bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of ABPBI membrane as an alternative separator for vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rama , Nayak Ratikanta , Ghosh Prakash C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVanadium redox flow batteries are receiving great attention due to their capabilities of offering multiscale energy‐storage and cross‐contamination‐free system. Ion‐exchange membrane (IEM), which is one of the critical components in the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) system, simultaneously prevents the cross‐mixing of active vanadium species, and facilitates the movement of the proton. The cross‐mixing of the vanadium species influences coulombic efficiency (CE), whereas the proton movement influences the voltage and energy efficiency (EE). Hence, IEM plays a major role in the performance of the battery in terms of self‐discharge rate, CE, crossover of active material, and ionic conductivity. In the present work, the suitability of an alternative low‐cost, efficient, and durable membrane, which are essential for providing a sustainable solution for VRFB, is studied. 2,5‐Polybenzimidazole membrane is studied as an alternative membrane and evaluated in a VRFB with mixed electrolyte, which has the potential to offer a substantial reduction in the cost. The mixed electrolyte helps in extending the operating temperature. 2,5‐Polybenzimidazole membrane‐based VRFB shows CE, EE, and voltage efficiency as 99%, 83%, and 84%, respectively, which is comparable to Nafion membrane.
Cumulative symbol optimization–based partial transmit sequence technique for PAPR reduction in low complexity GFDM system
Authors: Şimşir Şakir , Taşpınar Necmi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe new waveform called generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), which has been increasing its popularity among the fifth generation (5G) waveform candidates day by day, is suggested very recently to meet the requirements of the next‐generation cellular systems. On the other hand, it is possible to generate and demodulate the GFDM signal with a less processing load by using low‐complexity GFDM (LC‐GFDM) system proposed shortly after the GFDM scheme. However, similar to the GFDM and the other multicarrier systems, high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) problem stands as one of the biggest obstacles, making difficulties for smooth communication in the LC‐GFDM system. In this system, the GFDM symbols obtained by the multiplication of time domain GFDM data sequences with circularly shifted prototype filter impulse responses are added together to achieve the transmission signal. Due to the related symbol addition process, direct application of the conventional partial transmit sequence (C‐PTS) technique, which was actually first developed for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), to the LC‐GFDM system without any modification will be useless. For this reason, we developed a new technique called cumulative symbol optimization–based partial transmit sequence (CSO‐PTS) for PAPR reduction in the LC‐GFDM system. In the simulations, the CSO‐PTS technique is compared to two different PAPR reduction methods called selective mapping and GreenOFDM. Simulation results evidently demonstrates that our novel proposal outperforms the other considered methods by ensuring quite efficient PAPR reduction, side lobe suppression, and bit error rate improvement in the LC‐GFDM system.
A new approach based on the modified FDS to numerically simulate cardboard box combustion under low pressure
Authors: Zhou Rui , Zhao Han , Ye Junjian , Zhang Hui 
Published: November 2019

SummaryTo solve the limitation of the fire test in high‐altitude areas only detecting a limited number of low‐pressure environments, in this paper, appropriate modifications of the FDS source codes were made to generate a new simulator program for low‐pressure applications. Standard fire experiments with different counts (1, 2, 18, and 27) of cardboard boxes were numerically simulated under different pressure levels (101, 90, 75, and 64 kPa). The computation data show consistent trends with the experimental results obtained in the low‐pressure tank at Lang Fang. Furthermore, the simulation results have been examined to show typical quantitative relationships: (a) The peak mass burning rate divided by the fire base dimension is correlated with the product of the pressure squared and the combustible characteristic length cubed. The exponential indices for the 1‐box fire, 18‐box fire, and 27‐box fire are 0.31, 0.29, and 0.29, respectively. (b) The heat release rate and mass burning rate show a good linearity at each fixed environmental pressure. In conclusion, the modified FDS is validated to work well under low‐pressure conditions, which can provide a receivable means to conduct low‐pressure fire simulation and analysis.
Identification of gene–environment interactions with marginal penalization
Authors: Zhang Sanguo , Xue Yuan , Zhang Qingzhao , Ma Chenjin , Wu Mengyun , Ma Shuangge 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGene–environment (G–E) interaction analysis has been extensively conducted for complex diseases. In marginal analysis, the common practice is to conduct likelihood‐based (and other “standard”) estimation with each marginal model, and then select significant G–E interactions and main effects based on p values and multiple comparisons adjustment. One limitation of this approach is that the identification results often do not respect the “main effects, interactions” hierarchy, which has been stressed in recent G–E interaction analyses. There is some recent effort tackling this problem, however, with very complex formulations. Another limitation of the common practice is that it may not perform well when regularization is needed, for example, because of “non‐normal” distributions. In this article, we propose a marginal penalization approach which adopts a novel penalty to directly tackle the aforementioned problems. The proposed approach has a framework more coherent with that of the recently developed joint analysis methods and an intuitive formulation, and can be effectively realized. In simulation, it outperforms the popular significance‐based analysis and simple penalization‐based alternatives. Promising findings are made in the analysis of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism and a gene expression data.
