bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus induce lipopolysaccharide tolerance in rat neutrophils
Authors: Kuwabara Wilson Mitsuo Tatagiba , Yokota Caroline Naomi Fukusawa , Curi Rui , Alba-Loureiro Tatiana Carolina
Published: November 2018

Obesity and diabetes implicate in various health complications and increased mortality caused by infection. Innate immune system is broadly affected by these diseases, leading the patients to an immunosuppressive state. A mechanism that leads innate immune cells to a less capacity of killing microorganism is the impaired TLR4 activation. TLR4 recognizes a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and when activated increases the production of inflammatory substances. Neutrophils are components of the innate immune system and are the first responders to an invading agent. The correct activation of TLR4 in these cells is required for the initiation of the inflammatory process and elimination of the microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of type 2 diabetes and obesity in the TLR4 pathway in rat neutrophils. Two experimental models were used: Goto-Kakizaki rats and high-fat-diet induced obese Wistar rats. To evaluate neutrophil response to LPS, intratracheal LPS instillation was used. Neutrophils from obese and diabetic animals exhibited tolerance to LPS, mainly by the impaired production of cytokines and chemokines and the low content of phospho-NFκB and phospho-IKBα. Neutrophils from both experimental models had increased cell death, impaired in vivo migration and myeloperoxidase activity.
Developmental pattern and structural factors of dendritic survival in cerebellar granule cells in vivo
Authors: Dhar Matasha , Hantman Adam W. , Nishiyama Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

Granule cells (GCs) in the cerebellar cortex are important for sparse encoding of afferent sensorimotor information. Modeling studies show that GCs can perform their function most effectively when they have four dendrites. Indeed, mature GCs have four short dendrites on average, each terminating in a claw-like ending that receives both excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Immature GCs, however, have significantly more dendrites—all without claws. How these redundant dendrites are refined during development is largely unclear. Here, we used in vivo time-lapse imaging and immunohistochemistry to study developmental refinement of GC dendritic arbors and its relation to synapse formation. We found that while the formation of dendritic claws stabilized the dendrites, the selection of surviving dendrites was made before claw formation, and longer immature dendrites had a significantly higher chance of survival than shorter dendrites. Using immunohistochemistry, we show that glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses are transiently formed on immature GC dendrites, and the number of GABAergic, but not glutamatergic, synapses correlates with the length of immature dendrites. Together, these results suggest a potential role of transient GABAergic synapses on dendritic selection and show that preselected dendrites are stabilized by the formation of dendritic claws—the site of mature synapses.
The NnaR orphan response regulator is essential for the utilization of nitrate and nitrite as sole nitrogen sources in mycobacteria
Authors: Antczak Magdalena , Płocińska Renata , Płociński Przemysław , Rumijowska-Galewicz Anna , Żaczek Anna , Strapagiel Dominik , Dziadek Jarosław
Published: November 2018

Nitrogen is an essential component of biological molecules and an indispensable microelement required for the growth of cells. Nitrogen metabolism of Mycobacterium smegmatis is regulated by a number of transcription factors, with the glnR gene product playing a major role. Under nitrogen-depletion conditions, GlnR controls the expression of many genes involved in nitrogen assimilation, including the msmeg_0432 gene encoding NnaR, the homologue of a nitrite/nitrate transport regulator from Streptomyces coelicolor. In the present study, the role of NnaR in the nitrogen metabolism of M. smegmatis was evaluated. The ∆glnR and ∆nnaR mutant strains were generated and cultured under nitrogen-depletion conditions. Total RNA profiling was used to investigate the potential role of NnaR in the GlnR regulon under nitrogen-depletion and in nitrogen-rich media. We found that disruption of MSMEG_0432 affected the expression of genes involved in nitrite/nitrate uptake, and its removal rendered mycobacteria unable to assimilate nitrogen from those sources, leading to cell death. RNA-Seq results were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). The ability of mutants to grow on various nitrogen sources was evaluated using the BIOLOG Phenotype screening platform and confirmed on minimal Sauton’s medium containing various sources of nitrogen. The ∆glnR mutant was not able to convert nitrates to nitrites. Interestingly, NnaR required active GlnR to prevent nitrogen starvation, and both proteins cooperated in the regulation of gene expression associated with nitrate/nitrite assimilation. The ∆nnaR mutant was able to convert nitrates to nitrites, but it could not assimilate the products of this conversion. Importantly, NnaR was the key regulator of the expression of the truncated haemoglobin trHbN, which is required to improve the survival of bacteria under nitrosative stress.
Midostaurin reduces Regulatory T cells markers in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Gutierrez Lucas , Jang Miran , Zhang Tian , Akhtari Mojtaba , Alachkar Houda
Published: November 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy in which the only curative approach is allogeneic stem cell transplant (Allo-HSCT). The recognition and elimination of leukemic clones by donor T-cells contribute significantly to Allo-HSCT success. FLT3-ITD, a common mutation in AML, is associated with poor prognosis. Recently, midostaurin became the first FDA approved FLT3-inhibitor for pre-transplant patients with FLT3-ITD in combination with standard therapy. In addition to their multikinase activity which may affect T-cell signaling, FLT3-inhibitors induce apoptosis of malignant cells which may also enhance antigen presentation to activate T-cells. Considering the increased clinical use of these inhibitors in patients with AML, and the limited clinical benefit derived from their use as single agents, understanding how FLT3-inhibitors affect T cell population and function is needed to improve their clinical benefit. We examined the effect of four different FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, sorafenib, tandutinib, and quizartenib) on T cell populations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from healthy donors and from patients with AML. Midostaurin exhibited a significant decrease in CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3+ T cell population and FOXP3 mRNA expression in healthy and AML PBMCs. Similarly, samples collected from patients with AML treated with midostaurin showed a reduction in Tregs markers. Interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and IL-10 levels were also reduced following midostaurin treatment. Considering the FDA approval of midostaurin for use in patients with AML in the pre-transplant setting, our finding will have important clinical implication as it provides the rationale for functional investigation of the use of midostaurin in post-transplant patients.
Anomalous material-dependent transport of focused, laser-driven proton beams
Authors: Kim J. , McGuffey C. , Gautier D. C. , Link A. , Kemp G. E. , Giraldez E. M. , Wei M. S. , Stephens R. B. , Kerr S. , Poole P. L. , Madden R. , Qiao B. , Foord M. E. , Ping Y. , McLean H. S. , Fernández J. C. , Beg F. N.
Published: November 2018

