bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Uncertainty for Displacement Prediction for Laterally Loaded Piles on Granular Fill
Authors: Bueno Aguado Manuel , Escolano Sánchez Félix , Sanz Pérez Eugenio
Published: January 2020

Engineers are often concerned with the capability of a particular mathematical model to simulate a real-scale phenomenon. Model uncertainty is a relevant issue in order to assess the safety factor of a particular structure. In this paper, large-scale laterally loaded pile outputs are compared to predictions using well-known formulations. In this way, an insight on model uncertainty is presented. Both p-y method proposed by the API, and the horizontal reaction modulus proposed in many codes are used to predict displacement. Both are correlated to the site investigation. In this way, engineers are provided with a critical view of the available prediction methods to assess laterally loaded pile behaviour.
How Can Odors Be Measured? An Overview of Methods and Their Applications
Authors: Bax Carmen , Sironi Selena , Capelli Laura
Published: January 2020

In recent years, citizens’ attention towards air quality and pollution has increased significantly, and nowadays, odor pollution related to different industrial activities is recognized as a well-known environmental issue. For this reason, odors are subjected to control and regulation in many countries, and specific methods for odor measurement have been developed and standardized over the years. This paper, conceived within the H2020 D-NOSES project, summarizes odor measurement techniques, highlighting their applicability, advantages, and limits, with the aim of providing experienced as well as non-experienced users a useful tool that can be consulted in the management of specific odor problems for evaluating and identifying the most suitable approach. The paper also presents relevant examples of the application of the different methods discussed, thereby mainly referring to scientific articles published over the last 10 years.
UV Index Forecasting under the Influence of Desert Dust: Evaluation against Surface and Satellite-Retrieved Data
Authors: Roshan Dillan Raymond , Koc Muammer , Abdallah Amir , Martin-Pomares Luis , Isaifan Rima , Fountoukis Christos
Published: January 2020

Human exposure to healthy doses of UV radiation is required for vitamin D synthesis, but exposure to excessive UV irradiance leads to several harmful impacts ranging from premature wrinkles to dangerous skin cancer. However, for countries located in the global dust belt, accurate estimation of the UV irradiance is challenging due to a strong impact of desert dust on incoming solar radiation. In this work, a UV Index forecasting capability is presented, specifically developed for dust-rich environments, that combines the use of ground-based measurements of broadband irradiances UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (280–315 nm), NASA OMI Aura satellite-retrieved data and the meteorology-chemistry mesoscale model WRF-Chem. The forecasting ability of the model is evaluated for clear sky days as well as during the influence of dust storms in Doha, Qatar. The contribution of UV radiation to the total incoming global horizontal irradiance (GHI) ranges between 5% and 7% for UVA and 0.1% and 0.22% for UVB. The UVI forecasting performance of the model is quite encouraging with an absolute average error of less than 6% and a correlation coefficient of 0.93. In agreement with observations, the model predicts that the UV Index at local noontime can drop from 10–11 on clear sky days to approximately 6–7 during typical dusty conditions in the Arabian Peninsula—an effect similar to the presence of extensive cloud cover.
Electron Broadening Operator Including Penetrating Collisions for Hydrogen
Authors: Pain Jean-Christophe , Gilleron Franck
Published: January 2020

The expression of the electron broadening operator including the effect of penetrating collisions, i.e., for which the incoming electron enters the extent of bound-electron wave-functions, is rather complicated, even for hydrogen. It involves integrals of special functions, the evaluation of which deserves scrutiny. We present a simple approximate form of the electron collision operator for hydrogen including penetration effects, both in direct and interference terms. The new expression is accurate and easy to compute. In the Penetration Standard Theory, the collision operator is convergent whatever the value of the maximum impact parameter. However, when penetration theory is not valid anymore, it should be questioned. We discuss the problem of strong collisions when penetration effects are taken into account.
Observations on the Separable Quotient Problem for Banach Spaces
Authors: Morris Sidney A. , Yost David T.
Published: January 2020

The longstanding Banach–Mazur separable quotient problem asks whether every infinite-dimensional Banach space has a quotient (Banach) space that is both infinite-dimensional and separable. Although it remains open in general, an affirmative answer is known in many special cases, including (1) reflexive Banach spaces, (2) weakly compactly generated (WCG) spaces, and (3) Banach spaces which are dual spaces. Obviously (1) is a special case of both (2) and (3), but neither (2) nor (3) is a special case of the other. A more general result proved here includes all three of these cases. More precisely, we call an infinite-dimensional Banach space X dual-like, if there is another Banach space E, a continuous linear operator T from the dual space E * onto a dense subspace of X, such that the closure of the kernel of T (in the relative weak* topology) has infinite codimension in E * . It is shown that every dual-like Banach space has an infinite-dimensional separable quotient.
Determination of Anthocyanin and Volatile Profile of Wines from Varieties Yiannoudi and Maratheftiko from the Island of Cyprus
Authors: Tsiakkas Orestis , Escott Carlos , Loira Iris , Morata Antonio , Rauhut Doris , Suárez-Lepe José Antonio
Published: January 2020

