bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR551b Regulates Colorectal Cancer Progression by Targeting the ZEB1 Signaling Axis
Authors: Kim Kwang Seock , Jeong Dongjun , Sari Ita Novita , Wijaya Yoseph Toni , Jun Nayoung , Lee Sanghyun , Yang Ying-Gui , Lee Sae Hwan , Kwon Hyog Young
Published: May 2019

Our current understanding of the role of microRNA 551b (miR551b) in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited. Here, studies using both ectopic expression of miR551b and miR551b mimics revealed that miR551b exerts a tumor suppressive effect in CRC cells. Specifically, miR551b was significantly downregulated in both patient-derived CRC tissues and CRC cell lines compared to normal tissues and non-cancer cell lines. Also, miR551b significantly inhibited the motility of CRC cells in vitro, including migration, invasion, and wound healing rates, but did not affect cell proliferation. Mechanistically, miR551b targets and inhibits the expression of ZEB1 (Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1), resulting in the dysregulation of EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) signatures. More importantly, miR551b overexpression was found to reduce the tumor size in a xenograft model of CRC cells in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses showed that miR551b expression levels were markedly downregulated in the advanced-stage CRC tissues compared to normal tissues, and ZEB1 was associated with the disease progression in CRC patients. Our findings indicated that miR551b could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and could be utilized to improve the therapeutic outcomes of CRC patients.
Detecting and Tracking Circulating Tumour DNA Copy Number Profiles during First Line Chemotherapy in Oesophagogastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Davidson Michael , Barber Louise J. , Woolston Andrew , Cafferkey Catherine , Mansukhani Sonia , Griffiths Beatrice , Moorcraft Sing-Yu , Rana Isma , Begum Ruwaida , Assiotis Ioannis , Matthews Nik , Rao Sheela , Watkins David , Chau Ian , Cunningham David , Starling Naureen , Gerlinger Marco
Published: May 2019

DNA somatic copy number aberrations (SCNAs) are key drivers in oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma (OGA). Whether minimally invasive SCNA analysis of circulating tumour (ct)DNA can predict treatment outcomes and reveal how SCNAs evolve during chemotherapy is unknown. We investigated this by low-coverage whole genome sequencing (lcWGS) of ctDNA from 30 patients with advanced OGA prior to first-line chemotherapy and on progression. SCNA profiles were detectable pretreatment in 23/30 (76.7%) patients. The presence of liver metastases, primary tumour in situ, or of oesophageal or junctional tumour location predicted for a high ctDNA fraction. A low ctDNA concentration associated with significantly longer overall survival. Neither chromosomal instability metrics nor ploidy correlated with chemotherapy outcome. Chromosome 2q and 8p gains before treatment were associated with chemotherapy responses. lcWGS identified all amplifications found by prior targeted tumour tissue sequencing in cases with detectable ctDNA as well as finding additional changes. SCNA profiles changed during chemotherapy, indicating that cancer cell populations evolved during treatment; however, no recurrent SCNA changes were acquired at progression. Tracking the evolution of OGA cancer cell populations in ctDNA is feasible during chemotherapy. The observation of genetic evolution warrants investigation in larger series and with higher resolution techniques to reveal potential genetic predictors of response and drivers of chemotherapy resistance. The presence of liver metastasis is a potential biomarker for the selection of patients with high ctDNA content for such studies.
BARD1 is a Low/Moderate Breast Cancer Risk Gene: Evidence Based on an Association Study of the Central European p.Q564X Recurrent Mutation
Authors: Suszynska Malwina , Kluzniak Wojciech , Wokolorczyk Dominika , Jakubowska Anna , Huzarski Tomasz , Gronwald Jacek , Debniak Tadeusz , Szwiec Marek , Ratajska Magdalena , Klonowska Katarzyna , Narod Steven , Bogdanova Natalia , Dörk Thilo , Lubinski Jan , Cybulski Cezary , Kozlowski Piotr
Published: May 2019

In addition to several well-established breast cancer (BC) susceptibility genes, the contribution of other candidate genes to BC risk remains mostly undefined. BARD1 is a potentially predisposing BC gene, however, the rarity of its mutations and an insufficient family/study size have hampered corroboration and estimation of the associated cancer risks. To clarify the role of BARD1 mutations in BC predisposition, a comprehensive case-control association study of a recurring nonsense mutation c.1690C>T (p.Q564X) was performed, comprising ~14,000 unselected BC patients and ~5900 controls from Polish and Belarusian populations. For comparisons, two BARD1 variants of unknown significance were also genotyped. We detected the highest number of BARD1 variants in BC cases in any individual BARD1-specific study, including 38 p.Q564X mutations. The p.Q564X was associated with a moderately increased risk of BC (OR = 2.30, p = 0.04). The estimated risk was even higher for triple-negative BC and bilateral BC. As expected, the two tested variants of unknown significance did not show significant associations with BC risk. Our study provides substantial evidence for the association of a deleterious BARD1 mutation with BC as a low/moderate risk allele. The p.Q564X was shown to be a Central European recurrent mutation with potential relevance for future genetic testing.
Reuse of Lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens via Its Step-by-Step Coimmobilization on Glyoxyl-Octyl Agarose Beads with Least Stable Lipases
Authors: Rios Nathalia , Arana-Peña Sara , Mendez-Sanchez Carmen , Ortiz Claudia , Gonçalves Luciana , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: May 2019

