promising biomarker for acute leukemia
Authors: Yan Miao , Liu Huihui , Xu Junhui , Cen Xinan , Wang Qian , Xu Weilin , Wang Wensheng , Qiu Zhixiang , Ou Jinping , Dong Yujun , Zhu Ping , Ren Hanyun , He Fuchu , Wang Mangju 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundUniversal gene targets are in persistent demand by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR)‐based methods in acute leukemia (AL) diagnosis and monitoring. Human Krüppel‐like factor 3 (hKLF3), a newly cloned human transcription factor, has proved to be a regulator of hematopoiesis.MethodsSanger sequencing was performed in bone marrow (BM) samples from 17 AL patients for mutations in hKLF3 coding exons. hKLF3 expression in peripheral blood (PB) and BM samples from 45 AL patients was dynamically detected by RT‐qPCR. PB samples from 31 healthy donors were tested as normal controls.ResultsNo mutation was sequenced in hKLF3 coding exons. hKLF3 expression in PB of AL was significantly lower than that in healthy donors [0.30 (0.02‐1.07) vs 1.18 (0.62‐3.37), P < .0001]. Primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) exhibited the least expression values compared with secondary AML and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses suggested that hKLF3 expression in PB was a good marker for AML diagnosis with an AUC of 0.99 (95% CI 0.98‐1.00) and an optimum cutoff value of 0.67 (sensitivity 93.94% and specificity 93.55%). hKLF3 expression was upregulated significantly when AML patients acquired morphological complete remission (CR), and the level of hKLF3 seemed to be higher in patients with deeper CR than in patients with minimal residual disease (MRD). Paired PB and BM samples showed highly consistent alteration in hKLF3 expression (r = .6533, P = .001). Besides, a significantly converse correlation between decreased hKLF3 expression in PB and markers for leukemic load was observed.ConclusionshKLF3 expression in PB may act as a potential marker for AL diagnosis and monitoring.
Novel risk group stratification for metastatic urothelial cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Shabto Julie M. , Martini Dylan J. , Liu Yuan , Ravindranathan Deepak , Brown Jacqueline , Hitron Emilie E. , Russler Greta A. , Caulfield Sarah , Kissick Haydn , Alemozaffar Mehrdad , Ogan Kenneth , Harris Wayne B. , Master Viraj A. , Kucuk Omer , Carthon Bradley C. , Bilen Mehmet A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe developed a novel risk scoring system for urothelial cancer (UC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 67 UC patients treated with ICI at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University from 2015 to 2018. Using stepwise variable selection in Cox proportional hazard model and Sullivan's weighting schema, baseline platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), presence of liver metastasis, baseline albumin, and baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) were used for risk scoring. Patients were categorized into good risk (risk score 0‐1), intermediate risk (risk score 2‐3), and poor risk (risk score 4‐6). Univariable (UVA) and multivariable analysis (MVA) and Kaplan‐Meier method were used to assess overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS).ResultsThe Emory Risk Scoring System had C‐statistics of 0.74 (Standard Error = 0.047) in predicting OS and 0.70 (Standard Error = 0.043) in predicting PFS. Compared to good risk patients, poor risk patients had significantly shorter OS and PFS in both UVA and MVA (all P < .001), and intermediate risk patients had significantly shorter OS and PFS in both UVA and MVA (all P < .03).ConclusionsRisk scoring using baseline PLR, presence of liver metastasis, baseline albumin, and baseline ECOG PS may effectively predict OS and PFS in UC patients receiving ICI.
