bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiogenomics Profiling for Glioblastoma-related Immune Cells Reveals CD49d Expression Correlation with MRI parameters and Prognosis
Authors: Cho Hye Rim , Jeon Hyejin , Park Chul-Kee , Park Sung-Hye , Choi Seung Hong
Published: October 2018

Although there have been a plethora of radiogenomics studies related to glioblastoma (GBM), most of them only used genomic information from tumor cells. In this study, we used radiogenomics profiling to identify MRI-associated immune cell markers in GBM, which was also correlated with prognosis. Expression levels of immune cell markers were correlated with quantitative MRI parameters in a total of 60 GBM patients. Fourteen immune cell markers (i.e., CD11b, CD68, CSF1R, CD163, CD33, CD123, CD83, CD63, CD49d and CD117 for myeloid cells, and CD4, CD3e, CD25 and CD8 for lymphoid cells) were selected for RNA-level analysis using quantitative RT-PCR. For MRI analysis, quantitative MRI parameters from FLAIR, contrast-enhanced (CE) T1WI, dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MRI and diffusion-weighted images were used. In addition, PFS associated with interesting mRNA data was performed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. CD163, which marks tumor associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs), showed the highest expression level in GBM patients. CD68 (TAMs), CSF1R (TAMs), CD33 (myeloid-derived suppressor cell) and CD4 (helper T cell, regulatory T cell) levels were highly positively correlated with nCBV values, while CD3e (helper T cell, cytotoxic T cell) and CD49d showed a significantly negative correlation with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Moreover, regardless of any other molecular characteristics, CD49d was revealed as one independent factor for PFS of GBM patients by Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis (P = 0.0002). CD49d expression level CD49d correlated with ADC can be considered as a candidate biomarker to predict progression of GBM patients.
Prognostic Influence of Preoperative Mammographic Breast Density in Operable Invasive Female Breast Cancer
Authors: Hwang Ki-Tae , Chu A. Jung , Kim Jongjin , Lee Jong Yoon , Chang Ji Hyun , Oh Sohee , Kim Young A. , Jung Jiwoong , Oh Bumjo
Published: October 2018

We aimed to investigate the potential of preoperative mammographic breast density (MBD) as a prognostic factor in breast cancer. Data of 969 patients with primary breast cancer were analyzed. We defined low MBD as fatty or fibroglandular breast, and high MBD as heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breast, respectively. The high MBD group demonstrated a superior overall survival rate compared to the low MBD group (p < 0.001). Favorable prognostic effects of high MBD were observed in subgroups aged >50 years (p < 0.001) and with positive hormone receptor (HRc) and negative human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (p < 0.001). The high MBD group had a higher proportion of patients aged ≤50 years (p < 0.001) and patients with body mass index (BMI) ≤25 kg/m2 (p < 0.001), and a higher proportion of patients who received chemotherapy (p < 0.001). MBD was a significant independent prognostic factor by multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 0.382; 95% confidence interval, 0.206–0.708). The high MBD group was associated with superior overall survival rates. Preoperative MBD was a strong independent prognostic factor in operable primary invasive female breast cancer, especially in patients with age >50 years and the HRc(+)/HER2(−) subtype. Favorable clinicopathologic features, active treatments, and other factors could contribute to this causality.
Dynamic interaction of multiple shear bands
Authors: Giarola Diana , Capuani Domenico , Bigoni Davide
Published: October 2018

A mechanical model for waves impinging different configurations of multiple shear bands already formed in a ductile material, allows to analyze the ways in which dynamic interactions promote failure. It is shown that the presence of more than one shear band may lead to resonance and correspondent growth of a shear band or, conversely, to its annihilation. At the same time, multiple scattering may bring about focusing or, conversely, shielding from waves. The proposed mechanical modelling, represents the only way to analyze the fine micromechanisms governing material collapse, and discloses the complex interplay between dynamics and shear band growth or arrest.
DNA damage interactions on both nanometer and micrometer scale determine overall cellular damage
Authors: Friedrich Thomas , Ilicic Katarina , Greubel Christoph , Girst Stefanie , Reindl Judith , Sammer Matthias , Schwarz Benjamin , Siebenwirth Christian , Walsh Dietrich W. M. , Schmid Thomas E. , Scholz Michael , Dollinger Günther
Published: October 2018

DNA double strand breaks (DSB) play a pivotal role for cellular damage, which is a hazard encountered in toxicology and radiation protection, but also exploited e.g. in eradicating tumors in radiation therapy. It is still debated whether and in how far clustering of such DNA lesions leads to an enhanced severity of induced damage. Here we investigate - using focused spots of ionizing radiation as damaging agent - the spatial extension of DNA lesion patterns causing cell inactivation. We find that clustering of DNA damage on both the nm and µm scale leads to enhanced inactivation compared to more homogeneous lesion distributions. A biophysical model interprets these observations in terms of enhanced DSB production and DSB interaction, respectively. We decompose the overall effects quantitatively into contributions from these lesion formation processes, concluding that both processes coexist and need to be considered for determining the resulting damage on the cellular level.
Goats worm burden variability also results from non-homogeneous larval intake
Authors: Bonneau Mathieu , Bambou Jean-Christophe , Mandonnet Nathalie , Arquet Rémy , Mahieu Maurice
Published: October 2018