Coimmobilization of lipases may be interesting in many uses, but this means that the stability of the least stable enzyme determines the stability of the full combilipase. Here, we propose a strategy that permits the reuse the most stable enzyme. Lecitase Ultra (LU) (a phospholipase) and the lipases from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) and from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) were immobilized on octyl agarose, and their stabilities were studied under a broad range of conditions. Immobilized PFL was found to be the most stable enzyme under all condition ranges studied. Furthermore, in many cases it maintained full activity, while the other enzymes lost more than 50% of their initial activity. To coimmobilize these enzymes without discarding fully active PFL when LU or RML had been inactivated, PFL was covalently immobilized on glyoxyl-agarose beads. After biocatalysts reduction, the other enzyme was coimmobilized just by interfacial activation. After checking that glyoxyl-octyl-PFL was stable in 4% Triton X-100, the biocatalysts of PFL coimmobilized with LU or RML were submitted to inactivation under different conditions. Then, the inactivated least stable coimmobilized enzyme was desorbed (using 4% detergent) and a new enzyme reloading (using in some instances RML and in some others employing LU) was performed. The initial activity of immobilized PFL was maintained intact for several of these cycles. This shows the great potential of this lipase coimmobilization strategy.
Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution and CO2 Reduction over MoS2/Si and MoSe2/Si Nanostructures by Combined Photoelectrochemical Deposition and Rapid-Thermal Annealing Process
Authors: Hong Sungmin , Rhee Choong Kyun , Sohn Youngku
Published: May 2019

Diverse methods have been employed to synthesize MoS2 and MoSe2 catalyst systems. Herein, a combined photoelectrochemical (PEC) deposition and rapid-thermal annealing process has first been employed to fabricate MoS2 and MoSe2 thin films on Si substrates. The newly developed transition-metal dichalcogenides were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. PEC hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was demonstrated in an acidic condition to show a PEC catalytic performance order of MoOx/Si < MoS2/Si << MoSe2/Si under the visible light-on condition. The HER activity (4.5 mA/cm2 at −1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl) of MoSe2/Si was increased by 4.8× compared with that under the dark condition. For CO2 reduction, the PEC activity was observed to be in the order of MoS2/Si < MoOx/Si << MoSe2/Si under the visible light-on condition. The reduction activity (0.127 mA/cm2) of MoSe2/Si was increased by 9.3× compared with that under the dark condition. The combined electrochemical deposition and rapid-thermal annealing method could be a very useful method for fabricating a thin film state catalytic system perusing hydrogen production and CO2 energy conversion.
Current Status of Patient-Derived Ovarian Cancer Models
Authors: Maru Yoshiaki , Hippo Yoshitaka
Published: May 2019

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading causes of female cancer death. Recent studies have documented its extensive variations as a disease entity, in terms of cell or tissue of origin, pre-cancerous lesions, common mutations, and therapeutic responses, leading to the notion that OC is a generic term referring to a whole range of different cancer subtypes. Despite such heterogeneity, OC treatment is stereotypic; aggressive surgery followed by conventional chemotherapy could result in chemo-resistant diseases. Whereas molecular-targeted therapies will become shortly available for a subset of OC, there still remain many patients without effective drugs, requiring development of groundbreaking therapeutic agents. In preclinical studies for drug discovery, cancer cell lines used to be the gold standard, but now this has declined due to frequent failure in predicting therapeutic responses in patients. In this regard, patient-derived cells and tumors are gaining more attention in precise and physiological modeling of in situ tumors, which could also pave the way to implementation of precision medicine. In this article, we comprehensively overviewed the current status of various platforms for patient-derived OC models. We highly appreciate the potentials of organoid culture in achieving high success rate and retaining tumor heterogeneity.
Pre-Treatment Biomarkers of Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor Therapy Response in Crohn’s Disease—A Systematic Review and Gene Ontology Analysis
Authors: Gole Boris , Potočnik Uroš
Published: May 2019

The most prominent treatment for the serious cases of Crohn’s disease (CD) are biological tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Unfortunately, therapy nonresponse is still a serious issue in ~1/3 of CD patients. Accurate prediction of responsiveness prior to therapy start would therefore be of great value. Clinical predictors have, however, proved insufficient. Here, we integrate genomic and expression data on potential pre-treatment biomarkers of anti-TNF nonresponse. We show that there is almost no overlap between genomic (annotated with tissue-specific expression quantitative trait loci data) and transcription (RNA and protein data) biomarkers. Furthermore, using interaction networks we demonstrate there is little direct interaction between the proposed biomarkers, though a majority do have common interactors connecting them into networks. Our gene ontology analysis shows that these networks have roles in apoptotic signalling, response to oxidative stress and inflammation pathways. We conclude that a more systematic approach with genome-wide search of genomic and expression biomarkers in the same patients is needed in future studies.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Controls Murine Chronic Intestinal Inflammation by Modulating Immune Cell Functions and Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors: Burrello Claudia , Giuffrè Maria Rita , Macandog Angeli Dominique , Diaz-Basabe Angelica , Cribiù Fulvia Milena , Lopez Gianluca , Borgo Francesca , Nezi Luigi , Caprioli Flavio , Vecchi Maurizio , Facciotti Federica
Published: May 2019

