bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissipative interval observer design for discrete‐time nonlinear systems
Authors: Avilés Jesús D. , Moreno Jaime A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper studies the problem of designing interval observers for a family of discrete‐time nonlinear systems subject to parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. The design approach states that the interval observers are constituted by a couple of preserving order observers, one providing an upper estimation of the state while the other provides a lower one. The design aim is to apply the cooperative and dissipative properties to the discrete‐time estimation error dynamics in order to guarantee that the upper and lower estimations are always above and below the true state trajectory for all times, while both estimations asymptotically converge towards a neighborhood of the true state values. The approach represents an extension to the original method proposed by the authors, which focuses on the continuous‐time nonlinear systems. In some situations, the design conditions can be formulated as bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs) and/or linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Two simulation examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the design approach.
Backstepping design for a class of coupled parabolic PDEs with spatially varying coefficient
Authors: Ghaderi Najmeh , Keyanpour Mohammad 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we concentrate on the state feedback stabilization of a class of coupled parabolic partial differential equations with space dependent diffusion coefficients. To stabilize the system, we design a state feedback controller using the backstepping technique. Namely, we convert the original system into a stable desired system called the target system to obtain a backstepping feedback controller. We prove that the feedback controller causes the main system to be exponential stable. Also, the numerical simulations show that validity and efficiency of theoretical results.
Combination chemotherapy plus dasatinib leads to comparable overall survival and relapse‐free survival rates as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Chang Jeremy , Douer Dan , Aldoss Ibrahim , Vahdani Golnaz , Jeong Ah‐Reum , Ghaznavi Zunera , Zhang Sherry , Yaghmour George , Lee Kum‐Ja , Weissman Ashley , Akhtari Mojtaba 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe Philadelphia chromosome is associated with a poor prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been regarded as a favorable treatment option in adult Philadelphia‐positive (Ph+) ALL, its benefit is less clear in the era of newer generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like dasatinib.MethodsThis was a retrospective study that analyzed the outcomes of adult patients with Ph+ ALL treated with either combination chemotherapy plus dasatinib or combination chemotherapy plus dasatinib followed by allogeneic HSCT.ResultsA total of 70 patients were included; 30 (42.9%) underwent allogeneic HSCT while 40 (57.1%) received only chemotherapy plus dasatinib. In comparing overall survival (OS) rates, results between the 2 groups were similar with a 1‐year OS of 93.3% versus 100% (P = 0.20), 2‐year OS of 89.8% versus 86.2% (P = 0.72), and 3‐year OS of 76% versus 71.3% (P = 0.56) in the transplant versus nontransplant groups, respectively. The 3‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) rates were also similar at 70.5% in the transplant group and 80.1% in the nontransplant group (P = 0.94). Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with specific poor prognostic factors (higher white blood count, older age, positive minimal residual disease status), but results again showed no significant survival difference between transplant and nontransplant patients.ConclusionsWhile HSCT has historically led to a survival advantage in Ph+ ALL, the results of our study demonstrate that it may have a less beneficial role in the era of newer generation TKIs such as dasatinib.
