bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Promoter-Associated Chromatin Interactions Reveals Biologically Relevant Candidate Target Genes at Endometrial Cancer Risk Loci
Authors: O’Mara Tracy A. , Spurdle Amanda B. , Glubb Dylan M. ,   Endometrial Cancer Association Consortium
Published: September 2019

The identification of target genes at genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci is a major obstacle for GWAS follow-up. To identify candidate target genes at the 16 known endometrial cancer GWAS risk loci, we performed HiChIP chromatin looping analysis of endometrial cell lines. To enrich for enhancer–promoter interactions, a mechanism through which GWAS variation may target genes, we captured chromatin loops associated with H3K27Ac histone, characteristic of promoters and enhancers. Analysis of HiChIP loops contacting promoters revealed enrichment for endometrial cancer GWAS heritability and intersection with endometrial cancer risk variation identified 103 HiChIP target genes at 13 risk loci. Expression of four HiChIP target genes (SNX11, SRP14, HOXB2 and BCL11A) was associated with risk variation, providing further evidence for their targeting. Network analysis functionally prioritized a set of proteins that interact with those encoded by HiChIP target genes, and this set was enriched for pan-cancer and endometrial cancer drivers. Lastly, HiChIP target genes and prioritized interacting proteins were over-represented in pathways related to endometrial cancer development. In summary, we have generated the first global chromatin looping data from normal and tumoral endometrial cells, enabling analysis of all known endometrial cancer risk loci and identifying biologically relevant candidate target genes.
A Novel Multi-Target Small Molecule, LCC-09, Inhibits Stemness and Therapy-Resistant Phenotypes of Glioblastoma Cells by Increasing miR-34a and Deregulating the DRD4/Akt/mTOR Signaling Axis
Authors: Wen Ya-Ting , Wu Alexander TH , Bamodu Oluwaseun Adebayo , Wei Li , Lin Chien-Min , Yen Yun , Chao Tsu-Yi , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Hsiao Michael , Huang Hsu-Shan
Published: September 2019

The management of glioblastomas (GBMs) is challenged by the development of therapeutic resistance and early disease recurrence, despite multi-modal therapy. This may be attributed to the presence of glioma stem cells (GSCs) which are known to survive radio- and chemotherapy, by circumventing death signals and inducing cell re-population. Recent findings suggest GSCs may be enriched by certain treatment modality. These necessitate the development of novel therapeutics capable of targeting GBM cell plasticity and therapy-resistant GSCs. Here, aided by computer-assisted structure characterization and target identification, we predicted that a novel 5-(2′,4′-difluorophenyl)-salicylanilide derivative, LCC-09, could target dopamine receptors and oncogenic markers implicated in GBMs. Bioinformatics data have indicated that dopamine receptor (DRD) 2, DRD4, CD133 and Nestin were elevated in GBM clinical samples and correlated to TMZ (Temozolomide) resistance and increased ALDH (Aldehyde dehydrogenase) activity (3.5–8.9%) as well as enhanced (2.1–2.4-fold) neurosphere formation efficiency in U87MG and D54MG GBM cell lines. In addition, TMZ-resistant GSC phenotype was associated with up-regulated DRD4, Akt, mTOR, β-catenin, CDK6, NF-κB and Erk1/2 expression. LCC-09 alone, or combined with TMZ, suppressed the tumorigenic and stemness traits of TMZ-resistant GBM cells while concomitantly down-regulating DRD4, Akt, mTOR, β-catenin, Erk1/2, NF-κB, and CDK6 expression. Notably, LCC-09-mediated anti-GBM/GSC activities were associated with the re-expression of tumor suppressor miR-34a and reversal of TMZ-resistance, in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these data lay the foundation for further exploration of the clinical feasibility of administering LCC-09 as single-agent or combinatorial therapy for patients with TMZ-resistant GBMs.
In Vitro Characterization of Cisplatin and Pemetrexed Effects in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma 3D Culture Phenotypes
Authors: Papazoglou Eleftherios D. , Jagirdar Rajesh M. , Kouliou Olympia A. , Pitaraki Eleanna , Hatzoglou Chrissi , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G.
Published: September 2019

