bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recreating Tumour Complexity in a Dish: Organoid Models to Study Liver Cancer Cells and their Extracellular Environment
Authors: van Tienderen Gilles S. , Groot Koerkamp Bas , IJzermans Jan N. M. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Verstegen Monique M. A.
Published: November 2019

Primary liver cancer, consisting predominantly of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. This high malignancy is related to the complex and dynamic interactions between tumour cells, stromal cells and the extracellular environment. Novel in vitro models that can recapitulate the tumour are essential in increasing our understanding of liver cancer. Herein, primary liver cancer-derived organoids have opened up new avenues due to their patient-specificity, self-organizing ability and potential recapitulation of many of the tumour properties. Organoids are solely of epithelial origin, but incorporation into co-culture models can enable the investigation of the cellular component of the tumour microenvironment. However, the extracellular component also plays a vital role in cancer progression and representation is lacking within current in vitro models. In this review, organoid technology is discussed in the context of liver cancer models through comparisons to other cell culture systems. In addition, the role of the tumour extracellular environment in primary liver cancer will be highlighted with an emphasis on its importance in in vitro modelling. Converging novel organoid-based models with models incorporating the native tumour microenvironment could lead to experimental models that can better recapitulate liver tumours in vivo.
CD105 Is Expressed in Ovarian Cancer Precursor Lesions and Is Required for Metastasis to the Ovary
Authors: Bai Shoumei , Zhu Wanhong , Coffman Lan , Vlad Anda , Schwartz Lauren E. , Elishaev Esther , Drapkin Ronny , Buckanovich Ronald J.
Published: November 2019

Most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) initiate from the fallopian tube epithelium and then metastasize to the ovary and throughout the abdomen. Genomic analyses suggest that most HGSCs seed the ovary prior to abdominal dissemination. Similarly, animal models support a critical role for the ovary in driving abdominal dissemination. Thus, HGSC cell recruitment to the ovary appears to be a critical component of HGSC cell metastasis. We sought to identify factors driving HGSC recruitment to the ovary. We identified CD105 (endoglin, or ENG, a TGF-β receptor family member) as a mediator of HGSC cell ovarian recruitment. We found that CD105 was expressed on both serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) cells (STICs-HGSC precursors in the fallopian tube epithelium) and HGSC cells. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), we showed that high CD105 expression by HGSC cells correlated with a metastatic signature. Furthermore, intravenous injection of CD105(+) HGSC tumor cells, but not CD105(−), resulted in ovarian-specific metastasis and abdominal dissemination of disease. CD105 knockdown or blockade with a clinically relevant CD105-neutralizing mAb (TRC105), inhibited HGSC metastasis, reduced ascites, and impeded growth of abdominal tumor nodules, thereby improving overall survival in animal models of ovarian cancer. CD105 knockdown was associated with a reduction in TGF-β signaling. Together, our data support CD105 as a critical mediator of ovarian cancer spread to the ovary and implicate it as a potential therapeutic target.
The Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L Is a Functional Component of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Signaling in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Salvati Annamaria , Gigantino Valerio , Nassa Giovanni , Giurato Giorgio , Alexandrova Elena , Rizzo Francesca , Tarallo Roberta , Weisz Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Although a large fraction of high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancers (OCs) expresses Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα), anti-estrogen-based therapies are still not widely used against these tumors due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The histone methyltransferase Disruptor of telomeric silencing-1-like (DOT1L), which is a modulator of ERα transcriptional activity in breast cancer, controls chromatin functions involved in tumor initiation and progression and has been proposed as a prognostic OC biomarker. As molecular and clinico-pathological data from TCGA suggest a correlation between ERα and DOT1L expression and OC prognosis, the presence and significance of ERα/DOT1L association was investigated in chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant ER+ OC cells. RNA sequencing before and after inhibition of these factors showed that their activity is implicated in OC cell proliferation and that they functionally cooperate with each other to control the transcription of genes involved in key cancer cell features, such as the cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), drug metabolism, and cell-to-cell signaling, as well as expression of the ERα gene itself. Together with evidence from loss-of-function genetic screens showing that ERα and DOT1L behave as core fitness factors in OC cells, these results suggest that combined inhibition of their activity might be effective against ERα-expressing, chemotherapy-resistant ovarian tumors.
STAT5A and STAT5B—Twins with Different Personalities in Hematopoiesis and Leukemia
Authors: Maurer Barbara , Kollmann Sebastian , Pickem Judith , Hoelbl-Kovacic Andrea , Sexl Veronika
Published: November 2019

The transcription factors STAT5A and STAT5B have essential roles in survival and proliferation of hematopoietic cells—which have been considered largely redundant. Mutations of upstream kinases, copy number gains, or activating mutations in STAT5A, or more frequently in STAT5B, cause altered hematopoiesis and cancer. Interfering with their activity by pharmacological intervention is an up-and-coming therapeutic avenue. Precision medicine requests detailed knowledge of STAT5A’s and STAT5B’s individual functions. Recent evidence highlights the privileged role for STAT5B over STAT5A in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Here, we provide an overview on their individual functions within the hematopoietic system.
Phosphatidylethanolamine-Binding Protein 1 Ameliorates Ischemia-Induced Inflammation and Neuronal Damage in the Rabbit Spinal Cord
Authors: Kim Woosuk , Cho Su Bin , Jung Hyo Young , Yoo Dae Young , Oh Jae Keun , Choi Goang-Min , Cho Tack-Geun , Kim Dae Won , Hwang In Koo , Choi Soo Young , Moon Seung Myung
Published: November 2019

