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Autosomal genetic analyses of blood lipids have yielded key insights for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, X chromosome genetic variation is understudied for blood lipids in large sample sizes. We now analyze genetic and blood lipid data in a high-coverage whole X chromosome sequencing study of 65,322 multi-ancestry participants and perform replication among 456,893 European participants. Common alleles on chromosome Xq23 are strongly associated with reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (min P = 8.5 × 10−72), with similar effects for males and females. Chromosome Xq23 lipid-lowering alleles are associated with reduced odds for CHD among 42,545 cases and 591,247 controls (P = 1.7 × 10−4), and reduced odds for diabetes mellitus type 2 among 54,095 cases and 573,885 controls (P = 1.4 × 10−5). Although we observe an association with increased BMI, waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI is reduced, bioimpedance analyses indicate increased gluteofemoral fat, and abdominal MRI analyses indicate reduced visceral adiposity. Co-localization analyses strongly correlate increased CHRDL1 gene expression, particularly in adipose tissue, with reduced concentrations of blood lipids.

Permanent crop prunings are recognised as a potential source of biomass in Europe with a reduced degree of exploitation. EuroPruning project aims to provide technical solutions to make pruning products a reality in the solid biofuel market. The project tackles the variations of the quality along the whole supply chain. To provide guidelines to stakeholders willing to create logistic chains on prunings, the EuroPruning study has assessed quality changes of pruning residues during storage since it is the stage in which the quality is likely to suffer the highest degradation. Outdoor storage tests have been carried out during 6 months in three different European areas (representing three climate conditions) of high density of permanent crops. Experimental large scale chip piles and bale stacks have been built for that purpose from different species and net energy variation after storage has been assessed. Risks of auto-combustion and occupational health hazards linked to inhalation of air-borne spores released during material handling have also been part of the investigation. The results showed a positive energy variation in the material stored in the bale stacks contrary to most of the tests made with comminuted material. Some general recommendations to improve storage of prunings are also presented in this paper., Proceedings of the 24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-9 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 580-586

Agricultural residues (pruning residues) coming from permanent plantations and orchards constitute a significant and largely unused potential for renewable energy. The EuroPruning project aims to turn pruning residues into a valuable fuel source by developing solutions for their harvesting, transportation and storage that will contribute to increase the share of renewable sources in the total energy supply. To determine the environmental consequences of the Pruning-to-Energy (PtE) logistics chain, a Life Cycle Assessment study has been conducted. In this study the newly developed PtE scenarios are compared to a reference scenario: mulching and consequently leaving the pruning residues on the fields. Both alternatives have advantages and drawbacks from an environmental point view. However preliminary results for the PtE scenario for almond pruning residues show, that the environmental burdens are significantly lower than in case of leaving the pruning residues on the field., Proceedings of the 24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-9 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 1485-1489

Er-based light emitters, which can be electrically driven and easily integrated into Si-based circuitries, are of great interest for a broad palette of applications, especially in the field of telecommunication and sensing. Among the different approaches Er-implanted MOS devices feature their excellent compatibility to standard CMOS processes and the reproducibility of the implantation process. However, at present such devices do achieve neither the efficiency nor the operation lifetime usually required for such applications. In this study we compare various designs of Er-implanted MOS devices with respect to their electroluminescence efficiency and electrical operation lifetime. The different designs comprise devices implanted with Er alone or co-implanted with Si and Er, various single and multilayer systems and different host matrices for Er, namely SiO2 or Si-rich Si3N4. Despite the different design parameters, a strong correlation between efficiency and operation lifetime is found. This behavior is explained by the ambivalent role of hot electrons which play a key role both for the efficient excitation of erbium and for the oxide degradation.

