bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of Discovered High Average-Utility Itemsets in Dynamic Databases
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Lin Jerry , Shao Yinan , Fournier-Viger Philippe , Djenouri Youcef
Published: May 2018

High-utility itemset mining (HUIM) is an extension of traditional frequent itemset mining, which considers both quantities and unit profits of items in a database to reveal highly profitable itemsets regardless of their size. High average-utility itemset mining (HAUIM) is designed to find average-utility itemsets by considering both their utility and the number of items that they contain. Thus, average-utility itemsets are obtained based on a fair utility measurement since the average utility typically does not increase much with the size of itemsets. However, most algorithms for discovering high average utility itemsets are designed to extract patterns from a static database. If the size of a database decreases or increases over time (e.g., as a result of transaction insertions), the database must be scanned again in batch mode to update the results. Thus, previously discovered knowledge is ignored and the time previously spent for pattern extraction is wasted. We thus present an incremental HAUIM algorithm for transaction insertion (FUP-HAUIMI) to maintain information about patterns when a database is updated, based on the FUP concept. An average-utility-list (AUL)-structure is first built by scanning the original database. Then, FUP-HAUIMI selects high average-utility upper-bound itemsets and categorizes them according to four cases. For each case, itemsets are maintained and updated using a specific updating procedure. While traversing the enumeration tree representing the search space in a depth-first way, a join operation is performed to quickly and incrementally update the AUL-structures. Several experiments were carried to evaluate the runtime, memory usage, number of potential patterns (candidates), and the scalability of the designed approach. Results show that the performance of FUP-HAUIMI is excellent compared to the state-of-the-art HAUI-Miner algorithm running in batch mode and the state-of-the-art incremental high-utility pattern mining (IHAUPM) algorithm for incremental average-utility pattern mining.
Hybrid Theory of Scattering and Its Applications
Authors: Bhatia Anand
Published: May 2018

A number of formulations have been used to investigate scattering of low-energy electrons and positrons from various targets. The hybrid theory of scattering, which takes into account the short-range as well as the long-range correlations, and is variationally correct, is described in this article. This approach has been applied to calculate phase shifts for scattering of electrons and positrons, resonances in two-electron systems, photodetachment, and photoionization of two-electron systems. This approach has also been applied to calculate excitation of 2s state of atomic hydrogen by electron impact. In photoabsorption the target can be left in 2p state instead of 1s state, resulting in the emission of Lyman-alpha radiation. Cross sections for this process are also calculated.
Preventing and Mitigating Alcohol Toxicity: A Review on Protective Substances
Authors: Martinez-Hurtado Juan , Calo-Fernandez Bruno , Vazquez-Padin Jose
Published: May 2018

This review covers three fundamental aspects of alcohol consumption and research efforts around the prevention and mitigation of its toxic effects in the human body. First, the sociocultural aspects of alcohol consumption are analysed, including drinking habits and strategies to combat intoxication. Second, we briefly introduce the biochemical aspects of ethanol metabolism and the biochemical pathways leading to its degradation, particularly the activation of toxic response pathways. Finally, we review current evidence and research efforts for finding compounds and substances able to prevent and mitigate the toxic effects of alcohol when over-indulgence has occurred. The toxic effects appear as a time-evolution process based on the stage of intoxication. We explore different compounds and formulations traditionally used to combat alcohol toxicity, as well as state-of-the-art research in the topic for novel molecules and formulations. Although we aimed to categorise which compounds are more effective for a particular level of alcohol intoxication, it is impossible to fully prevent or mitigate toxicity effects by only the compounds in isolation, further research is required to establish the long-term prevention and mitigation from the clinical point of view.
Membrane Remodeling as a Key Player of the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Co-Exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene and Ethanol of Obese Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Sergent Odile , Tête Arnaud , Gallais Isabelle , Chevanne Martine , Lagadic-Gossmann Dominique , Podechard Normand
Published: May 2018

The rise in prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes an important public health concern worldwide. Including obesity, numerous risk factors of NAFLD such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and ethanol have been identified as modifying the physicochemical properties of the plasma membrane in vitro thus causing membrane remodeling—changes in membrane fluidity and lipid-raft characteristics. In this study, the possible involvement of membrane remodeling in the in vivo progression of steatosis to a steatohepatitis-like state upon co-exposure to B[a]P and ethanol was tested in obese zebrafish larvae. Larvae bearing steatosis as the result of a high-fat diet were exposed to ethanol and/or B[a]P for seven days at low concentrations coherent with human exposure in order to elicit hepatotoxicity. In this condition, the toxicant co-exposure raised global membrane order with higher lipid-raft clustering in the plasma membrane of liver cells, as evaluated by staining with the fluoroprobe di-4-ANEPPDHQ. Involvement of this membrane’s remodeling was finally explored by using the lipid-raft disruptor pravastatin that counteracted the effects of toxicant co-exposure both on membrane remodeling and toxicity. Overall, it can be concluded that B[a]P/ethanol co-exposure can induce in vivo hepatotoxicity via membrane remodeling which could be considered as a good target mechanism for developing combination therapy to deal with steatohepatitis.
Comparison of Synthetic Media Designed for Expansion of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Lensch Michelle , Muise Angela , White Lisa , Badowski Michael , Harris David
Published: May 2018

