bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontitis Stage III–IV, Grade C and Correlated Factors: A Histomorphometric Study
Authors: Buffoli Barbara , Garzetti Gianluca , Calza Stefano , Scotti Eleonora , Borsani Elisa , Cappa Veronica , Rimondini Lia , Mensi Magda
Published: June 2019

Background: Periodontitis is a disease that leads to serious functional and esthetic dysfunctions. Periodontitis exists in different forms, and its etiology is related to multiple component causes. Two key processes involved in the evolution of this pathology are angiogenesis and inflammatory infiltrate. The aim of this study was to understand if important factors such as smoking, gender, age, plaque, pus, and probing pocket depth could influence the histomorphological pattern of generalized stage III–IV, grade C periodontitis (GPIII–IVC), which is a particular form of periodontitis. Methods: Eighteen subjects with GPIII–IVC were enrolled in this study. The percentage of inflammatory cells and the vascular area were measured and evaluated in relation to each periodontal disease-associated factor. Results: Females showed a significant increase in the percentage of inflammatory cells compared to males (6.29% vs. 2.28%, p-value = 0.020) and it was higher in non-smokers than in smokers (4.56% vs. 3.14%, p-value = 0.048). Young patients showed a significant increase in vascular area percentage compared to older patients (0.60% vs. 0.46%, p-value = 0.0006) and this percentage was also higher in non-smokers compared to smokers (0.41% vs. 0.55%, p-value = 0.0008). The vascular area was also more than halved in subjects with residual plaque on tooth surfaces (0.74% vs. 0.36%, p-value = 0.0005). Conclusions: These results suggested that even if these factors are commonly related to the worsening of periodontal status, some of them (pus and periodontal probing depth (PPD)) do not affect the inflammatory and vascular patterns.
Increased Voluntary Activation of the Elbow Flexors Following a Single Session of Spinal Manipulation in a Subclinical Neck Pain Population
Authors: Kingett Mat , Holt Kelly , Niazi Imran Khan , Nedergaard Rasmus Wiberg , Lee Michael , Haavik Heidi
Published: June 2019

To investigate the effects of a single session of spinal manipulation (SM) on voluntary activation of the elbow flexors in participants with subclinical neck pain using an interpolated twitch technique with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), eighteen volunteers with subclinical neck pain participated in this randomized crossover trial. TMS was delivered during elbow flexion contractions at 50%, 75% and 100% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before and after SM or control intervention. The amplitude of the superimposed twitches evoked during voluntary contractions was recorded and voluntary activation was calculated using a regression analysis. Dependent variables were analyzed with two-way (intervention × time) repeated measures ANOVAs. Significant intervention effects for SM compared to passive movement control were observed for elbow flexion MVC (p = 0.04), the amplitude of superimposed twitch (p = 0.04), and voluntary activation of elbow flexors (p =0.03). Significant within-group post-intervention changes were observed for the superimposed twitch (mean group decrease of 20.9%, p < 0.01) and voluntary activation (mean group increase of 3.0%, p < 0.01) following SM. No other significant within-group changes were observed. Voluntary activation of the elbow flexors increased immediately after one session of spinal manipulation in participants with subclinical neck pain. A decrease in the amplitude of superimposed twitch during elbow flexion MVC following spinal manipulation suggests a facilitation of motor cortical output.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Can Differentiate between Malignant and Benign Pleural Diseases
Authors: Usuda Katsuo , Iwai Shun , Funasaki Aika , Sekimura Atsushi , Motono Nozomu , Matoba Munetaka , Doai Mariko , Yamada Sohsuke , Ueda Yoshimichi , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: June 2019

It is not clear whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for the assessment of pleural diseases. The aim of this study is to determine whether diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) can differentiate malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) from pleural dissemination of lung cancer, empyema or pleural effusion. The DWI was calibrated with the b value of 0 and 800 s/mm2. There were 11 MPMs (8 epithelioid and 3 biphasic), 10 pleural disseminations of lung cancer, 10 empyemas, and 12 pleural effusions. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the pleural diseases was 1.22 ± 0.25 × 10−3 mm2/s in the MPMs, 1.31 ± 0.49 × 10−3 mm2/s in the pleural disseminations, 2.01 ± 0.45 × 10−3 mm2/s in the empyemas and 3.76 ± 0.62 × 10−3 mm2/s in the pleural effusions. The ADC of the MPMs and the pleural disseminations were significantly lower than the ADC of the empyemas and the pleural effusions. Concerning the diffusion pattern of DWI, all 11 MPMs showed strong continuous diffusion, 9 of 10 pleural disseminations showed strong scattered diffusion and 1 pleural dissemination showed strong continuous diffusion, all 10 empyemas showed weak continuous diffusion, and all 12 pleural effusions showed no decreased diffusion. DWI can evaluate pleural diseases morphologically and qualitatively, and thus differentiate between malignant and benign pleural diseases.
Comprehensive Profiling of Primary and Metastatic ccRCC Reveals a High Homology of the Metastases to a Subregion of the Primary Tumour
Authors: Ferronika Paranita , Hof Joost , Kats-Ugurlu Gursah , Sijmons Rolf H. , Terpstra Martijn M. , de Lange Kim , Leliveld-Kors Annemarie , Westers Helga , Kok Klaas
Published: June 2019

