bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Joint distance‐based user grouping and pilot assignment schemes for pilot decontamination in massive MIMO systems
Authors: Kalantarinejad Nazanin , Abbasi‐Moghadam Dariush 
Published: October 2019

SummaryPilot contamination (PC) is one of the most crucial problems in massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, due to a limited source of the coherence block. In the current study, two pilot assignment schemes proposed for massive MIMO uplink transmission. We divided each cell into two groups of edge and center users under distance‐based user grouping algorithm (DUG), which the aim is finding the best user grouping boundary. The best boundary is where both signal to interference plus noise Ratio (SINR) of edge and center users is maximum, according to the user's distance to base stations (BS). We investigated the location‐aware pilot assignment (LPA) scheme to enhance the quality of services for both groups. In LPA by assuming three pilot groups for adjacent cells and determining the user's distance to BS, the planned pilots assigned to the users according to their distance to the BS. Then, we optimized pilot schedules in each group by maximizing uplink (UL) rate of each user with auction‐based optimization pilot assignment (AOPA). Simulation results show that both DUG and LPA improve the rate of edge users about 70% and the rate of center users about 30%. Joint DUG and AOPA enhance the rate of the edge and center users about 100% and 80% in each group than conventional schemes and about 50% and 10%, compared with the LPA method. Simulation results show that the proposed method is efficient in reducing PC and improving spectral efficiency.
If you play with fire, you may get burned
Authors: Segura Jordi , Ventura Rosa , Pascual José Antonio , de la Torre Rafael 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article reports an interesting doping case in the late 1990s involving the physical tampering of a urine sample containing a prohibited substance, by adding an alcoholic beverage. The regulations and knowledge available at that time allowed consideration of the case as a sanctioned manipulation and the prohibited substance as an additional element that explained the reasons for it. The development of the case involved some aspects that appeared for the first time in doping control. These include, among others, the participation of an enologist as part of the B sample confirmation, forensic inspection of the sample container, the early development of gas chromatography/combustion/isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), and the first public hearing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which allowed a wide following of the developments of the case. The information was especially interesting for the general public as the athlete had had, at that time, great Olympic success.
Experimental verification of a linear AC LED driver with a light flicker compensating circuit and high power factor operation by modulating the current regulator
Authors: Noge Yuichi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article proposes a linear PFC regulator with a light flicker compensating circuit for LED lighting applications. The proposed circuit is small in size because it includes no reactors or electrolytic capacitors. The light flicker compensating circuit, which is connected in parallel to the LED string, consists of four ceramic capacitors and diodes. These capacitors are operated in series in the charge state and in parallel in the discharge state by using a diode network circuit. Therefore, an external controller and large capacitors are not required. The proposed circuit is experimentally validated using a 9 W prototype. From the experimental results, it is found that the power fluctuation of the LED string is less than the JIS and JLMA limitations, and the power factor is 0.95. In addition, the power loss is analyzed at an efficiency of 89.4% for the prototype circuit. Also, by modulating the current regulator, sinusoidal input current can be achieved. The second proposed circuit is experimentally validated using a 7.5 W prototype, and the power factor and input current distortion are found to be 0.999 and 2.1%, respectively.
Development of a nonconservative discontinuous Galerkin formulation for simulations of unsteady and turbulent flows
Authors: Lv Yu 
Published: October 2019

SummaryIn this paper, discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretization schemes for Navier‐Stokes equations of a nonconservative form was proposed, in which the constitutional equation for energy conservation is written in terms of pressure. The primary focus is to address the treatment of nonconservative products in the pressure equation, for which we formulate four different scheme variants by using the path‐conservative scheme or solely regarding the nonconservative products as source terms. In addition to the complete description of the discretization formulations, we highlight the positivity‐preserving properties of the proposed nonconservative DG schemes. The performance of the four schemes are thoroughly assessed and tested with the consideration of a series of classical flow configurations that involve steady/unsteady, inviscid/viscous, and laminar/turbulence flow physics. It is found that two out of the four schemes are able to provide the optimal convergence and similar accuracies as the fully conservative formulation. The nonconservative formulations provide an alternative way to model fluid flows with substantial thermodynamic and compositional complexities. The present work aims to lay the theoretical foundation for further algorithmic extensions to simulations of such fluid flows of practical relevance.
