optimization tools for building energy model calibration

Abstract Different optimization tools have been developed to find the best trade-off between competitive goals. The optimization problem is typical of the design process, where different design solutions have to be compared to achieve one or more objectives, often in contrast with each other. A quite novel application of optimization is building energy model calibration. The use of well-calibrated energy simulation models is key for successful buildings' retrofit or operation management and the optimization techniques can improve the reliability of the results. The typical optimization method consists in the analysis of all the alternatives' performances, developing a full factorial plan and simulating all the possible options (brute-force approach). However, this process could take unsustainable long time. That is why some optimization tools, based on evolutionary algorithms have been developed to speed up the process. This study compares results obtained through the brute-force approach and the evolutionary optimization methods applied on the calibration of a large educational building model located in the province of Treviso, north of Italy. The total design space consists of about 72 000 EnergyPlus building models. Two optimization-based calibrations have been repeated using a genetic algorithm by means of jEPlus+EA on a local computer and through parametric simulations implemented by jEPlus on a cloud service. The quality of results from the evolutionary optimization tools as compared to a full parametric study applied on calibration have been discussed. Scenarios of applicability are drafted. On a practical level, the research is a contribution for the selection of methods and tools for the preparation of models that can lead to optimized retrofit interventions and rationalization of building management and operation

MiR-155 modulates the inflammatory phenotype of intestinal myofibroblasts by targeting SOCS1 in ulcerative colitis

Abnormal levels of microRNA (miR)-155, which regulate inflammation and immune responses, have been demonstrated in the colonic mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), although its role in disease pathophysiology is unknown. We investigated the role of miR-155 in the acquisition and maintenance of an activated phenotype by intestinal myofibroblasts (IMF), a key cell population contributing to mucosal damage in IBD. IMF were isolated from colonic biopsies of healthy controls, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients. MiR-155 in IMF was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in basal condition and following exposure to TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or TGF-beta 1. The effects of miR-155 mimic or inhibitor transfection on cytokine release and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot, respectively. Regulation of the target gene SOCS1 expression by miR-155 was assessed using luciferase reporter construct. We found that miR-155 was significantly upregulated in UC as compared with control-and CD-derived IMF. Moreover, TNF-alpha and LPS, but not TGF-beta 1 and IL-1 beta, significantly increased miR-155 expression in IMF. Ectopic expression of miR-155 in control IMF augmented cytokines release, whereas it downregulated SOCS1 expression. MiR-155 knockdown in UC-IMF reduced cytokine production and enhanced SOCS1 expression. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-155 directly targets SOCS1. Moreover, silencing of SOCS1 in control IMF significantly increased IL-6 and IL-8 release. In all, our data suggest that inflammatory mediators induce miR-155 expression in IMF of patients with UC. By downregulating the expression of SOCS1, miR-155 wires IMF inflammatory phenotype

Semen washing procedures do not eliminate human papilloma virus sperm infection in infertile patients

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of three sperm washing protocols for removing human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected cells from semen samples of infertile patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional clinical study. SETTING: Andrology and microbiology sections at a university hospital. PATIENT(S): A group of 32 infertile patients positive for semen HPV, detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in-situ hybridization in sperm and exfoliated cells. INTERVENTION(S): Semen analysis and in-situ hybridization for HPV detection were performed before and after sperm washing, discontinuous Ficoll gradients, and swim-up protocols. Statistical analysis was performed with a two-tailed Student's t-test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Evaluation of sperm parameters and presence of HPV, performed in semen samples before and after procedures of sperm selection. RESULT(S): All native samples showed the presence of infected sperm with a mean percentage of positivity (24.7% ± 8.9%) higher than exfoliated cells (13.8% ± 4.3%). Fifteen samples had HPV DNA on sperm and exfoliated cells. Sperm washing centrifugation showed no changes in the number of infected samples and in the percentage of infected cells. Ficoll and swim-up protocols induced a slight reduction in the number of infected samples (30 and 26, respectively). CONCLUSION(S): This study demonstrated that conventional sperm selection rarely eliminates HPV sperm infection. More attention should be paid to the reproductive health of infected patients because, not only can HPV be transmitted, but it may also have a negative effect on development of the fetus

Sperm viral infection and male infertility: focus on HBV, HCV, HIV, HPV, HSV, HCMV, and AAV

Chronic viral infections can infect sperm and are considered a risk factor in male infertility. Recent studies have shown that the presence of HIV, HBV or HCV in semen impairs sperm parameters, DNA integrity, and in particular reduces forward motility. In contrast, very little is known about semen infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV), herpesviruses (HSV), cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and adeno-associated virus (AAV). At present, EU directives for the viral screening of couples undergoing assisted reproduction techniques require only the evaluation of HIV, HBV, and HCV. However, growing evidence suggests that HPV, HSV, and HCMV might play a major role in male infertility and it has been demonstrated that HPV semen infection has a negative influence on sperm parameters, fertilization, and the abortion rate. Besides the risk of horizontal or vertical transmission, the negative impact of any viral sperm infection on male reproductive function seems to be dramatic. In addition, treatment with antiviral and antiretroviral therapies may further affect sperm parameters. In this review we attempted to focus on the interactions between defined sperm viral infections and their association with male fertility disorders. All viruses considered in this article have a potentially negative effect on male reproductive function and dangerous infections can be transmitted to partners and newborns. In light of this evidence, we suggest performing targeted sperm washing procedures for each sperm infection and to strongly consider screening male patients seeking fertility for HPV, HSV, and HCMV, both to avoid viral transmission and to improve assisted or even spontaneous fertility outcome