bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feedback linearization and backstepping: an equivalence in control design of strict-feedback form
Authors: Tran Thanh T 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This paper investigates an equivalence between feedback linearization and backstepping control. Implications from equivalence are that stability and performance properties of one method are the same for another method. Thus, a property known to exist only for one method could be used to prove property also holds for another. Also, a suspected advantage of one method over the other could be proven to be a false conjecture. Control laws in both approaches are achieved by coordinate transformations and non-linear feedbacks. Further, resulting non-linear feedback control law achieved by feedback linearization method matches exactly with non-linear controller achieved by the backstepping control design. This equivalence is a general analytical match within the specific class of non-linear dynamic systems under investigation. Demonstrations are considered and validated via flight control of longitudinal dynamics of a high performance aircraft simulation model. Algorithms are tested and evaluated with analytical models and non-linear closed-loop simulation.
Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may be helpful in managing long-term treatment with linezolid safely: findings from a monocentric, prospective, open-label, interventional study
Authors: Cojutti Pier Giorgio , Merelli Maria , Bassetti Matteo , Pea Federico 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThrombocytopenia may be a dose-dependent adverse effect of linezolid therapy.ObjectivesTo assess whether proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could be helpful in preventing and/or in recovering from the occurrence of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia during long-term treatment.MethodsThis was a monocentric, prospective, open-label, interventional study conducted between June 2015 and December 2017 among adult patients receiving >10 days of linezolid therapy and undergoing proactive TDM (desired trough level 2–8 mg/L) and platelet count assessment at day 3–5 and then once weekly up to the end of treatment.ResultsSixty-one patients were included. Twenty-eight (45.9%) always had desired trough level (group A) and 33 (54.1%) experienced linezolid overexposure (group B) [29/33 transiently (subgroup B1) and 4/33 persistently (subgroup B2)]. No patient experienced linezolid underexposure. Median duration of treatment for the different groups ranged between 19 and 54 days. Thrombocytopenia occurred overall in 14.8% of cases (9/61). The incidence rate of thrombocytopenia was significantly lower (P=0.012) in both group A (10.7%; 3/28) and subgroup B1 (10.3%; 3/29) than in subgroup B2 (75.0%; 3/4). Thrombocytopenic patients belonging to both group A and group B1 recovered from thrombocytopenia without the need for discontinuing therapy. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia was independently associated with baseline platelet count and with median linezolid trough concentrations.ConclusionsProactive TDM of linezolid may be beneficial either in preventing or in recovering from dose-dependent thrombocytopenia, even when treatment lasts for more than 28 days. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Tannin-containing legumes and forage diversity influence foraging behavior, diet digestibility, and nitrogen excretion by lambs1,2
Authors: Lagrange Sebastian , Villalba Juan J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Diverse combinations of forages with different nutrient profiles and plant secondary compounds may improve intake and nutrient utilization by ruminants. We tested the influence of diverse dietary combinations of tannin- (sainfoin-Onobrichis viciifolia; birdsfoot trefoil-Lotus corniculatus) and non-tannin- (alfalfa-Medicago sativa L.) containing legumes on intake and diet digestibility in lambs. Freshly cut birdsfoot trefoil, alfalfa, and sainfoin were offered in ad libitum amounts to 42 lambs in individual pens assigned to 7 treatments (6 animals/treatment): 1) single forage species (sainfoin [SF], birdsfoot trefoil [BFT], and alfalfa [ALF]), 2) all possible 2-way choices of the 3 forage species (alfalfa-sainfoin [ALF-SF], alfalfa-birdsfoot trefoil [ALF-BFT], and sainfoin-birdsfoot trefoil [SF-BFT]), or 3) a choice of all 3 forages (alfalfa-sainfoin-birdsfoot trefoil [ALF-SF-BFT]). Dry matter intake (DMI) was greater in ALF than