Power flow control for power and voltage management in future smart energy communities

The Community Power Flow Control (CPFC) Algorithm has been proposed as a technique for managing electrical power and energy within small communities. The CPFC manages the resources in the community (DSM, energy storage, RES) in order to control the community’s instantaneous power flow according to a target set by a higher-level management system. This paper investigates the capability of the CPFC to manage local distribution voltage levels. The power flow data for a community has been used together with transformer and cable impedance models to demonstrate the variation of the distribution voltage in a community with significant penetration of PV and EV. The CPFC is shown to manage the voltage levels along a feeder within the statutory limits, even when there is significant export

The Effect of Estradiol and Progesterone on Toll Like Receptor Gene Expression in A Human Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cell Line

OBJECTIVE: Toll like receptors (TLRs) are one of the main components of the innate im- mune system. It has been reported that expression of these receptors are altered in the female reproductive tract (FRT) during menstrual cycle. Here we used a fallopian tube epithelial cell line (OE-E6/E7) to evaluate the effect of two sex hormones in modulating TLR expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, initially TLR gene expression in OE- E6/E7 cells was evaluated and compared with that of fallopian tube tissue using quanti- tative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunostaining. Thereafter, OE-E6/E7 cells were cultured with different concentrations of estradiol and progesterone, and combination of both. qRT-PCR was performed to reveal any changes in expression of TLR genes as a result of hormonal treatment. RESULTS: TLR1-10 genes were expressed in human fallopian tube tissue. TLR1-6 genes and their respective proteins were expressed in the OE-E6/E7 cell line. Although estradiol and progesterone separately had no significant effect on TLR expression, their combined treatment altered the expression of TLRs in this cell line. Also, the pattern of TLR expres- sion in preovulation (P), mensturation (M) and window of implantation (W) were the same for all TLRs with no significant differences between P, M and W groups. CONCLUSION: These data show the significant involvement of the combination of es- tradiol and progesterone in modulation of TLR gene expression in this human fal- lopian tube cell line. Further experiments may reveal the regulatory mechanism and signalling pathway behind the effect of sex hormones in modulating TLRs in the hu- man FRT

Biomass variation in red algae along the tidal areas of Bushehr province

This study was carried out during October 2008 to July 2009 in Bushehr coastal areas at 6 stations to examine biomass variations in red algae. Algal samples were collected by hand from intertidal zone, during low tide. Quadrates 50 ×50cm each were marked randomly in the study area, and all algal samples were collected within the quadrate area. Total biomass was found to be 2598.91g. m belonging to 15 Rhodophyta species. The maximum biomass was 1114.32g. m (43%) observed at the Nirougah station. Summer showed maximum biomass 1076.36g. m (41%) compared to other seasons. Results of this study showed Rhodophyta species are dispersed more in mid littoral and sub-tidal areas. Also, the maximum biomass was observed in the sub-tidal zone. The highest biomass of the species belonged to Gracilaria canaliculata

Stochastic Analysis and Regeneration of Rough Surfaces

We investigate Markov property of rough surfaces. Using stochastic analysis we characterize the complexity of the surface roughness by means of a Fokker-Planck or Langevin equation. The obtained Langevin equation enables us to regenerate surfaces with similar statistical properties compared with the observed morphology by atomic force microscopy.Comment: 4 pages, 7 figure

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist mediates toll-like receptor 3-induced inhibition of trophoblast adhesion to endometrial cells in vitro