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into various cell types, such as osteoblasts, myocytes, and adipocytes. This characteristic makes the cells a useful tool in developing new therapies for a number of common maladies and diseases. The utilization of animal-derived growth serum, such as fetal bovine serum (FBS), for the expansion of MSCs has traditionally been used for cell culture. However, in clinical applications, animal-derived products present limitations and safety concerns for the recipient, as exposure to animal (xeno-) antigens and infectious agents is possible. Multiple synthetic, xeno-free media have been developed to combat these limitations of animal-derived growth serum and have the potential to be used in ex vivo MSC expansion for clinical use. The goal of this study was to determine if xeno-free media are adequate to significantly and efficiently expand MSCs derived from adipose tissue. MSCs were cultured in both standard FBS-containing as well as xeno-free media. The media were compared for cell yield, viability, and phenotypic expression via flow cytometry and directed differentiation. The xeno-free media that were tested were StemMACS MSC Expansion Media (Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany), PLTMax Human Platelet Lysate (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA), and MesenCult-hPL media (Stemcell Technologies, Vancouver, BC, Canada). All xeno-free media showed promise as a feasible replacement for animal-derived growth serums. The xeno-free media expanded MSCs more quickly than the FBS-containing medium and also showed great similarity in cell viability and phenotypic expression. In fact, each xeno-free media produced a greater viable cell yield than the standard FBS-containing medium.
In Vitro and In Vivo SERS Biosensing for Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Moore T. Joshua , Moody Amber S. , Payne Taylor D. , Sarabia Grace M. , Daniel Alyssa R. , Sharma Bhavya
Published: May 2018

For many disease states, positive outcomes are directly linked to early diagnosis, where therapeutic intervention would be most effective. Recently, trends in disease diagnosis have focused on the development of label-free sensing techniques that are sensitive to low analyte concentrations found in the physiological environment. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful vibrational spectroscopy that allows for label-free, highly sensitive, and selective detection of analytes through the amplification of localized electric fields on the surface of a plasmonic material when excited with monochromatic light. This results in enhancement of the Raman scattering signal, which allows for the detection of low concentration analytes, giving rise to the use of SERS as a diagnostic tool for disease. Here, we present a review of recent developments in the field of in vivo and in vitro SERS biosensing for a range of disease states including neurological disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and viral disease.
Language Experience Changes Audiovisual Perception
Authors: Marian Viorica , Hayakawa Sayuri , Lam Tuan , Schroeder Scott
Published: May 2018

Can experience change perception? Here, we examine whether language experience shapes the way individuals process auditory and visual information. We used the McGurk effect—the discovery that when people hear a speech sound (e.g., “ba”) and see a conflicting lip movement (e.g., “ga”), they recognize it as a completely new sound (e.g., “da”). This finding that the brain fuses input across auditory and visual modalities demonstrates that what we hear is profoundly influenced by what we see. We find that cross-modal integration is affected by language background, with bilinguals experiencing the McGurk effect more than monolinguals. This increased reliance on the visual channel is not due to decreased language proficiency, as the effect was observed even among highly proficient bilinguals. Instead, we propose that the challenges of learning and monitoring multiple languages have lasting consequences for how individuals process auditory and visual information.
Rapid Automatized Naming, Verbal Working Memory, and Rhythm Discrimination as Predictors of Reading in Italian Undergraduate Students with and without Dyslexia
Authors: Cancer Alice , Antonietti Alessandro
Published: May 2018

Whereas the clinical manifestations and the neuropsychological predictors of Developmental Dyslexia (DD) are already well documented in Italian-speaking children, empirical evidence on DD in Italian adults is in contrast rather scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of a subset of neuropsychological skills, which have been identified by previous literature to be related to reading, in the decoding abilities of a group of Italian undergraduates with and without DD. For this purpose, 39 university students aged between 19 and 27 years, 19 of whom with a diagnosis of DD, underwent an assessment battery including standardized reading tests, rapid automatized naming (RAN), verbal working memory, and rhythmic pattern discrimination tests. Cross-group differences confirmed significantly lower performances of undergraduates with DD in all measures but rhythm discrimination, compared to typical readers, thus showing a non-compensated neuropsychological profile. Regression analyses showed that, while reading speed was strongly and uniquely predicted by RAN speed, reading accuracy was concurrently predicted by RAN and rhythmic abilities. Finally, RAN speed emerged as a strong predictor of reading performance and risk of receiving a diagnosis of DD.
Solid-Supported Palladium Catalysts in Sonogashira Reactions: Recent Developments
Authors: Alonso Diego A. , Baeza Alejandro , Chinchilla Rafael , Gómez Cecilia , Guillena Gabriela , Pastor Isidro M. , Ramón Diego J.
Published: May 2018

The Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction is the most frequently employed synthetic procedure for the preparation of arylated alkynes, which are important conjugated compounds with multiple applications. Despite of their rather high price, this reaction is usually catalyzed by palladium species, making the recovery and reuse of the catalyst an interesting topic, mainly for industrial purposes. Easy recycle can be achieved anchoring the palladium catalyst to a separable support. This review shows recent developments in the use of palladium species anchored to different solid supports as recoverable catalysts for Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions.
Ru–Pd Bimetallic Catalysts Supported on CeO2-MnOX Oxides as Efficient Systems for H2 Purification through CO Preferential Oxidation
Authors: Fiorenza Roberto , Spitaleri Luca , Gulino Antonino , Scirè Salvatore
Published: May 2018

The catalytic performances of Ru/ceria-based catalysts in the CO preferential oxidation (CO-PROX) reaction are discussed here. Specifically, the effect of the addition of different oxides to Ru/CeO2 has been assessed. The Ru/CeO2-MnOx system showed the best performance in the 80–120 °C temperature range, advantageous for polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. Furthermore, the influence of the addition of different metals to this mixed oxide system has been evaluated. The bimetallic Ru–Pd/CeO2-MnOx catalyst exhibited the highest yield to CO2 (75%) at 120 °C whereas the monometallic Ru/CeO2-MnOx sample was that one with the highest CO2 yield (60%) at 100 °C. The characterization data (H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) pointed out that the co-presence of manganese oxide and ruthenium enhances the mobility/reactivity of surface ceria oxygens accounting for the good CO-PROX performance of this system. Reducible oxides as CeO2 and MnOx, in fact, play two important functions, namely weakening the CO adsorption on the metal active sites and providing additional sites for adsorption/activation of O2, thus changing the mechanism from competitive Langmuir–Hinshelwood into non-competitive one-step dual site Langmuir–Hinshelwood/Mars–van Krevelen. As confirmed by H2-TPR and XPS measurements, these features are boosted by the simultaneous presence of ruthenium and palladium. The strong reciprocal interaction of these metals between them and with the CeO2-MnOx support was assumed to be responsible of the promoted reducibility/reactivity of CeO2 oxygens, thus resulting in the best CO-PROX efficiency at low temperature of the Ru-Pd/CeO2-MnOx catalyst. The higher selectivity to CO2 found on the Ru–Pd system, which reduces the undesired H2 consumption, represents a promising result of this research, being one of the key aims of the design of CO-PROX catalysts.
A Demonstration of Pt L3-Edge EXAFS Free from Au L3-Edge Using Log–Spiral Bent Crystal Laue Analyzers
Authors: Wakisaka Yuki , Kido Daiki , Uehara Hiromitsu , Yuan Qiuyi , Takakusagi Satoru , Uemura Yohei , Yokoyama Toshihiko , Wada Takahiro , Uo Motohiro , Sakata Tomohiro , Sekizawa Oki , Uruga Tomoya , Iwasawa Yasuhiro , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: May 2018

Pt-Au nanostructures are important and well-studied fuel cell catalysts for their promising catalytic performance. However, a detailed quantitative local structure analysis, using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, have been inhibited by interference between Pt and Au L3-edges. In this paper, Pt L3-edge XAFS analysis, free of Au L3 edge, is demonstrated for a Pt-Au reference sample using a low-cost log–spiral bent crystal Laue analyzer (BCLA). This method facilitates the EXAFS structural analysis of Pt-Au catalysts, which are important to improve fuel cell catalysts.
Vulnerability of Structural Concrete to Extreme Climate Variances
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Wu Lei , Goto Keiichi , Najih Yanuar Muhammad
Published: May 2018

For modern infrastructures, structural concrete has been widely adopted for various components and structures such as railway stations, platforms, walkways, railway bridges, tunnelling, concrete sleepers, concrete foundation of overhead wiring structures, etc. These infrastructures are subject to various changes of time, operation, and environment. Environmental conditions are a considerably influential factor to life cycle and durability of concrete structures. This study aims at identifying the influence of climate change on the performance and durability of concrete structures using statistical regression analysis of a number of pertinent experimental and field data. The study into the influence of elevated temperature on compressive strength and splitting tensile strength also has been carried out using experimental data on the basis of environmental temperature and relative humidity, as well as CO2 concentration to the concrete carbonation and steel corrosion rates. The results indicate that environmental temperature, CO2 concentration, and a certain range of relative humidity play an important role in the concrete carbonation rates. Temperature and relative humidity affect the rate of steel corrosion as well. In addition, it is found that there exists a nearly direct correlation between the environmental temperature and the concrete carbonation rates, as well as the corrosion rate of steel embedded in concrete from 25 °C to 60 °C, and a nearly inverse proportion between the environmental relative humidity and the concrete carbonization from 48.75% to 105%. Indeed, the results exhibit that even in extreme natural high temperature, the capacity of compressive strength and splitting tensile strength is not affected significantly.
Semitransparent Decorative Coatings Based on Optical Interference of Metallic and Dielectric Thin Films for High Temperature Applications
Authors: Carretero Enrique , Alonso Rafael
Published: May 2018