While intratumour genetic heterogeneity of primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is well characterized, the genomic profiles of metastatic ccRCCs are seldom studied. We profiled the genomes and transcriptomes of a primary tumour and matched metastases to better understand the evolutionary processes that lead to metastasis. In one ccRCC patient, four regions of the primary tumour, one region of the thrombus in the inferior vena cava, and four lung metastases (including one taken after pegylated (PEG)-interferon therapy) were analysed separately. Each sample was analysed for copy number alterations and somatic mutations by whole exome sequencing. We also evaluated gene expression profiles for this patient and 15 primary tumour and 15 metastasis samples from four additional patients. Copy number profiles of the index patient showed two distinct subgroups: one consisted of three primary tumours with relatively minor copy number changes, the other of a primary tumour, the thrombus, and the lung metastases, all with a similar copy number pattern and tetraploid-like characteristics. Somatic mutation profiles indicated parallel clonal evolution with similar numbers of private mutations in each primary tumour and metastatic sample. Expression profiling of the five patients revealed significantly changed expression levels of 57 genes between primary tumours and metastases, with enrichment in the extracellular matrix cluster. The copy number profiles suggest a punctuated evolution from a subregion of the primary tumour. This process, which differentiated the metastases from the primary tumours, most likely occurred rapidly, possibly even before metastasis formation. The evolutionary patterns we deduced from the genomic alterations were also reflected in the gene expression profiles.
Hexokinase 2 Regulates Ovarian Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion and Stemness via FAK/ERK1/2/MMP9/NANOG/SOX9 Signaling Cascades
Authors: Siu Michelle , Jiang Yu-Xin , Wang Jing-Jing , Leung Thomas , Han Chae , Tsang Benjamin , Cheung Annie , Ngan Hextan , Chan Karen
Published: June 2019

Metabolic reprogramming is a common phenomenon in cancers. Thus, glycolytic enzymes could be exploited to selectively target cancer cells in cancer therapy. Hexokinase 2 (HK2) converts glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, the first committed step in glucose metabolism. Here, we demonstrated that HK2 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer and displayed significantly higher expression in ascites and metastatic foci. HK2 expression was significantly associated with advanced stage and high-grade cancers, and was an independent prognostic factor. Functionally, knockdown of HK2 in ovarian cancer cell lines and ascites-derived tumor cells hindered lactate production, cell migration and invasion, and cell stemness properties, along with reduced FAK/ERK1/2 activation and metastasis- and stemness-related genes. 2-DG, a glycolysis inhibitor, retarded cell migration and invasion and reduced stemness properties. Inversely, overexpression of HK2 promoted cell migration and invasion through the FAK/ERK1/2/MMP9 pathway, and enhanced stemness properties via the FAK/ERK1/2/NANOG/SOX9 cascade. HK2 abrogation impeded in vivo tumor growth and dissemination. Notably, ovarian cancer-associated fibroblast-derived IL-6 contributed to its up-regulation. In conclusion, HK2, which is regulated by the tumor microenvironment, controls lactate production and contributes to ovarian cancer metastasis and stemness regulation via FAK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway-mediated MMP9/NANOG/SOX9 expression. HK2 could be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
Discrimination of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients and Healthy Adults by 10-Color Flow Cytometry: Development of a Score Based on Leukocyte Subsets
Authors: Wichmann Gunnar , Gaede Clara , Melzer Susanne , Bocsi Jozsef , Henger Sylvia , Engel Christoph , Wirkner Kerstin , Wenning John Ross , Wald Theresa , Freitag Josefine , Willner Maria , Kolb Marlen , Wiegand Susanne , Löffler Markus , Dietz Andreas , Tárnok Attila
Published: June 2019

Background: Leukocytes in peripheral blood (PB) are prognostic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cancer patients (HNSCC-CPs), but differences between HNSCC-CPs and healthy adults (HAs) are insufficiently described. Methods: 10-color flow cytometry (FCM) was used for in-depth immunophenotyping of PB samples of 963 HAs and 101 therapy-naïve HNSCC-CPs. Absolute (AbsCC) and relative cell counts (RelCC) of leukocyte subsets were determined. A training cohort (TC) of 43 HNSCC-CPs and 43 HAs, propensity score (PS)-matched according to age, sex, alcohol, and smoking, was used to develop a score consecutively approved in a validation cohort (VC). Results: Differences in AbsCC were detected in leukocyte subsets (p < 0.001), but had low power in discriminating HNSCC-CPs and HAs. Consequently, RelCC of nine leukocyte subsets in the TC were used to calculate 36 ratios; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves defined optimum cut-off values. Binary classified data were combined in a score based on four ratios: monocytes-to-granulocytes (MGR), classical monocytes-to-monocytes (clMMR), monocytes-to-lymphocytes (MLR), and monocytes-to-T-lymphocytes (MTLR); ≥3 points accurately discriminate HNSCC-CPs and HAs in the PS-matched TC (p = 2.97 × 10−17), the VC (p = 4.404 × 10−178), and both combined (p = 7.74 × 10−199). Conclusions: RelCC of leukocyte subsets in PB of HNSCC-CPs differ significantly from those of HAs. A score based on MGR, clMMR, MLR, and MTLR allows for accurate discrimination.
The Catalytic Activities of Carbocyclic Fused Pyridineimine Nickel Complexes Analogues in Ethylene Polymerization by Modeling Study
Authors: Malik Arfa Abrar , Yang Wenhong , Ma Zhifeng , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: June 2019

