bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harmonizing Higher Education at the Regional Level: The Case of ASEAN and the Philippines
Authors: Berse Pilar Preciousa 
Published: September 2018

Education is in the heart of Southeast Asia’s quest for equitable human development throughout the region. This has never been more pronounced than when the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formed the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) in 2003, ushering in a number of regional directives and initiatives to harmonize higher education among ASEAN member states. Yet, the process has not been easy due to fundamental differences in higher education structure, quality, and processes among member countries. In light of this, the study traced the institutional arrangements and policy responses that have taken place at both regional and national levels in pursuit of integrating higher education in the region. First, it reviewed the key mechanisms that ASEAN has established to foster harmonization. It then discussed the experience of the Philippines in relation to the three components of harmonization, namely, qualifications framework, quality assurance, and credit transfer. It showed that while the government has shown sufficient response to its regional obligations through legislation and administrative issuances, it needs to do much more to show its commitment and ensure involvement of all higher education institutions in the integration process.
Distortions in Large Stiffened Ship Panels Caused by Welding: An Experimental Study
Authors: Podder Debabrata , Das Sreekanta , Mandal Nisith R. 
Published: September 2018

Severe distortions are observed in fabrication of large stiffened ship panels using lower thickness plates ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm. It requires expensive postwelding fairing operations. It is naturally preferable to control the distortion during fabrication than to apply fairing operations. Welding sequence plays an important role in controlling distortion. The aspect of weld sequencing has been studied only on a small and extremely simple form of test models. Possible welding sequences were worked out, based on principles of heat balancing or heat accumulation and subsequent behavior of such panels. Based on this, large stiffened panels were fabricated using low carbon steel of shipbuilding quality considering four different welding sequences. Initial and final distortions of these panels were measured using high precision coordinate measuring machine. In this investigation, experiments and measurements played a very important role, as numerical simulation of such large panels would have been prohibitively expensive or not feasible. This study established the pattern of welding sequence that needs to be followed for minimizing welding distortion in the fabrication of large stiffened panels. Gainful conclusions were drawn to give directions to welding designers to work out the appropriate sequence of welding to minimize the weld-induced panel distortions.

1. Introduction
Ship structural components are built by assembling various stiffened steel plates. Large steel plates are stiffened by welding stiffeners using fusion welding process which is a common welding method used in the shipbuilding industry. Severe thermal gradients in the welded components occur because of intense localized heating in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), followed by uneven cooling. As a result, residual stresses and distortions occur in the welded components. These distortions are introduce in the block assembly process in shipbuilding. These unwanted distortions result in additional production cost because necessary rectification process and extra manpower are required. These also cause delays in shipbuilding.
Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms
Authors: Su Kuan-Pin , Tseng Ping-Tao , Lin Pao-Yen , Okubo Ryo , Chen Tien-Yu , Chen Yen-Wen , Matsuoka Yutaka J. 