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. The main treatment for MPM is doublet chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Pemetrexed, while ongoing trials test the efficacy of pemetrexed monotherapy. However, there is lack of evidence regarding the effects of Cisplatin and Pemetrexed on MPM cell phenotypes, especially in three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. In this study, we evaluated the effects Cisplatin and Pemetrexed on cell viability using homologous cell derived extracellular matrix (hECM) as substratum and subsequently in the following 3D cell culture phenotypes: tumor spheroid formation, tumor spheroid invasion, and collagen gel contraction. We used benign mesothelial MeT-5A cells as controls and the MPM cell lines M14K (epithelioid), MSTO (biphasic), and ZL34 (sarcomatoid). Cell viability of all cell lines was significantly decreased with all treatments. Mean tumor spheroid perimeter was reduced after treatment with Pemetrexed or the doublet therapy in all cell lines, while Cisplatin reduced the mean spheroid perimeter of MeT-5A and MSTO cells. Doublet treatment reduced the invasive capacity of spheroids of cell lines into collagenous matrices, while Cisplatin lowered the invasion of the MSTO and ZL34 cell lines, and Pemetrexed lowered the invasion of MeT-5A and ZL34 cell lines. Treatment with Pemetrexed or the combination significantly reduced the collagen gel contraction of all cell lines, while Cisplatin treatment affected only the MeT-5A and M14K cells. The results of the current study can be used as an in vitro 3D platform for testing novel drugs against MPM for ameliorating the effects of first line chemotherapeutics.
Increased Plasmatic Levels of PSA-Expressing Exosomes Distinguish Prostate Cancer Patients from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Logozzi Mariantonia , Angelini Daniela F. , Giuliani Alessandro , Mizzoni Davide , Di Raimo Rossella , Maggi Martina , Gentilucci Alessandro , Marzio Vittorio , Salciccia Stefano , Borsellino Giovanna , Battistini Luca , Sciarra Alessandro , Fais Stefano
Published: September 2019

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) fails to discriminate between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Prostate Cancer (PCa), resulting in large numbers of unnecessary biopsies and missed cancer diagnoses. Nanovesicles called exosomes are directly detectable in patient plasma and here we explore the potential use of plasmatic exosomes expressing PSA (Exo-PSA) in distinguishing healthy individuals, BPH, and PCa. Exosomes were obtained from plasma samples of 80 PCa, 80 BPH, and 80 healthy donors (CTR). Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), immunocapture-based ELISA (IC-ELISA), and nanoscale flow-cytometry (NSFC), were exploited to detect and characterize plasmatic exosomes. Statistical analysis showed that plasmatic exosomes expressing both CD81 and PSA were significantly higher in PCa as compared to both BPH and CTR, reaching 100% specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing PCa patients from healthy individuals. IC-ELISA, NSFC, and Exo-PSA consensus score (EXOMIX) showed 98% to 100% specificity and sensitivity for BPH-PCa discrimination. This study outperforms the conventional PSA test with a minimally invasive widely exploitable approach.
Experimental Models to Define the Genetic Predisposition to Liver Cancer
Authors: Pascale Rosa M. , Simile Maria M. , Peitta Graziella , Seddaiu Maria A. , Feo Francesco , Calvisi Diego F.
Published: September 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent human cancer and the most frequent liver tumor. The study of genetic mechanisms of the inherited predisposition to HCC, implicating gene–gene and gene–environment interaction, led to the discovery of multiple gene loci regulating the growth and multiplicity of liver preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions, thus uncovering the action of multiple genes and epistatic interactions in the regulation of the individual susceptibility to HCC. The comparative evaluation of the molecular pathways involved in HCC development in mouse and rat strains differently predisposed to HCC indicates that the genes responsible for HCC susceptibility control the amplification and/or overexpression of c-Myc, the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes, and the activity of Ras/Erk, AKT/mTOR, and of the pro-apoptotic Rassf1A/Nore1A and Dab2IP/Ask1 pathways, the methionine cycle, and DNA repair pathways in mice and rats. Comparative functional genetic studies, in rats and mice differently susceptible to HCC, showed that preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of resistant mouse and rat strains cluster with human HCC with better prognosis, while the lesions of susceptible mouse and rats cluster with HCC with poorer prognosis, confirming the validity of the studies on the influence of the genetic predisposition to hepatocarinogenesis on HCC prognosis in mouse and rat models. Recently, the hydrodynamic gene transfection in mice provided new opportunities for the recognition of genes implicated in the molecular mechanisms involved in HCC pathogenesis and prognosis. This method appears to be highly promising to further study the genetic background of the predisposition to this cancer.
Adipocytes and microRNAs Crosstalk: A Key Tile in the Mosaic of Breast Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Bandini Erika , Rossi Tania , Gallerani Giulia , Fabbri Francesco
Published: September 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is a disease characterized by a high grade of heterogeneity. Consequently, despite the great achievements obtained in the last decades, most of the current therapeutic regimens still fail. The identification of new molecular mechanisms that will increase the knowledge of all steps of tumor initiation and growth is mandatory in finding new clinical strategies. The BC microenvironment, consisting of endothelial cells, fibroblasts, immune cells and adipocytes, plays an essential role in regulating BC development, and recently it has gained great attention in the scientific community. In particular, adipose tissue is emerging as an important target to investigate among mammary gland components. The mechanisms underlying BC progression driven by adipocytes are predominantly unexplored, especially that involving the switch from normal adipocytes to the so-called cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of gene expression modulators, have emerged as the regulators of key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that affect multiple pathways of the tumor microenvironment and adipose tissue. This review concerns a presentation of the role of adipocytes in breast tissue, and describes the most recent discoveries about the interplay between adipocytes and miRNAs, which collaborate in the arrangement of a pro-inflammatory and cancerous microenvironment, laying the foundations for new concepts in the prevention and treatment of BC.
Diclofenac Potentiates Sorafenib-Based Treatments of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Enhancing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Duval Adrian Paul , Troquier Laetitia , de Souza Silva Olga , Demartines Nicolas , Dormond Olivier
Published: September 2019