This paper introduces a thin film multilayer structure composed of dielectric and metallic layers that allows for a wide range of aesthetic appearances using the phenomenon of optical interference. In addition, this multilayer structure allows the reflection and transmission coefficients to be controlled independently. The application of these decorative coatings to induction stoves is also studied. The aim is to provide an attractive aesthetic appearance for the transparent glass-ceramic, and allow the visualization of blue and white lighting systems. Moreover, degradation of these decorative coatings is studied at high temperatures, so as to ensure that the coating does not change its aesthetic appearance during normal operation of the stove. It has been found to be necessary to use dielectric materials with low diffusion coefficients of oxygen, or not containing oxygen, to prevent oxidation of the metal layers when subjecting the coating to high temperatures.
A Hierarchical Vision-Based UAV Localization for an Open Landing
Authors: Yuan Haiwen , Xiao Changshi , Xiu Supu , Zhan Wenqiang , Ye Zhenyi , Zhang Fan , Zhou Chunhui , Wen Yuanqiao , Li Qiliang
Published: May 2018

The localization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for autonomous landing is challenging because the relative positions of the landing objects are almost inaccessible and the objects have nearly no transmission with UAVs. In this paper, a hierarchical vision-based localization framework for rotor UAVs is proposed for an open landing. In such a hierarchical framework, the landing is defined into three phases: “Approaching”, “Adjustment”, and “Touchdown”. Object features at different scales can be extracted from a designed Robust and Quick Response Landing Pattern (RQRLP) and the corresponding detection and localization methods are introduced for the three phases. Then a federated Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) structure is costumed and utilizes the solutions of the three phases as independent measurements to estimate the pose of the vehicle. The framework can be used to integrate the vision solutions and enables the estimation to be smooth and robust. In the end, several typical field experiments have been carried out to verify the proposed hierarchical vision framework. It can be seen that a wider localization range can be extended by the proposed framework while the precision is ensured.
Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Fractured Granite
Authors: Luo Jin , Qi Yumeng , Zhao Qiang , Tan Long , Xiang Wei , Rohn Joachim
Published: May 2018

Hydraulic and heat transfer properties of artificially fractured rocks are the key issues for efficient exploitation of geothermal energy in fractured reservoirs and it has been studied by many previous researchers. However, the fluid temperature evolution along the flow path and rock temperature changes was rarely considered. This study investigated flow and heat transfer characteristics of two sets of fractured granite samples each with a single fissure. The samples were collected from a geothermal reservoir of Gonghe basin in Qinghai province in China. The results show that the larger area ratio, the higher hydraulic conductivity exhibited. Hydraulic conductivity of fractured rock masses is positively proportional to injection pressure, but inversely proportional with both confining pressure and temperature. In order to analyze heat transfer during the flow process, temperature distribution along the flow path in a fracture was monitored. The temperature of the fluid was determined to increase with distance from the flowing inlet. Increasing the temperature of the rock or decreasing the injection pressure will raise the temperature at the same location. Furthermore, in order to understand the heat transfer in rock mass, temperature distribution was observed by using an infrared thermal camera. Finally, the energy exchange efficiency during the flowing process was examined. The energy exchange rate increases continuously with the rock temperature, with an effective stress ratio of 1:2.
Natural Ventilation Effectiveness of Round Wall-Mounted Vent Caps in Residential Kitchens
Authors: Lin Yi-Pin , Iba Chiemi , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: May 2018

This study explores the effect of different numbers of wall-mounted vent caps and their installation locations on the indoor air environment in residential kitchens, for which limited information is available. Wind tunnel tests were performed to study the induced ventilation rates of a vent cap, and the impact of vent caps on the natural ventilation efficiency in residential kitchens was examined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations. The results were then applied to determine the appropriate quantity of vent caps and their proper installation location. The wind tunnel test results indicated that outdoor winds with speeds of 0–6 m/s that flow parallel to the wall with a vent cap induce indoor air to exit through the cap with ventilation rates of 0–20 m3/h; when the wind blows perpendicular to the wall, outdoor air with 0–31.9 m3/h flows indoors. CFD numerical simulations showed that the installation of kitchen vent caps can reduce the average carbon monoxide concentration in the cook’s breathing zone. A sufficient quantity of vent caps and the proper installation location are required to ensure the natural ventilation effectiveness of wall-mounted vent caps.
Real-Time Transient Thermal Rating and the Calculation of Risk Level of Transmission Lines
Authors: Liu Jiapeng , Yang Hao , Yu Shengjie , Wang Sen , Shang Yu , Yang Fan
Published: May 2018

