bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Approach to Low-Cost Photovoltaic Power Prediction Based on Publicly Available Weather Reports
Authors: Maitanova Nailya , Telle Jan-Simon , Hanke Benedikt , Grottke Matthias , Schmidt Thomas , Maydell Karsten von , Agert Carsten
Published: February 2020

A fully automated transferable predictive approach was developed to predict photovoltaic (PV) power output for a forecasting horizon of 24 h. The prediction of PV power output was made with the help of a long short-term memory machine learning algorithm. The main challenge of the approach was using (1) publicly available weather reports without solar irradiance values and (2) measured PV power without any technical information about the PV system. Using this input data, the developed model can predict the power output of the investigated PV systems with adequate accuracy. The lowest seasonal mean absolute scaled error of the prediction was reached by maximum size of the training set. Transferability of the developed approach was proven by making predictions of the PV power for warm and cold periods and for two different PV systems located in Oldenburg and Munich, Germany. The PV power prediction made with publicly available weather data was compared to the predictions made with fee-based solar irradiance data. The usage of the solar irradiance data led to more accurate predictions even with a much smaller training set. Although the model with publicly available weather data needed greater training sets, it could still make adequate predictions.
Rapid Identification and Visualization of Jowl Meat Adulteration in Pork Using Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Jiang Hongzhe , Cheng Fengna , Shi Minghong
Published: February 2020

Minced pork jowl meat, also called the sticking-piece, is commonly used to be adulterated in minced pork, which influences the overall product quality and safety. In this study, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) methodology was proposed to identify and visualize this kind of meat adulteration. A total of 176 hyperspectral images were acquired from adulterated meat samples in the range of 0%–100% (w/w) at 10% increments using a visible and near-infrared (400–1000 nm) HSI system in reflectance mode. Mean spectra were extracted from the regions of interests (ROIs) and represented each sample accordingly. The performance comparison of established partial least square regression (PLSR) models showed that spectra pretreated by standard normal variate (SNV) performed best with Rp2 = 0.9549 and residual predictive deviation (RPD) = 4.54. Furthermore, functional wavelengths related to adulteration identification were individually selected using methods of principal component (PC) loadings, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS), and regression coefficients (RC). After that, the multispectral RC-PLSR model exhibited the most satisfactory results in prediction set that Rp2 was 0.9063, RPD was 2.30, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 6.50%. Spatial distribution was visualized based on the preferred model, and adulteration levels were clearly discernible. Lastly, the visualization was further verified that prediction results well matched the known distribution in samples. Overall, HSI was tested to be a promising methodology for detecting and visualizing minced jowl meat in pork.
Effects of Various Drying Methods on Some Physico-Chemical Properties and the Antioxidant Profile and ACE Inhibition Activity of Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatus)
Authors: Piskov Sergey , Timchenko Lyudmila , Grimm Wolf-Dieter , Rzhepakovsky Igor , Avanesyan Svetlana , Sizonenko Marina , Kurchenko Vladimir
Published: February 2020

In food biotechnology, Pleurotus ostreatus is of great interest as a source of natural antioxidants and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. However, research in this area has not yet been completed. The effect of various drying methods on the structural properties and the rehydration capacity of mushrooms was investigated in this paper. The content of secondary metabolites, the peptide profile, and the antioxidative effect and ACE inhibitory activity of dry mushrooms were investigated in vitro, simulating the process of gastrointestinal digestion. X-ray microtomography has confirmed that structure of lyophilic and sun-dried mushrooms is dominated by open pores, and in mushrooms dried with hot air and microwave, closed pores. Experiments have shown that the conditions of freeze drying and sun drying of Pleurotus ostreatus provide a higher rehydration capacity of dried mushrooms. The maximum activity of radical absorption of the oyster mushroom after microwave drying was observed. The iron restoring capacity of the mushrooms is maximally maintained with microwave drying and hot-air drying. The properties of the antioxidant product with an emphasis on the high activity of inhibiting lipid oxidation of the mushroom maximized after drying in the sun. Mushrooms dried lyophilically and in the sun showed the highest ACE inhibitory activity.
The Microvariable Activity of BL Lacertae
Authors: Sadun Alberto C. , Asadi-Zeydabadi Masoud , Hindman Lauren , Moody J. Ward
Published: February 2020

We report on seven nights of optical observation taken over a two-week period, and the resultant analysis of the intermediate-frequency peaked BL Lac object (IBL), BL Lac itself, at redshift z = 0.069. The microvariable behavior can be confirmed over the course of minutes for each night. A relativistic beaming model was used in our analysis, to infer changes to the line of sight angles for the motion of the different relativistic components. This model has very few free parameters. The light curves we generated show both high and moderate frequency cadence to the variable behavior of BL Lac itself, in addition to the well documented long-term variability.
Relationship between Air Temperature Parameters and the Number of Deaths Stratified by Cause in Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Bando Masaki , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Kataoka Hiroaki , Kinoshita Hiroshi , Tanaka Naoko , Suzuki Hiromi , Katayama Akihiko
Published: February 2020