Developmental stage‐specific role of Frs adapters as mediators of FGF receptor signaling in the oligodendrocyte lineage cells
Authors: Furusho Miki , Ishii Akihiro , Hebert Jean M. , Bansal Rashmi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFGF signaling is important for numerous cellular processes and produces diverse cellular responses. Our recent studies using mice conditionally lacking FGF‐Receptor‐1 (Fgfr1) or Fgfr2 during different stages of myelinogenesis revealed that Fgfr signaling is first required embryonically for the specification of oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs) and then later postnatally for the growth of the myelin sheath during active myelination but not for OPC proliferation, differentiation, or ensheathment of axons. What intracellular signal transduction pathways are recruited immediately downstream of Fgfrs and mediate these distinct developmentally regulated stage‐specific responses remain unclear. The adapter protein Fibroblast‐Growth‐Factor‐Receptor‐Substrate‐2 (Frs2) is considered a key immediate downstream target of Fgfrs. Therefore, here, we investigated the in vivo role of Frs adapters in the oligodendrocyte lineage cells, using a novel genetic approach where mice were engineered to disrupt binding of Frs2 to Fgfr1 or Fgfr2, thus specifically uncoupling Frs2 and Fgfr signaling. In addition, we used conditional mutants with complete ablation of Frs2 and Frs3. We found that Frs2 is required for specification of OPCs in the embryonic telencephalon downstream of Fgfr1. In contrast, Frs2 is largely dispensable for transducing Fgfr2‐mediated signals for the growth of the myelin sheath during postnatal myelination, implying the potential involvement of other adapters downstream of Fgfr2 for this function. Together, our data demonstrate a developmental stage‐specific function of Frs2 in the oligodendrocyte lineage cells. This contextual requirement of adapter proteins, downstream of Fgfrs, could partly explain the distinct responses elicited by the activation of Fgfrs during different stages of myelinogenesis.
Trade union or trait d'union? Setting targets for general practitioners: A regional case study
Authors: Barsanti Sara , Vola Federico , Bonciani Manila 
Published: October 2019

SummaryAimsThe Italian general practitioners (GPs) are not directly employed by the National Health Service but work as independent contractors. Their activity and their salary are managed at the national, regional, and local level. This paper analyses the Tuscany Region case study to investigate if primary care's target‐setting styles are associated with different GP perceptions, by comparing nine different local agreements to a survey on 102 GPs. We propose a classification of the different target‐setting (ideal typical) styles, ranging from “financial governance” (FG), mainly based on financial targets, to “clinical governance” (CG), that mainly relies on clinical and quality targets.FindingsResults show that GPs are more likely to have a more favourable attitude toward primary care managerial tools if they have certain characteristics, ie, quality measures. This suggest that target setting system might promote both the GPs' compliance to the targets set by the agreement and the involvement of the GPs in the LHA's governance processes too.ConclusionsThe managerial tools could pave the way to overcome the classical “trade unionist” relationship between the regional and local authority and the GPs, working as a “trait d'union” between the two players.
An integrated MUSA to measure health care service quality from a patient's perspective in a resource‐constrained setting
Authors: Al‐Awlaqi Mohammed Ali , Aamer Ammar Mohamed 
Published: October 2019

SummaryPurposeAlthough assessing the quality of health services offered in a least developed country such as Yemen is very important, it is not yet given attention. As a result, Yemeni patients started to look for higher quality of health services abroad. Thus, Yemeni health private providers need to know how to link their patients' satisfaction to the quality of the services offered to end up with more satisfied patients and higher health service quality offered.MethodologyData were collected form 5310 patients in 249 private clinics. The patients evaluated their satisfaction on the quality of service on the basis of nine criteria that comprised 31 subcriteria. We used multicriteria satisfaction analysis (MUSA) to analyze the data.Findings and ConclusionThe data analysis results showed low level of satisfaction on the health care quality services offered by the private clinics in Yemen. The majority of the criteria and subcriteria showed low level of satisfaction, high demand, and high mandate for improvement.
