bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNF-α mRNA is negatively regulated by microRNA-181a-5p in maturation of dendritic cells induced by high mobility group box-1 protein
Authors: Zhu Jing , Wang Fu-Li , Wang Hai-Bin , Dong Ning , Zhu Xiao-Mei , Wu Yao , Wang Yong-Tao , Yao Yong-Ming
Published: September 2017

Dendritic cell (DC) can be stimulated by both exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as post-transcriptional fine tuners of mRNA. Studies have focused mostly on the potential role of miRNAs in DCs maturation triggered by PAMPs, especially LPS, however, little is known about the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects of miRNAs in DC maturation mediated by DAMPs, including HMGB1. Here, we first profiled a miRNA microarray of DCs stimulated by HMGB1 and determined that the up-regulated miRNA miR-181a-5p may act as a regulatory miRNA in these cells. Computational algorithms predicted TNF-α 3′UTR to be targeted by miR-181a-5p, which was confirmed by the experiments involving luciferase reporters. In addition, we found that TNF-α mRNA was down-regulated by miR-181a-5p mimic, and significantly up-regulated by miR-181a-5p inhibitor. Taken together, we identified miR-181a-5p a negative regulator in HMGB1-induced immune responses by targeting TNF-α mRNA in DCs. Moreover, we suggested that miR-181a-5p may play a role in regulating DC responses to HMGB1 and serve as evidence indicating that novel therapies targeting miRNAs may be useful for treating immune dysfunction in the setting of sepsis.
Resveratrol reverses the adverse effects of bevacizumab on cultured ARPE-19 cells
Authors: Subramani Murali , Ponnalagu Murugeswari , Krishna Lekshmi , Jeyabalan Nallathambi , Chevour Priyanka , Sharma Anupam , Jayadev Chaitra , Shetty Rohit , Begum Nargis , Archunan Govindaraju , Das Debashish
Published: September 2017

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) are one of the major causes of blindness caused by neo-vascular changes in the retina. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are widely used in the treatment of wet-AMD and PDR. A significant percentage of treated patients have complications of repeated injections. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenol phytoalexin with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. Hence, we hypothesized that if RES is used in combination with bevacizumab (BEV, anti-VEGF), it could reverse the adverse effects that precipitate fibrotic changes, drusen formation, tractional retinal detachment and so on. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells were treated with various combinations of BEV and RES. There was partial reduction in secreted VEGF levels compared to untreated controls. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition was lower in BEV + RES treated cultures compared to BEV treated cultures. The proliferation status was similar in BEV + RES as well as BEV treated cultures both groups. Phagocytosis was enhanced in the presence of BEV + RES compared to BEV. Furthermore, we observed that notch signaling was involved in reversing the adverse effects of BEV. This study paves way for a combinatorial strategy to treat as well as prevent adverse effects of therapy in patients with wet AMD and PDR.
A dual targeted β-defensin and exome sequencing approach to identify, validate and functionally characterise genes associated with bull fertility
Authors: Whiston Ronan , Finlay Emma K. , McCabe Matthew S. , Cormican Paul , Flynn Paul , Cromie Andrew , Hansen Peter J. , Lyons Alan , Fair Sean , Lonergan Patrick , O’ Farrelly Cliona , Meade Kieran G.
Published: September 2017

Bovine fertility remains a critical issue underpinning the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Phenotypic records collected on >7,000 bulls used in artificial insemination (AI) were used to identify 160 reliable and divergently fertile bulls for a dual strategy of targeted sequencing (TS) of fertility-related β-defensin genes and whole exome sequencing (WES). A haplotype spanning multiple β-defensin genes and containing 94 SNPs was significantly associated with fertility and functional analysis confirmed that sperm from bulls possessing the haplotype showed significantly enhanced binding to oviductal epithelium. WES of all exons in the genome in 24 bulls of high and low fertility identified 484 additional SNPs significantly associated with fertility. After validation, the most significantly associated SNP was located in the FOXJ3 gene, a transcription factor which regulates sperm function in mice. This study represents the first comprehensive characterisation of genetic variation in bovine β-defensin genes and functional analysis supports a role for β-defensins in regulating bull sperm function. This first application of WES in AI bulls with divergent fertility phenotypes has identified a novel role for the transcription factor FOXJ3 in the regulation of bull fertility. Validated genetic variants associated with bull fertility could prove useful for improving reproductive outcomes in cattle.
Constructing the magnetic bifunctional graphene/titania nanosheet-based composite photocatalysts for enhanced visible-light photodegradation of MB and electrochemical ORR from polluted water
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Yihe , Meng Zilin , Tong Wangshu , Yu Xuelian , An Qi
Published: September 2017