Human performance assessment of a single air traffic controller conducting multiple remote tower operations
Authors: Kearney Peter , Li Wen‐Chin , Zhang Jingyi , Braithwaite Graham , Wang Lei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe innovative concept of multiple remote tower operations (MRTO) can maximize cost savings by applying video panorama‐based remote tower working positions, which can facilitate fewer air traffic controllers (ATCO) to provide the air traffic services (ATS) function for more airports. Five subject‐matter experts, qualified remote tower ATCOs, participated in this research work by applying the human error template (HET) and comparing workload between physical tower operations and MRTO using NASA‐TLX (Task Load Index). The results demonstrate that augmented visualization provided sufficient technical support for a single ATCO to perform tasks originally designed to be performed by four ATCOs, however, the demands of the associated multiple tasks induced significant workload. There were significant differences in ATCOs’ mental demand, temporal demand, effort, and frustration between MRTO and physical tower operations. This innovative technology may induce human–computer interaction (HCI) issues that impact ATCO's perceived workload. This creates a need for further research on how to manage ATCO's workload in a multiple remote tower environment. This research work provided scientific evidence that MRTO can achieve the objectives of Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research program. The findings can be applied to both ATCO training design and remote tower system design.
Factors influencing sweet drink consumption among preschool‐age children: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Chung Alexandra , Backholer Kathryn , Zorbas Christina , Hanna Lisa , Peeters Anna 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIssue addressedConsumption of high sugar foods and drinks are key risk factors for childhood obesity and dental decay. Sweet drinks are the single greatest contributor to the free sugars consumed by Australian children. Little is known about the factors influencing consumption of sweet drinks, particularly among preschool‐age children.MethodsFocus groups and semi‐structured interviews conducted with parents and grandparents (n = 25) residing in different socio‐economic areas across metropolitan and regional Victoria, Australia. Thematic analysis identified the factors influencing sweet drink consumption, which were then aligned with the socio‐ecological model.ResultsAt an individual level, health knowledge, health beliefs, and parenting skills and confidence influenced drink choices. At the social level, peer and family influence, and social and cultural norms emerged as influential. At the environmental level, sweet drink availability, targeted marketing, drink prices and settings‐based policies influenced drink choices. Strategies identified by participants to support healthier drink choices included health education at the individual level; positive role modelling at the social level; and restricting unhealthy marketing, improved access to water, decreased availability of sweet drinks and price modification at the environmental level.ConclusionSweet drink consumption among preschool‐age children is influenced by multiple factors across all domains of the socio‐ecological model. Parents and grandparents are calling for education, healthy environments and supportive policies.So what?In contrast to common rhetoric, children's sweet drink consumption is often influenced by factors beyond parental control. A multi‐component strategy is required to support parents and grandparents in their efforts to make healthy choices for their children.
Long non‐coding RNA FENDRR restrains the aggressiveness of CRC via regulating miR‐18a‐5p/ING4 axis
Authors: Yin Sheng Lu , Xiao Fei , Liu Yong Fu , Chen Hao , Guo Guan Cheng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThere is increasing evidence has indicated that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in the tumorigenesis and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the clinical significances and functions of FENDRR in CRC remain unknown. In this study, we reveal that lncRNA FENDRR is downregulated in CRC and negatively correlated with advanced stage and poor clinical outcomes of patient with CRC. Overexpression of FENDRR represses the proliferation, migrate and invasive capacities of CRC cell in vitro, and upregulation of FENDRR inhibits the growth and distant metastatic capacity of CRC cell in vivo. Mechanistically, FENDRR interacts with miRNA‐18a‐5p (miR‐18a‐5p) and subsequently regulates the expression of inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) in CRC cell. Interestingly, ING4 repression or miR‐18a‐5p rescues FENDRR induced proliferation and aggressive phenotypes inhibition of CRC cell. Altogether, our findings suggest that FENDRR exerts an inhibitory role in CRC by interacting with miR‐18a‐5p and future increases ING4 expression.