Different gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), have been linked to alterations of the gut microbiota composition, namely dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is considered an encouraging therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis patients, mostly as a consequence of normobiosis restoration. We recently showed that therapeutic effects of FMT during acute experimental colitis are linked to functional modulation of the mucosal immune system and of the gut microbiota composition. Here we analysed the effects of therapeutic FMT administration during chronic experimental colitis, a condition more similar to that of IBD patients, on immune-mediated mucosal inflammatory pathways. Mucus and feces from normobiotic donors were orally administered to mice with established chronic Dextran Sodium Sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. Immunophenotypes and functions of infiltrating colonic immune cells were evaluated by cytofluorimetric analysis. Compositional differences in the intestinal microbiome were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Therapeutic FMT in mice undergoing chronic intestinal inflammation was capable to decrease colonic inflammation by modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, antimicrobial peptides, and mucins. Innate and adaptive mucosal immune cells manifested a reduced pro-inflammatory profile in FMT-treated mice. Finally, restoration of a normobiotic core ecology contributed to the resolution of inflammation. Thus, FMT is capable of controlling chronic intestinal experimental colitis by inducing a concerted activation of anti-inflammatory immune pathways, mechanistically supporting the positive results of FMT treatment reported in ulcerative colitis patients.
Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Low Noise Pavements: Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Reclaimed Asphalt and Crumb Rubber Based Warm Mix Technologies
Authors: Puccini Monica , Leandri Pietro , Tasca Andrea Luca , Pistonesi Lavinia , Losa Massimo
Published: May 2019

Increasing environmental awareness is pushing towards sustainable approaches to the design and management of transport infrastructures. A life cycle assessment of low noise pavements is carried out here, with the aim to evaluate and compare the use of warm mix asphalts containing crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires (ELTs) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Different scenarios have been considered, taking into account production, construction, maintenance activities, and end-of-life of the pavement, according to a cradle to grave approach. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) was used as a reference wearing course. Results show that the simultaneous implementation of warm asphalt technologies and recycled materials can lead to a 50% reduction of the environmental burdens, compared to the standard scenario. The difference is mainly ascribed to the material depletion, the energy consumption, and the emissions associated with the frequency of maintenance of the wearing course. The use of asphalt rubber is environmentally advantageous, if compared to polymer modified binders (PMB); moreover, rubberized open-graded mixtures require the lowest bitumen content and maintenance. The findings of this research support the use of recycled materials and warm technologies as a way to improve the environmental sustainability of low noise pavements.
Special Issue Editorial: Ionic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Saielli Giacomo
Published: May 2019

The term “Ionic Liquid Crystals” (ILCs) clearly results from the blending of the well-known “Ionic Liquids” (ILs) and “Liquid Crystals” (LCs) names of the corresponding materials [...]
Elucidation of the Structure of the 2-amino-3,5-Dibromochalcone Epoxides in Solution and Solid State
Authors: Mphahlele Malose J. , Maluleka Marole M. , Mampa Richard M.
Published: May 2019

The conformation of the title compounds was determined in solution by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and in solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) complemented with density functional theory. The compounds were found to exist exclusively in solution and solid state as trans-2-aminochalcone epoxides with strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction between the amino and carbonyl groups. These 2-aminochalcone epoxides experienced a solvent effect in DMSO-d6, which resulted in an anomalous chemical shift for the α-hydrogen signal, presumably due to complexation of solute molecules with DMSO. The solute–solvent interaction would probably fix the trans conformation of epoxyketone such that α-H is more accessible to both aryl rings, and in turn, experience their combined anisotropic effect. Intermolecular interactions in the crystal structures were confirmed and quantified using the Hirshfeld surface analysis. Moreover, the trans stereochemistry of the α-epoxyketones facilitated direct one-pot sequential sulfuric acid-mediated ring opening and aryl migration to afford the corresponding 3-arylquinolin-4(1H)-ones (azaisoflavones).
Stepwise Homogeneous Melting of Benzene Phase I at High Pressure
Authors: Mahesta Ravi , Mochizuki Kenji
Published: May 2019

We investigate, using molecular dynamics simulations, the spontaneous homogeneous melting of benzene phase I under a high pressure of 1.0 GPa. We find an apparent stepwise transition via a metastable crystal phase, unlike the direct melting observed at ambient pressure. The transition to the metastable phase is achieved by rotational motions, without the diffusion of the center of mass of benzene. The metastable crystal completely occupies the whole space and maintains its structure for at least several picoseconds, so that the phase seems to have a local free energy minimum. The unit cell is found to be unique—no such crystalline structure has been reported so far. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of pressure control on the melting behavior.
Visualization of Myocardial Strain Pattern Uniqueness with Respect to Activation Time and Contractility: A Computational Study
Authors: Kirn Borut
Published: May 2019