Survival following radiotherapy in young women with localized early‐stage breast cancer according to molecular subtypes
Authors: Liu Qi‐Qi , Sun He‐Fen , Yang Xue‐Li , Chen Meng‐Ting , Liu Yang , Zhao Yang , Zhao Yuan‐Yuan , Jin Wei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the significance and benefit of radiotherapy (RT) in young early‐stage breast cancer patients according to different molecular subtypes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database with known hormone receptor (HoR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. Female patients aged 18‐45, received RT treatment, and diagnosed with stage T1‐3, N0‐3, M0 primary breast cancer between 2010 and 2013 were identified.ResultsOf all the 23 148 included patients, 14 708 (63.54%), 3385 (14.62%), 1225 (5.29%), and 3830 (16.55%) were diagnosed with luminal‐A (HoR + HER2‐), luminal‐B (HoR + HER2+), HER2‐enriched (HoR‐HER2+), and triple‐negative (HoR‐HER2‐) breast cancer, respectively. RT was significantly correlated with improved overall survival (OS, HR: 0.295; 95% CI:0.138‐0.63, P = 0.002) and breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS, HR: 0.328; 95% CI: 0.153‐0.702, P = 0.004) in HER2‐enriched patients. In addition, a significantly prolonged OS was also observed when RT was given to luminal‐A (HR: 0.696; 95% CI: 0.538‐0.902, P = 0.006) and luminal‐B (HR: 0.385; 95% CI:0.199‐0.744, P = 0.005) breast cancer patients compared to those without RT. Multivariable‐adjusted analyses showed that HER2 was a significant favorable factor for RT benefit in breast cancer patients.ConclusionsRT could offer significant survival benefit in luminal‐A, luminal‐B, and especially HER2‐enriched young early‐stage breast cancer female patients. The results enabled clinicians to predict the benefits of RT and improve evidence‐based treatment for breast cancer patients.
Ghrelin modulates intracellular signalling pathways that are critical for podocyte survival
Authors: El Zein Nabil , Abdallah Maya S. , Daher Costantine F. , Mroueh Mohammad , Stephan Joseph , Bahous Sola Aoun , Eid Assaad , Faour Wissam H. 
Published: April 2019

Damage to podocytes is a key event in glomerulopathies. While energy dense food can contribute to kidney damage, the role of the orixegenic hormone “ghrelin” in podocyte biology is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ghrelin on podocyte survival as well as the signalling pathways mediating ghrelin effect in immortalized cultured rat podocytes. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that GHS‐R1 is expressed in rat podocytes. Western blot analysis showed that ghrelin upregulated COX‐2 protein expression in a time and dose‐dependent manner. Additionally, ghrelin activated P38 MAPK, AKT, and ERK1/2 pathways and also induced P38 MAPK phosphorylation in high glucose conditions. Ghrelin induced ROS release and dose dependently reduced podocyte survival. Ghrelin mediated podocyte cell death was partially reversed by pharmacologically inhibiting P38 MAPK or phospholipase C (PLC). Furthermore, PLC inhibitor (U73122) inhibited ghrelin induced P38 MAPK activation. While PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) was without effect on cell survival or P38 MAPK activation, it inhibited ghrelin induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Finally, ghrelin induced TAU phosphorylation was reversed by pharmacologic inhibitors of either P38 MAPK or PKA. In conclusion, ghrelin activated harmful molecular pathways in podocytes that can be damaging to the glomerular filtration barrierSignificance of the studyEndocrine derangements secondary to obesity are major players in the aetiology of renal injuries. Furthermore, energy dense diet is thought to be the major element in developing obesity. Appetite and increase in energy intake are regulated by complex hormonal pathways which mainly include the orexigenic hormone “ghrelin” in addition to leptin. To date no study have highlighted a significant role for ghrelin in kidney biology, and therefore, it is thought that its endocrine effect is mostly limited to adipose tissue metabolism and appetite regulation. In this study, we first showed that ghrelin receptor is expressed on glomerular podocytes. Also, ghrelin showed negative impact on podocyte survival through modulating signalling pathways such as P38 MAPK and AKT known to play a key role in podocyte health. Moreover, the negative effects of ghrelin on podocytes were further exacerbated in hyperglycemic conditions. Of note, podocytes contribute to the formation and the maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier and thus are important for normal renal function. Therefore, ghrelin secretion in the context of obesity could be involved in the aetiology of kidney injury, a well‐known hallmark found in obese patients.