In this work, two carbocyclic fused pyridineimine nickel analogue systems (Ni1 and Ni2) with different fused member rings were investigated to reveal the relationship between catalyst structure and reaction activity. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed by means of five electronic descriptors and two steric descriptors, including the Hammett constant (F), effective net charge (Qeff), energy difference (ΔE), HOMO–LUMO energy gap (Δε1, Δε2), open cone angle (θ), and bite angle (β). Very good values of correlation coefficient (R2) over 0.938 were obtained by using a combination of effective net charge (Qeff) and open cone angle (θ) for both individual analysis and comparisons between analogue systems. By analyzing the contribution of descriptors, it indicates that the dominant descriptor is effective net charge (Qeff) in the Ni1 system and open cone angle (θ) in Ni2 systems, respectively. This may explain the different variation trends of catalytic activities in two Ni complexes systems as a function of substituents.
Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of Aliphatic Oxygenates and Phenol over NiMo/MgAl2O4: Reactivity, Inhibition, and Catalyst Reactivation
Authors: Dabros Trine Marie Hartmann , Andersen Mads Lysgaard , Lindahl Simon Brædder , Hansen Thomas Willum , Høj Martin , Gabrielsen Jostein , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk , Jensen Anker Degn
Published: June 2019

This study provides new insights into sustainable fuel production by upgrading bio-derived oxygenates by catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). HDO of ethylene glycol (EG), cyclohexanol (Cyc), acetic acid (AcOH), and phenol (Phe) was investigated using a Ni-MoS2/MgAl2O4 catalyst. In addition, HDO of a mixture of Phe/EG and Cyc/EG was studied as a first step towards the complex mixture in biomass pyrolysis vapor and bio-oil. Activity tests were performed in a fixed bed reactor at 380–450 °C, 27 bar H2, 550 vol ppm H2S, and up to 220 h on stream. Acetic acid plugged the reactor inlet by carbon deposition within 2 h on stream, underlining the challenges of upgrading highly reactive oxygenates. For ethylene glycol and cyclohexanol, steady state conversion was obtained in the temperature range of 380–415 °C. The HDO macro-kinetics were assessed in terms of consecutive dehydration and hydrogenation reactions. The results indicate that HDO of ethylene glycol and cyclohexanol involve different active sites. There was no significant influence from phenol or cyclohexanol on the rate of ethylene glycol HDO. However, a pronounced inhibiting effect from ethylene glycol on the HDO of cyclohexanol was observed. Catalyst deactivation by carbon deposition could be mitigated by oxidation and re-sulfidation. The results presented here demonstrate the need to address differences in oxygenate reactivity when upgrading vapors or oils derived from pyrolysis of biomass.
Bienzymatic Cascade for the Synthesis of an Optically Active O-benzoyl Cyanohydrin
Authors: Leemans Laura , van Langen Luuk , Hollmann Frank , Schallmey Anett
Published: June 2019

A concurrent bienzymatic cascade for the synthesis of optically pure (S)-4-methoxymandelonitrile benzoate ((S)-3) starting from 4-anisaldehyde (1) has been developed. The cascade involves an enantioselective Manihot esculenta hydroxynitrile lyase-catalyzed hydrocyanation of 1, and the subsequent benzoylation of the resulting cyanohydrin (S)-2 catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase A in organic solvent. To accomplish this new direct synthesis of the protected enantiopure cyanohydrin, both enzymes were immobilized and each biocatalytic step was studied separately in search for a window of compatibility. In addition, potential cross-interactions between the two reactions were identified. Optimization of the cascade resulted in 81% conversion of the aldehyde to the corresponding benzoyl cyanohydrin with 98% enantiomeric excess.
Nitrogen Removal by Co-Immobilized Anammox and Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Dolejš Igor , Stloukal Radek , Rosenberg Michal , Rebroš Martin
Published: June 2019

In wastewater treatment, an alternative to the widely used aerobic nitrification with subsequent anoxic denitrification method is the combination of nitration and anammox (AMX) in one system. This study focuses on the co-immobilization of AMX and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel, and its effective use in nitrogen removal (NR). The NR process was performed in nine consecutive, repeated batches. By optimizing the conditions of the biotransformations, there was equal utilization of nitrogen in both sources, N–NH4+ and N–NO2−, at 100% NR during the sixth repetition. A significant increase in the immobilized co-culture activity was also detected per cycle. The maximum value of the NR rate was 3.46 mg N (L h)−1, and 100% NR efficiency was achieved with an initial concentration of 100.3 mg N L−1 for N–NH4+ and 60.1 mg N L−1 for N–NO2−, during the eighth batch biotransformation.
Direct Conversion of CO2 into Dimethyl Ether over Al2O3/Cu/ZnO Catalysts Prepared by Sequential Precipitation
Authors: Jeong Cheonwoo , Kim Jinsung , Kim Ji-Hyeon , Lee Sunghoon , Bae Jong Wook , Suh Young-Woong
Published: June 2019

