bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust Adaptive Neural Network Control For A Class Of Multiple‐Input Multiple‐Output Nonlinear Time Delay System With Hysteresis Inputs And Dynamic Uncertainties
Authors: Wu Yuefei , Yue Dong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper studies an adaptive neural control for nonlinear multiple‐input multiple‐output systems with dynamic uncertainties, hysteresis input, and time delay. The studied systems are composed of N nonlinear time‐delay subsystems and the interconnection terms are contained in every equation of each subsystem. Adaptive neural control algorithms are developed by introducing a well‐defined smooth function. The unknown time‐varying delays and the unmodeled dynamics are dealt with by constructing appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions and introducing an available dynamic signal. The main advantage of the proposed controllers is that they contain fewer parameter estimates that need to be updated online. Consequently, the accuracy of ultimate tracking errors asymptotically approaches a pre‐defined bound, and all signals in the closed‐loop systems are also ensured to be uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and merits of the proposed adaptive neural network control schemes.
Intestinal secretion of indoxyl sulfate as a possible compensatory excretion pathway in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Morimoto Kaori , Tominaga Yuuta , Agatsuma Yuta , Miyamoto Masanari , Kashiwagura Shota , Takahashi Akira , Sano Yoshimi , Yano Kentaro , Kakinuma Chihaya , Ogihara Takuo , Tomita Mikio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIndoxyl sulfate (IS) is a protein‐bound uremic toxin that progressively accumulates in plasma during chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its accumulation is associated with the progression of CKD. This study examined the intestinal secretion of IS using in situ single‐pass intestinal perfusion in a rat model of renal insufficiency, MRP2‐ and BCRP‐overexpressing Sf9 membrane vesicles, and Caco‐2 cell monolayers. An in situ single‐pass perfusion study in CKD model rats demonstrated that a small amount of IS is secreted into intestinal lumen after iv administration of IS, and the clearance increased AUC‐dependently. An excess amount of IS (3 mm) partially inhibited the MRP2‐ and BCRP‐mediated uptake of specific fluorescent substrates, CDCF and Lucifer yellow, respectively, into the membrane vesicles, although IS was not taken up at a physiological concentration, 10 μm. In the Caco‐2 cell monolayers, the IS transport was higher in the absorptive direction than in the secretory direction (p < 0.05). p‐Aminohippuric acid (PAH) strongly inhibited IS transport in both directions (absorptive, p = 0.142; secretory, p < 0.01). Given that the blood IS levels are much higher than those in the intestinal lumen, it is possible that this unknown PAH‐sensitive system contributes to the intestinal IS secretion. Although in situ inhibition study is needed to confirm that this unknown transporter mediates the in vivo intestinal secretion of IS, we speculate that this unknown active efflux system works as a compensatory excretion pathway for excess organic anions such as IS especially in end‐stage renal disease.
DNA‐Binding Properties of New Fluorescent AzaHx Amides: Methoxypyridylazabenzimidazolepyrroleimidazole/pyrrole
Authors: Liu Beibei , Pett Luke , Kiakos Konstantinos , Patil Pravin C. , Satam Vijay , Hartley John A. , Lee Moses , Wilson W. David 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDNA minor groove binding polyamides have been extensively developed to control abnormal gene expression. The establishment of novel, inherently fluorescent 2‐(p‐anisyl)benzimidazole (Hx) amides has provided an alternative path for studying DNA binding in cells by direct observation of cell localization. Because of the 2:1 antiparallel stacking homodimer binding mode of these molecules to DNA, modification of Hx amides to 2‐(p‐anisyl)‐4‐azabenzimidazole (AzaHx) amides has successfully extended the DNA‐recognition repertoire from central CG [recognized by Hx‐I (I=N‐methylimidazole)] to central GC [recognized by AzaHx‐P (P=N‐methylpyrrole)] recognition. For potential targeting of two consecutive GG bases, modification of the AzaHx moiety to 2‐ and 3‐pyridyl‐aza‐benzimidazole (Pyr‐AzaHx) moieties was explored. The newly designed molecules are also small‐sized, fluorescent amides with the Pyr‐AzaHx moiety connected to two conventional five‐membered heterocycles. Complementary biophysical methods were performed to investigate the DNA‐binding properties of these molecules. The results showed that neither 3‐Pyr‐AzaHx nor 2‐Pyr‐AzaHx was able to mimic I‐I=N‐methylimidazole–N‐methylimidazole to target GG dinucleotides specifically. Rather, 3‐Pyr‐AzaHx was found to function like AzaHx, f‐I (f=formamide), or P‐I as an antiparallel stacked dimer. 3‐Pyr‐AzaHx‐PI (2) binds 5′‐ACGCGT′‐3′ with improved binding affinity and high sequence specificity in comparison to its parent molecule AzaHx‐PI (1). However, 2‐Pyr‐AzaHx is detrimental to DNA binding because of an unfavorable steric clash upon stacking in the minor groove.