In a previous study, we utilized a proteomic approach and found a significant reduction in phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1) protein level in the spinal cord at 3 h after ischemia. In the present study, we investigated the role of PEBP1 against oxidative stress in NSC34 cells in vitro, and ischemic damage in the rabbit spinal cord in vivo. We generated a PEP-1-PEBP1 fusion protein to facilitate the penetration of blood-brain barrier and intracellular delivery of PEBP1 protein. Treatment with PEP-1-PEBP1 significantly decreased cell death and the induction of oxidative stress in NSC34 cells. Furthermore, administering PEP-1-PEBP1 did not show any significant side effects immediately before and after ischemia/reperfusion. Administration of PEP-PEBP1 improved the Tarlov’s neurological score at 24 and 72 h after ischemia, and significantly improved neuronal survival at 72 h after ischemia based on neuronal nuclei (NeuN) immunohistochemistry, Flouro-Jade B staining, and western blot study for cleaved caspase 3. PEP-1-PEBP1 administration decreased oxidative stress based on malondialdehyde level, advanced oxidation protein products, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in the spinal cord. In addition, inflammation based on myeloperoxidase level, tumor necrosis factor-α level, and high mobility group box 1 level was decreased by PEP-1-PEBP1 treatment at 72 h after ischemia. Thus, PEP-1-PEBP1 treatment, which decreases oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and neuronal death, may be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord ischemia.
Wnt-3a Induces Cytokine Release in Human Mast Cells
Authors: Tebroke Julia , Lieverse Joris E. , Säfholm Jesper , Schulte Gunnar , Nilsson Gunnar , Rönnberg Elin
Published: November 2019

Mast cells are well known for their detrimental effects in allergies and asthma, and Wnt signaling has recently been implicated in asthma and other airway diseases. However, it is not known if or how Wnts affect human mast cells. Since Wnt expression is elevated in individuals with asthma and is linked to a Th2 profile, we hypothesized that mast cells could be affected by Wnts in the context of asthma. We therefore sought to investigate the role of Wnt signaling in human mast cell development and activation. We first examined the expression of the 10 main Wnt receptors, Frizzled 1–10 (FZD1–10), and found expression of several FZDs in human mast cells. Treatment with purified recombinant Wnt-3a or Wnt-5a did not affect the proliferation or maturation of CD34+ progenitors into mast cells, as indicated by cellular expression of CD117 and FcεRI, activation by FcεRI crosslinking, and histamine and tryptase release. Furthermore, Wnt treatment did not change the phenotype from MCT to MCTC, since MrgX2 expression, compound 48/80-mediated activation, and carboxypeptidase A3 content were not affected. However, Wnt-3a activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in mature human mast cells, as revealed by stabilization of β-catenin, upregulation of IL-8 and CCL8 mRNA expression, and release of IL-8 protein. Thus, our data suggest that Wnt-3a activation of mast cells could contribute to the recruitment of immune cells in conditions associated with increased Wnt-3a expression, such as asthma.
Alternative Splicing of RAD6B and Not RAD6A Is Selectively Increased in Melanoma: Identification and Functional Characterization
Authors: Gajan Ambikai , Martin Carly E. , Kim Seongho , Joshi Milap , Michelhaugh Sharon K. , Sloma Ido , Mittal Sandeep , Firestine Steven , Shekhar Malathy P. V.
Published: November 2019

Rad6B, a principal component of the translesion synthesis pathway, and activator of canonical Wnt signaling, plays an essential role in cutaneous melanoma development and progression. As Rad6 is encoded by two genes, namely, UBE2A (RAD6A) and UBE2B (RAD6B), in humans, we compared their expressions in melanomas and normal melanocytes. While both genes are weakly expressed in normal melanocytes, Rad6B is more robustly expressed in melanoma lines and patient-derived metastatic melanomas than RAD6A. The characterization of RAD6B transcripts revealed coexpression of various splice variants representing truncated or modified functional versions of wild-type RAD6B in melanomas, but not in normal melanocytes. Notably, two RAD6B isoforms with intact catalytic domains, RAD6BΔexon4 and RAD6Bintron5ins, were identified. We confirmed that RAD6BΔexon4 and RAD6Bintron5ins variants are expressed as 14 and 15 kDa proteins, respectively, with functional in vivo ubiquitin conjugating activity. Whole exome sequence analysis of 30 patient-derived melanomas showed RAD6B variants coexpressed with wild-type RAD6B in all samples analyzed, and RAD6Bintron5ins variants were found in half the cases. These variants constitute the majority of the RAD6B transcriptome in contrast to RAD6A, which was predominantly wild-type. The expression of functional RAD6B variants only in melanomas reveals RAD6B’s molecular heterogeneity and its association with melanoma pathogenesis.
Purine DNA Lesions at Different Oxygen Concentration in DNA Repair-Impaired Human Cells (EUE-siXPA)
Authors: Krokidis Marios G. , Parlanti Eleonora , D’Errico Mariarosaria , Pascucci Barbara , Pino Anna , Alimonti Alessandro , Pietraforte Donatella , Masi Annalisa , Ferreri Carla , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos
Published: November 2019

Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is a DNA repair disease characterized by nucleotide excision repair (NER) malfunction, leading to photosensitivity and increased incidence of skin malignancies. The role of XP-A in NER pathways has been well studied while discrepancies associated with ROS levels and the role of radical species between normal and deficient XPA cell lines have been observed. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry we have determined the four 5’,8-cyclopurines (cPu) lesions (i.e., 5′R-cdG, 5′S-cdG, 5′R-cdA and 5′S-cdA), 8-oxo-dA and 8-oxo-dG in wt (EUE-pBD650) and XPA-deficient (EUE-siXPA) human embryonic epithelial cell lines, under different oxygen tension (hyperoxic 21%, physioxic 5% and hypoxic 1%). The levels of Fe and Cu were also measured. The main findings of our study were: (i) the total amount of cPu (1.82–2.52 lesions/106 nucleotides) is the same order of magnitude as 8-oxo-Pu (3.10–4.11 lesions/106 nucleotides) in both cell types, (ii) the four cPu levels are similar in hyperoxic and physioxic conditions for both wt and deficient cell lines, whereas 8-oxo-Pu increases in all cases, (iii) both wt and deficient cell lines accumulated high levels of cPu under hypoxic compared to physioxic conditions, whereas the 8-oxo-Pu levels show an opposite trend, (iv) the diastereoisomeric ratios 5′R/5′S are independent of oxygen concentration being 0.29 for cdG and 2.69 for cdA for EUE-pBD650 (wt) and 0.32 for cdG and 2.94 for cdA for EUE-siXPA (deficient), (v) in deficient cell lines Fe levels were significantly higher. The data show for the first time the connection of oxygen concentration in cells with different DNA repair ability and the levels of different DNA lesions highlighting the significance of cPu. Membrane lipidomic data at 21% O2 indicated differences in the fatty acid contents between wild type and deficient cells, envisaging functional effects on membranes associated with the different repair capabilities, to be further investigated.
Detrimental Impact of Energy Drink Compounds on Developing Oligodendrocytes and Neurons
Authors: Serdar Meray , Mordelt Annika , Müser Katharina , Kempe Karina , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Herz Josephine , Bendix Ivo
Published: November 2019

The consumption of energy drinks is continuously rising, particularly in children and adolescents. While risks for adverse health effects, like arrhythmia, have been described, effects on neural cells remain elusive. Considering that neurodevelopmental processes like myelination and neuronal network formation peak in childhood and adolescence we hypothesized that developing oligodendrocytes and neurons are particularly vulnerable to main energy drink components. Immature oligodendrocytes and hippocampal neurons were isolated from P0-P1 Wistar rats and were incubated with 0.3 mg/mL caffeine and 4 mg/mL taurine alone or in combination for 24 h. Analysis was performed immediately after treatment or after additional three days under differentiating conditions for oligodendrocytes and standard culture for neurons. Oligodendrocyte degeneration, proliferation, and differentiation were assessed via immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Neuronal integrity was investigated following immunocytochemistry by analysis of dendrite outgrowth and axonal morphology. Caffeine and taurine induced an increased degeneration and inhibited proliferation of immature oligodendrocytes accompanied by a decreased differentiation capacity. Moreover, dendritic branching and axonal integrity of hippocampal neurons were negatively affected by caffeine and taurine treatment. The negative impact of caffeine and taurine on developing oligodendrocytes and disturbed neuronal morphology indicates a high risk for disturbed neurodevelopment in children and adolescents by excessive energy drink consumption.
Cooperative and Escaping Mechanisms between Circulating Tumor Cells and Blood Constituents
Authors: Garrido-Navas Carmen , de Miguel-Pérez Diego , Exposito-Hernandez Jose , Bayarri Clara , Amezcua Victor , Ortigosa Alba , Valdivia Javier , Guerrero Rosa , Garcia Puche Jose Luis , Lorente Jose Antonio , Serrano Maria José
Published: November 2019

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and despite measurable progress in the field, underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) disseminate within the bloodstream, where most of them die due to the attack of the immune system. On the other hand, recent evidence shows active interactions between CTCs and platelets, myeloid cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and other hematopoietic cells that secrete immunosuppressive cytokines, which aid CTCs to evade the immune system and enable metastasis. Platelets, for instance, regulate inflammation, recruit neutrophils, and cause fibrin clots, which may protect CTCs from the attack of Natural Killer cells or macrophages and facilitate extravasation. Recently, a correlation between the commensal microbiota and the inflammatory/immune tone of the organism has been stablished. Thus, the microbiota may affect the development of cancer-promoting conditions. Furthermore, CTCs may suffer phenotypic changes, as those caused by the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, that also contribute to the immune escape and resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the findings regarding the collaborative biological events among CTCs, immune cells, and microbiome associated to immune escape and metastatic progression.
Performance Evaluation of a Small-Scale Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Unit for Heating Applications Based on a Nanocomposite Organic PCM
Authors: Koukou Maria K. , Dogkas George , Vrachopoulos Michail Gr. , Konstantaras John , Pagkalos Christos , Lymperis Kostas , Stathopoulos Vassilis , Evangelakis George , Prouskas Costas , Coelho Luis , Rebola Amandio
Published: November 2019