Integrated optics concerns mainly the generation, guiding, and detection of light. Especially bio sensing needs systems that incorporate electronic and photonic devices for the detection of harmful substances, like synthetic estrogens or plasticizers. We present recent developments in the integration of Si-based light emitters into a photonic circuit for a planar optical waveguide-based bio detection system. The growing demand for sensitive biochemical sensors in the environmental control, medicine or process technology results in the development of integrated sensors, which should show a high resolution over a wide concentration regime. In our first approach we deal with the integration of a Si-based light emitting device (LED) into a photonic circuit for the detection of harmful biological substances. Light injection into a waveguide is commonly obtained by using an external source coupled to the waveguide, e.g. an optical fiber via total internal reflection. For simplifying this injection process, we built Si-based LEDs consisting of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure, in which the oxide film contains group-IV and/or rare earth elements, incorporated by ion-beam synthesis [1, 2]. The Si-based LED exhibits strong electroluminescence, tunable from the visible up to the UV region depending on the rare-earth element (e.g. Gd, Tb, Eu, Nd, Er). Currently, the Si-based LEDs are already available and best efficiencies were achieved by Tb or Er implantation with an external quantum and power efficiency of 16% and 0.3%. LOCOS (local oxidation of silicon) processing and an additional layer of SiON were applied to the device to improve the electrical stability and operation time. Our concept bases upon a Si-based photonic circuit which consists of the integrated LED, working as the light source, a newly fabricated dielectric strip-waveguide below a bioactive layer and a receiver. The dielectric strip-waveguide has a Si3N4 or SiON core, in which the light should be guided, and a cladding of SiO2. The receiver should be a photodiode (e.g. Ge, Si). In this work, we focus on the development and characterization of the dielectric waveguides. For theoretical pre-analysis we are using the finite element method by the FlexPDE software for calculating the mode profiles and resonance frequencies according to the cross sections of the structures. The fabrication of the waveguides was done by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), photolithography and electron beam lithography. Obtained SEM results enabled an improvement of the fabrication recipe of the waveguides by using an additional Al-masking during the reactive ion etching (RIE). Furthermore, a new measurement setup is built up, which enables transmission measurements and the inspection of the beam profiles as well as the damping factors of the structures in dependence on their cross sections. In future, the theoretical calculations are going to be compared with the experimental results of transmission and beam profiling measurements. Moreover, the Si-based LED should be coupled with the waveguide e.g. by Bragg grating. Finally, this lab-on-a-chip system is showing a high potential to become an all-round applicable integrated sensor system, without using any external light sources or relay lenses, which is why it should be easily portable and customizale.

Integrated optics concerns mainly the generation, guiding, and detection of light. Especially biosensing needs systems that incorporate electrical, electronic, and photonic devices for the detection of harmful substances, like synthetic oestrogens or plasticizers. We present here recent developments in the integration of our Si-based light emitter into a photonic circuit for a planar optical waveguide-based biodetection system.

Electrically driven, Si-based light emitters are of great interest for integrated photonic applications, especially for smart biosensors. Among the possible candidates Nd-implanted MOS devices are of special interest because of the emission wavelength of 900 nm of Nd3+ which have the potential to integrate a complete SPR (surface plasmon resonance) measurement in one chip. In this study we explore the influence of the Nd-concentration and the annealing parameters on the electrical and optoelectronic properties. The focus is on the electroluminescence and the electrical properties of the devices which will be compared to those of Er-implanted devices.

Currently, central Europe undergoes distinct changes in regional water balances. In northeast Germany a drying trend prevails, resulting in decreasing water quantities. If this trend continues, a negative influence on ecosystem services, such as the provision of water for human use and wetland conservation, is to be feared. Lake-level records of both short-term (last decades) and longterm perspective (last millennia) offer important hydrological information as they document changes in the local to regional water budget, depending from climatic and human impact. Research on lake hydrology can help to optimise management strategies for rebalancing the landscape water budget. Lake levels in northeast Germany have decreased or intensively fluctuated over the last decades. Examples for the hydrological development of some lakes in the Mecklenburg Lake District are given, showing highly variable local records with some conformity. From a palaeohydrological point of view, until the late Mediaeval regional lake hydrology was predominantly driven by climatic, geomorphic and non-anthropogenic biotic factors. Since the late Mediaeval, human activities have strongly influenced the drainage pattern and the lake water cycle, for instance, by damming of lakes, construction of canals and land cover changes in the lake catchments.

