bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free Radical-derived Oxysterols: Novel Adipokines Modulating Adipogenic Differentiation of Adipose Precursor Cells
Authors: Murdolo Giuseppe , Piroddi Marta , Tortoioli Cristina , Bartolini Desirée , Schmelz Martin , Luchetti Francesca , Canonico Barbara , Papa Stefano , Zerbinati Chiara , Iuliano Luigi , Galli Francesco 
Published: October 2016

Context:Increased oxidative stress in adipose tissue emerges as an inducer of obesity-linked insulin resistance. Here we tested whether free-radical derived oxysterols are formed by, and accumulate in, human adipocytes. Moreover, we asked whether increased accumulation of oxysterols characterizes the adipose cells of obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (OBT2D) compared with lean, nondiabetic controls (CTRLs). Finally, we studied the effects of the free radical–derived oxysterols on adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs).Main Outcome Measures:Adipocytes and ASCs were isolated from sc abdominal adipose tissue biopsy in four OBT2D and four CTRL subjects. Oxysterols in adipocytes were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The cellular and molecular effects of oxysterols were then evaluated on primary cultures of ASCs focusing on cell viability, adipogenic differentiation, and “canonical” WNT and MAPK signaling pathways.Results:7-ketocholesterol (7κ-C) and 7β-hydroxycholesterol were unambiguously detected in adipocytes, which showed higher oxysterol accumulation (P &lt; .01) in OBT2D, as compared with CTRL individuals. Notably, the accumulation of oxysterols in adipocytes was predicted by the adipose cell size of the donor (R2 = 0.582; P &lt; .01). Challenging ASCs with free radical–derived type I (7κ-C) and type II (5,6-Secosterol) oxysterols led to a time- and concentration-dependent decrease of cell viability. Meaningfully, at a non-toxic concentration (1μM), these bioactive lipids hampered adipogenic differentiation of ASCs by sequential activation of WNT/β-catenin, p38-MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK signaling pathways.Conclusion:Free radical–derived oxysterols accumulate in the “diabetic” fat and may act as novel adipokines modulating the adipogenic potential of undifferentiated adipose precursor cells.
Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer: setup reproducibility with novel arms-down immobilization
Authors: Moore Karen , Paterson Claire , Hicks Jonathan , Harrow Stephen , McJury Mark 
Published: October 2016

Objective:
A clinical evaluation of the intrafraction and interfraction setup accuracy of a novel thermoplastic mould immobilization device and patient position in early-stage lung cancer being treated with stereotactic radiotherapy at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK.

Methods:
35 patients were immobilized in a novel, arms-down position, with a four-point Klarity™ (Klarity Medical Products, Ohio, US) clear thermoplastic mould fixed to a SinMed (CIVCO Medical solutions, lowa, US) head and neck board. A knee support was also used for patient comfort and support. Pre- and post-treatment kilovoltage cone beam CT (CBCT) images were fused with the planning CT scan to determine intra- and interfraction motion. A total of 175 CBCT scans were analysed in the longitudinal, vertical and lateral directions.

Results:
The mean intrafraction errors were 0.05 ± 0.77 mm (lateral), 0.44 ± 1.2 mm (superior–inferior) and −1.44 ± 1.35 mm (anteroposterior), respectively. Mean composite three-dimensional displacement vector was 2.14 ± 1.2 mm. Interfraction errors were −0.66 ± 2.35 mm (lateral), −0.13 ± 3.11 mm (superior–inferior) and 0.00 ± 2.94 mm (anteroposterior), with three-dimensional vector 4.08 ± 2.73 mm.

Conclusion:
Setup accuracy for lung image-guided stereotactic ablative radiotherapy using a unique immobilization device, where patients have arms by their sides, has been shown to be safe and favourably comparable to other published setup data where more complex and cumbersome devices were utilised. There was no arm toxicity reported and low arm doses.