Anthocyanins and volatile aromas may contribute to the identity of a wine varietal. Various parameters such as terroir (including vineyard altitude), viticultural management, vinification techniques and ageing conditions can influence the physiochemical pathways of the compounds. This work evaluated the anthocyanins and volatile compounds of two monovarietal wines from indigenous varieties, Yiannoudi and Maratheftiko, grown in the island of Cyprus from the vintages 2014, 2015 and 2016. The experimental analysis comprised the determination of anthocyanin’s profile (high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and fermentation derived volatiles (gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, GC-FID) and a blind wine testing sensory evaluation. Both the analytical results and the blind wine tasting showed that wines, at their early stage, were easily differentiated by variety, especially in terms of anthocyanins composition, while, in aged wines, the differences among samples were influenced in time by the winemaking procedures and it was not possible to differentiate varieties in such conditions.
Strontium- and Zinc-Containing Bioactive Glass and Alginates Scaffolds
Authors: Haider Asfia , Waseem Ahmad , Karpukhina Natalia , Mohsin Sahar
Published: January 2020

With an increasingly elderly population, there is a proportionate increase in bone injuries requiring hospitalization. Clinicians are increasingly adopting tissue-engineering methods for treatment due to limitations in the use of autogenous and autologous grafts. The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel, bioactive, porous, mechanically stable bone graft substitute/scaffold. Strontium- and zinc-containing bioactive glasses were synthesized and used with varying amounts of alginate to form scaffolds. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), FTIR, XRD, and NMR techniques were used for the characterization of scaffolds. SEM confirmed the adequate porous structure of the scaffolds required for osteoconductivity. The incorporation of the bioactive glass with alginate has improved the compressive strength of the scaffolds. The bioactivity of the scaffolds was demonstrated by an increase in the pH of the medium after the immersion of the scaffolds in a Tris/HCl buffer and by the formation of orthophosphate precipitate on scaffolds. The scaffolds were able to release calcium, strontium and zinc ions in the Tris/HCl buffer, which would have a positive impact on osteogenesis if tested in vivo.
Microglia Mediated Neuroinflammation: Focus on PI3K Modulation
Authors: Cianciulli Antonia , Porro Chiara , Calvello Rosa , Trotta Teresa , Lofrumento Dario Domenico , Panaro Maria Antonietta
Published: January 2020

Immune activation in the central nervous system involves mostly microglia in response to pathogen invasion or tissue damage, which react, promoting a self-limiting inflammatory response aimed to restore homeostasis. However, prolonged, uncontrolled inflammation may result in the production by microglia of neurotoxic factors that lead to the amplification of the disease state and tissue damage. In particular, specific inducers of inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases activate inflammatory processes that result in the production of a number of mediators and cytokines that enhance neurodegenerative processes. Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) constitute a family of enzymes regulating a wide range of activity, including signal transduction. Recent studies have focused attention on the intracellular role of PI3K and its contribution to neurodegenerative processes. This review illustrates and discusses recent findings about the role of this signaling pathway in the modulation of microglia neuroinflammatory responses linked to neurodegeneration. Finally, we discuss the modulation of PI3K as a potential therapeutic approach helpful for developing innovative therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
Multifunctional Polymeric Nanoplatforms for Brain Diseases Diagnosis, Therapy and Theranostics
Authors: Shakeri Shahryar , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Zarrabi Ali , Roghanian Rasoul , Afshar Elham Ghasemipour , Pardakhty Abbas , Mohammadinejad Reza , Kumar Anuj , Thakur Vijay Kumar
Published: January 2020

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) acts as a barrier to prevent the central nervous system (CNS) from damage by substances that originate from the blood circulation. The BBB limits drug penetration into the brain and is one of the major clinical obstacles to the treatment of CNS diseases. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been tested for overcoming this barrier and releasing related drugs into the brain matrix. In this review, nanoparticles (NPs) from simple to developed delivery systems are discussed for the delivery of a drug to the brain. This review particularly focuses on polymeric nanomaterials that have been used for CNS treatment. Polymeric NPs such as polylactide (PLA), poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly (alkyl cyanoacrylate) (PACA), human serum albumin (HSA), gelatin, and chitosan are discussed in detail.
Aptamer-Conjugated Tb(III)-Doped Silica Nanoparticles for Luminescent Detection of Leukemia Cells
Authors: Grechkin Yaroslav A. , Grechkina Svetlana L. , Zaripov Emil A. , Fedorenko Svetlana V. , Mustafina Asiya R. , Berezovski Maxim V.
Published: January 2020