In this report we present our recent investigations of rare earth (Ce, Tb) implanted SiO2 thin films for Down-conversion (DC) as an application for solar cells. Photovoltaic modules (PV) are showing high losses in the ultra violet range of the incident sunlight, because of band gap losses and front layer absorption. DC layers are applied to the front surface of photovoltaic cells to enhance solar cell efficiency

In this report we present our recent developments for utilizing the Si-based light emitter consisting of a MOS structure for the detection of organic pollutants. In the latest approach the light emitters are intended to serve as light sources in smart biosensors [1, 2]. In fluid media the device is placed beneath the dye-labeled sample exciting the dye. This light emission can be recorded by an external detector. It was shown that the silanization of the device surface was successfully based on the covalent binding of the organosilane [3]. The harmlessness of the silanization method to the integrated light emitters was proved by comparing the electroluminescence spectra of Tb-based MOSLEDs before and after silanization. We further showed that the transparency is maintained. Similarly, the human estrogen receptor hERα could be immobilized effectively on the coated surface [3]. We also discuss our concept of an integrated light emitter and a receiver in a dielectric waveguide structure below the bioactive layer for the detection of harmful substances, like synthetic estrogens or plasticizer in drinking water. Optical properties of waveguides, e.g. the transmission, are very sensitive to changes of the effective refraction index, which might be induced by the immobilization of biomolecules on the waveguide surface or in cavity structures, e.g. photonic crystals. This lab-on-a-chip system provides fast light transmission without using of any additional lenses and achieves further portability and miniaturization. [1] L. Rebohle, C. Cherkouk, S. Prucnal, M. Helm, W. Skorupa, Vacuum 83, 24 (2009) [2] L. Rebohle, T. Gebel, R.A. Yankov, T. Trautmann, W. Skorupa, J. Sun, G. Gauglitz, R. Frank, Optical Materials 27, 1055 (2005) [3] C. Cherkouk, L. Rebohle, W. Skorupa, T. Strache, H. Reuther and M. Helm, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 337, 375 (2009)

A different silanization method for SiO2 surfaces has been raised for Si-based light emitter which are considered as light sources in sensors for the detection of harmful biomolecules. This approach uses a special experimental setup for gas phase silanization (GPS) and is based on the evaporation and deposition in nitrogen atmosphere at normal pressure for 15 minutes with different silane volumes. The light emitter has a SiO2 passivation layer on the top which was hydrolyzed in an in situ hybridization chamber and catalyzed with MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanaesulfone acid hydrate) buffer solution. Afterward, the substrates were silanized with the GPS method using the organosilane (3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS). Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and Atomic force microscopy were used to control and characterize the structure of the SiO2 surface and the APTMS layer. The results demonstrate a successful covalent binding of the coupling agent and the interaction of the deposited molecules with each other. The roughness of the modified surface was investigated by the Atomic force microscopy. The silanized samples show rough and textured surfaces. At last, the suitability of the developed GPS method was verified on light emitters.

EuroPruning project aims to set the path for new and improved biomass supply chains based on agricultural prunings. EuroPruning has developed innovative technology to cope with existing technical barriers for a more feasible utilization of pruning residues. A biomass smart system logistics has been developed, composed by a Smart Box sensor mounted on truck box, an on-board control unit, a web-based information platform, and a central control unit. The aim of the smart system is to support decision making prior ordering biomass, organization of the delivery, allow quality tracking and traceability and register of transport. The GIS platform can be used as centralised by a logistic operator, or as a multi-user platform. Two harvesting machineries have been developed to cope with market gaps: the PRB 1,75 pruning baler able to produce standard 1.2x1.2 round bales, and the PC50 chipper, able to produce P45 woodchips, and to accumulated in built-in self discharge container, in big-bags or on a trailer circulating in parallel. These innovative products have been object of testing in EuroPruning demonstrations. The demonstrations have yield relevant information to raise the TRL (technology readiness level) of the prototypes towards pre-market or market stage. But demonstrations were furthermore, a pilot scale laboratory where farmers, logistics operators and final consumers participated together in reproducing the supply chain stage by stage. This experience has yield quite relevant information, that EuroPruning partners have expressed in this document in form of observed facts and lessons learnt., Proceedings of the 24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-9 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 1727-1733

In the paper an outline of the assessment methodology and the determined results for three types of analysis (environmental, social and economic) are compared. The overall conclusion is, that there is a negative correlation between economic and social analysis results. The social analysis for scenarios, when a farmer collects the branches as a hobby (unpaid labor) gave the highest values of social indicator (SROI). Scenarios with market wages for a handmade collection gave also positive, but not so high SROI results. They also generated high incomes for local energy producer. In this case subsidizing should be considered. For standard business models (with the machinery specialized for pruning) all three analyses – economic, environmental, and social – gave positive results. For social analysis the result (SROI) varied in the range from 2 to 8., Proceedings of the 24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-9 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 1513-1515

