bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Cascaded Symmetric and Level Doubling Multilevel Converter Topology with Reduced THD for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: D Karthikeyan , K Vijayakumar , M Jagabar Sathik
Published: February 2019

In this paper, two different converter topologies for a basic new switched capacitor diode converter with a reduced number of power electronics components, suitable for grid connected photovoltaic applications were proposed. The two different structures of switched diode multilevel converter proposed were: (i) cascaded switched diode and (ii) cascaded switched diode with doubling circuit. The switched-diode multilevel converter was compared with other recent converters. In addition, a new dc offset nearest level modulation technique was proposed. This proposed dc offset technique offers low voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) and high RMS output voltage. The proposed modulation technique was compared with conventional nearest level modulation (NLM) and modified NLM control techniques. The performance of the proposed dc offset modulation technique was implemented using a FPGA Spartan 3E controller and tested with a novel switched capacitor-diode multilevel converter. However, to prove the authenticity of the switched-diode multilevel converter and modulation technique, a laboratory-based prototype model for 7-level and 13-level converters was developed.
Stochastic Gradient Matching Pursuit Algorithm Based on Sparse Estimation
Authors: Zhao Liquan , Hu Yunfeng , Liu Yulong
Published: February 2019

The stochastic gradient matching pursuit algorithm requires the sparsity of the signal as prior information. However, this prior information is unknown in practical applications, which restricts the practical applications of the algorithm to some extent. An improved method was proposed to overcome this problem. First, a pre-evaluation strategy was used to evaluate the sparsity of the signal and the estimated sparsity was used as the initial sparsity. Second, if the number of columns of the candidate atomic matrix was smaller than that of the rows, the least square solution of the signal was calculated, otherwise, the least square solution of the signal was set as zero. Finally, if the current residual was greater than the previous residual, the estimated sparsity was adjusted by the fixed step-size and stage index, otherwise we did not need to adjust the estimated sparsity. The simulation results showed that the proposed method was better than other methods in terms of the aspect of reconstruction percentage in the larger sparsity environment.
Multi-Points Cooperative Relay in NOMA System with N-1 DF Relaying Nodes in HD/FD Mode for N User Equipments with Energy Harvesting
Authors: Tran Thanh-Nam , Voznak Miroslav
Published: February 2019

Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) is the key technology promised to be applied in next-generation networks in the near future. In this study, we propose a multi-points cooperative relay (MPCR) NOMA model instead of just using a relay as in previous studies. Based on the channel state information (CSI), the base station (BS) selects a closest user equipment (UE) and sends a superposed signal to this UE as a first relay node. We have assumed that there are N UEs in the network and the N-th UE, which is farthest from BS, has the poorest quality signal transmitted from the BS compared the other UEs. The N-th UE received a forwarded signal from N − 1 relaying nodes that are the UEs with better signal quality. At the i-th relaying node, it detects its own symbol by using successive interference cancellation (SIC) and will forward the superimposed signal to the next closest user, namely the ( i + 1 ) -th UE, and include an excess power which will use for energy harvesting (EH) intention at the next UE. By these, the farthest UE in network can be significantly improved. In addition, closed-form expressions of outage probability for users over both the Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading channels are also presented. Analysis and simulation results performed by Matlab software, which are presented accurately and clearly, show that the effectiveness of our proposed model and this model will be consistent with the multi-access wireless network in the future.
Automatic Spray Trajectory Optimization on Bézier Surface
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Junjie , Tang Yang , Ge Huilin
Published: February 2019

The trajectory optimization of automatic spraying robot is still a challenging problem, which is very important in the whole spraying work. Spray trajectory optimization consists of two parts: spray space path and end-effector moving speed. A large number of spraying experiments have proved that it is very important to find the best initial trajectory of spraying. This paper presents an automatic spray trajectory optimization that is based on the Bézier surface. Spray the workpiece for Bezier triangular surface modeling and find the best initial trajectory of the spraying robot, establish the appropriate spraying model, plan the appropriate space path, and finally plan the trajectory optimization along the specified painting path. The validity and practicability of the method presented in this paper are proved by an example. This method can also be extended to other applications.
A Cost-Effective Air Quality Supervision Solution for Enhanced Living Environments through the Internet of Things
Authors: Marques Gonçalo , Pitarma Rui
Published: February 2019