A small-scale latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) unit for heating applications was studied experimentally using an organic phase change material (PCM). The unit comprised of a tank filled with the PCM, a staggered heat exchanger (HE) for transferring heat from and to the PCM, and a water pump to circulate water as a heat transfer fluid (HTF). The performance of the unit using the commercial organic paraffin A44 was studied in order to understand the thermal behavior of the system and the main parameters that influence heat transfer during the PCM melting and solidification processes. The latter will assist the design of a large-scale unit. The effect of flow rate was studied given that it significantly affects charging (melting) and discharging (solidification) processes. In addition, as organic PCMs have low thermal conductivity, the possible improvement of the PCM’s thermal behavior by means of nanoparticle addition was investigated. The obtained results were promising and showed that the use of graphite-based nanoplatelets improves the PCM thermal behavior. Charging was clearly faster and more efficient, while with the appropriate tuning of the HTF flow rate, an efficient discharging was accomplished.
Crack Propagation and Effect of Mixed Oxides on TGO Growth in Thick La–Gd–YSZ Thermal Barrier Coating
Authors: Mahalingam Savisha , Mohd Yunus Salmi , Manap Abreeza , Afandi Nurfanizan Mohd , Zainuddin Rabiatul A. , Kadir Nurul F.
Published: November 2019

Thick thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are the main choice in the aviation industry due to their ability to handle elevated temperature exposure in turbines. However, the efficacy of thick TBCs has not been adequate. This study presents a highly durable, thick top-coat (TC) of Lanthanum–gadolinium–yttria stabilized zirconia (La–Gd–YSZ) on high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF)-bond coat (HVOF-BC). Crack propagation was quantitatively assessed using a three-dimensional (3D) measuring laser microscope due to higher reliability in calculating the actual crack length of TBC. The findings revealed the HVOF-BC is highly durable with intact structural composition, while the conventional TBC of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) bond coat (APS-BC) of the same composition and thickness with identical TC was detached at a crack-susceptible zone. The significant enhancement in HVOF-BC is due to the low mixed-oxides growth rate in thermally grown oxide (TGO) with a uniform and dense protective layer of stable Al2O3 which reduces crack propagation. Meanwhile, the failure in APS-BC can be attributed to the high TGO growth rate and thickness with segmented and unstable Al2O3. Furthermore, detrimental mixed oxides such as spinel Ni(Cr,Al)2O4 and NiO lead to disastrous horizontal and compressive cracks. To that end, we study the effect of TGO growth and crack propagation on HVOF-BC TBCs using APS-BC TBCs as a reference.
Leakage Current Conduction Mechanism of Au-Pt-Ti/ HfO2-Al2O3/n-InAlAs Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Capacitor under Reverse-Biased Condition
Authors: Guan He , Wang Shaoxi
Published: November 2019

Au-Pt-Ti/high-k/n-InAlAs metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors with HfO2-Al2O3 laminated dielectric were fabricated. We found that a Schottky emission leakage mechanism dominates the low bias conditions and Fowler–Nordheim tunneling became the main leakage mechanism at high fields with reverse biased condition. The sample with HfO2 (4 m)/Al2O3 (8 nm) laminated dielectric shows a high barrier height ϕB of 1.66 eV at 30 °C which was extracted from the Schottky emission mechanism, and this can be explained by fewer In–O and As–O states on the interface, as detected by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy test. These effects result in HfO2 (4 m)/Al2O3 (8 nm)/n-InAlAs MOS-capacitors presenting a low leakage current density of below 1.8 × 10−7 A/cm2 from −3 to 0 V at 30 °C. It is demonstrated that the HfO2/Al2O3 laminated dielectric with a thicker Al2O3 film of 8 nm is an optimized design to be the high-k dielectric used in Au-Pt-Ti/HfO2-Al2O3/InAlAs MOS capacitor applications.
Energy Storage Performance of Sandwich Structured Pb(Zr0.4Ti0.6)O3/BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3/Pb(Zr0.4Ti0.6)O3 Films
Authors: Gu Jinxin , Sun Qiu , Chen Xiangqun , Song Ying , Tang YiLun , Wang Dongbo , Qu Ping
Published: November 2019

