bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observing Actual Evapotranspiration from Flux Tower Eddy Covariance Measurements within a Hilly Watershed: Case Study of the Kamech Site, Cap Bon Peninsula, Tunisia
Authors: Zitouna-Chebbi Rim , Prévot Laurent , Chakhar Amal , Marniche-Ben Abdallah Manel , Jacob Frederic
Published: February 2018

There is a strong need for long term observations of land surface fluxes such as actual evapotranspiration (ETa). Eddy covariance (EC) method is widely used to provide ETa measurements, and several gap-filling methods have been proposed to complete inherent missing data. However, implementing gap-filling methods is questionable for EC time series collected within hilly agricultural areas at the watershed extent. Indeed, changes in wind direction induce changes in airflow inclination and footprint, and therefore possibly induce changes in the relationships on which rely gap-filling methods. This study aimed to obtain continuous ETa time series by adapting gap-filling methods to the particular conditions abovementioned. The experiment took place within an agricultural watershed in north-eastern Tunisia. A 9.6-m-high EC flux tower has been operating close to the watershed center since 2010. The sensible and latent heat fluxes data collected from 2010 to 2013 were quality controlled, and the REddyProc software was used to fill gaps at the hourly timescale. Adapting REddyProc method consisted of splitting the dataset according to wind direction, which improved the flux data at the hourly timescale, but not at the daily and monthly timescales. Finally, complete time series permitted to analyze seasonal and inter-annual variability of ETa.
Analysis of the Influence of Rainfall Spatial Uncertainty on Hydrological Simulations Using the Bootstrap Method
Authors: Zhang Ang , Shi Haiyun , Li Tiejian , Fu Xudong
Published: February 2018

Rainfall stations of a certain number and spatial distribution supply sampling records of rainfall processes in a river basin. Uncertainty may be introduced when the station records are spatially interpolated for the purpose of hydrological simulations. This study adopts a bootstrap method to quantitatively estimate the uncertainty of areal rainfall estimates and its effects on hydrological simulations. The observed rainfall records are first analyzed using clustering and correlation methods and possible average basin rainfall amounts are calculated with a bootstrap method using various combinations of rainfall station subsets. Then, the uncertainty of simulated runoff, which is propagated through a hydrological model from the spatial uncertainty of rainfall estimates, is analyzed with the bootstrapped rainfall inputs. By comparing the uncertainties of rainfall and runoff, the responses of the hydrological simulation to the rainfall spatial uncertainty are discussed. Analyses are primarily performed for three rainfall events in the upstream of the Qingjian River basin, a sub-basin of the middle Yellow River; moreover, one rainfall event in the Longxi River basin is selected for the analysis of the areal representation of rainfall stations. Using the Digital Yellow River Integrated Model, the results show that the uncertainty of rainfall estimates derived from rainfall station network has a direct influence on model simulation, which can be conducive to better understand of rainfall spatial characteristic. The proposed method can be a guide to quantify an approximate range of simulated error caused by the spatial uncertainty of rainfall input and the quantified relationship between rainfall input and simulation performance can provide useful information about rainfall station network management in river basins.
Comparative Evaluation of the Third-Generation Reanalysis Data for Wind Resource Assessment of the Southwestern Offshore in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hyun-Goo , Kim Jin-Young , Kang Yong-Heack
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated the applicability of long-term datasets among third-generation reanalysis data CFSR, ERA-Interim, MERRA, and MERRA-2 to determine which dataset is more suitable when performing wind resource assessment for the ‘Southwest 2.5 GW Offshore Wind Power Project’, which is currently underway strategically in South Korea. The evaluation was performed by comparing the reanalyses with offshore, onshore, and island meteorological tower measurements obtained in and around the southwest offshore. In the pre-processing of the measurement data, the shading sectors due to a meteorological tower were excluded from all observation data, and the measurement heights at the offshore meteorological towers were corrected considering the sea level change caused by tidal difference. To reflect the orographic forcing by terrain features, the reanalysis data were transformed by using WindSim, a flow model based on computational fluid dynamics and statistical-dynamic downscaling. The comparison of the reanalyses with the measurement data showed the fitness in the following order in terms of coefficient of determination: MERRA-2 > CFSR = MERRA > ERA-Interim. Since the measurement data at the onshore meteorological towers strongly revealed a local wind system such as sea-land breeze, it is judged to be inappropriate for use as supplementary data for offshore wind resource assessment.
Surgical Considerations of Intractable Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Boling Warren W.
Published: February 2018

Surgery of temporal lobe epilepsy is the best opportunity for seizure freedom in medically intractable patients. The surgical approach has evolved to recognize the paramount importance of the mesial temporal structures in the majority of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who have a seizure origin in the mesial temporal structures. For those individuals with medically intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, a selective amygdalohippocampectomy surgery can be done that provides an excellent opportunity for seizure freedom and limits the resection to temporal lobe structures primarily involved in seizure genesis.
Immobilization Effects on the Catalytic Properties of Two Fusarium Verticillioides Lipases: Stability, Hydrolysis, Transesterification and Enantioselectivity Improvement
Authors: Facchini Fernanda Dell Antonio , Pereira Marita Gimenez , Vici Ana Claudia , Filice Marco , Pessela Benevides Costa , Guisan Jose Manuel , Fernandez-Lorente Glória , Polizeli Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes
Published: February 2018