Intense lasers can accelerate protons in sufficient numbers and energy that the resulting beam can heat materials to exotic warm (10 s of eV temperature) states. Here we show with experimental data that a laser-driven proton beam focused onto a target heated it in a localized spot with size strongly dependent upon material and as small as 35 μm radius. Simulations indicate that cold stopping power values cannot model the intense proton beam transport in solid targets well enough to match the large differences observed. In the experiment a 74 J, 670 fs laser drove a focusing proton beam that transported through different thicknesses of solid Mylar, Al, Cu or Au, eventually heating a rear, thin, Au witness layer. The XUV emission seen from the rear of the Au indicated a clear dependence of proton beam transport upon atomic number, Z, of the transport layer: a larger and brighter emission spot was measured after proton transport through the lower Z foils even with equal mass density for supposed equivalent proton stopping range. Beam transport dynamics pertaining to the observed heated spot were investigated numerically with a particle-in-cell (PIC) code. In simulations protons moving through an Al transport layer result in higher Au temperature responsible for higher Au radiant emittance compared to a Cu transport case. The inferred finding that proton stopping varies with temperature in different materials, considerably changing the beam heating profile, can guide applications seeking to controllably heat targets with intense proton beams.
In-vivo probabilistic atlas of human thalamic nuclei based on diffusion- weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Najdenovska Elena , Alemán-Gómez Yasser , Battistella Giovanni , Descoteaux Maxime , Hagmann Patric , Jacquemont Sebastien , Maeder Philippe , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Fornari Eleonora , Bach Cuadra Meritxell
Published: November 2018

The thalamic nuclei are involved in many neurodegenerative diseases and therefore, their identification is of key importance in numerous clinical treatments. Automated segmentation of thalamic subparts is currently achieved by exploring diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), but in absence of such data, atlas-based segmentation can be used as an alternative. Currently, there is a limited number of available digital atlases of the thalamus. Moreover, all atlases are created using a few subjects only, thus are prone to errors due to the inter-subject variability of the thalamic morphology. In this work, we present a probabilistic atlas of anatomical subparts of the thalamus built upon a relatively large dataset where the individual thalamic parcellation was done by employing a recently proposed automatic diffusion-based clustering method. Our analyses, comparing the segmentation performance between the atlas-based and the clustering method, demonstrate the ability of the provided atlas to substitute the automated diffusion-based subdivision in the individual space when the DW-MRI is not available.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of black phosphorus nanosheets and its application in the detection of H2O2
Authors: Ding HouCheng , Tang ZhaoRong , Zhang Lei , Dong YongPing
Published: November 2018

Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNS) were synthesized from BP crystals through liquid exfoliation coupled with ultrasonic methods under aqueous conditions.
A simple functionalized silica microsphere for fast PETN vapor detection based on fluorescence color changes via a catalyzed oxidation process
Authors: Gao Yixun , Mu Dehai , Guan Peng , Guo Pengran , Song Huacan
Published: November 2018

A fluorene substituted vinyl-SiO microsphere performs a rapid fluorescence color change via oxidation with highly selective PETN catalysis.
Conjugated hybrid films based on a new polyoxotitanate monomer
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Xing , Bonnefont Antoine , Lv Yaokang , Chen Jun , Dan Wenyan , Chen Zuofeng , Ruhlmann Laurent , Wright Dominic S. , Zhang Cheng
Published: November 2018

Electropolymerisation of the novel polyoxotitanate (POT) hexamer [Ti(μ3-O)(OiPr)(TA)]6 (TA = thiophene-3-acetate) with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) gives films of hybrid conjugated copolymer, Poly-(EDOT-POT)s, the morphologies of which are, uniquely, influenced by the electropolymerisation potential.
Capturing a new hydrate polymorph of amodiaquine dihydrochloride dihydrateviaheterogeneous crystallisation
Authors: Putra Okky Dwichandra , Pettersen Anna , Nilsson Lill Sten O. , Umeda Daiki , Yonemochi Etsuo , Nugraha Yuda Prasetya , Uekusa Hidehiro
Published: November 2018