Published: September 2018

ImportanceNo systematic review or meta-analysis has assessed the efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for anxiety.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of anxiety symptoms with omega-3 PUFA treatment compared with controls in varied populations.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched up to March 4, 2018.Study SelectionA search was performed of clinical trials assessing the anxiolytic effect of omega-3 PUFAs in humans, in either placebo-controlled or non–placebo-controlled designs. Of 104 selected articles, 19 entered the final data extraction stage.Data Extraction and MeasuresTwo authors independently extracted the data according to a predetermined list of interests. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed and this study was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.Main Outcomes and MeasuresChanges in the severity of anxiety symptoms after omega-3 PUFA treatment.ResultsIn total, 1203 participants with omega-3 PUFA treatment (mean age, 43.7 years; mean female proportion, 55.0%; mean omega-3 PUFA dosage, 1605.7 mg/d) and 1037 participants without omega-3 PUFA treatment (mean age, 40.6 years; mean female proportion, 55.0%) showed an association between clinical anxiety symptoms among participants with omega-3 PUFA treatment compared with control arms (Hedges g, 0.374; 95% CI, 0.081-0.666; P = .01). Subgroup analysis showed that the association of treatment with reduced anxiety symptoms was significantly greater in subgroups with specific clinical diagnoses than in subgroups without clinical conditions. The anxiolytic effect of omega-3 PUFAs was significantly better than that of controls only in subgroups with a higher dosage (at least 2000 mg/d) and not in subgroups with a lower dosage (&amp;lt;2000 mg/d).Conclusions and RelevanceThis review indicates that omega-3 PUFAs might help to reduce the symptoms of clinical anxiety. Further well-designed studies are needed in populations in whom anxiety is the main symptom.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Cross‐Functional Semi‐transparent MXene‐Carbon Nanotubes Composite Films for Next‐Generation Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Weng Guo‐Ming , Li Jinyang , Alhabeb Mohamed , Karpovich Christopher , Wang Hang , Lipton Jason , Maleski Kathleen , Kong Jaemin , Shaulsky Evyatar , Elimelech Menachem , Gogotsi Yury , Taylor André D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLightweight, flexible, and electrically conductive thin films with high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness are highly desirable for next‐generation portable and wearable electronic devices. Here, spin spray layer‐by‐layer (SSLbL) to rapidly assemble Ti3C2Tx MXene‐carbon nanotube (CNT) composite films is shown and their potential for EMI shielding is demonstrated. The SSLbL technique allows strategic combinations of nanostructured materials and polymers providing a rich platform for developing hierarchical architectures with desirable cross‐functionalities including controllable transparency, thickness, and conductivity, as well as high stability and flexibility. These semi‐transparent LbL MXene‐CNT composite films show high conductivities up to 130 S cm−1 and high specific shielding effectiveness up to 58 187 dB cm2 g−1, which is attributed to both the excellent electrical conductivity of the conductive fillers (i.e., MXene and CNT) and the enhanced absorption with the LbL architecture of the films. Remarkably, these values are among the highest reported values for flexible and semi‐transparent composite thin films. This work could offer new solutions for next‐generation EMI shielding challenges.
Integrated Fiber Flow Sensors for Microfluidic Interconnects
Authors: Chen Boxue , Kwok Corey , Nguyen Thien‐An Ngoc , Wang Zheng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThermal flow sensors in multimaterial fibers that overcome the fundamental trade‐off between sensitivity, pressure drop, measurement range, and temperature rise are demonstrated. Significant performance improvement over existing microelectromechanical systems flow sensors is realized with the use of conductive polymers as hot films and multisegment structures unique to fiber fabrication processes. This unconventional form of flow sensors paves the way toward multifunctional microfluidics feed lines needed in large‐scale multichip integration in microfluidics and opens new possibilities in lab‐on‐fiber technologies.
Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots for Light‐Emitting Diodes: Properties, Synthesis, Applications, and Outlooks
Authors: Le Quyet Van , Hong Kootak , Jang Ho Won , Kim Soo Young 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecently, quantum dot light‐emitting devices have drawn significant attention in the field of display technologies due to their low power consumption, high color purity, and solution processability. Among these, halide perovskite quantum dots (HPQDs) have emerged as the most efficient quantum dots for light‐emitting applications, with photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) approaching 100%. In this Review, the current progress of HPQDs, including their synthesis, properties, and applications in light‐emitting devices, are summarized and discussed. First, the optical and physical properties of HPQDs and their advantages as emissive layers in light‐emitting devices are discussed. Next, synthetic strategies for the synthesis of high‐quality and high‐PLQY HPQDs are introduced. Subsequently, critical parameters affecting the properties and structures of HPQDs, such as the role of surface passivation, fast anion exchange, self‐healing, sintering, and phase transformation, are clarified. In addition, strategies for improving HPQD light‐emitting diodes (HP‐QLEDs) are presented. Finally, the challenges in and a perspective on the progress and directions for the future development of HP‐QLEDs are provided.
Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A for Treating Cramps in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Restivo Domenico A. , Casabona Antonino , Frittitta Lucia , Belfiore Antonino , Le Moli Rosario , Gullo Damiano , Vigneri Riccardo 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveMuscle cramps occur in >50% of diabetic patients and reduce the quality of life. No effective treatment is available. We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) injections for treating cramps in diabetic patients with neuropathy.MethodsThis single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled perspective study investigated the efficacy and safety of BTX‐A intramuscular injection for treating calf or foot cramps refractory to common pharmacological drugs. Fifty diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy and cramps were randomly assigned to 2 matched groups. BTX‐A (100 or 30 units) or saline was injected on each side into the gastrocnemius or the small flexor foot muscles. Changes in pain intensity (primary outcome) and cramp frequency were evaluated over the course of 20 weeks after BTX‐A administration. Cramp interference in daily life and the electrophysiological cramp threshold frequency were also measured. The treatment was repeated 5 months after first injection in 19 responders.ResultsAll outcome measures improved significantly after BTX‐A compared with placebo. The changes with respect to baseline were already significant after 1 week and persisted up to week 14. Only 5 of 25 (20%) patients were nonresponders (<50% decrease of the primary outcome). The responses to a second BTX‐A injection provided results similar to the first administration. Mild pain at the injection site (4/25 cases) was the only adverse event, and it disappeared within 2 to 3 days.InterpretationLocal BTX‐A infiltration is an efficacious and safe procedure for obtaining a sustained amelioration of muscle cramps associated with diabetic neuropathy. Ann Neurol 2018;84:682–690
New Results on Exponential Stability of Competitive Neural Networks with Multi‐Proportional Delays
Authors: Qin Jiali , Li Yongkun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we are concerned with a class of competitive neural networks with multi‐proportional delays. By applying the Banach fixed point theorem and constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, we obtain new sufficient conditions for the global exponential stability to this class of neural networks, which are easily verifiable. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Discussion of “Birnbaum‐Saunders distribution: A review of models, analysis, and applications”
Authors: Jamalizadeh Ahad , Hashemi Farzane , Naderi Mehrdad 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper provides the distribution of order statistics from a multivariate Birnbaum‐Saunders (GMBS) distribution which can be used in the reliability and lifetime analyses. Proposing a new generalization of Birnbaum‐Saunders distribution based on the unified skew‐elliptical model, some properties of the order statistics are also studied.
Characterising the Subsite Specificity of Urokinase‐Type Plasminogen Activator and Tissue‐Type Plasminogen Activator using a Sequence‐Defined Peptide Aldehyde Library
Authors: Li Choi Yi , de Veer Simon J. , Law Ruby H. P. , Whisstock James C. , Craik David J. , Swedberg Joakim E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractUrokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) are two serine proteases that contribute to initiating fibrinolysis by activating plasminogen. uPA is also an important tumour‐associated protease due to its role in extracellular matrix remodelling. Overexpression of uPA has been identified in several different cancers and uPA inhibition has been reported as a promising therapeutic strategy. Although several peptide‐based uPA inhibitors have been developed, the extent to which uPA tolerates different tetrapeptide sequences that span the P1–P4 positions remains to be thoroughly explored. In this study, we screened a sequence‐defined peptide aldehyde library against uPA and tPA. Preferred sequences from the library screen yielded potent inhibitors for uPA, led by Ac‐GTAR‐H (Ki=18 nm), but not for tPA. Additionally, synthetic peptide substrates corresponding to preferred inhibitor sequences were cleaved with high catalytic efficiency by uPA but not by tPA. These findings provide new insights into the binding specificity of uPA and tPA and the relative activity of tetrapeptide inhibitors and substrates against these enzymes.