Distribution of serum amyloid A and establishment of reference intervals in healthy adults
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Yan , Yang Fumeng , Xu Tongdao , Yao Li , Sun Jin , Liang Wei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSerum amyloid A (SAA) plays a critical role in acute or chronic and is used in clinical laboratories as an indicator of inflammation. The elevated SAA is closely related to inflammation‐mediated diseases, such as liver diseases, autoimmune diseases, metabolism‐related diseases, amyloidosis, and tumors. However, there is no unified population reference interval for SAA. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of SAA in healthy Chinese adults 20‐79 years of age and to establish its population reference interval.MethodsA total of 2365 healthy subjects met the requirements of this study. The levels of SAA were detected using an AU5821 automatic biochemical analyzer and its original reagents. According to the recommended methods of CLSI C28‐A3 and WS/T 402‐2012, the population reference interval of SAA was established using the unilateral 95th percentile (P95), and the 90% confidence interval of upper limits was calculated.ResultsThe distributions of SAA levels were not significantly different between sexes (P> .05) and also did not differ by age (P> .05). Therefore, the population reference interval for SAA was established as an upper limit of 11.0 mg/L (90% confidence interval: 9.3‐12.3 mg/L) by using the method of latex immunoturbidimetry.ConclusionsSerum amyloid A is closely related to the occurrence and progression of various diseases. The preliminary establishment of a population reference interval for SAA can fully exert its potential clinical value.
Early prenatal detection of anterior uterine sacculation resulting from previous cesarean sections
Authors: Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Bootchaingam Phenphan , Sreshthaputra Opas , Tongsong Theera 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAnterior uterine sacculation was diagnosed at 15 weeks of gestation in a woman with two previous cesarean sections, based on hourglass appearance of two distinct uterine segments, namely the empty upper segment and the large thinned wall lower segment containing a fetus with posteriorly attached placenta. The pregnancy developed through the bulging weakened anterior wall instead of growing toward the upper segment. Urgent hysterectomy was performed. The operative and pathological findings confirmed the prenatal ultrasound findings. This is the first report of prenatal diagnosis of sacculation due to cesarean section, which prevented the catastrophic event of uterine rupture.
Development and validation of a model for hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion in entecavir‐treated patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Shen Sheng , Wong Grace L.‐H. , Kuang Zhe , van Campenhout Margo J. H. , Fan Rong , Wong Vincent W.‐S. , Yip Terry C.‐F. , Chi Heng , Liang Xieer , Hu Xiaoyun , Lin Weiyin , Wu Yaobo , Liu Xiaoju , Boonstra André , Hou Jinlin , Sun Jian , Chan Henry L.‐Y. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAchieving hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion is a satisfactory endpoint during antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to develop and validate a novel scoring system to predict HBeAg seroconversion during entecavir (ETV) treatment. A total of 526 patients with HBeAg‐positive CHB treated with ETV for at least 1 year were randomly assigned to the training and validation cohorts. Baseline parameters including hepatitis B virus DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and alanine aminotransferase level were quantified. Patients who achieved HBeAg seroconversion were compared with those without HBeAg seroconversion. A prediction model was established to predict HBeAg seroconversion during ETV treatment. After a median follow up of 2.67 years, 93 (36.0%) and 87 (32.5%) patients in the training and validation cohorts developed HBeAg seroconversion. A prediction score composed of age, HBsAg and HBcAb quantification was derived. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curve at 5 years of this prediction score were 0.70 and 0.72 in the training and validation cohorts. By using the dual cutoff values of 0.28 and 0.58, the model was endowed with high sensitivity and specificity to exclude or identify patients developing HBeAg seroconversion (90.3% sensitivity and 90.2% specificity in the training cohort as well as 92.8% sensitivity and 84.4% specificity in the validation cohort, respectively). A novel prediction score that uses baseline clinical variables was developed and validated. The score accurately estimates the probabilities of developing HBeAg seroconversion at 5‐years ETV therapy in patients with CHB.
ChIP‐seq analysis of Brucella reveals transcriptional regulation of GntR
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Li Min , Zhang Hui , Wang Shuli , Xi Li , Zhang Xiaogen , Yi Jihan , Zhang Huan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTranscriptional regulator GntR controls diverse physiological functions necessary for Brucella survival. In the intracellular pathogen Brucella, GntR has been shown to regulate the expression of genes related to virulence. However, the precise determination of GntR direct targets has so far proved elusive. Therefore, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation of GntR10 followed by next‐generation sequencing (ChIP‐seq). We selected target gene BAB1_1163 directly regulated by GntR10 and created the mutant (2308Δ1163) from virulent Brucella abortus 2308 (S2308). 2308Δ1163 strain survival capability in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) was detected and the levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were also measured. We detected 88 intergenic ChIP‐seq peaks of GntR10 binding distributed across the Brucella genome and determined a markedly asymmetric binding consensus motif with 12 bp length. 2308Δ1163 showed reduced survival capability in RAW 264.7. After the macrophages were infected with 2308Δ1163, the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β were decreased and were significantly lower than that for the S2308‐infected group, indicating that the 2308Δ1163 mutant could inhibit the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, the research has recorded valuable data about GntR10 and provided new insights into the functionality of GntR10.