A new polymorph of amodiaquine dihydrochloride dihydrate was obtainedviaheterogenous crystallization. This new polymorph showed difference in two-dimensional sheet structure compare to previously known polymorph.
High thermal stability, pH responsive organogels of 2H-benzo[d]1,2,3-triazole derivatives as pharmaceutical crystallization media
Authors: Torres-Moya Iván , Saikia Basanta , Prieto Pilar , Carrillo José R. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: November 2018

2H-Benzo[d]1,2,3-triazole derivatives give rise to a supergelator that results in the crystallization of kinetic form I sulfathiazole.
A review on the laser-assisted flow deposition method: growth of ZnO micro and nanostructures
Authors: Rodrigues Joana , Fernandes António J. S. , Monteiro Teresa , Costa Florinda M.
Published: November 2018

A newly developed LAFD method was revealed to be effective in producing ZnO crystals with different morphologies, evidencing a high crystalline and optical quality.
Comment on “Investigations on HONO formation from photolysis of adsorbed HNO3 on quartz glass surfaces” by S. Laufs and J. Kleffmann, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 9616
Authors: Sullivan Michael N. , Chu Liang T. , Zhu Lei
Published: November 2018

Determination of HNO3 coverage on silica provides insight into different HNO3 surface photolysis rates without and with humidity.
Shape dependence of thermodynamics of adsorption on nanoparticles: a theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Cui Zi-xiang , Feng Ya-nan , Xue Yong-qiang , Zhang Juan , Zhang Rong , Hao Jie , Liu Jia-yi
Published: November 2018

Shapes have significant influences on the thermodynamics of adsorption, and the smaller the particle size, the more significant the effects of shape on the thermodynamics.
Understanding the role of co-surfactants in microemulsions on the growth of copper oxalate using SAXS
Authors: Sunaina Sunaina , Sethi Vaishali , Mehta Surinder K. , Ganguli Ashok K. , Vaidya Sonalika
Published: November 2018

SAXS study for evaluating the effect of variation of co-surfactants on the shape of reverse micelles and growth of copper oxalate nanostructures.
Self-assembly of aromatic amino acids: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Uyaver Sahin , Hernandez Helen W. , Habiboglu M. Gokhan
Published: November 2018

Common structures identified in the assembly of aromatic amino acids and their mixtures include the four-fold tube (a and b) and the zig-zag structure (c and d).
White-light generation from all-solution-processed OLEDs using a benzothiazole–salophen derivative reactive to the ESIPT process
Authors: Duarte Luís Gustavo Teixeira Alves , Germino José Carlos , Berbigier Jônatas Faleiro , Barboza Cristina Aparecida , Faleiros Marcelo Meira , de Alencar Simoni Deborah , Galante Miguel Tayar , de Holanda Matheus Serra , Rodembusch Fabiano Severo , Atvars Teresa Dib Zambon
Published: November 2018

ESIPT for white-light generation from all-solution-processed OLEDs.
Mutual energy transfer luminescent properties in novel CsGd(MoO4)2:Yb3+,Er3+/Ho3+ phosphors for solid-state lighting and solar cells
Authors: Li Kai , Van Deun Rik
Published: November 2018

Mutual energy transfer luminescence properties in novel CsGd(MoO4)2:Yb3+,Er3+/Ho3+ phosphors have been observed using different excitation sources for solid-state lighting and solar cells.
Vibrational predissociation of the phenol–water dimer: a view from the water
Authors: Kwasniewski Daniel , Butler Mitchell , Reisler Hanna
Published: November 2018

Predissociation dynamics of the phenol–water dimer were studied by detecting H2O fragments and using VMI to infer internal state distributions.
Recent advances in nucleophile-triggered CO2-incorporated cyclization leading to heterocycles
Authors: Wang Sheng , Xi Chanjuan
Published: November 2018

CO2, as a sustainable, feasible, abundant one-carbon synthon, has been utilized in carboxylative cyclization, carbonylative cyclization, and reductive cyclization.
Photochemistry of ferritin decorated with plasmonic gold nanoparticles
Authors: Cerkez Elizabeth B. , Dutton Kaitlyn G. , Ghidey Yonatan G. , Kukulka Mark A. , Valentine Ann M. , Strongin Daniel R.
Published: November 2018

The photochemistry of a plasmonic biomaterial that consisted of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on the exterior of the iron sequestration protein, ferritin (Ftn), was investigated.
Plasmon-induced optical control over dithionite-mediated chemical redox reactions
Authors: Huang Junyang , de Nijs Bart , Cormier Sean , Sokolowski Kamil , Grys David-Benjamin , Readman Charlie A. , Barrow Steven J. , Scherman Oren A. , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: November 2018

Radicals on-demand with plasmon-mediated in situ dissociation of dithionite “fuel”, for optically controlled redox chemistry.
Urine-based liquid biopsy: non-invasive and sensitive AR-V7 detection in urinary EVs from patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Woo Hyun-Kyung , Park Juhee , Ku Ja Yoon , Lee Chan Ho , Sunkara Vijaya , Ha Hong Koo , Cho Yoon-Kyoung
Published: November 2018

Detection of AR-V7 in urinary EVs provides a simple and promising liquid biopsy tool for patients with prostate cancer.
Dual-functionalised shellac nanocarriers give a super-boost of the antimicrobial action of berberine
Authors: Al-Obaidy Saba S. M. , Greenway Gillian M. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: November 2018