Bifunctional Al2O3/Cu/ZnO catalysts with Al composition of between 30 mol% and 80 mol% were prepared by sequential precipitation (SP) for the conversion of CO2 into dimethyl ether (DME). In the SP synthesis, the concentration of a precipitation agent managed to be high enough to induce the complete precipitation of Al3+. The prepared precipitates were composed of zincian malachite and amorphous AlO(OH). Furthermore, the calcined mixed metal oxide materials of 60% and 80% Al exhibited a higher acidity than commercial Al2O3 and the H2-reduced catalysts showed the similar Cu dispersion of 6%–7% at all Cu loadings. In the activity test at 573 K and 50 bar, the SP-derived catalyst of 80% Al (SP-80) displayed the best performance corresponding to CO2 conversion of 25% and DME selectivity of 75% that are close to equilibrium values. In order to overcome the thermodynamic limitation, a dual-bed catalyst system was made up of SP-80 in the first layer and zeolite ferrierite in the next. This approach enabled DME selectivity to be enhanced to 90% while CO2 conversion increased a little. Consequently, the studied catalyst system based on the SP-derived catalysts can contribute greatly to selective DME production from CO2.
Extracellular Localisation of the C-Terminus of DDX4 Confirmed by Immunocytochemistry and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting
Authors: Clarkson Yvonne L. , Weatherall Emma , Waterfall Martin , McLaughlin Marie , Lu Haojiang , Skehel Paul A. , Anderson Richard A. , Telfer Evelyn E.
Published: June 2019

Putative oogonial stem cells (OSCs) have been isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from adult human ovarian tissue using an antibody against DEAD-box helicase 4 (DDX4). DDX4 has been reported to be germ cell specific within the gonads and localised intracellularly. White et al. (2012) hypothesised that the C-terminus of DDX4 is localised on the surface of putative OSCs but is internalised during the process of oogenesis. This hypothesis is controversial since it is assumed that RNA helicases function intracellularly with no extracellular expression. To determine whether the C-terminus of DDX4 could be expressed on the cell surface, we generated a novel expression construct to express full-length DDX4 as a DsRed2 fusion protein with unique C- and N-terminal epitope tags. DDX4 and the C-terminal myc tag were detected at the cell surface by immunocytochemistry and FACS of non-permeabilised human embryonic kidney HEK 293T cells transfected with the DDX4 construct. DDX4 mRNA expression was detected in the DDX4-positive sorted cells by RT-PCR. This study clearly demonstrates that the C-terminus of DDX4 can be expressed on the cell surface despite its lack of a conventional membrane-targeting or secretory sequence. These results validate the use of antibody-based FACS to isolate DDX4-positive putative OSCs.
Genome Organization in and around the Nucleolus
Authors: Bersaglieri Cristiana , Santoro Raffaella
Published: June 2019

The nucleolus is the largest substructure in the nucleus, where ribosome biogenesis takes place, and forms around the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) that comprise ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Each cell contains hundreds of rRNA genes, which are organized in three distinct chromatin and transcriptional states—silent, inactive and active. Increasing evidence indicates that the role of the nucleolus and rRNA genes goes beyond the control of ribosome biogenesis. Recent results highlighted the nucleolus as a compartment for the location and regulation of repressive genomic domains and, together with the nuclear lamina, represents the hub for the organization of the inactive heterochromatin. In this review, we aim to describe the crosstalk between the nucleolus and the rest of the genome and how distinct rRNA gene chromatin states affect nucleolus structure and are implicated in genome stability, genome architecture, and cell fate decision.
Distinct Protein Expression Networks are Activated in Microglia Cells after Stimulation with IFN-γ and IL-4
Authors: Vergara Daniele , Nigro Annamaria , Romano Alessandro , De Domenico Stefania , Damato Marina , Franck Julien , Coricciati Chiara , Wistorski Maxence , Cardon Tristan , Fournier Isabelle , Quattrini Angelo , Salzet Michel , Furlan Roberto , Maffia Michele
Published: June 2019

Microglia cells are the primary immune population of the central nervous system with a role in the regulation of several physiological and pathological conditions. Upon appropriate stimulation, microglia cells can be polarized in a pro-inflammatory M1-like or anti-inflammatory M2-like status. Biological processes and pathways engaged in microglia polarization are starting to be elucidated. To help clarify this, we used a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) label free approach to characterize the proteomic profile of human microglia cell line (CHME-5) stimulated with gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) to induce a M1 or M2 phenotype, respectively. Outside the classical M1/M2 polarization markers, the M1 status appears to center around the activation of a classical inflammatory response and through the activation of multiple signaling pathways. M2 polarization resulted in a different pattern of protein modulation related to RNA and cellular metabolic processes. Together, our findings provide information regarding the protein changes specific to M1 and M2 activation states, and potentially link the polarization of microglia cells to the acquisition of a specific proteomic profile.
Modelling and Simulation of a Cloud Platform for Sharing Distributed Digital Fabrication Resources
Authors: Cornetta Gianluca , Mateos Francisco Javier , Touhafi Abdellah , Muntean Gabriel-Miro
Published: June 2019