Photocatalysis is a promising strategy to address the global environmental and energy challenges. However, the studies on the application of the photocatalytically degraded dye-polluted water and the multi-purpose use of one type of catalyst have remained sparse. In this report, we try to demonstrate a concept of multiple and cyclic application of materials and resources in environmentally relevant catalyst reactions. A magnetic composite catalyst prepared from exfoliated titania nanosheets, graphene, the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and a polyelectrolyte enabled such a cyclic application. The composite catalyst decomposed a methylene blue-polluted water under visible light, and then the catalyst was collected and removed from the treated water using a magnet. The photocatalytically treated water was then used to prepare the electrolyte in electrochemical reductive reactions and presented superior electrochemical performance compared with the dye-polluted water. The composite catalyst was once again used as the cathode catalyst in the electrochemical reaction. Each component in the composite catalyst was indispensable in its catalytic activity, but each component played different roles in the photochemical, magnetic recycling, and electrochemical processes. We expect the report inspire the study on the multi-functional catalyst and cyclic use of the catalytically cleaned water, which should contribute for the environmental and energy remedy from a novel perspective.
The Regulatory Small RNA MarS Supports Virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Pappesch Roberto , Warnke Philipp , Mikkat Stefan , Normann Jana , Wisniewska-Kucper Aleksandra , Huschka Franziska , Wittmann Maja , Khani Afsaneh , Schwengers Oliver , Oehmcke-Hecht Sonja , Hain Torsten , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Patenge Nadja
Published: September 2017

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) play a role in the control of bacterial virulence gene expression. In this study, we investigated an sRNA that was identified inStreptococcus pyogenes(group AStreptococcus, GAS) but is conserved throughout various streptococci. In a deletion strain, expression ofmga, the gene encoding the multiple virulence gene regulator, was reduced. Accordingly, transcript and proteome analyses revealed decreased expression of several Mga-activated genes. Therefore, and because the sRNA was shown to interact with the 5′ UTR of themgatranscript in a gel-shift assay, we designated it MarS formga-activatingregulatorysRNA. Down-regulation of important virulence factors, including the antiphagocytic M-protein, led to increased susceptibility of the deletion strain to phagocytosis and reduced adherence to human keratinocytes. In a mouse infection model, themarSdeletion mutant showed reduced dissemination to the liver, kidney, and spleen. Additionally, deletion ofmarSled to increased tolerance towards oxidative stress. Ourin vitroandin vivoresults indicate a modulating effect of MarS on virulence gene expression and on the pathogenic potential of GAS.
Microchamber Cultures of Bladder Cancer: A Platform for Characterizing Drug Responsiveness and Resistance in PDX and Primary Cancer Cells
Authors: Gheibi Pantea , Zeng Shuxiong , Son Kyung Jin , Vu Tam , Ma Ai-Hong , Dall’Era Marc A. , Yap Stanley Alexander , de Vere White Ralph W. , Pan Chong-Xian , Revzin Alexander
Published: September 2017

Precision cancer medicine seeks to target the underlying genetic alterations of cancer; however, it has been challenging to use genetic profiles of individual patients in identifying the most appropriate anti-cancer drugs. This spurred the development of patient avatars; for example, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) established in mice and used for drug exposure studies. However, PDXs are associated with high cost, long development time and low efficiency of engraftment. Herein we explored the use of microfluidic devices or microchambers as simple and low-cost means of maintaining bladder cancer cells over extended periods of times in order to study patterns of drug responsiveness and resistance. When placed into 75 µm tall microfluidic chambers, cancer cells grew as ellipsoids reaching millimeter-scale dimeters over the course of 30 days in culture. We cultured three PDX and three clinical patient specimens with 100% success rate. The turn-around time for a typical efficacy study using microchambers was less than 10 days. Importantly, PDX-derived ellipsoids in microchambers retained patterns of drug responsiveness and resistance observed in PDX mice and also exhibited in vivo-like heterogeneity of tumor responses. Overall, this study establishes microfluidic cultures of difficult-to-maintain primary cancer cells as a useful tool for precision cancer medicine.
A tunable electron beam source using trapping of electrons in a density down-ramp in laser wakefield acceleration
Authors: Ekerfelt Henrik , Hansson Martin , Gallardo González Isabel , Davoine Xavier , Lundh Olle
Published: September 2017

One challenge in the development of laser wakefield accelerators is to demonstrate sufficient control and reproducibility of the parameters of the generated bunches of accelerated electrons. Here we report on a numerical study, where we demonstrate that trapping using density down-ramps allows for tuning of several electron bunch parameters by varying the properties of the density down-ramp. We show that the electron bunch length is determined by the difference in density before and after the ramp. Furthermore, the transverse emittance of the bunch is controlled by the steepness of the ramp. Finally, the amount of trapped charge depends both on the density difference and on the steepness of the ramp. We emphasize that both parameters of the density ramp are feasible to vary experimentally. We therefore conclude that this tunable electron accelerator makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from those requiring short pulse length and low emittance, such as the free-electron lasers, to those requiring high-charge, large-emittance bunches to maximize betatron X-ray generation.
Determination of cause of death using paper-based microfluidic device as a colorimetric probe
Authors: Ansari N. , Lodha A. , Pandya A. , Menon S. K.
Published: September 2017

In recent years, the use of benzodiazepines has increased in the commission of crime, homicide, suicide, drugs overdoses, robbery, and drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Structure and dynamics elucidation of ionic liquids using multidimensional Laplace NMR
Authors: Javed Muhammad Asadullah , Ahola Susanna , Håkansson Pär , Mankinen Otto , Aslam Muhammad Kamran , Filippov Andrei , Shah Faiz Ullah , Glavatskih Sergei , Antzutkin Oleg N. , Telkki Ville-Veikko
Published: September 2017