We demonstrate a strong enhancement of the antimicrobial action of berberine encapsulated in shellac nanoparticles with dual surface functionality. This is attributed to the electrostatic adhesion of the cationic nanocarriers to the microbial cell walls which leads to their accumulation and local delivery of berberine.
Catalytic oxidation of diorganosilanes to 1,1,3,3-tetraorganodisiloxanes with gold nanoparticle assembly at the water–chloroform interface
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Sharma Asmita , Jangir Bhawana , Chaudhary Manchal , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele
Published: November 2018

The synthesis of 1,1,3,3-tetraorganodisiloxanes from the hydrolytic oxidation of diorganosilanes, RR1SiH2, using AuNPs as an interfacial catalyst is described. This study provides a manifestation of the photothermal effect in enhancing the catalytic activity at ambient temperature.
Characterization of immobilized tyrosinase – an enzyme that is stable in organic solvent at 100 °C
Authors: Wu Lidong , Rathi Brijesh , Chen Yi , Wu Xiuhong , Liu Huan , Li Jincheng , Ming Anjie , Han Gang
Published: November 2018

Immobilized tyrosinase in hexane can withstand 100 °C over one week, and the half-life of the dry immobilized tyrosinase in organic solvent is strongly related to the polarity of the organic solvent.
New type of alginate/chitosan microparticle membranes for highly efficient pervaporative dehydration of ethanol
Authors: Dudek Gabriela , Turczyn Roman
Published: November 2018

A new type of composite alginate membranes filled with CS and three different modified chitosan submicron particles, i.e. CS-P, CS-G and CS-GA were prepared, and the pervaporation of water/ethanol mixture was investigated.
Oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death induced by camphor insod1-deficientSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Agus Hizlan Hincal , Sengoz Cansin Ogeday , Yilmaz Sedanur
Published: November 2018

Camphor induces oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death.
School-Aged Children's Phonological Accuracy in Multisyllabic Words on a Whole-Word Metric
Authors: Mason Glenda K.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine differences in phonological accuracy in multisyllabic words (MSWs) on a whole-word metric, longitudinally and cross-sectionally, for elementary school–aged children with typical development (TD) and with history of protracted phonological development (PPD).

Method

Three mismatch subtotals, Lexical influence, Word Structure, and segmental Features (forming a Whole Word total), were evaluated in 3 multivariate analyses: (a) a longitudinal comparison (
n
= 22), at age 5 and 8 years; (b) a cross-sectional comparison of 8- to 10-year-olds (
n
= 12 per group) with TD and with history of PPD; and (c) a comparison of the group with history of PPD (
n
= 12) with a larger 5-year-old group (
n
= 62).

Results

Significant
effect sizes
(η

p

2
) found for mismatch totals were as follows: (a) moderate (Lexical, Structure) and large (Features) between ages 5 and 8 to 10 years, mismatch frequency decreasing developmentally, and (b) large between 8- to 10-year-olds with TD and with history of PPD (Structure, Features; minimal lexical influences), in favor of participants with TD. Mismatch frequencies were equivalent for 8- to 10-year-olds with history of PPD and 5-year-olds with TD. Classification accuracy in original subgroupings was 100% and 91% for 8- to 10-year-olds with TD and with history of PPD, respectively, and 86% for 5-year-olds with TD.

Conclusion

Phonological accuracy in MSW production was differentiated for elementary school–aged children with TD and PPD, using a whole-word metric. To assist with the identification of children with ongoing PPD, the metric has the ability to detect weaknesses and track progress in global MSW phonological production.
Symmetric dual gate insulator‐based FinFET module and design window for reliable circuits
Authors: Yadav Nandakishor , Shah Ambika Prasad , Beohar Ankur , Vishvakarma Santosh Kumar
Published: November 2018

High‐k spacer and gate insulator materials have been exhaustively studied nowadays for the enhancement of electrostatic control and reduction of short‐channel effects in scaled devices. The work presents a high‐performance and charge trap tolerant FinFET module at 10 nm gate length. Dual layer gate insulator (inner low‐k and outer high‐k) introduces to reduce charge trapping from the channel and outside into the gate oxide. It reduces the gate leakage current by 51.6% compared to conventional FinFET. Further, they demonstrate single charge trapping (SCT) induce effects and proposed optimised high‐k spacer width of the SCT tolerant design. SCT analysis is presented in different high‐k spacer materials and back‐gate voltages. Process variation sources such as line edge roughness and line width roughness are also analysed for the circuit design.
(3200) Phaethon: Bulk density from Yarkovsky drift detection
Authors: Hanuš J. , Vokrouhlický D. , Delbo’ M. , Farnocchia D. , Polishook D. , Pravec P. , Hornoch K. , Kučáková H. , Kušnirák P. , Stephens R. , Warner B.
Published: November 2018

Context.The recent close approach of the near-Earth asteroid (3200) Phaethon offered a rare opportunity to obtain high-quality observational data of various types.

Aims.We used the newly obtained optical light curves to improve the spin and shape model of Phaethon and to determine its surface physical properties derived by thermophysical modeling. We also used the available astrometric observations of Phaethon, including those obtained by the Arecibo radar and theGaiaspacecraft, to constrain the secular drift of the orbital semimajor axis. This constraint allowed us to estimate the bulk density by assuming that the drift is dominated by the Yarkovsky effect.