Fabrication as a Service (FaaS) is a new concept developed within the framework of the NEWTON Horizon 2020 project. It is aimed at empowering digital fabrication laboratories (Fab Labs) by providing hardware and software wrappers to expose numerically-controlled expensive fabrication equipment as web services. More specifically, FaaS leverages cloud and IoT technologies to enable a wide learning community to have remote access to these labs’ computer-controlled tools and equipment over the Internet. In such context, the fabrication machines can be seen as networked resources distributed over a wide geographical area. These resources can communicate through machine-to-machine protocols and a centralized cloud infrastructure and can be digitally monitored and controlled through programmatic interfaces relying on REST APIs. This paper introduces FaaS in the context of Fab Lab challenges and describes FaaS deployment within NEWTON Fab Labs, part of the NEWTON European Horizon 2020 project on technology enhanced learning. The NEWTON Fab Labs architecture is described in detail targeting software, hardware and network architecture. The system has been extensively load-tested simulating real use-case scenarios and it is presently in production. In particular, this paper shows how the measured data has been used to build a simulation model to estimate system performance and identify possible bottlenecks. The measurements performed show that the platform delays exhibit a tail distribution with Pareto-like behaviour; this finding has been used to build a simple mathematical model and a simulator on top of CloudSim to estimate the latencies of the critical paths of the NEWTON Fab Lab platform under several load conditions.
Novel Cerium Bisphosphinate Coordination Polymer and Unconventional Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Rohlíček Jan , Bůžek Daniel , Brázda Petr , Kobera Libor , Hynek Jan , Brus Jiří , Lang Kamil , Demel Jan
Published: June 2019

The first Ce(III)-based coordination polymer ICR-9 (ICR stands for Inorganic Chemistry Řež), with the formula Ce2(C8H10P2O4)3, containing ditopic phenylene-1,4-bis(methylphosphinic acid) linker, was synthetized under solvothermal conditions. The crystal structure, solved using electron diffraction tomography (EDT), revealed 2D layers of octahedrally coordinated cerium atoms attached together through O-P-O bridges. The structure is nonporous, however, the modification of synthetic conditions led to unconventional metal–organic framework (or defective amorphous phase) with a specific surface area up to approximately 400 m2 g-1.
Expressions of HLA Class II Genes in Cutaneous Melanoma Were Associated with Clinical Outcome: Bioinformatics Approaches and Systematic Analysis of Public Microarray and RNA-Seq Datasets
Authors: Chen Yang-Yi , Chang Wei-An , Lin En-Shyh , Chen Yi-Jen , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: June 2019

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, encoded by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes, play important roles in antigen presentation and initiation of immune responses. However, the correlation between HLA class II gene expression level and patient survival and disease progression in cutaneous melanoma is still under investigation. In the present study, we analyzed microarray and RNA-Seq data of cutaneous melanoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using different bioinformatics tools. Survival analysis revealed higher expression level of HLA class II genes in cutaneous melanoma, especially HLA-DP and -DR, was significantly associated with better overall survival. Furthermore, the expressions of HLA class II genes were most closely associated with survival in cutaneous melanoma as compared with other cancer types. The expression of HLA class II co-expressed genes, which were found to associate with antigen processing, immune response, and inflammatory response, was also positively associated with overall survival in cutaneous melanoma. Therefore, the results indicated that increased HLA class II expression may contribute to enhanced anti-tumor immunity and related inflammatory response via presenting tumor antigens to the immune system. The expression pattern of HLA class II genes may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic targets in cutaneous melanoma.
Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Using a Curved Goubau Line
Authors: Liu Louis WY , Kandwal Abhishek , Cheng Qingsha , Shi Hongjian , Tobore Igbe , Nie Zedong
Published: June 2019

Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring at microwave frequencies is generally thought to be unreliable in terms of reproducibility of measurements. The failure to reproduce a blood glucose measurement from one experiment to another is in major part due to the unwanted interaction of leaky waves between the ambient environment and the blood glucose measuring device. In this work, we have overcome this problem by simply eliminating the leaky modes through the use of surface electromagnetic waves from a curved Goubau line. In the proposed methodology, a fixed volume of blood-filled skin tissue was first formed by vacuum suction and partially wound with a curved Goubau line which was coated with a 3 mm thick layer of gelatin/glycerin composite. Blood glucose levels were non-invasively determined using a network analyzer. At 4.5 GHz, a near-linear correlation exists between the measured S12 parameters and the blood glucose levels. The measured correlation was highly reproducible and consistent with the measurements obtained using the conventional invasive lancing approach. The findings of this work suggest the feasibility of non-invasive detection of left and right imbalances in the body.
The Room Temperature Multi-Channel Heterodyne Receiver Section of the PHAROS2 Phased Array Feed
Authors: Navarrini Alessandro , Scalambra Alessandro , Rusticelli Simone , Maccaferri Andrea , Cattani Alessandro , Perini Federico , Ortu Pierluigi , Roda Juri , Marongiu Pasqualino , Saba Andrea , Poloni Marco , Ladu Adelaide , Schirru Luca
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and test results of a room temperature multi-channel heterodyne receiver operating across the 2.3–8.2 GHz radio frequency (RF) band. Such a “Warm Section” (WS) receiver is part of phased arrays for reflector observing systems 2 (PHAROS2), a C-band phased array feed (PAF) demonstrator with digital beamformer for radio astronomy application. The WS receiver is cascaded to the PHAROS2 cryostat, which includes an array of Vivaldi antennas with low noise pre-amplification stages. The WS can handle up to 32 RF signals and, for each of them, realizes the operations of filtering, RF amplification and down-conversion from the RF to the 375–650 MHz intermediate frequency (IF). Also, the WS incorporates an IF-to-optical signal conversion through analogue wavelength division multiplexing IF over fiber (IFoF) and fiber-optic transmitters (OTXs). The 32-channel WS receiver consists of four eight-channel WS RF/IF modules, one local oscillator (LO) splitter module and one monitoring and control module, all hosted in a standard 6U × 19-inch rack.
Data-Driven Mitigation of Energy Scheduling Inaccuracy in Renewable-Penetrated Grids: Summerside Electric Use Case
Authors: Farrokhabadi Mostafa
Published: June 2019