Advances in knowledge:
We report on the accuracy of a novel patient immobilization device.
Complete analysis of the H5 hemagglutinin and N8 neuraminidase phylogenetic trees reveals that the H5N8 subtype has been produced by multiple reassortment events
Authors: Dalby Andrew R. 
Published: October 2016

The analysis of the complete H5 hemagglutinin and H8 neuraminidase phylogenetic trees presented in this paper shows that the H5N8 avian influenza has been generated by multiple reassortment events. The H5N8 strain does not have a single origin and is produced when the H5 hemagglutinin and N8 neuraminidase re-assort from other H5 and N8 containing strains. While it was known that there had been a re-assortment to incorporate the Guangdong H5 hemagglutinin at the start of the Korean outbreak, the results show that there have also been multiple reassortment events amongst the non-Korean sequences.
Do Local Capital Market Conditions Affect Consumers’ Borrowing Decisions?
Authors: Butler Alexander W. , Cornaggia Jess , Gurun Umit G. 
Published: October 2016

This paper uses detailed data from an online peer-to-peer lending intermediary to test whether local access to finance affects consumers’ willingness to pay for loans. After controlling for local economic conditions and borrower credit quality, we find that borrowers who reside in areas with good access to bank finance request loans with lower interest rates. This effect is stronger for borrowers with poor credit and those seeking small loans, suggesting that local access to finance is more important for marginal borrowers. Overall, our findings shed light on how consumers substitute between alternative sources of finance. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Immunochistochemical characteristics of blood vessels in non-visualized and visualized on MRI pituitary adenoma in patients with Cushing’s disease
Authors: Khandaeva Patimat M. , Voronkova Ija А. , Belaya Zhanna E. , Rozhinskaya Ljudmila Ya. , Vorontsov Aleksandr V. , Grigoriev Andrej Ya. , Mel’nichenko Galina A. 
Published: October 2016