Methods.We used the convex inversion model to derive the spin orientation and 3D shape model of Phaethon, and a detailed numerical approach for an accurate analysis of the Yarkovsky effect.

Results.We obtained a unique solution for Phaethon’s pole orientation at (318 ° , − 47 ° ) ecliptic longitude and latitude (both with an uncertainty of 5°), and confirm the previously reported thermophysical properties (D = 5.1 ± 0.2 km, Γ = 600 ± 200J m−2 s−0.5 K−1). Phaethon has a top-like shape with possible north-south asymmetry. The characteristic size of the regolith grains is 1 − 2 cm. The orbit analysis reveals a secular drift of the semimajor axis of −(6.9 ± 1.9)×10−4au Myr−1. With the derived volume-equivalent size of 5.1 km, the bulk density is 1.67 ± 0.47 g cm−3. If the size is slightly larger ∼5.7 − 5.8 km, as suggested by radar data, the bulk density would decrease to 1.48 ± 0.42 g cm−3. We further investigated the suggestion that Phaethon may be in a cluster with asteroids (155140) 2005 UD and (225416) 1999 YC that was formed by rotational fission of a critically spinning parent body.

Conclusions.Phaethon’s bulk density is consistent with typical values for large (> 100 km) C-complex asteroids and supports its association with asteroid (2) Pallas, as first suggested by dynamical modeling. These findings render a cometary origin unlikely for Phaethon.
Evaluation of Solar Ponds and Aplication Area
Authors: Haci Sogukpinar , Ismail Bozkurt , Serkan Cag
Published: November 2018

Solar ponds are heat storage systems where solar energy is collected and stored thermally. Solar ponds were discovered during the temperature variations in the lower regions of existing saltwater pond in the area is found to be higher than their surface. Later, it was constructed artificially and started to be used. These systems have heat storage capacity at moderate temperatures. Solar pons are used in many areas such as electricity generation, heating the environment, meeting the need of hot water, drying food and obtaining fresh water from salty water. In this study, the studies about solar ponds were summarized, the construction of solar pond was explained, and the application areas were examined.
Performance Improvements of the Air-Based Solar Heating System (Improvement Method of Thermal Performance)
Authors: Youngjin Choi
Published: November 2018

In this study, it is proposed a heating and hot water system for a house using the air-based solar collection. The performance of existing solar heating system is analysed by annual simulation and the problems and the effect of thermal characteristics of the system are investigated due to change of heat collecting surface, heat storage method, capacity, building insulation performance and so on. Furthermore, it presents an improvement plan that maximizes the effect of the system and the performance of the system.
Carbon-Nanotube Based Thermoelectrical Paste for Enhancing Solar Cell Effciency
Authors: Mohamed Fathi Sanad , Ahmed Shaker , Sameh O. Abdellatif , Iman Elmahallawi , Hani A. Ghali , Khaled Kirah
Published: November 2018

A super-passive cooling technique based on a thermal paste is proposed for PV efficiency enhancement in elevated temperature conditions. A mixture between carbon nanotubes and graphene having a promising Seebeck coefficient is chosen. An overall enhancement in efficiency by around 58% was reached while thermoelectrically supplying hundreds of micro-Watt per PV Watt.
Design and fabrication of a prototype solar tapping device
Authors: Kulkarni Anirudh N. , Bhat B. Arjun , Sastry Chinmay D. , Sridhar K. S.
Published: November 2018

Fossil fuel based energy sources are most commonly used because of the ease of availability and affordability, but have many long lasting negative effects, due to which a shift must be made to renewable and clean energy sources such as solar energy. Efficiency of the photovoltaic cells have increased by 1% every ten months, resulting in reduced costs and increased number of users. The project will explore the design and fabrication of an improved and efficient solar tapping device. An effort will be made to incorporate an architectural concept called “barrel vault” that is primarily used for natural lighting, over a Fresnel lens plate setup to act as a collector. The tracking mechanism incorporated is unique and can be modified to either have single axis or dual axis tracking depending on the requirements. Keeping in mind the environment and cost, an attempt has been made to fabricate the product with higher energy conversion rate, at an affordable cost using the above techniques. Upon analysing the results, the conclusion could be drawn that there was an increase in conversion rate of up to twice the traditional setup.
Thermal Stratification Performance of a Packed Bed Latent Heat Storage System during Charging
Authors: Ashmore Mawire , Katlego Lentswe , Robert Lugolole , Denis Okello , Karidewa Nyeinga
Published: November 2018