STUDY QUESTION Is interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) involved in the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR 3)-induced inhibition of trophoblast cells' adhesion to endometrial cells in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER IL-1RA mediates the TLR 3-induced inhibition of trophoblast cells' adhesion to endometrial cells in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY It is well documented that endometrial TLR 3 activation leads to impairment of trophoblast binding to endometrial cells in vitro. IL-1RA is known as an anti-implantation factor, as its injection significantly reduced implantation rates in mice by an effect on endometrial receptivity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Poly I:C was used as a TLR3 specific ligand and endometrial cells were either treated or not with Poly I:C (treated versus control) in vitro. IL-1RA was applied to block IL-1 signal transduction. IL-1RA was knocked down by Accell Human IL1RN siRNA. Flagellin was used to stimulate TLR 5. SP600125 (JNK) was applied to inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway. BAY11 -7082 was used to inhibit the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. The experiments were performed in three replicates on three separate days. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS An in vitro assay was developed using RL95-2 (an endometrial cell line) and JAr (a trophoblast cell line) cells. Initially, the production of IL-1RA in RL95-2 cells in response to TLR 3 activation was measured. To determine whether the TLR 3-induced inhibition of trophoblast binding was mediated through IL-1RA: (i) we evaluated the effect of IL-1RA on the attachment of trophoblast cells to endometrial cells; (ii) we knocked down TLR3-induced IL-1RA gene expression by IL-1RA Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and evaluated trophoblast attachment to endometrial cells. Finally, to clarify through which pathway TLR 3-induced inhibition of trophoblast binding occurs: (i) activation of NF-κB and MAPK was detected by transfecting the cells with secreted placental alkaline phosphatase reporter plasmids bearing promoter sequences for each transcription factor; (ii) the inhibitors for NF-κB and MAPK were used to block signaling; (iii) it was then investigated whether addition of these inhibitors could restore the TLR 3-induced impairment of trophoblast attachment to the endometrial cells. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Our results showed that addition of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) to RL95-2 cells significantly increased the production of IL-1RA (P < 0.05). Addition of human recombinant IL-1RA to RL95-2 cells remarkably decreased the adhesion rate of trophoblast cells to endometrial cells (P < 0.05). In addition, suppression of TLR3-induced IL-1RA gene expression in RL95-2 cells significantly restored trophoblast cells attachment to endometrial cells in the presence of Poly I:C (P < 0.05). Only TLR3 and not TLR5 induced MAPK activation (P < 0.05). TLR3 ligation did not affect NF-κB activation. Of NF-kB and MAPK inhibitors, only MAPK's inhibitor could achieve restoration of spheroid adhesion to endometrial cells (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study has been only done in vitro. Future in vivo studies will confirm our data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study have a potential clinical application in introducing IL-1RA as one of the diagnostic infertility markers in the endometrium, which can affect the process of embryo adhesion at the time of implantation. Moreover, based on the novel data obtained in the current study, blocking and regulating the MAPK pathway by its inhibitors can be used as a new strategy to prevent and treat virus-induced infertility cases in ART techniques. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This study was partially funded by a Marie Curie IIF-253948 grant to I.C. and was partially funded by the author's institutions. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare

Experimental Indicators of Accretion Processes in Active Galactic Nuclei

Bright Active Galactic Nuclei are powered by accretion of mass onto the super massive black holes at the centers of the host galaxies. For fainter objects star formation may significantly contribute to the luminosity. We summarize experimental indicators of the accretion processes in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), i.e., observable activity indicators that allow us to conclude on the nature of accretion. The Galactic Center is the closest galactic nucleus that can be studied with unprecedented angular resolution and sensitivity. Therefore, here we also include the presentation of recent observational results on Sagittarius A* and the conditions for star formation in the central stellar cluster. We cover results across the electromagnetic spectrum and find that the Sagittarius A* (SgrA*) system is well ordered with respect to its geometrical orientation and its emission processes of which we assume to reflect the accretion process onto the super massive black hole.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures, conference proceeding: Accretion Processes in Cosmic Sources - APCS2016 - 5-10 September 2016, Saint Petersburg, Russi

Evaluation of Waterlogging Tolerance in Twenty-One Cultivars and Genotypes of Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) and its Effect on some Physiological Characteristics of Shoot and Root System at the Three-Leaf Stage