Laplace NMR provides unique microscopic information about the structure of ionic liquids that is not observable using other techniques.
A stereoselective thiocyanate conjugate addition to electron deficient alkynes and concomitant cyclization to N,S-heterocycles
Authors: Dwivedi Vikas , Rajesh Manda , Kumar Ravi , Kant Ruchir , Sridhar Reddy Maddi
Published: September 2017

A regio- and stereoselective thiocyanate addition to ynones and the concomitant cyclizations of resultant vinyl thiocyanate to access thio-aza heterocycles are achieved using KSCN in AcOH without the need of any metal catalyst.
3D electrochemical and ion current imaging using scanning electrochemical–scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Takahashi Yasufumi , Ida Hiroki , Matsumae Yoshiharu , Komaki Hirokazu , Zhou Yuanshu , Kumatani Akichika , Kanzaki Makoto , Shiku Hitoshi , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: September 2017

We visualized 3D electrochemical and ion current profile with sub-microscale by using scanning electrochemical microscopy and scanning ion conductance microscopy.
Binding of protofibrillar Aβ trimers to lipid bilayer surface enhances Aβ structural stability and causes membrane thinning
Authors: Dong Xuewei , Sun Yunxiang , Wei Guanghong , Nussinov Ruth , Ma Buyong
Published: September 2017

Aβ–membrane interactions enhance structural stability of protofibrillar Aβ oligomers by stabilizing β-sheets and D23–K28 salt-bridges, and cause membrane perturbation by decreasing membrane's local thickness.
A chemosensor for micro- to nano-molar detection of Ag+ and Hg2+ ions in pure aqueous media and its applications in cell imaging
Authors: Nandre Jitendra P. , Patil Samadhan R. , Sahoo Suban K. , Pradeep Chullikkattil P. , Churakov Andrei , Yu Fabiao , Chen Lingxin , Redshaw Carl , Patil Ashok A. , Patil Umesh D.
Published: September 2017

The synthesis and characterization of a simple thiourea-based Ag+ and Hg2+ sensor is reported.
A micrometer-sized europium(iii)–organic framework for selective sensing of the Cr2O72− anion and picric acid in water systems
Authors: He Hongming , Chen Si-Hang , Zhang De-Yu , Hao Rui , Zhang Chao , Yang En-Cui , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2017

A micrometer-sized europium(iii)–organic framework with good dispersibility, excellent thermal and environmental stability, and easy regeneration ability can serve as a dual-responsive luminescent sensor to probe both Cr2O72− and picric acid contaminants in water system.
A highly stable Ru/LaCO3OH catalyst consisting of support-coated Ru nanoparticles in aqueous-phase hydrogenolysis reactions
Authors: Li Bolong , Li Lulu , Zhao Chen
Published: September 2017

A hydrothermally stable Ru/LaCO3OH catalyst consisting of Ru nanoparticles partially encapsulated by the support with a strong metal–support interaction is developed.
Rapid, molecule-free, in situ rare earth element abundances by SIMS-SSAMS
Authors: Groopman Evan E. , Grabowski Kenneth S. , Fahey Albert J. , Kööp Levke
Published: September 2017

We present a novel method for rapid and high-sensitivity in situ measurements of the rare earth elements (REEs) by combined secondary ion mass spectrometry and single-stage accelerator mass spectrometry (SIMS-SSAMS).
Open channel deterministic lateral displacement for particle and cell sorting
Authors: Tran Trung S. H. , Ho Bao D. , Beech Jason P. , Tegenfeldt Jonas O.
Published: September 2017

Easy to run, clean and reuse open-channel capillary DLD devices for separations based on size and morphology.
Platinum(ii)–chloroquine complexes are antimalarial agents against blood and liver stages by impairing mitochondrial function
Authors: Macedo Taís S. , Villarreal Wilmer , Couto Camila C. , Moreira Diogo R. M. , Navarro Maribel , Machado Marta , Prudêncio Miguel , Batista Alzir A. , Soares Milena B. P.
Published: September 2017

The complexes are multistage antimalarial agents, where activity is dependent on the presence of chloroquine on their composition and activity is achieved by impairment of hemozoin formation and disruption of mitochondria.
Computational approaches for deciphering the equilibrium and kinetic properties of iron transport proteins
Authors: Abdizadeh H. , Atilgan A. R. , Atilgan C. , Dedeoglu B.
Published: September 2017

Conformational changes in transferrin proteins predicted by molecular simulations.
Retracted Article: A polyurethane–chitosan brush as an injectable hydrogel for controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering
Authors: Mahanta Arun Kumar , Senapati Sudipta , Maiti Pralay
Published: September 2017

Hydrogels and porous lyophilized hydrogels have been designed using a polyurethane brush with a chitosan backbone through grafting for controlled drug delivery.
The grafting density and thickness of polythiophene-based brushes determine the orientation, conjugation length and stability of the grafted chains
Authors: Wolski K. , Gruszkiewicz A. , Wytrwal-Sarna M. , Bernasik A. , Zapotoczny S.
Published: September 2017