DNA aptamers have many benefits for cell imaging, such as high affinity and specificity, easiness of chemical functionalization, and low cost of production. Among known aptamers, Sgc8-aptamer was selected against acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells with a dissociation constant in a nanomolar range. The aptamer was previously used for the covalent coupling with fluorescent and magnetic nanoparticles, as well as for the fabrication of aptamer-based biosensors. Among commonly used fluorescent tags, lanthanide nanoparticles offer stable luminescence with narrow, well-resolved emission peaks and the absence of photoblinking. In other words, lanthanide nanoparticles could serve as luminescence reporters and be used in biosensing. In our study, we conjugated amino- and carboxyl-modified silica-coated terbium (III) thiacalix[4]arenesulfonate luminescent nanoparticles with Sgc8-aptamer and showed the ability of the aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles to detect leukemia cells using fluorescence microscopy. In addition, we conducted a cell viability assay and confirmed that the nanoparticles do not induce spontaneous cell apoptosis or necrosis and could be potentially used for bioimaging applications.
Sitravatinib Sensitizes ABCB1- and ABCG2-Overexpressing Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cells to Chemotherapeutic Drugs
Authors: Wu Chung-Pu , Hsiao Sung-Han , Huang Yang-Hui , Hung Lang-Cheng , Yu Yi-Jou , Chang Yu-Tzu , Hung Tai-Ho , Wu Yu-Shan
Published: January 2020

The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer patients driven by the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB1 or ABCG2 in cancer cells presents one of the most daunting therapeutic complications for clinical scientists to resolve. Despite many novel therapeutic strategies that have been tested over the years, there is still no approved treatment for multidrug-resistant cancers to date. We have recently adopted a drug repurposing approach to identify therapeutic agents that are clinically active and at the same time, capable of reversing multidrug resistance mediated by ABCB1 and ABCG2. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sitravatinib, a novel multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on human ABCB1 and ABCG2 in multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines. We discovered that at submicromolar concentrations, sitravatinib re-sensitizes ABCB1- and ABCG2-overexpressing multidrug-resistant cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. We found that sitravatinib blocks the drug efflux function of ABCB1 and ABCG2 in a concentration-dependent manner but does not significantly alter the protein expression of ABCB1 or ABCG2 in multidrug-resistant cancer cells. In conclusion, we reveal a potential drug repositioning treatment option for multidrug-resistant cancers by targeting ABCB1 and ABCG2 with sitravatinib and should be further investigated in future clinical trials.
Potential of Exosomal microRNA-200b as Liquid Biopsy Marker in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Reese Moritz , Flammang Isabelle , Yang Zixuan , Dhayat Sameer A.
Published: January 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant tumor entity, characterized by rapid disease progression, early metastatic dissemination, and late diagnosis at advanced tumor stages. Recently, we explored the clinical impact of several microRNAs (miR) associated with proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance in tissue and blood serum specimens of PDAC patients. Here, we evaluated the potential of these miRs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in PDAC in serum exosomes and their respective EpCAM-positive (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) subset. Expression analysis by RT-qRT-PCR (real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) revealed an overexpression of miR-200b and miR-200c in serum exosomes of PDAC patients as compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001; p = 0.024) and patients with chronic pancreatitis (p = 0.005; p = 0.19). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that a biomarker panel consisting of miR-200b and miR-200c from total and EpCAM-positive serum exosomes enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA.19-9) to 97% (p < 0.0001). Univariate survival analysis revealed a correlation between shorter overall survival (OS) and high expression of miR-200c in total serum exosomes (p = 0.038) and miR-200b in EpCAM-positive serum exosomes (p = 0.032), whereas EpCAM exosomal miR-200b was also indicative of shorter OS in the subgroup of patients treated with curative intent (p = 0.013). Multivariate survival analysis showed that miR-200b derived from EpCAM-positive serum exosomes might serve as an independent prognostic factor in PDAC (p = 0.044). Our findings indicate a potential role of exosomal miR-200 as diagnostic and prognostic liquid biopsy marker in PDAC and call for validation in a larger, multicenter setting.
Molecular Classification of Gastric Cancer among Alaska Native People
Authors: Martinson Holly , Mallari Dominic , Richter Christine , Wu Tsung-Teh , Tiesinga James , Alberts Steven , Olnes Matthew
Published: January 2020

Gastric cancer is an aggressive and heterogeneous malignancy that often varies in presentation and disease among racial and ethnic groups. The Alaska Native (AN) people have the highest incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer in North America. This study examines molecular markers in solid tumor samples from eighty-five AN gastric adenocarcinoma patients using next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization analysis. AN patients have a low mutation burden with fewer somatic gene mutations in their tumors compared to other populations, with the most common mutation being TP53. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was associated with 20% of AN gastric cancers, which is higher than the world average of 10%. The inflammation marker, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), is highly expressed in patients with the lowest survival rates. Mismatch repair deficiency was present in 10% of AN patients and was associated with patients who were female, 50 years or older, gene mutations, and tumors in the distal stomach. Program death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was expressed in 14% of AN patients who were more likely to have MMR deficiency, EBV-associated gastric cancers, and mutations in the PIK3CA gene, all of which have been linked to clinical response to PD-1 inhibitors. These studies suggest a portion of AN gastric cancer patients could be candidates for immunotherapy. Overall, this study highlights future avenues of investigation for clinical and translational studies, so that we can improve early detection and develop more effective treatments for AN patients.
Deregulating the CYP2C19/Epoxy-Eicosatrienoic Acid-Associated FABP4/FABP5 Signaling Network as a Therapeutic Approach for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Apaya Maria Karmella , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Yang Yu-Chih , Shyur Lie-Fen
Published: January 2020