IntroductionCovering a staggering 215 million hectares, wheat stands as the world's most extensively cultivated crop plant. Just like its botanical counterparts, wheat operates as an obligate aerobic organism, implying its reliance on absorbing oxygen from the surrounding environment to facilitate growth, proliferation, and the successful completion of its life cycle. Annual instances of waterlogging stress inflict harm upon wheat crops, attributed to inadequate irrigation practices, subpar drainage systems, uneven field leveling, elevated groundwater levels, the presence of unyielding impermeable layers, and bouts of intense, abrupt rainfall. This adverse impact is progressively escalating, potentially influenced by the ongoing shifts in climate patterns. Consequently, the adoption of resilient cultivars and the genetic enhancement of bread wheat assume critical importance. These strategies are aimed at augmenting the wheat's capacity to effectively cope with waterlogging stress, aligning it with the mounting demands of a burgeoning global population.To achieve these goals, it is necessary to understand the factors causing waterlogging stress damage in wheat and to know the mechanisms of tolerance in this plant. The survival of root terminal meristem cells under waterlogging stress conditions is very limited, and their ability to grow again after removing the stress is also restricted. Waterlogging stress leads to the death of primary roots and reduced growth of lateral roots in wheat. However, there is variation among wheat cultivars concerning these traits. Reduced access to oxygen hampers root growth and nutrient absorption, including nitrogen. Consequently, photosynthesis and carbohydrate availability decrease, further restricting root growth.Materials and MethodsAn outdoor pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of waterlogging stress on shoot and root dry matter, as well as some physiological characteristics. The experiment followed a split-plot design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. The stress was applied at the three-leaf stage, and three control levels were used: no waterlogging stress, mild stress (48 hours of waterlogging stress), and severe stress (120 hours of waterlogging stress) as the main factors. Cultivars and genotypes were also included as secondary factors.During the stress period, the water level was maintained at approximately 5 cm above the soil level. The cultivation took place outdoors in plastic pots. Data analysis was performed using SAS software, and graphs were generated using Excel software. Comparisons between treatments were based on the standard error. After testing different models, the linear regression model was ultimately employed.Results and DiscussionMild and severe waterlogging stress resulted in a significant decrease in shoot dry matter of 14.06% and 38.37%, respectively, across all cultivars and genotypes. Different cultivars and genotypes exhibited varying responses to waterlogging stress. To further understand the reasons for these differences, among the 21 cultivars and genotypes, Mehrgan and Sarang cultivars, as well as ms 93-16 and ms 93-6 genotypes, were selected due to their contrasting tolerance levels and yield potential. These selected cultivars and genotypes were studied to analyze specific root traits.Amidst severe waterlogging stress, a significant 38% reduction in root dry matter and a corresponding 29% decrease in root volume were recorded when compared to stress-free conditions. This closely mirrored the decline evident in shoot dry matter. Evaluation of the susceptibility index during the three-leaf stage unveiled that sole resilience was exhibited by the Aflak cultivar. In contrast, the remaining cultivars and genotypes were stratified into semi-tolerant and semi-susceptible categories.Notably, regression analysis underscored that even brief periods of waterlogging stress ushered in a reduction in dry matter. Furthermore, the elongation of the waterlogging duration magnified this decrease in dry matter, thereby mitigating the disparities across various cultivars and genotypes.ConclusionIn general, cultivars that were able to sustain higher levels of photosynthetic activity during waterlogging stress demonstrated a lower percentage decrease in dry matter. Although the Mehrgan cultivar experienced a significant reduction in dry matter yield and fell into the semi-sensitive group, it consistently exhibited significantly higher dry matter yield compared to other cultivars and genotypes across all treatments.AcknowledgmentThe authors express their gratitude to the Agriculture Research Center of Khuzestan for providing the seeds, the Research Vice-Chancellor of the Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz for covering the costs, and all the employees of the Department of Plant Production and Genetics

Protection of mice by a λ-based therapeutic vaccine against cancer associated with human papillomavirus type 16

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins (i.e. E6 and E7) are constitutively expressed in cervical cancer cells. The proteins are ideal targets to be used for developing therapeutic vaccines against existing HPV-associated carcinomas. To date, whole bacteriophage ('phage')-λ particles, rather than purified 'naked' DNA, have been described as highly efficient delivery vehicles for a DNA vaccine. Methods: In this study, a safe and efficient λ-based therapeutic cancer vaccine, recombinant λ-ZAP E7 phage, was developed by inserting a HPV16 E7 gene into the Lambda ZAP® cytomegalovirus vector. λ-ZAP E7 phages were employed to immunize mice against the E7-expressing murine tumor cell line (TC-1), which is used as a tumor model in an H-2b murine system. Results: The tumor-bearing mice indicated a significant inhibition of tumor growth after 3 injections of 2 × 1012 particles of recombinant phages. Released lactate dehydrogenase, interferon-γ and granzyme B from spleen cells and lymphocyte proliferation of spleen cells, which all demonstrate the enhancement of cell-mediated immunity, suggested the phages could be a potent gene delivery system in animal models. Conclusion: Our results suggest the recombinant phages can be used as effective biological tools for inducing E7-specific protective immune responses. Hence, the study introduces a possible therapeutic strategy against cervical cancer and other HPV-related neoplasia. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Level Crossing Analysis of the Stock Markets

We investigate the average frequency of positive slope $\nu_{\alpha}^{+}$, crossing for the returns of market prices. The method is based on stochastic processes which no scaling feature is explicitly required. Using this method we define new quantity to quantify stage of development and activity of stocks exchange. We compare the Tehran and western stock markets and show that some stocks such as Tehran (TEPIX) and New Zealand (NZX) stocks exchange are emerge, and also TEPIX is a non-active market and financially motivated to absorb capital.Comment: 6 pages and 4 figure