A self-templating surface-initiated method combining ATRP and oxidative polymerization leads to the formation of ladder-like polythiophene-based brushes with a 90–100 mer conjugation length.
Theoretical and kinetic study of the reaction of C2H3 + HO2 on the C2H3O2H potential energy surface
Authors: Guo Junjiang , Tang Shiyun , Tan Ningxin
Published: September 2017

We systematically investigate the C2H3 + HO2 reaction combined with conventional transition state theory, variable reaction coordinate transition state theory and Rice–Ramsberger–Kassel–Marcus/master-equation theory.
Utility of 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole for development of a highly sensitive stability indicating spectrofluorimetric method for determination of salmeterol xinafoate; application to human plasma
Authors: Omar Mahmoud A. , Hammad Mohamed A. , Awad Mohamed
Published: September 2017

Suggested reaction mechanism between salmeterol xinafoate and NBD-Cl.
Tailoring light emission properties and optoelectronic and optothermal responses from rare earth-doped bismuth oxide for multifunctional light shielding, temperature sensing, and photodetection
Authors: Fan Liumin , Li Yang , Lin Xiaohui , Peng Junhao , Ju Guifang , Zhang Shaoan , Chen Li , He Fupo , Hu Yihua
Published: September 2017

We have developed an all-purpose material with tunable light emission property and controllable optoelectronic and optothermal response processes.
Robust Ni/WC superhydrophobic surfaces by electrodeposition
Authors: Zhao Guochen , Li Jinshang , Huang Yuanfeng , Yang Liming , Ye Ying , Walsh Frank C. , Chen Jie , Wang Shuncai
Published: September 2017

The mechanical properties of superhydrophobic surfaces based on nickel composite coatings was enhanced by co-deposition of tungsten carbide. After modified by stearic acid, the surfaces showed excellent water-repellence and abrasive resistance.
Blue to magenta tunable luminescence from LaGaO3: Bi3+, Cr3+ doped phosphors for field emission display applications
Authors: Kamal Ch. Satya , Rao T. K. Visweswara , Samuel T. , Reddy P. V. S. S. S. N. , Jasinski Jacek B. , Ramakrishna Y. , Rao M. C. , Rao K. Ramachandra
Published: September 2017

A series of blue to magenta emitting color-tunable LaGaO3: Bi3+/Cr3+ phosphors were prepared by chemical route, and their phase structure, morphology and photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated.
Porous asphalt/graphene composite for supercapacitors with high energy density at superior power density without added conducting materials
Authors: Zhang Miao , Sun Zhenhe , Zhang Tengfei , Qin Bin , Sui Dong , Xie Yuqing , Ma Yanfeng , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2017

Full parameter optimization enables a cost efficient supercapacitor with high energy density at superior power density.
Biodegradable and biocompatible monodispersed hollow mesoporous organosilica with large pores for delivering biomacromolecules
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Wang Liying , Yao Heliang , Xu Fangfang , Chen Yu
Published: September 2017

We report on the construction of biodegradable HMONs with a large mesopore size, hollow interior, small particle size and a molecularly organic–inorganic hybrid framework for intracellular protein delivery.
Interaction of curcumin in a drug delivery system including a composite with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and montmorillonite: a density functional theory and molecular dynamics study
Authors: Karataş D. , Tekin A. , Bahadori F. , Çelik M. S.
Published: September 2017

Curcumin as an anticancer agent can be delivered with a composite including poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and montmorillonite.
Bilayered polyurethane/dipole–dipole and H-bonding interaction reinforced hydrogels as thermo-responsive soft manipulators
Authors: Jia Haiyan , Huang Zhangjun , Fei Zhaofu , Dyson Paul J. , Zheng Zhen , Wang Xinling
Published: September 2017

Dipole–dipole and H-bonding interaction reinforced hydrogels with rapid thermal-responsive volume change and high mechanical strength are uncovered.
Robust design of measurement matrix for CS‐MIMO radar in clutter
Authors: Shahbazi N. , Abbasfar A. , Jabbarian‐Jahromi M.
Published: September 2017

A robust design method is proposed to optimise the measurement matrix for a compressive sensing multiple‐input multiple‐output (CS‐MIMO) radar system in the presence of clutter. The robustness to the proposed measurement matrix design is conducted against uncertainty on the target angle using a max–min optimisation problem to maximise the worst‐case signal‐to‐clutter‐plus‐noise ratio. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in CS‐MIMO radar.
Finite‐time boundedness and stabilisation of switched linear systems using event‐triggered controllers
Authors: Qi Yiwen , Cao Ming
Published: September 2017

