bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the dynamic behavior of a concrete arch dam by means of forced vibration tests and numerical models
Authors: Gomes Jorge P. , Lemos José V. 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThe characterization of the dynamic behavior of an arch dam, and its evolution throughout the structure's lifetime, provides important data for the safety control process. Forced vibration tests remain a reliable technique for this purpose. The Baixo Sabor dam is a 123 m high arch dam recently built in Portugal. Forced vibration tests were performed before and after the reservoir filling. Two techniques for forced vibration test are compared, discrete frequency scanning, the standard methodology, and continuous frequency scanning (sine sweep), a new proposed methodology, which allowed faster results without loss of precision. For the interpretation of test results two numerical models of the dam‐reservoir‐foundation system were built, and calibrated with the experimental data. A good match of numerical and experimental results was obtained for the six lowest frequencies and corresponding mode shapes.
River profile evolution by plucking in lithologically heterogeneous landscapes: Uniform uplift vs. tilting
Authors: Gabet Emmanuel J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecent studies provide a theoretical framework for understanding the incision of bedrock rivers by plucking. These studies motivated the development of a numerical model that simulates plucking to explore the evolution of channel profiles in lithologically diverse terrain. In the main governing equation, the incision rate is calculated as a function of the difference between the boundary shear stress and a threshold shear stress needed to entrain blocks from the bed. Because an earlier study suggested that plucking is the primary incisional process in the northern Sierra Nevada (CA), the model was calibrated to approximate the conditions in the region. The profiles of the simulated rivers are stair‐stepped, with sharp breaks‐in‐slope at lithological boundaries. This characteristic is common to rivers draining the northern Sierra Nevada, suggesting that the size of blocks available for plucking, as mediated by the fracture density, may be the primary control on their gradients. Moreover, the numerical experiments highlight the role of threshold shear stresses in the post‐orogenic persistence of steep reaches and relict terrain. Finally, comparisons of profiles evolved under tilting or uniform uplift scenarios provide insights into how these different uplift modes affect profile evolution. For example, whereas uniform uplift generates a single migrating knickpoint at the range front, multiple migrating knickpoints can form simultaneously along a river in a tilting landscape. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance‐based engineering approach to accurately determine flame propagation characteristics over exterior video cladding wall
Authors: Chen Xiaolei , Wang Frank 
Published: February 2020

SummaryA large exterior LED video cladding wall consists of pixel modules made of polymeric materials and may pose significant fire hazards to its built environment due to high combustibility. In order to accurately evaluate the fire hazards brought by this technology, it is essential to understand the realistic flame propagation characteristics, such as the vertical and lateral flame propagation rates over the exterior surface of video cladding walls. In this study, a performance‐based engineering approach using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling tool as well as small‐scale standard test data was adopted to analyze and determine the flame propagation characteristics over an exterior video cladding wall in a real‐world fire scenario. A vertical flame propagation pattern found through simulations is presented in the paper. It is also discovered that when compared with critical radiative heat flux, the ignition temperature plays a more dominant role on the flame propagation over the surface of video cladding wall. Furthermore, numerical accuracy of the simulations is discussed in this paper.
Association of serum ferritin with metabolic syndrome in eight cities in China
Authors: Wang Meichen , Zhao Ai , Szeto Ignatius Man‐Yau , Wu Wei , Ren Zhongxia , Li Ting , Feng Haotian , Wang Peiyu , Wang Yan , Zhang Yumei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the cross‐sectional association of serum ferritin (SF) and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among adults in eight cities in China.MethodsSubjects were recruited using a combination of systematic cluster random sampling and purposive sampling in eight cities in China. The sociodemographic characteristics, data of lifestyle factors, self‐reported disease history, and 24‐hr dietary intake were obtained using a validated questionnaire. Anthropometry was performed, and fasting blood was collected to test the SF, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), triglycerides (TG), and cholesterols. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations, adjusting for age, city level, smoking, drinking, weekly moderate‐to‐vigorous activity, dietary factors, hs‐CRP, and BMI.ResultsSerum ferritin level is positively correlated with total cholesterol, TG, FBG, HOMA‐IR, and hs‐CRP after adjusting for age and BMI. The odds ratio (OR) for MetS in the highest quartile of SF was 2.23 (1.32, 3.77) after adjusting for men, compared with the lowest quartile. An elevated ferritin concentration was significantly related to hypertriglyceridemia (p < .001) and elevated glucose (p = .013) among men, but not among women. Furthermore, compared with Q1, the OR for insulin resistance in the ferritin Q4 group was 3.08 (1.50, 6.32) among men and 1.96 (1.19, 3.24) among women.ConclusionA positive association between elevated SF and MetS and its components including hypertriglyceridemia and elevated glucose was found in multivariate analyses among men, and SF levels are independently associated with IR.
