bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved quasi‐physical zone division model with analytical electrothermal Ids model for AlGaN/GaN heterojunction high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Chen Yongbo , Xu Yuehang , Wang Feng , Wang Changsi , Zhang Yong , Yan Bo , Xu Ruimin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAn accurate analytical electrothermal drain current (Ids) model for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs is presented in this letter. The model is implemented into our recently proposed quasi‐physical zone division (QPZD) model for demonstration purpose. Compared with the original QPZD model, its electrothermal characteristics are enhanced by involving more fundamental temperature dependent elements. In addition, these elements are derived analytically based on physical mechanisms instead of former pure empirical fitting method. Thus, the extracted parameter values are more close to intrinsic values. An in house 0.15‐μm GaN HEMT is used for validation. Compared with the measured data at a wide ambient temperature range (245‐390 K), this electrothermal model demonstrates good accuracy to predict the DC characteristics and RF performances of GaN HEMTs.
Deviations from aspirational target levels and environmental and safety performance: Implications for operations managers acting irresponsibly
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Fan Di , Pagell Mark , Lo Chris K.Y. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe relationship between sustainable operations and a firm's financial performance has been an ongoing focus of operations management scholars. Previous literature has extensively explored the impact of acting responsibly on financial performance. This article applies the behavioral theory of the firm and prospect theory to assess the much‐neglected reverse relationship, exploring whether a firm's relative aspirational financial performance impacts its likelihood of acting irresponsibly. Furthermore, we explore whether operational slack in the form of capacity, productivity, and inventory attenuates a firm's likelihood of acting irresponsibly when its actual financial performance deviates from its aspirational level. We use a matched pair design with privately held manufacturing firms in the United Kingdom who acted irresponsibly matched with similar firms who did not act irresponsibly. While most firms do not act irresponsibly, we find that the further a firm moves (positively or negatively) from its aspirational level of financial performance, the more likely it is to act irresponsibly. The results also indicate that slack generally does not prevent managers from acting irresponsibly, especially when performing relatively well. This study contributes to the sustainable operations literature and provides important theoretical, managerial, and policy implications.
Protein digestion properties of Xinong Saanen goat colostrum and mature milk usingin vitrodigestion model
Authors: Sun Yuxue , Wang Cuina , Sun Xiaomeng , Guo Mingruo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDXinong Saanen goat milk is a raw material for goat milk‐based infant formula production. This study aims to analyze digestion properties of Xinong Saanen goat colostrum and mature milk by simulating infant gastrointestinal digestion. Zeta potential, particles size, protein profile and peptides composition of these two kinds of milk during the digestion process were studied.RESULTSZeta‐potential values of the digested colostrum were lower than those of mature milk through the whole digestion. Absolute zeta potential of colostrum duodenal digestion samples showed a decrease from 16.63 ± 2.08 to 11.80 ± 2.03 mV while that of mature milk decreased sharply and then increased (P < 0.05). Colostrum had a larger particle size than mature milk and both milks showed decreased particle size with increasing digestion time but an increase for the last 30 min. Colostrum showed more high molecular weight (MW) proteins which cannot be hydrolyzed completely compared with mature milk. Digested peptides (< 10 kDa) were characterized using liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The casein‐derived peptides identified in digested colostrum and mature milk accounted for 76.67% and 59.53%, respectively. β‐Casein was the most abundant in colostrum while that in mature milk was αs1‐casein. Enterotoxin‐binding glycoprotein PP20K, butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1 (BTN1A1) and perilipin (PLIN) were only detected in digested mature milk.CONCLUSIONDifferences in digestion properties between goat colostrum and mature milk were mainly shown in duodenal digestion phase. Data may provide useful information about utilization of goat milk for infant formula formulation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluating detection and occupancy probabilities of eastern spotted skunks