Fusarium verticillioides lipases were purified in a “cascade” method using octadecyl Sepabeads and octyl Sepharose resins, which led to the isolation of two proteins with lipolytic activities. Lip 1 was purified after octyl Sepharose adsorption presenting 30.3 kDa and, Lip 2 presented 68.0 kDa after octadecyl adsorption. These immobilization processes resulted in an increase of 3-fold in activity of each immobilized enzyme. These enzymes presented optima of pH of 5.0 and 6.0, respectively and temperature at 40 °C. They were thermostable at 40 °C and both remained more than 50% of its activity at the pH range of 5.0 to 7.0, with 180 min of incubation. The sardine oil hydrolysis showed higher EPA/DHA ratio. Concerning the ethanolysis reaction, Lip 2 showed higher conversion (5.5%) and both lipases showed activity in the release of the S enantiomers from 2-O-butyryl-2-phenylacetic acid (mandelic butyrate acid) and HPBE hydrolysis. Lip 2 also demonstrated capacity of transesterification. These applications made these enzymes attractive for industrial application.
Social Determinants of Perceived Discrimination among Black Youth: Intersection of Ethnicity and Gender
Authors: Assari Shervin , Caldwell Cleopatra Howard
Published: February 2018

Most of the existing sociological and epidemiological literature has focused on the protective effects of high socioeconomic status (SES) on population health through reducing exposure to risk factors and increasing human and material resources that can mitigate adversities. Recent studies, however, have documented poor mental health of high SES Blacks, particularly African American males and Caribbean Black females. The literature also shows a link between perceived discrimination and poor mental health. To better understand the extra costs of upward social mobility for minority populations, this study explored ethnic by gender variations in the associations between SES indicators and perceived discrimination in an ethnically diverse national sample of Black youth. This study included 810 African American and 360 Caribbean Black youth who were sampled in the National Survey of American Life—Adolescent supplement (NSAL-A). Three SES indicators (financial hardship, family income, and income to needs ratio) were the independent variables. The dependent variable was perceived (daily) discrimination. Age was the covariate. Ethnicity and gender were the focal moderators. Linear regressions were used for data analysis in the pooled sample and also based on the intersection of ethnicity and gender. Considerable gender by ethnicity variations were found in the patterns of the associations between SES indicators and perceived discrimination. Financial hardship was a risk factor for perceived discrimination in African American males only. High family income and income to needs ratio were associated with high (but not low) perceived discrimination in African American males and Caribbean Black females. SES indicators were not associated with perceived discrimination for African American females or Caribbean Black males. When it comes to Black youth, high SES is not always protective. Whether SES reduces or increases perceived discrimination among Black youth depends on the intersection of ethnicity by gender. Additional research is needed to understand why and how high SES increases exposure and vulnerability to discrimination for some groups of Black youth.
Closing the Gap between Climate Information Producers and Users: Assessment of Needs and Uptake in Senegal
Authors: Ouedraogo Issa , Diouf Ndeye Seynabou , Ouédraogo Mathieu , Ndiaye Ousmane , Zougmoré Robert
Published: February 2018

West Africa is a very vulnerable part of the world to the impacts of climate change due to a combination of exposure and low adaptive capacity. Climate change has induced an increase in rainfall variability which in turn has affected the availability of water resources, ecosystem services and agricultural production. To adapt to the increased aridity, farmers have used indigenous and modern coping strategies such as soil and water conservation techniques, the use of drought-tolerant crops and varieties, crop diversification, etc., and lately, climate information services (CIS). The latter, according to the discourses, has positively contributed to suitable decision-making in terms of farming, pastoral and fishing management systems. However, the scientific documentation of the engagement approaches, the uptake of the CIS and the ways the delivered information is being used, as well as feedback from the users, is lacking. Additionally, in most of the cases where CIS are introduced, the disconnect between the users and producers of the CIS seems to undercut large-scale uptake. The objective of this paper is to examine the approach used to involve stakeholders in the CIS uptake process in Senegal. We analyzed the experiences and lessons learnt in the country where various CIS products were introduced using participatory methods (stakeholder consultations, interviews, field demonstrations, training workshops, etc.) and innovative stressors (SMS, voice messages, radios, mobile applications, etc.) to effectively involve producers, technicians and policy-makers. Results showed that 16 relevant CIS have been produced out of 27 identified by the various users; 11 CIS diffusion channels have been developed out of 13 requested; 27 climate advisory bodies (MWGs) have been created in 27 districts out of 30 districts in the study zone; about 6800 users have been trained directly and indirectly to effectively use CIS and about 8500 people are receiving CIS via SMS, voice messaging and emails. The opportunities for CIS uptake as well as the challenges that may impede the long-term sustainability of CIS upscaling in the country are highlighted. Recommendations that will improve and sustain the governance system of CIS in Senegal and the rest of West Africa include the involvement of private sectors in the chain of production, delivery and training, and the inciting of producers to largely subscribe to the weather-based index insurance.
Implications of PCCA+ in Molecular Simulation
Authors: Weber Marcus
Published: February 2018

Upon ligand binding or during chemical reactions the state of a molecular system changes in time. Usually we consider a finite set of (macro-) states of the system (e.g., ‘bound’ vs. ‘unbound’), although the process itself takes place in a continuous space. In this context, the formula

χ
=
X
A

connects the micro-dynamics of the molecular system to its macro-dynamics.