Detection of milk powder in liquid whole milk using hydrolyzed peptide and intact protein mass spectral fingerprints coupled with data fusion technologies
Authors: Du Lijuan , Lu Weiying , Zhang Yaqiong , Gao Boyan , Yu Liangli 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDetection of the presence of milk powder in liquid whole milk is challenging due to their similar chemical components. In this study, a sensitive and robust approach has been developed and tested for potential utilization in discriminating adulterated milk from liquid whole milk by analyzing the intact protein and hydrolyzed peptide using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS) fingerprints combined with data fusion. Two different datasets from intact protein and peptide fingerprints were fused to improve the discriminating ability of principle component analysis (PCA). Furthermore, the midlevel data fusion coupled with PCA could completely distinguish liquid whole milk from the milk. The limit of detection of milk powder in liquid whole milk was 0.5% (based on the total protein equivalence). These results suggested that fused data from intact protein and peptide fingerprints created greater synergic effect in detecting milk quality, and the combination of data fusion and PCA analysis could be used for the detection of adulterated milk.
Volatility as an asset class: Holding VIX in a portfolio
Authors: Doran James S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHedging market downturns without sacrificing upside has long been sought by investors. If VIX was directly investable, adding it as a hedge to the S&P 500 would result in significantly improved performance over the equity only portfolio. However, tradable VIX products do not provide the hedge or returns investors seek over long‐term horizons. Alternatively, deconstructing VIX to find the key S&P 500 options which drive VIX movements leads to a synthetic VIX portfolio that provides a more effective hedge. Using these options captures correlations and returns similar to VIX, and combined with the S&P 500, outperforms the buy‐and‐hold index portfolio.
The determinants of price discovery on bitcoin markets
Authors: Entrop Oliver , Frijns Bart , Seruset Marco 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates whether market quality, uncertainty, investor sentiment and attention, and macroeconomic news affect bitcoin price discovery in spot and futures markets. Over the period December 2017–March 2019, we find significant time variation in the contribution to price discovery of the two markets. Increases in price discovery are mainly driven by relative trading costs and volume, and uncertainty to a lesser extent. Additionally, medium‐sized trades contain most information in terms of price discovery. Finally, higher news‐based bitcoin sentiment increases the informational role of the futures market, while attention and macroeconomic news have no impact on price discovery.
Genome‐wide characterization of 5‐hydoxymethylcytosine in melanoma reveals major differences with nevus
Authors: Salgado Catarina , Oosting Jan , Janssen Bart , Kumar Rajiv , Gruis Nelleke , van Doorn Remco 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMelanoma demonstrates altered patterns of DNA methylation that are associated with genetic instability and transcriptional repression of numerous genes. Active DNA demethylation is mediated by TET enzymes that catalyze conversion of 5‐methylcytosine (mC) to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC). Loss of hmC occurs in melanoma and correlates with disease progression. Here we analyzed the genomic distribution of hmC along with mC in nevus and melanoma using oxidative bisulfite chemistry combined with high‐density arrays. HmC was enriched relative to mC at enhancers, 5′UTR regions and CpG shores in nevus and melanoma samples, pointing to specific TET enzyme activity. The proportion of interrogated CpG sites with high hmC levels was lower in melanoma (0.54%) than in nevus (2.0%). Depletion of hmC in melanoma was evident across all chromosomes and intragenic regions, being more pronounced in metastatic than in non‐metastatic tumors. The patterns of hmC distribution in melanoma samples differed significantly from those in nevus samples, exceeding differences in mC patterns. We identified specific CpG sites and regions with significantly lower hmC levels in melanoma than in nevus that might serve as diagnostic markers. Differentially hydroxymethylated regions localized to cancer‐related genes, including the PTEN gene promoter, suggesting that deregulated DNA hydroxymethylation may contribute to melanoma pathogenesis.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Demonstrates Heterogeneous Growth Patterns in a Multicenter Cohort of Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Rich Nicole E. , John Binu V. , Parikh Neehar D. , Rowe Ian , Mehta Neil , Khatri Gaurav , Thomas Smitha M. , Anis Munazza , Mendiratta‐Lala Mishal , Hernandez Christopher , Odewole Mobolaji , Sundaram Latha T. , Konjeti Venkata R. , Shetty Shishir , Shah Tahir , Zhu Hao , Yopp Adam C. , Hoshida Yujin , Yao Francis Y. , Marrero Jorge A. , Singal Amit G. 
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims
There are limited data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth patterns, particularly in Western cohorts, despite implications for surveillance, prognosis, and treatment. Our study’s aim was to quantify tumor doubling time (TDT) and identify correlates associated with indolent and rapid growth.