Agricultural pruning is an almost unexploited biomass resource in Europe. EuroPruning project has carried out a study of the current status in Europe in order to solve two main questions. Firstly how the pruning is being done. And secondly what is the current use or management of the residue. The work has been carried out through consultancy with agrarian players at national and local level in 8 European countries. The study of the sector at European scale reveals that olive, fruit and grape plantations will basically remain stable in terms of cultivated area in the future. However it is observed a tendency for intensification.On the base of 25 national templates and 61 local surveys it has been explored what is the current status, and the consequences that intensification can bring for establishing new biomass value chains. It has been stated that intensification will incorporate mechanical pre-pruning operations. That will cause a modification in the type of pruning that is being obtained: size,, shape of the pieces and tons per hectare. It has also been stated that pruning main fate is the disposal by burning it in fires in open air, or the shredding to the soil as an organic input. On the same side it has been observed that in many cases the incorporation to soil is not observed as a best practice for soil preservation, but considered by farmers as the easiest method to dispose pruning. As main conclusions,it has been stated that prunings are actually available for energy in a large share., Proceedings of the 24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-9 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 1579-1595

Pruning resources from permanent crops essentially are an unexploited biomass resource in the EU28 even though a significant amount of them, more than 13 million tonnes over dry basis, are currently produced every year. With the aim of promoting a change towards a larger utilisation of biomass from prunings, the EuroPruning project (Developing a new logistics chain for biomass from prunings, FP7-312078) has developed research and demonstration activities looking for solving the current gaps in technology and knowledge which slow down the mobilisation of agricultural prunings to the energy market. EuroPruning has developed solutions both to overcome the existing social and techno-economic barriers (related to harvesting, on-site pre-treatment, quality and transport) and to bring to the market woody solid biomass resources produced from the branches, cuttings or stems produced under the common agricultural practices on permanent crops. This paper presents a wrap-up of the EuroPruning most relevant results and contributions for Europe in the main activities that are being carried out in the project (EuroPruning finishes in mid July 2016): quality traceability, harvesting equipment, storage, cost-effective logistics (Complete Logistics Smart System), soil affections, social-economic-environmental assessments and finally, policy recommendations to tackle non-technical barriers., Proceedings of the 24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 6-9 June 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 89-102

The biomass demand for the use as both renewable energy source and raw material for the biotechnology industry is increasing. Simultaneously, the supply of biomass is requested to become more cost-competitive. Innovative solutions for cost-effective biomass production should also avoid indirect land use changes and direct negative environmental effects. The main aim of this study is to identify the most promising innovative lignocellulosic cropping systems regarding environmental sustainability as well as social acceptance for different cost scenarios and different regions in Europe. To gather innovative cropping knowledge from around Europe ADVANCEFUEL organized a workshop. Participating Horizon 2020 projects presenting innovative approaches on lignocellulosic cropping systems included: FORBIO, MAGIC, BECOOL, LIBBIO, GRACE, and SEEMLA. Data was collected from field studies of the participating projects prior to the workshop and later presented in an aggregated way as a basis for discussions. This approach incorporates the knowledge gained in over 60 study cases conducted in 12 different countries. Under these study cases, 16 different lignocellulosic crops were covered. This field based knowledge can be used to validate spatial assessments of sustainable biomass production potentials in Europe., Proceedings of the 27th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 27-30 May 2019, Lisbon, Portugal, pp. 84-89

A high-resolution reference panel based on whole-genome sequencing data enables accurate imputation of HLA alleles across diverse populations and fine-mapping of HLA association signals for HIV-1 host response., Fine-mapping to plausible causal variation may be more effective in multi-ancestry cohorts, particularly in the MHC, which has population-specific structure. To enable such studies, we constructed a large (n = 21,546) HLA reference panel spanning five global populations based on whole-genome sequences. Despite population-specific long-range haplotypes, we demonstrated accurate imputation at G-group resolution (94.2%, 93.7%, 97.8% and 93.7% in admixed African (AA), East Asian (EAS), European (EUR) and Latino (LAT) populations). Applying HLA imputation to genome-wide association study data for HIV-1 viral load in three populations (EUR, AA and LAT), we obviated effects of previously reported associations from population-specific HIV studies and discovered a novel association at position 156 in HLA-B. We pinpointed the MHC association to three amino acid positions (97, 67 and 156) marking three consecutive pockets (C, B and D) within the HLA-B peptide-binding groove, explaining 12.9% of trait variance.