Sorafenib is the first developed systemic treatment for advanced forms of hepatocellular carcinoma, which constitutes the most frequent form of primary liver cancers and is a major global health burden. Although statistically significant, the positive effect of sorafenib on median survival remains modest, highlighting the need to develop novel therapeutic approaches. In this report, we introduce diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, as a potent catalyzer of sorafenib anticancer efficacy. Treatment of three different hepatocellular cancer cells (Huh-7, HepG2, and PLC-PRF-5) with sorafenib (5 µM, 24 h) and diclofenac (100 µM, 24 h) significantly increased cancer cell death compared to sorafenib or diclofenac alone. Anti-oxidant compounds, including N-acetyl-cysteine and ascorbic acid, reversed the deleterious effects of diclofenac/sorafenib co-therapy, suggesting that the generation of toxic levels of oxidative stress was responsible for cell death. Accordingly, whereas diclofenac increased production of mitochondrial oxygen reactive species, sorafenib decreased concentrations of glutathione. We further show that tumor burden was significantly diminished in mice bearing tumor xenografts following sorafenib/diclofenac co-therapy when compared to sorafenib or diclofenac alone. Taken together, these results highlight the anticancer benefits of sorafenib/diclofenac co-therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. They further indicate that combining sorafenib with compounds that increase oxidative stress represents a valuable treatment strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Single-Atom X/g-C3N4(X = Au1, Pd1, and Ru1) Catalysts for Acetylene Hydrochlorination: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Zhou Xuening , Zhu Mingyuan , Kang Lihua
Published: September 2019

The mechanisms of the single-atom X/g-C3N4(X = Au1, Pd1, and Ru1) catalysts for the acetylene hydrochlorination reaction were systematically investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP method. The density functional dispersion correction obtained by the DFT-D3 method was taken into account. During the reaction, C2H2 and HCl were well activated and the analysis of the adsorption energy demonstrated the adsorption performance of C2H2 is better than that of HCl. The catalytic mechanisms of the three catalysts consist of one intermediate and two transition states. Moreover, our results showed that the three single-atom catalysts improve the catalytic activity of the reaction to different degrees. The calculated energy barrier declines in the order of Pd1/g-C3N4 > Ru1/g-C3N4 > Au1/g-C3N4, and the energy barrier for the Au1/g-C3N4 catalyst was only 13.66 kcal/mol, proving that single-atom Au1/g-C3N4 may be a potential catalyst for hydrochlorination of acetylene to vinyl chloride.
ZIF-8 Metal Organic Framework for the Conversion of Glucose to Fructose and 5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural
Authors: Oozeerally Ryan , Ramkhelawan Shivendra D. K. , Burnett David L. , Tempelman Christiaan H. L. , Degirmenci Volkan
Published: September 2019

Herein, Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is considered as an easy and cheap to prepare alternative catalyst for the isomerization of glucose and production of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF). For the synthesis of the ZIF-8 catalysts two preparation methods were evaluated, being room temperature and hydrothermal synthesis at 140 °C. Of these, the hydrothermal synthesis method yields a material with exceptionally high surface area (1967 m2·g−1). As a catalyst, the ZIF-8 materials generated excellent fructose yields. Specifically, ZIF-8 prepared by hydrothermal synthesis yielded a fructose selectivity of 65% with a glucose conversion of 24% at 100 °C in aqueous reaction medium. However, this selectivity dropped dramatically when the reactions were repeated at higher temperatures (~140 °C). Interestingly, greater quantities of mannose were produced at higher temperatures too. The lack of strong Brønsted acidity in both ZIF-8 materials resulted in poor HMF yields. In order to improve HMF yields, reactions were performed at a lower pH of 1.0. At 140 °C the lower pH was found to drive the reaction towards HMF and double its yield. Despite the excellent performance of ZIF-8 catalysts in batch reactions, their activity did not translate well to the flow reactor over a continuous run of 8 h, which was operating with a residence time of 6 min. The activity of ZIF-8 halved in the flow reactor at 100 °C in ~3 h, which implies that the catalyst’s stability was not maintained in the long run.
Individual Copy Number of Ribosomal Genes as a Factor of Mental Retardation and Autism Risk and Severity
Authors: Porokhovnik Lev
Published: September 2019

Autism is a complex multifactorial developmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and restricted interests, often followed by mental retardation. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are caused by defects in miscellaneous molecular mechanisms, many of which remain unclear. But a considerable part of the known pathways converges on protein synthesis or degradation processes at different stages in the dendrites, laying the foundation for a concept of disturbed “translational homeostasis” or “proteostasis” in autism. The protein synthesis is conducted on ribosomes, cellular organelles consisting from a complex of riboproteins and a ribosomal RNA (rRNA) framework. The rRNA is encoded by ribosomal genes (RG) existing in multiple copies in the genome. The more copies of RG that are contained in the genome, the higher is the peak (maximum possible) ribosome abundance in the cell. A hypothesis is proposed that the RG copy number, through determining the quantity of ribosomes available in the dendrites, modulates the level of local dendritic translation and thus is a factor of risk and severity of a series of neuropsychiatric disorders caused by aberrant dendritic translation. A carrier of very low copy number of ribosomal genes is expected to have a milder form of ASD than a subject with the same epigenetic and genetic background, but a higher ribosomal gene dosage. Various ways of evaluation and testing the hypothesis on clinical material and animal models are suggested.
Subcellular Energetics and Carbon Storage in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Burlacot Adrien , Peltier Gilles , Li-Beisson Yonghua
Published: September 2019