This study proposes a systematic control design approach to consider jointly the event‐triggered communication mechanism and state‐feedback control for switched linear systems. The systems determine the necessary samplings of the feedback signal by constructing predefined events that can reduce redundant signal transmission and updates. Specifically, the first main step in the design is to construct sufficient conditions for stability analysis in the form of linear matrix inequalities to utilise fully the idea of average dwell time. With the proposed event‐triggering mechanism, the design renders the resulting switched closed‐loop system finite‐time bounded. Subsequently, the authors present the conditions for finding the parameter of the event‐triggered sampling mechanism and the state‐feedback sub‐controller gains. Then, the results for the full state feedback control case are further extended to systems incorporating observer‐based state‐feedback control motivated by practical applications. For each case, an estimate of the positive lower bound on the inter‐execution times is further derived to avoid Zeno behaviour. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Determine the reliable generating capacity of power systems with high HVDC penetration considering both stability and ancillary service requirements
Authors: Li Yiyan , Xu Xiaoyuan , Chen Sijie , Yan Zheng
Published: September 2017

In China, the increasing amount of electricity imported from high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems in some provinces has led to the retirement of local units. Lack of local generating capacity is adverse to the stability of system frequency and the adequacy of ancillary services. This study proposes a practical method to determine the minimum requirement of generating capacity (which is called the reliable generating capacity, RGC) in the sink side of a power grid. The relation between the minimum system frequency and the generating capacity is theoretically analysed. Based on simulation results, a function that determines RGC under a certain frequency drop constraint can be specified by data fitting. Meanwhile, the requirement of ancillary services (such as peak regulation, automatic generation control, and reserves) on typical days also imposes a floor constraint on the generating capacity. So the relation between generating capacities and ancillary services is also explored. Finally, the overall RGC value is the maximum of the above two aspects. A case study in East China Power Grid proves the effectiveness of the proposed method. The result can be used as a reference for power system planning and operation.
Fourier‐series approach to model order reduction and controller interaction analysis of large‐scale power system models
Authors: Rergis Carlos Morales , Betancourt Ramón Jiménez , Espejo Emilio Barocio , Messina Arturo Román
Published: September 2017

In this study, a comprehensive approach for model order reduction based on a Fourier series of a discrete system representation is proposed. The developed method represents an alternative to model reduction of large‐scale dynamical systems and can be used for the analysis of unstable dynamic systems and the study of interactions among power system controls. Drawing on the principle of conformal mapping, the linearised system model is first transformed into its discrete equivalent. Then, the Fourier series of the discrete‐time transfer function is used to obtain a reduced‐order model (ROM). Using this model, approximate Hankel‐based interaction measures are proposed to efficiently analyse large, unstable linear system representations and determine pairs of input outputs to design controller. The high degree of applicability and accuracy offered by the method, and its ability to extract ROMs from stable and unstable systems is demonstrated on three test systems.
Crowd counting considering network flow constraints in videos
Authors: Gao Liqing , Wang Yanzhang , Ye Xin , Wang Jian
Published: September 2017

The growth of the number of people in the monitoring scene may increase the probability of security threat, which makes crowd counting more and more important. Most of the existing approaches estimate the number of pedestrians within one frame, which results in inconsistent predictions in terms of time. This study, for the first time, introduces a quadratic programming (QP) model with the network flow constraints to improve the accuracy of crowd counting. Firstly, the foreground of each frame is segmented into groups, each of which contains several pedestrians. Then, a regression‐based map is developed in accordance with the relationship between low‐level features of each group and the number of people in it. Secondly, a directed graph is constructed to simulate constraints on people's flow, whose vertices represent groups of each frame and arcs represent people moving from one group to another. Finally, by solving a QP problem with network flow constraints in the directed graph, the authors obtain consistency in people counting. The experimental results show that the proposed method can reduce the crowd counting errors and improve the accuracy. Moreover, this method can also be applied to any ultramodern group‐based regression counting approach to get improvements.
Image smoothing via truncated gradient regularisation
Authors: He Liangtian , Wang Yilun
Published: September 2017

Edge‐preserving image smoothing aims at maintaining the fundamental constituents, i.e. salient edges of a given image, while removing the noise and insignificant details in the meantime. It is often employed at the pre‐processing step of many image processing tasks, including reconstruction, segmentation, recognition and three‐dimensional content generation, to name just a few. Recently, a sparse gradient counting scheme in an optimisation framework has attracted much attention, and it confines the discrete number of intensity changes among neighbouring pixels. This ‐regularised sparsity pursuit scheme performs favourably in a global optimisation manner. However, it often achieves unsatisfactory performance at diminishing trivial details and at smoothing discrete regions. In this study, a new image smoothing scheme with truncated regularisation is proposed, which is especially effective for sharpening critical edges. For objective evaluation of the smoothing performance, images are linearly quantised into several layers to generate the experimental images, then these quantised images are smoothed using several methods for reconstructing the smoothly changed shape and intensity of the original images. Compared with the smoothing scheme, extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method performs much better at preserving main structures and removing trivial details.
Real‐time estimation of freeway travel time with recurrent congestion based on sparse detector data
Authors: Lu Lili , Wang Jian , He Zhengbing , Chan Ching‐Yao
Published: September 2017