We spend about 90% of our lives in indoor living environments. Thus, it is essential to provide indoor air quality monitoring for enhanced living environments. Advances in networking, sensors, and embedded devices have made monitoring and supply of assistance possible to people in their homes. Technological advancements have made possible the building of smart devices with significant capabilities for sensing and connecting, but also provide several improvements in ambient assisted living system architectures. Indoor air quality assumes an important role in building productive and healthy indoor environments. In this paper, the authors present an Internet of Things system for real-time indoor air quality monitoring named iAir. This system is composed by an ESP8266 as the communication and processing unit and a MICS-6814 sensor as the sensing unit. The MICS-6814 is a metal oxide semiconductor sensor capable of detecting several gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ethanol, methane, and propane. The iAir system also provides a smartphone application for data consulting and real-time notifications. Compared to other solutions, the iAir system is based on open-source technologies and operates as a totally Wi-Fi system, with several advantages such as its modularity, scalability, low cost, and easy installation. The results obtained are very promising, representing a meaningful contribution for enhanced living environments as iAir provides real-time monitoring for enhanced ambient assisted living and occupational health.
A Rare-Earth Free Magnetically Geared Generator for Direct-Drive Wind Turbines
Authors: Zeinali Reza , Keysan Ozan
Published: February 2019

A novel Vernier type magnetically geared direct-drive generator for large wind turbines is introduced in this paper. Conventional Vernier-type machines and most of the direct-drive wind turbine generators use excessive amount of permanent magnet, which increases the overall cost and makes the manufacturing process challenging. In this paper, an electrically excited (PM_less) claw-pole type Vernier machine is presented. This new topology has the potential of reducing mass and cost of the generator, and can make the construction easy in manufacturing and handling. Analytical designs are verified using 3D finite-element simulations and several designs are evaluated to find the optimum design for a 7.5 MW, 12 rpm wind turbine application. It is shown, that the required torque can be achieved with an outer diameter of 7.5 m, and with a mass of 172 t (including the structural mass). The proposed generator is compared with commercial direct-drive generators, and it is found that the proposed generator has the highest torque density with 34.7 kNm/t.
Numerical Two-Dimensional Steady-State Evaluation of the Thermal Transmittance Reduction in Hollow Blocks
Authors: Fogiatto Marcelo Adriano , Santos Gerson Henrique dos , Catelan João Victor Reia
Published: February 2019

After the first concerns about global energy consumption around the 70 s, some standards were established with the aim of improving the energy efficiency in buildings. In this context, according to the US Department of Energy, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems comprise about 50% of the building energy consumption and 20% of total consumption in the United States. Energy consumption of this kind of equipment depends on several factors, one of the most important factors being the heat transfer through the building envelope. In the walls, hollow concrete blocks have become common in recent years due to advantages such as their strength, their space for pipes and wiring, and fast construction, among others. In order to reduce the thermal load, several forms of insulation were tested on these constructive elements. Thus, effects of the low emissivity, insulating material, radiant shields, and baffles on the inner cavities of the blocks are presented in this paper. Effects of temperature differences between the exterior surfaces on the thermal transmittance and on the combined average heat transfer coefficient inside the cavities are also shown.
Recent Advances in Transcritical CO2 (R744) Heat Pump System: A Review
Authors: Rony Rajib , Yang Huojun , Krishnan Sumathy , Song Jongchul
Published: February 2019

Heat pump (HP) is one of the most energy efficient tools for address heating and possibly cooling needs in buildings. Growing environmental concerns over conventional HP refrigerants, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have forced legislators and researchers to look for alternatives. As such, carbon dioxide (R744/CO2) has come to light due to its low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depleting characteristics. Even though CO2 is environmentally benign, the performance of CO2 HP has been of concern since its inception. To improve the performance of CO2 HP, research has been playing a pivotal role in developing functional designs of heat exchangers, expansion devices, and compressors to suit the CO2 transcritical cycle. Different CO2 HP cycles coupled with auxiliary components, hybrid systems, and refrigerant mixtures along with advanced control strategies have been applied and tested. This paper presents a complete overview of the most recent developments of transcritical CO2 HPs, their components, and applications.
Design of a Single-Phase BLDC Motor for a Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Considering the Efficiency of Airflow
Authors: Hwang Hongsik , Cho Jeonghyun , Hwang Seon-Hwan , Choi Ju Yong , Lee Cheewoo
Published: February 2019

This paper discusses an inverter-driven single-phase brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor assembled by a housing for a cordless vacuum cleaner. Air gap in the single-phase BLDC motor is asymmetrically designed to satisfy starting and continuous torque by considering voltage fluctuation in a battery. By varying both advance and conduction angles in response to the change of battery voltage, the proposed single-phase BLDC motor with asymmetric air gap is able to maintain sufficient output power. The system efficiency of a vacuum cleaner driven by the proposed motor assembly is estimated by means of fluid dynamics in air watt, and it is also verified experimentally. From the results of the condition of 100,020 r/min, it was confirmed that the motor efficiency was in good agreement with the estimated efficiency, and air flow efficiency of 45.7% and system efficiency of 41.8% were achieved.
Rheological Characteristics of Molten Salt Seeded with Al2O3 Nanopowder and Graphene for Concentrated Solar Power
Authors: Xiao Xin , Zhang Gan , Ding Yulong , Wen Dongsheng
Published: February 2019