χ

can be understood as a clustering of micro-states of a molecular system into a few macro-states. X is a basis of an invariant subspace of a transfer operator describing the micro-dynamics of the system. The formula claims that there is an unknown linear relation

A

between these two objects. With the aid of this formula we can understand rebinding effects, the electron flux in pericyclic reactions, and systematic changes of binding rates in kinetic ITC experiments. We can also analyze sequential spectroscopy experiments and rare event systems more easily. This article provides an explanation of the formula and an overview of some of its consequences.
The Electrical Properties of Tb-Doped CaF2 Nanoparticles under High Pressure
Authors: Hu Tingjing , Cui Xiaoyan , Wang Jingshu , Zhong Xin , Chen Yinzhu , Zhang Junkai , Li Xuefei , Yang Jinghai , Gao Chunxiao
Published: February 2018

The high-pressure transport behavior of CaF2 nanoparticles with 3 mol% Tb concentrations was studied by alternate-current impedance measurement. All of the electrical parameters vary abnormally at approximately 10.76 GPa, corresponding to the fluorite-cotunnite structural transition. The substitution of Ca2+ by Tb3+ leads to deformation in the lattice, and finally lowers the transition pressure. The F− ions diffusion, electronic transport, and charge-discharge process become more difficult with the rising pressure. In the electronic transport process, defects at grains play a dominant role. The charge carriers include both F− ions and electrons, and electrons are dominant in the transport process. The Tb doping improves the pressure effect on the transport behavior of CaF2 nanocrystals.
Atomic Charges and Chemical Bonding in Y-Ga Compounds
Authors: Grin Yuri , Fedorchuk Anatolij , Faria Rodolfo J. , Wagner Frank R.
Published: February 2018

A negative deviation from Vegard rule for the average atomic volume versus yttrium content was found from experimental crystallographic information about the binary compounds of yttrium with gallium. Analysis of the electron density (DFT calculations) employing the quantum theory of atoms in molecules revealed an increase in the atomic volumes of both Y and Ga with the increase in yttrium content. The non-linear increase is caused by the strengthening of covalent Y-Ga interactions with stronger participation of genuine penultimate shell electrons (4d electrons of yttrium) in the valence region. Summing the calculated individual atomic volumes for a unit cell allows understanding of the experimental trend. With increasing yttrium content, the polarity of the Y-Ga bonding and, thus its ionicity, rises. The covalency of the atomic interactions in Y-Ga compounds is consistent with their delocalization from two-center to multi-center ones.
Incorporation of Hexanuclear Mn(II,III) Carboxylate Clusters with a {Mn6O2} Core in Polymeric Structures
Authors: Darii Mariana , Filippova Irina , Hauser Jürg , Decurtins Silvio , Liu Shi-Xia , Kravtsov Victor , Baca Svetlana
Published: February 2018

A new series of hexanuclear mixed-valent carboxylate coordination clusters of the type [Mn6O2(O2CR)10L4] (R = CMe3; CHMe2) featuring a {MnII4MnIII2(μ4-O)2} core of composition [Mn6O2(O2CCMe3)10(Me3CCO2H)3(EtOH)]•(Me3CCO2H) (1), [Mn6O2(O2CCMe3)10(Me3CCO2H)2 (EtOH)2]•2(EtOH) (2) and [Mn6O2(O2CCMe3)10(Me3CCO2H)2(MeOH)2]•2(MeOH)•H2O (3), and coordination polymers which incorporate such clusters, namely [Mn6O2(O2CCHMe2)10(pyz)(MeOH)2]n (4), {[Mn6O2(O2CCHMe2)10(pyz)1.5(H2O)]•0.5(H2O)}n (5), and [Mn6O2(O2CCMe3)10(HO2CCMe3)2(en)]n (6), have been synthesized (where pyz = pyrazine, en = ethyl nicotinate). The modification of the cluster surface by a diverse combination of capped or bridging ligands attached to peripheral MnII atoms results in discrete clusters with a closed hydrophobic exterior shell in 1 and 2, supramolecular chains built through hydrogen bonded solvent molecule clusters in 3, linear coordination polymers in 4 and 6 or a ladder-like coordination polymer in 5. The H-bonded coordination polymers 4 and 5 form supramolecular layers in crystals.
Do Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Fetuin-A Play Different Roles in Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease and Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Authors: Nascimbeni Fabio , Romagnoli Dante , Ballestri Stefano , Baldelli Enrica , Lugari Simonetta , Sirotti Valentina , Giampaoli Valentina , Lonardo Amedeo
Published: February 2018

