bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rational and semi‐rational solutions of a nonlocal (2 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Peng Wei‐Qi , Tian Shou‐Fu , Zhang Tian‐Tian , Fang Yong 
Published: July 2019

We consider the fully parity‐time (PT) symmetric nonlocal (2 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation with respect to x and y. By using Hirota's bilinear method, we derive the N‐soliton solutions of the nonlocal NLS equation. By using the resulting N‐soliton solutions and employing long wave limit method, we derive its nonsingular rational solutions and semi‐rational solutions. The rational solutions act as the line rogue waves. The semi‐rational solutions mean different types of combinations in rogue waves, breathers, and periodic line waves. Furthermore, in order to easily understand the dynamic behaviors of the nonlocal NLS equation, we display some graphics to analyze the characteristics of these solutions.
Allicin protects porcine oocytes against damage during aging in vitro
Authors: Park Yun‐Gwi , Lee Seung‐Eun , Yoon Jae‐Wook , Kim Eun‐Young , Park Se‐Pill 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAllicin, a chemical component of garlic, has strong antioxidant activity and is thought to exert antiaging effects in vitro. We investigated whether allicin treatment would protect porcine oocytes and embryos from postovulatory aging mediated by apoptosis and autophagy. The rates of oocyte survival and polar body extrusion in samples treated with 1 µM allicin (1 AL) were significantly higher than in untreated samples (0 AL). In addition, 1 AL prevented defects in spindle formation and chromosome alignment, as well as decreases in the expression of maturation markers, during in vitro aging. In this study, we considered allicin to be a regulator of autophagy rather than an antioxidant or antiapoptotic agent. At the embryo level, although the cleavage rate after parthenogenetic activation was similar in all groups, the blastocyst formation rate was higher in the 1 AL group than in the 0 AL group. Our findings demonstrate that allicin effectively prevents the deterioration of porcine oocytes during aging in vitro, and could therefore be used to improve the quality of aged oocytes used in in vitro experiments.
Cloned pig fetuses exhibit fatty acid deficiency from impaired placental transport
Authors: Ao Zheng , Wu Xiao , Zhou Jun , Gu Ting , Wang Xingwang , Shi Junsong , Zhao Chengfa , Cai Gengyuan , Zheng Enqin , Liu Dewu , Wu Zhenfang , Li Zicong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCloned pig fetuses produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer show a high incidence of erroneous development in the uteri of surrogate mothers. The mechanisms underlying the abnormal intrauterine development of cloned pig fetuses are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the potential causes of the aberrant development of cloned pig fetuses. The levels of numerous fatty acids in allantoic ﬂuid and muscle tissue were lower in cloned pig fetuses than in artificial insemination‐generated pig fetuses, thereby suggesting that cloned pig fetuses underwent fatty acid deficiency. Cloned pig fetuses also displayed trophoblast hypoplasia and a reduced expression of placental fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), which is the predominant FATP family member expressed in porcine placentas. This result suggested that the placental fatty acid transport functions were impaired in cloned pig fetuses, possibly causing fatty acid deficiency in cloned pig fetuses. The present study provides useful information in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the abnormal development of cloned pig fetuses.
Observations on fabric evolution to a common micromechanical state at the soil‐structure interface
Authors: Zhu Hua‐Xiang , Zhou Wan‐Huan , Jing Xue‐Ying , Yin Zhen‐Yu 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe fabric plays an important role in the mechanical behavior of granular material. The aim of this paper is to investigate the evolution of fabric in a soil‐structure interface (SSI) to a large shearing in an effort to clarify whether and how this form of fabric evolution can lead to a common microstructure. Using the discrete element method (DEM), two‐dimensional (2D) numerical interface shear tests were carried out, and certain macromechanical and micromechanical properties were exploited. All samples exhibited prominently localized strain in a zone covering the structure's surface (named the localized zone), and much lower density and higher soil fabric anisotropy levels were found inside this zone than outside it. Disregarding different initial void ratios, a common critical state microstructure was observed in large shear deformations of soil samples, with essentially the same fabric arrangement in terms of contact orientation and internal force transmission. Due to the systematic forming, buckling, and collapsing of force chains, an angular zone (called an α‐zone), in which contact density was sluggish to varying degrees, appeared and extended around the main direction of the distribution of contact orientation inside the localized zone. The gradual deterioration of the force chains' stability, as a result of an increasing void ratio, seemed to drive the α‐zone's extension and lead to the rare variation of microstructures in the critical state.