Recurrence and metastasis are the main causes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) mortality. On the basis of our clinical cohorts and integrative omics analyses, we hypothesized that understanding the interplay between fatty acid binding protein (FABP) and epoxy-eicosatrienoic acid (EET) driven metastatic progression can uncover a new opportunity for TNBC intervention. In this study, the biological relevance of increased protein expression of CYP2C19, FABP4, and FABP5 in TNBC tumors and in the TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231), as well as its highly metastatic lung seeking variant (LM6) were delineated from publicly available datasets, shRNA-mediated knockdown, EET supplementation, cancer and stromal cell co-cultures, and an orthotopic and resection xenograft tumor mouse model. We found that the high expression levels of CYP2C19 and FABP4 and FABP5 are critical in TNBC metastatic transformation and stromal cell interactions. Furthermore, EET-associated nuclear translocation of FABP4 and FABP5 and nuclear accumulation of SREBP-2 or PPAR-γ influence TNBC cell proliferation, migratory transformation, and distal metastasis priming. Most notably, we uncovered novel bioefficacy and modes of action of the anticancer drug doxorubicin and a phytogalactolipid, 1,2-di-O-α-linolenoyl-3-O-β-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (dLGG), which effectively attenuated TNBC recurrence and lung metastasis through deregulating the FABP/EET dynamics and levels. This study, therefore, introduces a novel approach to combating TNBC by targeting the FABP/EET/CYP-associated metastatic signaling network.
Characterization of the Menin-MLL Interaction as Therapeutic Cancer Target
Authors: Brzezinka Krzysztof , Nevedomskaya Ekaterina , Lesche Ralf , Haegebarth Andrea , ter Laak Antonius , Fernández-Montalván Amaury E. , Eberspaecher Uwe , Werbeck Nicolas D. , Moenning Ursula , Siegel Stephan , Haendler Bernard , Eheim Ashley L. , Stresemann Carlo
Published: January 2020

Inhibiting the interaction of menin with the histone methyltransferase MLL1 (KMT2A) has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. Beneficial therapeutic effects have been postulated in leukemia, prostate, breast, liver and in synovial sarcoma models. In those indications, MLL1 recruitment by menin was described to critically regulate the expression of disease associated genes. However, most findings so far rely on single study reports. Here we independently evaluated the pathogenic functions of the menin-MLL interaction in a large set of different cancer models with a potent and selective probe inhibitor BAY-155. We characterized the inhibition of the menin-MLL interaction for anti-proliferation, gene transcription effects, and for efficacy in several in vivo xenografted tumor models. We found a specific therapeutic activity of BAY-155 primarily in AML/ALL models. In solid tumors, we observed anti-proliferative effects of BAY-155 in a surprisingly limited fraction of cell line models. These findings were further validated in vivo. Overall, our study using a novel, highly selective and potent inhibitor, shows that the menin-MLL interaction is not essential for the survival of most solid cancer models. We can confirm that disrupting the menin-MLL complex has a selective therapeutic benefit in MLL-fused leukemia. In solid cancers, effects are restricted to single models and more limited than previously claimed.
The Communication between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Y-Box Binding Protein-1 in Gynecological Cancer
Authors: Sobočan Monika , Bračič Suzana , Knez Jure , Takač Iztok , Haybaeck Johannes
Published: January 2020

Studies of the mechanistic (mammalian) target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR) represent a step towards the targeted treatment of gynecological cancers. It has been shown that women with increased levels of mTOR signaling pathway targets have worse prognosis compared to women with normal mTOR levels. Yet, targeting mTOR alone has led to unsatisfactory outcomes in gynecological cancer. The aim of our review was therefore to provide an overview of the most recent clinical results and basic findings on the interplay of mTOR signaling and cold shock proteins in gynecological malignancies. Due to their oncogenic activity, there are promising data showing that mTOR and Y-box-protein 1 (YB-1) dual targeting improves the inhibition of carcinogenic activity. Although several components differentially expressed in patients with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer of the mTOR were identified, there are only a few investigated downstream actors in gynecological cancer connecting them with YB-1. Our analysis shows that YB-1 is an important player impacting AKT as well as the downstream actors interacting with mTOR such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Snail or E-cadherin.
Outcomes of Capecitabine and Temozolomide (CAPTEM) in Advanced Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs)
Authors: Thomas Katharine , Voros Brianne A. , Meadows-Taylor Meghan , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Griffin Ryan , Boudreaux J. Philip , Thiagarajan Ramcharan , Woltering Eugene A. , Ramirez Robert A.
Published: January 2020