Background and Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with both atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Fetuin-A. However, the association of Fetuin-A with atherosclerosis is more controversial. We hypothesized that the pathogenic interplay of NAFLD, Fetuin-A and atherosclerosis varies based on arterial site. Accordingly, we aimed to assess NAFLD prevalence, Fetuin-A values and their relationship with symptomatic atherosclerosis occurring in different localizations: coronary artery disease (CAD) vs. peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods: One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic CVD were recruited: 45 with CAD diagnosed by coronary angiography and 104 with PAD detected by doppler-ultrasound and/or computed tomography angiography and/or angiography. NAFLD was diagnosed based on both ultrasonography and exclusion of competing etiologies. Serum Fetuin-A was measured with ELISA. Results: NAFLD was detected in 54% of the overall group, with higher rates in PAD (59%) than CAD (42%) patients. Median Fetuin-A values were 256 (111–662) μg/mL, higher in patients with CAD (378 (124−662) μg/mL) than those with PAD (236 (111−461) μg/mL). The main findings were: (1) CAD patients had higher Fetuin-A values and less frequently NAFLD than PAD patients; (2) NAFLD was positively associated with Fetuin-A values; however, this association was limited to CAD patients only; (3) Fetuin-A values were positively associated with both CAD and NAFLD. Conclusion: The pathogenic interplay of NAFLD, Fetuin-A and atherosclerosis probably varies according to the arterial site.
On a Dynamical Approach to Some Prime Number Sequences
Authors: Lacasa Lucas , Luque Bartolome , Gómez Ignacio , Miramontes Octavio
Published: February 2018

We show how the cross-disciplinary transfer of techniques from dynamical systems theory to number theory can be a fruitful avenue for research. We illustrate this idea by exploring from a nonlinear and symbolic dynamics viewpoint certain patterns emerging in some residue sequences generated from the prime number sequence. We show that the sequence formed by the residues of the primes modulo k are maximally chaotic and, while lacking forbidden patterns, unexpectedly display a non-trivial spectrum of Renyi entropies which suggest that every block of size m > 1 , while admissible, occurs with different probability. This non-uniform distribution of blocks for m > 1 contrasts Dirichlet’s theorem that guarantees equiprobability for m = 1 . We then explore in a similar fashion the sequence of prime gap residues. We numerically find that this sequence is again chaotic (positivity of Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy), however chaos is weaker as forbidden patterns emerge for every block of size m > 1 . We relate the onset of these forbidden patterns with the divisibility properties of integers, and estimate the densities of gap block residues via Hardy–Littlewood k-tuple conjecture. We use this estimation to argue that the amount of admissible blocks is non-uniformly distributed, what supports the fact that the spectrum of Renyi entropies is again non-trivial in this case. We complete our analysis by applying the chaos game to these symbolic sequences, and comparing the Iterated Function System (IFS) attractors found for the experimental sequences with appropriate null models.
Uncertainty Relation Based on Wigner–Yanase–Dyson Skew Information with Quantum Memory
Authors: Li Jun , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: February 2018

We present uncertainty relations based on Wigner–Yanase–Dyson skew information with quantum memory. Uncertainty inequalities both in product and summation forms are derived. It is shown that the lower bounds contain two terms: one characterizes the degree of compatibility of two measurements, and the other is the quantum correlation between the measured system and the quantum memory. Detailed examples are given for product, separable and entangled states.
Investigating the Configurations in Cross-Shareholding: A Joint Copula-Entropy Approach
Authors: Cerqueti Roy , Rotundo Giulia , Ausloos Marcel
Published: February 2018

The complex nature of the interlacement of economic actors is quite evident at the level of the Stock market, where any company may actually interact with the other companies buying and selling their shares. In this respect, the companies populating a Stock market, along with their connections, can be effectively modeled through a directed network, where the nodes represent the companies, and the links indicate the ownership. This paper deals with this theme and discusses the concentration of a market. A cross-shareholding matrix is considered, along with two key factors: the node out-degree distribution which represents the diversification of investments in terms of the number of involved companies, and the node in-degree distribution which reports the integration of a company due to the sales of its own shares to other companies. While diversification is widely explored in the literature, integration is most present in literature on contagions. This paper captures such quantities of interest in the two frameworks and studies the stochastic dependence of diversification and integration through a copula approach. We adopt entropies as measures for assessing the concentration in the market. The main question is to assess the dependence structure leading to a better description of the data or to market polarization (minimal entropy) or market fairness (maximal entropy). In so doing, we derive information on the way in which the in- and out-degrees should be connected in order to shape the market. The question is of interest to regulators bodies, as witnessed by specific alert threshold published on the US mergers guidelines for limiting the possibility of acquisitions and the prevalence of a single company on the market. Indeed, all countries and the EU have also rules or guidelines in order to limit concentrations, in a country or across borders, respectively. The calibration of copulas and model parameters on the basis of real data serves as an illustrative application of the theoretical proposal.
Robustification of a One-Dimensional Generic Sigmoidal Chaotic Map with Application of True Random Bit Generation
Authors: Jiteurtragool Nattagit , Masayoshi Tachibana , San-Um Wimol
Published: February 2018