With the increasing consumption of electric energy, how to improve the capacity of transmission lines within safe margins is an urgent problem to be solved. This paper presents a transient thermal rating method under real-time meteorological conditions. The result of thermal ratings under different conditions shows that this rating approach can significantly increase the capacity of the line. As some of the most critical variables are remaining time and initial temperature, their influence upon the rating is studied. The method of statistical analysis is used to determine the ampacity at different risk levels. The result indicates that with smaller remaining time, the ampacities are larger, and with larger ampacities, the risk of thermal overload is greater. The choice of risk level would heavily affect the values of ampacity.
Electric Field Induced Changes of a Diffusion Flame and Heat Transfer near an Impinging Surface
Authors: Chien Yu-Chien , Dunn-Rankin Derek
Published: May 2018

This research investigates heat transfer phenomena on a plate used with impinging electric field flames; i.e., flames burning in the presence of an electric field. Electric field effects on flames have been investigated in different applications but not when the flames are impinging on nearby surfaces. Challenges to measurement methods when an electric field is applied in the system have limited the understanding of changes to the temperature distributions and species concentrations caused by the field. This study uses an infrared forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera with Schlieren visualization to examine the heat flux from flames over an impinging plate with different electric fields applied. In particular, we study the electric field effects on flames when those flames transfer heat to a nearby plate, and then how that transfer can be controlled using the electric field. The results show that electric fields affect substantially the heat flux distribution through the ion-driven wind, particularly when the plate location is just above the flame tip.
Improving Line Current Distortion in Single-Phase Vienna Rectifiers Using Model-Based Predictive Control
Authors: Kwon Yong-Dae , Park Jin-Hyuk , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: May 2018

Conventional single-phase Vienna rectifiers employ proportional-integral (PI) controllers which are appropriate for controlling DC components, to regulate their line currents. However, in the regions close to the line current’s zero-crossing point, the dynamics of PI controllers are too slow to respond to the reference current, which has an AC component. Hence, the power factor (PF) of the device is degenerated, and total harmonic distortion (THD) increases. A controller with a fast dynamic response is thus required to solve this problem. In this paper, we investigate the use of a model-based predictive controller (MPC), which has a faster dynamic response than a PI controller, to improve the line current quality of a single-phase Vienna rectifier. With this method, the average current in both the continuous current mode (CCM) and the discontinuous current mode (DCM) of operation are controlled using a mode detection method. Moreover, we calculate the optimized duty cycle for the single-phase Vienna rectifier, by predicting the next current state. We verify the operation of the proposed algorithm using a PSIM simulation, and a practical experiment conducted with a 1-kW-rated single-phase Vienna rectifier prototype. With the proposed method, the quality of the line current near the zero-crossing point is improved, and the PF is controlled to unity.
A Probabilistic Approach for the Optimal Sizing of Storage Devices to Increase the Penetration of Plug-in Electric Vehicles in Direct Current Networks
Authors: Chiodo Elio , Fantauzzi Maurizio , Lauria Davide , Mottola Fabio
Published: May 2018

The growing diffusion of electric vehicles connected to distribution networks for charging purposes is an ongoing problem that utilities must deal with. Direct current networks and storage devices have emerged as a feasible means of satisfying the expected increases in the numbers of vehicles while preserving the effective operation of the network. In this paper, an innovative probabilistic methodology is proposed for the optimal sizing of electrical storage devices with the aim of maximizing the penetration of plug-in electric vehicles while preserving efficient and effective operation of the network. The proposed methodology is based on an analytical solution of the problem concerning the power losses minimization in distribution networks equipped with storage devices. The closed-form expression that was obtained is included in a Monte Carlo simulation procedure aimed at handling the uncertainties in loads and renewable generation units. The results of several numerical applications are reported and discussed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed solution. Also, different penetration levels of generation units were analyzed in order to focus on the importance of renewable generation.
Strategic Offering for Wind Power Producers Considering Energy and Flexible Ramping Products
Authors: Fang Xin , Krishnan Venkat , Hodge Bri-Mathias
Published: May 2018

The increasing deployments of renewable generation methods, such as wind, affects the flexibility of electric power system operating due to their inherent variability and uncertainty. To mitigate this, power systems need flexible resources. This paper investigates the potential for wind power to provide flexible ramping products in the real-time market, an additional value stream to the energy it provides. The proposed model for wind power’s strategic offering is formulated as a bi-level optimization problem with wind profit maximization at the upper level and the independent system operator’s economic dispatch—considering both the energy balance and the flexible ramping requirement to counter uncertainty—at the lower level. This bi-level model is converted to a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) by recasting the lower level problem with its Karush–Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions. Then, through strong duality theory and the big-M method, the MPEC model is converted to a mixed-integer linear programming model. The opportunity cost and the price for wind power-providing ramping products are analyzed. Numerical examples based on a 5-bus network are presented to verify the proposed model and concept.
Optimal Scheduling Strategies of Distributed Energy Storage Aggregator in Energy and Reserve Markets Considering Wind Power Uncertainties
Authors: Mi Zengqiang , Jia Yulong , Wang Junjie , Zheng Xiaoming
Published: May 2018