For small ruminants, Gastrointestinal Nematodes (GINs) are responsible for severe economic losses and they are also an animal welfare problem. GIN use their host to reproduce and disperse eggs on the pasture, from where they can re-infect another animal. The high density of hosts on the pasture and the extreme tolerance of GIN to environmental constraints make GIN eradication almost impossible. In addition, significant resistance to anthelmintic treatment requires sustainable and integrated management to maintain the health and financial well-being of livestock farming. In this context, models of the complex interactions between host, GIN and environment can help us to design long term optimal management strategies. To build such models, quantitative information is needed but are generally very challenging to collect. In this article, we focus on the number of ingested larvae per animal, which we propose to characterise by using a simulation framework based on the estimation of the spatial distribution of the host over time. Our framework allows us to show that worm burden individual variation is not only explained by the host’s genetics, as is often the case, but is also a result of the grazing spatial process.
Direct imaging of Indium-rich triangular nanoprisms self-organized formed at the edges of InGaN/GaN core-shell nanorods
Authors: Schmidt Gordon , Müller Marcus , Veit Peter , Metzner Sebastian , Bertram Frank , Hartmann Jana , Zhou Hao , Wehmann Hergo-Heinrich , Waag Andreas , Christen Jürgen
Published: October 2018

Higher indium incorporation in self-organized triangular nanoprisms at the edges of InGaN/GaN core-shell nanorods is directly evidenced by spectral cathodoluminescence microscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope. The nanoprisms are terminated by three 46 nm wide a-plane nanofacets with sharp interfaces forming a well-defined equilateral triangular base in the basal plane. Redshifted InGaN luminescence and brighter Z-contrast are resolved for these structures compared to the InGaN layers on the nanorod sidewalls, which is attributed to at least 4 % higher indium content. Detailed analysis of the inner optical and structural properties reveals luminescence contributions from 417 nm up to 500 nm peak wavelength proving the increasing indium concentration inside the nanoprism towards the nanorod surface.
Effects of wettability on droplet movement in a V-shaped groove
Authors: Han Taeyang , Noh Hyunwoo , Park Hyun Sun , Kim Moo Hwan
Published: October 2018

As basic research to understand the behavior of droplets on structured surfaces, we investigated droplet movement in a V-shaped groove while the volume of the droplet changes. We developed a model to explain the mechanism of the droplet movement and the effects of the wettability of the inner walls of the groove on the droplet movement. Furthermore, the model predicted new phenomena and explains the effect of the nonhomogeneous wettability on droplet movement. The predictions of the model match the experimental results well. This research can provide the basic knowledge for manipulating droplets with structured surfaces for various applications.
In vivo two-photon imaging of the embryonic cortex reveals spontaneous ketamine-sensitive calcium activity
Authors: Yuryev Mikhail , Andriichuk Liliia , Leiwe Marcus , Jokinen Ville , Carabalona Aurelie , Rivera Claudio
Published: October 2018

Prior to sensory experience spontaneous activity appears to play a fundamental role in the correct formation of prominent functional features of different cortical regions. The use of anaesthesia during pregnancy such as ketamine is largely considered to negatively affect neuronal development by interfering with synaptic transmission. Interestingly, the characteristics of spontaneous activity as well as the acute functional effects of maternal anaesthesia remain largely untested in the embryonic cortex in vivo. In the present work, we performed in vivo imaging of spontaneous calcium activity and cell motility in the marginal zone of the cortex of E14-15 embryos connected to the mother. We made use of a preparation where the blood circulation from the mother through the umbilical cord is preserved and fluctuations in intracellular calcium in the embryonic frontal cortex are acquired using two-photon imaging. We found that spontaneous transients were either sporadic or correlated in clusters of neuronal ensembles at this age. These events were not sensitive to maternal isoflurane anaesthesia but were strongly inhibited by acute in situ or maternal application of low concentration of the anaesthetic ketamine (a non-competitive antagonist of NMDA receptors). Moreover, simultaneous imaging of cell motility revealed a correlated strong sensitivity to ketamine. These results show that anaesthetic compounds can differ significantly in their impact on spontaneous early cortical activity as well as motility of cells in the marginal zone. The effects found in this study may be relevant in the etiology of heightened vulnerability to cerebral dysfunction associated with the use of ketamine during pregnancy.
Acid bone lysate activates TGFβ signalling in human oral fibroblasts
Authors: Strauss Franz Josef , Stähli Alexandra , Beer Lucian , Mitulović Goran , Gilmozzi Valentina , Haspel Nina , Schwab Gerhild , Gruber Reinhard
Published: October 2018