in BFT (P = 0.002), and DMI in SF tended to be greater than in BFT (P = 0.053). However, when alfalfa was offered in a choice with either of the tannin-containing legumes (ALF-SF; ALF-BFT), DMI did not differ from ALF, whereas DMI in SF-BFT did not differ from SF (P &gt; 0.10). When lambs were allowed to choose between 2 or 3 legume species, DMI was greater (36.6 vs. 33.2 g/kg BW; P = 0.038) or tended to be greater (37.4 vs. 33.2 g/kg BW; P = 0.067) than when lambs were fed single species, respectively. Intake did not differ between 2- or 3-way choice treatments (P = 0.723). Lambs preferred alfalfa over the tannin-containing legumes in a 70:30 ratio for 2-way choices, and alfalfa &gt; sainfoin &gt; birdsfoot trefoil in a 53:33:14 ratio for the 3-way choice. In vivo digestibility (DMD) was SF &gt; BFT (72.0% vs. 67.7%; P = 0.012) and DMD in BFT tended to be greater than in ALF (64.6%; P = 0.061). Nevertheless, when alfalfa was offered in a choice with either sainfoin or birdsfoot trefoil (ALF-SF; ALF-BFT), DMD was greater than ALF (P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively), suggesting positive associative effects. The SF treatment had lower blood urea nitrogen and greater fecal N/N intake ratios than the ALF, BFT, or ALF-BFT treatments (P &lt; 0.05), implying a shift in the site of N excretion from urine to feces. In conclusion, offering diverse combinations of legumes to sheep enhanced intake and diet digestibility relative to feeding single species, while allowing for the incorporation of beneficial bioactive compounds like condensed tannins into the diet.
Persulphide-responsive transcriptional regulation and metabolism in bacteria
Authors: Shimizu Takayuki , Masuda Shinji 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHydrogen sulphide (H2S) impacts on bacterial growth both positively and negatively; it is utilized as an electron donor for photosynthesis and respiration, and it inactivates terminal oxidases and iron-sulphur clusters. Therefore, bacteria have evolved H2S-responsive detoxification mechanisms for survival. Sulphur assimilation in bacteria has been well studied, and sulphide:quinone oxidoreductase, persulphide dioxygenase, rhodanese and sulphite oxidase were reported as major sulphide-oxidizing enzymes of sulphide assimilation and detoxification pathways. However, how bacteria sense sulphide availability to control H2S and sulphide metabolism remains largely unknown. Recent studies have identified several bacterial (per)sulphide-sensitive transcription factors that change DNA-binding affinity through persulphidation of specific cysteine residues in response to highly reactive sulphur-containing chemicals and reactive sulphur species (RSS). This review focuses on current understanding of the persulphide-responsive transcription factors and RSS metabolism regulated by RSS sensory proteins.
Sunitinib versus sorafenib for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma with renal impairment before the immune-oncology therapy era
Authors: Takayama Tatsuya , Kubo Taro , Yamazaki Masahiro , Takeshima Saki , Komatsubara Maiko , Kameda Tomohiro , Kamei Jun , Sugihara Toru , Fujisaki Akira , Ando Satoshi , Kurokawa Shinsuke , Fujimura Tetsuya 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objectives
The efficacy and safety of sunitinib versus sorafenib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma with renal impairment remains poorly documented.

Patients and methods
We assessed the efficacy and safety of sunitinib and sorafenib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15–60 mL/min/1.73 m2 by reviewing the medical records of patients treated at Jichi Medical University Hospital, Japan, between May 2008 and August 2016.

Results
Twenty-seven patients were treated with sunitinib and 14 with sorafenib. Median progression-free survival in sunitinib- and sorafenib-treated patients was comparable, at 6.6 vs 5.8 months, respectively (HR, 1.618; 95% CI, 0.689–3.798; P = 0.2691). Median overall survival was also comparable, at 65.9 vs 58.0 months (HR, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.389–2.479; P = 0.9748). Grade 3 or higher adverse events were significantly more frequent in the sunitinib-treated than sorafenib-treated patients (P = 0.0357). Compared to pre-treatment values, estimated glomerular filtration rate at the discontinuation of treatment was not decreased in either group. In contrast, estimated glomerular filtration rate was decreased on long-term treatment, particularly in previously nephrectomized patients.