The search for generation approaches to robust chaos has received considerable attention due to potential applications in cryptography or secure communications. This paper is of interest regarding a 1-D sigmoidal chaotic map, which has never been distinctly investigated. This paper introduces a generic form of the sigmoidal chaotic map with three terms, i.e., xn+1 = ∓AfNL(Bxn) ± Cxn ± D, where A, B, C, and D are real constants. The unification of modified sigmoid and hyperbolic tangent (tanh) functions reveals the existence of a “unified sigmoidal chaotic map” generically fulfilling the three terms, with robust chaos partially appearing in some parameter ranges. A simplified generic form, i.e., xn+1 = ∓fNL(Bxn) ± Cxn, through various S-shaped functions, has recently led to the possibility of linearization using (i) hardtanh and (ii) signum functions. This study finds a linearized sigmoidal chaotic map that potentially offers robust chaos over an entire range of parameters. Chaos dynamics are described in terms of chaotic waveforms, histogram, cobweb plots, fixed point, Jacobian, and a bifurcation structure diagram based on Lyapunov exponents. As a practical example, a true random bit generator using the linearized sigmoidal chaotic map is demonstrated. The resulting output is evaluated using the NIST SP800-22 test suite and TestU01.
A Multivariate Kernel Approach to Forecasting the Variance Covariance of Stock Market Returns
Authors: Becker Ralf , Clements Adam , O'Neill Robert
Published: February 2018

This paper introduces a multivariate kernel based forecasting tool for the prediction of variance-covariance matrices of stock returns. The method introduced allows for the incorporation of macroeconomic variables into the forecasting process of the matrix without resorting to a decomposition of the matrix. The model makes use of similarity forecasting techniques and it is demonstrated that several popular techniques can be thought as a subset of this approach. A forecasting experiment demonstrates the potential for the technique to improve the statistical accuracy of forecasts of variance-covariance matrices.
Network-Constrained Unit Commitment Based on Reserve Models Fully Considering the Stochastic Characteristics of Wind Power
Authors: Wang Gang , You Dahai , Zhang Zhe , Dai Li , Zou Qi , Liu Hengwei
Published: February 2018

The existing optimization approaches regarding network-constrained unit commitment with large wind power integration face great difficulties in reconciling the two crucial but contradictory objectives: computational efficiency and the economy of the solutions. This paper proposes a new network-constrained unit commitment approach, which aims to better achieve these two objectives, by introducing newly proposed reserve models and simplified network constraints. This approach constructs the reserve models based on a sufficiently large number of stochastic wind power scenarios to fully and accurately capture the stochastic characteristics of wind power. These reserve models are directly incorporated into the traditional unit commitment formulation to simultaneously optimize the on/off decision variables and system reserve levels, therefore, this approach can comprehensively evaluate the costs and benefits of the scheduled reserves and thus produce very economical schedule. Meanwhile, these reserve models bring in very little computational burden because they simply consist of a small number of continuous variables and linear constraints. Besides, this approach can evaluate the impact of network congestion on the schedule by just introducing a small number of network constraints that are closely related to network congestion, i.e., the simplified network constraints, and thus concurrently ensures its high computational efficiency. Numerical results show that the proposed approach can produce more economical schedule than stochastic approach and deterministic approach but has similar computational efficiency as the deterministic approach.
A Novel Stochastic-Programming-Based Energy Management System to Promote Self-Consumption in Industrial Processes
Authors: Barrientos Jorge , López José David , Valencia Felipe
Published: February 2018

The introduction of non-conventional energy sources (NCES) to industrial processes is a viable alternative to reducing the energy consumed from the grid. However, a robust coordination of the local energy resources with the power imported from the distribution grid is still an open issue, especially in countries that do not allow selling energy surpluses to the main grid. In this paper, we propose a stochastic-programming-based energy management system (EMS) focused on self-consumption that provides robustness to both sudden NCES or load variations, while preventing power injection to the main grid. The approach is based on a finite number of scenarios that combines a deterministic structure based on spectral analysis and a stochastic model that represents variability. The parameters to generate these scenarios are updated when new information arrives. We tested the proposed approach with data from a copper extraction mining process. It was compared to a traditional EMS with perfect prediction, i.e., a best case scenario. Test results show that the proposed EMS is comparable to the EMS with perfect prediction in terms of energy imported from the grid (slightly higher), but with less power changes in the distribution side and enhanced dynamic response to transients of wind power and load. This improvement is achieved with a non-significant computational time overload.
Insights into Dynamic Tuning of Magnetic-Resonant Wireless Power Transfer Receivers Based on Switch-Mode Gyrators
Authors: Saad Mohamed , Alarcón Eduard
Published: February 2018