Postoperative intensity‐modulated radiation therapy reduces local recurrence and improves overall survival in III‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer: A single‐center, retrospective study
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhou Jiao , Zhang Qun , Liao De‐Hua , Liu Qiao‐Dan , Zhong Bei‐Long , Liang Zi‐Bin , Zhang Yong‐Chang , Jiang Rong , Liu Gui‐Yun , Xu Chen‐Yang , Li Zhou Huai‐ , Zhu Su‐Yu , Yang Nong , Jiang Wen , Liu Zhi‐Gang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeTo determine the postoperative effects of radiotherapy (PORT) on the local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) of stage III‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Materials and Methods183 patients with resected stage III‐pN2 NSCLC from Hunan Cancer Hospital between 2013 and 2016 were divided into two groups for postoperative chemotherapy (POCT) (n = 105) or combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy (POCRT) (n = 78). The LRFS and OS were compared and the factors affecting local recurrence were illustrated in these two groups. The sites of failure based on the lobe of the primary tumor in two groups were described.ResultsPORT leads to a strikingly lower risk for local recurrence and brought superior OS benefit. For different pN2 Subclassification, Patients with multiple‐station pN2 ± pN1 disease had the worst LRFS (11 months) and single‐station pN2 + multiple station pN1 disease had a relatively short LRFS (24 months) in group POCT. Short LRFS is correlated with multiple‐station pN2, older age (Y > 55), patients with a high positive LN ratio > 1/3 and a poor tumor histological differentiation degree. In group POCT, the most frequent failure site occurs at the ipsilateral hilum (21.0%), the bronchial stump (20.0%), followed by LNs4R (19.0%), LNs4L (18.1%), LNs7 (15.2%), most of left‐sided tumors more frequently involved the contralateral mediastinum, whereas the ipsilateral recurrences dominated for right‐sided tumors, especially for LNs4R. In group POCRT, the highest failure site was the bronchial stump (11.5%), followed by LNs4L (8.97%), LNs1 (7.69%), the ipsilateral hilum (6.41%) and LNs4R (6.41%).ConclusionPORT remarkably reduced local recurrence and improved OS in stage III‐pN2 NSCLC, especially in the multiple‐station pN2 group.
Postnatal exposure to finasteride causes different effects on the prostate of male and female gerbils
Authors: Maldarine Juliana S. , Sanches Bruno D. A. , Santos Vitória A. , Cabral Ágata S. , Lima Maria L. D. , Bedolo Carolina M. , Calmon Marília F. , Rahal Paula , Góes Rejane M. , Vilamaior Patricia S. L. , Taboga Sebastião R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe development and maintenance of prostate function depend on a fine balance between oestrogen and androgen levels. Finasteride inhibits 5α‐reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into its most active form, dihydrotestosterone. Enzymes that metabolize these hormones have a highly relevant role in both the normal prostate metabolism and in the occurrence of pathological conditions. There are few studies on the impact of finasteride on male prostate development and fewer studies on the female prostate and possible intersexual differences. Therefore, we treated male and female gerbils from 7 to 14 days in postnatal life with a high dose of finasteride (500 μg/kg/day); the prostate complexes were then removed and submitted to immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and three‐dimensional reconstruction. In addition, hormonal serum dosages were administered. Treatment with finasteride resulted in an increased thickness of the periductal smooth musculature in the prostate of both male and female gerbils, such as well as a reduction in the thickness of developing prostate alveoli in both sexes. In addition, intersexual differences were observed as increased epithelial proliferation and decreases in the number of developing alveoli in females. Together, the data indicate that postnatal exposure to finasteride causes greater changes in the female gerbil prostate than in the male.
Self‐Assembly of Semiconductor Quantum Dots using Organic Templates
Authors: Yamauchi Mitsuaki , Masuo Sadahiro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractColloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, known as quantum dots (QDs), are regarded as brightly photoluminescent nanomaterials possessing outstanding photophysical properties, such as high photodurability and tunable absorption and emission wavelengths. Therefore, QDs have great potential for a wide range of applications, such as in photoluminescent materials, biosensors and photovoltaic devices. Since the development of synthetic methods for accessing high‐quality QDs with uniform morphology and size, various types of QDs have been designed and synthesized, and their photophysical properties dispersed in solutions and at the single QD level have been reported in detail. In contrast to dispersed QDs, the photophysical properties of assembled QDs have not been revealed, although the structures of the self‐assemblies are closely related to the device performance of the solid‐state QDs. Therefore, creating and controlling the self‐assembly of QDs into well‐defined nanostructures is crucial but remains challenging. In this Minireview, we discuss the notable examples of assembled QDs such as dimers, trimers and extended QD assemblies achieved using organic templates. This Minireview should facilitate future advancements in materials science related to the assembled QDs.