Capecitabine and temozolomide (CAPTEM) have shown promising results in the treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and role for CAPTEM in malignant neuroendocrine neoplasms. Data were obtained from NEN patients who received at least one cycle of CAPTEM between November 2010 and June 2018. The average number of cycles was 9.5. For analysis, 116 patients were included, of which 105 patients (91%) underwent prior treatment. Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 13 and 38 months, respectively. Overall response rate (ORR) was 21%. Disease control rate (DCR) was 73% in all patients. PFS, median OS, ORR, and DCR for pancreatic NENs (pNEN) vs. non-pNEN was 29 vs. 11 months, 35 vs. 38 months, 38% vs. 9%, and 77% vs. 71%, respectively. Patients with pNEN had a 50% lower hazard of disease progression compared to those with non-pNEN (adjusted Hazard Ratio: 0.498, p = 0.0100). A significant difference in PFS was found between Ki-67 < 3%, Ki-67 3–20%, Ki-67 > 20–54%, and Ki-67 ≥ 55% (29 vs. 12 vs. 7 vs. 5 months; p = 0.0287). Adverse events occurred in 74 patients (64%). Our results indicate that CAPTEM is associated with encouraging PFS, OS, and ORR data in patients with NENs.
The Reverse Warburg Effect Is Associated with Fbp2-Dependent Hif1α Regulation in Cancer Cells Stimulated by Fibroblasts
Authors: Duda Przemysław , Janczara Jakub , McCubrey James A. , Gizak Agnieszka , Rakus Dariusz
Published: January 2020

Fibroblasts are important contributors to cancer development. They create a tumor microenvironment and modulate our metabolism and treatment resistance. In the present paper, we demonstrate that healthy fibroblasts induce metabolic coupling with non-small cell lung cancer cells by down-regulating the expression of glycolytic enzymes in cancer cells and increasing the fibroblasts’ ability to release lactate and thus support cancer cells with energy-rich glucose-derived metabolites, such as lactate and pyruvate—a process known as the reverse Warburg effect. We demonstrate that these changes result from a fibroblasts-stimulated increase in the expression of fructose bisphosphatase (Fbp) in cancer cells and the consequent modulation of Hif1α function. We show that, in contrast to current beliefs, in lung cancer cells, the predominant and strong interaction with the Hif1α form of Fbp is not the liver (Fbp1) but in the muscle (Fbp2) isoform. Since Fbp2 oligomerization state and thus, its role is regulated by AMP and NAD+—crucial indicators of cellular metabolic conditions—we hypothesize that the Hif1α-dependent regulation of the metabolism in cancer is modulated through Fbp2, a sensor of the energy and redox state of a cell.
Role of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in Early Mammary Gland Tumorigenesis and Its Regulation in Breast Microenvironment
Authors: Clemenceau Alisson , Diorio Caroline , Durocher Francine
Published: January 2020

In mice, the lack of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) is responsible for mammogenesis and hyperplasia, while, in bovines, its overexpression is associated with post-lactational mammary gland involution. Interestingly, there are no reports dealing with the role of SFRP1 in female involution. However, SFRP1 dysregulation is largely associated with human tumorigenesis in the literature. Indeed, the lack of SFRP1 is associated with both tumor development and patient prognosis. Considering the increased risk of breast tumor development associated with incomplete mammary gland involution, it is crucial to demystify the “grey zone” between physiological age-related involution and tumorigenesis. In this review, we explore the functions of SFRP1 involved in the breast involution processes to understand the perturbations driven by the disappearance of SFRP1 in mammary tissue. Moreover, we question the presence of recurrent microcalcifications identified by mammography. In bone metastases from prostate primary tumor, overexpression of SFRP1 results in an osteolytic response of the tumor cells. Hence, we explore the hypothesis of an osteoblastic differentiation of mammary cells induced by the lack of SFRP1 during lobular involution, resulting in a new accumulation of hydroxyapatite crystals in the breast tissue.
Formaldehyde and Total VOC (TVOC) Commercial Low-Cost Monitoring Devices: From an Evaluation in Controlled Conditions to a Use Case Application in a Real Building
Authors: Goletto Valérie , Mialon Geneviève , Faivre Timothé , Wang Ying , Lesieur Isabelle , Petigny Nathalie , Vijapurapu SnehaSruthi
Published: January 2020

Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major indoor pollutants with multiple origins. Standard methods exist to measure them that require analytical expertise and provide, at best, an average value of their concentrations. There is a need to monitor them continuously during periods of several days, weeks, or even months. Recently, portable devices have become available. Two categories of portable devices are considered in this research paper: connected objects for the general public (price <500 €) and monitoring portable devices for professional users (price in the range >500 to 5000 €). The ISO method (ISO 16000-29) describes the standard for VOC detector qualification. It is quite complex and is not well adapted for a first qualitative evaluation of these low-cost devices. In this paper, we present an experimental methodology used to evaluate commercial devices that monitor formaldehyde and/or total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) under controlled conditions (23 °C, 50–65% relative humidity (RH)). We conclude that none of the connected objects dedicated to the general public can provide reliable data in the conditions tested, not even for a qualitative evaluation. For formaldehyde monitoring, we obtained some promising results with a portable device dedicated to professional users. In this paper, we illustrate, with a real test case in an office building, how this device was used for a comparative analysis.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Computation in 2019
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not[...]
Thalassic Rotifers from the United States: Descriptions of Two New Species and Notes on the Effect of Salinity and Ecosystem on Biodiversity
Authors: Leasi Francesca , De Smet Willem H.
Published: January 2020