Objective: It is well known that air temperature is closely related to health outcomes. We investigated the relationship between air temperature parameters and the number of deaths stratified by cause in Gifu prefecture, Japan. Methods: The number of deaths stratified by cause in Gifu prefecture Japan between January 2007 and December 2016 was obtained from the official homepage of Gifu prefecture, Japan. Air temperature parameters (°C), i.e., the mean air temperature, mean of the highest air temperature, mean of the lowest air temperature, the highest air temperature, and the lowest air temperature during the same period in Gifu city were also obtained from the Japan Meteorological Agency official home page. The relationship between air temperature parameters and the number of deaths was evaluated in an ecological study. Results: The number of deaths due to heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, accidents, or renal failure in January (coldest winter season in Japan) was the highest among the months. Simple correlation analysis also demonstrated a significant and negative relationship between air temperature parameters and the number of deaths due to heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, senility, pneumonia, accidents, and renal failure. Conclusion: Lower air temperature may be associated with a higher number of deaths due to diseases in Gifu prefecture, Japan.
Assessment of Biological Toxicity and Ecological Safety for Urban Black-Odor River Remediation
Authors: Xu Rou-Rou , Pei Zhou-Tao , Wang Wen-Qian , Zhang Meng , Zhang Li-Ling , Zhang Jing , Wang Wen-Qiang , Sun Li-Wei , Zhang Yi-Min
Published: February 2020

The judgment and assessment of remediation effect on urban black-odor river still depend on the physical-chemical parameters and lack in ecological safety effects. A set of combined biological toxicity tests were applied to evaluate the ecological effects of one urban black-odor river before and after the remediation. The special growth rate of Chlorella vulgaris and mortality rate of Daphnia magna were used to assess acute toxicity. The Salmonella Typhimurium/Reverse Mutation Assay was applied to test the mutagenicity. The tests by C. vulgaris growth showed that there was no inhibition before and after remediation by overlying water, in contrast promoted the growth of C. vulgaris. The tests by D. magna showed slight toxicity on site 3# before remediation and nontoxic after remediation. The mutagenicity of organic extracts from overlying water at all sampling sites were positive before remediation, but were eliminated after remediation except from 3 of 4 sites on TA98 strain. The addition of the liver microsomal S9 induced the positive mutagenicity on site 4# compared to S9 absence. The results clarified the applicable and the importance of the biological toxicity tests on assessing the remediation effect and potential ecological risk of urban black-odor river.
Dystonia: Sparse Synapses for D2 Receptors in Striatum of a DYT1 Knock-out Mouse Model
Authors: D’Angelo Vincenza , Paldino Emanuela , Cardarelli Silvia , Sorge Roberto , Fusco Francesca Romana , Biagioni Stefano , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Giorgi Mauro , Sancesario Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Dystonia pathophysiology has been partly linked to downregulation and dysfunction of dopamine D2 receptors in striatum. We aimed to investigate the possible morpho-structural correlates of D2 receptor downregulation in the striatum of a DYT1 Tor1a mouse model. Adult control Tor1a+/+ and mutant Tor1a+/− mice were used. The brains were perfused and free-floating sections of basal ganglia were incubated with polyclonal anti-D2 antibody, followed by secondary immune-fluorescent antibody. Confocal microscopy was used to detect immune-fluorescent signals. The same primary antibody was used to evaluate D2 receptor expression by western blot. The D2 receptor immune-fluorescence appeared circumscribed in small disks (~0.3–0.5 µm diameter), likely representing D2 synapse aggregates, densely distributed in the striatum of Tor1a+/+ mice. In the Tor1a+/− mice the D2 aggregates were significantly smaller (µm2 2.4 ± SE 0.16, compared to µm2 6.73 ± SE 3.41 in Tor1a+/+) and sparse, with ~30% less number per microscopic field, value correspondent to the amount of reduced D2 expression in western blotting analysis. In DYT1 mutant mice the sparse and small D2 synapses in the striatum may be insufficient to “gate” the amount of presynaptic dopamine release diffusing in peri-synaptic space, and this consequently may result in a timing and spatially larger nonselective sphere of influence of dopamine action.
Pre- and Neonatal Exposure to Lead (Pb) Induces Neuroinflammation in the Forebrain Cortex, Hippocampus and Cerebellum of Rat Pups
Authors: Chibowska Karina , Korbecki Jan , Gutowska Izabela , Metryka Emilia , Tarnowski Maciej , Goschorska Marta , Barczak Katarzyna , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: February 2020

