bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Wiener models for dynamic and steady‐state performance with application to solid oxide fuel cell
Authors: Ławryńczuk Maciej 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis work is concerned with identification of Wiener models (a linear dynamic part connected in series with a nonlinear dynamic one). A neural network with one hidden layer is used as the nonlinear block of the model, two network configurations are considered. For model identification three algorithms are described. In the first case model accuracy only in transient conditions is considered, only the dynamic data is used for model training. In the next two algorithms model accuracy in both transient and steady‐state conditions is considered, dynamic and steady‐state data sets are used. The steady‐state model errors are taken into account by an additional term in the minimized cost‐function or by additional inequality constraints. For comparison of discussed algorithms and model structures, identification of a Wiener model of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) process is considered. It is shown that the best results are obtained by the algorithm 2 which minimizes at the same time both dynamic and steady‐state model errors, additional constraints used in the algorithm 3 are computationally quite demanding.
Zone model predictive control for pressure management of water distribution network
Authors: Liu Dongming , Zheng Yi , Wu Jing , Li Shaoyuan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn the water distribution network (WDN), although the water demand of the node is changing constantly, the water quantity and water pressure of the node need to be met at each moment. To realize energy saving and consumption reduction, it is proposed to control the nodal water head of WDN in an appropriate narrow range. The frequent large fluctuation of the water demand, which may lead the water pressure exceed the expected range, increases the difficulty of the zone control. To realize optimized WND control, a novel zone predictive control is proposed, where two switching cases are considered. The switching condition is whether there are feasible solutions to keep the pressure within the expected region over the prediction horizon. When the condition is satisfied, the controller minimizes the variation of inputs with constraints of pressure range for ensuring the tank level staying within the expected zone and obtaining optimal economic cost. When the current pressure is out of the expected region or the condition is not satisfied due to the large variation of water demand, a reference trajectory of outputs is introduced, which is combined with the inputs as an optimization variable, and the constraints of expected zone are moved from the output to the introduced reference trajectory. Through minimizing the distance between reference trajectory and output, the controller will keep the tank level from deviating too far from the expected zone and will drive the tank level rapidly into the expected zone once the tank level exceeds the expected range. An application of the proposed zone MPC to WDN in Shinan District of Shanghai is given to illustrate its effectiveness.
Total cloud cover climatology over the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Yousef Latifa A. , Temimi Marouane , Wehbe Youssef , Al Mandous Abdulla 
Published: January 2019

Cloud climatologies are of great importance in the study of cloud dynamics and interactions with land, oceans and atmosphere. This study analyzes the climatology of Total Cloud Cover (TCC) over the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Monthly mean TCC data between 1984 and 2009 from ground observations at six UAE airport stations and the satellite‐based (CLARA A2) product are utilized.The hourly ground observations are first filtered to match the overpass times of CLARA‐A2 satellites over the UAE. Comparison between the datasets reveals higher TCC reports by CLARA‐A2. These are attributed to several factors, such as the underestimation of TCC by human observers and the region's aerosol loading, surface albedo and emissivity, which impact the quality of remote sensing retrievals. Satellites utilized for CLARA‐A2 are known to have undergone changes in their numbers and orbits over the years, prompting an investigation of its homogeneity. Change points are found to occur in 1991 and 1998, related to increased satellite measurements and sensor changes, respectively. Further investigations of the homogeneity of means and variances before and after the change points are also conducted, resulting in confirmation of the inhomogeneity induced by artifacts.Monthly means of hourly ground observations are then used for analysis of TCC climatology over the six stations. Fujairah has the highest TCC on average, due to its proximity to the Hajar mountains and the Oman gulf. Most of the stations exhibit significant decreasing trends, in addition to a change point occurring in 1998. This is theorized to be related to the El Niño Southern Oscillation phase change occurring in the same period. The potential teleconnection is explored further through testing for correlations of TCC with the Oceanic Niño Index, with results showing a strong link in the fall–winter seasons.