This study shows the results of a rotifer faunistic survey in thalassic waters from 26 sites located in northeastern U.S. states and one in California. A total of 44 taxa belonging to 21 genera and 14 families were identified, in addition to a group of unidentifiable bdelloids. Of the fully identified species, 17 are the first thalassic records for the U.S., including Encentrum melonei sp. nov. and Synchaeta grossa sp. nov., which are new to science, and Colurella unicauda Eriksen, 1968, which is new to the Nearctic region. Moreover, a refined description of Encentrum rousseleti (Lie-Pettersen, 1905) is presented. During the survey, we characterized samples by different salinity values and ecosystems and compared species composition across communities to test for possible ecological correlations. Results indicate that both salinities and ecosystems are a significant predictor of rotifer diversity, supporting that biodiversity estimates of small species provide fundamental information for biomonitoring. Finally, we provide a comprehensive review of the diversity and distribution of thalassic rotifers in the United States. The results of the present study increase the thalassic rotifer record for the U.S. from about 105 (87 at species level) to 124 (106 at species level) taxa.
Afromontane Forest Diversity and the Role of Grassland-Forest Transition in Tree Species Distribution
Authors: Abiem Iveren , Arellano Gabriel , Kenfack David , Chapman Hazel
Published: January 2020

Local factors can play an important role in defining tree species distributions in species rich tropical forests. To what extent the same applies to relatively small, species poor West African montane forests is unknown. Here, forests survive in a grassland matrix and fire has played a key role in their spatial and temporal dynamics since the Miocene. To what extent these dynamics influence local species distributions, as compared with other environmental variables such as altitude and moisture remain unknown. Here, we use data from the 20.28 ha montane forest plot in Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, South-East Nigeria to explore these questions. The plot features a gradient from grassland to core forest, with significant edges. Within the plot, we determined tree stand structure and species diversity and identified all trees ≥1 cm in diameter. We recorded species guild (pioneer vs. shade tolerant), seed size, and dispersal mode. We analyzed and identified to what extent species showed a preference for forest edges/grasslands or core forest. Similarly, we looked for associations with elevation, distance to streams and forest versus grassland. We recorded 41,031 individuals belonging to 105 morphospecies in 87 genera and 47 families. Around 40% of all tree species, and 50% of the abundant species, showed a clear preference for either the edge/grassland habitat or the forest core. However, we found no obvious association between species guild, seed size or dispersal mode, and distance to edge, so what leads to this sorting remains unclear. Few species distributions were influenced by distance to streams or altitude.
Impact of the Consistency of Food Substances on Health and Related Factors of Residents in Welfare Facilities for Seniors in Japan
Authors: Sakashita Reiko , Sato Takuichi , Ono Hiroshi , Hamaue Akiko , Hamada Misao
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of food consistency on health and related factors among residents in welfare facilities for seniors (n = 227; mean age, 86.2 ± 8.0 years; 78.9% female). Residents who ate regular food had a lower incidence of fever during the 3-month period (p < 0.001) and consumed more calories (1325.97 ± 220.2 kcal) than those who ate chopped (1125.0 ± 256.8 kcal), paste (1122.0 ± 288.5 kcal), and gastric tube food (812.5 ± 150.7 kcal) (p < 0.001). Modifying a resident’s food by making it softer and finer did not reduce the incidence of choking. Logistic regression analysis (backward elimination method) revealed four factors related to eating regular food: vitality index, appetite, number of remaining teeth, and choking frequency. Causal relationships were not obtained because this was a cross-sectional study. The findings of this study suggest that a regular consistency of food positively influences the health of older individuals.
Design and Validation of 100 nm GaN-On-Si Ka-Band LNA Based on Custom Noise and Small Signal Models
Authors: Pace Lorenzo , Colangeli Sergio , Ciccognani Walter , Longhi Patrick Ettore , Limiti Ernesto , Leblanc Remy , Feudale Marziale , Vitobello Fabio
Published: January 2020

In this paper a GaN-on-Si MMIC Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) working in the Ka-band is shown. The chosen technology for the design is a 100 nm gate length HEMT provided by OMMIC foundry. Both small-signal and noise models had been previously extracted by the means of an extensive measurement campaign, and were then employed in the design of the presented LNA. The amplifier presents an average noise figure of 2.4 dB, a 30 dB average gain value, and input/output matching higher than 10 dB in the whole 34–37.5 Ghz design band, while non-linear measurements testify a minimum output 1 dB compression point of 23 dBm in the specific 35–36.5 GHz target band. This shows the suitability of the chosen technology for low-noise applications.
Study on Line-Start Permanent Magnet Assistance Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Improving Efficiency and Power Factor
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Park Yeji , Liu Huai-Cong , Han Pil-Wan , Lee Ju
Published: January 2020