Trends and predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Chile
Authors: Garmendia María L. , Mondschein Susana , Montiel Braulio , Kusanovic Juan P. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the temporal trends in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevalence in Chile, and to determine the main predictors of GDM.MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted of all birth records at Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, Chile, from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2015. We excluded those women with pre‐existing type 2 diabetes, those with missing data, and those with unlikely data. GDM was defined as fasting glucose levels >5.55 mmol/L [>100 mg/dL] or >7.77 mmol/L [>140 mg/dL] 2 hours after glucose load in the oral glucose tolerance test. Potential predictors were selected based on prior research and ease of evaluation.ResultsFrom the original database of 100 758 records, 86 362 women were included in the final cohort. The mean GDM prevalence was 7.6% (95% CI [confidence interval] 7.5%–7.8%), increasing from 4.4% (95% CI 4.0%–4.9%) in 2002 to 13.0% (95% CI 12.0%–13.9%) in 2015. Age, education, marital status, parity, family history of type 2 diabetes, personal history of GDM, hypertension and pre‐eclampsia, alcohol consumption, smoking, and pre‐gestational nutritional status performed well in the prediction of GDM.ConclusionOne out of eight Chilean pregnant women of medium‐ to low socio‐economic status were found to develop GDM. We identified a set of easy‐to‐capture predictors in the primary health care system that may allow for the early identification of women at high‐risk for the development of GDM.
Functional assessment of moisture influenced cadaveric tympanic membrane using phase shift‐resolved optical Doppler vibrography
Authors: Jeon Byeonggyu , Lee Jaeyul , Jeon Deokmin , Kim Pilun , Jang Jeong Hun , Wijesinghe Ruchire Eranga , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAn elevated relative moisture in the external ear canal and middle ear cavity may predispose to chronic otorrhea and related infections along with abnormal tympanic membrane (TM) vibration patterns. Therefore, phase shift‐resolved optical Doppler vibrography (ODV) was used for vibration assessments of moisture influenced cadaveric TM. ODV was applied to generate time resolved cross‐sectional and volumetric vibrographs of a cadaveric TM, driven acoustically at several frequencies. In order to analyze the effect of moisture on TM, homogenous moisture conditions were provided by soaking the cadaveric TM specimens in 1× phosphate buffer saline with a pH of 7.4. The TM specimen was exposed to a rapidly switchable frequency generator during the ODV image acquisition. The experiment was conducted for 3 hours and the cadaveric TM was exposed to each frequency with an interval of 30 minutes. Acquired phase shift‐resolved ODV assessments revealed a depth dependent vibration tendency between the applied frequencies, along with a decline in the moisture level of the cadaveric TM specimen. Thus, the ODV method can aid our understanding of sound conduction in the middle ear, thus supporting the diagnosis of TM diseases.