Magnetic-resonant wireless power transfer (WPT) has become a reliable contactless source of power for a wide range of applications. WPT spans different power levels ranging from low-power implantable devices up to high-power electric vehicles (EV) battery charging. The transmission range and efficiency of WPT have been reasonably enhanced by resonating the transmitter and receiver coils at a common frequency. Nevertheless, matching between resonance in the transmitter and receiver is quite cumbersome, particularly in single-transmitter multi-receiver systems. The resonance frequency in transmitter and receiver tank circuits has to be perfectly matched, otherwise power transfer capability is greatly degraded. This paper discusses the mistuning effect of parallel-compensated receivers, and thereof a novel dynamic frequency tuning method and related circuit topology and control is proposed and characterized in the system application. The proposed method is based on the concept of switch-mode gyrator emulating variable lossless inductors oriented to enable self-tunability in WPT receivers.
Tailings Dams Failures: Updated Statistical Model for Discharge Volume and Runout
Authors: Concha Larrauri Paulina , Lall Upmanu
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a statistical model to estimate the volume of released tailings (VF) and the maximum distance travelled by the tailings (Dmax) in the event of a tailings dam failure, based on physical parameters of the dams. The dataset of historical tailings dam failures is updated from the one used by Rico et al., (Floods from tailings dam failures, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 154 (1) (2008) 79–87) for their regression model. It includes events out of the range of the dams contained in the previous dataset. A new linear regression model for the calculation of Dmax, which considers the potential energy associated with the released volume is proposed. A reduction in the uncertainty in the estimation of Dmax when large tailings dam failures are evaluated, is demonstrated. Since site conditions vary significantly it is important to directly consider the uncertainty associated with such predictions, rather than directly using these types of regression equations. Here, we formally quantify the uncertainty distribution for the conditional estimation of VF and Dmax, given tailings dam attributes, and advocate its use to better represent the tailings dam failure data and to characterize the risk associated with a potential failure.
Combining Co-Benefits and Stakeholders Perceptions into Green Infrastructure Selection for Flood Risk Reduction
Authors: Alves Alida , Patiño Gómez Jose , Vojinovic Zoran , Sánchez Arlex , Weesakul Sutat
Published: February 2018

An important increase in flood risk levels is expected in future decades in many areas around the globe. In addition, the traditional approaches for flood management offer options with low sustainability. As a response, the use of non-traditional drainage measures, also called green infrastructures, has been increasingly suggested in the last years. One important reason for their increasing popularity has been the co-benefits that they offer to the environment. The development of an efficient planning for sustainable urban drainage systems is a complex process that needs the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Moreover, the measures to be adopted should be evaluated considering their potential to achieve multiple benefits related to human well-being, rather than just to flood risk management. In this work, we propose a framework for the selection of green infrastructures on the basis of a co-benefits analysis. The aim is to include the achievement of co-benefits and human well-being into decision-making for flood management, considering the stakeholders’ perceptions to define the most important benefits to be enhanced. The application of the framework presented here to a case study in Ayutthaya, Thailand, shows the importance of including different stakeholder’s opinions. In addition, it shows that decision makers should consider locally defined co-benefits as well as flood risk reduction when defining which green infrastructures to apply.
Panobinostat Potentiates Temozolomide Effects and Reverses Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Urdiciain Alejandro , Meléndez Bárbara , Rey Juan , Idoate Miguel , Castresana Javier
Published: February 2018

Glioblastoma is the most common form of glioma, as well as the most aggressive. Patients suffering from this disease have a very poor prognosis. Surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide are the only approved treatments nowadays. Panobinostat is a pan-inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs) that has been shown to break some pathways which play an important role in cancer development. A global intention of using panobinostat as a therapeutic agent against glioblastoma is beginning to be a reality. We have treated the LN405 glioblastoma cell line with temozolomide, panobinostat, and combined treatment, in order to test apoptosis, colony formation, and a possible molecular reversion of the mesenchymal phenotype of the cells to an epithelial one. Our results show that panobinostat decreased N-cadherin levels in the LN405 glioblastoma cell line while it increased the expression of E-cadherin, which might be associated with a mesenchymal–epithelial transition in glioblastoma cells. Colony formation was reduced, and apoptosis was increased with treatments. Our research highlights the importance of panobinostat as a potential adjuvant therapy to be used with temozolomide to treat glioblastoma and the advantages of the combined treatment versus temozolomide alone, which is currently the first-line treatment used to treat this tumor.
Sand Goby—An Ecologically Relevant Species for Behavioural Ecotoxicology
Authors: Asnicar Davide , Ašmonaitė Giedrė , Birgersson Lina , Kvarnemo Charlotta , Svensson Ola , Sturve Joachim
Published: February 2018