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal with a proven neurotoxic effect. Exposure is particularly dangerous to the developing brain in the pre- and neonatal periods. One postulated mechanism of its neurotoxicity is induction of inflammation. This study analyzed the effect of exposure of rat pups to Pb during periods of brain development on the concentrations of selected cytokines and prostanoids in the forebrain cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum. Methods: Administration of 0.1% lead acetate (PbAc) in drinking water ad libitum, from the first day of gestation to postnatal day 21, resulted in blood Pb in rat pups reaching levels below the threshold considered safe for humans by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (10 µg/dL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to determine the levels of interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2). Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to determine the expression levels of cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. Finally, Western blot was used to determine the level of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Results: In all studied brain structures (forebrain cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum), the administration of Pb caused a significant increase in all studied cytokines and prostanoids (IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β, PGE2 and TXB2). The protein and mRNA expression of COX-1 and COX-2 increased in all studied brain structures, as did NF-κB expression. Conclusions: Chronic pre- and neonatal exposure to Pb induces neuroinflammation in the forebrain cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of rat pups.
Differences in the Inflammatory Response of White Adipose Tissue and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Taha Sara , Volkmer Elias , Haas Elisabeth , Alberton Paolo , Straub Tobias , David-Rus Diana , Aszodi Attila , Giunta Riccardo , Saller Maximilian Michael
Published: February 2020

The application of liposuctioned white adipose tissue (L-WAT) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as a novel immunomodulatory treatment option is the currently subject of various clinical trials. Because it is crucial to understand the underlying therapeutic mechanisms, the latest studies focused on the immunomodulatory functions of L-WAT or ADSCs. However, studies that examine the specific transcriptional adaptation of these treatment options to an extrinsic inflammatory stimulus in an unbiased manner are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the gene expression profile of L-WAT and ADSCs, when subjected to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and to identify key factors that might be therapeutically relevant when using L-WAT or ADSCs as an immuno-modulator. Fat tissue was harvested by liposuction from five human donors. ADSCs were isolated from the same donors and shortly subjected to expansion culture. L-WAT and ADSCs were treated with human recombinant TNFα, to trigger a strong inflammatory response. Subsequently, an mRNA deep next-generation sequencing was performed to evaluate the different inflammatory responses of L-WAT and ADSCs. We found significant gene expression changes in both experimental groups after TNFα incubation. However, ADSCs showed a more homogenous gene expression profile by predominantly expressing genes involved in immunomodulatory processes such as CCL19, CCL5, TNFSF15 and IL1b when compared to L-WAT, which reacted rather heterogeneously. As RNA sequencing between L-WAT and ADSCS treated with TNFα revealed that L-WAT responded very heterogeneously to TNFα treatment, we therefore conclude that ADSCs are more reliable and predictable when used therapeutically. Our study furthermore yields insight into potential biological processes regarding immune system response, inflammatory response, and cell activation. Our results can help to better understand the different immunomodulatory effects of L-WAT and ADSCs.
EjFRI, FRIGIDA (FRI) Ortholog from Eriobotrya japonica, Delays Flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Wang Peng , Wang Dan , Shi Min , Xia Yan , He Qiao , Dang Jiangbo , Guo Qigao , Jing Danlong , Liang Guolu
Published: February 2020

In the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, FRIGIDA (FRI) is a key regulator of flowering time and can inhibit flowering without vernalization. However, little information is available on the function in the Rosaceae family. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) belongs to the family Rosaceae and is a distinctive species, in which flowering can be induced without vernalization, followed by blooming in late-autumn or winter. To investigate the functional roles of FRI orthologs in this non-vernalization species, we isolated an FRI ortholog, dubbed as EjFRI, from loquat. Analyses of the phylogenetic tree and protein sequence alignment showed that EjFRI is assigned to eurosids I FRI lineage. Expression analysis revealed that the highest expression level of EjFRI was after flower initiation. Meanwhile, EjFRI was widely expressed in different tissues. Subcellular localization of EjFRI was only detected to be in the nucleus. Ectopic expression of EjFRI in wild-type Arabidopsis delayed flowering time. The expression levels of EjFRI in transgenic wild-type Arabidopsis were significantly higher than those of nontransgenic wild-type lines. However, the expression levels of AtFRI showed no significant difference between transgenic and nontransgenic wild-type lines. Furthermore, the upregulated AtFLC expression in the transgenic lines indicated that EjFRI functioned similarly to the AtFRI of the model plant Arabidopsis. Our study provides a foundation to further explore the characterization of EjFRI, and also contributes to illuminating the molecular mechanism about flowering in loquat.
Sustained Release of Levobupivacaine, Lidocaine, and Acemetacin from Electrosprayed Microparticles: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Chen Jian-Ming , Liu Kuan-Chieh , Yeh Wen-Ling , Chen Jin-Chung , Liu Shih-Jung
Published: February 2020

In this study, we explored the release characteristics of analgesics, namely levobupivacaine, lidocaine, and acemetacin, from electrosprayed poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles. The drug-loaded particles were prepared using electrospraying techniques and evaluated for their morphology, drug release kinetics, and pain relief activity. The morphology of the produced microparticles elucidated by scanning electron microscopy revealed that the optimal parameters for electrospraying were 9 kV, 1 mL/h, and 10 cm for voltage, flow rate, and travel distance, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry indicated that the analgesics had been successfully incorporated into the PLGA microparticles. The analgesic-loaded microparticles possessed low toxicity against human fibroblasts and were able to sustainably elute levobupivacaine, lidocaine, and acemetacin in vitro. Furthermore, electrosprayed microparticles were found to release high levels of lidocaine and acemetacin (well over the minimum therapeutic concentrations) and levobupivacaine at the fracture site of rats for more than 28 days and 12 days, respectively. Analgesic-loaded microparticles demonstrated their effectiveness and sustained performance for pain relief in fracture injuries.
Knockdown of Atg7 Induces Nuclear-LC3 Dependent Apoptosis and Augments Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Scherr Anna-Lena , Jassowicz Adam , Pató Anna , Elssner Christin , Ismail Lars , Schmitt Nathalie , Hoffmeister Paula , Neukirch Lasse , Gdynia Georg , Goeppert Benjamin , Schulze-Bergkamen Henning , Jäger Dirk , Köhler Bruno Christian
Published: February 2020