Photobiomodulation by diffusing optical fiber on spinal cord: A feasibility study in piglet model
Authors: Liang Zhuowen , Lei Tao , Wang Shuang , Zuo Xiaoshuang , Li Kun , Song Jiwei , Sun Jiakai , Zhang Jiawei , Zheng Qiao , Kang Xiaowei , Ma Yangguang , Hu Xueyu , Ding Tan , Wang Zhe 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPrevious studies on spinal cord injury (SCI) have confirmed that percutaneous photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy can ameliorate immunoinflammatory responses at sites of injury, accelerate nerve regeneration, suppress glial scar formation and promote the subsequent recovery of locomotor function. The current study was performed to evaluate a large‐animal model employing implanted optical fibers to accurately irradiate targeted spinal segments. The method's feasibility and irradiation parameters that do not cause phototoxic reaction were determined, and the methodology of irradiating the spinal cord with near‐infrared light was investigated in detail. A diffusing optical fiber was implanted above the T9 spinal cord of Bama miniature pigs and used to transfer near‐infrared light (810 nm) onto the spinal cord surface. After daily irradiation with 200, 300, 500 or 1000 mW for 14 days, both sides of the irradiated area of the spinal cord were assessed for temperature changes. The condition of the spinal cord and the position of optical fiber were investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and different parameters indicating temperature increases or phototoxicity were measured on the normal spinal cord surface due to light irradiation (ie, heat shock responses, inflammatory reactions and neuronal apoptosis), and the animals' lower‐limb neurological function and gait were assessed during the irradiation process. The implanted device was stable inside the freely moving animals, and light energy could be directly projected onto the spinal cord surface. The screening of different irradiation parameters preliminary showed that direct irradiation onto the spinal cord surface at 200 and 300 mW did not significantly increase the temperature, stress responses, inflammatory reactions and neural apoptosis, whereas irradiation at 500 mW slightly increased these parameters, and irradiation at 1000 mW induced a significant temperature increase, heat shock, inflammation and apoptosis responses. HE staining of spinal cord tissue sections did not reveal any significant structural changes of the tissues compared to the control group, and the neurological function and gait of all irradiated animals were normal. In this study, we established an in‐vivo optical fiber implantation method, which might be safe and stable and could be used to directly project light energy onto the spinal cord surface. This study might provide a new perspective for clinical applications of PBM in acute SCI.
Exploring the White and male culture: Investigating individual perspectives of equity and privilege in engineering education
Authors: Eastman Michael G. , Miles Monica L. , Yerrick Randy 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundEngineering education in the United States has been accused of favoring White men at the exclusion of those traditionally underrepresented in engineering. However, contrary to the culturally responsive literature addressing approaches to “colorblindness,” engineering faculty believe they should treat all students equally.PurposeThis study explored conceptions of equity and privilege present within the culture of engineering education, particularly the White male population.MethodThis longitudinal qualitative study investigated the experiences of one longtime engineering professor, an insider to the culture of engineering confronted with conceptions of his own privilege. We analyzed interview, focus group, and field note data to evaluate shifts in our participant's perspective while he was enrolled in a doctoral program that challenged his views of race, privilege, and equity.ResultsOur participant was initially opposed to conceptions of his own privilege. Through repeated challenges to his beliefs about privilege coupled with reflections on his experiences and positioning in society, his beliefs shifted toward recognizing inequities based on class and race.ConclusionsIn a discipline with an overrepresentation of White men, there can be resistance to addressing topics of equity and privilege. However, it is possible for engineering educators, despite their race and gender, to change their beliefs related to the culture of engineering education and to address inequities within engineering departments and classrooms.