Authors: Eng Robin Y. Y. , Jachowski David S. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTThe eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) is a poorly understood mesocarnivore species that suffered a range‐wide decline in the mid‐1900s. Little is known about its current distribution or habitat needs, and in the southern Appalachians, where the Carolinas and Georgia converge, eastern spotted skunks were only recently discovered to persist. From January–April in 2016 and 2017, we used camera trap surveys to monitor eastern spotted skunks and used occupancy modeling to evaluate factors we hypothesized would influence the probability of spotted skunk detection and occurrence at the landscape scale. We detected spotted skunks at 55.6% of our sites and on 18.5% of sampling occasions. Our results suggest that detection probability was influenced by predation risk, camera setup, and the type of scent‐based attractant used. Eastern spotted skunk occupancy probability had a negative relationship with elevation, such that the probability of occupancy on average increased 7% for every 100‐m decrease in elevation. These results differ from previous findings from the northern Appalachian region, and suggest spotted skunks in the southern Appalachians may be more widely distributed than previously thought. To inform management, there remains a critical need for finer‐scale investigations into resource selection and demographic trends. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Three‐step macrokinetic model of butane and propane steam conversion to methane‐rich gas
Authors: Uskov S. I. , Shigarov A. B. , Potemkin D. I. , Snytnikov P. V. , Kirillov V. A. , Sobyanin V. A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLow‐temperature steam conversion (LTSC) of a methane‐butane mixture (95% methane and 5% butane) into a methane‐rich gas over an industrial Ni‐based catalyst has been studied with the following reaction conditions: temperature 200–320°C, pressure 1 bar, gas hour space velocity 1200–3600 h–1, and steam to carbon ratio 0.64. A three‐step macrokinetic model has been suggested based on the kinetic parameters found. The model includes the following reactions: (1) irreversible steam reforming; (2) CO2 methanation, which occurs in a quasi‐equilibrium mode at temperatures above 260°C; (3) hydrogenolysis of propane and butane, which is essential at temperatures below 260°C. Steam reforming was shown to limit the overall reaction rate, whereas hydrogenolysis and CO2 methanation determined the product distribution in low‐ and high‐temperature regions, respectively. Temperature dependencies of the product distribution for the LTSC of a model ternary methane‐propane‐butane mixture (85% methane, 10% propane, and 5% butane) have been successfully simulated using the three‐step model suggested.
Effect of pirfenidone injection on ferret vocal fold scars: A preliminary in vivo study
Authors: Yamada Takao , Kumai Yoshihiko , Kodama Haruka , Nishimoto Kohei , Miyamaru Satoru , Onoue Satomi , Orita Yorihisa 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesThis study examined the antifibrotic effect of pirfenidone (PFD), which has received regulatory approval in the United States and Japan for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, on the scarred ferret vocal fold (VF) in vivo.MethodsEight male ferrets were divided into two groups: saline and PFD. All animals underwent unilateral scarring under anesthesia. The right VF was electrocauterized with ablation of the entire lamina propria. PFD (1.0 mg/mL) or saline injections into right‐side scarred VFs were performed (under an operating microscope) 4 weeks later. After an additional 4 weeks, the larynges were harvested for histological analysis. Prior to harvesting, the ferrets were re‐anesthetized, and the VFs were observed and recorded using a rigid video laryngoscope. We immunohistochemically evaluated the expression of collagen types I and III, alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and fibronectin in the entire lamina propria. We compared the affected areas (calculated using ImageJ software) between the treated (right) and untreated (left) sides within the same animals and between groups.ResultsCollagen type I (P = 0.0021) and α‐SMA (P = 0.0021) expression levels were lower in the PFD group, but the collagen type III and fibronectin levels did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionPFD injection into the scarred VF is a potentially promising novel antifibrotic treatment.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 130:726–731, 2020
Office‐based corticosteroid injections as adjuvant therapy for subglottic stenosis