Experimental thermal stratification evaluation of a packed bed latent heat storage is done during charging cycles. The packed bed latent heat storage system consists of adipic acid encapsulated in aluminum spheres. Sunflower oil is used as the heat transfer fluid during charging cycles. Stratification number profiles are used to evaluate thermal stratification in the storage system. Charging experiments are carried out with three different flow-rates (4 ml/s, 8 ml/s and 12 ml/s). Charging experiments are also done using the same flow-rate (8 ml/s) with three different set heater temperatures (220 °C, 240 °C and 260 °C). The lowest charging flow-rate (4 ml/s) shows the best variation of the stratification number profile since it shows the least drop from the peak value and the shortest charging interval. Different set heater temperatures show almost identical stratification number profiles. The effect of the charging flow-rate is more significant than the effect of the charging set heater temperature when evaluating thermal stratification for this particular system.
How Electrical Storage Heaters Can Reduce Wind Curtailment by Satisfying System Reserve Requirements
Authors: William D. Kerr , David M. Laverty , Robert J. Best
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes how using electric storage heaters could provide a portion of the system reserve requirements which would otherwise have to be satisfied by conventional generation. With the upgrade and install of new advanced electrical storage heaters there is the potential to provide large system reserve capabilities when combined with a high-speed communications network. Together with these new more efficient heaters, not only will domestic emissions be reduced, the overall electrical grid CO2 intensity should experience an improvement due to the incorporation of the demand side management (DSM) aspect. The All-Ireland system has been used in this paper as an example of an electrical network which is undergoing a significant transition to high penetrations of renewables, while having a considerable population of potentially upgradeable electric heating sources for DSM control.
Optimal Reconstruction of Power Distribution Network based on Reliability and Economy
Authors: Zhang Kaiyu , Feng Yuyao , Ren Lijia , Yuan Quanning
Published: November 2018

Great significance shall be attached to the research on how to improve reliability of user-end power supply with limited expense by coordinating reliability and economic efficiency of power grid, so that to meet the increasing demand on reliability of electric power, and achieve considerable economic effectiveness. In this paper, process of power distribution network reliability calculation based on minimum-path failure mode and effect analysis mode is expounded, and a demonstration on calculation of power distribution network reliability is provided. Furthermore, cost-benefit analysis, which includes calculations of cost and benefit of reliability, is introduced to reflect reliability efficiency through power interruption cost calculation. At the end of this paper the cost-benefit Analyses is applied on the optimal reconstructed power distribution network.
Study on Reliability Evaluation Method Based on Improved Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Liu Jun , Yang Fan , Ren Lijia
Published: November 2018

The advancement in science and technology comes with continuously expanding power system scale, increasingly complex system operation condition and higher requirements for accuracy and speed of power system reliability evaluation, but actual calculation methods cannot meet the needs. Therefore, there is need to improve the reliability of conventional power distribution network so that requirements of calculation speed and calculation accuracy can be met. In this paper, reliability of the power distribution network will be evaluated using improved Monte Carlo method with uniform sampling. The average value is obtained through calculation of state of multiple sub-intervals and test functions, which effectively improves calculation accuracy, and further increases the utilization of random numbers. By improving the uniform sampling method, the Monte Carlo simulation variance is reduced, and evaluation and calculation efficiency is improved. At the same time, unqualified power grid is selected for analysis. Based on the simulation results, qualified power distribution networks are compared to point out where the requirements are not met. Also, comparative analysis is made on the effect of power distribution network grid structure etc. on the user’s power supply. Finally, suggestions for improving power distribution network reliability are given from equipment reliability, grid structure.
Research on Power Knowledge Model Based on Group Wisdom
Authors: Zhao Hongying , Yu Yang , Ji Youlang , Zhu Jun , Zhang Jinqiu
Published: November 2018

This study described the plan of knowledge management and crowd innovation for Jiangsu electric company based on literature analysis on crowd innovation research and investigation of the company’s innovation state as well as its electric service. A knowledge management system was designed for all the experts in electric field, all the workers and the customers in order to achieve crowd innovation. This system was designed based on the consideration of innovation process, evaluation and motivation, and it is implemented with the Web 2.0 technology.
Wake and Turbulence Analysis for Wind Turbine Layouts in an Island
Authors: Amrender Singh Bachhal , Klaus Vogstad , Mohan Lal Kolhe , Abhijit Chougule , Hans George Beyer
Published: November 2018

There is a big wind energy potential in supplying the power in an island and most of the islands are off-grid. Due to the limited area in island(s), there is need to find appropriate layout / location for wind turbines suited to the local wind conditions. In this paper, we have considered the wind resources data of an island in Trøndelag region of the Northern Norway, situated on the coastal line. The wind resources data of this island have been analysed for wake losses and turbulence on wind turbines for determining appropriate locations of wind turbines in this island. These analyses are very important for understanding the fatigue and mechanical stress on the wind turbines. In this work, semi empirical wake model has been used for wake losses analysis with wind speed and turbine spacings. The Jensen wake model used for the wake loss analysis due to its high degree of accuracy and the Frandsen model for characterizing the turbulent loading. The variations of the losses in the wind energy production of the down-wind turbine relative to the up-wind turbine and, the down-stream turbulence have been analysed for various turbine distances. The special emphasis has been taken for the case of wind turbine spacing, leading to the turbulence conditions for satisfying the IEC 61400-1 conditions to find the wind turbine layout in this island. The energy production of down-wind turbines has been decreased from 2 to 20% due to the lower wind speeds as they are located behind up-wind turbine, resulting in decreasing the overall energy production of the wind farm. Also, the higher wake losses have contributed to the effective turbulence, which has reduced the overall energy production from the wind farm. In this case study, the required distance for wind turbines have been changed to 6 rotor diameters for increasing the energy gain. From the results, it has been estimated that the marginal change in wake losses by moving the down-stream wind turbine by one rotor diameter distance has been in the range of 0.5 to 1% only and it is insignificant. In the full-length paper, the wake effects with wind speed variations and the wind turbine locations will be reported for reducing the wake losses on the down-stream wind turbine. The Frandsen model has been used for analysing turbulence loading on the down-stream wind turbine as per IEC 61400-1 criteria. In larger wind farms, the high turbulence from the up-stream wind turbines increases the fatigues on the turbines of the wind farm. In this work, we have used the effective turbulence criteria at a certain distance between up-stream and down-stream turbines for minimizing the fatigue load level. The sensitivity analysis on wake and turbulence analysis will be reported in the full-length paper. Results from this work will be useful for finding wind farm layouts in an island for utilizing effectively the wind energy resources and electrification using wind power plants.
Experimental Evaluation of Turbine Ventilators Performance under Different Test Conditions
Authors: Dovydas Rimdžius , Juozas Bielskus , Vytautas Martinaitis , Violeta Motuzienė , Giedrė Streckienė
Published: November 2018