Background. Regardless of improvements in MRI, up to 20% of ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors are only identified at surgical exploration. Aim. Тo estimate whether there is any difference in blood vessels and the subsequent ability to uptake contrast agent in visualized microadenoma as compared to non-visualized on MRI ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors.Material and methods. Retrospective evaluation of ACTH-positive pituitary tumors from patients with Cushing’s disease (n=39) with either non-visualized pituitary tumor on MRI (n=17) or pituitary tumor less then 25 mm (n=22). MRI was performed using Siemens Magnetom Harmony 1.0T with gadolinium. Selected tumors were stained with anty-СD34 antibody (clone QBEnd/10, RTU, Leica) and anty-D2-40 antibody (clone D2-40, RTU, Dako). We evaluated the microvessels density and measured the diameter of larger and smaller vessel.Results. The microvessels density were not different in subject with visualized [123 (77; 136)] and non-visualized [112 (110,0; 126,5)] pituitary adenomas as well as number of slit-shaped vessels [32 (5; 50) in visualized vs 25 (5; 50) in non-visualized pituitary adenoma]. The diameter of these vessels also did not differ: the diameter of the largest vessels in patients without visualization 53 µm (32,5; 63,5) vs 33 µm (30,0; 51,5) the average diameter of the blood vessels 15 µm (14,5—26,0) against 13 µm (12; 14).Conclusions. The diameter and microvessels density in ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma does not affect the visualization of adenoma on MRI in patients with Cushing ‘s disease.
Correlation of Morphological and Functional Characteristics of Growth Hormone-Producing Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Panteleeva Evgeniya S. , Ilovayskaya Irena A. , Stashuk Galina A. , Dreval Alexandr V. 
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Previous studies demonstrated a relationship between T1- and T2-weighted signal intensity and tumor growth patterns and potential as well as hormonal activity in somatotropinomas. Further investigation of these findings could serve to define predictive diagnostic and treatment factors based on MRI characteristics.The aimof this retrospective study was to analyze the MRI characteristics of growth hormone-producing pituitary adenomas in newly diagnosed patients with acromegaly and to compare them with the corresponding morphological and biochemical characteristics.Methods. Seventy five patients with newly acromegaly were included in the study. Pre-treatment T1- and T2-weighted MR-images of all patients were analyzed, taking into account the intensity of the signals produced by the tumors, as well as their dimensions and growth direction. Growth hormone and IGF-1 levels were also recorded.Results. Out of 75 patients, 74.7% were macroadenomas. T1-weighted adenoma signal was hypointense in 45.3% of patients, hyperintense in 18.7% of patients and isointense in all other cases. T2-weighted adenoma signal was hypointense in 32.3% and hyperintense in 40.5% of patients. No statistically significant differences were found between GH and IGF1 levels as well as signal intensity in relation to patient age. Inferior tumor extension was present in 60.0% of patients overall and 33.3% more prevalent in patients with hyperintense T2 signal and 24.5% and 11.7% more prevalent in patients with hypointense and hyperintense T1 signal respectively. Superior extension was observed in 46.7% of patients and did not differ significantly from inferior extension in patients with hypointense T2 signal. The highest levels of IGF1 were associated with superior extension, while the highest levels of GH were associated with inferior extension. Mean adenoma volume was 8.45 times higher and GH levels were 3.8 times higher in patients with hyperintense T2-weighted signal and 2.3 and 1.3 times higher respectively in patients with hyperintense T1-weighted signal.Conclusion. Hyperintense T1- and T2-weighted MRI signal was associated with larger tumor dimensions, increased GH levels and more frequent inferior extension, all of which indicate higher proliferative potential of the adenomas.
Mathematical Modeling of Natural Gas Separation Using Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules by Application of Finite Element Method through Statistical Analysis
Authors: Dehkordi Javad Aminian , Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Kundu Prodip K. , Tan Nicolas R. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Hollow fiber membrane permeators used in the separation industry are proven as preferred modules representing various benefits and advantages to gas separation processes. In the present study, a mathematical model is proposed to predict the separation performance of natural gas using hollow fiber membrane modules. The model is used to perform sensitivity analysis to distinguish which process parameters influence the most and are necessary to be assessed appropriately. In this model, SRK equation was used to justify the nonideal behavior of gas mixtures and Joule-Thomson equation was employed to take into account the changes in the temperature due to permeation. Also, the changes in temperature along shell side was calculated via thermodynamic principles. In the proposed mathematical model, the temperature dependence of membrane permeance is justified by the Arrhenius-type equation. Furthermore, a surface mole fraction parameter is introduced to consider the effect of accumulation of less permeable component adjacent to the membrane surface in the feed side. The model is validated using experimental data. Central Composite Designs are used to gain response surface model. For this, fiber inner diameter, active fiber length, module diameter and number of fibers in the module are taken as the input variables related to the physical geometries. Results show that the number as well as the length of the fibers have the most influence on the membrane performance. The maximum mole fraction of CO2 in the permeate stream is observed for low number of fibers and fibers having smaller active lengths. Also results indicate that at constant active fiber length, increasing the number of fibers decreases the permeate mole fraction of CO2. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering appropriate physical geometries for designing hollow fiber membrane permeators for practical gas separation applications.