Short‐Circuit Flow in Hydrocyclones with Arc‐Shaped Vortex Finders
Authors: Jiang Lanyue , Liu Peikun , Yang Xinghua , Zhang Yuekan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSeveral new arc‐shaped vortex finder structures were developed to restrain the circulation flow and reduce short‐circuit flow. These problems were investigated by conducting laboratory experiments and using a computational fluid dynamics numerical simulation method. To verify the accuracy of the numerical simulation, a type A vortex finder was employed to perform a particle image velocimetry test under identical working conditions. Then, these new structures were compared with a type O vortex finder to reveal the differences in pressure field, velocity field, and separation performance. The arc‐shaped vortex finder was able to restrain the circulation flow and reduce the maximum pressure drop at the outer wall of the vortex finder.
Dual Roles of Li3N as an Electrode Additive for Li‐Excess Layered Cathode Materials: A Li‐Ion Sacrificial Salt and Electrode‐Stabilizing Agent
Authors: Bian Xiaofei , Pang Qiang , Wei Yingjing , Zhang Dong , Gao Yu , Chen Gang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLi2CO3‐passivated Li3N with high stability is prepared by aging Li3N powder in dry air, and is then used as an electrode additive for a Li(Li0.18Ni0.15Co0.15Mn0.52)O2 (LLMO) cathode material. The material shows a large irreversible capacity of 800 mA h g−1 during the first charge, with the formation of a Li2N intermediate product. Acting as a Li+ sacrificial salt for a LLMO(+)/graphite(−) Li‐ion battery, 2 wt % Li3N results in a 10 % increase in discharge capacity. The Li2N intermediate product reacts with the electrolyte, forming a uniform and regular surface film on the cathode. Moreover, chemical bonding between LLMO and N improves the electrode stability, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance.
Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of ϵ‐RuxFe2‐xO3 Nanosize Hard Ferrite
Authors: Namai Asuka , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA new series of metal‐substituted ϵ‐iron oxides, ϵ‐RuxFe2‐xO3 (x=0 (1), 0.005 (2), and 0.014 (3)) nanoparticles (average size=20 nm) is synthesized by sintering iron oxide hydroxide with ruthenium hydroxide in a silica matrix. The samples are characterized by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) of transmission electron microscope. The X‐ray diffraction pattern shows that ϵ‐RuxFe2−xO3 has an orthorhombic crystal structure with a space group of Pna21 and the Rietveld analyses show that Ru is doped selectively at the regular octahedral C site among the four non‐equivalent Fe sites (A, B, C, and D site). Magnetization vs. temperature plots show that the Curie temperature (TC) depends on x, and TC=498 K for 1, 497 K for 2, and 496 K for 3. Magnetization vs. external magnetic field plots indicate that the coercive field (Hc) increases from 17.7 kOe (1) to 20.3 kOe (3). This increment of 15 % on Hc is attributed to the single ion anisotropy of the magnetic spin on RuIII (4d5, S=1/2).