Conclusions
Sunitinib and sorafenib had similar efficacy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and severe renal impairment. Although renal function was not markedly impaired in either group, close attention to decreased renal function may be necessary in previously nephrectomized patients on long-term treatment.
A posterior approach for curettage in giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal fibula
Authors: Sakamoto Akio , Okamoto Takeshi , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive tumor. En bloc resection to reduce the recurrence rate has a high risk of peroneal nerve paralysis and knee instability associated with collateral ligament resection. In the current report, the posterior approach to curettage is introduced in a 55-year-old male with GCTB in the proximal fibula. The approach makes a wide operative field for curettage of GCTB in the proximal fibula without dissecting the peroneal nerve. The approach would prevent postoperative peroneal nerve palsy and knee instability and possibly reduce recurrences.
Quantifying the power spectrum of small-scale structure in semi-analytic galaxies
Authors: Brennan Sean , Benson Andrew J , Cyr-Racine Francis-Yan , Keeton Charles R , Moustakas Leonidas A , Pullen Anthony R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In the cold dark matter (CDM) picture of structure formation, galaxy mass distributions are predicted to have a considerable amount of structure on small scales. Strong gravitational lensing has proven to be a useful tool for studying this small-scale structure. Much of the attention has been given to detecting individual dark matter subhaloes through lens modelling, but recent work has suggested that the full population of subhaloes could be probed using a power spectrum analysis. In this paper, we quantify the power spectrum of small-scale structure in simulated galaxies, with the goal of understanding theoretical predictions and setting the stage for using measurements of the power spectrum to test dark matter models. We use a sample of simulated galaxies generated from the galacticus semi-analytic model to determine the power spectrum distribution first in the CDM paradigm and then in a warm dark matter scenario. We find that a measurement of the slope and amplitude of the power spectrum on galaxy strong lensing scales (k ∼ 1 kpc−1) could be used to distinguish between CDM and alternate dark matter models, especially if the most massive subhaloes can be directly detected via gravitational imaging.
Evolution of star formation rate–density relation over cosmic time in a simulated universe: the observed reversal reproduced
Authors: Hwang Ho Seong , Shin Jihye , Song Hyunmi 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
We use the IllustrisTNG cosmological hydrodynamical simulation to study the evolution of star formation rate (SFR)–density relation over cosmic time. We construct several samples of galaxies at different redshifts from z = 2.0 to z = 0.0, which have the same comoving number density. The SFR of galaxies decreases with local density at z = 0.0, but its dependence on local density becomes weaker with redshift. At z ≳ 1.0, the SFR of galaxies increases with local density (reversal of the SFR–density relation), and its dependence becomes stronger with redshift. This change of SFR–density relation with redshift still remains even when fixing the stellar masses of galaxies. The dependence of SFR on the distance to a galaxy cluster also shows a change with redshift in a way similar to the case based on local density, but the reversal happens at a higher redshift, z ∼ 1.5, in clusters. On the other hand, the molecular gas fraction always decreases with local density regardless of redshift at z = 0.0–2.0 even though the dependence becomes weaker when we fix the stellar mass. Our study demonstrates that the observed reversal of the SFR–density relation at z ≳ 1.0 can be successfully reproduced in cosmological simulations. Our results are consistent with the idea that massive, star-forming galaxies are strongly clustered at high redshifts, forming larger structures. These galaxies then consume their gas faster than those in low-density regions through frequent interactions with other galaxies, ending up being quiescent in the local universe.
A variable-frequency HFQPO in GRS 1915+105 as observed with AstroSat
Authors: Belloni Tomaso M , Bhattacharya Dipankar , Caccese Pietro , Bhalerao Varun , Vadawale Santosh , Yadav J S 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
From the analysis of more than 92 ks of data obtained with the Large Area X-Ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) instrument onboard AstroSat we have detected a clear high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillation (HFQPO) whose frequency varies between 67.4 and 72.3 Hz. In the classification of variability classes of GRS 1915+105, at the start of the observation period the source was in class ω and at the end the variability was that of class μ: both classes are characterized by the absence of hard intervals and correspond to disc-dominated spectra. After normalization to take into account time variations of the spectral properties as measured by X-ray hardness, the QPO centroid frequency is observed to vary along the hardness–intensity diagram, increasing with hardness. We also measure phase lags that indicate that HFQPO variability at high energies lags that at lower energies and detect systematic variations with the position on the hardness–intensity diagram. This is the first time that (small) variations of the HFQPO frequency and lags are observed to correlate with other properties of the source. We discuss the results in the framework of existing models, although the small (7 per cent) variability observed is too small to draw firm conclusions.