Approach and Results
We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with cirrhosis diagnosed with HCC from 2008 to 2017 at six US and European health systems with two or more contrast‐enhanced imaging studies performed ≥ 30 days apart prior to HCC treatment. Radiologists independently measured tumors in three dimensions to calculate TDT and specific growth rate (SGR). We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression to identify factors associated with indolent (TDT > 365 days) and rapid (TDT < 90 days) tumor growth. In the primary cohort (n = 242 patients from four centers), median TDT was 229 days (interquartile range [IQR], 89‐627) and median SGR was 0.3% per day (IQR, 0.1%‐0.8%). Over one‐third (38%) of HCCs had indolent growth, 36.8% intermediate growth, and 25.2% rapid growth. In multivariable analysis, indolent growth was associated with larger tumor diameter (odds ratio [OR], 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.30) and alpha‐fetoprotein < 20 ng/mL (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12‐3.21). Indolent growth was more common in nonviral than viral cirrhosis (50.9% versus 32.1%), particularly in patients with T1 HCC (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.08‐10.80). Median TDT (169 days; IQR 74‐408 days) and SGR (0.4% per day) were similar in an independent cohort (n = 176 patients from two centers).

Conclusions
In a large Western cohort of patients with HCC, we found heterogeneous tumor growth patterns, with one‐fourth exhibiting rapid growth and over one‐third having indolent growth. Better understanding different tumor growth patterns may facilitate a precision approach to prognostication and treatment.
Diagnosis efficacy of CEUS for hepatic inflammatory lesions
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Qin Xiachuan , Chen Shaoxian , Liu Xuebin , Gu Peng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeIn this study, the efficacy of US/CEUS and clinicopathologic parameters in differential diagnosis of hepatic inflammatory lesions were evaluated.MethodsThis was a retrospective study in which CEUS imaging was performed on 182 patients. Among these patients, 44 patients had hepatic inflammatory lesions and 138 patients had malignant lesions. The ultrasound (US), CEUS, and clinicopathologic parameters with respect to differential diagnosis of hepatic inflammatory lesions were analyzed.ResultsIrregular lesion shape and unclear margin were commonly seen in hepatic inflammatory lesions by US/CEUS examination. Hypoenhancement in arterial phase (AP) and portal venous phase (PVP), and isoenhancement in delayed phase (DP) were more commonly found in inflammatory lesions rather than malignant lesions [9% (4/44), 68% (30/44), and 16% (7/44) vs 2% (3/138), 11% (15/138), 1% (1/138), respectively; P < .05]. The enhancement coverage was also a significant indicator for the differentiation of inflammatory lesions and malignant lesions (P < .05). History of hepatitis or cirrhosis, and higher serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level were indicators for malignant lesions, while liver parasites and higher body temperature were indicators for inflammatory lesions. When the US/CEUS findings were combined with clinicopathologic parameters, the diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory lesions could reach 93.3%, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 63.64%, 96.03%, 84.85%, and 88.32%, respectively.ConclusionThe US/CEUS findings combined with clinical characteristics can accurately differentiate hepatic inflammatory lesions and malignant lesions. The results of study will improve the diagnostic confidence for hepatic inflammatory lesions.
Follistatin‐like 1: A dual regulator that promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis
Authors: Hu Siyuan , Liu Hua , Hu Zhixi , Li Lin , Yang Yi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFollistatin‐like 1 (FSTL1) is a key factor in maintaining cardiac growth and development. It can be activated by exercise training and has a dual role in promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis, but its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. To elucidate the dual mechanism and target of FSTL1 regulating of cardiomyocyte proliferation and myocardial fibrosis, and the mechanism by which exercise‐regulated FSTL1 improves cardiovascular disease, we explored the signal transduction pathway of FSTL1 promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis, and compared the effects of different modes of exercise on the dual role of FSTL1. We believe that the dual role of promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation and fibrosis may be related to the ratio of cardiomyocyte and myocardial interstitial cell proliferation, different stages of the disease, different degrees of fibrosis, immune repair process, and transforming growth factor‐β activation. Compared with long‐term excessive endurance exercise, moderate resistance exercise can activate cardiomyocyte proliferation pathway through FSTL1, which is one of the effective ways to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion is modulated by macrophage‐stimulating 1 through the MAPK‐ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Dingzhou , Zhang Mingming , Min Liu , Jiang Kaiyuan , Jiang Yugang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCerebral ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury is associated with mitochondrial damage. Macrophage‐stimulating 1 (MST1) reportedly stimulates mitochondrial apoptosis by suppressing BCL‐2. We investigated whether MST1 promotes the progression of cerebral IR injury by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Western blot analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and mitochondrial function assays were conducted in cells from wild‐type and Mst1‐knockout mice subjected to cerebral IR injury. MST1 expression in wild‐type glial cells increased following cerebral IR injury. Cerebral IR injury reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial metabolism in glial cells, while it enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial calcium levels in these cells. The deletion of Mst1 attenuated cerebral IR injury by improving mitochondrial function and reducing mitochondrial damage. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway was suppressed in wild‐type glial cell upon cerebral IR injury but was reactivated in Mst1‐knockout glial cell. Accordingly, blocking the MAPK/ERK pathway abolished the beneficial effects of Mst1 deletion during cerebral IR injury by inducing mitochondrial damage in glial cells. Our results suggest that cerebral IR injury is associated with MST1 upregulation in the brain, while the genetic ablation of Mst1 can attenuate mitochondrial damage and sustain brain function following cerebral IR injury.