We reported a sandwich structured Pb(Zr0.4Ti0.6)O3/BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3/Pb(Zr0.4Ti0.6)O3 (PZT/BZT/PZT) film fabricated by using the sol–gel method, which was dense and uniform with a unique perovskite structure. The PZT/BZT/PZT films displayed high dielectric constants up to 1722.45 at the frequency of 10 kHz. Additionally, the enhanced energy storage density of 39.27 J·cm−3 was achieved at room temperature and 2.00 MV/cm, which was higher than that of the individual BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3 film (21.28 J·cm−3). Furthermore, the energy storage density and efficiency of PZT/BZT/PZT film increased slightly with the increasing temperature from −140 °C to 200 °C. This work proves the feasibility and effectiveness of a sandwich structure in improving dielectric, leakage, and energy storage performances, providing a new paradigm for high-energy–density dielectrics applications.
Assessment of Metabolic and Nutritional Imbalance in Mechanically Ventilated Multiple Trauma Patients: From Molecular to Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Rogobete Alexandru Florin , Grintescu Ioana Marina , Bratu Tiberiu , Bedreag Ovidiu Horea , Papurica Marius , Crainiceanu Zorin Petrisor , Popovici Sonia Elena , Sandesc Dorel
Published: November 2019

The critically ill polytrauma patient is characterized by a series of metabolic changes induced by inflammation, oxidative stress, sepsis, and primary trauma, as well as associated secondary injuries associated. Metabolic and nutritional dysfunction in the critically ill patient is a complex series of imbalances of biochemical and genetic pathways, as well as the interconnection between them. Therefore, the equation changes in comparison to other critical patients or to healthy individuals, in which cases, mathematical equations can be successfully used to predict the energy requirements. Recent studies have shown that indirect calorimetry is one of the most accurate methods for determining the energy requirements in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients. Current research is oriented towards an individualized therapy depending on the energy consumption (kcal/day) of each patient that also takes into account the clinical dynamics. By using indirect calorimetry, one can measure, in real time, both oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Energy requirements (kcal/day) and the respiratory quotient (RQ) can be determined in real time by integrating these dynamic parameters into electronic algorithms. In this manner, nutritional therapy becomes personalized and caters to the patients’ individual needs, helping patients receive the energy substrates they need at each clinically specific time of treatment.
Novel Wood Resistance Measurement Method Reducing the Initial Transient Instabilities Arising in DC Methods Due to Polarization Effects
Authors: Casans Berga Silvia , Garcia-Gil Rafael , Navarro Anton A. Edith , Rosado-Muñoz Alfredo
Published: November 2019

A novel method for measuring the electrical resistance in wood is presented. It is based on applying an Alternating Current (AC) to two electrodes rammed into the wood. The method reduces the transient time for value stabilization. In case of Direct Current (DC) resistance measurement methods, typically used in wood measurement, an initial transient exists, invalidating the measured value during an initial transient period. This measurement method uses an electronic circuit based on a relaxation oscillator where the wood automatically sets the oscillation frequency depending on its electrical resistance. Compared to other AC methods, this circuit greatly simplifies the measurement process, not requiring any previous analysis for wood AC frequency estimation. Experimental results for four different wood species showed that, in all cases, the transient response of the measured wood resistance is improved when compared to the DC resistance method, reducing the stabilization time from 10–12 min in DC measurements to almost zero for the novel measurement method. The deviation between the initial wood resistance measurement and the stable value resulted in a range between 0.2% and 5% with the proposed method, while a range between 6% and 10% was obtained when using the DC method. Moreover, the proposed circuit is able to detect changes in wood resistance produced by small variations in temperature and environmental relative humidity during continuous long term measurements. For repeatability analysis, it was verified that similar ambient conditions of temperature and relative humidity (variations lower than 1 °C and 1%, respectively) in different moments provided variations lower than 1.5%. The method can also be applied to other fiber materials affectd by polarization effects when an electrical current is applied into them.
Comparison of Power Converter Models with Losses for Hardware-in-the-Loop Using Different Numerical Formats
Authors: Zamiri Elyas , Sanchez Alberto , de Castro Angel , Martínez-García Maria Sofia
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, the Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) technique is widely used to test different power electronic converters. These real-time simulations require processing large data at high speed, which makes this application very suitable for FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) as they are capable of parallel processing. This paper provides an analytical discussion on three HIL models for a full-bridge converter. The three models use different possible numerical formats, namely float and fixed-point, the latter with and without optimizing the width of signals to the embedded DSP (Digital Signal Processors) blocks of the FPGA. The optimized fixed-point model (OFPM) uses three and two times fewer DSP blocks or LUTs (Look Up Tables), and the maximum achievable clock frequency is also up to 35 % and 25 % higher than the float model and non-optimized fixed-point model (nOFPM), respectively. Furthermore, the models’ accuracy is proportional to the clock frequency, thus the OFPM is also the most accurate model. Finally, the paper shows the differences in the simulation when the models include or not losses, proving that not including losses leads to high errors, especially during transients.
Innovative Use of Wrist-Worn Wearable Devices in the Sports Domain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos-Gago Juan M. , Ramos-Merino Mateo , Vallarades-Rodriguez Sonia , Álvarez-Sabucedo Luis M. , Fernández-Iglesias Manuel J. , García-Soidán Jose L.
Published: November 2019