Statistical justification of expansion cohorts in phase 1 cancer trials
Authors: Mokdad Ali A. , Xie Xian‐Jin , Zhu Hong , Gerber David E. , Heitjan Daniel F. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundPhase I cancer trials increasingly incorporate dose‐expansion cohorts (DECs), reflecting a growing demand to acquire more information about investigational drugs. Protocols commonly fail to provide a sample‐size justification or analysis plan for the DEC. In this study, we develop a statistical framework for the design of DECs.MethodsWe assume the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for the investigational drug has been identified in the dose‐escalation stage of the trial. We use the 80% lower confidence bound and the 90% upper confidence bound for the response and toxicity rates, respectively, as decision thresholds for the dose‐expansion stage. We calculate the operating characteristics with reference to prespecified minimum effective response rates and maximum safe DLT rates.ResultsWe apply our framework to specify a system of DEC plans. The design comprises three components: 1) the number of subjects enrolled at the MTD, 2) the minimum number of responses necessary to indicate provisional drug efficacy, and 3) the maximum number of dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) permitted to indicate drug safety. We demonstrate our method in an application to a cancer immunotherapy trial.ConclusionsOur simple and practical tool enables creation of DEC designs that appropriately address the safety and efficacy objectives of the trial.
Patient factors associated with sperm cryopreservation among at‐risk adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Klosky James L. , Lehmann Vicky , Flynn Jessica S. , Su Yin , Zhang Hui , Russell Kathryn M. , Schenck Lauren A.M. , Schover Leslie R. 
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUNDAlthough survivors of adolescent‐onset cancers are at risk of infertility, the majority desire children. Fertility preservation options are available for adolescents, but sperm banking remains underused. To the authors' knowledge, patient factors that influence decisions to bank sperm are poorly understood.METHODSA cross‐sectional study of 146 adolescent males who were newly diagnosed with cancer and who completed surveys within 1 week of treatment initiation was performed. Participants, 65% of whom were white, were aged 13 to 21 years (mean, 16.49 years; standard deviation, 2.02 years) and were at risk of infertility secondary to impending gonadotoxic treatment. Participating institutions included 8 leading pediatric oncology centers across the United States and Canada.RESULTSOf the patients approached, approximately 80.6% participated. Parent recommendation to bank (odds ratio [OR], 4.88; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.15‐20.71 [P = .03]), higher Tanner stage (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.60‐11.27 [P < .01]), greater perceived benefits (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.77 [P < .01]), and lower social barriers to banking (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81‐0.96 [P < .01]) were found to be associated with adolescent collection attempts, whereas meeting with a fertility specialist (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.00‐11.83 [P = .05]), parent (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.12‐8.10 [P = .03]) or provider (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.05‐6.77 [P = .04]) recommendation to bank, and greater adolescent self‐efficacy to bank (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.33 [P = .03]) were found to be associated with successful sperm banking.CONCLUSIONSAdolescents' perceived benefits of sperm banking, higher Tanner stage, and parent recommendation were associated with collection attempts, whereas perceived social barriers decreased this likelihood. Successful banking was associated with greater adolescent self‐efficacy, parent and provider recommendation to bank, and consultation with a fertility specialist. Providers should consult with both adolescents and parents regarding fertility preservation, and interventions should be tailored to address barriers to sperm banking while promoting its benefits.
High‐dose glucocorticoids for the treatment of ipilimumab‐induced hypophysitis is associated with reduced survival in patients with melanoma
Authors: Faje Alexander T. , Lawrence Donald , Flaherty Keith , Freedman Christine , Fadden Riley , Rubin Krista , Cohen Justine , Sullivan Ryan J. 