Influence of Mixing on the Precipitation of Organic Nanoparticles: A Lagrangian Perspective on Scale‐up Based on Self‐Similar Distributions
Authors: Schikarski Tobias , Trzenschiok Holger , Avila Marc , Peukert Wolfgang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPrecipitation of nanoparticles is applied in various fields with a rising interest in the formulation of poorly soluble drugs. The impact of fluid mixing on the precipitation of organic nanoparticles is analyzed. Direct numerical simulations are applied to determine the spatiotemporal evolution of the liquid phase composition and to estimate the particle evolution along Langragian trajectories. The simulation results are compared with laboratory experiments of mixing and particle size evolution, which use a recently developed approach to rapidly stabilize the precipitated nanoparticles. The impact of mixing on precipitation is revealed, thereby enabling a parameter‐free estimation of the mean particle sizes and the particle size distributions. The distributions of residence time, supersaturation time, and particle size are self‐similar for Reynolds numbers in the turbulent regime and allow the derivation of scale‐up rules.
Unmet medical needs in intermittent Claudication with diabetes and coronary artery disease—A “real‐world” analysis on 21 197 PAD patients
Authors: Stalling Philipp , Engelbertz Christiane , Lüders Florian , Meyborg Matthias , Gebauer Katrin , Waltenberger Johannes , Reinecke Holger , Freisinger Eva 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is frequently co‐prevalent with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes (DM). The study aims to define the burden of CAD and/ or DM in PAD patients at moderate stages and further to evaluate its impact on therapy and outcome.MethodsStudy is based on health insurance claims data of the BARMER reflecting an unselected “real‐world” scenario. Retrospective analyses were based on 21 197 patients hospitalized for PAD Rutherford 1‐3 between 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011, including a 4‐year follow‐up (median 775 days).ResultsIn PAD patients, CAD is prevalent in 25.3% (n = 5355), DM in 23.5% (n = 4976), and both CAD and DM in 8.2% (n = 1741). Overall, in‐hospital mortality was 0.4%, being increased if CAD was present (CAD alone: OR 1.849; 95%‐CI 1.066‐3.208; DM alone: OR 1.028; 95%‐CI 0.520‐2.033; CAD and DM: OR 3.115; 95%‐CI 1.720‐5.641). Both, CAD and DM increased long‐term mortality (CAD alone: HR 1.234; 95%‐CI 1.106‐1.376; DM alone: HR 1.260; 95%‐CI 1.125‐1.412; CAD and DM: HR 1.76; 95%‐CI 1.552‐1.995). DM further increased long‐term amputation risk (DM alone: HR 2.238; 95%‐CI 1.849‐2.710; DM and CAD: HR 2.199; 95%‐CI 1.732‐2.792), whereas CAD (alone) did not.ConclusionsIn a greater perspective, the data identify also mild to modest stage PAD patients at particular risk for adverse outcomes in presence of CAD and/or DM. CAD and DM both are related with a highly increased risk of long‐term mortality even in intermittent claudication, and DM independently increased amputation risk.
The façade decorations of the tenement houses in Olsztyn's Old Town before and after the Second World War
Authors: Doleżyńska‐Sewerniak Ewa 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe article discusses the façade decorations of the tenement houses in Olsztyn's Old Town before and after the Second World War. This research comprises the original colour scheme of the tenement houses preserved from the destruction of war as well as the unique works of art in Olsztyn executed by local artists in the Polish People's Republic period. They include sgraffito, mosaics, and sculpted and colourful decorations of the tenement houses reconstructed after the Second World War. This article presents their history, authors, themes, techniques, and technologies. The documentation of this artwork sheds light on the art of that period and its artists, and shows a changing attitude toward historical monuments and the colour schemes during the postwar reconstruction in Polish towns at the time of the Polish People's Republic.