Authors: Pan Debbie R. , Rosow David E. 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveSubglottic stenosis (SGS) is a serious, potentially life‐threatening disorder that is difficult to treat due to significant recurrence rates. While conventional treatment of SGS relies heavily on serial endoscopic dilation procedures, this study aims to characterize the efficacy of incorporating subglottic corticosteroid injections in increasing surgery‐free intervals (SFIs) for a cohort of patients at a university‐based medical system.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsAll SGS patients who underwent endoscopic dilation and at least one adjuvant office‐based serial intralesional steroid injection (SILSI) were reviewed. Patients were excluded if they had synchronous airway lesions or stenosis outside of the subglottis. Charts were reviewed for demographic and treatment‐specific data. The SFI was calculated for patients both prior to the initiation of SILSI and after. Groups were compared via Mann–Whitney U test, with P < .05 as the threshold for significance.ResultsThirteen patients met criteria, with mean age 50.1 ± 14.1 years and 7:6 female to male ratio. Eight of the thirteen (61.5%) had intubation‐related stenosis, while 4/13 were idiopathic and 1/13 was due to Wegener's granulomatosis. Mean follow‐up was 20.4 months. Patients underwent an average of 4.2 ± 2.2 postoperative injections, beginning 45.9 ± 19.0 days after surgery. The mean SFI prior to initiating SILSI was 288.6 ± 362.0 days; while after receiving SILSI, the mean interval was significantly longer (545.5 ± 152.7 days, P = .0041).ConclusionsWe demonstrate that office‐based corticosteroid injection for SGS was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the SFI and is a promising adjuvant approach. Future prospective studies should evaluate if the efficacy is reproducible on a large scale and if SILSI can and/or should be incorporated into the standard management paradigm for SGS treatment.Level of Evidence4
Inhibitory effects of two types of food additives on biofilm formation by foodborne pathogens
Authors: Liu Liyan , Ye Congxiu , Soteyome Thanapop , Zhao Xihong , Xia Jing , Xu Wenyi , Mao Yuzhu , Peng Ruixin , Chen Jinxuan , Xu Zhenbo , Shirtliff Mark E. , Harro Janette M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe inhibition of microbial biofilms is a significant concern in food safety. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of sodium citrate and cinnamic aldehyde on biofilm formation at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and sub‐MICs was investigated for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. The biofilm inhibition rate was measured to evaluate the effect of sodium citrate on S. aureus biofilms at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr. According to the results, an antibiofilm effect was shown by both food additives, with 10 mg/ml of sodium citrate exhibiting the greatest inhibition of S. aureus biofilms at 24 hr (inhibition rate as high as 77.51%). These findings strongly suggest that sodium citrate exhibits a pronounced inhibitory effect on biofilm formation with great potential in the extension of food preservation and storage.
Sex‐related pattern of intrinsic brain connectivity in drug‐naïve Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: De Micco Rosa , Esposito Fabrizio , di Nardo Federica , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Siciliano Mattia , Russo Antonio , Cirillo Mario , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Tessitore Alessandro 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSex difference is related to specific clinical features in PD patients over the disease course.ObjectivesTo investigate the potential sex‐difference effect on the spontaneous neuronal activity within the most reported resting‐state networks in early untreated PD patients and its correlation with baseline and longitudinal clinical features.MethodsFifty‐six drug‐naïve PD patients (30/26 male/female) and 30 (15/15 male/female) matched controls were enrolled in the study. Topological and spectral resting‐state functional MRI features of the sensorimotor, dorsal and ventral attention, frontoparietal, and default‐mode networks were analyzed for possible sex‐difference effects in both PD patients and controls groups. Additionally, a region‐of‐interest analysis was performed to test for a sex effect on basal ganglia connectivity. Multivariate ordinal regression was used to investigate whether connectivity findings at baseline were predictors of motor impairment over a 2‐year follow‐up period.ResultsCompared to female PD patients and controls, male PD patients showed an abnormal spectral composition of the sensorimotor and dorsal attention networks in the slow‐5 band. The region‐of‐interest analysis showed an increased connectivity within the basal ganglia in female PD patients compared to males. Functional sensorimotor connectivity changes at baseline showed to be an independent predictor of disease severity at 2‐year follow‐up.ConclusionsOur findings revealed the presence of a disease‐related, sex‐specific cortical and subcortical connectivity pattern within the sensorimotor network, in the early stage of PD. We hypothesize that these findings may be related to the presence of different sex‐specific nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways and might predict PD progression. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Association between operation‐ and operator‐related factors and surgical complications among patients undergoing free‐flap reconstruction for head and neck cancers: A propensity score‐matched study of 1,865 free‐flap reconstructions