With continuous technological improvement and economic development of energy storage, distributed energy storage (DES) will be widely connected to the distribution network. If fragmented DES systems are aggregated to form a distributed energy storage aggregator (DESA), the DESA will have great potential to participate in the day-ahead energy and reserve market and the balancing market. The DESA could act as a mediator between the market and DES consumers, enabling beneficial coordination for DES owners and power systems. This paper presents a bilevel optimization model for DESAs in the energy and reserve market under wind power uncertainties. In the lower-level problem, generating companies, wind power plants (WPP), and DESAs are optimized for scheduling day-ahead (DA) energy and the reserve market. In the upper-level problem, operational strategies for DES systems and DESAs are designed to deal with wind power uncertainties in the balancing market. The DESA splits its resources between the energy and reserve markets so that it can reduce total power system consumption, and mutual profit for the system and end customers is achieved. This model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) program, which can be solved with commercial software. The validity of the bilevel optimization model is verified by the eight-node test transmission system and IEEE-33 bus distribution system.
High Mortality and Low Net Change in Live Woody Biomass of Karst Evergreen and Deciduous Broad-Leaved Mixed Forest in Southwestern China
Authors: Liu Libin , Ni Jian , Zhong Qiaolian , Hu Gang , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: May 2018

Repeated observation based on large permanent monitoring plots is a key method for directly understanding forest regeneration dynamics. Karst forests grow slowly in adverse habitats and possess a special regeneration mode. However, no data can support these properties because no repeated observations have been performed. The mortality, recruitment, and net change in live woody biomass (NPPlw) of a karst evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in Central Guizhou Province, Southwestern China, were studied on the basis of a short-term continuous monitoring (3 years) of a 2 ha plot. The species richness of individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm decreased from 66 to 58 during the study period. Eight species disappeared, and no new species appeared. The individual number declined from 16,821 to 15,003 because most species indicated more deaths than recruitments. Trees presented the lowest mortality rate, and shrubs presented the highest recruitment rate among the species. Individual death number decreased with the increase in DBH classes. The estimated aboveground NPPlw was 8.41 t ha−1 year−1. The survivors, recruitments, and deaths contributed 10.88, 0.11, and −2.58 t ha−1 year−1, respectively. Trees (8.37 t ha−1 year−1), rather than shrubs (0.04 t ha−1 year−1) and lianas (−0.004 t ha−1 year−1), were the major contributors. The karst forest presented higher mortality and lower NPPlw than nonkarst forests in subtropical China and in the world.
Quantitative Spatiotemporal Oil Body Ultrastructure Helps to Verify the Distinct Lipid Deposition Patterns in Benzoin Endosperm and Embryo Cells
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Luo Ying , Wang Xiaojun , Yu Fangyuan
Published: May 2018

Seed oil content is an important characteristic for the potential biofuel feedstock benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis). With the aim of further understanding benzoin lipid biosynthesis, the endosperm and embryo cell ultrastructures were acquired through transmission electron microscopy (TEM); the relative oil body area per cell (ROA) and oil body diameter (OBD) were then calculated by analyzing TEM images via computer software. The endosperm ROA peaked at 99 days after flowering (DAF) (79.04%), and the embryo ROA dynamic fitted the “S” curve. Significant linear relations (p < 0.01) were only observed between endosperm ROAs and the contents of whole-kernel crude lipid and fatty acids. The endosperm OBD (1.18–2.43 μm) was larger than that of embryo OBD (0.38–0.77 μm). M-shaped dynamics of acetyl coenzyme carboxylase (ACC) and diglyceride acyltransferase (DGAT) activities resembled the dynamic of endosperm OBD, as two peaks were observed at 78 and 113 DAF; the big oil body (≥1.8 μm) fraction in endosperm increased as kernel ACC and DGAT activities also increased, and vice-versa. Embryo OBD gradually increased, with the big oil body (≥0.5 μm) proportion increasing and the small oil body (<0.5 μm) proportion decreasing in general. Our results collectively suggested the distinct lipid accumulation patterns in the two benzoin kernel tissues, and revealed that the endosperm may determine the whole kernel oil biosynthetic process.
Recruitment Niches of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong: Functional Acclimations to Light
Authors: Naves Vicente Luiz , Rambal Serge , Barbosa João Paulo R. A. D. , Castro Evaristo Mauro de , Pasqual Moacir
Published: May 2018