A common origin for the circumnuclear disc and the nearby molecular clouds in the Galactic Centre
Authors: Ballone Alessandro , Mapelli Michela , Trani Alessandro Alberto 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
The origin of the molecular clouds orbiting SgrA* is one of the most debated questions about our Galactic Centre. Here, we present the hydrodynamic simulation of a molecular cloud infalling towards SgrA*, performed with the adaptive-mesh-refinement code ramses. Through such simulation, we propose that the circumnuclear disc and the +20 km s−1 cloud originated from the same tidal disruption episode, occurred less than 1 Myr ago. We also show that recent star formation is to be expected in the +20 km s−1 cloud, as also suggested by recent observations.
Cosmological constraints from Planck galaxy clusters with CMB lensing mass bias calibration
Authors: Zubeldia Íñigo , Challinor Anthony 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
We present a new cosmological analysis of the galaxy clusters in the Planck MMF3 cosmology sample with a cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing calibration of the cluster masses. As demonstrated by Planck, galaxy clusters detected via the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) effect offer a powerful way to constrain cosmological parameters such as Ωm and σ8. Determining the absolute cluster mass scale is, however, difficult, and some recent calibrations have yielded cosmological constraints in apparent tension with constraints in the ΛCDM model derived from the power spectra of the primary CMB anisotropies. In order to calibrate the absolute mass scale of the full Planck cluster sample, we remeasure the masses of all 433 clusters through their weak lensing signature in the CMB temperature anisotropies as measured by Planck. We perform a joint Bayesian analysis of the cluster counts and masses taking as input the estimated cluster masses, SZ signal-to-noise ratios, and redshifts. Our analysis properly accounts for selection effects in the construction of the cluster sample. We find σ8(Ωm/0.33)0.25 = 0.765 ± 0.035 and $1-b_{\rm {SZ}} = 0.71 \pm 0.10$, where the mass bias factor $1-b_{\rm {SZ}}$ relates cluster mass to the SZ mass that appears in the X-ray-calibrated cluster scaling relations. We find no evidence for tension with the Planck primary CMB constraints on ΛCDM model parameters.
Galaxy structural analysis with the curvature of the brightness profile
Authors: Lucatelli Geferson , Ferrari Fabricio 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In this work, we introduce the curvature of a galaxy brightness profile to identify its structural subcomponents in a non-parametrically fashion. Bulges, bars, discs, lens, rings, and spiral arms are key to understand the formation and evolution path the galaxy undertook. Identifying them is also crucial for morphological classification of galaxies. We measure and analyse in detail the curvature of 14 galaxies with varied morphology. High (low) steepness profiles show high (low) curvature measures. Transitions between components are identified as local peaks oscillations in the values of the curvature. We identify patterns that characterize bulges (pseudo or classic), discs, bars, and rings. This method can be automated to identify galaxy components in large data sets or to provide a reliable starting point for traditional multicomponent modelling of galaxy light distribution.
On the cosmological evolution of long gamma-ray burst properties
Authors: Lloyd-Ronning Nicole M , Aykutalp Aycin , Johnson Jarrett L 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
We examine the relationship between a number of long gamma-ray burst (lGRB) properties (isotropic emitted energy, luminosity, intrinsic duration, jet opening angle) and redshift. We find that even when accounting for conservative detector flux limits, there appears to be a significant correlation between isotropic equivalent energy and redshift, suggesting cosmological evolution of the lGRB progenitor. Analysing a sub-sample of lGRBs with jet opening angle estimates, we find the beaming-corrected lGRB emitted energy does not correlate with redshift, but jet opening angle does. Additionally, we find a statistically significant anticorrelation between the intrinsic prompt duration and redshift, even when accounting for potential selection effects. We also find that, for a given redshift, isotropic energy is positively correlated with intrinsic prompt duration. None of these GRB properties appear to be correlated with galactic offset. From our selection-effect-corrected redshift distribution, we estimate a co-moving rate density for lGRBs, and compare this to the global cosmic star formation rate (SFR). We find the lGRB rate mildly exceeds the global star formation rate between a redshift of 3 and 5, and declines rapidly at redshifts above this (although we cannot constrain the lGRB rate above a redshift of about 6 due to sample incompleteness). We find the lGRB rate diverges significantly from the SFR at lower redshifts. We discuss both the correlations and lGRB rate density in terms of various lGRB progenitor models and their apparent preference for low-metallicity environments.