Loop detectors distributed on freeways are very vulnerable and could be damaged or malfunctioned due to improper sealing, pavement deterioration. This may lead to poor travel time estimation as most of existing methodologies require detailed data collected from numerous detectors along a specified freeway route. To address this problem, this study proposes an effective and reliable methodology for real‐time freeway travel time estimation with data from sparse detectors. In contrast to the existing methods, the proposed methodology requires significantly less number of detectors but maintains fairy good performance on travel time estimation. The proposed methodology utilises a self‐organised mapping algorithm to cluster the detectors with similar traffic patterns. The data collected from the representative detectors within each cluster is then employed to estimate the travel time based on a support vector regression model. The case studies conducted for three selected freeway routes in Northern California over 3 weeks demonstrate that the proposed methodology accurately captures the fluctuation of travel time induced by the variations of traffic states. The estimated results are exceptionally accurate with smaller mean errors and root‐mean‐squared errors compared with the benchmark values obtained from the well‐known performance measurement system in California.
L1 adaptive fuzzy control of wind energy conversion systems via variable structure adaptation for all wind speed regions
Authors: Elnaggar Mahmoud , Saad Mohamed S. , Abdel Fattah Hossam A. , Elshafei Abdel Latif
Published: September 2017

A decentralised control scheme is proposed to manipulate the speed and the pitch angle of a 1.5 MW wind turbine. In region 2, the goal is to capture maximum power by tracking a reference turbine's speed. For region 3, the goal is to regulate the turbine's speed at its rated value and harvest the rated power. L1 adaptive controllers are proposed to achieve the previous goals. A new L1 adaptive algorithm, based on fuzzy modelling and variable structure adaptation, is introduced. Performance bounds on the proposed controllers are derived. Simulation results illustrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared with both proportional–integral and basic L1 adaptive controllers.
Electrical characterisation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells stack using grasshopper optimiser
Authors: El‐Fergany Attia A.
Published: September 2017

In this study, optimum values of unknown seven parameters of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) stack are generated for the sake of appropriate modelling. An objective function is adopted to minimise the sum of square errors (SSE) between the experimental data and the corresponding estimated results. A novel application of grasshopper optimisation algorithm (GOA) is engaged to minimise the SSE subjects to set of inequality constraints. Three study cases of typical commercial PEMFCs stacks are demonstrated and verified under various steady‐state operating scenarios. Necessary subsequent comparisons to new results by others found in updated state‐of‐the‐art are made. Sensitivity analysis of defined parameters is carried out. It is found that the PEMFC model is susceptible to the deviations of optimised parameters as the errors are substantially disturbed which signifies the value of the GOA‐based method. In addition, performance measures to indicate the robustness of the GOA‐based methodology are pointed out. At this moment, dynamic model of the stack is addressed and incorporated to demonstrate its dynamic response. Detailed MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation model is implemented to study the PEMFC dynamic performance. The simulated test cases emphasise the viability and effectivity of the GOA‐based procedure in steady‐state and dynamic simulations.
Evaluation index system for photovoltaic systems statistical characteristics under hazy weather conditions in central China
Authors: Li Fen , Li Chunyang , Shi Jing , Zhao Jinbin , Yang Xingwu , Chen Zhenghong
Published: September 2017

This study investigates different methods of determining the optimum tilt angle (OTA) for photovoltaic (PV) systems to maximise energy yield, and provides an evaluation index system for the static and dynamic performance of PV systems under hazy weather conditions, in view of the nature of solar energy resource and PV energy yield. Due to the fact that the data of total solar radiation on inclined surface in Wuhan is not available and PV power generation is non‐linear process, an experimental off‐grid PV system with various tilt angles and orientations is established which is located in Hubei Meteorological Administration in Wuhan. The experimental system is then used to analyse the accuracy of five in‐plane solar radiation models and the relationship between the model predicted errors and meteorological environmental factors, explore the calculated and measured OTA of PV modules and evaluate the performance of PV system with different tilt angles and orientations based on static and dynamic indexes in real atmosphere condition. Finally, the influence of dust on PV energy production has been reported. After cleaning, the energy yield of PV models can increase by 10–20%.
Electrophoretic kinetics of nanomullite, nanoSiC and their composite suspensions
Authors: Shakeri Mohammad Sadegh , Alizadeh Masoud , Kazemzadeh Asghar , Ebadzadeh Touradj , Aghajani Hossein
Published: September 2017

In detail characterisation of suspensions including nanomullite, nanosilicon carbide and various percentages of their composites has been studied in this Letter. Mechanism of particle ionisation, alternate pH and surface charge, particle size distribution, zeta potential, current density, electrophoresis movement and kinetics of time–weight curves has been studied, thoroughly. It was illustrated that triethanolamine cannot stabilise powders as well. However, poly‐vinyl pyrrolidone could stabilise the particles as well but the particles could not move easily in the presence of applied electrical field due to the lack of enough surface charge. In this case, iodine (I) could be utilised as the preferred surfactant due to good stability and enough surface charge even though it could increase the concentration of free ions and conductivity of particles may be decreased. It was also found that in the case of utilising optimum surfactant, the amount of zeta potential for mullite suspension is more than composite powder and these two have a greater zeta potential than SiC suspension. Last but not least, it was found that the velocity of deposition reduces by increasing the time and its reduction depends on resistance and permittivity of suspension.
Circulating MicroRNA as Thrombosis Sentinels: Caveats and Considerations
Authors: Tay Jasmine , Tiao Jim , Hughes Quintin , Jorritsma Jessica , Gilmore Grace , Baker Ross
Published: September 2017