HITEC salt (NaNO2-NaO3-KNO3) and solar salt (NaO3-KNO3) are typical molten salts used in concentrated solar power. Adding nanoparticles is an effective method to improve the thermo-physical properties of pure salt. It is indispensable to experimentally study the rheological behaviours of salt seeded with nanoparticles, which can increase the specific heat capacity of pure salt. In this work, the viscosities of HITEC salt were measured with different shear rates in the temperature range of 200 °C to 450 °C firstly, while those of solar salt were measured in the temperature range of 250 °C to 500 °C. The experimental data showed reasonable agreement with the literature correlations, which verify the Newtonian behaviours of pure salts. The evolutions of the viscosities of nanocomposites in the same temperature range were measured and analysed, where the nanocomposites were synthesized with 1 wt.% or 2 wt.% Al2O3 nanopowder and graphene, respectively. Results showed that the addition of Al2O3 nanopowder had relatively little effect on viscosity, and the variations were about −35.4%~8.1% for the HITEC salt nanocomposites and −9.2%~68.1% for the solar salt nanocomposites. While graphene would apparently increase the viscosities of HITEC salt and solar salt, HITEC salt with the addition of graphene showed slight non-Newtonian fluid behaviour.
A Simple Method of Finding New Dry and Isentropic Working Fluids for Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Györke Gábor , Groniewsky Axel , Imre Attila
Published: February 2019

One of the most crucial challenges of sustainable development is the use of low-temperature heat sources (60–200 °C), such as thermal solar, geothermal, biomass, or waste heat, for electricity production. Since conventional water-based thermodynamic cycles are not suitable in this temperature range or at least operate with very low efficiency, other working fluids need to be applied. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) uses organic working fluids, which results in higher thermal efficiency for low-temperature heat sources. Traditionally, new working fluids are found using a trial-and-error procedure through experience among chemically similar materials. This approach, however, carries a high risk of excluding the ideal working fluid. Therefore, a new method and a simple rule of thumb—based on a correlation related to molar isochoric specific heat capacity of saturated vapor states—were developed. With the application of this thumb rule, novel isentropic and dry working fluids can be found applicable for given low-temperature heat sources. Additionally, the importance of molar quantities—usually ignored by energy engineers—was demonstrated.
PCBs in Older Buildings: Measuring PCB Levels in Caulk and Window Glazing Materials in Older Buildings
Authors: Osemwengie Lantis I. , Morgan Jade
Published: February 2019

A method for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in caulk and glazing materials was developed and evaluated by application to a combination of 36 samples of caulk and glazing materials, from four schools in the northeastern area of the United States. Quality control analysis showed a range of 45 to 170% for spike recovery from the various samples and a range of 10.9 to 20.1% difference in precision among replicates. The result for the samples analyzed showed that three of the four schools sampled contained caulking and glazing materials with levels of PCBs >50 μg/g (range 54.6 μg/g to 445,000 μg/g). Across the four schools, 24% of collected caulk and glazing samples contained elevated PCB levels relative to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) bulk product waste criterion of 50 μg/g under “The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.” The PCBs determined in the samples, exhibited characteristic chromatographic patterns similar to those of Aroclors 1242, 1248, 1254, 1260, 1262, and a 1016/1254 mix.
Changes in Soil C:N:P Stoichiometry and Microbial Structure along Soil Depth in Two Forest Soils
Authors: Hu Lei , Ade Luji , Wu Xinwei , Zi Hongbiao , Luo Xueping , Wang Changting
Published: February 2019

The effects of interactions of soil type and soil depth on soil C:N:P stoichiometry and microorganisms are poorly understood. In this study, soil samples (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–50, 50–100 cm) were collected from two soil types (Haplic luvisols and Eutric cambisols) in Sabina przewalskii Kom. forest of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The soil C:N ratio and soil microbial biomass (SMB) measured using phospholipid fatty acid in Eutric cambisols were significantly higher than in Haplic luvisols, while soil C:P and N:P ratios were the opposite. In the two soil types, the soil C:N ratio significantly increased with soil depth, and the soil C:P and N:P ratios declined. Structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that soil depth directly affected soil C, N and P contents. Soil type and soil depth could directly affect soil fungal and bacterial biomass, and indirectly affect both of them through soil bulk density. Meanwhile soil fungal biomass was influenced by soil depth through Total C. These results highlighted that the vertical distribution of soil bacteria could largely be attributed to changes of soil fungi depending on soil carbon resources.
A Comparison of the Effect of Temperature on the Rheological Properties of Diutan and Rhamsan Gum Aqueous Solutions
Authors: García González Mª Carmen , Cely García María del Socorro , Muñoz García José , Alfaro-Rodriguez Maria-Carmen
Published: February 2019