Testicular function in cultured postnatal mouse testis fragments is similar to that of animals during the first wave of spermatogenesis
Authors: Pence Lisa M. , Schmitt Thomas C. , Beger Richard D. , Del Valle Pedro L. , Nakamura Noriko 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundPreviously, we evaluated optimal organ culture conditions to produce elongated spermatids in an in vitro mouse testis culture system. However, differences in testicular function between the cultured testis fragments and animal testis have not been determined.MethodsTo examine how closely cultured testis fragments in vitro approximates what typically occurs during the first wave of spermatogenesis in vivo, C57BL/6J mouse testis fragments obtained on postnatal day (PND) 5 were cultured in AlbuMAX™ I/ α‐Minimal Essential Medium for 15, 23, 30, 35, 42, and 49 days, and compared to mouse testes obtained at PND 5, 14, 20, 24, 28, 30, 35, and 40. At the specified days of culture or PND of mice, the following analyses were conducted: histology, flow cytometry for haploid cell detection, qPCR for spermatid markers, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for testosterone levels.ResultsRound spermatids were initially observed at 23 days, and their percentage of the total number of cells continued to increase with culture time, as did gene expression of the spermatid markers and haploid cell percentage in the cultured testis fragments. These results were similar in temporal sequence to those in animals. Testosterone levels in the testis fragments reached a maximum at Day 49.ConclusionThese findings show this in vitro mouse testis organ culture model may be a useful and convenient tool for mechanistic studies. However, because germ cell differentiation in all seminiferous tubules was not observed, improvements in the system/methods are needed to more closely replicate spermatogenesis as observed in animals.
Sulfated Ceria Catalyzed Synthesis of Imidazopyridines and Their Implementation as DNA Minor Groove Binders
Authors: Mohan Surender , Rangappa Shobith , Anilkumar Nirvanappa C. , Fuchs Julian E. , Bender Andreas , Basappa  , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Bhatnagar Rakesh 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe small molecules that bind to DNA minor groove are considered as potential therapeutic agents to fight against many human diseases. They induce cell death by interfering with transcription, replication and progression of cell cycle. Herein, we report the synthesis of imidazopyridine‐3‐amines using sulfated ceria catalyst by employing Groebkee–Blackburne–Bienayme reaction. We evaluated the possible antiproliferative and antimycobacterial activity against A549 cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. Among the tested compounds, N‐tert‐butyl‐2‐(2‐butyl‐4‐chloro‐1H‐imidazol‐5‐yl)‐5,7‐dimethylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐3‐amine (4g) was identified as cytotoxic heterocycle and antimycobacterial agent. Molecular docking studies of the imidazopyridine derivatives revealed the consistent positioning in the minor groove with a tight shape fit between receptor and ligands. Therefore, we speculate that new imidazopyridines induce their pharmacological effect by targeting the minor groove of DNA.
Predictive factors of discordance between the instantaneous wave‐free ratio and fractional flow reserve
Authors: Dérimay François , Johnson Nils P. , Zimmermann Frederik M. , Adjedj Julien , Witt Nils , Hennigan Barry , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Barbato Emanuele , Esposito Giovanni , Trimarco Bruno , Rioufol Gilles , Park Seung‐Jung , Baptista Sérgio Bravo , Chrysant George S. , Leone Antonio Maria , Jeremias Allen , Berry Colin , De Bruyne Bernard , Oldroyd Keith G. , Pijls Nico H.J. , Fearon William F. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo identify clinical, angiographic and hemodynamic predictors of discordance between instantaneous wave‐free ratio (iFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR).BackgroundThe iFR was found to be non‐inferior to the gold‐standard FFR for guiding coronary revascularization, although it is discordant with FFR in 20% of cases. A better understanding of the causes of discordance may enhance application of these indices.MethodsBoth FFR and iFR were measured in the prospective multicenter CONTRAST study. Clinical, angiographic and hemodynamic variables were compared between patients with concordant values of FFR and iFR (cutoff ≤0.80 and ≤0.89, respectively).ResultsOut of the 587 patients included, in 466 patients (79.4%) FFR and iFR agreed: both negative, n = 244 (41.6%), or positive, n = 222 (37.8%). Compared with FFR, iFR was negative discordant (FFR+/iFR‐) in 69 (11.8%) patients and positive discordant (FFR‐/iFR+) in 52 (8.9%) patients. On multivariate regression, stenosis location (left main or proximal left anterior descending) (OR: 3.30[1.68;6.47]), more severe stenosis (OR: 1.77[1.35;2.30]), younger age (OR: 0.93[0.90;0.97]), and slower heart rate (OR: 0.59[0.42;0.75]) were predictors of a negative discordant iFR. Absence of a beta‐blocker (OR: 0.41[0.22;0.78]), older age (OR: 1.04[1.00;1.07]), and less severe stenosis (OR: 0.69[0.53;0.89]) were predictors of a positive discordant iFR.ConclusionsDuring iFR acquisition, stenosis location, stenosis degree, heart rate, age and use of beta blockers influence concordance with FFR and should be taken into account when interpreting iFR.