This paper presents findings on mitigating the negative impact of renewable energy resources variability on the energy scheduling problem, in particular for island grids and microgrids. The methods and findings presented in this paper are twofold. First, data obtained from the City of Summerside in the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada, is leveraged to demonstrate the effectiveness of state-of-the-art time series predictors in mitigating energy scheduling inaccuracy. Second, the outcome of the time series prediction analysis is used to propose a novel data-driven battery energy storage system (BESS) sizing study for energy scheduling purposes. The proposed probabilistic method accounts for intra-interval variations of generation and demand, thus mitigating the trade-off between time resolution of the problem formulation and the solution accuracy. In addition, as part of the sizing study, a BESS management strategy is proposed to minimize energy scheduling inaccuracies, and is then used to obtain the optimal BESS size. Finally, the paper presents quantitative analyses of the impact of both the energy predictors and the BESS on the supplied energy cost using the actual data of the Summerside Electric grid. The paper reveals the significant potential for reducing energy cost in renewable-penetrated grids and microgrids through state-of-the-art predictors combined with applications of properly-sized energy storage systems.
Integrated Approach for Network Observability and State Estimation in Active Distribution Grid
Authors: Pokhrel Basanta Raj , Bak-Jensen Birgitte , R. Pillai Jayakrishnan
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a unique integrated approach to meter placement and state estimation to ensure the network observability of active distribution systems. It includes observability checking, minimum measurement utilization, network state estimation, and trade-off evaluation between the number of real measurements used and the accuracy of the estimated state. In network parameter estimation, observability assessment is a preliminary task. It is handled by data analysis and filtering followed by calculation of the triangular factors of the singular, symmetric gain matrix using an algebraic method. Usually, to cover the deficiency of essential real measurements in distribution systems, huge numbers of virtual measurements are used. These pseudo measurements are calculated values, which are based on the network parameters, real measurements, and forecasted load/generation. Due to the application of a huge number of pseudo-measurements, large margins of error exists in the calculation phase. Therefore, there is still a high possibility of having large errors in estimated states, even though the network is classified as being observable. Hence, an integrated approach supported by forecasting is introduced in this work to overcome this critical issue. Finally, estimation of the trade-off in accuracy with respect to the number of real measurements used has been evaluated in order to justify the method’s practical application. The proposed method is applied to a Danish network, and the results are discussed.
H∞ Mixed Sensitivity Control for a Three-Port Converter
Authors: You Jiang , Liu Hongsheng , Fu Bin , Xiong Xingyan
Published: June 2019

The three-port converter (TPC) obtains major attention due to its power density and ability to dispose different electric powers flexibly. Since the control models of the TPC are derived from particular steady state work point through small signal modeling method, the model parameters usually be deviated from their normal values with the change of operation and load conditions. Furthermore, there are couplings and interactions in power delivery between different ports, which have a significant influence in the dynamic control performance of the system. In this paper, the H∞ mixed sensitivity method is employed to design robust controllers for a TPC control system. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, and experimental studies are conducted on a prototype circuit to further validate the developed method. Compared to a traditional PI controller, it shows that a mixed sensitivity based robust controller manifest balanced performance in model parameters changes attenuation and dynamic control performance.
Analysis of a Lab-Scale Heat Transformation Demonstrator Based on a Gas–Solid Reaction
Authors: Stengler Jana , Weiss Julius , Linder Marc
Published: June 2019

Heat transformation based on reversible chemical reactions has gained significant interest due to the high achievable output temperatures. This specific type of chemical heat pump uses a reversible gas–solid reaction, with the back and forward reactions taking place at different temperatures: by running the exothermic discharge reaction at a higher temperature than the endothermic charge reaction, the released heat is thermally upgraded. In this work, we report on the experimental investigation of the hydration reaction of strontium bromide (SrBr2) with regard to its use for heat transformation in the temperature range from 180 °C to 250 °C on a 1 kg scale. The reaction temperature is set by adjusting the pressure of the gaseous reactant. In previous experimental studies, we found the macroscopic and microscopic properties of the solid bulk phase to be subject to considerable changes due to the chemical reaction-. In order to better understand how this affects the thermal discharge performance of a thermochemical reactor, we combine our experimental work with a modelling approach. From the results of the presented studies, we derive design rules and operating parameters for a thermochemical storage module based on SrBr2.
A Robust Emulation of Mechanical Loads Using a Disturbance-Observer
Authors: Lee Kooksun , Lee Jeongju , Back Juhoon , Lee Young Il
Published: June 2019