Speckle tracking echography is used to measure myocardial strain patterns in order to assess the state of myocardial tissue. Because electro-mechanical coupling in myocardial tissue is complex and nonlinear, and because of the measurement errors the uniqueness of strain patterns is questionable. In this study, the uniqueness of strain patterns was visualized in order to revel characteristics that may improve their interpretation. A computational model of sarcomere mechanics was used to generate a database of 1681 strain patterns, each simulated with a different set of sarcomere parameters: time of activation (TA) and contractility (Con). TA and Con ranged from −100 ms to 100 ms and 2% to 202% in 41 steps respectively, thus forming a two-dimensional 41 × 41 parameter space. Uniqueness of the strain pattern was assessed by using a cohort of similar strain patterns defined by a measurement error. The cohort members were then visualized in the parameter space. Each cohort formed one connected component (or blob) in the parameter space; however, large differences in the shape, size, and eccentricity of the blobs were found for different regions in the parameter space. The blobs were elongated along the TA direction (±50 ms) when contractility was low, and along the Con direction (±50%) when contractility was high. The uniqueness of the strain patterns can be assessed and visualized in the parameter space. The strain patterns in the studied database are not degenerated because a cohort of similar strain patterns forms only one connected blob in the parameter space. However, the elongation of the blobs means that estimations of TA when contractility is low and of Con when contractility is high have high uncertainty.
Nonlinear Stochastic Equation within an Itô Prescription for Modelling of Financial Market
Authors: S. Lima Leonardo
Published: May 2019

The stochastic nonlinear model based on Itô diffusion is proposed as a mathematical model for price dynamics of financial markets. We study this model with relation to concrete stylised facts about financial markets. We investigate the behavior of the long tail distribution of the volatilities and verify the inverse power law behavior which is obeyed for some financial markets. Furthermore, we obtain the behavior of the long range memory and obtain that it follows to a distinct behavior of other stochastic models that are used as models for the finances. Furthermore, we have made an analysis by using Fokker–Planck equation independent on time with the aim of obtaining the cumulative probability distribution of volatilities P ( g ) , however, the probability density found does not exhibit the cubic inverse law.
Melodies as Maximally Disordered Systems under Macroscopic Constraints with Musical Meaning
Authors: Useche Jorge , Hurtado Rafael
Published: May 2019

One of the most relevant features of musical pieces is the selection and utilization of musical elements by composers. For connecting the musical properties of a melodic line as a whole with those of its constituent elements, we propose a representation for musical intervals based on physical quantities and a statistical model based on the minimization of relative entropy. The representation contains information about the size, location in the register, and level of tonal consonance of musical intervals. The statistical model involves expected values of relevant physical quantities that can be adopted as macroscopic constraints with musical meaning. We studied the occurrences of musical intervals in 20 melodic lines from seven masterpieces of Western tonal music. We found that all melodic lines are strictly ordered in terms of the physical quantities of the representation and that the formalism is suitable for approximately reproducing the final selection of musical intervals made by the composers, as well as for describing musical features as the asymmetry in the use of ascending and descending intervals, transposition processes, and the mean dissonance of a melodic line.
Entropy and Mixing Entropy for Weakly Nonlinear Mechanical Vibrating Systems
Authors: Sotoudeh Zahra
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we examine Khinchin’s entropy for two weakly nonlinear systems of oscillators. We study a system of coupled Duffing oscillators and a set of Henon–Heiles oscillators. It is shown that the general method of deriving the Khinchin’s entropy for linear systems can be modified to account for weak nonlinearities. Nonlinearities are modeled as nonlinear springs. To calculate the Khinchin’s entropy, one needs to obtain an analytical expression of the system’s phase volume. We use a perturbation method to do so, and verify the results against the numerical calculation of the phase volume. It is shown that such an approach is valid for weakly nonlinear systems. In an extension of the author’s previous work for linear systems, a mixing entropy is defined for these two oscillators. The mixing entropy is the result of the generation of entropy when two systems are combined to create a complex system. It is illustrated that mixing entropy is always non-negative. The mixing entropy provides insight into the energy behavior of each system. The limitation of statistical energy analysis motivates this study. Using the thermodynamic relationship of temperature and entropy, and Khinchin’s entropy, one can define a vibrational temperature. Vibrational temperature can be used to derive the power flow proportionality, which is the backbone of the statistical energy analysis. Although this paper is motivated by statistical energy analysis application, it is not devoted to the statistical energy analysis of nonlinear systems.
Tree Sampling for Detection of Information Source in Densely Connected Networks
Authors: Min Taewon , Joo Changhee
Published: May 2019