The rheological properties exhibited by gums make its use in applications interesting, such as foods, cosmetics, enhanced oil recovery, or constructions materials. Regardless of application field, the effect of temperature on these properties is of great importance, since these properties can be modified and cause the gum not to be useful for those conditions. Diutan and rhamsan gums are biopolymers, belonging to the sphingans, with similar structures which differ in the substituents of their side chains. It is known that both gums exhibit suitable viscoelastic properties and flow behavior when used as a stabilizer, gelling agent, or thickener. Both gums are widely used in food industry, personal care products, construction materials, oil operations, etc. For this reason, to know the effect of the temperature on their rheological properties is very helpful. For this purpose, small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements and flow curves, as a function of the temperature from 10 °C to 60 °C, have been performed, and the results obtained for both gums compared. The obtained results provide interesting information from an industrial point of view, since they reveal that the rheological properties remained almost unaltered in the temperature range assessed with diutan gum aqueous solutions, being slightly more viscous and viscoelastic than rhamsan gum solutions.
Piezo-Plunger Jetting Technology: An Experimental Study on Jetting Characteristics of Filled Epoxy Polymers
Authors: Kurz Alexander , Bauer Jörg , Wagner Manfred
Published: February 2019

The droplet formation of Newtonian fluids and suspensions modified by spherical, non-colloidal particles has attracted much interest in practical and theoretical research. For the present study, a jetting technique was used which accelerates a geometrically defined plunger by a piezoelectric actuator. Changing rheological properties of materials and extending deformation rates towards nonlinear viscoelastic regimes created the requirement to extend dosage impulses towards larger magnitudes. To mimic the rheological characteristics of nonconductive adhesives we modified Newtonian epoxy resins by thixotropic additives and micro-scale glass spheres. Rheological analysis at steady shear and oscillatory shear ensured a differentiation between material and process-related factors. Evaluation of high-speed images allowed the investigation of drop dynamics and highlighted the dispense impulse reduction by material-specific dampening properties.
Metabolomic Screening of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from the Leaves of Actinidia arguta (Hardy Kiwi)
Authors: Kim Gyoung-Deuck , Lee Jin Young , Auh Joong-Hyuck
Published: February 2019

The metabolomic screening of potential anti-inflammatory compounds in the leaves of Actinidia arguta was performed by using LC-MS/MS. Ethanol extracts were prepared, and the anti-inflammatory effects were investigated based on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The 75% ethanol extract showed the highest inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production, and it was further separated by in vitro bioassay-guided fractionation using preparative LC with reversed-phase column separation. Through multiple steps of fractionation, sub-fraction 1-3 was finally purified, and caffeic acid derivatives, such as caffeoylthreonic acid and danshensu (salvianic acid A), were successfully identified as key anti-inflammatory compounds by LC-MS/MS and metabolomics analyses. This is the first study identifying anti-inflammatory compounds in A. arguta (Actinidia arguta) leaves through bioassay-guided fractionation and metabolomics screening. Results of this study would be useful for the application of A. arguta leaves as a nutraceutical.
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly of Agave H11648 by Illumina Sequencing and Identification of Cellulose Synthase Genes in Agave Species
Authors: Huang Xing , Xiao Mei , Xi Jingen , He Chunping , Zheng Jinlong , Chen Helong , Gao Jianming , Zhang Shiqing , Wu Weihuai , Liang Yanqiong , Xie Li , Yi Kexian
Published: February 2019

Agave plants are important crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants with multiple agricultural uses, such as being used in tequila and fiber production. Agave hybrid H11648 ((A. amaniensis Trel. and Nowell × A. angustifolia Haw.) × A. amaniensis) is the main cultivated Agave species for fiber production in large tropical areas around the world. In this study, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of A. H11648. About 49.25 million clean reads were obtained by Illumina paired-end sequencing. De novo assembly produced 148,046 unigenes with more than 40% annotated in public databases, or matched homologs in model plants. More homologous gene pairs were found in Asparagus genome than in Arabidopsis or rice, which indicated a close evolutionary relationship between Asparagus and A. H11648. CAM-related gene families were also characterized as previously reported in A. americana. We further identified 12 cellulose synthase genes (CesA) in Asparagus genome and 38 CesA sequences from A. H11648, A. americana, A. deserti and A. tequilana. The full-length CesA genes were used as references for the cloning and assembly of their homologs in other Agave species. As a result, we obtained CesA1/3/4/5/7 genes with full-length coding region in the four Agave species. Phylogenetic and expression analysis revealed a conserved evolutionary pattern, which could not explain the distinct fiber traits in different Agave species. We inferred that transcriptional regulation might be responsible for Agave fiber development. This study represents the transcriptome of A. H11648, which would expand the number of Agave genes and benefit relevant studies of Agave fiber development.
Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Ostertagia trifurcata of Small Ruminants and its Phylogenetic Associations for the Trichostrongyloidea Superfamily
Authors: Ahmad Awais Ali , Yang Xin , Zhang Ting , Wang Chunqun , Zhou Caixian , Yan Xingrun , Hassan Mubashar , Ikram Muhammad , Hu Min
Published: February 2019