Adjustments that a tree species displays in acclimating to light conditions may explain its fate in different forest successional stages. Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong is a tree found in contrasting light environments and used in reforestation programs because of its rapid growth. This study analyzed the performance of tamboril seedlings grown in three light environments: FS—full sun (100% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and a red/far-red ratio (R/FR) of 1.66), S—shade net (38% of PAR and a R/FR of 1.54) and I—Insulfilm® (Insulfilm, São Paulo, Brazil) shade cloth (24% of PAR and a R/FR of 0.69). Greater net assimilation, higher root/shoot ratio, higher stomatal density, and reduced leaf area are some of the functional traits developed by tamboril to acclimate to full sun. On the other hand, a larger leaf area associated with a greater specific leaf area, higher leaf area ratio, higher leaf number and leafing intensity, as well as higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents are among the most important traits for tamboril to acclimate to shade. The seedlings growing in FS displayed the best quality index. However, the traits developed in the nursery under each light condition could promote the successful installation and survival of tamboril seedlings under similar conditions in the field.
Climate Change-Induced Shift of Tree Growth Sensitivity at a Central Himalayan Treeline Ecotone
Authors: Schwab Niels , Kaczka Ryszard J. , Janecka Karolina , Böhner Jürgen , Chaudhary Ram P. , Scholten Thomas , Schickhoff Udo
Published: May 2018

Himalayan treelines are exposed to above average climate change impact, resulting in complex tree growth–climate relationships for Himalayan Silver Fir (Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Spach) at central Himalayan treelines. The majority of recent studies detected current tree growth sensitivity to dry conditions during pre-monsoon seasons. The aim of this study was to analyze growth–climate relationships for more than a century for a treeline ecotone in east-central Nepal and to test for Blue Intensity (BI; used as a surrogate of maximum late wood density) as climate proxy. We determined the relationships of Abies spectabilis radial tree growth and BI to climate by correlating both to temperature, precipitation and drought index data. The results showed a significantly unstable dendroclimatic signal over time. Climate warming-induced moisture deficits during pre-monsoon seasons became a major factor limiting radial tree growth during recent decades. Earlier in time, the dendroclimatic signal was weaker, predominantly reflecting a positive relationship of tree growth and summer temperature. Compared to radial tree growth, BI showed a different but strong climate signal. Temporally unstable correlations may be attributed to increasing effects of above-average rates of climate warming. An extended network of Himalayan tree-ring sites is needed to further analyze cause–effect relationships and to solve this attribution problem.
Driving Decisions: Distinguishing Evaluations, Providers and Outcomes
Authors: Dickerson Anne , Schold Davis Elin , Carr David B.
Published: May 2018

Driving is a highly valued instrumental activity of daily living on which many older adults depend for access to their community. The demand to address driving is changing as older adults experience increasing longevity while facing medical conditions that often affect their fitness to drive. As one of the most complex of daily tasks, driving is a multifaceted issue that involves the older driver, family members, state licensing and health care practitioners. This commentary discusses potential options and strategies for making evidence-based fitness to drive decisions by differentiating between driving skills and driving capacities, and how these differences are manifested on the road. Typical service options are described using an algorithm format that suggests decision points with options and referrals for service based on the individual’s experiences and/or needs.
Gastrointestinal Disorders—An Open Access Journal on Gastroenterology
Authors: McCallum Richard
Published: May 2018

I am very excited about announcing the launch of a new Journal—Gastrointestinal Disorders.[...]
Secrets of the Extraordinary Ordinary: The Revelations of Folklore and Anthropology
Authors: Finnegan Ruth
Published: May 2018

The basic principle of folklore is constant—unveiling the hidden riches within the ordinary things of everyday life: a fine contribution to, and coordination with, the humanities. Examples are the study of the oral/orality; life stories of the obscure; practices of ‘hidden’ amateur musicians, studied ethnographically rather than through written scores or the ‘great’ composers; research by scholars outside the formal institutions of higher learning. An important new topic now being embarked on, in a scattered way, by folklorists and anthropologists, is the area known by such terms as ‘noetics’, ‘psychic studies’, ‘heightened/altered consciousness’, ‘the shared mind’, and the like. With a long history (too often disregarded in conventional scholarship) in antiquity, the middle ages, and eastern philosophies, this concerns such topics as dreaming; contact with and from the dead; experiencing music; and new, popularly but not academically acclaimed, perspectives on consciousness within innovative scientific thinking. Taking such studies further and, in particular, as folklorists and anthropologist have the capacity and interest to do, consolidating them into a new and fully recognized field of study together with linking this with endeavors across the disciplines, scientific as well as humanistic, will be of the greatest benefit for the humanities as a whole.
Striking a Balance: A Qualitative Study of Next of Kin Participation in the Care of Older Persons in Nursing Homes in Sweden
Authors: Wallerstedt Birgitta , Behm Lina , Alftberg Åsa , Sandgren Anna , Benzein Eva , Nilsen Per , Ahlström Gerd
Published: May 2018