Wrist wearables are becoming more and more popular, and its use is widespread in sports, both professional and amateur. However, at present, they do not seem to exploit all their potential. The objective of this study is to explore innovative proposals for the use of wearable wrist technology in the field of sports, to understand its potential and identify new challenges and lines of future research related to this technology. A systematic review of the scientific literature, collected in 4 major repositories, was carried out to locate research initiatives where wrist wearables were introduced to address some sports-related challenges. Those works that were limited to evaluating sensor performance in sports activities and those in which wrist wearable devices did not play a significant role were excluded. 26 articles were eventually selected for full-text analysis that discuss the introduction of wrist-worn wearables to address some innovative use in the sports field. This study showcases relevant proposals in 10 different sports. The research initiatives identified are oriented to the use of wearable wrist technology (i) for the comprehensive monitoring of sportspeople’s behavior in activities not supported by the vendors, (ii) to identify specific types of movements or actions in specific sports, and (iii) to prevent injuries. There are, however, open issues that should be tackled in the future, such as the incorporation of these devices in sports activities not currently addressed, or the provision of specific recommendation services for sport practitioners.
Utilizing a Building Information Modelling Environment to Communicate the Legal Ownership of Internet of Things-Generated Data in Multi-Owned Buildings
Authors: Atazadeh Behnam , Olfat Hamed , Rismanchi Behzad , Shojaei Davood , Rajabifard Abbas
Published: November 2019

In multi-owned buildings, a community of residents live in their private properties while they use and share communal spaces and facilities. Proper management of multi-owned buildings is underpinned by rules related to health, safety, and security of the residents and visitors. Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) devices to collect information about the livable space has become a significant trend since the introduction of first smart home appliances back in 2000. The question about who owns the IoT generated data and under what terms it can be shared with others is still unclear. IoT devices, such as security camera and occupancy sensors, can provide safety for their owners, while these devices may capture private data from the neighborhood. In fact, the residents are sometimes not aware of regulations that can prevent them from installing and collecting data from shared spaces that could breach other individuals’ privacy. On the other hand, Building Information Modelling (BIM) provides a rich 3D digital data environment to manage the physical, functional, and ownership aspects of buildings over their entire lifecycle. This study aims to propose a methodology to utilize BIM for defining the legal ownership of the IoT generated data. A case study has been used to discuss key challenges related to the ownership of IoT data in a multi-owned building. This study confirmed that BIM environment can facilitate the understanding of legal ownership of IoT datasets and supports the interpretation of who has the entitlement to use the IoT datasets in multi-owned buildings.
The Cylindrical Wave Approach for the Electromagnetic Scattering by Targets behind a Wall
Authors: Ponti Cristina , Schettini Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

An overview of the cylindrical wave approach in the modeling of through-wall radar problems with targets hidden behind a dielectric wall is reported. The cylindrical wave approach is a technique for the solution of the two-dimensional scattering by buried circular cross-section cylinders in a semi-analytical way, through expansion of the scattered fields into cylindrical waves. In a through-wall radar application, the scattering environment is made by a dielectric layer between two semi-infinite half-spaces filled by air. For this layout, two possible implementations of the cylindrical wave approach have been developed in the case of plane-wave excitation. The first was an iterative scheme with multiple-reflection scattered fields, and the second was a fast and non-iterative solution, through suitable basis functions (i.e., reflected and transmitted cylindrical waves). Such waves take into account all the interactions of the source field with the interfaces bounding the dielectric layers and the targets. The non-iterative approach was also extended for excitation from the radiated field by a line source. A final system was derived for the computation of the scattered field by PEC or dielectric targets. Numerical results show the potentialities of the cylindrical wave approach in the modeling of through-wall radar, in particular in the evaluation of the scattered fields by human targets in a building’s interior, modeled with a two-dimensional approach.
Semi-Supervised Deep Time-Delay Embedded Clustering for Stress Speech Analysis
Authors: Prasetio Barlian Henryranu , Tamura Hiroki , Tanno Koichi
Published: November 2019

Real stressed speech is affected by various aspects (individual characteristics and environment) so that the stress patterns are diverse and different on each individual. To this end, in our previous work, we performed an unsupervised clustering method that able to self-learning manner by mapping the feature representations of the stress speech and clustering tasks simultaneously, called deep time-delay embedded clustering (DTEC). However, DTEC has not confirmed yet the compatibility between the output class and informational classes. Therefore, we proposed semi-supervised time-delay embedded clustering (SDTEC) as a new framework of semi-supervised in DTEC. SDTEC incorporates the prior information of pairwise constraints in the embedding layer and simultaneously learns the feature representation and the clustering assignments. The prior information was used to guide the clustering procedure so that the points that belong to the incorrect cluster can be corrected. The effectiveness of the proposed SDTEC was evaluated by comparing it with some baseline methods in terms of the clustering error rate (CER). Moreover, to demonstrate SDTEC’s capabilities, we conducted a comprehensive ablation study. Based on experiment results, SDTEC outperformed the baseline methods and achieves state-of-the-art results in semi-supervised clustering.
Control of MMC-Based STATCOM as an Effective Interface between Energy Sources and the Power Grid
Authors: Shahnazian Fatemeh , Adabi Ebrahim , Adabi Jafar , Pouresmaeil Edris , Rouzbehi Kumars , Rodrigues Eduardo M. G. , Catalão João P. S.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a dynamic model of modular multilevel converters (MMCs), which are considered as an effective interface between energy sources and the power grid. By improving the converter performance, appropriate reactive power compensation is guaranteed. Modulation indices are calculated based on detailed harmonic evaluations of both dynamic and steady-state operation modes, which is considered as the main contribution of this paper in comparison with other methods. As another novelty of this paper, circulating current control is accomplished by embedding an additional second harmonic component in the modulation process. The proposed control method leads to an effective reduction in capacitor voltage fluctuation and losses. Finally, converter’s maximum stable operation range is modified, which provides efficiency enhancements and also stability assurance. The proficiency and functionality of the proposed controller are demonstrated through detailed theoretical analysis and simulations with MATLAB/Simulink.
Distributed Control Methods and Impact of Communication Failure in AC Microgrids: A Comparative Review
Authors: Aghaee Fateme , Mahdian Dehkordi Nima , Bayati Navid , Hajizadeh Amin
Published: November 2019