The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Ostertagia trifurcata, a parasitic nematode of small ruminants, has been sequenced and its phylogenetic relationship with selected members from the superfamily Trichostrongyloidea was investigated on the basis of deduced datasets of mt amino acid sequences. The entire mt genome of Ostertagia trifurcata is circular and 14,151 bp in length. It consists of a total of 36 genes comprising 12 genes coding for proteins (PCGs), 2 genes for ribosomal RNA (rRNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and 2 non-coding regions, since all genes are transcribed in the same direction. The phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated datasets of predicted amino acid sequences of the 12 protein coding genes supported monophylies of the Haemonchidae, Dictyocaulidae and Molineidae families, but rejected monophylies of the Trichostrongylidae family. The complete characterization and provision of the mtDNA sequence of Ostertagia trifurcata provides novel genetic markers for molecular epidemiological investigations, systematics, diagnostics and population genetics of Ostertagia trifurcata and its correspondents.
RNA-Sequencing, Physiological and RNAi Analyses Provide Insights into the Response Mechanism of the ABC-Mediated Resistance to Verticillium dahliae Infection in Cotton
Authors: Dong Qi , Magwanga Richard Odongo , Cai Xiaoyan , Lu Pu , Nyangasi Kirungu Joy , Zhou Zhongli , Wang Xingfen , Wang Xingxing , Xu Yanchao , Hou Yuqing , Wang Kunbo , Peng Renhai , Ma Zhiying , Liu Fang
Published: February 2019

Verticillium wilt that is caused by Verticillium dahliae, does result in massive annual yield losses and fiber quality decline in cotton. Control by conventional mechanisms is not possible due to a wide host range and the longevity of dormant fungi in the soil in the case of absence of a suitable host. Plants have developed various mechanisms to boost their immunity against various diseases, and one is through the induction of various genes. In this research, we carried out RNA sequencing and then identified the members of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) proteins to be critical in enhancing resistance to V. dahliae infection. A total of 166 proteins that are encoded by the ABC genes were identified in Gossypium raimondii with varying physiochemical properties. A novel ABC gene, Gorai.007G244600 (ABCF5), was found to be highly upregulated, and its homolog in the tetraploid cotton Gh_D11G3432 (ABCF5), was then silenced through virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) in G. hirsutum, tetraploid upland cotton. The mutant cotton seedlings ability to tolerate V. dahliae infection was significantly reduced. Based on the evaluation of oxidant enzymes, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) showed significantly increased levels in the leaves of the mutant compared to the wild type. In addition, antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were reduced in the mutant cotton leaves after treatment with V. dahliae fungi as compared to the wild type. Moreover, expression levels of the biotic stress genes, cotton polyamine oxidase (GhPAO), cotton ribosomal protein L18 (GhRPL18), and cotton polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein-1 (GhPGIP1), were all downregulated in the mutant but they were highly upregulated in the various tissues of the wild cotton seedlings. This research has shown that ABC genes could play an important role in enhancing the immunity of cotton to V. dahliae infection, and thus can be explored in developing more resilient cotton genotypes with improved resistance to V. dahliae infection in cotton.
Pipeline for the Rapid Development of Cytogenetic Markers Using Genomic Data of Related Species
Authors: Kroupin Pavel , Kuznetsova Victoria , Romanov Dmitry , Kocheshkova Alina , Karlov Gennady , Dang Thi Xuan , Khuat Thi Mai L. , Kirov Ilya , Alexandrov Oleg , Polkhovskiy Alexander , Razumova Olga , Divashuk Mikhail
Published: February 2019