Locomotion-based behavioural endpoints have been suggested as suitable sublethal endpoints for human and environmental hazard assessment, as well as for biomonitoring applications. Larval stages of the sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus) possess a number of attractive qualities for experimental testing that make it a promising species in behavioural ecotoxicology. Here, we present a study aimed at developing a toolkit for using the sand goby as novel species for ecotoxicological studies and using locomotion as an alternative endpoint in toxicity testing. Exposure to three contaminants (copper (Cu), di-butyl phthalate (DBP) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was tested in the early life stages of the sand goby and the locomotion patterns of the larvae were quantified using an automatic tracking system. In a photo-motor test, sand goby larvae displayed substantially higher activity in light than in dark cycles. Furthermore, all tested compounds exerted behavioural alterations, such as hypo- and hyperactivity. Our experimental results show that sand goby larvae produce robust and quantifiable locomotive responses, which could be used within an ecotoxicological context for assessing the behavioural toxicity of environmental pollutants, with particular relevance in the Nordic region. This study thus suggests that sand goby larvae have potential as an environmentally relevant species for behavioural ecotoxicology, and as such offer an alternative to standard model species.
On the Bias in the Danckwerts’ Plot Method for the Determination of the Gas–Liquid Mass-Transfer Coefficient and Interfacial Area
Authors: Cortes Garcia German E. , Van Eeten Kevin M. P. , De Beer Michiel M. , Schouten Jaap C. , Van der Schaaf John
Published: February 2018

The Danckwerts’ plot method is a commonly used graphical technique to independently determine the interfacial area and mass-transfer coefficient in gas–liquid contactors. The method was derived in 1963 when computational capabilities were limited and intensified process equipment did not exist. A numerical analysis of the underlying assumptions of the method in this paper has shown a bias in the technique, especially for situations where mass-transfer rates are intensified, or where there is limited liquid holdup in the bulk compared to the film layers. In fact, systematic errors of up to 50% in the interfacial area, and as high as 90% in the mass-transfer coefficients, can be expected for modern, intensified gas–liquid contactors, even within the commonly accepted validity limits of a pseudo-first-order reaction and Hatta numbers in the range of 0.3 < Ha < 3. Given the current computational capabilities and the intensified mass-transfer rates in modern gas–liquid contactors, it is therefore imperative that the equations for reaction and diffusion in the liquid films are numerically solved and subsequently used to fit the interfacial area and mass-transfer coefficient to experimental data, which would traditionally be used in the graphical Danckwerts’ method.
On the Genealogy of Kitsch and the Critique of Ideology: A Reflection on Method
Authors: Bielskis Andrius
Published: February 2018

This paper examines similarities and differences between the genealogical approach to social critique and the Marxist critique of ideology. Given the key methodological aspects of Michel Foucault’s genealogy—the fusion of power and discourse and the Nietzschean notion of the aesthetization of life—the paper argues that Hollywood kitsch maybe interpreted as a new dispositif. A key task of the genealogy of kitsch is to analyze the effects of fake Hollywood narratives: how they form and normalize us, what kind of subjectivities they produce, and what type of social relations they create. La La Land, a 2016 American musical, is discussed as a way of illustration. Theorists of the Frankfurt School also advanced their critiques of the popular culture and its forms of kitsch; yet they followed Marx and his conception of ideology. The paper concludes that the differences between genealogy and the critique of ideology are philosophical. Foucault rejected the Marxist conception of history and the notion of ideology as false consciousness. Kitsch, for a genealogist, is formative rather than repressive; it makes people pursue banal dreams. For a Marxist critic, popular culture as a form of ideology dulls our critical capacities and, therefore, leaves the status quo of alienation intact.
Characterization of the Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Common Bean Low Phytic Acid (lpa1) Mutant Response to Water Stress
Authors: Chiozzotto Remo , Ramírez Mario , Talbi Chouhra , Cominelli Eleonora , Girard Lourdes , Sparvoli Francesca , Hernández Georgina
Published: February 2018

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) low phytic acid (lpa1) biofortified genotype produces seeds with improved nutritional characteristics and does not display negative pleiotropic effects. Here we demonstrated that lpa1 plants establish an efficient nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with Rhizobium etli CE3. The lpa1 nodules showed a higher expression of nodule-function related genes than the nodules of the parental wild type genotype (BAT 93). We analyzed the response to water stress of lpa1 vs. BAT 93 plants grown under fertilized or under symbiotic N2-fixation conditions. Water stress was induced by water withholding (up to 14% soil moisture) to fertilized or R. etli nodulated plants previously grown with normal irrigation. The fertilized lpa1 plants showed milder water stress symptoms during the water deployment period and after the rehydration recovery period when lpa1 plants showed less biomass reduction. The symbiotic water-stressed lpa1 plants showed decreased nitrogenase activity that coincides with decreased sucrose synthase gene expression in nodules; lower turgor weight to dry weight (DW) ratio, which has been associated with higher drought resistance index; downregulation of carbon/nitrogen (C/N)-related and upregulation of stress-related genes. Higher expression of stress-related genes was also observed in bacteroids of stressed lpa1 plants that also displayed very high expression of the symbiotic cbb3 oxidase (fixNd).
High Prevalence of Quorum-Sensing and Quorum-Quenching Activity among Cultivable Bacteria and Metagenomic Sequences in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Muras Andrea , López-Pérez Mario , Mayer Celia , Parga Ana , Amaro-Blanco Jaime , Otero Ana
Published: February 2018