Autophagy is a catabolic process that enables cells to degrade obsolete content and refuel energy depots. In colorectal cancer (CRC) autophagy has been shown to promote tumorigenesis through energy delivery in the condition of uncontrolled proliferation. With this study, we aimed at evaluating whether autophagy sustains CRC cell viability and if it impacts therapy resistance. Initially, a colorectal cancer tissue micro array, containing mucosa (n = 10), adenoma (n = 18) and adenocarcinoma (n = 49) spots, was stained for expression of essential autophagy proteins LC3b, Atg7, p62 and Beclin-1. Subsequently, central autophagy proteins were downregulated in CRC cells using siRNA technology. Viability assays, flow cytometry and immunoblotting were performed and three-dimensional cell culture was utilized to study autophagy in a tissue mimicking environment. In our study we found an upregulation of Atg7 in CRC. Furthermore, we identified Atg7 as crucial factor within the autophagy network for CRC cell viability. Its disruption induced cell death via triggering apoptosis and in combination with conventional chemotherapy it exerted synergistic effects in inducing CRC cell death. Cell death was strictly dependent on nuclear LC3b, since simultaneous knockdown of Atg7 and LC3b completely restored viability. This study unravels a novel cell death preventing function of Atg7 in interaction with LC3b, thereby unmasking a promising therapeutic target in CRC.
STAT3/5 Inhibitors Suppress Proliferation in Bladder Cancer and Enhance Oncolytic Adenovirus Therapy
Authors: Hindupur Sruthi V. , Schmid Sebastian C. , Koch Jana Annika , Youssef Ahmed , Baur Eva-Maria , Wang Dongbiao , Horn Thomas , Slotta-Huspenina Julia , Gschwend Juergen E. , Holm Per Sonne , Nawroth Roman
Published: February 2020

The JAK-STAT signalling pathway regulates cellular processes like cell division, cell death and immune regulation. Dysregulation has been identified in solid tumours and STAT3 activation is a marker for poor outcome. The aim of this study was to explore potential therapeutic strategies by targeting this pathway in bladder cancer (BC). High STAT3 expression was detected in 51.3% from 149 patient specimens with invasive bladder cancer by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression of JAK, STAT and downstream targets were confirmed in 10 cell lines. Effects of the JAK inhibitors Ruxolitinib and BSK-805, and STAT3/5 inhibitors Stattic, Nifuroxazide and SH-4-54 were analysed by cell viability assays, immunoblotting, apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Treatment with STAT3/5 but not JAK1/2 inhibitors reduced survival, levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and Cyclin-D1 and increased apoptosis. Tumour xenografts, using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model responded to Stattic monotherapy. Combination of Stattic with Cisplatin, Docetaxel, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel and CDK4/6 inhibitors showed additive effects. The combination of Stattic with the oncolytic adenovirus XVir-N-31 increased viral replication and cell lysis. Our results provide evidence that inhibitors against STAT3/5 are promising as novel mono- and combination therapy in bladder cancer.
Ion Channels in The Pathogenesis of Endometriosis: A Cutting-Edge Point of View
Authors: Riemma Gaetano , Laganà Antonio Simone , Schiattarella Antonio , Garzon Simone , Cobellis Luigi , Autiero Raffaele , Licciardi Federico , Della Corte Luigi , La Verde Marco , De Franciscis Pasquale
Published: February 2020

Background: Ion channels play a crucial role in many physiological processes. Several subtypes are expressed in the endometrium. Endometriosis is strictly correlated to estrogens and it is evident that expression and functionality of different ion channels are estrogen-dependent, fluctuating between the menstrual phases. However, their relationship with endometriosis is still unclear. Objective: To summarize the available literature data about the role of ion channels in the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis. Methods: A search on PubMed and Medline databases was performed from inception to November 2019. Results: Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), transient receptor potentials (TRPs), aquaporins (AQPs), and chloride channel (ClC)-3 expression and activity were analyzed. CFTR expression changed during the menstrual phases and was enhanced in endometriosis samples; its overexpression promoted endometrial cell proliferation, migration, and invasion throughout nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells-urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (NFκB-uPAR) signaling pathway. No connection between TRPs and the pathogenesis of endometriosis was found. AQP5 activity was estrogen-increased and, through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), helped in vivo implantation of ectopic endometrium. In vitro, AQP9 participated in extracellular signal-regulated kinases/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/p38 MAPK) pathway and helped migration and invasion stimulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9. ClC-3 was also overexpressed in ectopic endometrium and upregulated MMP9. Conclusion: Available evidence suggests a pivotal role of CFTR, AQPs, and ClC-3 in endometriosis etiopathogenesis. However, data obtained are not sufficient to establish a direct role of ion channels in the etiology of the disease. Further studies are needed to clarify this relationship.
The First Year Experience of Newborn Screening for Pompe Disease in California
Authors: Tang Hao , Feuchtbaum Lisa , Sciortino Stanley , Matteson Jamie , Mathur Deepika , Bishop Tracey , Olney Richard S.
Published: February 2020