Nickel Oxide/Graphene Composites: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Liu Yushu , Gao Chun , Li Qing , Pang Huan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNickel oxide (NiO) has emerged as one of the most promising transition‐metal oxides (TMOs) for electrochemical capacitors, batteries, catalysis, and electrochromic films, owing to its cost‐effectiveness, abundance, and well‐defined electrochemical properties. Recent studies have identified that mixing NiO with graphene or graphene derivatives results in novel composites with synergistic effects and superior electrochemical performance. This review summarizes the latest advances in composites of NiO with graphene or graphene derivatives. The synthetic strategies, morphologies, and electrochemical performance of these composites are introduced, as well as their electrochemical applications in supercapacitors, batteries, sensors, catalysis, and so forth. Finally, tentative conclusions and assessments regarding the opportunities and challenges for the future development of these composites and other TMOs/graphene or graphene‐derived composites are presented.
Dual‐Carbon‐Confined Fe7S8 Anodes with Enhanced Electrochemical Catalytic Conversion Process for Ultralong Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Jiao , Chang Wei , Qu Jin , Hao Shu‐Meng , Ji Qiu‐Yu , Jiang Zhi‐Guo , Yu Zhong‐Zhen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAlthough the electrochemical catalytic conversion process is effective in increasing the reversible capacity of lithium‐ion batteries, the low contact efficiency between metal catalyst and substrate and pulverization of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film without protection are not beneficial for the electrochemical reactions. Herein, Fe7S8 nanoparticles are confined by both reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and in‐situ‐formed amorphous carbon (C) to form dual‐carbon‐confined Fe7S8 as a lithium‐ion anode. The dual‐carbon‐confined structure provides a confined space to prevent pulverization of the SEI film and increases the local concentration of intermediate phases, which could be electrocatalytically decomposed by Fe nanoparticles formed in situ to increase the reversibility of the electrochemical reactions and gain high reversible capacity. In addition, the dual‐carbon‐confined structure ensures fast transfer of electrons and boosts transport of lithium ions due to the highly conductive dual‐carbon shell. Thus, the Fe7S8/C/RGO anode delivers an excellent rate performance and long cycling stability. At current densities of 2000 and 5000 mA g−1, the reversible capacities are 520 mA h g−1 over 1500 cycles and 294 mA h g−1 over 2000 cycles, respectively.
Nickel Complexes with Non‐innocent Ligands as Highly Active Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Chen Zhixin , Wang Tao , Sun Tingting , Chen Zhiyong , Sheng Tian , Hong Yu‐Hao , Nan Zi‐Ang , Zhu Jun , Zhou Zhi‐You , Xia Haiping , Sun Shi‐Gang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRational design of a molecular catalyst for a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with both high rates and low overpotential remains a challenge. Here we report a series of Ni‐based catalysts incorporating non‐innocent ligands and aimed at reduction of the overpotential by reserving electrons in the ligand, which could decouple the correlation between metal center reduction and metal hydride formation. The third‐order rate constant of our catalysts can be increased by 2 orders of magnitude without increase of overpotential by altering the substituents in the imide since the electronic effect of substituents can change the kinetics of metal hydride formation dramatically. Furthermore, constructing a proton shuttle in the ligand further improves the activity. The catalyst with both of these features can catalyze HER at a turnover frequency of 2572 s–1 with low concentrations of acid and an extremely high third‐order rate constant of 2.7×106 M–2·s–1 at a low overpotential.