We investigate the problem of source detection in information spreading throughout a densely-connected network. Previous works have been developed mostly for tree networks or applied the tree-network results to non-tree networks assuming that the infection occurs in the breadth first manner. However, these approaches result in low detection performance in densely-connected networks, since there is a substantial number of nodes that are infected through the non-shortest path. In this work, we take a two-step approach to the source detection problem in densely-connected networks. By introducing the concept of detour nodes, we first sample trees that the infection process likely follows and effectively compare the probability of the sampled trees. Our solution has low complexity of O ( n 2 log n ) , where n denotes the number of infected nodes, and thus can be applied to large-scale networks. Through extensive simulations including practical networks of the Internet autonomous system and power grid, we evaluate our solution in comparison with two well-known previous schemes and show that it achieves the best performance in densely-connected networks.
A High-Speed Low-Power Divide-by-3/4 Prescaler using E-TSPC Logic DFFs
Authors: Shen Tianchen , Liu Jiabing , Song Chunyi , Xu Zhiwei
Published: May 2019

A high-speed, low-power divide-by-3/4 prescaler based on an extended true single-phase clock D-flip flop (E-TSPC DFF) is presented. We added two more transistors and a mode control signal to the conventional E-TSPC based divide-by-4 divider to achieve the function of the divide-by-3/4 dual modulus frequency divider. The designed divide-by-3/4 achieved higher speed and lower power operation with mode control compared with the conventional ones. The prescaler was comprised of sixteen transistors and integrates an inverter in the second DFF to provide output directly. The power consumption was minimized due to the reduced number of stages and transistors. In addition, the prescaler operating speed was also improved due to a reduced critical path. We compared the simulation results with conventional E-TSPC based divide-by-3/4 dividers in the same process, where the figure-of-merit (FoM) of the proposed divider was 17.4–75.5% better than conventional ones. We have also fabricated the prescaler in a 40 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The measured highest operating frequency was 9 GHz with 0.303 mW power consumption under 1.35 V power supply, which agrees with the simulation well. The measurement results demonstrate that the proposed divider achieves high-speed and low-power operation.
Active Disturbance Rejection Control of Multi-Joint Industrial Robots Based on Dynamic Feedforward
Authors: Cheng Xin , Tu Xiao , Zhou Yunfei , Zhou Rougang
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the dynamics-based high-performance robot motion control technology has been mainly studied, and the overall structure is controlled via dynamics forward, given the nonlinearity, strong coupling and time-variability of robots. Considering the unavailability of precise robot model parameters and the uncertain disturbance in real operation, we put forward an active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) strategy based on dynamic feedforward, aiming to improve the control robustness and combining the simple structure, strong anti- disturbance ability, and no restriction from the control model of ADRC. Given the multi-joint coupling of robots, controlled decoupling is conducted by using dynamic characteristics. The ADRC cascade control structure and algorithm based on dynamic feedforward have been studied and the closed-loop stability of the system is investigated by analyzing the system dynamic linearization compensation and the anti-disturbance ability of the extended state observer. Experiments have shown the new strategy is more robust over uncertain disturbance than the conventional proportional-integral-derivative control strategy.
Spectrum Analysis and Optimization of the Axial Magnetic Gear with Halbach Permanent Magnet Arrays
Authors: Hu Fang , Zhou Yilan , Cui Hesong , Liu Xiao
Published: May 2019

In order to study the contribution of each harmonic to the output torque and axial torque of the axial magnetic gear with Halbach permanent magnet arrays (HAMG), torque and axial force calculation formulas of the HAMG are proposed based on the air-gap flux density distribution of the HAMG. Because of the difference of the air-gap flux densities at different radii, two simplified torque and axial force calculation formulas are proposed and compared. To improve the torque capability of the HAMG, parametric analysis of eight dimensional parameters is firstly conducted. By parametric analysis, six parameters such as the inner radius have been found to have obvious impact on the output torque and output torque density of the HAMG. The optimization using Maxwell software is then executed for maximizing the output torque density of the HAMG. The output torque density of the optimized HAMG is improved from 78.1 kNm/m3 to 93.3 kNm/m3 with an increase of 19%. Furthermore, spectrum analysis is also presented to illustrate the significant output torque improvement based on the torque calculation formulas.
Quantitative Evaluation of the “Non-Enclosed” Microseismic Array: A Case Study in a Deeply Buried Twin-Tube Tunnel
Authors: Zhang Hang , Ma Chunchi , Li Tianbin
Published: May 2019

The high-stress hazards of underground engineering have stimulated the exploration of microseismic monitoring and early warning methods. To achieve a good monitoring effect, the monitoring object is usually enclosed by a microseismic array (sensor array) (e.g., slope engineering, etc.). However, some characteristics of a buried tunnel, including “linear”, “deep-buried”, and “long”, make it difficult to deploy a reasonable microseismic array, which leads to the microseismic array being non-enclosed for the monitoring object. Application of the non-enclosed microseismic array yields decreases the accuracy of the source location. To solve the problem wisely, this paper deals with the feasibility of non-enclosed microseismic arrays (axial-extended, lateral-extended, and twin-tube arrays) by introducing a quantitative method. To this end, an optimized microseismic array with the best source location accuracy for a twin-tube expressway tunnel is proposed. The obtained results reveal that the non-enclosed microseismic arrays, which are unavoidable in expressway tunnel engineering, do not introduce errors but reduce the ability to resist them. Further, the twin-tube array achieves a better source location accuracy than the axial and lateral-extended arrays. In the application of the source location based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to the twin-tube array, microseismic events, which cluster in the rockburst section, are wholly gathered, and the maximum error is reduced by about 30–50 m, indicating its greater feasibility with respect to the single-tube array.
Research on Dynamic Evolution Simulation and Sustainability Evaluation Model of China’s Power Supply and Demand System
Authors: Liu Jin-peng , Tian Yu , Zheng Hao , Yi Tao
Published: May 2019