The California Department of Public Health started universal newborn screening for Pompe disease in August 2018 with a two-tier process including: (1) acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme activity assay followed by, (2) GAA gene sequencing analysis. This study examines results from the first year of screening in a large and diverse screening population. With 453,152 screened newborns, the birth prevalence and GAA enzyme activity associated with various types of Pompe disease classifications are described. The frequency of GAA gene mutations and allele variants are reported. Of 88 screen positives, 18 newborns were resolved as Pompe disease, including 2 classic infantile-onset and 16 suspected late-onset form. The c.-32-13T>G variant was the most common pathogenic mutation reported. African American and Asian/Pacific Islander newborns had higher allele frequencies for both pathogenic and pseudodeficiency variants. After the first year of Pompe disease screening in California, the disease distribution in the population is now better understood. With the ongoing long-term follow-up system currently in place, our understanding of the complex genotype-phenotype relationships will become more evident in the future, and this should help us better understand the clinical significance of identified cases.
Incorporation of Second-Tier Biomarker Testing Improves the Specificity of Newborn Screening for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I
Authors: Peck Dawn S. , Lacey Jean M. , White Amy L. , Pino Gisele , Studinski April L. , Fisher Rachel , Ahmad Ayesha , Spencer Linda , Viall Sarah , Shallow Natalie , Siemon Amy , Hamm J. Austin , Murray Brianna K. , Jones Kelly L. , Gavrilov Dimitar , Oglesbee Devin , Raymond Kimiyo , Matern Dietrich , Rinaldo Piero , Tortorelli Silvia
Published: February 2020

Enzyme-based newborn screening for Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) has a high false-positive rate due to the prevalence of pseudodeficiency alleles, often resulting in unnecessary and costly follow up. The glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), dermatan sulfate (DS) and heparan sulfate (HS) are both substrates for α-l-iduronidase (IDUA). These GAGs are elevated in patients with MPS I and have been shown to be promising biomarkers for both primary and second-tier testing. Since February 2016, we have measured DS and HS in 1213 specimens submitted on infants at risk for MPS I based on newborn screening. Molecular correlation was available for 157 of the tested cases. Samples from infants with MPS I confirmed by IDUA molecular analysis all had significantly elevated levels of DS and HS compared to those with confirmed pseudodeficiency and/or heterozygosity. Analysis of our testing population and correlation with molecular results identified few discrepant outcomes and uncovered no evidence of false-negative cases. We have demonstrated that blood spot GAGs analysis accurately discriminates between patients with confirmed MPS I and false-positive cases due to pseudodeficiency or heterozygosity and increases the specificity of newborn screening for MPS I.
Operating Range Extension of an Open Impeller Centrifugal Compressor Stage Utilising 3D Diffuser End Wall Contouring
Authors: Hermann Daniel , Wirsum Manfred , Robinson Douglas , Jenny Philipp
Published: February 2020

State-of-the-art centrifugal compressor units utilised in pipeline and in energy storage applications face the challenge of flexible and highly efficient operation. Geometric contouring on the hub side near a vaned diffuser affects the flow in a way which increases operational flexibility by delaying the incipience of instability and thereby increases compressor operating range. In the present paper, a hub-side wall contouring is applied within the vaneless space and the vaned diffuser of an open impeller centrifugal compressor stage. The performance characteristic of the novel hub contouring is evaluated in a scale-model test rig and compared against a baseline design. A stable operating range increase of 8% is achieved for the contoured design at Mu 2 = 1.16. 5-hole probe measurements covering a complete diffuser blade-to-blade passage are performed upstream the diffuser and compared both against CFD simulations and against the measurements of the baseline design for an operating point near the stability limit.
Torquetenovirus Serum Load and Long-Term Outcomes in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Gore Edmund J. , Gomes-Neto António W. , Wang Lei , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Niesters Hubert G. M. , de Joode Anoek A. E. , Verschuuren Erik A. M. , Westra Johanna , Leer-Buter Coretta Van
Published: February 2020