Microalgae have emerged as a promising platform for production of carbon- and energy- rich molecules, notably starch and oil. Establishing an economically viable algal biotechnology sector requires a holistic understanding of algal photosynthesis, physiology, cell cycle and metabolism. Starch/oil productivity is a combined effect of their cellular content and cell division activities. Cell growth, starch and fatty acid synthesis all require carbon building blocks and a source of energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, but with a different requirement in ATP/NADPH ratio. Thus, several cellular mechanisms have been developed by microalgae to balance ATP and NADPH supply which are essentially produced by photosynthesis. Major energy management mechanisms include ATP production by the chloroplast-based cyclic electron flow and NADPH removal by water-water cycles. Furthermore, energetic coupling between chloroplast and other cellular compartments, mitochondria and peroxisome, is increasingly recognized as an important process involved in the chloroplast redox poise. Emerging literature suggests that alterations of energy management pathways affect not only cell fitness and survival, but also influence biomass content and composition. These emerging discoveries are important steps towards diverting algal photosynthetic energy to useful products for biotechnological applications.
Spontaneous Development of Dental Dysplasia in Aged Parp-1 Knockout Mice
Authors: Fujihara Hisako , Nozaki Tadashige , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Isumi Mayu , Shimoda Shinji , Hamada Yoshiki , Masutani Mitsuko
Published: September 2019

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (Parp)-1 catalyzes polyADP-ribosylation using NAD+ and is involved in the DNA damage response, genome stability, and transcription. In this study, we demonstrated that aged Parp-1−/− mouse incisors showed more frequent dental dysplasia in both ICR/129Sv mixed background and C57BL/6 strain compared to aged Parp-1+/+ incisors, suggesting that Parp-1 deficiency could be involved in development of dental dysplasia at an advanced age. Computed tomography images confirmed that dental dysplasia was observed at significantly higher incidences in Parp-1−/− mice. The relative calcification levels of Parp-1−/− incisors were higher in both enamel and dentin (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed (1) Parp-1 positivity in ameloblasts and odontoblasts in Parp-1+/+ incisor, (2) weaker dentin sialoprotein positivity in dentin of Parp-1−/− incisor, and (3) bone sialoprotein positivity in dentin of Parp-1−/− incisor, suggesting ectopic osteogenic formation in dentin of Parp-1−/− incisor. These results indicate that Parp-1 deficiency promotes odontogenic failure in incisors at an advanced age. Parp-1 deficiency did not affect dentinogenesis during the development of mice, suggesting that Parp-1 is not essential in dentinogenesis during development but is possibly involved in the regulation of continuous dentinogenesis in the incisors at an advanced age.
Sulforaphane-Induced Klf9/Prdx6 Axis Acts as a Molecular Switch to Control Redox Signaling and Determines Fate of Cells
Authors: Chhunchha Bhavana , Kubo Eri , Singh Dhirendra P.
Published: September 2019

Sulforaphane (SFN), an activator of transcription factor Nrf2 (NFE2-related factor), modulates antioxidant defense by Nrf2-mediated regulation of antioxidant genes like Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) and affects cellular homeostasis. We previously observed that dose levels of SFN are crucial in determining life or death of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Herein, we demonstrated that higher doses of SFN (>6 μM) activated death signaling by overstimulation of Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant response element)-mediated Kruppel-like factor (Klf9) repression of Prdx6 expression, which increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) load and cell death. Mechanistically, Klf9 bound to its repressive Klf9 binding elements (RKBE; 5-CA/GCCC-3) in the Prdx6 promoter, and repressed Prdx6 transcription. Under the condition of higher dose of SFN, excessive Nrf2 abundance caused death signaling by enforcing Klf9 activation through ARE (5-RTGAYnnnGC-3) in Klf9 promoter that suppress antioxidant genes such as Prdx6 via a Klf9-dependent fashion. Klf9-depletion showed that Klf9 independently caused ROS reduction and subsequent cell survival, demonstrating that Klf9 upregulation caused cell death. Our work revealed the molecular mechanism of dose-dependent altered activity of SFN in LECs, and demonstrated that SFN activity was linked to levels of Nrf2/Klf9/Prdx6 axis. We proposed that in the development of therapeutic interventions for aging/oxidative disorders, combinations of Klf9-ShRNA and Nrf2 inducers may prove to be a promising strategy.
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) Layers from Silicate/Phosphate Baths on Ti-6Al-4V for Biomedical Components: Influence of Deposition Conditions and Surface Finishing on Dry Sliding Behaviour
Authors: Bertuccioli Chiara , Garzoni Andrea , Martini Carla , Morri Alessandro , Rondelli Gianni
Published: September 2019