Power supply and demand systems are important support systems for industrial production and residents’ lives. They have multiple influencing factors, and complex mechanisms of interaction exist among these factors. In view of the present sustainability problems faced by China’s power supply and demand system, this research adopts a system dynamics (SD) model to simulate the evolution of China’s power supply and demand system, and analyzes the interaction mechanism of various elements of the system. Based on this, an innovative index system for the evaluation of the sustainability of power supply and demand systems is proposed based on the four elements of total amount, structure, technology and environment. Furthermore, by integrating Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and State Space (SS) method, a PCA-SS evaluation model is constructed to explore the development bottleneck of China’s power supply and demand system. The results show that there is still a large gap between the actual sustainability and the ideal range, and that the sustainability of structural and environmental layers needs further improvement. This research expands the knowledge system regarding the evaluation of the sustainability of power supply and demand systems and provides a theoretical reference for the optimization of China’s power supply and demand system.
Use of Buckwheat Straw to Produce Ethyl Alcohol Using Ionic Liquids
Authors: Smuga-Kogut Małgorzata , Bychto Leszek , Walendzik Bartosz , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta , Marecik Roman , Kobus-Cisowska Joanna , Grajek Katarzyna , Szymanowska-Powałowska Daria
Published: May 2019

Background: Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is an annual spring-emerging crop that is classified among the dicotyledons, due to the manner of its cultivation, use, and chemical composition of seeds. The use of buckwheat straw for energy purposes—for example, for the production of second generation bioethanol—might enable its wider application and increase the cost-effectiveness of tillage. Methods: In this study, we examined the usability of buckwheat straw for the production of bioethanol. We pretreated the raw material with ionic liquids and subsequently performed enzymatic hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation. The obtained chemometric data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression model. PLS regression in combination with spectral analysis within the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum allowed for the rapid determination of the amount of cellulose in the raw material and also provided information on the changes taking place in its structure. Results: We obtained good results for the combination of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate as the ionic liquid and Cellic CTec2 as the enzymatic preparation for the pretreatment of buckwheat straw. The highest concentration of glucose following 72 h of enzymatic hydrolysis was found to be around 5.5 g/dm3. The highest concentration of ethanol (3.31 g/dm3) was obtained with the combination of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate for the pretreatment and cellulase from Trichoderma reesei for enzymatic hydrolysis. Conclusions: In summary, the efficiency of the fermentation process is strictly associated with the pool of available fermenting sugars, and it depends on the type of ionic liquid used during the pretreatment and on the enzymatic preparation. It is possible to obtain bioethanol from buckwheat straw using ionic liquid for pretreatment of the raw material prior to the enzymatic hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation of the material.
Improving Microgrid Frequency Regulation Based on the Virtual Inertia Concept while Considering Communication System Delay
Authors: Alizadeh Gholam Ali , Rahimi Tohid , Babayi Nozadian Mohsen Hasan , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Leonowicz Zbigniew
Published: May 2019

Frequency stability is an important issue for the operation of islanded microgrids. Since the upstream grid does not support the islanded microgrids, the power control and frequency regulation encounter serious problems. By increasing the penetration of the renewable energy sources in microgrids, optimizing the parameters of the load frequency controller plays a great role in frequency stability, which is currently being investigated by researchers. The status of loads and generation sources are received by the control center of a microgrid via a communication system and the control center can regulate the output power of renewable energy sources and/or power storage devices. An inherent delay in the communication system or other parts like sensors sampling rates may lead microgrids to have unstable operation states. Reducing the delay in the communication system, as one of the main delay origins, can play an important role in improving fluctuation mitigation, which on the other hand increases the cost of communication system operation. In addition, application of ultra-capacitor banks, as a virtual inertial tool, can be considered as an effective solution to damp frequency oscillations. However, when the ultra-capacitor size is increased, the virtual inertia also increases, which in turn increases the costs. Therefore, it is essential to use a suitable optimization algorithm to determine the optimum parameters. In this paper, the communication system delay and ultra-capacitor size along with the parameters of the secondary controller are obtained by using a Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) algorithm as well as by considering the costs. To cover frequency oscillations and the cost of microgrid operation, two fitness functions are defined. The frequency oscillations of the case study are investigated considering the stochastic behavior of the load and the output of the renewable energy sources.
A Vine-Copula Based Voltage State Assessment with Wind Power Integration
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Han Ji , Zheng Tingting , Zhang Ping , Duan Simo , Miao Shihong
Published: May 2019