The objectives of this paper are to review and compare the distributed control methods in AC microgrids and also to identify the impact of communication failure on this type of the controller. The current AC microgrids are distinguished from the traditional power system topologies because of the high penetration of advanced control methods, measurements, sensors, power electronic devices, and communication links. Also, because of the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, control strategy for congestion management, frequency control, and optimal dispatch of microgrids has become more complicated. This paper explains the characteristics and features of distributed control systems and discusses the challenges of these approaches. In addition, a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are explained in detail. On the other hand, the possible challenges, related to communication failure, noise, delay, and packet dropout on the operation of the distributed controller are presented, and several techniques, which reduce the impact of communication failure of the distributed controller, are compared. This comprehensive study on distributed control systems reveals the challenges in and future possible studies on this issue.
Adaptive-Hybrid Redundancy with Error Injection
Authors: Hamilton Nicolas , Graham Scott , Carbino Timothy , Petrosky James , Betances Addison
Published: November 2019

Adaptive-Hybrid Redundancy (AHR) shows promise as a method to allow flexibility when selecting between processing speed and energy efficiency while maintaining a level of error mitigation in space radiation environments. Whereas previous work demonstrated AHR’s feasibility in an error free environment, this work analyzes AHR performance in the presence of errors. Errors are deliberately injected into AHR at specific times in the processing chain to demonstrate best and worst case performance impacts. This analysis demonstrates that AHR provides flexibility in processing speed and energy efficiency in the presence of errors.
An Approach to Hyperparameter Optimization for the Objective Function in Machine Learning
Authors: Kim Yonghoon , Chung Mokdong
Published: November 2019

In machine learning, performance is of great value. However, each learning process requires much time and effort in setting each parameter. The critical problem in machine learning is determining the hyperparameters, such as the learning rate, mini-batch size, and regularization coefficient. In particular, we focus on the learning rate, which is directly related to learning efficiency and performance. Bayesian optimization using a Gaussian Process is common for this purpose. In this paper, based on Bayesian optimization, we attempt to optimize the hyperparameters automatically by utilizing a Gamma distribution, instead of a Gaussian distribution, to improve the training performance of predicting image discrimination. As a result, our proposed method proves to be more reasonable and efficient in the estimation of learning rate when training the data, and can be useful in machine learning.
Timing Criticality-Aware Design Optimization Using BEOL Air Gap Technology on Consecutive Metal Layers
Authors: Ryu Seongmin , Cho Youngwoo , Han Tae Hee
Published: November 2019

Air-gap (AG) technology on back-end-of-line (BEOL) provides a means to improve performance without area or power degradation. However, the “blind” use of AG based on traditional design methodologies does not provide sufficient performance gain. We developed an AG-aware design methodology to maximize performance gain with minimum cost. The experimental results of the proposed methodology, which was tested using a 10 nm Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) Cortex-A9 quad-core central processing unit (CPU), indicated a performance gain of 6.1–8.4% compared with traditional AG design. The performance gain achieved represents about half of the 10–15% performance improvement under the same power by a process node shrink. A Si process of consecutive double AG layers was developed by overcoming various process challenges, such as AG depth control, Cu/ultra-low-k damage, the hermetic AG liner, and step-height control above the AG. Furthermore, the capacitance was reduced by 17.0%, which satisfied the target goal in the simulation stage for the assumed structure. The optimized integration process was validated according to the function yield of the CPU, which was comparable to that of a non-AG process. The time-dependent dielectric breakdown and electromigration lifetime of the AG wire satisfied the 10-year criteria, and the assembly yield was verified.
A 40 nW CMOS-Based Temperature Sensor with Calibration Free Inaccuracy within ±0.6 °C
Authors: Chouhan Shailesh Singh , Halonen Kari
Published: November 2019

In this study, a temperature equivalent voltage signal was obtained by subtracting output voltages received from two individual temperature sensors. These sensors work in the subthreshold region and generate the output voltage signals that are proportional and complementary to the temperature. Over the temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C without using any calibration method, absolute temperature inaccuracy less than ±0.6 °C was attained from the measurement of five prototypes of the proposed temperature sensor. The implementation was done in a standard 0.18 µm CMOS technology with a total area of 0.0018 mm2. The total power consumption is 40 nW for a supply voltage of 1.2 V measured at room temperature.
Efficacy of Trunk Trap Nets and Insecticides Applied Alone and in Combination for Control of Tree-of-heaven Root Weevil Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus in Ailanthus altissima Plantations
Authors: Yang Kailang , Wen Junbao
Published: November 2019