The small noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (or miRNAs), have been implicated in a myriad of diseases and accumulating evidence indicate their potential high value as diagnostic biomarkers. Although their roles in hemostasis and coagulation pathways are less defined, many studies have demonstrated their participation in regulating key factors of hemostasis. However, the mounting challenges associated with the accurate measurement of circulating miRNAs and the involvement of platelet activation in contributing to the circulating miRNA expression profile introduce further complexity to the study of thrombosis-associated miRNAs. This review outlines the current knowledge of miRNAs that have been postulated to regulate key hemostatic factors, and miRNA diagnostic panels in thrombotic disease, with a focus on experimental fundamentals, such as selecting condition-specific reference controls, considerations that are crucial for accurate evaluation of miRNAs in the context of disease biomarkers.
Positive Effects of Promoting Physical Activity and Balanced Diets in a Primary School Setting with a High Proportion of Migrant School Children
Authors: Weber Katharina , Spörkel Olaf , Mertens Melina , Freese Alem , Strassburger Klaus , Kemper Boris , Bachmann Clemens , Diehlmann Knut , Stemper Theodor , Buyken Anette , Ketelhut Kerstin , Müssig Karsten
Published: September 2017

Background Children with migration background are at particular risk for overweight. We assessed the effects of a primary school-based initiative targeted at enhancing physical activity and dietary education among children with a high proportion of migration background.

Methods Four 3rd and 4th grade classes (n=70 children, 77% with migration background) participated in a 10-months intervention comprising 2 additional exercise lessons weekly and 10 nutrition lessons per school year. 6 school classes (n=125 children, 65% with migration background) served as control. Before and after the intervention, an assessment of physical fitness and motor skills and questionnaires on dietary behavior and knowledge were conducted. In a subgroup (n=37), after 6 months of the intervention, daily physical activity was assessed by accelerometer-based monitoring. Differences in changes between the groups were assessed using linear regression analyses.

Results Changes between the 2 time points for fitness and motor skill tests (differences in standard deviation scores) were larger in the intervention than in the control group for the total mean test value (β=0.38, p<0.001), driven by higher improvements in 5 of the 8 test items, i.e., obstacle race (speed) (β=0.22, p=0.049), standing long jump (strength) (β=0.35, p<0.001), sit-ups (strength) (β=0.33, p=0.002), stand and reach (mobility) (β=0.22, p=0.042), and 6 min run (endurance) (β=0.40, p<0.001), independently of confounders. Changes in dietary knowledge and consumption frequencies did not differ between groups.

Conclusions Promoting guided physical activity in a primary school setting with a high proportion of children with migration background positively affected parameters of fitness and motor skills.
Effects of Hypoxia during Continuous and Intermittent Exercise on Glycaemic Control and Selected Markers of Vascular Function in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hall Barbara , Zebrowska Aleksandra , Kaminski Tomasz , Stanula Arkadiusz , Robins Anna
Published: September 2017

Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the effect of continuous and intermittent exercise in hypoxia on glycaemic control and selected markers of vascular function in patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods 12 patients suffering from T1D for 12.1±6.0 years and 12 healthy adults performed: continuous exercise (ExC) and intermittent exercise (ExInt) in normoxia and hypoxia (FiO₂=15.1%). Glycaemia and proangiogenic factors concentrations were measured at rest and immediately after exercise.

Results T1D patients’ glycaemia decreased in response to ExC (p<0.01) and ExInt (p<0.05) under hypoxic conditions. ExInt in normoxia (p<0.05) and hypoxia (p<0.05) reduced HIF-1α in the T1D group. A tendency for vascular endothelial growth factor to increase after ExInt in hypoxia (6.0±3.8 vs. 17.1±13.07 pg/mL) and a proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α level to decrease (33.2±19.1 vs. 25.1±14.4 pg/mL) was found in the same group.

Conclusions Combining exercise with hypoxia may allow more effective short-term glycaemic control in T1D. Intermittent exercise with hypoxia could stabilize the secretion of selected proangiogenic factors and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to improved vascular function.
Sensomotorisches Laufbandtraining bei Morbus Parkinson
Authors: Peters Kristin
Published: September 2017

Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson können mit regelmäßigem Laufbandtraining Ganggeschwindigkeit und Schrittlänge verbessern und damit dem typischen krankheitsbedingten Gangbild entgegenwirken. Aber auch die dynamische Gleichgewichtskontrolle während des Gehens ist gestört und das Sturzrisiko erhöht, was besonders bei der Fortbewegung in natürlicher Umgebung relevant ist. Die Gangtherapie auf dem Laufband spiegelt diese Anforderungen an das Gleichgewichtssystem jedoch nicht wider. Deshalb haben die Autoren ein neues sensomotorisches Laufband evaluiert, das durch kleine, ständig wechselnde Kippbewegungen der Lauffläche, das Gehen auf unebenen Untergründen simuliert und die dynamische Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit trainiert. Der Artikel stellt das sensomotorische Laufbandtraining vor und stellt die Ergebnisse einer ersten Pilotstudie vor.
Telferia Occidentalis and Vitamin C Attenuate Phenylhydrazine-Induced Haemolytic Anaemia and Associated Cardio-renal Dysfunctions via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Proapoptotic -Protein (Bax) Expressions
Authors: Ajibade Temitayo , Oyagbemi Ademola , Omobowale Temidayo , Asenuga Ebunoluwa , Saba Adebowale
Published: September 2017

Background The study investigated the modulatory roles of the aqueous leaf extract of Telferia occidentalis, a traditional haematinic, and vitamin C on cardiovascular dysfunction associated with subchronic Phenylhydrazine exposure.