In order to improve the efficiency, a line-start synchronous reluctance motor (LS-SynRM) is studied as an alternative to an induction motor (IM). However, because of the saliency characteristic of SynRM, LS-SynRM have a limited power factor. Therefore, to improve the efficiency and power factor of electric motors, we propose a line-start permanent magnet assistance synchronous reluctance motor (LS-PMA-SynRM) with permanent magnets inserted into LS-SynRM. IM and LS-SynRM are selected as reference models, whose performances are analyzed and compared with that of LS-PMA-SynRM using a finite element analysis. The performance of LS-PMA-SynRM is analyzed considering the position and length of its permanent magnet, as well as its manufacture. The final model of LS-PMA-SynRM is designed for improving the efficiency and power factor of electric motors compared with LS-SynRM. To verify the finite element analysis (FEA) result, the final model is manufactured, experiments are conducted, and the performance of LS-PMA-SynRM is verified.
An Iterative Scheme for the Power-Flow Analysis of Distribution Networks based on Decoupled Circuit Equivalents in the Phasor Domain
Authors: Memon Zain Anwer , Trinchero Riccardo , Xie Yanzhao , Canavero Flavio G. , Stievano Igor S.
Published: January 2020

This paper presents an alternative solution for the power-flow analysis of power systems with distributed generation provided by heterogeneous sources. The proposed simulation approach relies on a suitable interpretation of the power network in terms of a nonlinear circuit in the phasor domain. The above circuit interpretation can be solved directly in the frequency-domain via the combination of a standard tool for circuit analysis with an iterative numerical scheme, providing directly the steady-state solution of the power-flow of a generic distribution network. At each iteration, the resulting circuit turns out to be composed by two decoupled subnetworks, a large linear part and a set of smaller nonlinear pieces accounting for the load characteristics, with evident benefits in terms of the computational time. The feasibility and strength of the proposed simulation scheme have been verified on a large benchmark consisting of the IEEE 8500-node test feeder. Then it is applied to the statistical simulation of a power network accounting for the variability effects of renewable generators. According to the results, the proposed tool provides an effective alternative to the state-of-the-art approaches for power-flow analysis further highlighting the benefits of the application of well-established tools for circuit analysis to power-flow problems.
Brittleness Evaluation in Shale Gas Reservoirs and Its Influence on Fracability
Authors: Ye Yapei , Tang Shuheng , Xi Zhaodong
Published: January 2020

The brittleness index (BI) is a key parameter used to identify the desirable fracturing intervals of shale gas reservoirs. Its correlation with fracability is still controversial. There have been a variety of methods proposed that can estimate BI. The brittleness evaluation method based on stress-strain curves according to the energy-balanced law is the most suitable and reliable in this study. Triaxial compression test, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were performed on nine drill core samples from well SY3 located in the peripheral regions of Sichuan Basin, China. These tests further evaluated several commonly used methods (brittleness indices based on rock elastic parameters, rock mineral compositions) and determined the relationship between brittleness, rock elastic parameters, and the content of minerals. The results obtained indicate that for sedimentary rocks, a higher Young’s modulus reduces the brittleness of rock, and Poisson’s ratio weakly correlates with brittleness. Excessive amounts of quartz or carbonate minerals can increase the cohesiveness of rock, leading to poor brittleness. Furthermore, the most suitable fracturing layers possess a high brittleness index and low minimum horizontal stress.
Online Bearing Clearance Monitoring Based on an Accurate Vibration Analysis
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Xu Minmin , Zhang Chao , Huang Baoshan , Gu Fengshou
Published: January 2020

Accurate diagnosis of incipient faults in wind turbine (WT) assets will provide sufficient lead time to apply an optimal maintenance for the expensive WT assets which often are located in a remote and harsh environment and their maintenance usually needs heavy equipment and highly skilled engineers. This paper presents an online bearing clearance monitoring approach to diagnose the change of bearing clearance, providing an early and interpretable indication of bearing health conditions. A novel dynamic load distribution method is developed to efficiently gain the general characteristics of vibration response of bearings without local defects but with small geometric errors. It shows that the ball pass frequency of outer race (BPFO) is the primary exciting source due to biased load distribution relating to bearing clearance. The geometric errors, including various orders of runouts on different bearing parts, can be the secondary excitation source. Both sources lead to compound modulation responses with very low amplitudes, being more than 20 dB lower than that of a small local defect on raceways and often buried by background noise. Then, Modulation Signal Bispectrum (MSB) is identified to purify the noisy signal and Gini index is introduced to represent the peakness of MSB results, thereby an interpretable indicator bounded between 0 and 1 is established to show bearing clearance status. Datasets from both a dedicated bearing test and a run-to-failure gearbox test are employed to verify the performance and reliability of the proposed approach. Results show that the proposed method is capable to indicate a change of about 20 µm in bearing clearance online, which provides a significantly long lead time compared to the diagnosis method that focuses only on local defects. Therefore, this method provides a big opportunity to implement more cost-effective maintenance works or carry out timely remedial actions to prolong the lifespan of bearings. Obviously, it is applicable to not only WT assets, but also most rotating machines.
Research on Bidding Mechanism for Power Grid with Electric Vehicles Based on Smart Contract Technology
Authors: Wang Bing , Liu Weiyang , Wang Min , Shen Wangping
Published: January 2020