One of the most popular wind driven ventilation devices is a turbine ventilator. Its main construction components usually are air suction duct and impeller. However, there are many different configurations of such devices – different shape of vanes and ratios between main dimensions. In order to develop turbine ventilators there is demand for deeper fundamental researches. Major part of previous experimental investigations compares turbine ventilators performance. The aim of presented experimental investigation is to understand key parameters affecting wind driven ventilators performance. For this purpose, straight and curved vane devices under 4 different test conditions are tested. All tests are performed in modified wind tunnel based on the following methodology: 1) testing devices under normal operation conditions; 2) testing without impeller; 3) testing while impeller is stopped; 4) testing while air suction duct is sealed. Experimental results have shown that the biggest part of extracted air flow rate is impacted due to ejection of wind and air suction duct interaction process. A slight increase in performance of turbine ventilators compared to open duct column has been confirmed. Experiments also revealed differences between tested turbine ventilators rotational speed trends. Presented empirical equations of experiments could be used for design of turbine ventilators or other researches purposes.
Numerical Studies on a NACA0018 Airfoil Blade HAWT with Trailing Edge Jet Flow
Authors: Uzu-Kuei Hsu , Cheng-Hsien Tai , Chia-Wei HSU , Jiun-Jih Miau
Published: November 2018

This study analyzed an airfoil blade for a horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) with a trailing-edge jet flow design. This design was realized by drilling a hole in the trailing edge of an NACA0018 blade of a conventional HAWT to serve as a pressure injection nozzle. Five inflow wind speeds and three trailing-edge jet flow conditions were examined in the test. The results revealed the efficiency differences between a HAWT with the new jet flow design and conventional HAWTs. The experimental methods employed involved a wind tunnel experiment and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The results revealed that when the inflow wind speed was low, the trailing-edge jet flow accelerated the initiation phase and increased the rotating speed of the HAWT; however, when the inflow wind speed was high, damping occurred and the rotating speed of the turbine blades decreased.
Impact of df/dt Inertia Control on Doubly Fed Induction Generator Type Wind Turbine
Authors: Hua Huang , Xin Tao , Xu Tian , Fei Peng
Published: November 2018

the supplemental df/dt control is the common method for wind power generation to support system inertial response. This paper investigates the impact of the df/dt inertia controller on doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) type wind turbine. The controller is usually a high pass filter. Two parameters which are the gain and the time constant are considered. By constructing the linearized model of DFIG, the impacts of the two parameters of the controller are discussed. It shows that with different phase locked loop (PLL) parameters and current control parameters, different time constants and gains are required to ensure the DFIG stability. The time domain simulation validates the result.
Overcurrent Protections in MV Grid with Local Energy Sources
Authors: Józef Lorenc , Bartosz Olejnik , Aleksandra Schött
Published: November 2018

The article presents typical methods of connecting various types of local power sources to a medium voltage network. Describes the advantages and disadvantages of individual solutions. The authors focus particularly on the issues of power system protection, with particular emphasis on overcurrent protection (ANSI 50 and 67). The key part of the article is the presentation of the selection methodology, along with examples, of setting this type of protection for a frequently encountered case - connecting local energy sources with busbars with a line with receipts.
Habitat Characterization of Mansonia spp as Filariasis Vector in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Pratiwi Rini , Anwar Chairil , Salni  , Hermansyah  , Novrikasari  , Hidayat Rachmat , Ghiffari Ahmad
Published: November 2018

Filariasis is caused by microfilariae parasites transmitted through mosquitoes, one of which is Mansonia spp. Environmental characteristics are crucial component for vector control in handling filariasis because they indicate mosquitoes’ range of survival. This study aimed to determine the environmental characteristics in the abundance of Mansonia spp. This study was conducted in two lowland areas located in Sedang and Muara Sugih Village, Indonesia, April 2017-April 2018. Environmental characteristics were determined by thermometers and sling hygrometers, and sampling for physical and chemical properties of water. Sedang Village had larger quantity of Mansonia spp variances compared to Muara Sugih, with 6 species and 5 species found respectively. Muara Sugih was slightly higher in temperature and humidity. Sedang water had higher turbidity, higher temperature, higher pH, lower BOD-COD, lower TDS-TSS, with higher coliform counts. Sedang dominant land utilization was plantations, while Muara Sugih was rice field. The dominant aquatic plant in Sedang was Pistia stratiotes and Muara Sugih was Oryza sativa. Differences in temperature, humidity, water parameters, aquatic plants, and land utilization factors resulted in discrepancy of Mansonia spp abundance.
Structure and Species Composition in Logged-over Swamp Forest, Bengkalis, Riau
Authors: Basyuni Mohammad , Jayusman Jayusman , Hayati Rahmah
Published: November 2018