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) layers were produced on Ti-6Al-4V in different conditions, so as to assess the influence of layer structure, current mode, duty cycle and surface finishing on microstructural features and tribological behaviour. In DC regime, the double-layer structure (silicate bath followed by phosphate bath) beneficially affected wear resistance. In unipolar pulsed DC (phosphate bath), the wear resistance of single layers improved with increasing duty cycle, due to improved microstructure and adhesion: high duty cycle single layers can be considered an alternative to double-layer deposition. Surface finishing by abrasive blasting with spheroidal glass beads leads to surface roughness decrease and hence to decreased friction and improved wear resistance. The best-performing PEO layers showed promising results in the comparison with reference materials such as CoCrMo (both uncoated and (Ti,Nb)N PVD-coated) and PVD-coated Ti-6Al-4V up to 30 N normal load.
Stepped Annealed Inkjet-Printed InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Yan Xingzhen , Shi Kai , Chu Xuefeng , Yang Fan , Chi Yaodan , Yang Xiaotian
Published: September 2019

The preparation of thin-film transistors (TFTs) using ink-jet printing technology can reduce the complexity and material wastage of traditional TFT fabrication technologies. We prepared channel inks suitable for printing with different molar ratios of their constituent elements. Through the spin-coated and etching method, two different types of TFTs designated as depletion and enhancement mode were obtained simply by controlling the molar ratios of the InGaZnO channel elements. To overcome the problem of patterned films being prone to fracture during high-temperature annealing, a stepped annealing method is proposed to remove organic molecules from the channel layer and to improve the properties of the patterned films. The different interfaces between the insulation layers, channel layers, and drain/source electrodes were processed by argon plasma. This was done to improve the printing accuracy of the patterned InGaZnO channel layers, drain, and source electrodes, as well as to optimize the printing thickness of channel layers, reduce the defect density, and, ultimately, enhance the electrical performance of printed TFT devices.
Effect of Multiple-Pass Friction Stir Processing on Hardness and Corrosion Resistance of Martensitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Pan Linlin , Kwok Chi , Lo Kin
Published: September 2019

In the present study, the influence of multi-pass friction stir processing (FSP) of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel on the microstructure, hardness, and corrosion behavior was investigated. Similar to single-pass FSPed 420, the multi-pass FSPed specimens with different overlapping ratios incurred microstructural change at the center and retreating side of the second track with martensite, retained austenite, and chromium carbides. Overlapping of the two successive tracks in the multi-pass FSPed 420 led to back-tempering and a local drop in hardness at the advancing side of the second track. The precipitation of chromium carbides in the tempered regions of the multi-pass FSPed specimens became the active sites for preferential corrosion attack in the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 25 °C.
Investigation of Nanostructures with X-ray Scattering Techniques
Authors: Kriegner Dominik , Dopita Milan
Published: September 2019

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Chiral Optical Tamm States at the Interface between an All-Dielectric Polarization-Preserving Anisotropic Mirror and a Cholesteric Liquid Crystal
Authors: Rudakova Natalya V. , Timofeev Ivan V. , Bikbaev Rashid G. , Pyatnov Maxim V. , Vetrov Stepan Ya. , Lee Wei
Published: September 2019

As a new localized state of light, the chiral optical Tamm state exists at the interface between a polarization-retaining anisotropic mirror and a substance with optical activity. Considering a hybrid structure comprising a metal-free polarization-preserving mirror and a cholesteric liquid crystal, we highlight the high Q factor arising from the all-dielectric framework. The intensity of localized light decreases exponentially with increasing distance from the interface. The penetration of the field into the cholesteric liquid crystal is essentially prohibited for wavelengths lying in the photonic bandgap and close to the cholesteric pitch length. The dielectric mirror has its own photonic bandgap. The energy transfer along the interface can be effectively switched off by setting the tangential wave vector to zero. The spectral behavior of the chiral optical Tamm state is observed both as reflection and transmission resonance. This Fano resonance is analogous to the Kopp–Genack effect. Our analytics are well in line with precise calculations, which may pave a new route for the future development of intelligent design for laser and sensing applications.
The Entropic Dynamics Approach to Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Caticha Ariel
Published: September 2019

Entropic Dynamics (ED) is a framework in which Quantum Mechanics is derived as an application of entropic methods of inference. In ED the dynamics of the probability distribution is driven by entropy subject to constraints that are codified into a quantity later identified as the phase of the wave function. The central challenge is to specify how those constraints are themselves updated. In this paper we review and extend the ED framework in several directions. A new version of ED is introduced in which particles follow smooth differentiable Brownian trajectories (as opposed to non-differentiable Brownian paths). To construct ED we make use of the fact that the space of probabilities and phases has a natural symplectic structure (i.e., it is a phase space with Hamiltonian flows and Poisson brackets). Then, using an argument based on information geometry, a metric structure is introduced. It is shown that the ED that preserves the symplectic and metric structures—which is a Hamilton-Killing flow in phase space—is the linear Schrödinger equation. These developments allow us to discuss why wave functions are complex and the connections between the superposition principle, the single-valuedness of wave functions, and the quantization of electric charges. Finally, it is observed that Hilbert spaces are not necessary ingredients in this construction. They are a clever but merely optional trick that turns out to be convenient for practical calculations.
Investigating Detectability of Infrared Radiation Based on Image Evaluation for Engine Flame
Authors: Li Xia , Wang Jun , Li Meihui , Peng Zhenming , Liu Xingrun
Published: September 2019