Victim detection platform in IoT paradigm
Authors: Hong Minsung , Akerkar Rajendra 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThe advent of Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm is having a great ripple effect in the field of disaster management as well as many other areas. Victim detection has been studied as rescuer‐ or victim‐oriented approach, which utilises the IoT advanced technologies, but they have weaknesses according to disaster types. In this paper, we propose a Victim Detection Platform (VDP) architecture combining both approaches using various advanced technologies such as IoT, drone and edge/cloud computing to offer higher quality services, which ultimately result in swifter, better responses and more lives saved. First, we have reviewed related literature regarding three crucial issues (ie, multi‐modal evaluation for reliable data, edge‐based real‐time response, and privacy‐preserved Big Data analysis) to satisfy the service. In order to achieve these important aspects, the VDP architecture is described along with roles/relations of technologies and concepts leveraged to and data sources considered in the platform. To explore the realisation possibility of the proposed approach in real disasters, a validation scenario considering the critical issues and details in a victim detection task is illustrated, and then appropriate techniques, which will be utilised in the proposed VDP, and its justifications are discussed. Finally, we debate how the techniques are harmonised in the VDP and what the challenges are.
Invasive species removal increases species and phylogenetic diversity of wetland plant communities
Authors: Lishawa Shane C. , Lawrence Beth A. , Albert Dennis A. , Larkin Daniel J. , Tuchman Nancy C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPlant invasions result in biodiversity losses and altered ecological functions, though quantifying loss of multiple ecosystem functions presents a research challenge. Plant phylogenetic diversity correlates with a range of ecosystem functions and can be used as a proxy for ecosystem multifunctionality. Laurentian Great Lakes coastal wetlands are ideal systems for testing invasive species management effects because they support diverse biological communities, provide numerous ecosystem services, and are increasingly dominated by invasive macrophytes. Invasive cattails are among the most widespread and abundant of these taxa. We conducted a three‐year study in two Great Lakes wetlands, testing the effects of a gradient of cattail removal intensities (mowing, harvest, complete biomass removal) within two vegetation zones (emergent marsh and wet meadow) on plant taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. To evaluate native plant recovery potential, we paired this with a seed bank emergence study that quantified diversity metrics in each zone under experimentally manipulated hydroperiods. Pretreatment, we found that wetland zones had distinct plant community composition. Wet meadow seed banks had greater taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity than emergent marsh seed banks, and high‐water treatments tended to inhibit diversity by reducing germination. Aboveground harvesting of cattails and their litter increased phylogenetic diversity and species richness in both zones, more than doubling richness compared to unmanipulated controls. In the wet meadow, harvesting shifted the community toward an early successional state, favoring seed bank germination from early seral species, whereas emergent marsh complete removal treatments shifted the community toward an aquatic condition, favoring floating‐leaved plants. Removing cattails and their litter increased taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity across water levels, a key environmental gradient, thereby potentially increasing the multifunctionality of these ecosystems. Killing invasive wetland macrophytes but leaving their biomass in situ does not address their underlying mechanism of dominance and is less effective than more intensive treatments that also remove their litter.
Transstadial immune activation in a mosquito: Adults that emerge from infected larvae have stronger antibacterial activity in their hemocoel yet increased susceptibility to malaria infection
Authors: Brown Lisa D. , Shapiro Lillian L. M. , Thompson Grayson A. , Estévez‐Lao Tania Y. , Hillyer Julián F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLarval and adult mosquitoes mount immune responses against pathogens that invade their hemocoel. Although it has been suggested that a correlation exists between immune processes across insect life stages, the influence that an infection in the hemocoel of a larva has on the immune system of the eclosed adult remains unknown. Here, we used Anopheles gambiae to test whether a larval infection influences the adult response to a subsequent bacterial or malaria parasite infection. We found that for both female and male mosquitoes, a larval infection enhances the efficiency of bacterial clearance following a secondary infection in the hemocoel of adults. The adults that emerge from infected larvae have more hemocytes than adults that emerge from naive or injured larvae, and individual hemocytes have greater phagocytic activity. Furthermore, mRNA abundance of immune genes—such as cecropin A, Lysozyme C1, Stat‐A, and Tep1—is higher in adults that emerge from infected larvae. A larval infection, however, does not have a meaningful effect on the probability that female adults will survive a systemic bacterial infection, and increases the susceptibility of females to Plasmodium yoelii, as measured by oocyst prevalence and intensity in the midgut. Finally, immune proficiency varies by sex; females exhibit increased bacterial killing, have twice as many hemocytes, and more highly express immune genes. Together, these results show that a larval hemocoelic infection induces transstadial immune activation—possibly via transstadial immune priming—but that it confers both costs and benefits to the emerged adults.