In Northern China, the tree-of-heaven root weevil (TRW), Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a serious borer pest of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) (tree-of-heaven) is an important tree species for landscapes and afforestation. This study evaluates the efficacy of trunk trap nets (TTN), thiacloprid spray (TS), and cypermethrin spray (CS) alone, and in combination with TTN and thiacloprid or cypermethrin spray (TTNTS or TTNCS) for controlling TRW in A. altissima plantations in 2016–2018 in three sites (Haojiaqiao, Wutongshu, and Taojiajuan), which are located near Lingwu city in Ningxia, China. TTN, TTNTS, and TTNCS treatments significantly reduce marked TRW captures (more than 93% with respect to the untreated trees) and wild TRW captures in population monitoring trunk trap nets (MTTN) deployed in stands (more than 55% with respect to the untreated trees). Further field trials demonstrate that these TTN, TTNTS, and TTNCS treatments significantly reduce damage to A. altissima in stands; there are no significant differences between TTN and combination treatments. In addition, significantly more TRW are captured in MTTN within Taojiajuan than within Haojiaqiao or Wutongshu in field trials 2018. There were no significant differences between sites in 2016 and 2017. This study indicates that the TS and CS treatments used had very little to no impact on TRW populations and tree health in the timeframe examined. TTN alone are clearly effective for suppressing populations of TRW and stabilizing A. altissima tree health. This physical control technique, using TTN, could be sufficient to manage TRW on tree-of-heaven with no insecticide.
Comparison of Fixed- and Mixed-Effects Approaches to Taper Modeling for Scots Pine in West Poland
Authors: Bronisz Karol , Zasada Michał
Published: November 2019

Diameter measurements along the stem, which are the basis for taper models, usually have a hierarchical structure. Mixed-effects models, where fixed and random effects are distinguished, are a possible solution for this type of data. However, in order to fully absorb the potential of this method, random effects prediction, which requires additional measurements (diameter along stem), is recommended. This article presents a comparison of various fitting methods (mixed- and fixed-effects model approaches) of the variable-exponent taper model created by Kozak for determining the outside bark diameter along the stem and predicting the tree volume of Scots pine trees in west Poland. During the analysis, it was assumed that no additional measured data were available for practical use; therefore, for the mixed-effects model approach, fixed effects prediction without random effects was applied. Both fitting strategies were compared based on modeling and an independent validation data set. The comparison of mixed- and fixed-effects fitting strategies for the diameter along the stem indicated that the taper model fitted using the mixed-effects model approach better fit the data. Moreover, the error rate for the total tree volume prediction for the independent data set was lower for the mixed-effects model solution than for the fixed-effects one.
Dominant Tree Species Shape Soil Microbial Community via Regulating Assembly Processes in Planted Subtropical Forests
Authors: Ma Haibin , Zou Wentao , Yang Jinchang , Hogan J. Aaron , Xu Han , Chen Jie
Published: November 2019

Understanding the ecological processes that regulate microbial community assembly in different habitats is critical to predict microbial responses to anthropogenic disturbances and environmental changes. Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and Eucalypt (Eucalyptus urophylla) plantations (thereafter RP and EP) are rapidly established at the expense of forests in tropical China, greatly affecting tropical soils and their processes. However, the assembly processes of soil microbial communities after forest conversions remain unclear. We investigated soil microbial communities’ attributes and quantified the portion of deterministic assembly variation in two RP (a 3- and a 5-year-old) and two EP (a 2- and a 4-year-old) in Southern China. Shannon and Faith’s Phylogenetic α-diversity of both bacterial and fungal communities were higher in RP than in EP, regardless of plantation age or soil depth (0–50 cm). Bacterial and fungal community structure was significantly different among the four plantations. The dominant microbial taxa in RP closely tracked the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (K) while those in EP were closely related to the high total K content. Microbial co-occurrence networks in RP were more modular than those in EP, as governed by more keystone taxa that were strongly dependent on soil available nutrients. Environmental filtering imposed by soil nutrients heterogeneity contributed a considerable portion (33–47%) of bacterial assembly variation in RP, but much less (8–14%) in EP. The relative contribution of environmental selection on fungal assembly was also greater in RP than in EP. Our findings suggest that in RP clear microbial community patterns exist with respect to soil nutrients, whereas in EP microbial community assembly patterns are more stochastic and variable. The large variation in soil microbial community assembly patterns in EP could lead to fragile and unstable microbial-soil relationships, which may be one factor driving soil degradation in EP.
Instability of Vertical Throughflows in Porous Media under the Action of a Magnetic Field
Authors: Capone Florinda , De Luca Roberta , Gentile Maurizio
Published: November 2019

The instability of a vertical fluid motion (throughflow) in a binary mixture saturating a horizontal porous layer, uniformly heated from below, uniformly salted from below by one salt and permeated by an imposed uniform magnetic field H , normal to the layer, is analyzed. By employing the order-1 Galerkin weighted residuals method, the critical Rayleigh numbers for the onset of steady or oscillatory instability, have been determined.