Methods Fifty adult male rats were randomly selected and divided into one of five groups of ten animals each: Control; 40 mgkg−1 Phenylhydrazine (PHZ); PHZ with 100 mgkg−1 T.occidentalis; PHZ with 200 mgkg−1 T.occidentalis; and PHZ with 100 mgkg−1 vitamin C.

Results Oral exposure of rats to PHZ, without T. occidentalis or vitamin C treatment, resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the haematological parameters, but increased the blood pressure parameters of rats However, treatment with vitamin C and T. occidentalis leaf extract significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated the aforementioned PHZ-induced alterations of rats haemogram, and blood pressure. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase of untreated PHZ-exposed rats, but the levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and myeloperoxidase of the rats were significantly (p<0.05) increased compared with those of the extract treated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a greater expression of Bax-protein in the cardiac and renal tissues of the untreated PHZ exposed rats, compared with the extract and vitamin C treated groups.

Conclusions The mitigation of oxidative stress and inhibition of Bax-protein expression are probable mechanisms of action of T. occidentalis in the amelioration of haemolytic anaemia, and its use as adjunct medication in the management of some diseases is justifiable
Comparison of the Morphology, Anatomy, and Chemical Profile of Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata
Authors: Costa Vanessa , Borghi Alexandre , Mayer Juliana , Sawaya Alexandra
Published: September 2017

Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata are medicinal plants popularly used in Brazil for colds and asthma. Although several studies report differences in their composition, they are frequently used indistinctly, which may be due to misidentification of the species or the plant part used. Herein, the chemical, anatomical, and morphological profiles of both species were evaluated, seeking to differentiate them. Due to the pattern of secondary metabolites found in M. glomerata and M. laevigata, the chemical profile of the leaves was the characteristic that best differentiated the two species. Coumarin was present in all the leaf samples of M. laevigata but absent or in low concentration in leaf samples of M. glomerata. The stems presented coumarin in both species, albeit in different concentrations. The quantification of chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids was crucial for the separation of the two species, as higher concentrations are found in M. glomerata. The anatomic structure of the leaves, stem, and petioles of both species was conserved, even when exposed to different environments, but presented only subtle differences between species. The morphology of the leaves presented different characteristics for each species but altered when exposed to shade. Therefore, the chemical analysis together with the morphological characteristics of plants grown in full sunlight may be used for the correct identification of these species.
Metropolitan and city-regional politics in the urban age: why does “(smart) devolution” matter?
Authors: Calzada Igor
Published: September 2017

In recent years, two apparently contradictory but, in fact, complementary socio-political phenomena have reinforced each other in the European urban realm: the re-scaling of nation-states through “devolution” and the emergence of two opposed versions of “nationalism” (that is, ethnic, non-metropolitanised, state-centric, exclusive, and right-wing populist nationalism and civic, metropolitanized, stateless, inclusive and progressivist-emancipatory-social democratic nationalism). In light of these intertwined phenomena, this article shows how an ongoing, pervasive and uneven “metropolitanisation effect” is increasingly shaping city-regional political responses by overlapping metropolitan, city-regional, and national political scales and agendas. This effect is clear in three European cases driven by “civic nationalism” that are altering their referential nation-states’ uniformity through “devolution”. This article compares three metropolitan (and city-regional) cases in the United Kingdom and in Spain, namely, Glasgow (Scotland), Barcelona (Catalonia) and Bilbao (Basque Country), by benchmarking their policy implementation and the tensions produced in reference to their nation-states. Fieldwork was conducted from January 2015 to June 2017 through in-depth interviews with stakeholders in the three locations. Despite the so-calledpluri-national and federal dilemmas, this article contributes to the examination of the side effects of “metropolitanisation” by considering three arguments based on geo-economics (“prosperous competitiveness”), geo-politics (“smart devolution”), and geo-democratics (“right to decide”). Finally, this article adds to the existing research on metropolitan and city-regional politics by demonstrating why “devolution” matters and why it must be considered seriously. The “metropolitanisation effect” is key to understanding and transforming the current configurations of nation-states, such as the United Kingdom and Spain (as we currently know them), beyond internal discord aroundpluri-nationality and quasi-federalism. This article concludes by suggesting the term “smart devolution” to promote more imaginative and entrepreneurial approaches to metropolitan and city-regional politics, policies, and experimental democracy within these nation-states. These approaches can identify and pursue “smart” avenues of timely, subtle and innovative political strategies for change in the ongoing re-scaling devolution processes occurring in the United Kingdom and in Spain and in the consequent changes in the prospects for the refoundational momentum in the EU.