Authors: Kuo Spencer C. H. , Kuo Pao‐Jen , Yen Yuan‐Hao , Chien Peng‐Chen , Hsieh Hsiao‐Yun , Hsieh Ching‐Hua 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveEfforts have been devoted to clarify the possible factors related to postoperative complications in free‐flap reconstruction. While patient‐related factors have been widely discussed, studies regarding the operation/operator‐related factors are rather limited in the literature. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between operation/operator‐related factors and the surgical complications in free‐flap reconstruction following head and neck cancer resection.MethodsData of 1,841 patients with a total of 1,865 free‐flap reconstructions (24 double free‐flap reconstructions) between March 2008 and February 2017 were retrieved from the registered microsurgery database of the hospital. The association of operation/operator‐related factors (including flap length and length–width ratio, flap types, use of vein graft, opposite side microanastomosis, number of microanastomoses, operators, operator experience, and operation time) with surgical complications was assessed by 1:1 propensity score‐matched study groups.ResultsAfter propensity score matching of the patient‐related factors, the rate of vein grafting was significantly higher (0.6% vs. 2.2%, p = .038) and the operation time was longer (7.0 [5.8–8.5] vs. 7.4 [6.1–8.8] hr, p = .006) in the complication group. In addition, flap length and length–width ratio, flap types, opposite side microanastomosis, number of microanastomoses, operators, and operator experience were not associated with surgical complications.ConclusionsIn a hospital that consisted of surgeons with high‐volume or very‐high‐volume experience, the operators or operation experience were not significantly associated with the surgical complications. Only a longer operation time was associated with surgical complications in the patients who underwent free‐flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer.
LncRNA Gm2044 promotes 17β‐estradiol synthesis in mpGCs by acting as miR‐138‐5p sponge
Authors: Hu Ke , He Chaofan , Ren Huanhuan , Wang Haiyan , Liu Kuan , Li Leina , Liao Yaping , Liang Meng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play vital roles in mammalian reproduction. Our previous research revealed that lncRNA Gm2044 is highly expressed in mouse spermatocytes and regulates male germ cell function. The gene annotation database BioGPS shows that Gm2044 is not only highly expressed in testicular tissue but also in ovarian tissue, which suggests that Gm2044 may be involved in female reproductive development. In this study, we confirmed that lncRNA Gm2044 promotes 17β‐estradiol synthesis in mouse pre‐antral follicular granulosa cells (mpGCs). Furthermore, bioinformatics methods, western blot, and the luciferase assay proved that Gm2044 functions as a miR‐138‐5p sponge to inhibit the direct target of miR‐138‐5p, Nr5a1, which enhances 17β‐estradiol synthesis through cyp19a1 activation. Taken together, our results provide an insight into the mechanistic roles of lncRNA Gm2044 for 17β‐estradiol synthesis by acting as competing‐endogenous RNAs to modulate the function of mpGCs. Studying the potential lncRNAs, which regulate estradiol release, will be beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of steroid hormone‐related disease.
Nursing research: A marriage of theoretical influences
Authors: Jensen Kari Toverud 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimThe aim is to examine PhD theses in nursing science, their purpose or aim and the theoretical approaches and methods employed. The study seeks to examine how such theses may be categorized, what they study, what theoretical approaches they employ and, in particular, to what degree nursing theory is employed as a current theoretical approach.DesignThis study has a descriptive qualitative design.MethodThis study complied with the Standard for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Data were collected from 61 PhD theses in nursing science published from 1994–2015, at University of Edinburgh.ResultsTwenty of the PhD theses used theoretical approaches with a sociological perspective and 12 used a psychological perspective. Eighteen of the PhD theses were based on theoretical approaches from philosophy, ethics, pedagogy, medicine or biology as a primary perspective. Nursing theories, in their conventional definition, have a limited presence in the theses examined.