Demineralized bone matrix is a widely used allograft from which not only the inorganic mineral but also embedded growth factors are removed by hydrochloric acid (HCl). The cellular response to the growth factors released during the preparation of demineralized bone matrix, however, has not been studied. Here we investigated thein vitroimpact of acid bone lysate (ABL) prepared from porcine cortical bone chips on oral fibroblasts. Proteomic analysis of ABL revealed a large spectrum of bone-derived proteins including TGF-β1. Whole genome microarrays and RT-PCR together with the pharmacologic blocking of TGF-β receptor type I kinase with SB431542 showed that ABL activates the TGF-β target genes interleukin 11, proteoglycan 4, and NADPH oxidase 4. Interleukin 11 expression was confirmed at the protein level by ELISA. Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed the nuclear localization of Smad2/3 and increased phosphorylation of Smad3 with ABL, respectively. This effect was independent of whether ABL was prepared from mandible, calvaria or tibia. These results demonstrate that TGF-β is a major growth factor that is removed upon the preparation of demineralized bone matrix.
Molecular weight of surface immobilized hyaluronic acid influences CD44-mediated binding of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Amorim Sara , da Costa Diana Soares , Freitas Daniela , Reis Celso A. , Reis Rui L. , Pashkuleva Iva , Pires Ricardo A.
Published: October 2018

The physiological importance of the interactions between hyaluronic acid (HA) and its main membrane receptor, CD44, in pathological processes, e.g. cancer, is well recognized. However, these interactions are mainly studied in solution, whereas HA in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is partially immobilized via its interactions with other ECM components. We therefore, developed substrates in which HA is presented in an ECM-relevant manner. We immobilized HA with different molecular weights (Mw) in a Layer-by-Layer (LbL) fashion and studied the interactions of the substrates with CD44 and two human gastric cancer cell lines that overexpress this receptor, namely AGS and MKN45. We demonstrate that MKN45 cells are more sensitive to the LbL substrates as compared with AGS. This difference is due to different CD44 expression: while CD44 is detected mainly in the cytoplasm of AGS, MKN45 express CD44 predominantly at the cell membrane where it is involved in the recognition and binding of HA. The invasiveness of the studied cell lines was also evaluated as a function of HA Mw. Invasive profile characterized by low cell adhesion, high cell motility, high expression of cortactin, formation of invadopodia and cell clusters was observed for MKN45 cells when they are in contact with substrates presenting HA of high Mw.
The impact of Arctic warming on increased rainfall
Authors: Bintanja R.
Published: October 2018

The Arctic region is warming two to three times faster than the global mean, intensifying the hydrological cycle in the high north. Both enhanced regional evaporation and poleward moisture transport contribute to a 50–60% increase in Arctic precipitation over the 21st century. The additional precipitation is diagnosed to fall primarily as rain, but the physical and dynamical constraints governing the transition to a rain-dominated Arctic are unknown. Here we use actual precipitation, snowfall, rainfall output of 37 global climate models in standardised 21st-century simulations to demonstrate that, on average, the main contributor to additional Arctic (70–90°N) rainfall is local warming (~70%), whereas non-local (thermo)dynamical processes associated with precipitation changes contribute only 30%. Surprisingly, the effect of local warming peaks in the frigid high Arctic, where modest summer temperature changes exert a much larger effect on rainfall changes than strong wintertime warming. This counterintuitive seasonality exhibits steep geographical gradients, however, governed by non-linear changes in the temperature-dependent snowfall fraction, thereby obscuring regional-scale attribution of enhanced Arctic rainfall to climate warming. Detailed knowledge of the underlying causes behind Arctic snow/rainfall changes will contribute to more accurate assessments of the (possibly irreversible) impacts on hydrology/run-off, permafrost thawing, ecosystems, sea ice retreat, and glacier melt.
Utility of Oblique Sagittal Reformatted and Three-dimensional Surface Reconstruction Computed Tomography in Foraminal Stenosis Decompression
Authors: Oshina Masahito , Oshima Yasushi , Tanaka Sakae , Tan Lee A. , Li Xudong Josh , Tuchman Alexander , Riew K. Daniel
Published: October 2018

Determining the responsible level of cervical radiculopathy can be difficult. Because asymptomatic findings are common in cervical radiculopathy, diagnoses based on imaging studies can be inaccurate. Therefore, we investigated whether the application of oblique sagittal reformatted computed tomography (oblique sagittal CT) and three-dimensional surface reconstruction CT (3DCT) affects surgical plans for patients with cervical foraminal stenosis and whether it assists diagnosis of foraminal stenosis. Accordingly, four reviewers, with office notes, observed the CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of 18 patients undergoing surgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy. After reviewing the MRI and sagittal, coronal, and axial CT images, the reviewers recorded the operation to be performed; they examined oblique sagittal CT and 3DCT images of the same patients and noted any differences from their surgical plans. Consequently, we analyzed these changes in the decompressed foramina in the surgical plan; mean percent change in the plan was 18.1%. Inter-rater reliability improved from κ - 0.194 to κ - 0.240. Therefore, the addition of oblique and 3DCT images improves inter-rater reliability owing to changes in a part of decompressed foramina. The addition of oblique sagittal CT and 3DCT is helpful in evaluating the foramen and planning surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy.
Identification and antitumor activity of a novel inhibitor of the NIMA-related kinase NEK6
Authors: De Donato Marta , Righino Benedetta , Filippetti Flavia , Battaglia Alessandra , Petrillo Marco , Pirolli Davide , Scambia Giovanni , De Rosa Maria Cristina , Gallo Daniela
Published: October 2018