With the increasing rate of wind power installed capacity, voltage state assessment with large-scale wind power integration is of great significance. In this paper, a vine-copula based voltage state assessment method with large-scale wind power integration is proposed. Firstly, the nonparametric kernel density estimation is used to fit the wind speed distribution, and vine-copula is used to construct the wind speed joint distribution model of multiple regions. In order to obtain voltage distribution characteristics, probabilistic load flow based on the semi-invariant method and wind speed independent transformation based on the Rosenblatt transformation are described. On this basis, a voltage state assessment index is established for the more comprehensive evaluation of voltage characteristics, and a voltage state assessment procedure is proposed. Taking actual wind speed as an example, the case study of the IEEE 24-node power system and the east Inner Mongolia power system for voltage state assessment with large-scale wind power integration are studied. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed voltage state assessment method.
Coupled Motion Characteristics of Offshore Wind Turbines during the Integrated Transportation Process
Authors: Lian Jijian , Jiang Junni , Dong Xiaofeng , Wang Haijun , Zhou Huan , Wang Pengwen
Published: May 2019

The offshore wind turbine (OWT) supported by bucket foundations can be installed in the integrated transportation process by a dedicated vessel. During the integrated transportation process, the wind turbine is considered as a coupling system with the transport ship, which is easily influenced by waves and storms. In view of the motion response and influential factors, the heave and rock stiffness of the entire floating system was proposed, and then the analytical dynamic motion model of the coupling system was established based on the movement mechanism of the traditional floating body in the wave in this paper. Subsequently, the rationality of the proposed motion model was verified based on the field observation data, with the maximum deviation of the motion responses less than 14%. Further, the influence on the heave and pitch motion of the coupling system considering different factors (vessel speed, wave height, wind speed and wave angle) and the factor sensitivity were discussed by the novel analytical model. It is explained that the heave and pitch motion responses rise with the increase of the wave height and wave angle. Simultaneously, the responses decrease as the vessel speed increases considering sailing along the waves. On the contrary, the responses show an obvious increasing trend with the increase of vessel speed in the case of the top wave sailing. In addition, it is also illustrated that the wave height has the greatest influence on the heave and pitch motion responses, followed by the vessel speed. The wave angle has the lowest sensitivity when the heave and pitch motion are far away from its harmonic resonance region.
Thermodynamic Selection of the Optimal Working Fluid for Organic Rankine Cycles
Authors: Imre Attila R. , Kustán Réka , Groniewsky Axel
Published: May 2019

A novel method proposed to choose the optimal working fluid—solely from the point of view of expansion route—for a given heat source and heat sink (characterized by a maximum and minimum temperature). The basis of this method is the novel classification of working fluids using the sequences of their characteristic points on temperature-entropy space. The most suitable existing working fluid can be selected, where an ideal adiabatic (isentropic) expansion step between a given upper and lower temperature is possible in a way, that the initial and final states are both saturated vapour states and the ideal (isentropic) expansion line runs in the superheated (dry) vapour region all along the expansion. Problems related to the presence of droplets or superheated dry steam in the final expansion state can be avoided or minimized by using the working fluid chosen with this method. Results obtained with real materials are compared with those gained with model (van der Waals) fluids; based on the results obtained with model fluids, erroneous experimental data-sets can be pinpointed. Since most of the known working fluids have optimal expansion routes at low temperatures, presently the method is most suitable to choose working fluids for cryogenic cycles, applied for example for heat recovery during LNG-regasification. Some of the materials, however, can be applied in ranges located at relatively higher temperatures, therefore the method can also be applied in some limited manner for the utilization of other low temperature heat sources (like geothermal or waste heat) as well.
Variations in Orthotropic Elastic Constants of Green Chinese Larch from Pith to Sapwood
Authors: Liu Fenglu , Zhang Houjiang , Jiang Fang , Wang Xiping , Guan Cheng
Published: May 2019

Full sets of elastic constants of green Chinese larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr) with 95% moisture content at four different cross-section sampling positions (from pith to sapwood) were determined in this work using three-point bending and compression tests. Variations in the material constants of green Chinese larch from pith to sapwood were investigated and analyzed. The results showed that the sensitivity of each elastic constant to the sampling position was different, and the coefficient of variation ranged from 4.3% to 48.7%. The Poisson’s ratios νRT measured at four different sampling positions were similar and the differences between them were not significant. The coefficient of variation for Poisson’s ratio νRT was only 4.3%. The four sampling positions had similar Poisson’s ratios νTL, though the coefficient of variation was 11.7%. The Poisson’s ratio νLT had the greatest variation in all elastic constants with a 48.7% coefficient of variation. A good linear relationship was observed between the longitudinal modulus of elastic EL, shear modulus of elasticity GRT, Poisson’s ratio νRT, and sampling distance. EL, GRT, and νRT all increased with sampling distance R. However, a quadratic relationship existed with the tangential modulus of elasticity ET, radial modulus of elasticity ER, shear modulus of elasticity GLT, and shear modulus of elasticity GLR. A discrete relationship was found in the other five Poisson’s ratios. The results of this study provide the factual changes in the elastic constants of green wood from pith to sapwood for numerical modelling of stress wave propagation in trees or logs.
Genome Size Variation within Species of Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and Its Wild Ancestor Sour Jujube (Z. acidojujuba Cheng et Liu)
Authors: Wang Lihu , Luo Zhi , Liu Zhiguo , Zhao Jin , Deng Wenping , Wei Hairong , Liu Ping , Liu Mengjun
Published: May 2019