Peat swamp forest is a particularly stable ecosystem. This stability may regulate well-balanced water to maintain the existence of typical flora and fauna. The present study describes the structure and species composition from three different sites namely newly logged-over swamp forest, three years old logged-over swamp forest, and four years old-logged over swamp forest in Bengkalis, Riau, Indonesia. The study sites were predominated by four structural ensembles with their strata order from the highest to lowest: emergent trees, canopy, lower ensembles, and undergrowth. The emergent trees consisted of three tree species, and the canopy included four species, lower groups covered three species, and undergrowth had two species. Overall, the three sites composed of 26 species with 24 genera and 24 families. Dendrogram based on similarity of site index showed that newly and three years old logged-over forest joined into one cluster with Euclidean distance at 38.42. Furthermore, both sites joined with four years old logged over forest forming another cluster with 489.19 Euclidean distances. Present study, therefore, showing that four years old logged-over peat swamp forest turned out to have the greatest Euclidean distance value.
Freshwater Molluscs as Bioindicator of Fe and Mn Contamination in Lematang River, South Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Teristiandi Novin
Published: November 2018

Heavy metal in river come mainly from naturally occurring geochemical materials. However, human activities has enhanced concentration of heavy metal such as coal mine in the case of pollution in Lematang River. The high suspended solid loads in the river can remove most soluble metals from the water and trapped them in the bottom sediment. Freshwater molluscs were collected 3 sampling site, Lahat (ST1) as reference site, and polluted rivers of West Merapi (ST2) and East Merapi (ST2). Freshwater molluscs were analysed for the heavy metal contents in tissue. Relationships of the heavy metal in sediment to the heavy metal content in molluscs was performed using SPSS 24. Thiara scabra was the most abundant taxa in sampling area. Concentration of Fe and Mn in sediment has no significant effect on the Fe content in mollusc tissues. Molluscs appeared to more sensitive to higher Mn content. This study did not clearly show molluscs as a bioaccumulator for metal. Nonetheless, Thiara scabra were common, abundant, easily sampled and it is a useful choice as bioindicator in Lematang river for future study.
The Effect of Degradation Time Variation on Porous Magnesium Implant Bone Scaffold
Authors: Basri Hasan , Syahrom Ardiansyah , Saad Amir Putra Md , Rabiatul Adibah AR , Ramadhoni Tri Satya , Putra Risky Utama , Diansyah Apreka
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a modeling approach for biodegradation of implant-bone scaffolds. A Computer simulation was performed to determine the wall shear stress (WSS) and permeability of simulated body fluid (SBF) with a constant flow rate of 0.025 ml/min. In this study, four morphological samples were used to immersion time from 0 to 72 hours. Each specimen was given a different bone strain (1000-3500 μstrain) which created a variation of displacement in the bone scaffold. The method used in the simulation was the fluid-structure interaction (FSI). The pressure drop through the specimen decreases linearly, the permeability increases as the porosity increases, and the mean wall shear stress decreases due to the length of the immersion time. It was obtained that the permeability values of the implant-bone scaffold increases from 7.79×10-10 m2 to 1.09×10-9 m2 and the mean shear stress values decrease from 2.86×10-3 Pa to 1.38×10-3 Pa.
The Physical of Biscuit Complete Ration Based on Hymenacne Acutigluma Supplemented with Different Legumes
Authors: Riswandi  , Hamzah Basuni , Wijaya Agus , Abrar Arfan , Agus S , Imsya Afnur , Yosi Fitra , Sandi Sofia , Fitriani Eka
Published: November 2018

The aim of this research was to study the effects of supplementation different legumes on the physical quality of biscuit complete ration based on hymenacne acutigluma. This study was conducted in Animal Feed and Nutrition Laboratory of Agriculture Faculty, Sriwijaya University. This study was done in 2 months. A completely randomized design with four treatments and four replicates was used in this study. Each treatments were P0= 70% kumpai grass + 30% concentrate + 0% legume, P1= 55% kumpai grass + 7.5% lamtoro leaves + 7.5% water mimmosa + 30% concentrate, P2= 55% kumpai grass + 7.5% acacia leaves + 30% concentrate, and P3= 55% kumpai grass + 5% lamtoro leaves + 5% acacia leaves + 5 % water mimmosa + 30% concentrate. Variables measured were water content, density, average collision endurance, specific gravity and water absorption. The result indicated that The adding of different legumes in the ration significantly (P<0.05) affected the specific gravity and water absorption, but no significant effect on density, average collision endurance. Duncan Multirange Range Test showed that treatment of control (P0) had the highest of water absorption (264.56%). The highest content of water gravity was obtained in the treatment of adding lamtoro, acacia and water mimmosa (P3), namely 0.9 g/ml water gravity. The conclusion of this study is the addition of different legumes in kumpai grass-based diets can improve the physical quality of the complete ration biscuit. The addition of lamtoro leaves, water mimosa and acacia at the level of 5%, gave the best result in specific gravity and water absorption.