Following transplantation, patients must take immunosuppressive medication for life. Torquetenovirus (TTV) is thought to be marker for immunosuppression, and TTV–DNA levels after organ transplantation have been investigated, showing high TTV levels, associated with increased risk of infections, and low TTV levels associated with increased risk of rejection. However, this has been investigated in studies with relatively short follow-up periods. We hypothesized that TTV levels can be used to assess long term outcomes after renal transplantation. Serum samples of 666 renal transplant recipients were tested for TTV DNA. Samples were taken at least one year after renal transplantation, when TTV levels are thought to be relatively stable. Patient data was reviewed for graft failure, all-cause mortality and death due to infectious causes. Our data indicates that high TTV levels, sampled more than one year post-transplantation, are associated with all-cause mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.12 (95% CI, 1.02–1.23) per log10 increase in TTV viral load, (p = 0.02). Additionally, high TTV levels were also associated with death due to infectious causes (HR 1.20 (95% CI 1.01–1.43), p = 0.04). TTV levels decrease in the years following renal transplantation, but remain elevated longer than previously thought. This study shows that TTV level may aid in predicting long-term outcomes, all-cause mortality and death due to an infectious cause in renal transplant patients sampled over one year post-transplantation.
Correlations between the Quality of Life Domains and Clinical Variables in Sarcopenic Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Cevei Mariana , Onofrei Roxana Ramona , Cioara Felicia , Stoicanescu Dorina
Published: February 2020

(1) Background: both sarcopenia and osteoporosis are major health problems in postmenopausal women. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and the associated factors for sarcopenia in osteoporotic postmenopausal women, diagnosed according to EWGSOP2 criteria. (2) Methods: the study sample comprised 122 osteoporotic postmenopausal women with low hand grip strength and was divided into two groups: group 1 (probable sarcopenia) and group 2 (sarcopenia). QoL was assessed using the validated Romanian version of SarQol questionnaire. (3) Results: the D1, D4, D5, D7 and total SarQoL scores were significantly lower in women from group 2 compared to group 1. In group 2, women older than 70 years had significant lower values for D1, D3, D4, D6 and total SarQoL scores. Age, history of falls and the presence of confirmed and severe sarcopenia were predictors for overall QoL. (4) Conclusions: the frequency of sarcopenia was relatively high in our sample, with body mass index and history of falls as predictors for sarcopenia. Older osteoporotic postmenopausal women, with previous falls and an established sarcopenia diagnosis (low muscle strength and low muscle mass), were more likely to have a decreased quality of life.
Total, Bioavailable, and Free Vitamin D Levels and Their Prognostic Value in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Callejo Maria , Mondejar-Parreño Gema , Esquivel-Ruiz Sergio , Olivencia Miguel A. , Moreno Laura , Blanco Isabel , Escribano-Subias Pilar , Cogolludo Angel , Barbera Joan Albert , Perez-Vizcaino Francisco
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, whether total, bioavailable, and/or free vitamin D levels have a prognostic role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is unknown. We aimed to determine total, bioavailable, and free 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)vitD) plasma levels and their prognostic value in PAH patients. Methods: In total, 67 samples of plasma from Spanish patients with idiopathic, heritable, or drug-induced PAH were obtained from the Spanish PH Biobank and compared to a cohort of 100 healthy subjects. Clinical parameters were obtained from the Spanish Registry of PAH (REHAP). Results: Seventy percent of PAH patients had severe vitamin D deficiency (total 25(OH)vitD < 10 ng/mL) and secondary hyperparathyroidism. PAH patients with total 25(OH)vitD plasma above the median of this cohort (7.17 ng/mL) had better functional class and higher 6-min walking distance and TAPSE (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion). The main outcome measure of survival was significantly increased in these patients (age-adjusted hazard ratio: 5.40 (95% confidence interval: 2.88 to 10.12)). Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and albumin plasma levels were downregulated in PAH. Bioavailable 25(OH)vitD was decreased in PAH patients compared to the control cohort. Lower levels of bioavailable 25(OH)vitD (<0.91 ng/mL) were associated with more advanced functional class, lower exercise capacity, and higher risk of mortality. Free 25(OH)vitD did not change in PAH; however, lower free 25(OH)vitD (<1.53 pg/mL) values were also associated with high risk of mortality. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in PAH, and low levels of total 25(OH)vitD were associated with poor prognosis.
Towards Understanding Therapeutic Failures in Masquelet Surgery: First Evidence that Defective Induced Membrane Properties are Associated with Clinical Failures
Authors: Durand Marjorie , Barbier Laure , Mathieu Laurent , Poyot Thomas , Demoures Thomas , Souraud Jean-Baptiste , Masquelet Alain-Charles , Collombet Jean-Marc
Published: February 2020