The NIMA (never in mitosis, gene A)-related kinase-6 (NEK6), which is implicated in cell cycle control and plays significant roles in tumorigenesis, is an attractive target for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Here we describe the discovery of a potent ATP site-directed inhibitor of NEK6 identified by virtual screening, adopting both structure- and ligand-based techniques. Using a homology-built model of NEK6 as well as the pharmacophoric features of known NEK6 inhibitors we identified novel binding scaffolds. Twenty-five compounds from the top ranking hits were subjected to in vitro kinase assays. The best compound, i.e. compound 8 ((5Z)-2-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-oxo-5-[(5-phenylfuran-2-yl)methylidene]-5,6-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile), was able to inhibit NEK6 with low micromolar IC50 value, also displaying antiproliferative activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines. Our results suggest that the identified inhibitor can be used as lead candidate for the development of novel anti-cancer agents, thus opening the possibility of new therapeutic strategies.
A new cerebral vessel benchmark dataset (CAPUT) for validation of image-based aneurysm deformation estimation algorithms
Authors: Schetelig Daniel , Frölich Andreas , Knopp Tobias , Werner René
Published: October 2018

Hemodynamic properties and deformation of vessel structures are assumed to be correlated to the initiation, development, and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. Therefore, precise quantification of wall motion is essential. However, using standard-of-care imaging data, approaches for patient-specific estimation of pulsatile deformation are prone to uncertainties due to, e.g., contrast agent inflow-related intensity changes and small deformation compared to the image resolution. A ground truth dataset that allows evaluating and finetuning algorithms for deformation estimation is lacking. We designed a flow phantom with deformable structures that resemble cerebral vessels and exhibit physiologically plausible deformation. The deformation was simultaneously recorded using a flat panel CT and a video camera, yielding video data with higher resolution and SNR, which was used to compute ‘ground truth’ structure deformation measures. The dataset was further applied to evaluate registration-based deformation estimation. The results illustrate that registration approaches can be used to estimate deformation with adequate precision. Yet, the accuracy depended on the registration parameters, illustrating the need to evaluate and finetune deformation estimation approaches by ground truth data. To fill the existing gap, the acquired benchmark dataset is provided freely available as the CAPUT (Cerebral Aneurysm PUlsation Testing) dataset, accessible at https://www.github.com/IPMI-ICNS-UKE/CAPUT.
Neuromodulation treats Chikungunya arthralgia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Silva-Filho Edson , Okano Alexandre H. , Morya Edgard , Albuquerque Jessica , Cacho Enio , Unal Gozde , Bikson Marom , Pegado Rodrigo
Published: October 2018

The Chikungunya (CHIK) virus is epidemic in Brazil, with 170,000 cases in the first half of 2016. More than 60% of patients present relapsing and remitting chronic arthralgia with debilitating pain lasting years. There are no specific therapeutic agents to treat and rehabilitee infected persons with CHIK. Persistent pain can lead to incapacitation, requiring long-term pharmacological treatment. Advances in non-pharmacological treatments are necessary to promote pain relief without side effects and to restore functionality. Clinical trials indicate transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can treat a broad range of chronic pain disorders, including diffuse neuromuscular pain and arthralgia. Here, we demonstrate that the tDCS across the primary motor cortex significantly reduces pain in the chronic phase of CHIK. High-resolution computational model was created to analyze the cortical electric field generated during tDCS and a diffuse and clustered brain current flow including M1 ipsilateral and contralateral, left DLPFC, nucleus accumbens, and cingulate was found. Our findings suggest tDCS could be an effective, inexpensive and deployable therapy to areas lacking resources with a significant number of patients with chronic CHIK persistent pain.
Genetic diversity and population structure of a mini-core subset from the world cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) germplasm collection
Authors: Fatokun Christian , Girma Gezahegn , Abberton Michael , Gedil Melaku , Unachukwu Nnanna , Oyatomi Olaniyi , Yusuf Muyideen , Rabbi Ismail , Boukar Ousmane
Published: October 2018

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture maintains the world’s largest collection of cowpea germplasm of over 15,000 accessions. A sub-set of 298 lines from the loosely composed mini core collection of 370 landraces were genotyped based on genotyping by sequencing (GBS). Ward’s minimum variance hierarchical cluster analysis, model-based ancestry analysis and discriminant analysis of principal component (DAPC) were carried out on this sub-set. Three clusters were identified by the different clustering methods. Principal component analysis further supported the three clusters especially when accessions are scattered along the axes of the first two principal components. The first two principal components explained a total of 22.30% of the variation. Cluster one comprises 115 accessions from the largest number of countries and has the highest gene diversity, heterozygosity and polymorphic information content (PIC) values. Cluster two is made up of 102 accessions, 90 percent of which are from West and Central Africa. Analysis of molecular variance shows that the most variation is among accessions and lowest among clusters. No cluster is made exclusively of accessions from a single country. Based on SNP markers, the sub set of cowpea mini core germplasm collection used in this study encompasses the diversity in the crop.
Construction of sandwich-structured CoAl-layered double hydroxide@zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (CoAl-LDH@ZIF-67) hybrids: towards enhancing the fire safety of epoxy resins
Authors: Guo Hailin , Wang Yifan , Li Chaofeng , Zhou Keqing
Published: October 2018