RNA m6A methylation regulates uveal melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting c‐Met
Authors: Luo Guangying , Xu Weiwei , Zhao Yunping , Jin Shanshan , Wang Siqi , Liu Qi , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Jiao , Dong Feng , Hu Dan‐Ning , Reinach Peter S. , Yan Dongsheng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is a novel epitranscriptomic marker that contributes to regulating diverse biological processes through controlling messenger RNA metabolism. However, it is unknown if m6A RNA methylation affects uveal melanoma (UM) development. To address this question, we probed its function and molecular mechanism in UM. Initially, we demonstrated that global RNA m6A methylation levels were dramatically elevated in both UM cell lines and clinical specimens. Meanwhile, we found that METTL3, a main m6A regulatory enzyme, was significantly increased in UM cells and specimens. Subsequently, cycloleucine (Cyc) or METTL3 targeted small interfering RNA was used to block m6A methylation in UM cells. We found that Cyc or silencing METTL3 significantly suppressed UM cell proliferation and colony formation through cell cycle G1 arrest, as well as migration and invasion by functional analysis. On the other hand, overexpression of METTL3 had the opposite effects. Furthermore, bioinformatics and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction identified c‐Met as a direct target of m6A methylation in UM cells. In addition, western blot analysis showed that Cyc or knockdown of METTL3 downregulated c‐Met, p‐Akt, and cell cycle‐related protein levels in UM cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that METTL3‐mediated m6A RNA methylation modulates UM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting c‐Met. Such a modification acts as a critical oncogenic regulator in UM development.
A glimpse into molecular mechanisms of embryonic stem cells pluripotency: Current status and future perspective
Authors: Fathi Maroufi Nazila , Hasegawa Kouichi , Vahedian Vahid , Nazari Soltan Ahmad Saeed , Zarebkohan Amir , Miresmaeili Mazrakhondi Seyed Ali , Hosseini Vahid , Rahbarghazi Reza 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEmbryonic stem cells have potential differentiation ability into a large variety of cell lineages and proved to be an effective therapeutic modality. However, prolonged in vitro and ex‐vivo expansions impair embryonic stem cells multipotentiality, and thereby limit their clinical application. In the past few years, research collected attempts to explore new insights into the molecular mechanisms participate in the stemness capacity of embryonic stem cells. Along with these comments, modalities and strategies with the potential to maintain embryonic stem cells multipotentiality are of great interest. In this review, the authors attempted to discuss the pathways participating in the preservation of embryonic stem cells multipotentiality and emphasized the novel strategies that help to harness regenerative potential.
TCP11L2 promotes bovine skeletal muscle‐derived satellite cell migration and differentiation via FMNL2
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Zhiqi , Tong Huili , Li Shufeng , Yan Yunqin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractT‐complex 11 like 2 (TCP11L2) is a protein containing a serine‐rich region in its N‐terminal region. However, the function of TCP11L2 is unclear. Here, we showed that TCP11L2 expression gradually increased during muscle‐derived satellite cell (MDSC) differentiation in vitro, reaching a peak on Day 3, which is the migration and fusion stage of MDSCs. Using CRISPR/dCas9 gene‐editing technology to elevate or repress the expression of TCP11L2, we also showed that TCP11L2 promoted MDSC differentiation. Moreover, wound‐healing assays showed that TCP11L2 promoted the migration of MDSCs during differentiation. Additionally, immunofluorescence analyses showed that TCP11L2 was mainly distributed around the microfilament and microtubules. Furthermore, the expression of TCP11L2 affected the expression of actin‐related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) complex. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays and immunofluorescence analysis showed that TCP11L2 interacted with formin‐like 2 (FMNL2). This protein promoted migration of bovine MDSCs by affecting the expression of ARP2/3. Finally, the activities of TCP11L2 during MDSC differentiation and migration were blocked when FMNL2 was inhibited. Taken together, our data established that TCP11L2 interacted with FMNL2 to promote MDSC migration and differentiation.