Aiming at the application requirements of infrared detection, the influence of earth background interference on plume radiation detection is investigated and discussed in this article. The infrared image of the earth’s atmospheric background radiation is simulated by the spectral correlation based on the conversion model of the surface radiation with different bands. The infrared radiation image of the jet flame and the background is generated by overlapping the infrared radiation of the engine flame and the background radiation according to the detection angle of view. Through the image quality evaluation model, the detectability of the flame is analyzed. The simulating results show that the comprehensive statistical features such as image information entropy, variance and signal-to-clutter ratio can be used to evaluate the detectability of the engine flame.
Introducing the Ensemble-Based Dual Entropy and Multiobjective Optimization for Hydrometric Network Design Problems: EnDEMO
Authors: Keum Jongho , Awol Frezer Seid , Ursulak Jacob , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: September 2019

Entropy applications in hydrometric network design problems have been extensively studied in the most recent decade. Although many studies have successfully found the optimal networks, there have been assumptions which could not be logically integrated into their methodology. One of the major assumptions is the uncertainty that can arise from data processing, such as time series simulation for the potential stations, and the necessary data quantization in entropy calculations. This paper introduces a methodology called ensemble-based dual entropy and multiobjective optimization (EnDEMO), which considers uncertainty from the ensemble generation of the input data. The suggested methodology was applied to design hydrometric networks in the Nelson-Churchill River Basin in central Canada. First, the current network was evaluated by transinformation analysis. Then, the optimal networks were explored using the traditional deterministic network design method and the newly proposed ensemble-based method. Result comparison showed that the most frequently selected stations by EnDEMO were fewer and appeared more reliable for practical use. The maps of station selection frequency from both DEMO and EnDEMO allowed us to identify preferential locations for additional stations; however, EnDEMO provided a more robust outcome than the traditional approach.
A 103 dB DR Fourth-Order Delta-Sigma Modulator for Sensor Applications
Authors: Lee Jaeseong , Song Seokjae , Roh Jeongjin
Published: September 2019

This paper describes a fourth-order cascade-of-integrators with feedforward (CIFF) single-bit discrete-time (DT) switched-capacitor (SC) delta-sigma modulator (DSM) for high-resolution applications. This DSM is suitable for high-resolution applications at low frequency using a high-order modulator structure. The proposed operational transconductance amplifier (OTA), used a feedforward amplifier scheme that provided a high-power efficiency, a wider bandwidth, and a higher DC gain compared to recent designs. A chopper-stabilization technique was applied to the first integrator to remove the 1/f noise from the transistor, which is inversely proportional to the frequency. The designed DSM was implemented using 0.35 µm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The oversampling ratio (OSR) was 128, and the sampling frequency was 128 kHz. At a 500 Hz bandwidth, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was 100.3 dB, the signal-to-noise distortion ratio (SNDR) was 98.5 dB, and the dynamic range (DR) was 103 dB. The measured total power dissipation was 99 µW from a 3.3 V supply voltage.
A Fast Algorithm for Identifying Density-Based Clustering Structures Using a Constraint Graph
Authors: Kim Jeong-Hun , Choi Jong-Hyeok , Yoo Kwan-Hee , Loh Woong-Kee , Nasridinov Aziz
Published: September 2019

OPTICS is a state-of-the-art algorithm for visualizing density-based clustering structures of multi-dimensional datasets. However, OPTICS requires iterative distance computations for all objects and is thus computed in O ( n 2 ) time, making it unsuitable for massive datasets. In this paper, we propose constrained OPTICS (C-OPTICS) to quickly create density-based clustering structures that are identical to those by OPTICS. C-OPTICS uses a bi-directional graph structure, which we refer to as the constraint graph, to reduce unnecessary distance computations of OPTICS. Thus, C-OPTICS achieves a good running time to create density-based clustering structures. Through experimental evaluations with synthetic and real datasets, C-OPTICS significantly improves the running time in comparison to existing algorithms, such as OPTICS, DeLi-Clu, and Speedy OPTICS (SOPTICS), and guarantees the quality of the density-based clustering structures.
Enhancing Bioenergy Yields from Sequential Bioethanol and Biomethane Production by Means of Solid–Liquid Separation of the Substrates
Authors: Rocha-Meneses Lisandra , Ferreira Jorge A , Bonturi Nemailla , Orupõld Kaja , Kikas Timo
Published: September 2019