Repetitive DNA including tandem repeats (TRs) is a significant part of most eukaryotic genomes. TRs include rapidly evolving satellite DNA (satDNA) that can be shared by closely related species, their abundance may be associated with evolutionary divergence, and they have been widely used for chromosome karyotyping using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The recent progress in the development of whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics tools enables rapid and cost-effective searches for TRs including satDNA that can be converted into molecular cytogenetic markers. In the case of closely related taxa, the genome sequence of one species (donor) can be used as a base for the development of chromosome markers for related species or genomes (target). Here, we present a pipeline for rapid and high-throughput screening for new satDNA TRs in whole-genome sequencing of the donor genome and the development of chromosome markers based on them that can be applied in the target genome. One of the main peculiarities of the developed pipeline is that preliminary estimation of TR abundance using qPCR and ranking found TRs according to their copy number in the target genome; it facilitates the selection of the most prospective (most abundant) TRs that can be converted into cytogenetic markers. Another feature of our pipeline is the probe preparation for FISH using PCR with primers designed on the aligned TR unit sequences and the genomic DNA of a target species as a template that enables amplification of a whole pool of monomers inherent in the chromosomes of the target species. We demonstrate the efficiency of the developed pipeline by the example of FISH probes developed for A, B, and R subgenome chromosomes of hexaploid triticale (BBAARR) based on a bioinformatics analysis of the D genome of Aegilops tauschii (DD) whole-genome sequence. Our pipeline can be used to develop chromosome markers in closely related species for comparative cytogenetics in evolutionary and breeding studies.
Self-Adjusting Ant Colony Optimization Based on Information Entropy for Detecting Epistatic Interactions
Authors: Guan Boxin , Zhao Yuhai
Published: February 2019

The epistatic interactions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are considered to be an important factor in determining the susceptibility of individuals to complex diseases. Although many methods have been proposed to detect such interactions, the development of detection algorithm is still ongoing due to the computational burden in large-scale association studies. In this paper, to deal with the intensive computing problem of detecting epistatic interactions in large-scale datasets, a self-adjusting ant colony optimization based on information entropy (IEACO) is proposed. The algorithm can automatically self-adjust the path selection strategy according to the real-time information entropy. The performance of IEACO is compared with that of ant colony optimization (ACO), AntEpiSeeker, AntMiner, and epiACO on a set of simulated datasets and a real genome-wide dataset. The results of extensive experiments show that the proposed method is superior to the other methods.
The Role of Manual Therapy in Patients with COPD
Authors: Clarke Stephanie , Munro Prue E. , Lee Annemarie L.
Published: February 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition associated with altered chest wall mechanics and musculoskeletal changes. In this narrative review, we describe the underlying musculoskeletal abnormalities in COPD, the reasons for applying manual therapy techniques, their method of application and clinical effects. A variety of manual therapy techniques have been applied in individuals with COPD, including soft tissue therapy, spinal and joint manipulation and mobilisation, and diaphragmatic release techniques. These have been prescribed in isolation and in conjunction with other treatments, including exercise therapy. When applied in isolation, transient benefits in respiratory rate, heart rate and symptoms have been reported. Combined with exercise therapy, including within pulmonary rehabilitation, benefits and their corresponding clinical relevance have been mixed, the extent to which may be dependent on the type of technique applied. The current practical considerations of applying these techniques, including intense therapist–patient contact and the unclear effects in the long term, may limit the broad use of manual therapy in the COPD population. Further high quality research, with adequate sample sizes, that identifies the characteristic features of those with COPD who will most benefit, the optimal choice of treatment approach and the longevity of effects of manual therapy is required.
The Development of Pathways in Palliative Medicine: Definition, Models, Cost and Quality Impact
Authors: Finn Laura , Malhotra Sonia
Published: February 2019

Palliative Care and its medical subspecialty, known as Palliative Medicine, is the care of anyone with a serious illness. This emerging field includes Hospice and comfort care, however, it is not limited to end-of-life care. Examples of the types of serious illness that Palliative Medicine clinicians care for include and are not limited to hematologic and oncologic diseases, such as cancer, advanced heart and lung diseases (e.g., congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), advanced liver and kidney diseases, and advanced neurologic illnesses (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease). In the past decade, there has been tremendous growth of Palliative Medicine programs across the country. As the population of patients with serious illnesses increases, there is growing concentration on quality of care, including symptom management, meeting patients’ goals regarding their medical care and providing various types of support, all of which are provided by Palliative Medicine. In this review article we define Palliative Medicine, describe care pathways and their applicability to Palliative Medicine, identify different models for Palliative Care and provide evidence for its impact on cost and quality of care.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Alter Plant and Soil C:N:P Stoichiometries Under Warming and Nitrogen Input in a Semiarid Meadow of China
Authors: Mei Linlin , Yang Xue , Cao Hongbing , Zhang Tao , Guo Jixun
Published: February 2019

Ecological stoichiometry has been widely used to determine how plant-soil systems respond to global change and to reveal which factors limit plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase plants’ uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), thereby altering plant and soil stoichiometries. To understand the regulatory effect of AMF feedback on plants and soil stoichiometry under global change, a microcosm experiment was conducted with warming and N input. The C4 grass Setaria viridis, C3 grass Leymus chinensis, and Chenopodiaceae species Suaeda corniculata were studied. The results showed that the mycorrhizal benefits for the C4 grass S. viridis were greater than those for the C3 grass L. chinensis, whereas for the Chenopodiaceae species S. corniculata, AMF symbiosis was antagonistic. Under N input and a combination of warming and N input, AMF significantly decreased the N:P ratios of all three species. Under N input, the soil N content and the N:P ratio were decreased significantly in the presence of AMF, whereas the soil C:N ratio was increased. These results showed that AMF can reduce the P limitation caused by N input and improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization, slow the negative influence of global change on plant growth, and promote grassland sustainability.
As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Cd Concentrations and Bioaccumulation in the Dugong Dugong dugon and Manatee Trichechus manatus: A Review of Body Burdens and Distribution
Authors: Núñez-Nogueira Gabriel , Pérez-López Alejandra , Santos-Córdova Juanita María
Published: February 2019