The two-stage Masquelet induced-membrane technique (IMT) consists of cement spacer-driven membrane induction followed by an autologous cancellous bone implantation in this membrane to promote large bone defect repairs. For the first time, this study aims at correlating IMT failures with physiological alterations of the induced membrane (IM) in patients. For this purpose, we compared various histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression parameters obtained from IM collected in patients categorized lately as successfully (Responders; n = 8) or unsuccessfully (Non-responders; n = 3) treated with the Masquelet technique (6 month clinical and radiologic post-surgery follow-up). While angiogenesis or macrophage distribution pattern remained unmodified in non-responder IM as compared to responder IM, we evidenced an absence of mesenchymal stem cells and reduced density of fibroblast-like cells in non-responder IM. Furthermore, non-responder IM exhibited altered extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling parameters such as a lower expression ratio of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) mRNA as well as an important collagen overexpression as shown by picrosirius red staining. In summary, this study is the first to report evidence that IMT failure can be related to defective IM properties while underlining the importance of ECM remodeling parameters, particularly the MMP-9/TIMP-1 gene expression ratio, as early predictive biomarkers of the IMT outcome regardless of the type of bone, fracture or patient characteristics.
Pain Predictors in a Population of Temporomandibular Disorders Patients
Authors: Osiewicz Magdalena , Lobbezoo Frank , Ciapała Bartosz , Pytko-Polończyk Jolanta , Manfredini Daniele
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential role of some biological, psychological, and social factors to predict the presence of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in a TMD-patient population. The study sample consisted of 109 consecutive adult patients (81.7% females; mean age 33.2 ± 14.7 years) who were split into two groups based on Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) diagnoses: painful TMD and non-painful TMD. The presence of pain was adopted as the depended variable to be identified by the following independent variables (i.e., predictors): age, gender, bruxism, tooth wear, chewing gum, nail biting, perceived stress level, chronic pain-related impairment (GCPS), depression (DEP), and somatization (SOM). Single-variable logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between TMD pain and DEP with an odds ratio of 2.9. Building up a multiple variable model did not contribute to increase the predictive value of a TMD pain model related to the presence of depression. Findings from the present study supported the existence of a relationship between pain and depression in painful TMD patients. In the future, study designs should be improved by the adoption of the best available assessment approaches for each factor.
Circulating Irisin and esRAGE as Early Biomarkers of Decline of Metabolic Health
Authors: Dozio Elena , Vianello Elena , Sitzia Clementina , Ambrogi Federico , Benedini Stefano , Gorini Silvia , Rampoldi Benedetta , Rigolini Roberta , Tacchini Lorenza , Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano Marco
Published: February 2020

A decline in metabolic health may take place before observing any alteration in the levels of the traditional metabolic markers. New indicators of metabolic derangement are therefore compelling. Irisin is a myokine with important metabolic functions. The role of irisin as a metabolic biomarker in humans has not been fully established yet. We quantified plasma irisin and esRAGE in 106 apparently healthy individuals and we performed a cluster analysis to evaluate their associations with metabolic profile. Plasma levels of various traditional markers of metabolic risk (i.e., glucose and lipid levels) were all within the ranges of normality. We identified two clusters of individuals. Compared to cluster 2, individuals in cluster 1 had higher irisin levels, a metabolic profile shifted toward the limits of the reference ranges and lower esRAGE levels. The traditional metabolic blood tests seem not to be enough to identify a metabolic decline early. Irisin increase and esRAGE decrease may reflect a metabolic derangement at the beginning of its development. The role of these molecules as early biomarkers of decline of metabolic health seems an interesting topic to be further explored.
How Do Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance Affect Stock Price Crash Risk?
Authors: Hunjra Ahmed Imran , Mehmood Rashid , Tayachi Tahar
Published: February 2020

We investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate governance on stock price crash risk in manufacturing sector of India and Pakistan. We collect data of nine years from 2010 to 2018 from DataStream of 353 manufacturing firms. We apply the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to the analysis of the data. We find that when firms actively engage in CSR activities, they lead to reduced stock price crash risk. We further find that managerial ownership has a significant positive impact on stock price crash risk, while board size and CEO duality show a significant and negative impact on stock price crash risk.
Towards Resilient Regions: Policy Recommendations for Stimulating Synergy between Tourism and Landscape
Authors: Heslinga Jasper , Groote Peter , Vanclay Frank
Published: February 2020

To make regions more resilient, a useful idea is that of synergy between tourism and landscape (i.e., a win-win situation). To help policymakers manage for synergy, we provide practical recommendations. Using the case of Terschelling (the Netherlands), an island that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wadden Sea, we analyzed how policy and public opinion have been changing, and how multilevel governance is arranged. We recommend that: policymakers seek to understand the historical institutional context of a region; strive for integrated policy aimed at synergetic interactions; gain an overview of all stakeholders in the decision-making process; include all stakeholders; develop a shared story; co-create a clear vision for the future; but also allow flexibility in local implementation; and dare to experiment. Overall, we conclude that synergy is a promising concept that requires a different approach to decision-making.
Performance of Poly Alpha Olefin Nanolubricant
Authors: Dolatabadi Nader , Rahmani Ramin , Rahnejat Homer , Garner Colin P. , Brunton Charles
Published: February 2020

The viscosity and tribological behavior of nanofluids formed by dispersed nano-diamond particles within Poly-Alpha-Olefin (PAO6) lubricant is studied at different concentrations. The variation of coefficient of friction with nanoparticle concentration is measured using pin-on-disc tribometry under boundary, mixed, and hydrodynamic regimes of lubrication. A multi-scale multi-physics thermo-mixed lubrication model is developed to provide fundamental understanding of the measured tribometric results. The analytical approach combines continuum contact mechanics, thermal-mixed lubrication comprising the interaction of rough surfaces, as well as a thermal network heat transfer model. In particular, Einstein’s viscosity model for dispersed hard particles together with Vogel’s viscosity-temperature dependence model for fluid viscosity containing nanoparticles represent new contributions to knowledge. This integrated numerical-experimental study of nanofluid thermal and tribological assessment has not hitherto been reported in literature. It is shown that improved heat transfer capability of nanofluids is particularly effective in the reduction of friction under a mixed regime of lubrication.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Steel Strands under the Coupling Effect of a Salt Spray Environment and Cyclic Loads
Authors: Yu Xuanrui , Yao Guowen , Gu Lifeng , Fan Weiqing
Published: February 2020