Switching from ticagrelor to clopidogrel in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention in real‐world China: Occurrences, reasons, and long‐term clinical outcomes
Authors: Li Xin‐Yun , Su Guo‐Hai , Wang Guang‐Xin , Hu Hong‐Yan , Fan Chun‐Jie 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundAlthough switching between ticagrelor and clopidogrel is common in clinical practice, the efficacy and safety of this de‐escalation remain controversial.HypothesisWe assessed the occurrences, reasons, and outcomes of switching from ticagrelor to clopidogrel in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsA total of 653 patients with STEMI were randomly assigned to receive loading dose of ticagrelor or clopidogrel before PCI and then received maintenance dose, respectively, for 12 months follow‐up. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke. The secondary outcome included unexpected rehospitalization for angina, coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis. The safety outcome was bleeding described by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria.ResultsA total of 602 participants completed the study. The rate of switching from ticagrelor to clopidogrel was 48.6% and the main reason was financial burden. The rate of secondary ischemic events in the de‐escalation group was higher than that in the ticagrelor group (15.1% vs 5.6%, P = 0.008), but lower than that in the clopidogrel group (15.1% vs 24.6%, P = 0.03), while there were no significant differences in MACE among the three groups (P = 0.16). De‐escalation, ticagrelor, and clopidogrel did not cause significant differences in the rates of major bleeding among the three groups (BARC ≥ 2, P = 0.34).ConclusionSwitching from ticagrelor to clopidogrel is very common in patients with STEMI in China. De‐escalation might be safe but associated with high risk of ischemic events as compared to ticagrelor.
Somatotopic organization of central arbors from nociceptive afferents develops independently of their intact peripheral target innervation
Authors: Olson William , Luo Wenqin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFunctionally important regions of sensory maps are overrepresented in the sensory pathways and cortex, but the underlying developmental mechanisms are not clear. In the spinal cord dorsal horn (DH), we recently showed that paw innervating Mrgprd+ nonpeptidergic nociceptors display distinctive central arbor morphologies that well correlate with increased synapse transmission efficiency and heightened sensitivity of distal limb skin. Given that peripheral and central arbor formation of Mrgprd+ neurons co‐occurs around the time of birth, we tested whether peripheral cues from different skin areas and/or postnatal reorganization mechanisms could instruct this somatotopic difference among central arbors. We found that, while terminal outgrowth/refinement occurs during early postnatal development in both the skin and the DH, postnatal refinement of central terminals precedes that of peripheral terminals. Furthermore, we used single‐cell ablation of Ret to genetically disrupt epidermal innervation of Mrgprd+ neurons and revealed that the somatotopic difference among their central arbors was unaffected by this manipulation. Finally, we saw that region‐specific Mrgprd+ central terminal arbors are present from the earliest postnatal stages, before skin terminals are evident. In summary, we find that region‐specific organization of Mrgprd+ neuron central arbors is present shortly after initial central terminal formation, which likely develops independently of peripheral target innervation. Our data suggest that either cell‐intrinsic and/or DH prepatterning mechanisms are likely to establish this somatotopic difference.
Parallel generated method of transcriptional regulatory networks
Authors: Liu Shuai , Ta Na , Lu Mengye , Liu Gaocheng , Bai Weiling , Li Wenhui 
Published: September 2018

SummaryGenerated method of transcriptional regulatory networks remains an important research in biology. Many approaches have been proposed to construct transcriptional regulatory networks. However, with the increase of ChIP‐seq and RNA‐seq data, the speed of constructing transcriptional regulation networks is still a challenge. Moreover, parallel computing lacks application in constructing gene regulatory networks through the analysis of the relationships between transcription factors (TFs) and target genes (TGs). Therefore, in this paper, a parallel generated method of transcriptional regulatory networks was proposed. First, two datasets, Michigan Cancer Foundation – 7 (MCF‐7) and Cardiomyocytes (CM) were applied. Then, a parallel method was used to generate transcriptional regulatory network with their transcription factors (TFs) and target genes (TGs). Finally, experimental results showed that 61% regulatory relations in MCF‐7 were validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), while 29% results needed further experimental verification. Besides, 56% regulatory relations in CM were consistent with GEO, while 33% results were not yet verified. Furthermore, speed of parallel algorithm was faster than traditional serial algorithm in generating transcriptional regulatory networks.