Are three‐day voiding diaries feasible and reliable? Results from the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) cohort
Authors: Cameron Anne P. , Wiseman Jonathan B. , Smith Abigail R. , Merion Robert M. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Bradley Catherine S. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Yang Claire C. , Lai Henry H. , DeLancey John O.L. , Helmuth Margaret E. , Bradley Megan S. , Agochukwu Nnena , Andreev Victor P. , Kirkali Ziya , Clemens J. Quentin ,   The LURN Study Group
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsThe aims of this study were to assess the completeness of voiding diaries in a research context and to correlate diary data with patient‐reported questionnaires.MethodsMen and women enrolled in the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) were given a 3‐day voiding and fluid‐intake diary to fill‐out. Diaries were assessed for completeness and intake‐output imbalances. They were assigned to one of four categories based on a percentage of missing data and fluid imbalance: no diary submitted, unusable (>40% missing void or intake volumes, or unphysiological fluid imbalance), usable but not complete, and complete.ResultsA total of 1064 participants were enrolled and 85% (n = 902) returned the bladder diary. Of the diaries returned, 94% (n = 845) had data on three separate days, 87% (n = 786) had no missing intake volumes, 61% (n = 547) had no missing voided volumes, and 70% (n = 635) had a fluid imbalance within 3 L across the 3‐day time period, resulting in 50% (n = 448) of participants with 100% complete diaries. Younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of not submitting a diary, or submitting an unusable diary. Women had a higher likelihood of submitting an unusable diary or a usable but incomplete diary.ConclusionOverall, 50% of LURN participants returned voiding diaries with perfectly complete data. Incomplete data for voided volumes was the most common deficiency. There was only a moderate correlation between diary data and questionnaire responses, indicating that diaries are a source of unique information.
Tribological behavior of glass/sisal fiber reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Gehlen Gustavo S. , Neis Patric D. , de Barros Liu Y. , Poletto Jean C. , Ebeling Maurício , Ferreira Ney F. , Amico Sandro C. , Angrizani Clarissa C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe present study addresses the tribological behavior of polyester composites reinforced with a natural fiber (sisal), a synthetic fiber (glass) and their combination (glass/sisal hybrid). The composites were obtained by compression molding with an overall fiber content of 20 or 40 vol%. The composites were rubbed against a steel counterface using a tribometer. Pure sisal composite exhibited superior wear resistance, mainly due to the formation of a concise tribofilm. It also showed the lowest coefficient of friction (CoF) because of the lubricating action of the water present in the natural fiber. Pure glass composite showed the lowest wear resistance due to the strong abrasive effect of the glass fibers. The increase in fiber content lead to an increase in CoF and its effect on wear was complex and discussed throughout the article.