Composed of multi-strand parallel high-strength wires or steel strands, the stayed cables have been widely used recently in stayed bridges or suspension bridges owing to their light weight and high bearing capacity, especially the steel strands. Meanwhile, chloride-induced corrosion of steel strands is one of the most considerable factors for the durability of the stayed cable exposed to marine environments. The fatigue caused by both cyclic loading and corrosion can affect the life of the steel strands. Besides, the current studies related to the effects of the aforementioned two impact factors on the life of the steel strands either considered the fatigue only, or took the two impact factors into account separately. The coupling effects of fatigue and corrosion on the life of the steel strands are required to be further explored and discussed. Consequently, it is essential to create a model to predict the life of the steel strands with the coupling effects taken into consideration. In this paper, an indoor physical experiment of the steel strand specimens exposed to marine tidal environment was carried out. To avoid accidental errors, the whole specimens were divided into 20 groups, with each group having two steel wires with a 5 days, 10 days, and 15 days cycle for the test. The corrosion of steel strands was observed at various exposure times and it was found that the pits were formed on the surface with the chloride ion erosion to the steel strands. Deeper and sharper pits result in greater pitting-local stress and a shorter fatigue life, which is also the main reason for reducing the carrying capacity of the steel strands. However, a detailed description for this problem is lacking in current domestic and foreign literature, because the pit is hard to predict owing to its complex nature. In order to simulate the evolution of the pits, the stochastic pitting-corrosion model was set up by the neural network method to evaluate the pit evolutions over time. In addition, an empirical formula consisting of length–width ratios, length–depth ratios, and depth-to-width ratios of the pits was obtained to determine the stress concentration factor based on the multi-dimensional linear regression method. The fatigue notch factor of components can be deduced by the stress concentration factor, and the life of the steel strands can be deduced by both of them. The findings are expected to be useful in realistically predicting the durability of wire structures.
Lyapunov Functions for State Observers of Dynamic Systems Using Hamilton–Jacobi Inequalities
Authors: Alessandri Angelo
Published: February 2020

Lyapunov functions enable analyzing the stability of dynamic systems described by ordinary differential equations without finding the solution of such equations. For nonlinear systems, devising a Lyapunov function is not an easy task to solve in general. In this paper, we present an approach to the construction of Lyapunov funtions to prove stability in estimation problems. To this end, we motivate the adoption of input-to-state stability (ISS) to deal with the estimation error involved by state observers in performing state estimation for nonlinear continuous-time systems. Such stability properties are ensured by means of ISS Lyapunov functions that satisfy Hamilton–Jacobi inequalities. Based on this general framework, we focus on observers for polynomial nonlinear systems and the sum-of-squares paradigm to find such Lyapunov functions.
On Null-Continuity of Monotone Measures
Authors: Li Jun
Published: February 2020

The null-continuity of monotone measures is a weaker condition than continuity from below and possesses many special properties. This paper further studies this structure characteristic of monotone measures. Some basic properties of null-continuity are shown and the characteristic of null-continuity is described by using convergence of sequence of measurable functions. It is shown that the null-continuity is a necessary condition that the classical Riesz’s theorem remains valid for monotone measures. When considered measurable space ( X , A ) is S-compact, the null-continuity condition is also sufficient for Riesz’s theorem. By means of the equivalence of null-continuity and property (S) of monotone measures, a version of Egoroff’s theorem for monotone measures on S-compact spaces is also presented. We also study the Sugeno integral and the Choquet integral by using null-continuity and generalize some previous results. We show that the monotone measures defined by the Sugeno integral (or the Choquet integral) preserve structural characteristic of null-continuity of the original monotone measures.
An Improved Structural Reliability Analysis Method Based on Local Approximation and Parallelization
Authors: Liu Bolin , Xie Liyang
Published: February 2020

The Kriging-based reliability method with a sequential design of experiments (DoE) has been developed in recent years for implicit limit state functions. Such methods include the efficient global reliability analysis, the active learning reliability method combining Kriging and MCS Simulations. In this research, a novel local approximation method based on the most probable failure point (MPFP) is proposed to improve such methods. In this method, the MPFP calculated in the last iteration is the center of the next sampling region. The size of the local region depends on the reliability index obtained by the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) and the deviation distance of the standard deviation. The proposed algorithm, which approximates the limit state function accurately near MPFP rather than in the whole design space, can avoid selecting samples in regions that have negligible effects on the reliability analysis results. In addition, a multi-point enrichment technique is also introduced to select multiple sample points in each iteration. After the high-quality approximation of limit state function is obtained, the failure probability is calculated by the Monte Carlo method. Four numerical examples are used to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method is very effective for an accurate evaluation of the failure probability.