The production of second-generation ethanol using lignocellulosic feedstock is crucial in order to be able to meet the increasing fuel demands by the transportation sector. However, the technology still needs to overcome several bottlenecks before feasible commercialization can be realized. These include, for example, the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly pretreatment strategies and valorization of the sidestream that is obtained following ethanol distillation. This work uses two chemical-free pretreatment methods—nitrogen explosive decompression (NED) and synthetic flue gas explosive decompression—to investigate the potential of a bioethanol production sidestream in terms of further anaerobic digestion. For this purpose, samples from different stages of the bioethanol production process (pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation) and the bioethanol sidestream went through a separation process (involving solid–liquid separation), following which a biomethane potential (BMP) assay was carried out. The results show that both factors being studied in this article (involving the pretreatment method and the separation process) served to influence methane yields. Liquid fractions that were obtained during the process with NED gave rise to methane yields that were 8% to 12% higher than when synthetic flue gas was used; fermented and distillation sidestream gave rise to the highest methane yields (0.53 and 0.58 mol CH4/100 g respectively). The methane yields from the liquid fractions were between 60–88% lower than those that were obtained from solid fractions. Samples from the bioethanol sidestream (solid fraction) that were pretreated with NED had the highest methane yield (1.7 mol CH4/100 g). A solid–liquid separation step can be a promising strategy when it comes to improving the energy output from lignocellulosic biomass and the management of the ethanol distillation sidestream.
Predictive Analysis of Waste Co-Combustion with Fossil Fuels Using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology
Authors: Pikoń Krzysztof , Krawczyk Piotr , Badyda Krzysztof , Bogacka Magdalena
Published: September 2019

The use of waste for energy purposes could become widespread and the radical lowering of the costs associated with that process could occur, if the resulting fuel did not have the status of waste. The key issue in removing the status of waste for a given substance is to eliminate the environmental impact of its use. Currently, there are no known fuels whose combustion does not lead to a negative impact on the environment, even to a minimum extent. It is therefore necessary to set a threshold of environmental impact at which we “recognize” a fuel to be harmless to the environment. The ecological impact of lignite was assumed in this text to be such a threshold. This paper proposes a methodology for determining the limit of environmental impact of fuel from waste. It also presents the results of our own research on the morphological and elemental composition of a waste mixture created by the separation of the over-screen fraction of municipal waste undesirable for a fuel, namely, chlorine carriers (PVC), multi-material waste, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and non-combustible fractions (ash). The results obtained were used to assess the relative environmental impact of a waste mixture used as fuel.
Research on Control Algorithm of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Cooling System
Authors: Ma Tiancai , Lin Weikang , Yang Yanbo , Cong Ming , Yu Zhuoping , Zhou Qiongqiong
Published: September 2019

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is taken to be the ultimate technical direction of vehicle power. Cooling system is a key component which directly affects the fuel cell performance, reliability and durability. For the purpose of keeping accurate temperature control under dynamic loads and achieving rapid warm-up control during cold-start, a 35 kW PEMFC’s cooling system dynamic model is established and validated by experiments firstly. According to the simulation results, the model can well be fitted to the actual system. Then an integrate separate PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm and cooling fan prestart strategy is proposed. The result shows that it can effectively reduce the temperature overshoot under dynamic loads. In view of the thermostat mechanical characteristics tend to cause large temperature fluctuation during warm-up process, a thermostat control strategy is proposed to reduce the temperature fluctuation from 7.5 °C to 0.4 °C.
Gravity Drainage Mechanism in Naturally Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs; Review and Application
Authors: Aljuboori Faisal Awad , Lee Jang Hyun , Elraies Khaled A. , Stephen Karl D.
Published: September 2019

Gravity drainage is one of the essential recovery mechanisms in naturally fractured reservoirs. Several mathematical formulas have been proposed to simulate the drainage process using the dual-porosity model. Nevertheless, they were varied in their abilities to capture the real saturation profiles and recovery speed in the reservoir. Therefore, understanding each mathematical model can help in deciding the best gravity model that suits each reservoir case. Real field data from a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir from the Middle East have used to examine the performance of various gravity equations. The reservoir represents a gas–oil system and has four decades of production history, which provided the required mean to evaluate the performance of each gravity model. The simulation outcomes demonstrated remarkable differences in the oil and gas saturation profile and in the oil recovery speed from the matrix blocks, which attributed to a different definition of the flow potential in the vertical direction. Moreover, a sensitivity study showed that some matrix parameters such as block height and vertical permeability exhibited a different behavior and effectiveness in each gravity model, which highlighted the associated uncertainty to the possible range that often used in the simulation. These parameters should be modelled accurately to avoid overestimation of the oil recovery from the matrix blocks, recovery speed, and to capture the advanced gas front in the oil zone.
Welfare Maximization-Based Distributed Demand Response for Islanded Multi-Microgrid Networks Using Diffusion Strategy
Authors: Ali Haesum , Hussain Akhtar , Bui Van-Hai , Jeon Jinhong , Kim Hak-Man
Published: September 2019