The death of dozens of manatees Trichechus manatus recently in Tabasco, Mexico, has captured international attention. Speculation about possible causes include water and food contamination by metals. Although federal authorities have ruled out water chemical pollution, the cause of these deaths is still awaiting conclusive laboratory results. Present work seeks to summarize information currently available on non-essential metals and those of great toxicological relevance in Sirenia (dugongs and manatees), highlighting its body distribution, presence in blood, and its relationship with their geographical distribution, gender and age, whenever possible. This paper focuses on the five elements: As, Cr, Hg, Pb and Cd, which are commonly considered as threats for marine mammals and reported in Sirenia. Some of these metals (Cr and Cd) were thought to be related to the recent deaths in Tabasco. All five elements are accumulated by Sirenia at different levels. Metal presence is associated to their diet but does not necessarily imply adverse effects for dugongs and manatees. Toxicological aspects and the human consumption risk in case of any illegal or traditional consumption in some cultures are discussed. Important toxicological research areas that need to be addressed are highlighted.
Obesogenic Environment Case Study from a Food and Nutrition Security Perspective: Hermosillo City
Authors: Navarro Ana Contreras , Vélez María-Isabel Ortega
Published: February 2019

Obesity and certain nutritional deficiencies are global health problems that emerge in systems of interdependent individual biological and historical factors and social environmental determinants of health. Nutrition security is a framework that assumes stable access to sufficient innocuous and nutritious food (i.e., food security), health care, and sanitation, and information that in conjunction allows self-care-oriented behavior for health protection. To understand the social environment of nutrition insecurity, the object of study was the food distribution and consumption system of a marginalized community in Hermosillo, Mexico. We assessed the distribution of food establishments by social marginalization level in basic geo-statistical areas and the nutrition security status of women in underserved neighborhoods. We found that in Hermosillo >90% of food establishments included for analysis (grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and beer deposits) were distributed outside of areas with high levels of social marginalization. The nutrition security assessment suggests that low intakes of fruit and vegetables and high intakes of fat and sugar may be associated with food accessibility and acceptability factors in individual decision-making processes. Future research should take into account the variability of food system environments and address the particular needs of communities in terms of food and nutrition security.
A Novel Approach to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Care Home Residents: The GET READY Study Utilising Service-Learning and Co-Creation
Authors: Giné-Garriga Maria , Sandlund Marlene , Dall Philippa M. , Chastin Sebastien F. M. , Pérez Susana , Skelton Dawn A.
Published: February 2019

The GET READY study aimed to integrate service-learning methodology into University degrees by offering students individual service opportunities with residential care homes, to co-create the best suited intervention to reduce the sedentary behaviour (SB) of residents throughout the day, with researchers, end-users, care staff, family members and policymakers. Eight workshops with care home residents and four workshops with care staff, relatives and policymakers, led by undergraduate students, were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed with inductive thematic analysis to understand views and preferences for sustainable strategies to reduce SB and increase movement of residents. Perspectives about SB and movement in care homes highlighted four subthemes. Assets for decreasing SB included three subthemes, and suggestions and strategies encapsulated four subthemes. There is a need to include end-users in decision making, and involve care staff and relatives in enhancing strategies to reduce SB among residents if we want sustainable changes in behaviour. A change in the culture at a policymaker and care staff’s level could provide opportunities to open care homes to the community with regular activities outside the care home premises, and offer household chores and opportunities to give residents a role in maintaining their home environment.
Psychomotor Limitations of Overweight and Obese Five-Year-Old Children: Influence of Body Mass Indices on Motor, Perceptual, and Social-Emotional Skills
Authors: Gil Madrona Pedro , Romero Martínez Sonia J. , Sáez-Gallego Nieves María , Ordóñez Camacho Xavier G.
Published: February 2019