Most of the care in nursing homes is palliative in nature, as it is the oldest and the frailest people who live in nursing homes. The aim of this study was to explore next of kin’s experiences of participating in the care of older persons at nursing homes. A qualitative design was used, based on semi-structured interviews with 40 next of kin, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. An overarching theme emerged, a balancing act consisting of three categories: (1) visiting the nursing home; (2) building and maintaining relationships; and (3) gathering and conveying information. The next of kin have to balance their own responsibility for the older person’s wellbeing by taking part in their care and their need to leave the responsibility to the staff due to critical health conditions. The next of kin wanted to participate in care meetings and conversations, not only in practical issues. The findings indicate the need to improve the next of kin’s participation in the care as an equal partner. Increased knowledge about palliative care and decision-making of limiting life-prolonging treatment may lead to a higher quality of care.
A Cost Benefit Analysis of an Active Travel Intervention with Health and Carbon Emission Reduction Benefits
Authors: Chapman Ralph , Keall Michael , Howden-Chapman Philippa , Grams Mark , Witten Karen , Randal Edward , Woodward Alistair
Published: May 2018

Active travel (walking and cycling) is beneficial for people’s health and has many co-benefits, such as reducing motor vehicle congestion and pollution in urban areas. There have been few robust evaluations of active travel, and very few studies have valued health and emissions outcomes. The ACTIVE before-and-after quasi-experimental study estimated the net benefits of health and other outcomes from New Zealand’s Model Communities Programme using an empirical analysis comparing two intervention cities with two control cities. The Programme funded investment in cycle paths, other walking and cycling facilities, cycle parking, ‘shared spaces’, media campaigns and events, such as ‘Share the Road’, and cycle-skills training. Using the modified Integrated Transport and Health Impacts Model, the Programme’s net economic benefits were estimated from the changes in use of active travel modes. Annual benefits for health in the intervention cities were estimated at 34.4 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and two lives saved due to reductions in cardiac disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory disease. Reductions in transport-related carbon emissions were also estimated and valued. Using a discount rate of 3.5%, the estimated benefit/cost ratio was 11:1 and was robust to sensitivity testing. It is concluded that when concerted investment is made in active travel in a city, there is likely to be a measurable, positive return on investment.
Sludge Biochar Amendment and Alfalfa Revegetation Improve Soil Physicochemical Properties and Increase Diversity of Soil Microbes in Soils from a Rare Earth Element Mining Wasteland
Authors: Luo Caigui , Deng Yangwu , Inubushi Kazuyuki , Liang Jian , Zhu Sipin , Wei Zhenya , Guo Xiaobin , Luo Xianping
Published: May 2018

Long-term unregulated mining of ion-adsorption clays (IAC) in China has resulted in severe ecological destruction and created large areas of wasteland in dire need of rehabilitation. Soil amendment and revegetation are two important means of rehabilitation of IAC mining wasteland. In this study, we used sludge biochar prepared by pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge as a soil ameliorant, selected alfalfa as a revegetation plant, and conducted pot trials in a climate-controlled chamber. We investigated the effects of alfalfa revegetation, sludge biochar amendment, and their combined amendment on soil physicochemical properties in soil from an IAC mining wasteland as well as the impact of sludge biochar on plant growth. At the same time, we also assessed the impacts of these amendments on the soil microbial community by means of the Illumina Miseq sequences method. Results showed that alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar both improved soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure. When alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar amendment were combined, we detected additive effects on the improvement of soil physicochemical properties as well as increases in the richness and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. Redundancy analyses suggested that alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar amendment significantly affected soil microbial community structure. Critical environmental factors consisted of soil available K, pH, organic matter, carbon–nitrogen ratio, bulk density, and total porosity. Sludge biochar amendment significantly promoted the growth of alfalfa and changed its root morphology. Combining alfalfa the revegetation with sludge biochar amendment may serve to not only achieve the revegetation of IAC mining wasteland, but also address the challenge of municipal sludge disposal by making the waste profitable.
Study of the Kinetics and Equilibrium of the Adsorption of Oils onto Hydrophobic Jute Fiber Modified via the Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Lv Na , Wang Xiaoli , Peng Shitao , Zhang Huaqin , Luo Lei
Published: May 2018

A new kind of hydrophobic and oil sorbent based on jute fiber was successfully prepared by the integration of silica onto a fiber surface via the sol-gel method and subsequent hydrophobic modification with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Compared with the hydrophilic raw fiber, the modified fiber had a water contact angle (CA) of 136.2°, suggesting that the material has good hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the ability of oil in the oil/water system (taking diesel for example) to absorb was revealed by the kinetics, the isotherm equation, and the thermodynamic parameters. Adsorption behavior was kinetically investigated using pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order models. The data mostly correlated with the pseudo first-order model. The equilibrium adsorption at 298 K was assessed by using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Freundlich model had greater consistency with the experimental data. The obtained thermodynamic parameters demonstrate that the adsorption of diesel is spontaneous, favorable, and exothermic.