Studying Direct Electron Transfer by Site‐Directed Immobilization of Cellobiose Dehydrogenase
Authors: Meneghello Marta , Al‐Lolage Firas A. , Ma Su , Ludwig Roland , Bartlett Philip N. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCovalent coupling between a surface‐exposed cysteine residue and maleimide groups was used to immobilize variants of Myriococcum thermophilum cellobiose dehydrogenase (MtCDH) at multiwall carbon nanotube electrodes. By introducing individual cysteine residues at particular places on the surface of the flavodehydrogenase domain of the flavocytochrome, we are able to immobilize the different variants in different orientations. Our results show that direct electron transfer (DET) occurs exclusively through the haem b cofactor and that the redox potential of the haem is unaffected by the orientation of the enzyme. Electron transfer between the haem and the electrode is fast in all cases and, at high glucose concentrations, the catalytic currents are limited by the rate of inter‐domain electron transfer (IET) between the FAD and the haem. Using ferrocene carboxylic acid as a mediator, we find that the total amount of immobilized enzyme is 4 to 5 times greater than the amount of enzyme that participates in DET. The role of IET in the overall DET catalysed oxidation was also demonstrated by the effects of changing Ca2+ concentration and by proteolytic cleavage of the cytochrome domain on the DET and MET currents.
One Dimensional Enhanced Anhydrous Proton Conduction in Well Defined Molecular Columns Induced by Non‐Covalent Interactions
Authors: Kumar Avneesh , Pisula Wojciech , Müllen Klaus 
Published: January 2019

Abstract1D anhydrous proton conduction is enhanced significantly in ionic channels created by self‐assembly of functionalized organic phosphonic acid and aromatic heterocyclic 1,2,4‐triazole molecules. This study reveals high proton conduction in one dimension through a well‐defined supramolecular architecture in which two different molecules undergo host–guest synergy and self‐assemble to provide two‐fold advantages: 1) formation of the ionic channels and 2) higher proton conduction in the absence of water. A clear correlation is found between the phenomena of ionic channels and anhydrous conductivity in the absolute dry state and we demonstrate that the one‐dimensional conductivity can be as high as that recorded for 3D channels in, for instance, Nafion.
The evolution of phenotypic plasticity when environments fluctuate in time and space
Authors: King Jessica G. , Hadfield Jarrod D. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMost theoretical studies have explored the evolution of plasticity when the environment, and therefore the optimal trait value, varies in time or space. When the environment varies in time and space, we show that genetic adaptation to Markovian temporal fluctuations depends on the between-generation autocorrelation in the environment in exactly the same way that genetic adaptation to spatial fluctuations depends on the probability of philopatry. This is because both measure the correlation in parent-offspring environments and therefore the effectiveness of a genetic response to selection. If the capacity to genetically respond to selection is stronger in one dimension (e.g., space), then plasticity mainly evolves in response to fluctuations in the other dimension (e.g., time). If the relationships between the environments of development and selection are the same in time and space, the evolved plastic response to temporal fluctuations is useful in a spatial context and genetic differentiation in space is reduced. However, if the relationships between the environments of development and selection are different, the optimal level of plasticity is different in the two dimensions. In this case, the plastic response that evolves to cope with temporal fluctuations may actually be maladaptive in space, resulting in the evolution of hyperplasticity or negative plasticity. These effects can be mitigated by spatial genetic differentiation that acts in opposition to plasticity resulting in counter-gradient variation. These results highlight the difficulty of making space-for-time substitutions in empirical work but identify the key parameters that need to be measured in order to test whether space-for-time substitutions are likely to be valid.