The present research aimed to study the psycho-motor performance of five-year-old children with different body mass indices (BMI). A total of 694 pre-school children in the province of Albacete-Spain participated. Their performance in motor, perceptual, and social-emotional skills was analyzed using a standardized observation sheet (Checklist of Psychomotor Activities—CPA) and then compared according to their BMI using non-parametric statistical methods (Mann-Whitney test). Separate comparisons were made for girls and boys. Results indicated significant differences in performance amongst the groups of girls in all the motor and perceptual activities, and in the social relationships component of the social-emotional factor. These differences seemed to penalize motor activities, perceptual skills, and social relationships in overweight and obese girls compared to normal weight girls. In the case of boys, there were significant differences in laterality and visual-motor coordination (favoring overweight boys). Differences in respiratory control were also found, but in this case, penalizing obese boys compared to normal weight boys. Knowledge of possible psychomotor limitations in obese children could allow psychologists and healthcare professionals to design more focused interventions.
Cancer Exosomes as Conveyors of Stress-Induced Molecules: New Players in the Modulation of NK Cell Response
Authors: Vulpis Elisabetta , Soriani Alessandra , Cerboni Cristina , Santoni Angela , Zingoni Alessandra
Published: February 2019

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that play a pivotal role in tumor surveillance. Exosomes are nanovesicles released into the extracellular environment via the endosomal vesicle pathway and represent an important mode of intercellular communication. The ability of anticancer chemotherapy to enhance the immunogenic potential of malignant cells mainly relies on the establishment of the immunogenic cell death (ICD) and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Moreover, the activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) and the induction of senescence represent two crucial modalities aimed at promoting the clearance of drug-treated tumor cells by NK cells. Emerging evidence has shown that stress stimuli provoke an increased release of exosome secretion. Remarkably, tumor-derived exosomes (Tex) produced in response to stress carry distinct type of DAMPs that activate innate immune cell populations. Moreover, stress-induced ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D are transported by this class of nanovesicles. Here, we will discuss how Tex interact with NK cells and provide insight into their potential role in response to chemotherapy-induced stress stimuli. The capability of some “danger signals” carried by exosomes that indirectly affect the NK cell activity in the tumor microenvironment will be also addressed.
Minimally Manipulative Method for the Expansion of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Osseous Defects
Authors: Lawrence Logan M. , Cottrill Andrew , Valluri Amrita , Marenzi Gaetano , Denning Krista L. , Valluri Jagan , Claudio Pier Paolo , Day James B.
Published: February 2019

Lack of standardization of clinically compliant culture protocols of mesenchymal stem cells for re-implantation in humans have hindered clinical progress in the field of tissue regeneration to repair maxillofacial and orthopedic defects. The goal of this study was to establish a clinically relevant osteogenic protocol for collection and expansion of autologous stem cells to be used at Marshall University for re-implantation and repair of maxillofacial and orthopedic conditions. Human bone marrow (hBM) samples were collected from patients undergoing intramedullary nail fixation for closed femoral fractures. hBM mesenchymal cells were expanded by growing them first in Petri dishes for two weeks, followed by a week of culture using Perfecta 3D Hanging Drop Plates®. Various scaffold materials were tested and analyzed for cellular integration, vitality, and differentiation capacity of harvested hBM-MSCs including: 60/40 blend of hydroxyapatite biomatrix; Acellular bone composite discs; Allowash®, cancellous bone cubes; PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid); and Woven chitin derived fiber. We found that the 3D spheroid culture allowed production of hBM mesenchymal cells that retained osteoblast differentiation capacity over a monolayer culture of hBM-MSCs without the need to use chemical or hormonal modulation. We also observed that hydroxyapatite and Allowash cancellous bone scaffolds allowed better cell integration and viability properties as compared to other materials tested in this study. In conclusion, the multimodal culture methodology we developed creates actively differentiating stem-cell spheroids that can then be readily utilized in clinical practices to improve the regeneration of tissues of the head and the body.
Enterococcus faecium L-15 Cell-Free Extract Improves the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Hyewon , Park Sangkyu , Kim Kichul , Ku Seockmo , Seo Jeongmin , Roh Sangho
Published: February 2019

Hyaline cartilage is a tissue of very low regenerative capacity because of its histology and limited nutrient supply. Cell-based therapies have been spotlighted in the regeneration of damaged cartilage. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are multipotent and are easily accessible for therapeutic purposes. In human gastrointestinal tracts, Enterococcus faecium is a naturally occurring commensal species of lactic acid bacteria. In this work, the human DPSCs were differentiated into chondrocytes using a chondrogenic differentiation medium with or without L-15 extract. We observed that chondrogenic differentiation improved in an E. faecium L-15 extract (L-15)-treated DPSC group via evaluation of chondrogenic-marker mRNA expression levels. In particular, we found that L-15 treatment promoted early-stage DPSC differentiation. Cells treated with L-15 were inhibited at later stages and were less likely to transform into hypertrophic chondrocytes. In L-15-treated groups, the total amount of cartilage extracellular matrix increased during the differentiation process. These results suggest that L-15 promotes chondrogenic differentiation, and that L-15 may be used for cartilage repair or cartilage health supplements. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the beneficial effect of L-15 treatment on chondrogenic differentiation.