Integration of demand response programs in microgrids can be beneficial for both the microgrid owners and the consumers. The demand response programs are generally triggered by market price signals to reduce the peak load demand. However, during islanded mode, due to the absence of connection with the utility grid, the market price signals are not available. Therefore, in this study, we have proposed a distributed demand response program for an islanded multi-microgrid network, which is not triggered by market price signals. The proposed distributed demand response program is based on welfare maximization of the network. Based on the welfare function of individual microgrids, the optimal power is allocated to the microgrids of the network in two steps. In the first step, the total surplus power and shortage power of the network is determined in a distributed way by using the local surplus/shortage information of each microgrid, which is computed after local optimization. In the second step, the total surplus of the network is allocated to the microgrids having shortage power based on their welfare functions. Finally, the allocated power amount and the initial shortage amount in the microgrid is used to determine the amount of load to be curtailed. Diffusion strategy is used in both the first and the second steps and the performance of the proposed method is compared with the widely used consensus method. Simulation results have proved the effectiveness of the proposed method for realizing distributed demand response for islanded microgrid networks.
Exploring the Causal Nexus between Energy Consumption, Environmental Pollution and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Armeanu Daniel Ştefan , Gherghina Ştefan Cristian , Pasmangiu George
Published: September 2019

Energy is considered a critical driver of social and economic progress, but the use of conventional energy from fossil fuel sources is viewed as the main contributor to greenhouse gases that cause global warming. To overcome such issues, renewable energy technologies appeared as a viable substitute which lessens pollutant emissions and protect the environment. This paper investigates the impact of energy consumption and environmental pollution on economic growth, also exploring the causal associations, for a sample of 11 Central and Eastern European states over the period 2000 to 2016. The outcomes of panel data regressions indicate evidence of a non-linear link between renewable energy (both overall, as well as in form of hydro and wind power) and gross domestic product per capita growth. The non-linear relations were also established in case of alternative & nuclear energy and fossil fuel energy consumption. However, the influence of non-renewable energy on growth was not statistically significant, whereas greenhouse gases emissions exhibited mostly a positive impact on economic growth. The robustness checks by panel fully modified and dynamic ordinary least squares showed almost the similar pattern of results. The results of Granger causalities within six panel vector error correction models supported in the short-run the conservation hypothesis for renewable energy (overall), but also for hydro power and solid biofuels, excluding charcoal. In the long-run the growth hypothesis was established for renewable energy (overall), along with wind power, solid biofuels, excluding charcoal and geothermal energy. The findings imply that CEECs policy makers should consider imperative investments in the development of renewable energy sector.
Emotion and Knowledge in Decision Making under Uncertainty
Authors: Maffioletti Anna , Santoni Michele
Published: September 2019

This paper presents four incentivised experiments analysing jointly the separate role of immediate integral emotions and knowledge in individual decision making under ambiguity. Reactions to a natural source of uncertainty (i.e., forthcoming real-world election results) were measured using both computed decision weights derived from individual choices and judgmental probabilities determined from the subjects’ estimated likelihood of election outcomes. This study used self-reports to measure emotions aroused by the prospective election victory of a party/coalition of parties, and both self-assessed and actual competence to measure knowledge of politics. This paper found evidence of both preference for ambiguity in the gain domain and of likelihood insensitivity, namely the tendency to overweight unlikely events and to underweight likely events. This paper also shows that a superior knowledge of politics was associated with a preference for ambiguity (i.e., the elevation of the decision weighting function for gains). Both stronger positive emotions and superior knowledge generally have asymmetric effects on likelihood insensitivity (i.e., the curvature of the decision weighting function), each being associated separately with higher overweighting of unlikely election outcomes.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Patterns of the Pectin Methylesterase Inhibitor Genes in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Ren Angyan , Ahmed Rana , Chen Huanyu , Han Linhe , Sun Jinhao , Ding Anming , Guo Yongfeng , Kong Yingzhen
Published: September 2019

Cell walls are basically complex with dynamic structures that are being involved in several growth and developmental processes, as well as responses to environmental stresses and the defense mechanism. Pectin is secreted into the cell wall in a highly methylesterified form. It is able to perform function after the de-methylesterification by pectin methylesterase (PME). Whereas, the pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI) plays a key role in plant cell wall modification through inhibiting the PME activity. It provides pectin with different levels of degree of methylesterification to affect the cell wall structures and properties. The PME activity was analyzed in six tissues of Sorghum bicolor, and found a high level in the leaf and leaf sheath. PMEI families have been identified in many plant species. Here, a total of 55 pectin methylesterase inhibitor genes (PMEIs) were identified from S. bicolor whole genome, a more detailed annotation of this crop plant as compared to the previous study. Chromosomal localization, gene structures and sequence characterization of the PMEI family were analyzed. Moreover, cis-acting elements analysis revealed that each PMEI gene was regulated by both internal and environmental factors. The expression patterns of each PMEI gene were also clustered according to expression pattern analyzed in 47 tissues under different developmental stages. Furthermore, some SbPMEIs were induced when treated with hormonal and abiotic stress. Taken together, these results laid a strong foundation for further study of the functions of SbPMEIs and pectin modification during plant growth and stress responses of cereal.