HDR interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) in the treatment of primary and recurrent head and neck malignancies
Authors: Bussu Francesco , Tagliaferri Luca , Mattiucci Giancarlo , Parrilla Claudio , Rizzo Davide , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Lancellotta Valentina , Autorino Rosa , Fonnesu Carla , Kihlgren Caterina , Galli Jacopo , Paludetti Gaetano , Kovács György , Valentini Vincenzo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundInterventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy; IRT) reemerged in the last decades as a potentially useful tool in head and neck oncology after a set of clear technical improvements were developed.MethodsSixty‐one high dose ratio (HDR) IRT treatments were recommended and performed on 58 patients. We classified the cases into four relatively homogeneous groups based on the clinical needs that led to the recommended IRT. Also, we separately evaluated primary and recurrent cases.ResultsDisease‐specific survival was significantly different among the four treatment groups. The group with the best prognosis was the cohort treated locally by exclusive interstitial IRT for resectable midface malignancies (2‐year relapse‐free survival = 82%, disease‐specific survival = 89%).ConclusionHDR IRT is a valuable tool in well‐defined clinical situations and, in particular, in recurrences. In midface malignancies, it could become the preferred primary treatment.
Repair of cartilage defects with devitalized osteochondral tissue: A pilot animal study
Authors: Hiemer Bettina , Genz Berit , Ostwald Jürgen , Jonitz‐Heincke Anika , Wree Andreas , Lindner Tobias , Tischer Thomas , Dommerich Steffen , Bader Rainer 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDevitalization using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment inactivates cells while matrix structure and biomechanical properties are maintained. Because of strong chondroinductive potential of HHP‐devitalized cartilage matrix, it may be used as scaffold for reconstruction of (osteo‐)chondral lesions. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility of HHP‐devitalized osteochondral tissue to repair osteochondral defects in a rabbit model. Removal and reimplantation of osteochondral plugs were performed in 12 female New Zealand White rabbits. From the knee joint of each animal, osteochondral plugs (diameter = 4 mm; depth = 2.5 mm) were harvested and devitalized by HHP (452 MPa for 10 min). Afterward, the plugs were reimplanted into the respective cavity, from where they were taken. Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks postoperatively and the integration of osteochondral plugs was examined using μ‐CT, MRI, and histological staining. Furthermore, revitalization of HHP‐treated osteochondral plugs was characterized by gene expression analyses. Macroscopic evaluation of tissue repair at implantation sites of HHP‐treated osteochondral plugs showed an adequate defect filling 12 weeks after implantation. Plug margins were hardly detectable indicating successful tissue integration. Additionally, gene expression analyses demonstrated initial revitalization of the HHP‐treated tissue 12 weeks postoperatively. Our preliminary data revealed that HHP‐treated osteochondral plugs could be used to refill osteochondral defects in the knee joint and promote cell migration into defect site. Data indicated that HHP‐treated tissue has the potential to act as functional scaffolds for reconstruction of cartilage defects. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2354–2364, 2019.
SMAD3 inducing the transcription of  STYK1 to promote the EMT process and improve the tolerance of ovarian carcinoma cells to paclitaxel
Authors: Shi Yangyang , Zhang Jing , Liu Mengran , Huang Yan , Yin Ling 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo figure out the relationship between SMAD3 and serine‐threonine tyrosine kinase (STYK1) in ovarian carcinoma cell's paclitaxel resistance.MethodsThe quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reactpostion and Western blot analysis were used to analyze RNA and protein content of SMAD3 and STYK1, respectively. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to confirm the binding site of SMAD3 to the STYK1 promoter region. Transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion and migration, and Western Blot was used to detect the marker proteins (vimentin and E‐cadherin) of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. MTT and apoptosis assay were used to, respectively, measure cell vitality and apoptosis. In vivo experiments, rats were subcutaneously implanted with A2780 cells to establish an animal model of ovarian cancer and the survival curve was drawn.ResultsUpregulating SMAD3 induced the expression of STYK1 in ovarian cancer cell lines. STYK1 is a direct transcriptional target of SMAD3. Upregulating STYK1 improved the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cells. Upregulating STYK1 promoted cell invasion, migration, and the EMT process, and SMAD3 had the same effect with STYK1 on cell invasion, cell migration, and the EMT process. The animal assay showed that downregulating STYK1 inhibited the EMT process and the paclitaxel resistance, further promoting the treatment of cervical cancer.ConclusionSMAD3 combined with the promoter region of STYK1 to promote the transcription process of STYK1, thereby promoting the EMT process and paclitaxel resistance of ovarian cancer cells.