Validation of drug prescription records for senior patients in Alberta's Tomorrow Project: Assessing agreement between two population‐level administrative pharmaceutical databases in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ye Ming , Vena Jennifer E. , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Xu Jian‐Yi , Eurich Dean T. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTPurposeTo assess agreement between the Pharmaceutical Information Network (PIN), a newly implemented medication data repository in Alberta, Canada, and the Alberta Blue Cross (ABC) database, a long established database with medication records of all senior patients in Alberta.MethodsPIN data (2008‐2015) were cross‐validated with ABC medication records for senior participants (older than 65 years old) in Alberta's Tomorrow Project (ATP), a longitudinal cohort study in Alberta. The completeness and accuracy of PIN were respectively calculated as the percentage of ABC records coexisting (concordant) in PIN and the percentage of concordant records having mutually agreeable information on drug quantity. Generalized linear models were used to examine potential association of PIN completeness and accuracy with sociodemographic factors.ResultsA total of 1 218 191 drug prescription records from 13 143 ATP participants were captured by PIN and ABC in 2008‐2015, among which 91.6% were from PIN, 82.5% from ABC, and 74.2% coexisted in PIN and ABC. The overall completeness of PIN in capturing ABC medication records was 89.9%, with small variations (less than ±5%) across types of drugs. The completeness of PIN was improved on average by 1.3% annually over time (P < .001). PIN had 100% accuracy as defined by drug quantity data agreeable with ABC records. No significant associations were observed with age, sex, ethnicity, rural/urban areas, and socioeconomic status of the participants.ConclusionsCross‐validated with the ABC dataset, our study showed that irrespective of drug type, PIN has a fairly good completeness (approximately 90%) and accuracy (100%) in capturing the ABC claimed medications for senior patients in Alberta.
Transitioning Hospitalized Patients with Opioid Use Disorder from Methadone to Buprenorphine without a Period of Opioid Abstinence Using a Microdosing Protocol
Authors: Terasaki Dale , Smith Christopher , Calcaterra Susan L. 
Published: July 2019

Study ObjectiveBuprenorphine, a partial μ‐opioid agonist, is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder that conventionally requires symptoms of withdrawal before initiation to avoid precipitating withdrawal. Our institution implemented a microdosing approach to transition patients from full μ‐opioid agonists to buprenorphine without requiring patients to undergo a period of opioid abstinence. Little has been published about this strategy in the inpatient setting in the United States, and even less has been published dealing with the transition from methadone to buprenorphine. Our objective was to demonstrate that a microdosing protocol to transition patients from methadone to buprenorphine can be feasibly implemented in a U.S. hospital setting.DesignCase series.PatientsThree hospitalized adults with opioid use disorder who received a 1‐week buprenorphine microdosing protocol.Measurements and Main ResultsIn January 2019, we implemented a 1‐week buprenorphine microdosing protocol for hospitalized adult patients with opioid use disorder who were initially stabilized on methadone and wished to start buprenorphine. We gave low‐dose buprenorphine concurrently with each patient's full dose of methadone, and the buprenorphine dose was gradually titrated up over 7 days. On day 8, methadone was abruptly discontinued. The buprenorphine dose was further increased based on clinical judgment. All three patients were successfully transitioned from methadone 40–100 mg/day to buprenorphine 12–16 mg/day with minimal symptoms of opioid withdrawal. One patient relapsed and was lost to follow‐up; two remained in treatment.ConclusionA protocol using microdosing of buprenorphine can successfully transition patients receiving full μ‐opioid agonist therapy, including methadone, to buprenorphine without the need for a period of opioid abstinence.
In‐Situ Fabrication and Characterization of Silver Azide Using Micron‐Scale Silver(I) Oxide as the Precursor
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Mingyu , Zeng Qingxuan , Wu Xingyu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSilver azide (AgN3) primary explosive was successfully prepared by in‐situ reaction with hydrazoic acid (HN3) using micron‐scale silver(I) oxide (Ag2O) as the precursor. Ag2O particles have been synthesized through a facile chemical precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) were used to characterize the prepared materials. The effects of reaction time on the morphology and phase composition of silver azide were evaluated. Silver azide can be synthesized by in‐situ reaction for 12 h. Increasing the azide reaction time is beneficial to the generation of silver azide but has no obvious influence on the morphology. The prepared silver azide micro‐charge can be successfully initiated by Ni−Cr bridge wire and present favourable explosion performance.