Modelling Study of Palladium Membrane Reactor Performance during Methan Steam Reforming using CFD Method
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Kamran , Andalib Ehsan , Basile Angelo 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The main aim of this study is the investigation of dense palladium membrane reactor (MR) performance during methane steam reforming (MSR) reaction using computational fluid dynamic (CFD). To this purpose, a two-dimensional isothermal CFD model was developed and its validation was realized by comparing the theoretical results with our experimental data achieved in ITM of Italy. In this work, the CFD model was presented by COMSOL- Multiphysics software version 5. The reaction rate expressions and kinetics parameters were used from literatures. According to validation results, a good agreement between modeling results and experimental data was found. After model validation, the effect of the some important operating parameters (temperature and pressure) on the performance of palladium MR was studied in terms of methane conversion and hydrogen recovery. The CFD model presented velocity and pressure profiles in both side of MR and also molar fraction of different species in permeate and retentate streams. The modeling results showed that the palladium MR presents comparable performance with respect to traditional reactor (TR) in terms of the methane conversion, especially, at lower temperatures and higher pressures. In fact, CFD results indicated that palladium MR performance was improved by increasing the reaction pressure, while this parameter had negative effect on the TR performance. This result related to increasing the hydrogen permeance through the palladium membrane by enhancement of pressure gradient. Indeed, this shift effect can provide a higher methane conversion in lower temperatures in the palladium MR. In particular, 99% methane conversion and 43% hydrogen recovery was achieved at 500°C and 1.5 atm.
Investigation of Palladium Membrane Reactor Performance during Ethanol Steam Reforming using CFD Method
Authors: Ghasemzadeh K. , Zeynali R. , Ahmadnejad F. , Babalou A. A. , Basile A. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The main purpose of present study is the analysis of dense palladium membrane reactor (MR) performance during ethanol steam reforming (ESR) reaction using computational fluid dynamic (CFD). To this aim, a two-dimensional and isothermal model based on CFD method was developed and results validation was tested by our experimental data achieved in ITM-CNR of Italy. In this work, Pd-based MR modeling was performed by using COMSOL-MULTIPHYSICS software. Regarding to model validation results, a good agreement was found between CFD model results and experimental data. Moreover, in this study, the effects of the some important operating parameters (reaction temperature and pressure) on the performance of Pd-based MR was studied in terms of ethanol conversion and hydrogen recovery. Concerning to simulation results, the CFD model presented velocity and pressure profiles in both side of MR and also compositions of various species in permeate and retentate streams. The simulation results indicated that the Pd-based MR has better performance with respect to traditional reactor (TR) in terms of the ethanol conversion, especially, at lower reaction temperatures and higher reactions pressures. As a consequence, CFD model results illustrated that Pd-based MR performance was improved by increasing the reaction pressure, while this parameter had negative effect on the TR performance. This result related to enhancement of hydrogen permeance through the palladium membrane by increasing the pressure gradient. Indeed, this shift effect can provide a higher ethanol conversion in lower temperatures in the Pd-based MR. In particular, 98% ethanol conversion and 37% hydrogen recovery was achieved at 350°C and 2 atm.
The Effect of Module Geometry on Heat and Mass Transfer in Membrane Distillation
Authors: Ahadi Hossein , Karimi-Sabet Javad , Shariaty-Niassar Mojtaba 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Some features of Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD), as one of the interesting membrane processes, has been studied in this effort. 3D computational fluid dynamic simulations were carried out to investigate some geometric parameter effects on flat sheet membrane module performance. It is obvious that using of baffles could noticeably improve the performance of the system. Hence, in present work, some baffle configurations were simulated and some parameters like temperature polarization, vapor flux and pressure drop through module length were investigated. The Simulation was performed based on neglecting viscous flow in membrane pores and dusty gas model was applied to predict vapor flux through membrane. Simulation results predicted that by using the new configuration we could have 40–60% vapor flux improvement (depend on inflow velocity) compared to a module without baffle. It was found that the average temperature polarization (TP), as a proper criteria, was higher for baffled one in all situations.
Designing Better Membrane Modules Using CFD