In this work, sandwich-like structured CoAl-LDH@ZIF-67 hybrids were constructed by in situ growth of nanosized ZIF-67 crystallites on CoAl-LDH nanoplates.
Enhanced photocatalytic performance of spherical BiOI/MnO2 composite and mechanism investigation
Authors: Zhou Qingjie , Zhang Lizhu , Zuo Pengjian , Wang Yang , Yu Zhenjiang
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a novel flower-like BiOI/MnO2 composite was synthesized by two simple steps.
Carbon capture with polyethylenimine hydrogel beads (PEI HBs)
Authors: Xu Xingguang , Pejcic Bobby , Heath Charles , Wood Colin D.
Published: October 2018

A new class of CO2 sorbents, namely polyethylenimine hydrogel beads (PEI HBs), has been developed via a simple one-step crosslinking reaction of PEI using epichlorohydrin (EPC).
Visualizing the morphological and compositional evolution of the interface of InLi-anode|thio-LISION electrolyte in an all-solid-state Li–S cell by in operando synchrotron X-ray tomography and energy dispersive diffraction
Authors: Sun Fu , Dong Kang , Osenberg Markus , Hilger André , Risse Sebastian , Lu Yan , Kamm Paul H. , Klaus Manuela , Markötter Henning , García-Moreno Francisco , Arlt Tobias , Manke Ingo
Published: October 2018

The interfacial evolution in ASSLSB is reported.
Exploring the effect of the cyclometallating ligand in 2-(pyridine-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole-containing iridium(iii) complexes for stable light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Momblona Cristina , Ertl Cathrin D. , Pertegás Antonio , Junquera-Hernández José M. , Bolink Henk J. , Constable Edwin C. , Sessolo Michele , Ortí Enrique , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: October 2018

LECs with [Ir(tppy)2(btzpy)][PF6] (tppy = 2-(3-(tert-butyl)phenyl)pyridine, btzpy = 2-(pyridine-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole) in the active layer exhibit pure red emission and are very stable over 5 days of continuous operation.
WITHDRAWN: Efficacy and toxicities of combination maintenance therapy in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lin Fanzhong , Li Hongyun , Wang Jianzhu , Wang Fang
Published: October 2018

The Accepted Manuscript version of this article (published on 24 October 2018) was withdrawn on 17 August 2021. Despite numerous attempts to contact the authors, the Editorial Office have not received a response from the authors regarding their article proofs since they received these on 9 November 2018.
FEZF1-AS1 is a key regulator of cell cycle, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Cheng Yunzhou
Published: October 2018

Background: Accumulating studies discloses that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve important roles in human tumorigenesis, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 in NPC.

Materials and methods: The expression levels of FEZF1-AS1 in NPC tissues and cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR analysis. MTT assay was performed to investigate the proliferation of NPC cells in vitro, whereas the migration and invasion of NPC cells were determined by wound healing assay and transwell assay. A nude mouse tumor model was established to study the role of FEZF1-AS1 in NPC tumorigenesis in vivo. The expression levels of proteins were detected by Western blot assay.

Results: The results showed that FEZF1-AS1 expression was increased in the NPC tissues and cell lines, and the higher expression of FEZF1-AS1 was closely associated with poor prognosis of NPC patients. We further observed that knockdown of FEZF1-AS1 inhibited the proliferation of NPC cells in vitro and suppressed NPC xenograft growth in vivo through inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest. The migratory and invasive abilities of NPC cells were also reduced upon FEZF1-AS1 knockdown. Moreover, we demonstrated that inhibition of FEZF1-AS1 remarkably suppressed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced β-catenin accumulation in nucleus in NPC cells.

Conclusions: Collectively, we showed that FEZF1-AS1 might be a key regulator of cell cycle, EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in NPC cells, which may be helpful for understanding of pathogenesis of NPC.
Antioxidative and antiphotoaging activities of neferine upon UV-A irradiation in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: khan Abidullah , Bai Hongliang , Shu Maoguo , Chen Mingxia , Khan Amin , Bai Zhuanli
Published: October 2018

Our daily exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipids, proteins and DNA damage and alteration in fibroblast structure, thus contributing to skin photoaging. For this reason, the use of natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity could be a strategic tool to overcome ultraviolet A (UV-A) induced deleterious effect. Neferine is an alkaloid extract from the seed embryos of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn). In the present study, we report the protective effect of neferine against UV-A induced oxidative stress and photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). HDFs subjected to UV-A irradiation showed increased production of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, it depleted the cellular enzymatic antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx). On the other hand, HDFs treated with neferine followed by UV-A irradiation reversed the process, reduced the ROS and lipid peroxidation and restored the antioxidants pool. Moreover, neferine treatment significantly inhibited UV-A induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in HDFs. Remarkable morphological and ultrastructural alterations observed in HDFs upon UV-A irradiation, were also reduced with neferine treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that neferine has strong antioxidative and photoprotective properties and thus may be a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of UV-A mediated skin photoaging.
Improving THz wireless communication data transmission rates
Authors: Gao Yong , Huang Yankui , Huo Tingting
Published: October 2018