Dual‐phase CT angiography for presurgical planning in patients with vessel‐depleted neck
Authors: Du Eugenie , Patel Sagar , Huang Benjamin , Patel Samip N. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundMicrovascular reconstruction in vessel‐depleted necks is challenging due to limited availability of recipient vessels. We examine the utility of dual‐phase CT angiography (CTA), which delineates both arteries and veins, for preoperative planning in such difficult cases.MethodsRetrospective chart review of a single surgeon from July 2013 to July 2017 in a tertiary referral center was performed. Patient characteristics, operative details, and surgical outcomes were examined.ResultsThirteen patients met inclusion criteria. The operative plan was changed to a local flap for one patient as a result of imaging; free tissue transfer was performed for the remaining cases with 100% flap survival rate. Average operative time and ischemia time were 524 ± 110 minutes and 153 ± 47 minutes, respectively.ConclusionsDual‐phase CTA can evaluate potential venous and arterial recipient vessel and guide surgical explorations. As such, it may aid in presurgical planning for microvascular free tissue transfer in vessel‐depleted necks.
The hydroalcoholic extract of watercress attenuates protein oxidation, oxidative stress, and liver damage after bile duct ligation in rats
Authors: Sadeghi Hossein , Azarmehr Nahid , Razmkhah Fatemeh , Sadeghi Heibatollah , Danaei Nazanin , Omidifar Navid , Vakilpour Hossein , Pourghadamyari Hossein , Doustimotlagh Amir Hossein 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCholestatic liver disease is recognized by extreme collagen formation and deposition, which is mediated by free radicals. The aim of the current study was to investigate the probable hepatoprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of watercress (WC) against oxidative stress and liver injury in bile duct ligation (BDL)‐ induced cholestatic rats. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; sham control (SC), BDL, SC + hydroalcoholic extract of WC and BDL + hydroalcoholic extract of WC. WC‐treated rats received daily WC 500 mg/kg/day for 10 days. Biochemical tests, hepatic oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant enzymes activity were estimated. Further, liver hydroxyproline content was assayed and histological analysis was made. The BDL model markedly elevated the protein carbonyl (PCO) and hydroxyproline contents and decreased the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Hydroalcoholic extract of WC significantly decreased the surge in liver PCO and hydroxyproline levels and increased the reduced GPx enzyme activity contents in the hepatic tissue. As determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, BDL considerably induced hepatocyte necrosis. Moreover, these changes were significantly attenuated by the hydroalcoholic extract of WC treatment. Our data indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of WC extract attenuated liver damage in BDL rats by decreasing the hydroxyproline content and histopathological indexes. Also, it reduced oxidative stress by preventing the hepatic protein oxidation and enhancing the activity of the GPx enzyme via antioxidative effect and free‐radical scavenging. Our findings suggest that hydroalcoholic extract of WC could be a beneficial new curative agent for cholestatic liver damage.
A qualitative investigation of policy for youth with problematic sexual behavior
Authors: Kelley Allyson , Shawler Paul , Shields Jennifer D. , Silovsky Jane F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsCommunity management of youth with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) is complex. Public policies and service practices have historically utilized adult‐focused approaches with limited research outcomes. This descriptive case study aimed to address this gap by documenting current PSB policies and policy reforms for community‐based management systems.MethodSemi‐structured interviews with 219 professionals from eight urban and rural communities throughout the United States served as the primary data source for the study. The three‐stage Framework Method was used to guide the data analysis process.ResultsThis study covered three areas: context of policy development, attitudes, and perceptions of policy for youth with PSB, and existing policy and policy reform initiatives.ConclusionFindings support benefits of collaborative multidisciplinary teams that cross agency policies and procedures on management of cases involving youth with PSB. Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and community members are discussed.