Sensitivity of temporal artery biopsy in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rubenstein Emma , Maldini Carla , Gonzalez-Chiappe Solange , Chevret Sylvie , Mahr Alfred 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is a reference test for the diagnosis of GCA but reveals inflammatory changes only in a subset of patients. The lack of knowledge of TAB sensitivity hampers comparisons with non-invasive techniques such as temporal artery ultrasonography. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to estimate the sensitivity of TAB in GCA and to identify factors that may influence the estimate.

Methods
A systematic literature review involved searching electronic databases and cross-references. Eligibility criteria included publications reporting at least 30 GCA cases fulfilling the original or modified 1990 ACR classification criteria. The pooled proportion of TAB-positive GCA cases was calculated by using aggregated-data meta-analysis with a random-effects model and assessment of heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to examine the effect of patient and study characteristics on TAB positivity.

Results
Among 3820 publications screened, 32 studies (3092 patients) published during 1993–2017 were analysed. The pooled proportion of TAB-positive GCA cases was 77.3% (95% CI: 71.8, 81.9%), with high between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 90%). The proportion of TAB-positive cases was slightly higher in publications before than in 2012 and after (P = 0.001).

Conclusion
The estimated sensitivity of 77% provides indirect evidence that TAB is not less sensitive than temporal artery imaging. The unexplained high between-study heterogeneity could result from differences in TAB sampling, processing or interpretation. The decrease in TAB-positive GCA cases over time could reflect an increasing propensity for clinicians to accept a GCA diagnosis without proof by TAB.
Induction of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Activity and Consequent Pro-oxidant Reactions in Human Macrophages Exposed to Crocidolite Asbestos
Authors: Corti Alessandro , Bonetti Justine , Dominici Silvia , Piaggi Simona , Fierabracci Vanna , Foddis Rudy , Pompella Alfonso 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAsbestos is the main causative agent of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The variety known as crocidolite (blue asbestos) owns the highest pathogenic potential, due to the dimensions of its fibers as well as to its content of iron. The latter can in fact react with macrophage-derived hydrogen peroxide in the so called Fenton reaction, giving rise to highly reactive and mutagenic hydroxyl radical. On the other hand, hydroxyl radical can as well originate after thiol-dependent reduction of iron, a process capable of starting its redox cycling. Previous studies showed that glutathione (GSH) is one such thiol, and that cellular gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) can efficiently potentiate GSH-dependent iron redox cycling and consequent oxidative stress. As GGT is expressed in macrophages and is released upon their activation, the present study was aimed at verifying the hypothesis that GSH/GGT-dependent redox reactions may participate in the oxidative stress following the activation of macrophages induced by crocidolite asbestos. Experiments in acellular systems confirmed that GGT-mediated metabolism of GSH can potentiate crocidolite-dependent production of superoxide anion, through the production of highly reactive dipeptide thiol cysteinyl-glycine. Cultured THP-1 macrophagic cells, as well as isolated monocytes obtained from healthy donors and differentiated to macrophages in vitro, were investigated as to their expression of GGT and the effects of exposure to crocidolite. The results show that crocidolite asbestos at subtoxic concentrations (50–250 ng/1000 cells) can upregulate GGT expression, which raises the possibility that macrophage-initiated, GSH/GGT-dependent pro-oxidant reactions may participate in the pathogenesis of tissue damage and inflammation consequent to crocidolite intoxication.