Authors: Haddadi Sisakht Bahram , Jordan Christian , Schretter Philipp , Lassmann Tino , Harasek Michael 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In the last decades, a large number of studies have been carried out on the utilization of membranes in separation processes. However, most of these studies deal with material properties, experimental investigations and process modeling. Only quite a few authors utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze the flow and mass transfer in membrane modules. Using CFD it is possible to obtain spatially resolved information on the behavior of membrane modules, allowing for the investigation of geometric effects on the performance of the module. This includes e. g. the positioning of the permeate outlets, the flow alignment (co- and/or counter-current), the use of spacers and other mixing promoters and also the subject of concentration polarization close to the membrane surface. In our present study we made use of OpenFOAM®, which is a free open sourced CFD toolbox. The toolbox enables for introducing new solver code, membraneFoam, based on the standard multicomponent solver reactingFoam. In membraneFoam suitable source and sink terms have been added to account for trans-membrane flux – in this case based on the solution-diffusion model for glassy polymer gas permeation membranes. The solver has been preliminary validated using literature data obtained from a process simulation code. In a first stage of the research work the positioning of the permeate outlet and the flow alignment have been investigated for a hollow fiber gas permeation module. By adjusting the position of the permeate outlet the shell side flow can be co-current, counter-current or mixed type relative to the retentate flow inside the fibers. Since this influences the driving force for the trans-membrane flux, effects on the module performance are expected which have been analyzed using the described membraneFoam CFD approach.
Mechanistic insight from murine models of Netherton syndrome
Authors: Keuylian Zela , Hovnanian Alain 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Protease regulation plays a crucial role in skin homeostasis and inflammation as revealed by the identification of loss-of-function mutations in SPINK5 (serine protease inhibitor of Kazal type 5) in Netherton sydrome (NS). SPINK5 encodes LEKTI (lympho-epithelial Kazal type related inhibitor), a multidomain serine protease inhibitor expressed in all stratified epithelia. Our laboratory has developed a number of murine models which have been instrumental in dissecting the pathogenesis of NS. This minireview discusses the major findings of these models and emphasizes the role of protease regulation, especially kallikrein-related peptidases in NS.
Photocatalytic Treatment of Binary Mixture of Dyes using UV/TiO2 Process: Calibration, Modeling, Optimization and Mineralization Study
Authors: Garg Alok , Sangal Vikas K. , Bajpai Pramod K. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Photocatalytic treatment of a binary dye mixture (Acid Blue 113 (AB113) and Acid Red 114 (AR114)) has been done in a slurry pond reactor using TiO2 as a photocatalyst with UV light irradiation (UV-C). Two different methods, namely multivariate calibration and first order derivative spectrophotometric were used to quantify each dye separately in binary dye solutions. The behavior of the photocatalytic degradation of a binary dye mixture was predicted using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Five process parameters (initial concentration of AB113 dye, initial concentration of AR114 dye, TiO2 dose, initial pH of the dye mixture and time were used as inputs and decolorization efficiency of AB113 and AR114 were used as output of the ANN. The parametric optimization has been done by the multi-response optimization with desirability function methodology. Optimization by Central Composite Design (CCD) effectively handles the relations among optimizing process variables and its prediction concurred well with the experimental run and artificial neural network (ANN) model. The reaction kinetic rates of decolorization of both dyes (AB113 and AR114) were found to be first order. Total organic carbon (TOC) removal and possible reaction pathway show the total mineralization of both dyes in binary dye mixture.
Optimal Design of MPPT Controllers for Grid Connected Photovoltaic Array System
Authors: Ebrahim M. A. , AbdelHadi H. A. , Mahmoud H. M. , Saied E. M. , Salama M. M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Integrating photovoltaic (PV) plants into electric power system exhibits challenges to power system dynamic performance. These challenges stem primarily from the natural characteristics of PV plants, which differ in some respects from the conventional plants. The most significant challenge is how to extract and regulate the maximum power from the sun. This paper presents the optimal design for the most commonly used Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques based on Proportional Integral tuned by Particle Swarm Optimization (PI-PSO). These suggested techniques are, (1) the incremental conductance, (2) perturb and observe, (3) fractional short circuit current and (4) fractional open circuit voltage techniques. This research work provides a comprehensive comparative study with the energy availability ratio from photovoltaic panels. The simulation results proved that the proposed controllers have an impressive tracking response. The system dynamic performance improved greatly using the proposed controllers.
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity and low-density lipoprotein subfractions after a 2-year treatment with atorvastatin in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Krebs Andreas , Doerfer Juergen , Krause Alexandra , Grulich-Henn Juergen , Holder Martin , Hecker Wolfgang , Lichte Kai , Schmidt-Trucksaess Arno , Winkler Karl , Schwab Karl Otfried 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground:The objective of the study was to assess the effect of atorvastatin on inflammation markers and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions.Methods:In a prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study involving 28 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase AResults:For the atorvastatin group, we found posttreatment reductions of Lp-PLA2 activity (p<0.001), LDL cholesterol (p=0.001), non-small dense LDL cholesterol (p<0.001), total cholesterol (p<0.001), and apolipoprotein B (apo B) (p<0.001), whereas small dense LDL cholesterol and hsCRP did not change significantly.Conclusions:In adolescents with T1D, long-term treatment with atorvastatin is safe and may reduce cardiovascular risk by significant decreases of Lp-PLA2 activity and LDL cholesterol.