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUNDIt remains unclear whether high doses of glucocorticoids have a negative impact on the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. To control for the potential association between immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) and improved survival, this study examined a unique cohort of patients who had the same irAE treated with varying glucocorticoid doses.METHODSIn total, 98 patients with melanoma who had ipilimumab‐induced hypophysitis were identified retrospectively in the Partners Healthcare system using an automated electronic medical record query tool. Patients with melanoma who received ipilimumab at Massachusetts General Hospital without developing hypophysitis were listed in an actively maintained institutional patient database. Glucocorticoid doses for patients with hypophysitis were categorized as low dose (LD) or high dose (HD). Survival analyses were performed for patients who received ipilimumab monotherapy.RESULTSBoth overall survival (OS) and the time to treatment failure were significantly longer in the LD group compared with the HD group (hazard ratio, 0.24; P = .002 and 0.28, P = .001, respectively). Median OS and the time to treatment failure were not reached in the LD group and were 23.3 and 14.5 months, respectively, in the HD group. All patients who had hypophysitis had improved OS compared with patients who did not have hypophysitis (median, 28.2 vs 9.5 months; P = .0003). This advantage was maintained in the HD group versus the nonhypophysitis group (P = .02). Radiologic and endocrinologic outcomes and symptom resolution did not differ in the LD group versus the HD group.CONCLUSIONSAmong patients with melanoma who had ipilimumab‐induced hypophysitis, those who received higher doses of glucocorticoids had reduced survival. This is the first study to demonstrate a potential negative effect of high glucocorticoid doses on the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors after an irAE. These findings have potential implications for the management of other irAEs.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Biomass‐Derived Surfactants by Reacting Hydroxymethylfurfural, Glycerol, and Fatty Alcohols on Solid Acid Catalysts
Authors: Garcia‐Ortiz Andrea , Arias Karen S. , Climent Maria J. , Corma Avelino , Iborra Sara 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA new type of biomass‐derived non‐ionic surfactants has been obtained by reacting hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), glycerol, and fatty alcohols. For instance, 5‐(octyloxymethyl)furfural glyceryl acetal can be obtained in a one‐pot process by etherification of HMF with fatty alcohols followed by acetalization with glycerol. For a successful solid catalyst, acidity and polarity have to be optimized to improve conversion, selectivity, and catalyst deactivation owing to the different adsorption characteristics of the reactant molecules. Accordingly, Beta zeolite with a high Si/Al ratio and practically free of connectivity defects showed good results when dealing with these biomass derivatives, which include a highly polar reactant such as glycerol. The scope of the reaction is good and a variety of new stable surfactant molecules can be obtained that present hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB ) values in the range 4.9 to 6.6, which are of interest for water in oil emulsions.
A novel OTA compensation approach suitable for CT‐ΔΣ modulators
Authors: Hasanzadeh Mohammad Reza , Abrishamifar Adib 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a frequency‐compensation approach to improve the phase margin of CMOS operational‐transconductance‐amplifiers (OTAs) is discussed particularly for use in continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulators (CT‐ΔΣMs). The proposed method benefits a simple RC compensation network to provide one‐dominant pole amplifier while its linearity is improved, too. Analytical and mathematical calculations are developed at macromodel and circuit level to prove the advantage of proposed method to conventional compensation topologies. Using TSMC‐0.18 μm CMOS process, the behaviors of some OTAs are analyzed in a case study, 20‐MHz bandwidth third‐order CT‐ΔΣ modulator. Simulations show that using proposed OTA, significant improvement is achieved in the signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion‐ratio compared with the same modulator that employs other types of frequency compensation for its amplifiers.