Between a rock and a hard place: Associations between Mentzos' “dilemma”, self‐reported interpersonal problems, and psychosocial functioning in individuals with non‐affective psychoses
Authors: Stuke Frauke , Bröcker Anna‐Lena , Bayer Samuel , Heinz Andreas , Bermpohl Felix , Lempa Günter , von Haebler Dorothea , Montag Christiane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPrimary aim of this study was to determine the extent and type of self‐reported interpersonal problems in patients with non‐affective psychoses and their impact on psychosocial functioning. Furthermore, we aimed to explore potential links with the psychodynamic construct of Stavros Mentzos' “psychotic dilemma”, which describes an insufferable inner tension caused by an individual's struggle of being torn between “self‐oriented” and “object‐oriented” tendencies.In a cross‐sectional study among 129 patients with non‐affective psychoses, measures of cognition, symptom load and social functioning as well as a tentative, psychodynamic assessment of Mentzos' “dilemma” were obtained during a clinical research visit. Self‐report data on interpersonal problems were gathered using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP‐64D) and compared with a German representative standard sample. Second, IIP‐64D scores were compared between groups with or without Mentzos' “dilemma”. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to test for the impact of interpersonal problems on psychosocial functioning, while controlling for cognitive deficits and psychopathology.Results showed that IIP‐64D scores differed significantly from healthy controls, except for “self‐centred” and “intrusive” interpersonal styles. Participants with a potential “psychotic dilemma” scored significantly higher on the subscales: “domineering”, “self‐centred”, “cold”, and “socially avoidant” than the group without a “psychotic dilemma”. The total amount of interpersonal problems, and particularly high scores on the IIP‐64D “socially avoidant” subscale, predicted psychosocial dysfunction, whereas a “cold” interpersonal style had an opposite effect.In conclusion, specific interpersonal problems may predict psychotherapeutic outcome measures like psychosocial functioning and are partly compatible with the psychodynamic construct of Stavros Mentzos' “psychotic dilemma”.
Interfacial Photoelectrochemical Catalysis: Solar‐Induced Green Synthesis of Organic Molecules
Authors: Hardwick Tomas , Qurashi Ahsanulhaq , Shirinfar Bahareh , Ahmed Nisar 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMany oxidation and reduction reactions in conventional organic synthesis rely on harsh conditions, toxic or corrosive substances, and environmentally damaging chemicals. In addition, competing reactions may take place, some of which produce hazardous waste products and, therefore, reaction selectivity suffers. To overcome such synthetic drawbacks, an enormous effort is being devoted to find alternative processes that operate much more efficiently, requiring milder conditions to contribute to a greener economy and provide urgently needed new pathways with enhanced selectivity. Fortunately, there is a strategy that has attracted global interest from multiple disciplines that involves the use of sunlight to perform artificial photosynthesis, in which a photoelectrochemical cell splits water into hydrogen fuel, reduces CO2 into “solar” fuels, and more recently, convert organic chemicals into higher value products. Recently, photoanode and photocathode materials have emerged as useful tools to perform organic oxidations and reductions for the synthesis of important molecules, other than just hydrogen or oxygen. Whereas many studies have focused on the degradation of unwanted and dangerous chemicals, solar‐induced organic transformations have attracted much less attention. This Minireview summarizes some of latest research efforts in using photoelectrochemical cells to facilitate organic oxidation and reduction reactions to avoid valuable substances while avoiding toxic reagents and expensive precious metal catalysts. Future developments that will enable such technologies to broaden their scope are also considered.
Mindfulness and eating disorder psychopathology: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sala Margarita , Shankar Ram Shruti , Vanzhula Irina A. , Levinson Cheri A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveMindfulness is implicated in eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. However, this literature has not been synthesized to date. The current meta‐analysis examined the associations between mindfulness and ED psychopathology.MethodsA total of 74 independent samples (effects = 576) were included. We used a multilevel random‐effects model to estimate summary study‐level effect sizes, and multilevel mixed‐effects models to examine moderator effects.ResultsMindfulness was negatively associated with ED psychopathology (r = −.25, p < .001), both concurrently (r = −.25, p < .001) and prospectively (rs = −.22 to −.24, ps < .001). Associations were strongest for binge eating, emotional/external eating, and body dissatisfaction as well as the acting with awareness and nonjudging facets.DiscussionMindfulness may be an important process in ED psychopathology. Future research should prospectively and experimentally examine the relation between mindfulness and ED psychopathology.