One of the most important attributes of a genome is genome size, which can to a large extent reflect the evolutionary history and diversity of a plant species. However, studies on genome size diversity within a species are still very limited. This study aims to clarify the variation in genome sizes of Chinese jujube and sour jujube, and to characterize if there exists an association between genome sizes and geographical variation. We measured the genome sizes of 301 cultivars of Chinese jujube and 81 genotypes of sour jujube by flow cytometry. Ten fruit traits, including weight, vertical diameter, horizontal diameter, size, total acids, total sugar, monosaccharide, disaccharide, soluble solids, and ascorbic acid were measured in 243 cultivars of Chinese jujube. The estimated genome sizes of Chinese jujube cultivars ranged from 300.77 Mb to 640.94 Mb, with an average of 408.54 Mb, with the highest number of cultivars (20.93%) falling in the range of 334.787 to 368.804 Mb. The genome size is somewhat different with geographical distribution. The results showed weakly significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between genome size and fruit size, vertical diameter, horizontal diameter, and weight in the Chinese jujube. The estimated sour jujube genome sizes ranged from 346.93 Mb to 489.44 Mb, with the highest number of genotypes (24.69%) falling in the range of 418.185 to 432.436 Mb. The average genome size of sour jujube genotypes is 423.55 Mb, 15 Mb larger than that of Chinese jujube. There exists a high level of variation in genome sizes within both Chinese jujube cultivars and sour jujube genotypes. Genome contraction may have been occurred during the domestication of Chinese jujube. This study is the first large-scale investigation of genome size variation in both Chinese jujube and sour jujube, which has provided useful resources and data for the characterization of genome evolution within a species and during domestication in plants.
In Vitro Propagation of Oriental White Oak Quercus aliena Blume
Authors: Li Qiansheng , Gu Mengmeng , Deng Min
Published: May 2019

Quercus aliena Blume, also known as the oriental white oak, is a widespread species in temperate forests of East Asia with significant ecological and economical importance. Establishing an efficient vegetative propagation system is important for its germplasm conservation and breeding program. Protocols of micropropagation from shoot tips and nodal segments were investigated in order to produce uniform high-quality seedlings. Nodal segments from 18 month old seedlings were used as explants to initiate the aseptic culture. The highest bud proliferation was achieved by subculturing the explants on 1/2 strength woody plant medium (WPM) with 2.0 mg·L−1 BA. WPM with 0.5 mg·L−1 BA and 0.05 mg·L−1 IBA was the best medium for subculture to obtain the vigorous regenerated shoots in this experiment. Nodal segments without shoot tips had a higher adventitious bud proliferation rate than those with shoot tips. The highest rate (41.5%) of rooting in vitro was induced by using WPM with 1.0 mg·L−1 IBA and 5 g·L−1 activated charcoal. Ex vitro rooting by dipping the proliferated shoots with 500 mg·L−1 IBA solution, then transplanting directly to potting mix with 50% peat and 50% horticultural perlite fostered the highest rooting percentage and survival rate of the plantlets.
Inter-Individual Variability in Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes: Implications for Human Aging and Longevity
Authors: Crocco Paolina , Montesanto Alberto , Dato Serena , Geracitano Silvana , Iannone Francesca , Passarino Giuseppe , Rose Giuseppina
Published: May 2019

Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XME) mediate the body’s response to potentially harmful compounds of exogenous/endogenous origin to which individuals are exposed during their lifetime. Aging adversely affects such responses, making the elderly more susceptible to toxics. Of note, XME genetic variability was found to impact the ability to cope with xenobiotics and, consequently, disease predisposition. We hypothesized that the variability of these genes influencing the interaction with the exposome could affect the individual chance of becoming long-lived. We tested this hypothesis by screening a cohort of 1112 individuals aged 20–108 years for 35 variants in 23 XME genes. Four variants in different genes (CYP2B6/rs3745274-G/T, CYP3A5/rs776746-G/A, COMT/rs4680-G/A and ABCC2/rs2273697-G/A) differently impacted the longevity phenotype. In particular, the highest impact was observed in the age group 65–89 years, known to have the highest incidence of age-related diseases. In fact, genetic variability of these genes we found to account for 7.7% of the chance to survive beyond the age of 89 years. Results presented herein confirm that XME genes, by mediating the dynamic and the complex gene–environment interactions, can affect the possibility to reach advanced ages, pointing to them as novel genes for future studies on genetic determinants for age-related traits.