This paper deals with a new control strategy for the programmable dynamometer to emulate dynamic loads. The main idea is to employ the disturbance-observer-based design and take the nominal model involved in the disturbance-observer design as the desired dynamics to be emulated. Compared to previous approaches, the proposed approach does not require exact system parameters of the motor under test, and the range of emulation parameters is wider than previous results. A rigorous stability analysis, as well as a constructive design incorporating system uncertainty and the steady state error bound are presented. An experimental system is developed to verify the performance of the proposed method, and it is demonstrated that up to 20-times of inertia emulation with relatively small emulation error (speed error less than 6 % ) is achieved and that various loads such as friction can be emulated.
Opportunity for Improving Lead-Acid Battery Management of Photovoltaic-Genset-Battery Hybrid Power Systems Based on Measured Field Data
Authors: Swingler Andrew , Torrealba Jordan
Published: June 2019

In this communication, the measured behaviour of a lead-acid battery bank within a stand-alone residential solar photovoltaic (PV)-genset-battery hybrid power system in Canada is presented and discussed. In order to capture rare field-based battery performance data, a newly commissioned lead-acid battery bank was equipped with a battery monitoring device capable of logging voltage, current, temperature and amp-hours every 30 s for the life of the battery. The measured data captures a severe loss of battery capacity due to a combination of short-term deep discharge and extended partial state of charge operation—conditions not unusual during winter season PV-genset-battery hybrid power system operation. Subsequent manual override of the system control set points to encourage gradual battery overcharge are shown to recover the lead-acid battery bank’s performance over the following three months. Limitations of the power conversion system’s battery management approach are discussed and a novel closed loop control system for improving lead-acid based PV-genset-battery hybrid system performance is rationalized and proposed for further research.
Long-Term Generation Scheduling for Cascade Hydropower Plants Considering Price Correlation between Multiple Markets
Authors: Luo Bin , Miao Shumin , Cheng Chuntian , Lei Yi , Chen Gang , Gao Lang
Published: June 2019

The large-scale cascade hydropower plants in southwestern China now challenge a multi-market environment in the new round of electricity market reform. They not only have to supply the load for the local provincial market, but also need to deliver electricity to the central and eastern load centers in external markets, which makes the generation scheduling much more complicated, with a correlated uncertain market environment. Considering the uncertainty of prices and correlation between multiple markets, this paper has proposed a novel optimization model of long-term generation scheduling for cascade hydropower plants in multiple markets to seek for the maximization of overall benefits. The Copula function is introduced to describe the correlation of stochastic prices between multiple markets. The price scenarios that obey the Copula fitting function are then generated and further reduced by using a scenario reduction strategy that combines hierarchical clustering and inconsistent values. The proposed model is applied to perform the long-term generation scheduling for the Wu River cascade hydropower plants and achieves an increase of 106.93 million yuan of annual income compared with the conventional scheduling model, without considering price scenarios, showing better performance in effectiveness and robustness in multiple markets.
Primary and Secondary Branch Growth in Black Spruce and Balsam Fir after Careful Logging around Small Merchantable Stems (CLASS)
Authors: Lemay Audrey , Krause Cornelia , Achim Alexis
Published: June 2019

Careful logging around small merchantable stems (CLASS) is a partial cutting treatment that consists of the harvest of 70%–90% of the merchantable volume of an irregular coniferous stand. In this treatment, regeneration, saplings and small merchantable stems (DBH < 15 cm) are preserved and can continue to grow and develop into the dominant layer of the new stand. The aim of this project was to examine the effects of CLASS on the primary and secondary growth of branches, as well as on branch diameter in black spruce and balsam fir trees in the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada. Primary and secondary growth were measured on five branches per tree while branch diameter was analysed from 15 whorls distributed within the crown of the 48 black spruce and 48 balsam fir trees sampled. Branch primary and secondary growth significantly increased after CLASS in the lower part of the crown in both species, and both types of growth increased proportionally. These findings suggest that CLASS may delay crown recession as the lower branches tend to survive and grow for a longer period. However, although radial growth increased in the years post-CLASS, this did not significantly influence the final branch diameter and should not lead to lumber downgrade.
Identification of Fatty Acid Desaturases in Maize and Their Differential Responses to Low and High Temperature
Authors: Zhao Xunchao , Wei Jinpeng , He Lin , Zhang Yifei , Zhao Ying , Xu Xiaoxuan , Wei Yulei , Ge Shengnan , Ding Dong , Liu Meng , Gao Shuren , Xu Jingyu
Published: June 2019