In vitro metabolism of selected bioactive compounds of Eurycoma longifolia root extract to identify suitable markers in doping control
Authors: Bräuer Pia , Anielski Patricia , Schwaiger Stefan , Stuppner Hermann , Tran Thi Van Anh , Vollmer Günter , Zierau Oliver , Thieme Detlef , Keiler Annekathrin Martina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali, Simaroubaceae) is a medicinal plant endemic to South‐East Asia. For centuries, different parts of the plant have been used as a natural remedy to treat fever, hypertension, or sexual insufficiency. Today, Eurycoma longifolia preparations are commercially available and advertised to enhance athletic performance and muscle strength. Several studies have demonstrated a testosterone‐boosting effect that might be caused by the release of free testosterone from the sex‐hormone‐binding globulin. To date, many phytochemical constituents of Eurycoma longifolia root extracts have been identified and physiological effects have been examined, while studies on their biotransformation and monitoring are still lacking. Within this study, eurycomalide C, eurycomalactone, 5,6‐dehydro‐eurycomalactone, longilactone, 14,15β‐dihydroklaieanone, 11‐dehydroklaieanone, 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one, and 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one isolated from E. longifolia root were incubated with liver microsomes. Respective metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem (high‐resolution) mass spectrometry. The compounds were chosen based on their potential androgenic effects (estimated by in vitro assays), their concentrations in plant extracts, and presumptive metabolic pathways. Hydroxylated phase I metabolites were only observed for 5,6‐dehydro‐eurycomalactone, 11‐dehydroklaieanone, 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one, and 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one. Moreover, an O‐demethylated metabolite of 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one was found. Besides, the glucuronide of 9‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one was detected after in vitro glucuronidation using liver microsomes. The in vitro generated metabolites were comparable to that detected in urine and serum after a single ingestion of either 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one or an Eurycoma longifolia root extract. Hence, 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one, its glucuronide, and the glucuronide of its O‐demethylated biotransformation product are proposed to be the most suitable targets for detection of 9‐methoxycanthin‐6‐one or Tongkat Ali application in urine and serum.
Topography and neighborhood crowding can interact to shape species growth and distribution in a diverse Amazonian forest
Authors: Fortunel Claire , Lasky Jesse R. , Uriarte María , Valencia Renato , Wright S. Joseph , Garwood Nancy C. , Kraft Nathan J. B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAbiotic constraints and biotic interactions act simultaneously to shape communities. However, these community assembly mechanisms are often studied independently, which can limit understanding of how they interact to affect species dynamics and distributions. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian neighborhood modeling approach to quantify the simultaneous effects of topography and crowding by neighbors on the growth of 124,704 individual stems ≥1 cm DBH for 1,047 tropical tree species in a 25‐ha mapped rainforest plot in Amazonian Ecuador. We build multi‐level regression models to evaluate how four key functional traits (specific leaf area, maximum tree size, wood specific gravity and seed mass) mediate tree growth response to topography and neighborhood crowding. Tree growth is faster in valleys than on ridges and is reduced by neighborhood crowding. Topography and crowding interact to influence tree growth in ~10% of the species. Specific leaf area, maximum tree size and seed mass are associated with growth responses to topography, but not with responses to neighborhood crowding or with the interaction between topography and crowding. In sum, our study reveals that topography and neighborhood crowding each influence tree growth in tropical forests, but act largely independently in shaping species distributions. While traits were associated with species response to topography, their role in species response to neighborhood crowding was less clear, which suggests that trait effects on neighborhood dynamics may depend on the direction (negative/positive) and degree of symmetry of biotic interactions. Our study emphasizes the importance of simultaneously assessing the individual and interactive role of multiple mechanisms in shaping species dynamics in high diversity tropical systems.
Mouse models for the study of fate and function of innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Cording Sascha , Medvedovic Jasna , Lécuyer Emelyne , Aychek Tegest , Déjardin François , Eberl Gérard 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells were discovered more than 40 and 20 years ago, respectively. These two cell types were initially studied for their unique functions in the elimination of infected or transformed cells, and in the development of lymphoid tissues. It took an additional 10 years to realize that NK cells and LTi cells were members of a larger family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), whose phenotypes and functions mirror those of T cells. Many mouse models have since been developed to identify and isolate ILCs, map their developmental pathways and characterize their functions. Because of the similarity between ILCs and T cells, this exploration remains a challenge. In spite of this, a broad range of mouse models available to researchers has lead to significant progress in untangling the unique roles of ILCs early in defense, regulation of adaptive immunity and homeostasis. Here, we review these mouse models, and discuss their strengths and limitations.
Functionalized Inorganic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Separation and SERS Detection of Water Pollutants
Authors: Pinheiro Paula C. , Daniel‐da‐Silva Ana L. , Nogueira Helena I. S. , Trindade Tito 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tito Trindade from the University of Aveiro, Portugal. The cover image shows a magneto‐plasmonic nanostructure comprising magnetite and gold particles being used to capture and detect pollutants dissolved in water.