Safe Synthesis of TKX‐50 Using an Insensitive Intermediate
Authors: Lee Woong Hee , Kwon Kuktae 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDihydroxylammonium 5,5’‐bistetrazole‐1,1’‐diolate (TKX‐50) has been evaluated as a promising energetic material, but its synthesis involves a sensitive intermediate, diazidoglyoxime (DAG). Ditetrahydropyranyl diazidoglyoxime (THP‐DAG, 5) was introduced to replace DAG as an insensitive intermediate, and TKX‐50 was obtained via 5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diol dihydrate (1,1‐BTO). All compounds were characterized using NMR and mass spectroscopy as well as impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge sensitivity measurements.
The STAT3 inhibitor galiellalactone inhibits the generation of MDSC‐like monocytes by prostate cancer cells and decreases immunosuppressive and tumorigenic factors
Authors: Hellsten Rebecka , Lilljebjörn Lisa , Johansson Martin , Leandersson Karin , Bjartell Anders 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is implicated in cancer drug resistance, metastasis, and immunosuppression and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for new anticancer drugs. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a major role in the suppression of antitumor immunity and STAT3 is involved in the accumulation, generation, and function of MDSCs. Thus, targeting STAT3 holds the potential of reversing immunosuppression in cancer. This study aims to investigate the effect of the small molecule STAT3 inhibitor galiellalactone on prostate cancer cell– induced generation of MDSCs from monocytes and the effect on immunosuppressive factors and inflammatory cytokines.MethodsPrimary human monocytes were cocultured with prostate cancer cells (DU145, PC3, and LNCaP‐IL6) or with conditioned medium (CM) from prostate cancer cells in the presence or absence of the STAT3 inhibitor galiellalactone. Monocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry for an MDSC‐like phenotype (CD14+ HLA‐DR−/lo). The secretion and gene expression of immunosuppressive factors and inflammatory cytokines from prostate cancer cells and monocytes were investigated.ResultsGaliellalactone blocked the prostate cancer cell–induced generation of MDSC‐like monocytes with an immunosuppressive phenotype ex vivo. Monocytes cultured with CM from prostate cancer cells showed increased expression of phosphorylated STAT3. Prostate cancer cells increased the expression of interleukin1β (IL1β), IL10, and IL6 in monocytes which was inhibited by galiellalactone. In addition, galiellalactone decreased indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase gene expression in monocytes. Galiellalactone reduced the levels of IL8 and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor in prostate cancer cells per se.ConclusionThe STAT3 inhibitor galiellalactone may prevent the prostate cancer cell–induced generation of MDSCs and reverse the immunosuppressive mechanisms caused by the interplay between prostate cancer cells and MDSCs. This is a potential new immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of prostate cancer.
On modeling and secure control of cyber‐physical systems with attacks/faults changing system dynamics: An average dwell‐time approach
Authors: Huang Xin , Dong Jiuxiang 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe problem of secure control in cyber‐physical systems is considered in this work. A new modeling framework is first introduced, ie, cyber‐physical systems with attacks/faults changing system dynamics is modeled as a switched system, where the switching among subsystems is triggered by a rule generated by attackers but unknown for defenders. Based on an average dwell‐time approach incorporated by the attack frequency and duration properties, a convergence condition of the Lyapunov function on active intervals of subsystems (ie, the attack and healthy modes), under the developed switched controller, is given. Next, the unknown rule, however, leads to the asynchronous switching problem between the candidate controllers and system modes. As a result, degradation of the system performance (eg, a large chatter occurred in the system state trajectories) in the asynchronous intervals is caused. To address the difficulty, a novel switching law based on a prescribed performance is proposed, and it is shown that the asynchronous intervals are shortened by reducing adjustable parameters in the switching law. An illustrative example verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Observer‐based mode‐independent integral sliding mode controller design for phase‐type semi‐Markov jump singular systems
Authors: Li Yanbo , Kao Binghua , Park Ju H. , Kao Yonggui , Meng Bo 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThis paper considers the observer‐based integral sliding mode controller design problem of semi‐Markovian jumping singular systems with time‐varying delays. Firstly, by using a plant transformation and supplementary variable technique in the work of Hou et al, the discussed phase‐type semi‐Markov jump singular system is equivalently transformed into its associated Markov jump singular system. Secondly, an observer‐based sliding mode controller design problem is investigated for the associated singular Markov jump systems. The highlight of this paper is that we construct an observer‐based mode‐independent integral sliding mode surface function, which is different from the mode‐dependant sliding mode surface function in the previous literatures. Based on this, an observer‐based sliding mode controller is designed to guarantee that the associated singular Markov jump system meets the reachable condition. Finally, a practical example is presented to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our obtained results.
Attending to the public understanding of science education: A response to Furtak and Penuel
Authors: Larkin Douglas B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis commentary is a response to Furtak and Penuel (2019), and raises four key points. The first is to reframe Furtak and Penuel's argument as an appeal for a public understanding of science education, and by extension, science education reform. The second is to note that such a public understanding of science education must include attention to more than the structure and content of science curricula and the enactment of a “practice turn”; it must also include a robust vision of science pedagogy—something that is markedly absent from the recent Next Generation Science Standards and Framework documents. The third is to make the case that the use of terminology like “hands‐on” is really a marker for a conception of science education, and by attempting to communicate a competing model of science education, reformers are aiming to effect conceptual change among the public about science education itself. Finally, I argue that logical and rational efforts to communicate a public understanding of science education are likely to fall short if affective factors—which are highly activated when discussing science and science education publicly—are not taken into account.
Why not an integrative and inclusive approach—hands on and “minds on?” A lesson for mentoring 21st century science education researchers
Authors: Parsons Eileen R. C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis essay uses a critical sociocultural perspective to examine Osborne's review of an essay written by Furtak and Penuel. This essay highlights dichotomous thinking and positivist/postpositivist perspective underpinning Osborne's discourse and argues that an integrative and inclusive orientation is more advantageous for science education researchers conducting research in an increasingly diverse world in demography and views. An integrative and inclusive approach to research requires an understanding and engagement with positionality, power associated with one's perceived or actual political and social location in a society.
Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Theoretical Studies in a Diels‐Alder Dimerization Process of 3‐Vinylindole Derivative of the 3‐Indoleacetic Acid: An Auxin.
Authors: Valdez‐Camacho Jonathan Román , Cortés‐Guzmán Karen Paola , Torres‐Gómez Héctor , Flores Roberto , Leyva Marco A. , Escalante Jaime 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this work we present a kinetics, thermodynamics and theoretical studies of the Diels‐Alder Reaction (DAR) of methyl ester of a 3‐vinylindole in a solvent‐free process for the synthesis of tetrahydrocarbazole. The results of the reaction kinetics analysis show that here DAR was a second order, one‐step process, which indicates an associative mechanism where the s‐cis and s‐trans conformations produce a single activated complex.
Fabrication of Amorphous BiOCl/TiO2‐C3N4 Heterostructure for Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , Zhang Xiaorong , Yasin Ghulam , Arif Muhammad , Abbas Zaheer , Zaman Umber , Li Baoshan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe photo‐/electrocatalysis has gained much attention in the recent decades by acquainting variety of catalysts to deal with the energy crises. Keeping in mind the water splitting efficiency of TiO2, we coupled with bismuth oxychlorides (BiOCl) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) by low temperature calcination treatment and built an amorphous BiOCl/TiO2‐g‐C3N4 heterostructure for water oxidation. This material was characterized by the state of art spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques such as X‐rays diffractions, UV‐vis. diffused reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. The resulting nanocomposite considered as good electrocatalyst with Tafel slope 81 mVdec−1and produces current density JOER=10 mA cm−2 at overpotential of 376 mV while on illuminations condition it further decreases to 366 mV without compromising the current density with Tafel slope 70 mVdec−1 prevailing the influence of light. The efficient activity was attributed to the synergistic coupling and the visible light responses of the nanocomposite. This investigation not only prospered to enhance the catalytic activity of BiOCl/TiO2 by the incorporation of g‐C3N4 nanosheets, also give perceptions to the relationship between amorphous structure and photo‐/electrochemical catalytic activity.