There is increasing evidence being accumulated regarding the importance of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHL)-mediated quorum-sensing (QS) and quorum-quenching (QQ) processes in the marine environment, but in most cases, data has been obtained from specific microhabitats, and subsequently little is known regarding these activities in free-living marine bacteria. The QS and QQ activities among 605 bacterial isolates obtained at 90 and 2000 m depths in the Mediterranean Sea were analyzed. Additionally, putative QS and QQ sequences were searched in metagenomic data obtained at different depths (15–2000 m) at the same sampling site. The number of AHL producers was higher in the 90 m sample (37.66%) than in the 2000 m sample (4.01%). However, the presence of QQ enzymatic activity was 1.63-fold higher in the 2000 m sample. The analysis of putative QQ enzymes in the metagenomes supports the relevance of QQ processes in the deepest samples, found in cultivable bacteria. Despite the unavoidable biases in the cultivation methods and biosensor assays and the possible promiscuous activity of the QQ enzymes retrieved in the metagenomic analysis, the results indicate that AHL-related QS and QQ processes could be common activity in the marine environment.
Microfluidic Devices for Drug Delivery Systems and Drug Screening
Authors: Damiati Samar , Kompella Uday B. , Damiati Safa A. , Kodzius Rimantas
Published: February 2018

Microfluidic devices present unique advantages for the development of efficient drug carrier particles, cell-free protein synthesis systems, and rapid techniques for direct drug screening. Compared to bulk methods, by efficiently controlling the geometries of the fabricated chip and the flow rates of multiphase fluids, microfluidic technology enables the generation of highly stable, uniform, monodispersed particles with higher encapsulation efficiency. Since the existing preclinical models are inefficient drug screens for predicting clinical outcomes, microfluidic platforms might offer a more rapid and cost-effective alternative. Compared to 2D cell culture systems and in vivo animal models, microfluidic 3D platforms mimic the in vivo cell systems in a simple, inexpensive manner, which allows high throughput and multiplexed drug screening at the cell, organ, and whole-body levels. In this review, the generation of appropriate drug or gene carriers including different particle types using different configurations of microfluidic devices is highlighted. Additionally, this paper discusses the emergence of fabricated microfluidic cell-free protein synthesis systems for potential use at point of care as well as cell-, organ-, and human-on-a-chip models as smart, sensitive, and reproducible platforms, allowing the investigation of the effects of drugs under conditions imitating the biological system.
Antibiotic Resistance Genetic Markers and Integrons in White Soft Cheese: Aspects of Clinical Resistome and Potentiality of Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: De Paula Ana Caroline , Medeiros Julliane , De Azevedo Analice , De Assis Chagas Jéssica , Da Silva Vânia , Diniz Cláudio
Published: February 2018

Antibiotic resistance poses an important threat to global public health and has become a challenge to modern medicine. The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a broad range of foods has led to a growing concern about the impact that food may have as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes. Considering Minas Frescal Cheese (MFC)—a typical Brazilian white soft cheese—and its economic and cultural values, in this study, medically relevant antimicrobial-resistance genetic markers (AR genes) were screened, and the occurrence of integrons were evaluated in manufactured MFC using culture-independent approaches. Through a fingerprinting analysis, the tested MFCs were brand-clustered, indicating reproducibility along the production chain. A common core of resistance markers in all brands evaluated and related antimicrobials such as β-lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, and sulfonamide was detected. Several other markers, including efflux pumps and aminoglycosides-resistance were distributed among brands. Class 1 and 2 integrons were observed, respectively, in 77% and 97% of the samples. The presence of AR genes is of special interest due to their clinical relevance. Taken together, the data may suggest that the production chain of MFC might contribute to the spread of putative drug-resistant bacteria, which could greatly impact human health. Furthermore, detection of class 1 and class 2 integrons in MFC has led to discussions about resistance gene spread in this traditional cheese, providing evidence of potential horizontal transfer of AR genes to human gut microbiota.
Alternative Splicing of Transcription Factors Genes in Muscle Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Imbriano Carol , Molinari Susanna
Published: February 2018

Skeletal muscle formation is a multi-step process that is governed by complex networks of transcription factors. The regulation of their functions is in turn multifaceted, including several mechanisms, among them alternative splicing (AS) plays a primary role. On the other hand, altered AS has a role in the pathogenesis of numerous muscular pathologies. Despite these premises, the causal role played by the altered splicing pattern of transcripts encoding myogenic transcription factors in neuromuscular diseases has been neglected so far. In this review, we systematically investigate what has been described about the AS patterns of transcription factors both in the physiology of the skeletal muscle formation process and in neuromuscular diseases, in the hope that this may be useful in re-evaluating the potential role of altered splicing of transcription factors in such diseases.