miR‐145‐5p inhibits tumor occurrence and metastasis through the NF‐κB signaling pathway by targeting TLR4 in malignant melanoma
Authors: Jin Canhui , Wang Aihong , Liu Linbo , Wang Gongping , Li Guangshuai , Han Zhaofeng 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCompelling evidence shows that deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in the progression of melanoma. miR‐145‐5p has been suggested to exhibit antitumorigenic activity in melanoma. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the biological activity of miR‐145‐5p in melanoma remains to be further understood. Herein, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the miR‐145‐5p expression in malignant melanoma tissues and cells. The interaction between miR‐145‐5p and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) was explored by bioinformatics analyses, luciferase reporter assay, and Western blot. The effects of miR‐145‐5p or combined with TLR4 on cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities were investigated by (4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. The melanoma xenograft tumor models were established to determine the biological activity of miR‐145‐5p in melanoma in vivo. In addition, the changes of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway were analyzed by detecting the NF‐κB activity and the NF‐κB p65 protein level. We observed that the miR‐145‐5p expression was underexpressed in melanoma tissues and cells. miR‐145‐5p suppressed the TLR4 expression by binding to its 3′untranslated region in melanoma cells. Moreover, TLR4 overexpression abolished the inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities induced by miR‐145‐5p in melanoma cells. Meanwhile, miR‐145‐5p was confirmed to restrain melanoma tumor growth in vivo by targeting TLR4. Furthermore, miR‐145‐5p overexpression inactivated the NF‐κB pathway in melanoma in vitro and in vivo, which was reversed by TLR4 overexpression. We concluded that miR‐145‐5p hindered the occurrence and metastasis of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo by targeting TLR4 via inactivation of the NF‐κB pathway.
Extracellular methemoglobin promotes cyto‐adherence of uninfected RBC to endothelial cells: Insight into cerebral malaria pathology
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Trivedi Vishal 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe endothelial cell barrier is tightly regulated, and disruption or the leaky behavior of the barrier leads to pathology. Disturbance of blood‐brain barrier is observed during viral infection, cerebral malaria, and acute hemorrhagic encephalitis. Red blood cells (RBCs) bind to the endothelial cells (ECs) and their affinity towards ECs enhances in the presence of Plasmodium falciparum infection. ECs stimulated with methemoglobin (MetHb; 20 µM) for 1 hour exhibit high levels of cyto‐adherence receptors CD36 and ICAM‐1 on their cell surface compared with unstimulated cells. These ECs have acquired affinity towards uninfected RBCs in flow at arterial shear stress. SEM analysis indicates that EC–RBC cyto‐adherence involved multiple attachment points. Initially, ECs bind single layer of RBCs and the number of RBCs increases over time to give high‐order cyto‐adherence with more than 30 RBCs adhered to each endothelial cell. The cyto‐adherence complexes are stable to high shear stress and can withstand shear stress up to 450 dyne/cm
2. MetHb‐treated ECs exhibited high reactive oxygen species level, and preincubation of ECs with antioxidant (NAC or mannitol) abolished the formation of EC–RBC cyto‐adherence complexes. In addition, gallic acid (present in red wine) and green tea extract has inhibited the formation of EC–RBC cyto‐adherence complex. A better understanding of gallic acid and tea polyphenol targeting pathological cyto‐adherence may allow us to develop a better adjuvant therapy for cerebral malaria and other noninfectious diseases.