Test–Retest Reliability of the Brain Metabolites GABA and Glx With JPRESS, PRESS, and MEGA‐PRESS MRS Sequences in vivo at 3T
Authors: Baeshen Arwa , Wyss Patrik O. , Henning Anke , O'Gorman Ruth L. , Piccirelli Marco , Kollias Spyridon , Michels Lars 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundThe optimization of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) sequences allows improved diagnosis and prognosis of neurological and psychological disorders. Thus, to assess the test–retest and intersequence reliability of such MRS sequences in quantifying metabolite concentrations is of clinical relevance.PurposeTo evaluate the test–retest and intersequence reliability of three MRS sequences to estimate GABA and Glx = Glutamine+Glutamate concentrations in the human brain.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsEighteen healthy participants were scanned twice (range: 1 day to 1 week between the two sessions) with identical protocols.Field Strength/Sequence3T using a 32‐channel SENSE head coil in the PCC region; PRESS, JPRESS, and MEGA‐PRESS sequences.AssessmentMetabolite concentrations were estimated using LCModel (for PRESS and MEGA‐PRESS) and ProFit2 (for JPRESS).Statistical TestsThe test–retest reliability was evaluated by Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests, Pearson's r correlation coefficients, intraclass‐correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), and by Bland–Altman (BA) plots. The intersequence reliability was assessed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests, Pearson's r correlation coefficients, and BA plots.ResultsFor GABA, only the MEGA‐PRESS sequence showed a moderate test–retest correlation (r = 0.54, ICC = 0.5, CV = 8.8%) and the BA plots indicated good agreement (P > 0.05) for all sequences. JPRESS provided less precise results and PRESS was insensitive to GABA. For Glx, the r and ICC values for PRESS (r = 0.87, ICC = 0.9, CV = 2.9%) and MEGA‐PRESS (r = 0.70, ICC = 0.7, CV = 5.3%) reflect higher correlations, compared with JPRESS (r = 0.39, ICC = 0.4, CV = 20.1%).Data ConclusionMEGA‐PRESS and JPRESS are suitable for the reliable detection of GABA, the first being more precise. The three sequences included in the study can measure Glx concentrations.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1181–1191.
The mechanism of freeze‐thawing induced accumulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid in germinated soybean
Authors: Yang Runqiang , Hui Qianru , Feng Xiaoyun , Feng Li , Gu Zhenxin , Wang Pei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDγ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non‐protein amino acid with several functions in the human body. Although freeze‐thawing could effectively accumulate GABA in soybean sprouts, the mechanism has not been revealed. The mechanism by which freeze‐thawing enhances GABA accumulation in germinated soybean was revealed by evaluating GABA content, the activity of related synthesis enzymes, and the microstructure of the tissues and cells of sprouts. The germinated soybeans were treated at different temperatures (from −196 °C to 25 °C) for 12 h and then thawed at 25 °C for 6 h.RESULTSThe results showed that GABA content in frozen soybean sprouts did not change significantly before thawing. After thawing, the GABA content of sprouts increased by 83.9% and 82.9% when treated by liquid nitrogen flash freeze at − 80 °C for 12 h compared with the control (4 °C treatment for 12 h). The results indicated that GABA formation mainly occurred during thawing. However, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), diamine oxidase (DAO), and aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase (AMADH) activity decreased during thawing. Based on the malonaldehyde (MDA) content and microstructure of sprouts, it was suggested that freezing at lower temperatures (< −20 °C) maintained the integrity of the cell structure, while the tissues and cell membranes were broken during thawing.CONCLUSIONThese results could provide evidence for the hypothesis that GABA formation resulted from full contact between enzymes and substrates during thawing, rather than the contribution of higher enzyme activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Mycotoxins feed contamination in a dairy farm – potential implications for milk contamination and workers' exposure in a One Health approach
Authors: Viegas Susana , Assunção Ricardo , Twarużek Magdalena , Kosicki Robert , Grajewski Jan , Viegas Carla 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundDairy farming feed can be contaminated with mycotoxins, affecting animals' health and milk quality. Dairy farming is also prone to occupational exposure to mycotoxins, and feed is recognized as a source of contamination in the workplace. An exploratory study was developed in a dairy farm located in Portugal intending to assess the mycotoxins present in the feed.ResultsAll the samples analyzed presented contamination by at least two mycotoxins and up to a maximum of 13 mycotoxins in the same sample. Zearalenone (ZEA) was detected in all the samples (n = 10) followed by deoxynivalenol (DON), which was reported in eight samples, and ochratoxin A (OTA), reported in five samples.ConclusionThe results point to the possible contamination of milk by several mycotoxins and raise the possibility of occupational exposure to mycotoxins due to feed contamination. An adequate One Health approach for dairy production should address these issues through effective preventive actions such as avoiding the use of feed contaminated with mycotoxins. This represents an important challenge due to climate change. It requires proper attention and accurate management measures. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry