bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intranasal bevacizumab injections improve quality of life in HHT patients
Authors: Steineger Johan , Geirdal Amy Østerhus , Osnes Terje , Heimdal Ketil Riddervold , Dheyauldeen Sinan 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundEpistaxis is the most common symptom in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), with the greatest negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Repeated intranasal submucosal bevacizumab injections (RISBI) is a relatively new treatment option for moderate or severe grades of epistaxis in HHT. However, the effect of RISBI on QoL is not fully evaluated.Study DesignProspective, non‐comparative study.Materials and MethodsPatients treated by RISBI for HHT‐associated epistaxis between June 2011 and August 2013 were prospectively invited to the present study. The end of follow‐up was October 2013. The patients were requested to answer QoL questionnaires before the first treatment, and 6‐8 weeks after the last treatment. Three levels of QoL were assessed: Overall QoL using Cantril's Self‐Anchoring Ladder; Health‐related QoL using Short Form 36 (SF‐36), and Disease‐specific QoL. Psychological distress was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS).ResultsThirty‐three patients were treated with RISBI during the period referred to above. Twenty‐three patients completed the QoL questionnaires. The average number of treatments per patient was 2.15 ± 1.3 (Range: 1–5). The mean overall QoL improved from 6.47 ± 1.9 to 7.26 ± 1.6 (P < .05). Several dimensions measured by SF‐36 were significantly improved with a medium to strong effect size. HADS demonstrated a significant decrease in psychological distress after the last treatment.ConclusionHHT patients treated by RISBI improved in several aspects of quality of life, and psychological distress decreased. RISBI was an effective treatment option for moderate and severe grades of HHT‐associated epistaxis.Level of Evidence4 (case series).Laryngoscope, 130:E284–E288, 2020
Identifying terraces in the hilly and gully regions of the Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Sun Wenyi , Zhang Yongqiang , Mu Xingmin , Li Jiuyi , Gao Peng , Zhao Guangju , Dang Tianmin , Chiew Francis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTerrace identification is the basis for understanding quantity, quality, and land covers of terraces and their effects on agriculture production and various surface processes, for example, hydrological and ecological processes. However, there are some drawbacks and limitations in the automatic extraction of terraces, such as difficulty of outlining the overall boundary for individual terrace and the limitation of applying methods and parameters. In this study, we used machine learning methods on the basis of Geographic Object‐Based Image Analysis using K‐nearest neighbours and spectral angle mapper algorithms to extract terraces in the hilly and gully regions on the Loess Plateau, China. This study relied on medium‐resolution image Landsat‐8 combined with Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model to extract the overall boundary of terraces and relies on high‐resolution images GaoFen‐1 to extract the terraced edges of terraces. It used the methods of principal component analysis and Laplacian convolution filter to enhance and extract terraced edges inside of the boundary of terraces. Our estimates are with overall accuracy of 62.2% in K‐nearest neighbours and 74.8% in spectral angle mapper methods, indicating the advantages of the proposed method despite the use of much lower resolution data than previous studies that used both high‐resolution terrain and remote sensing imageries data. This study highlights the importance of using appropriate methods plus reasonable spatial resolution of remote sensing data for outlining the overall boundary of terraces in the hilly and gully regions.
Percutaneous Laser Ablation of Hepatic Tumors Located in the Portacaval Space: Preliminary Results
Authors: Chai Weilu , Zhao Qiyu , Kong Dexing , Jiang Tian'an 
Published: July 2019

Background and ObjectivesLimited data have been used to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) (a modality that has been proven to be a safe method for tumors in high‐risk locations) for hepatic tumors in the space between the portal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC). The goal of this study was to investigate the characteristics and therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound‐guided PLA of hepatic tumors in the portacaval space.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTen patients, who had hepatic tumors in the portacaval space (defined as tumors located in the space formed by the hepatic portal vein and IVC less than 5 mm from the margins of both vessels), receiving ultrasound‐guided PLA between January 2016 and June 2017 were analyzed. Tumors in the type I portacaval space were enclosed on three sides of major vessels, and tumors in the type II portacaval space were enclosed on two sides of major vessels. The technical success, treatment response, complete tumor ablation (CTA), local tumor progression (LTP), and distant tumor recurrence (DTR) were assessed and recorded at the follow‐up.ResultsThe mean tumor diameter was 1.8 ± 0.4 cm. Technical success and initial CTA were achieved in all 10 patients without major complications. The 6‐month and 12‐month LTP rates were 0% and 10%, respectively. The DTR rate was 20% at both the 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups.ConclusionsThe preliminary results showed that ultrasound‐guided PLA was feasible and safe for tumors in the portacaval space, and further studies on larger populations with a longer follow‐up are needed to delineate the use of PLA and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of PET‐Based Thermoplastic Elastomers: Brittle–Ductile Transition via Micro Cross‐linking Technology
Authors: Yuan Ruchao , Fan Shuo , Sun Yanlu , Wu Dequn , Wang Xueli , Yu Jianyong , Li Faxue 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA novel micro cross‐linking technology is proposed to enhance the mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)‐based thermoplasctic elastomers (TPEEs) whose molecular weights are difficultly increased via traditional synthetic technologies. It is found that the brittle fractures of TPEEs, usually observed in polymers with low molecular weights, can be converted into ductile form with the introduction of a certain fraction of 1,2,3,4‐butane tetracarboxylic acid as a cross‐linking agent. Unlike the traditional cross‐linking technologies, which usually cause the elastomers to suffer the deficiencies of extremely high stiffness, inherent weakness, and the inability to be efficiently reused, TPEEs still maintain their elastomeric characteristics well with the incorporation of micro cross‐linking structure and are endowed with a well‐defined microphase‐separated structure, excellent tensile properties, and the abilities to be melt‐processed and reused. This work offers a new guideline to improve the mechanical properties for polymers with relatively low molecular weights.
Intersection of the p63 and NF‐κB pathways in epithelial homeostasis and disease
Authors: King Kathryn E. , George Andrea L. , Sakakibara Nozomi , Mahmood Kanwal , Moses Michael A. , Weinberg Wendy C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOverexpression of ΔNp63α, a member of the p53/p63/p73 family of transcription factors, is a molecular attribute of human squamous cancers of the head and neck, lung and skin. The TP63 gene plays important roles in epidermal morphogenesis and homeostasis, regulating diverse biological processes including epidermal fate decisions and keratinocyte proliferation and survival. When overexpressed experimentally in primary mouse keratinocytes, ΔNp63α maintains a basal cell phenotype including the loss of normal calcium‐mediated growth arrest, at least in part through the activation and enhanced nuclear accumulation of the c‐rel subunit of NF‐κB (Nuclear Factor‐kappa B). Initially identified for its role in the immune system and hematopoietic cancers, c‐Rel has increasingly been associated with solid tumors and other pathologies. ΔNp63α and c‐Rel have been shown to be associated in the nuclei of ΔNp63α overexpressing human squamous carcinoma cells. Together, these transcription factors cooperate in the transcription of genes regulating intrinsic keratinocyte functions, as well as the elaboration of factors that influence the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review provides an overview of the roles of ΔNp63α and c‐Rel in normal epidermal homeostasis and elaborates on how these pathways may intersect in pathological conditions such as cancer and the associated TME.
Persistent storage symptoms after TURP can be predicted with a nomogram derived from the ice water test
Authors: Reitz André , Hüsch Tanja , Haferkamp Axel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPurposeTo predict the persistence of storage symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) using a nomogram derived from the ice water test (IWT).MethodsThe IWTs of 73 men with lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatic bladder outlet obstruction were retrospectively analyzed. The strength of the detrusor contraction was approximated by using the detrusor gradient of Δpdet/Δt at maximum detrusor pressure and the area under the curve. The parameters were utilized in a nomogram, which facilitated a severity categorization from 1 to 10. Patients with a positive IWT in the categories 1 to 2 were assigned to group A, categories 3 to 4 to group B and categories 5 and higher to group C. After TURP, patients with persisting storage symptoms were offered a botulinum toxin injection.ResultsThere were 32 patients (44%) with negative and 41 patients (56%) with positive IWTs. Patients with negative IWTs were classified in category 1. Regarding patients with positive IWTs, 14 (34%) were correlated to group A, 14 (34%) to group B, and 13 (32%) to group C. The necessity of a subsequent botulinum toxin injection correlated significantly with a higher nomogram category (P < .001) as well as higher severity categorization (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, the nomogram category was an independent predictor for botulinum toxin injection (P = .002, OR, 6.9, CI, 2.0‐23.9).ConclusionThe quantification of the detrusor contraction during the IWT allowed stratification of patients in risk categories for persistent storage symptoms after TURP and the potential need for later botulinum toxin injections.
Use of complement monoclonal antibody eculizumab in Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli associated hemolytic uremic syndrome: A review of current evidence
Authors: Mahat Upendra , Matar Raed Bou , Rotz Seth J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractComplement activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks complement activity and has been approved for use in the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Less well appreciated is the role of complement in Shiga toxin‐induced HUS (Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli [STEC]‐HUS). To a limited extent, eculizumab has been used off label in patients with severe STEC‐HUS with neurological involvement. Through a systematic search of available databases, we identified 16 reports describing the use of eculizumab in STEC‐HUS (eight case reports/series, seven retrospective studies, and one prospective cohort study). All studies described its use in severe STEC‐HUS with neurological or multiorgan dysfunction; none were randomized or blinded. Four studies used the control groups. Although the overall quality of evidence is low, some published studies showed positive clinical improvement after treatment with eculizumab in severe STEC‐HUS with progressive neurological involvement.
Mass Spectrometric Analysis Identifies AIMP1 and LTA4H as FSCN1‐Binding Proteins in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Wei , An Changming , Xue Xuting , Zheng Xiwang , Niu Min , Zhang Yuliang , Liu Hongliang , Zhang Chunming , Lu Yan , Cui Jiajia , Zhao Qinli , Wen Shuxin , Thorne Rick F. , Zhang Xudong , Wu Yongyan , Wang Binquan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDysregulation of fascin actin‐bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) enhances cell proliferation, invasion, and motility in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), while the mechanism remains unclear. Here, co‐immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry is utilized to identify potential FSCN1‐binding proteins. Functional annotation of FSCN1‐binding proteins are performed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Furthermore, the protein–protein interaction network of FSNC1‐binding proteins is constructed and the interactions between FSCN1 and novel identified interacting proteins AIMP1 and LTA4H are validated. Moreover, the expression and functional role of AIMP1 and LTA4H in LSCC are investigated. A total of 123 proteins are identified as potential FSCN1‐binding proteins, and functional annotation shows that FSCN1‐binding proteins are significantly enriched in carcinogenic processes, such as filopodium assembly‐regulation and GTPase activity. Co‐IP/western blotting and immunofluorescence confirm that AIMP1 and LTA4H bind and colocalize with FSCN1. Furthermore, both AIMP1 and LTA4H are upregulated in LSCC tissues, and knockdown of AIMP1 or LTA4H inhibits LSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Collectively, the identification of FSCN1‐binding partners enhances understanding of the mechanism of FSCN1‐mediated malignant phenotypes, and these findings indicate that FSCN1 binds to AIMP1 and LTA4H might promote the progression of LSCC.
Conditioned food aversion in domestic dogs induced by thiram
Authors: Tobajas Jorge , Gómez‐Ramírez Pilar , Ferreras Pablo , García‐Fernández Antonio Juan , Mateo Rafael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe conflict between predators and humans for resources such as game species or livestock is an ancient issue, and it is especially sharp in the case of medium‐large wild canids. In order to manage this conflict, lethal control methods are often used, which can sometimes be illegal, such as poisoning. As an alternative, conditioned food aversion (CFA) is a non‐lethal method to reduce predation in which animals learn to avoid a given food due to the adverse effects caused by the ingestion of an undetectable chemical compound added to this food. The present study aimed to test thiram as a CFA agent in penned dogs as a first approach to use this substance for reducing the predation conflict associated with wild canids.RESULTSThiram, with or without an additional odor cue, produced CFA in penned dogs for more than 2 months. Moreover, thiram seemed to be undetectable and safe after the third ingestion of a 40–60 mg kg−1 dose. Desirable adverse effects, such as vomits, appeared around 1 h after exposure. These characteristics make thiram optimal for its use in predation reduction through CFA. However, individual variability could prevent CFA acquisition by some animals.CONCLUSIONSThiram has the potential to be used as a CFA agent in wildlife management and conservation to reduce predation by wild canids. Since thiram produced CFA without the problems of detectability and toxicity caused by other substances, it may be an alternative to lethal control methods used to reduce predation on game, livestock and endangered species. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficient dynamical downscaling of general circulation models using continuous data assimilation
Authors: Desamsetti Srinivas , Dasari Hari Prasad , Langodan Sabique , Titi Edriss S. , Knio Omar , Hoteit Ibrahim 
Published: July 2019

AbstractContinuous data assimilation (CDA) is successfully implemented for the first time for efficient dynamical downscaling of a global atmospheric reanalysis. A comparison of the performance of CDA with the standard grid and spectral nudging techniques for representing long‐ and short‐scale features in the downscaled fields using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model is further presented and analysed. The WRF model is configured at 0.25° × 0.25° horizontal resolution and is driven by 2.5° × 2.5° initial and boundary conditions from NCEP/NCAR reanalysis fields. Downscaling experiments are performed over a one‐month period in January 2016. The similarity metric is used to evaluate the performance of the downscaling methods for large (2,000 km) and small (300 km) scales. Similarity results are compared for the outputs of the WRF model with different downscaling techniques, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis, and NCEP Final Analysis (FNL, available at 0.25° × 0.25° horizontal resolution). Both spectral nudging and CDA describe better the small‐scale features compared to grid nudging. The choice of the wave number is critical in spectral nudging; increasing the number of retained frequencies generally produced better small‐scale features, but only up to a certain threshold after which its solution gradually became closer to grid nudging. CDA maintains the balance of the large‐ and small‐scale features similar to that of the best simulation achieved by the best spectral nudging configuration, without the need of a spectral decomposition. The different downscaled atmospheric variables, including rainfall distribution, with CDA is most consistent with the observations. The Brier skill score values further indicate that the added value of CDA is distributed over the entire model domain. The overall results clearly suggest that CDA provides an efficient new approach for dynamical downscaling by maintaining better balance between the global model and the downscaled fields.
Optimal design of a simple step‐stress accelerated life test under progressive type I censoring with nonuniform durations for exponential lifetimes
Authors: Han David 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThanks to continuously advancing technology and manufacturing processes, the products and devices are becoming highly reliable. However, performing the life tests of these products at normal operating conditions becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, due to their long life spans. This can result in missed opportunities to introduce the products to the market in a timely manner and eventually loss of the market share. This problem is solved by accelerated life tests where the test units are subjected to higher stress levels than the normal usage level so that information on the lifetime parameters can be obtained more quickly. The lifetime at the design condition is then estimated through extrapolation using a regression model. In this work, the design optimization of a simple step‐stress accelerated life test under progressive type I censoring is studied with nonuniform step durations for assessing the reliability characteristics of a solar lighting device. Allowing the intermediate censoring to take place at the stress change time point, the nature of the optimal stress duration is demonstrated under various design criteria including D‐optimality, C‐optimality, A‐optimality, and E‐optimality. The existence of these optimal designs is investigated in detail for exponential lifetimes with a single stress variable, and the effect of the intermediate censoring proportion is assessed on the design efficiency.
Construction of a Polarization Multiphoton Controlled One‐Photon Unitary Gate Assisted by the Spatial and Temporal Degrees of Freedom
Authors: Xiu Xiao‐Ming , Geng Xue , Wang Sen‐Lin , Cui Cen , Li Qing‐Yang , Ji Yan‐Qiang , Dong Li 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn order to fulfill quantum information processing tasks such as quantum computation and scalable quantum networks, quantum logic gates are indispensable parts. A multiqubit logic gate can efficiently reduce the cost of physical resources and complicated operations that are necessary in the combination of fewer‐qubit (e.g., two‐qubit) logic gates to fulfill the same tasks. However, the construction of multiphoton quantum logic gates is a large challenge. Assisted by spatial and temporal degrees of freedom, a polarization multiphoton controlled one‐photon unitary gate is proposed, which can be realized with three processes including the control‐path process based on weak cross‐Kerr nonlinearities, the unitary transformation process, and the output process. In the control‐path process, the control‐path modules are applied, where the entanglement between polarization, spatial and temporal degrees of freedom is generated by beam splitters, time delayers, and nonlinear interaction in cross‐Kerr media. The scheme presented here, assisted by spatial and temporal degrees of freedom reduces the experimental complexity of the schemes assisted by only spatial degree of freedom. Moreover, it will also be a useful reference in optimally constructing multiqubit quantum logic gates with other multiple degrees of freedom in many physical systems.
Distributed robust stabilization of networked multiagent systems with strict negative imaginary uncertainties
Authors: Skeik Ola , Lanzon Alexander 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThis paper deals with the distributed robust stabilization problem for networked multiagent systems with strict negative imaginary (SNI) uncertainties. Communication among agents in the network is modelled by an undirected graph with at least one self‐loop. A protocol based on relative state measurements of neighbouring agents and absolute state measurements of a subset of agents is considered. This paper shows how to design the protocol parameters such that the uncertain closed‐loop networked multiagent system is robustly stable against any SNI uncertainty within a certain set for various different network topologies. Tools from negative imaginary (NI) theory are used as an aid to simplify the problem and synthesise the protocol parameters. We show that a state, input, and output transformation preserves the NI property of the network. Consequently, a necessary and sufficient condition for the transfer function matrix of the nominal closed‐loop networked system to be NI and satisfy a DC gain condition is that multiple reduced‐order equivalent systems be NI and satisfy a DC gain condition simultaneously. Based on the reduced‐order systems, we derive sufficient conditions in an LMI framework which ensure the existence of a protocol satisfying the desired objectives. A numerical example is given to confirm the effectivenesses of the proposed results.
Sustainable development: Does improvement in education and health of women improve female labour force participation rate?
Authors: Osundina Olawumi Abeni 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe sustainable development goals are a call to action to protect the planet and guarantee peace and prosperity for all people. Since inception, the sustainable development goals have brought about general improvements in the quality of life of females, especially in the aspects of health and education. The question however is whether these improvements also create more employment opportunities for females or not. This study attempts to provide empirical answers to this question by revisiting the determinants of labour force participation rate. The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of improvement in health and education on employment opportunities for females in Nigeria over the period 1990–2016, using up‐to‐date econometric techniques. Empirical revelations show positive and significant relationships between health status of females in Nigeria and their labour participation rate and also between the level of education of females in Nigeria and their labour participation rate. These outcomes resonate with existing literature. Thus, this study concludes that females with higher education and appreciable health statuses have better chances of participating in the labour force. Therefore, stakeholders and policymakers in Nigeria are encouraged to deliberately align with the sustainable development goals.