Plant fatty acid desaturases (FADs) catalyze the desaturation of fatty acids in various forms and play important roles in regulating fatty acid composition and maintaining membrane fluidity under temperature stress. A total of 30 FADs were identified from a maize genome, including 13 soluble and 17 membrane-bound FADs, which were further classified into two and five sub-groups, respectively, via phylogenetic analysis. Although there is no evolutionary relationship between the soluble and the membrane-bound FADs, they all harbor a highly conserved FA_desaturase domain, and the types and the distributions of conserved motifs are similar within each sub-group. The transcriptome analysis revealed that genes encoding FADs exhibited different expression profiles under cold and heat stresses. The expression of ZmFAD2.1&2.2, ZmFAD7, and ZmSLD1&3 were significantly up-regulated under cold stress; moreover, the expression of ZmFAD2.1&2.3 and ZmSLD1&3 were obviously down-regulated under heat stress. The co-expression analysis demonstrated close correlation among the transcription factors and the significant responsive FAD genes under cold or heat stress. This study helps to understand the roles of plant FADs in temperature stress responses.
Curtailing Lead Aerosols: Effects of Primary Prevention on Declining Soil Lead and Children’s Blood Lead in Metropolitan New Orleans
Authors: Mielke Howard W. , Gonzales Christopher R. , Powell Eric T.
Published: June 2019

After decades of accumulation of lead aerosols in cities from additives in gasoline, in 1975 catalytic converters (which are ruined by lead) became mandatory on all new cars. By 1 January 1986 the rapid phase-down banned most lead additives. The study objective is to review temporal changes of environmental lead and children’s blood lead in communities of metropolitan New Orleans. In 2001, a soil lead survey of 287 census tracts of metropolitan New Orleans was completed. In August–September 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm surges flooded parts of the city with sediment-loaded water. In April–June 2006, 46/287 (16%) of the original census tracts were selected for resurvey. A third survey of 44/46 (15%) census tracts was completed in 2017. The census tract median soil lead and children’s median blood lead decreased across surveys in both flooded and unflooded areas. By curtailing a major urban source of lead aerosols, children’s lead exposure diminished, lead loading of soil decreased, and topsoil lead declined. Curtailing lead aerosols is essential for primary prevention. For the sake of children’s and ultimately societal health and welfare, the long-term habitability of cities requires terminating all remaining lead aerosols and cleanup of legacy-lead that persists in older inner-city communities.
Guest Perceptions of Physical Activity Point-of-Decision Prompts at a Conservatory with Botanical Gardens
Authors: Natale Corinne , Poole Mary Kathryn , Kalnicky Emily A. , Taverno Ross Sharon E.
Published: June 2019

Point-of-decision prompts are cost-effective strategies to promote physical activity in public spaces. This study explored how adult and child guests of a conservatory with botanical gardens perceived point-of-decision prompts that aimed to promote physical activity. Seven point-of-decision prompts were developed and displayed throughout the conservatory. Adult guests (n = 140) were invited to complete a voluntary and anonymous survey to assess awareness of point-of-decision prompts, adult–child interactions, and physical activity engagement. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 23. Sixty-one percent of guests (n = 86) who responded to the survey noticed the point-of-decision prompts. Over 65% (n = 56) of those guests completed at least one of the physical activities, and 53% (n = 46) completed one to three. Of guests attending with (a) child(ren) (n = 17) who completed the survey, over half (n = 9) engaged in at least one physical activity together. In sum, the point-of-decision prompts were noticed by some guests in this public space. More research is needed to determine whether point-of-decision prompts are able to lead to sustainable behavior change.
Short Sleep Duration and Insomnia Symptoms were Associated with Lower Happiness Levels in Chinese Adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhao Sheng Zhi , Wang Man Ping , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Lai Agnes , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Lin Chia-Chin , Chan Sophia Siu-Chee , Lam Tai Hing
Published: June 2019

Study objective: To examine the association of sleep duration and insomnia symptoms with happiness. Methods: A random sample of 1691 Chinese adult (mean age 54 ± 20.1, male 51%) were interviewed in a population-based telephone survey. Happiness was measured by the subjective happiness scale (SHS) and the one-item global happiness index (GHI). Information on sleep included mean past seven-day sleep duration (<6 h, ≥6 to <8 h and ≥8 h) and insomnia symptoms: Difficulty in initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty in maintaining sleep (DMS), and early morning awakening (EMA). Adjusted beta-coefficient (β) of SHS and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of GHI in relation to sleep problems were calculated. Interaction effects by age (18–65 vs. ≥65) and by sex were assessed. Results: Compared to ≥8 h of sleep, having <6 h of sleep had lower SHS (adjusted β −0.32, 95% CI −0.46 to −0.17) and GHI (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.78). The associations were stronger in younger adults and in women (p < 0.05). DIS, DMS, and EMA were associated with lower SHS (adjusted β ranged from −0.20 to −0.06) and GHI (aOR ranged from 0.57 to 0.89). Dose-response association between the number of insomnia symptoms and lower SHS was observed (p < 0.001). These associations were generally stronger in older adults and among women. Conclusions: Lower levels of happiness were observed, particularly in younger adults and females with short sleep duration and older adults and females with insomnia symptoms. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings and understand the mechanisms between sleep and happiness.