To promote coordinated development of electric vehicles (EVs) and power grid under open power selling, a bidding mechanism using blockchain smart contract technology was proposed. By demand respone management (DRM) on and off the blockchain, based on different driving characteristics of EV subgroups, various charging–discharging demands and constraints were fully considered between EV user subgroups and agent. Purchase–sale transaction relationship and unit commitment plan were fully considered between the EV agent and power dispatching center under economic dispatching. Aiming at the lowest power purchase cost of EV users, the highest profit of EV agent and the lowest cost of power economic dispatching, smart contract models with optimal benefits were established among the three. The smart contract models were solved by combining the internal and external optimization relationship of particle swarm and genetic algorithms. The charging–discharging price was optimized by DRM to realize the reasonable allocation of charging–discharging resources of EVs. An example analysis shows that this bidding mechanism can achieve peak–cutting and valley–filling for power load. At the same time, it can effectively protect the benefits of EV users, agent, and power dispatching center. This result can provide a reference for the application of smart contract in bidding of EVs to the power grid.
Thermal Performance and Energy Saving Analysis of Indoor Air–Water Heat Exchanger Based on Micro Heat Pipe Array for Data Center
Authors: Jing Heran , Quan Zhenhua , Zhao Yaohua , Wang Lincheng , Ren Ruyang , Liu Zichu
Published: January 2020

According to the temperature regulations and high energy consumption of air conditioning (AC) system in data centers (DCs), natural cold energy becomes the focus of energy saving in data center in winter and transition season. A new type of air–water heat exchanger (AWHE) for the indoor side of DCs was designed to use natural cold energy in order to reduce the power consumption of AC. The AWHE applied micro-heat pipe arrays (MHPAs) with serrated fins on its surface to enhance heat transfer. The performance of MHPA-AWHE for different inlet water temperatures, water and air flow rates was investigated, respectively. The results showed that the maximum efficiency of the heat exchanger was 81.4% by using the effectiveness number of transfer units (ε-NTU) method. When the max air flow rate was 3000 m3/h and the water inlet temperature was 5 °C, the maximum heat transfer rate was 9.29 kW. The maximum pressure drop of the air side and water side were 339.8 Pa and 8.86 kPa, respectively. The comprehensive evaluation index j/f1/2 of the MHPA-AWHE increased by 10.8% compared to the plate–fin heat exchanger with louvered fins. The energy saving characteristics of an example DCs in Beijing was analyzed, and when the air flow rate was 2500 m3/h and the number of MHPA-AWHE modules was five, the minimum payback period of the MHPA-AWHE system was 2.3 years, which was the shortest and the most economical recorded. The maximum comprehensive energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the system after the transformation was 21.8, the electric power reduced by 28.3% compared to the system before the transformation, and the control strategy was carried out. The comprehensive performance provides a reference for MHPA-AWHE application in data centers.
Addendum: Termite, M.R. et al. A Never-Ending Learning Method for Fault Diagnostics in Energy Systems Operating in Evolving Environments. Energies 2019, 12, 4802
Authors: Termite Maria Rosaria , Baraldi Piero , Al-Dahidi Sameer , Bellani Luca , Compare Michele , Zio Enrico
Published: January 2020

The authors would like to add the following note to Figure 3 of their paper published in Energies [...]
Thermodynamic Analysis of Advanced Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Integration with a High-Temperature Nuclear Reactor and Cogeneration Unit
Authors: Jaszczur Marek , Dudek Michał , Kolenda Zygmunt
Published: January 2020

The EU has implemented targets to achieve a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020, and 32% by 2030. Additionally, in the EU countries by 2050, more than 80% of electrical energy should be generated using non-greenhouse gases emission technology. At the same time, energy cost remains a crucial economic issue. From a practical point of view, the most effective technology for energy conversion is based on a gas turbine combined cycle. This technology uses natural gas, crude oil or coal gasification product but in any case, generates a significant amount of toxic gases to the atmosphere. In this study, the environmentally friendly power generation system composed of a high-temperature nuclear reactor HTR integrated with gas turbine combined cycle technology and cogeneration unit is thermodynamically analysed. The proposed solution is one of the most efficient ways for energy conversion, and what is also important it can be easily integrated with HTR. The results of analysis show that it is possible to obtain for analysed cycles thermal efficiency higher than 50% which is not only much more than could be proposed by typical lignite or hard coal power plant but is also more than can be offered by nuclear technology.