Ultra high performance liquid chromatography method development for separation of omeprazole and related substances on core‐shell columns using a Quality by Design approach
Authors: Johansson Emma , Karlsson Anders , Ludvigsson Jufang Wu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAn updated and improved method for analysis of omeprazole/esomeprazole and related substances on core‐shell columns was developed using Fusion LC Method Development™. The method was optimized with respect to column type, column temperature, mobile phase pH level, and gradient time. Four different core‐shell columns were examined to develop a method suitable for both high performance‐ and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography using a Quality by Design approach. The final method offers two alternative columns: Poroshell EC C18 (3.0 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm) or Poroshell HPH (3.0 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm) with the same gradient elution condition and mobile phase composition. Total run time is 18 min with 12 min of gradient elution. Phosphate buffer (15 mM, pH 7.8) is selected as the aqueous mobile phase and acetonitrile as the organic mobile phase. Column temperature is set at 40°C and ultraviolet detection at 302 nm. Furthermore, by studying parameters in a systematic way, an understanding of the effect of the input parameters enhances the method robustness and should allow for regulatory flexibility in terms of post‐approval changes. Compared to the current United States Pharmacopeia method, the updated method is faster, more efficient and performs well above acceptance criteria.
Ultrasound Doppler Flow in Patients With Chronic Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy: Is Surface Area Quantification a Reliable Method?
Authors: van der Vlist Arco C. , Veen Jasper M. , van Oosterom Robert F. , van Veldhoven Peter L. J. , Verhaar Jan A. N. , de Vos Robert‐Jan 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesUltrasound assessments of patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy include determining the degree of neovascularization using Doppler flow. A frequently used measure to quantify neovascularization is the modified Öhberg score. It is unknown whether the semiquantitative modified Öhberg score (0–4+) has higher reliability than a quantified measure of Doppler flow (0–100%). The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of the modified Öhberg score and a surface area quantification (SAQ) method for Doppler flow in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy.MethodsTwo observers examined the degree of Doppler flow independently using SAQ and the modified Öhberg score during a single consultation. The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable difference were determined to evaluate the reliability and measurement properties of the SAQ method and the modified Öhberg score.ResultsIn total, 28 consecutive patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy participated. The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver reliability of the SAQ method was 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.91), compared to 0.64 (95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.81) for the modified Öhberg score. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable difference values for the SAQ method were 2.9% and 8.0%, respectively, and for the modified Öhberg score, they were 0.55 and 1.53 points.ConclusionsThe SAQ method shows good reliability to evaluate the degree of Doppler flow in patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy, and it overcomes the ceiling effect of the modified Öhberg score. Future research should focus on the relationship between the SAQ method and clinical outcomes and use this method to monitor treatment responses.
Application of Contrast‐Enhanced Real‐time 3‐Dimensional Ultrasound in Solid Abdominal Organ Trauma
Authors: Feng Cong , Wang Libo , Huang Sai , Wang Lili , Zhou Xuan , Cui Xiang , Chen Li , Lv Faqin , Li Tanshi 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo determine whether real‐time 3‐dimensional ultrasound (RT3DUS) could provide additional information on early detection and evaluation in the management of solid abdominal organ trauma based on an animal model.MethodsNine bleeding lesions were developed in the livers (n = 3), kidneys (n = 3), and spleens (n = 3) from 9 pigs. An ultrasound contrast agent was administered intravenously (liver, 0.025 mL/kg; kidney, 0.008 mL/kg; and spleen, 0.013 mL/kg) after an unenhanced 2‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) examination (B‐mode and color Doppler). After contrast agent injection, bleeding lesions were imaged by 2DUS and sequentially imaged by 3‐dimensional static ultrasound (3DSUS) and RT3DUS to identify active bleeding, observe the relationship between bleeding lesions and peripheral blood vessels, and evaluate the spatial scope of the bleeding lesions in the organs.ResultsFor the identification of active bleeding, there was no statistical difference in contrast‐enhanced 2DUS, 3DSUS, and RT3DUS. For observation of the relationship between bleeding lesions and peripheral blood vessels, RT3DUS performed statistically better than 2DUS (P < .05), as reconstructed RT3DUS could show more information about the relationship. For the evaluation of the spatial scope of the bleeding lesion in the organ, RT3DUS also performed statistically better than 2DUS from the multiplanar observation by postprocessing of the 3‐dimensional real‐time volumes (P < .05).ConclusionsReal‐time 3‐dimensional ultrasound improves early detection and evaluation of solid abdominal organ trauma and provides additional information over the current contrast‐enhanced 2DUS.