The working frequency of wireless communication systems will inevitably be developed for the higher‐frequency terahertz (THz) band. An effective way to improve data transmission rates in this band is to adopt higher‐order modulation. However, existing THz wireless communication systems struggle to realise higher‐order modulation and demodulation at high speeds. Baseband digital modulation mixes signals with the same modulation and symbol rate. Different bit streams are sent on the 0.34 THz band and the receiver uses a per‐survivor processing algorithm to separate and demodulate the mixed signal. This doubles the transmission rate of THz data whilst avoiding the problem of modulation and demodulation at high speeds resulting from higher‐order modulation. Both simulation and measured data is used to verify the feasibility of the method.
Design of highly reliable energy‐efficient SEU tolerant 10T SRAM cell
Authors: Kumar C.I. , Anand B.
Published: October 2018

A novel energy‐efficient radiation hardened by design 10T static RAM (SRAM) cell is proposed. The parasitic extracted simulations show that by employing the proposed 10T‐SRAM cell, an average improvement of ∼ 29, 5/10%, and 108/129%, in layout area, write/read access time (WAT/RAT), and write/read static noise margin (WSNM/RSNM), respectively, is obtained over the recently reported 10T‐SRAM cell at a supply voltage 0.4 V in STMicroelectronics 65 nm technology. The proposed SRAM cell at 32 nm technology node using technology computer‐aided design mixed‐mode simulations is also validated. In 32 nm technology, the proposed SRAM cell shows 42/125% and 54/8%, in WSNM/RSNM and WAT/RAT, respectively, better results as compared with 10T SRAM cell at a supply voltage 0.3 V. In 32 nm technology, the proposed SRAM cell can mitigate the impact of heavy‐ion strike with a linear energy transfer of 30 MeV cm2/mg.
Development and application of lightning flashover limited equipment for 220 kV AC transmission line
Authors: Cao Wei , Wan Shuai , Gu Shanqiang , Xu Heng , Chen Jiahong , Wang Jian , Lv Jun
Published: October 2018

In order to solve the operation problems of traditional lightning protection equipment (for example, line arrester and parallel gap) for 220 kV AC transmission line, a novel lightning protection equipment – lightning flashover limited equipment for 220 kV AC transmission line – has been developed successfully, which owns the advantages of line arrester and parallel gap. Technical parameters, and electrical and mechanical performances are researched through theoretical calculation and experimental verification, and an installation structure of new split type is designed. The results show that the lightning flashover limited equipment has good electrical and mechanical performance and meets insulation, tensile, and bending requirements. By now, more than 200 sets of lightning flashover limited equipment for 220 kV AC transmission line have been applied on lines in four provinces of China. About 2 years of operating experience show that all the sets of lightning flashover limited equipment work safely and reliably.
Study on working condition of 750 kV AC filter breaker in ± 1100 kV UHVDC system
Authors: Zhao Zexin , Guo Jie , Yu Fang , Rao Xuni , Wu Xiaoke
Published: October 2018

In this article, the Changji‐Guquan ± 1100 kV ultra‐high voltage direct current (UHVDC) system has been established by PSCAD software, especially for the arc of the circuit breakers. The AC filter groups and the control strategy have been analysed based on the reactive power demand of this system, AC system voltage amplitude, and harmonic limit. This article mainly studies inrush currents and overvoltage, especially recovery voltage caused by switching circuit breaker of AC filter in the different working conditions. Simulation results show that the currents through circuit breakers are capacitive and contain a variety of harmonics. There will be a high inrush current when a circuit breaker of AC filter is closing, which can be suppressed by phase selection switch device and appropriate closing resistance. A higher DC transmission power and a less short circuit both make the recovery voltage of circuit breakers higher when the AC filters are removed. The maximum transient recovery voltage of circuit breakers of AC filters can be suppressed by adding the parallel opening resistors. In a certain range, higher resistance of opening resistor makes a better suppression effect on recovery voltage.
Research on detection technology of wire clamp on overhead lines
Authors: Liu Rong , Hu Xiaoli , Zhang Hao , Jia Ran , Zhang Yang , Zhou Chao
Published: October 2018

Several kinds of widely used detection technology of wire clamp on overhead lines were introduced. Although infrared temperature measurement technology can detect the overheating defects of the clamp, it is difficult to ensure the effectiveness of on‐site testing due to the environmental factors, the accuracy of testing instruments, and the experience of test personnel. X‐ray inspection technology can accurately measure the exact size of the steel core without damaging the wire, and find the problem of poor crimping of the clamp. According to the field test, the typical clamp defect spectrum of X‐ray inspection was listed in this study. It could effectively improve the hydraulic quality detection efficiency of the strain clamp in field work. A method was proposed, to judge the inside corrosion condition of the strain clamp, and to evaluate the current conduction capability, by detecting the current on the clamp and the wire.
DC line soft reclosing sequence for HVDC grid based on hybrid DC breaker
Authors: Fan Xinkai , Zhang Baohui
Published: October 2018

Voltage source converters (VSCs)‐based high‐voltage direct current grid (HVDC grid) is increasingly being used in high‐level and long‐distance power transmission. DC breakers could be applied to isolate fault on long overhead DC links, whereas most of these faults would be temporary and can be recovered after some deionisation time. The objective of this article lies in proposing and implementing DC line soft reclosing sequence based on the controllability of hybrid HVDC breaker (HHB). The proposed method has been evaluated in a four‐terminal VSC‐based HVDC grid with HHBs at each DC lines' end. The analysis and simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC show that the proposed sequential operation of HHB can softly recover the faulty line and identify whether the fault is temporary or permanent, with little impact on the whole DC system.
Additional reactive power control and emergency control of the ±1100 kV UHVDC system with a hierarchical connection mode
Authors: Xiong Yongxin , Yao Wei , Wen Jinyu
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes an additional reactive power control strategy and an emergency control strategy for ±1100 kV ultra‐high voltage direct current (UHVDC) system with a hierarchical connection mode, in which the inverter station connect to two AC systems with different voltage levels. Firstly, the relationship between reactive power and DC voltage is analysed. Then, an additional reactive power control strategy is proposed to solve the voltage fluctuation caused by reactive power disturbance. Next, the reactive power emergency control strategy is proposed when a short‐circuit fault occurs. Reactive power compensation devices will be inputted into the fault‐free AC system to provide reactive power support through coupling relationship between two AC systems in the inverter side. Simulation results show that the additional reactive power control strategy can suppress reactive power disturbances without affecting the active power. Moreover, the reactive power emergency control strategy can reduce the probability of commutation failure in converters connected to the fault AC system while a short‐circuit fault occurs.
Singular value decomposition‐based dynamic response analysis of VSC‐MTDC/AC systems for renewable energy integration
Authors: Ye Hua , Liu Yao , Tang Yanan , Pei Wei , Kong Li
Published: October 2018

The dynamic performance of voltage source converter‐based multi‐terminal high‐voltage direct current (VSC‐MTDC) grid for large‐scale renewable energy integration is becoming a concern. This study proposes a system‐level dynamic response model of wind farm (WF)‐MTDC‐main AC systems, and then analyses the dynamic performance based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) technique. In the modelling, an improved virtual synchronous machine control is developed, and the interaction between AC frequency and DC voltage can be readily described. Using the SVD technique, parameters of the controllers are tuned, thereby making the AC frequency and DC voltage deviations within the limitations. Some oscillation modes of the system are observed and virtual power system stabiliser is proposed to suppress the oscillations. Additionally, the oscillation can be mitigated by emulating capacitance‐based inertia response. The efficiency of the proposed model and analysis is verified through the frequency‐domain and time‐domain results.
Bidirectional solid current‐limiter forHVDC grids
Authors: Li Jiantao , Zheng Xiaoming , Wang Gang , Hong Chao , Chen Yan
Published: October 2018

High‐voltage direct current (HVDC) grids have been assumed as a promising technology for its advantages in accommodation and integration of large‐scale renewable energy. However, the fault current increases dramatically once the fault occurs in HVDC grids, which makes great difficulty in fault clearance. Therefore, it is necessary to take some measures to limit the fault current. A bidirectional solid current‐limiter (BSCL) topology is proposed. The BSCL can improve the performance of inductors to limit DC fault currents through the high‐frequency switching between two current‐limiting branches. Besides, the BSCL can be installed at both ends of a DC transmission line or between a converter and a DC bus. The feasibility of the proposed topology is demonstrated in power systems computer‐aided design/electro‐magnetic transient design and control. Simulation results indicate that the BSCL can effectively limit the rising speed and the amplitude of short‐circuit currents, decrease the maximum breaking currents of DC breakers and improve the breaking speed of DC breakers.
Modified electromagnetic transient model of transmission line based on rotation transformation
Authors: Yao Shujun , Zhang Shuo , Zhan Peng , Huang Wenerda
Published: October 2018

The traditional electromagnetic transient (EMT) model of transmission line is very slow for the large‐scale power systems simulation due to the small step. To accelerate the electro‐magnetic transient program (EMTP) calculation, a modified line model used for realising multi‐step simulation is proposed. This model is based on the timescale transformation of single‐phase coordinate which can transform the primary high‐frequency signal into a lower one. By this means, the part which needs to be simulated in detail, such as power electronic devices, can be calculated with a small time step, and a large time step can be used for the other part. In this article, the basic theory of timescale transformation is introduced firstly, and then the new line model is deduced in detail. Finally, a simple system is simulated by the new and traditional model, respectively, and the validity of this approach is verified by comparing with the traditional EMTP simulation. Furthermore, due to the large‐step simulation, the calculation speed is improved.
Low‐frequency oscillation analysis of AC/DC system with offshore wind farm integration via MMC‐based HVDC
Authors: Nie Zhongrui , Shi Libao , Zhao Yue , Ni Yixin
Published: October 2018

In recent years, the low‐frequency oscillation (LFO) problem has become increasingly significant with rapid increase in the size of AC/DC interconnected power system containing large‐scale wind power. This article aims to conduct the LFO analysis when an offshore wind farm is integrated into the AC power system through module multilevel converter (MMC)‐based high‐voltage direct current (HVDC). First, the basic mathematical models including the MMC with detailed control strategy and the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) are described. The eigenvalue analysis is then applied to conduct the LFO study. An interconnected AC/DC test system with a wind farm connected though the MMC‐based HVDC transmission line is designed as benchmark. To validate the analysis results, the detailed simulation models built under the PSCAD/EMTDCTM environment together with the Prony analysis are carried out. Different simulation scenarios involving the changes of point of common coupling (PCC), wind speed, length of transmission line, and wind penetration level are elaborately studied. Some meaningful conclusions are drawn to provide basic foundation for the future design of damping controller to mitigate LFO.
Applicability analysis of travelling wave protection for the hybrid HVDC system
Authors: Cheng Shaojie , Wang Yanting , Zhang Baohui , Ma Hongyue
Published: October 2018

The hybrid high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) system, in which the rectifier is made up of the line commutated converter (LCC) and the inverter is composed of the modular multilevel converter (MMC), has quite different fault characteristics from the symmetrical LCC–HVDC and MMC–HVDC systems. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the applicability of the existing line protection principles to the hybrid HVDC system. First, the fault characteristics of the travelling wave on both ends of the hybrid HVDC line are obtained by analysing the boundary characteristics. The applicable conditions of travelling wave protection to the hybrid HVDC line are given based on the criteria of travelling wave protection and the fault characteristics. Second, an electromagnetic transient simulation model of the hybrid HVDC system is established in Power System Computer‐Aided Design/Electromagnetic Transients including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC) in order to verify the theoretical analysis results. A large amount of simulation results show that the travelling wave protection has good applicability in the hybrid HVDC system, but it has poor sensitivity for high‐resistance grounding faults; an appropriate sampling rate should be chosen according to the parameters of the boundary element for a better performance of the protection.
Modelling and control of a back‐to‐back MMC–HVDC system using ADPSS
Authors: Cai Pucheng , Xiang Wang , Wen Jinyu
Published: October 2018

Back‐to‐back modular multilevel converter–high‐voltage direct current (MMC–HVDC) can realise the asynchronous interconnection of two regional power grids. It can effectively solve the power grid stability problems caused by AC–DC power transfer and avoid the risk of large‐scale blackouts. Existing MMC–HVDC modelling methods are usually based on Power Systems Computer Aided Design/Electromagnetic Transients including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC), immensely simplifying the AC system. The simplified model is incapable to reflect the interaction characteristics accurately. To solve this problem, a hybrid simulation model of an actual back‐to‐back MMC–HVDC system is built using Advanced Digital Power System Simulator (ADPSS). ADPSS is a software developed by China Electric Power Research Institute that can realise multi‐time scale hybrid simulation to simulate the mutual coupling characteristics accurately. The model includes the electromagnetic transient simulation model of the DC system, and the control system is designed. Steady‐state and transient simulations are carried out to verify its function. In summary, the study provides a better reference for the analysis and designing of the practical system.
UUDAT based on the modular multilevel converter and diode bridges for high‐voltage DC application
Authors: Zhou Meng , Xiang Wang , Zuo Wenping , Lin Weixing , Wen Jinyu , Xie Zhujun
Published: October 2018

Conventional unidirectional DC/DC converters for high‐voltage direct current application employ DC/AC/DC technology and suffer from high converter cost and power loss. To solve these issues, a unidirectional step‐up DC–DC autotransformer (UUDAT) is studied. UUDAT is composed of the series connection of diode bridges and voltage source converters. Topologies of UUDAT is detailed. The harmonic and uncontrollability issues are discussed. Control and the possible application scenario for UUDAT are proposed. The ways of dimensioning the voltage and power rating of the components in UUDAT are studied. Extensive simulations on the power system level verified the technical feasibility of UUDATs.
Subjective–objective methodology on selection of power quality compensation technology in AC–DC network with electrified railways
Authors: Xu Yizheng , Zheng Weijie , Xu Dechao , Zhang Xing
Published: October 2018

Electrified railways contain DC devices and cause power quality (PQ) issues such as harmonics, unbalance, and low‐power factor, which should be solved by the most effective compensation technology to reduce the cost. In addition, it is common that more than one issue is caused at a supply bus, with either some issue affecting more than the others or all issues equally affecting, depending on different buses. Different PQ compensation technologies are used in the past work for the improvement of PQ at the network bus side. However, few of them have provided theoretical justification on which technologies should be selected for different network buses with different issues. This study investigates a subjective–objective methodology to provide suggestions on which compensation technologies should be selected for network buses, why and how. The importance of different PQ issues will be obtained and shown as overall weighting factors. The overall weighting factors are derived from the subjective weighting factor, obtained from existing industry standards, and the objective weighting factor, obtained from the entropy of information. The methodology will be applied to a real 124‐bus AC–DC network with electrified railways. Based on the overall weighting factor obtained, the most effective compensation technology can be determined.