Successful treatment of metachronous contralateral intratubular germ cell neoplasia with partial orchiectomy and low‐dose radiation in a patient previously treated for testicular carcinoma
Authors: Schneller Netta , Grimes Amanda , Muscal Jodi , Quintanilla Norma , Mittal Angela , Paulino Arnold , Foster Jennifer 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) of the testis is a precursor to testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT), which can lead to the development of invasive cancer. In patients with a history of previously treated unilateral TGCT, treatment for ITGCN of the contralateral testis needs to be balanced with the risks of subsequent infertility. Here, we present a 17‐ year‐ old patient with ITGCN diagnosed after treatment of contralateral nonseminomatous TGCT who was successfully treated with a partial orchiectomy followed by low‐dose radiation with preservation of his testosterone production.
Impact of lithium chloride on the performance of wood fiber reinforced polyamide 6/high‐density polyethylene blend composites
Authors: Xu Shihua , Fang Yiqun , Chen Zhenyi , Yi Shunmin , Zhai Xianglin , Yi Xin , He Jun , Song Yongming , Wang Qingwen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWood fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) blend composites were prepared via hot pressing. The PA6 was modified by lithium chloride (LiCl) for reducing the melting point. Crystallization analysis exhibited the decrease of the melting point (220°C to none) and the processing temperature (240°C to 200°C) of PA6. Thus, undesired discoloration and degradation were improved. LiCl was in favor of the interfacial compatibility among PA6, HDPE, and wood fiber. Also the LiCl could enhance the mechanical properties of the final products. The maximum flexural strength can reach up to 100.4 MPa. Besides, both maleic anhydride grafted high‐density polyethylene and wood fiber had positive effects on the mechanical performance.
Mammalian germ cell migration during development, growth, and homeostasis
Authors: Kanamori Mizuho , Oikawa Kenta , Tanemura Kentaro , Hara Kenshiro 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundGerm cells represent one of the typical cell types that moves over a long period of time and large distance within the animal body. To continue its life cycle, germ cells must migrate to spatially distinct locations for proper development. Defects in such migration processes can result in infertility. Thus, for more than a century, the principles of germ cell migration have been a focus of interest in the field of reproductive biology.MethodsBased on published reports (mainly from rodents), investigations of germ cell migration before releasing from the body, including primordial germ cells (PGCs), gonocytes, spermatogonia, and immature spermatozoon, were summarized.Main findingsGerm cells migrate with various patterns, with each migration step regulated by distinct mechanisms. During development, PGCs actively and passively migrate from the extraembryonic region toward genital ridges through the hindgut epithelium. After sex determination, male germline cells migrate heterogeneously in a developmental stage‐dependent manner within the testis.ConclusionDuring migration, there are multiple gates that disallow germ cells from re‐entering the proper developmental pathway after wandering off the original migration path. The presence of gates may ensure the robustness of germ cell development during development, growth, and homeostasis.
Matrix completion from a computational statistics perspective
Authors: Chi Eric C. , Li Tianxi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn the matrix completion problem, we seek to estimate the missing entries of a matrix from a small sample of the total number of entries in a matrix. While this task is hopeless in general, structured matrices that are appropriately sampled can be completed with surprising accuracy. In this review, we examine the success behind low‐rank matrix completion, one of the most studied and employed versions of matrix completion. Formulating the matrix completion problem as a low‐rank matrix estimation problem admits several strengths: good empirical performance on real data, statistical guarantees, and practical algorithms with convergence guarantees. We also examine how matrix completion relates to the classical study of missing data analysis (MDA) in statistics. By drawing on the MDA perspective, we see opportunities to weaken the commonly enforced assumption of missing completely at random in matrix completion.This article is categorized under:
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis