bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-incidence of RCC-susceptibility polymorphisms with HIF cis-acting sequences supports a pathway tuning model of cancer
Authors: Schmid Virginia , Lafleur Veronique N. , Lombardi Olivia , Li Ran , Salama Rafik , Colli Leandro , Choudhry Hani , Chanock Stephen , Ratcliffe Peter J. , Mole David R.
Published: December 2019

Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of oncogenic pathways requires precise tuning in order for cancer to develop. To test this, we examined the overlap between cis-acting elements of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway and cancer-susceptibility polymorphisms as defined in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In renal cancer, where HIF is constitutively and un-physiologically activated by mutation of the von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor, we observed marked excess overlap, which extended to potential susceptibility polymorphisms that are below the conventional threshold applied in GWAS. In contrast, in other cancers where HIF is upregulated by different mechanisms, including micro-environmental hypoxia, we observed no excess in overlap. Our findings support a ‘pathway tuning’ model of cancer, whereby precise modulation of multiple outputs of specific, activated pathways is important in oncogenesis. This implies that selective pressures to modulate such pathways operate during cancer development and should focus attempts to identify their nature and consequences.
Optimising non-invasive brain-computer interface systems for free communication between naïve human participants
Authors: Renton Angela I. , Mattingley Jason B. , Painter David R.
Published: December 2019

Free communication is one of the cornerstones of modern civilisation. While manual keyboards currently allow us to interface with computers and manifest our thoughts, a next frontier is communication without manual input. Brain-computer interface (BCI) spellers often achieve this by decoding patterns of neural activity as users attend to flickering keyboard displays. To date, the highest performing spellers report typing rates of ~10.00 words/minute. While impressive, these rates are typically calculated for experienced users repetitively typing single phrases. It is therefore not clear whether naïve users are able to achieve such high rates with the added cognitive load of genuine free communication, which involves continuously generating and spelling novel words and phrases. In two experiments, we developed an open-source, high-performance, non-invasive BCI speller and examined its feasibility for free communication. The BCI speller required users to focus their visual attention on a flickering keyboard display, thereby producing unique cortical activity patterns for each key, which were decoded using filter-bank canonical correlation analysis. In Experiment 1, we tested whether seventeen naïve users could maintain rapid typing during prompted free word association. We found that information transfer rates were indeed slower during this free communication task than during typing of a cued character sequence. In Experiment 2, we further evaluated the speller’s efficacy for free communication by developing a messaging interface, allowing users to engage in free conversation. The results showed that free communication was possible, but that information transfer was reduced by voluntary textual corrections and turn-taking during conversation. We evaluated a number of factors affecting the suitability of BCI spellers for free communication, and make specific recommendations for improving classification accuracy and usability. Overall, we found that developing a BCI speller for free communication requires a focus on usability over reduced character selection time, and as such, future performance appraisals should be based on genuine free communication scenarios.
Nitrogen fertilization modifies organic transformations and coatings on soil biogeochemical interfaces through microbial polysaccharides synthesis
Authors: Huang Xizhi , Guggenberger Georg , Kuzyakov Yakov , Shibistova Olga , Ge Tida , Li Yiwei , Liu Bifeng , Wu Jinshui
Published: December 2019

The soil-water interfaces (SWI) in soil pores are hotspots for organic matter (OM) transformation. However, due to the heterogeneous and opaque nature of soil microenvironment, direct and continuous tracing of interfacial reactions, such as OM transformations and formation of organo-mineral associations, are rare. To investigate these processes, a new soil microarray technology (SoilChips) was developed and used. Homogeneous 800-μm-diameter SoilChips were constructed by depositing a dispersed Oxisol A horizon suspension on a patterned glass. Dissolved organic matter from the original soil was added on the SoilChips to mimic SWI processes. The effects of ammonium fertilization (90 mg N kg−1 soil) on chemical composition of SWIs were evaluated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Over 21 days, ammonium addition increased OM coatings at SWIs and modified the OM chemical structure with more alcoholic- and carboxylic-C compared to the unfertilized control. Molecular modeling of OM composition at SWIs showed that N fertilization mainly facilitated the microbial production of glucans. We demonstrated that N availability modifies the specific OM molecular processing and its immobilization on SWIs, thereby providing a direct insight into biogeochemical transformation of OM at micro-scale.
Constraining modelled global vegetation dynamics and carbon turnover using multiple satellite observations
Authors: Forkel Matthias , Drüke Markus , Thurner Martin , Dorigo Wouter , Schaphoff Sibyll , Thonicke Kirsten , von Bloh Werner , Carvalhais Nuno
Published: December 2019

The response of land ecosystems to future climate change is among the largest unknowns in the global climate-carbon cycle feedback. This uncertainty originates from how dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) simulate climate impacts on changes in vegetation distribution, productivity, biomass allocation, and carbon turnover. The present-day availability of a multitude of satellite observations can potentially help to constrain DGVM simulations within model-data integration frameworks. Here, we use satellite-derived datasets of the fraction of absorbed photosynthetic active radiation (FAPAR), sun-induced fluorescence (SIF), above-ground biomass of trees (AGB), land cover, and burned area to constrain parameters for phenology, productivity, and vegetation dynamics in the LPJmL4 DGVM. Both the prior and the optimized model accurately reproduce present-day estimates of the land carbon cycle and of temporal dynamics in FAPAR, SIF and gross primary production. However, the optimized model reproduces better the observed spatial patterns of biomass, tree cover, and regional forest carbon turnover. Using a machine learning approach, we found that remaining errors in simulated forest carbon turnover can be explained with bioclimatic variables. This demonstrates the need to improve model formulations for climate effects on vegetation turnover and mortality despite the apparent successful constraint of simulated vegetation dynamics with multiple satellite observations.
The Alpha Crucis Carbonate Ridge (ACCR): Discovery of a giant ring-shaped carbonate complex on the SW Atlantic margin
Authors: Maly Mascimiliano , Schattner Uri , Lobo Francisco José , Dias Rodolfo Jasão Soares , Ramos Raissa Basti , Couto Daniel de Matos , Sumida Paulo Yukio Gomes , de Mahiques Michel Michaelovitch
Published: December 2019

Recently acquired bathymetric and high-resolution seismic data from the upper slope of Santos Basin, southern Brazilian margin, reveal a major geomorphological feature in the SW Atlantic that is interpreted as a carbonate ridge - the Alpha Crucis Carbonate Ridge (ACCR). The ACCR is the first megastructure of this type described on the SW Atlantic margin. The ~17 × 11-km-wide ring-shaped ACCR features tens of >100-m-high steep-sided carbonate mounds protruding from the surrounding seabed and flanked by elongated depressions. Comet-like marks downstream of the mound structures indicate that the area is presently influenced by the northward flow of the Intermediate Western Boundary Current (IWBC), a branch of the Subtropical Gyre that transports Antarctic Intermediate Water. Abundant carbonate sands and gravels cover the mounds and are overlain by a biologically significant community of living and dead ramified corals and associated invertebrates. The IWBC acts as a hydrodynamic factor that is responsible for both shaping the bottom and transporting coral larvae. We contend that the ACCR was formed by upward fluid flow along active sub-surface faults and fractures that formed by lateral extension generated by the ascending movement of salt diapirs at depth. The ACCR provides an important modern and accessible analogue for a seabed carbonate build-up related to sub-surface hydrocarbon systems.
Adult peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood NK cells are good sources for effective CAR therapy against CD19 positive leukemic cells
Authors: Herrera L. , Santos S. , Vesga M. A. , Anguita J. , Martin-Ruiz I. , Carrascosa T. , Juan M. , Eguizabal C.
Published: December 2019

Among hematological cancers, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) are the most common leukemia in children and elderly people respectively. Some patients do not respond to chemotherapy treatments and it is necessary to complement it with immunotherapy-based treatments such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy, which is one of the newest and more effective treatments against these cancers and B-cell lymphoma. Although complete remission results are promising, CAR T cell therapy presents still some risks for the patients, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. We proposed a different immune cell source for CAR therapy that might prevent these side effects while efficiently targeting malignant cells. NK cells from different sources are a promising vehicle for CAR therapy, as they do not cause graft versus host disease (GvHD) in allogenic therapies and they are prompt to attack cancer cells without prior sensitization. We studied the efficacy of NK cells from adult peripheral blood (AB) and umbilical cord blood (CB) against different target cells in order to determine the best source for CAR therapy. AB CAR-NK cells are slightly better at killing CD19 presenting target cells and CB NK cells are easier to stimulate and they have more stable number from donor to donor. We conclude that CAR-NK cells from both sources have their advantages to be an alternative and safer candidate for CAR therapy.
Automated collective motion analysis validates human keratinocyte stem cell cultures
Authors: Kinoshita Koji , Munesue Takuya , Toki Fujio , Isshiki Masaharu , Higashiyama Shigeki , Barrandon Yann , Nishimura Emi K. , Yanagihara Yoshio , Nanba Daisuke
Published: December 2019

Identification and quality assurance of stem cells cultured in heterogeneous cell populations are indispensable for successful stem cell therapy. Here we present an image-processing pipeline for automated identification and quality assessment of human keratinocyte stem cells. When cultivated under appropriate conditions, human epidermal keratinocyte stem cells give rise to colonies and exhibit higher locomotive capacity as well as significant proliferative potential. Image processing and kernel density estimation were used to automatically extract the area of keratinocyte colonies from phase-contrast images of cultures containing feeder cells. The DeepFlow algorithm was then used to calculate locomotion speed of the colony area by analyzing serial images. This image-processing pipeline successfully identified keratinocyte stem cell colonies by measuring cell locomotion speed, and also assessed the effect of oligotrophic culture conditions and chemical inhibitors on keratinocyte behavior. Therefore, this study provides automated procedures for image-based quality control of stem cell cultures and high-throughput screening of small molecules targeting stem cells.
Pannexin 3 ER Ca2+ channel gating is regulated by phosphorylation at the Serine 68 residue in osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Ishikawa Masaki , Williams Geneva , Forcinito Patricia , Ishikawa Momoko , Petrie Ryan J. , Saito Kan , Fukumoto Satoshi , Yamada Yoshihiko
Published: December 2019

Pannexin 3 (Panx3) is a regulator of bone formation. Panx3 forms three distinct functional channels: hemichannels, gap junctions, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ channels. However, the gating mechanisms of the Panx3 channels remain unclear. Here, we show that the Panx3 ER Ca2+ channel is modulated by phosphorylation of the serine 68 residue (Ser68) to promote osteoblast differentiation. Among the 17 candidate phosphorylation sites identified, the mutation of Ser68 to Ala (Ser68Ala) was sufficient to inhibit Panx3-mediated osteoblast differentiation via reduction of Osterix and ALP expression. Using a Ser68 phospho-specific antibody (P-Panx3) revealed Panx3 was phosphorylated in prehypertrophic, hypertrophic chondrocytes, and bone areas of the newborn growth plate. In osteogenic C2C12 cells, P-Panx3 was located on the ER membranes. Importantly, the Ser68Ala mutation only affected Panx3 ER Ca2+ channel function. Ser68 on Panx3 was phosphorylated by ATP stimulation and PI3K/Akt signaling. Finally, real-time FRET imaging and ratio analysis revealed that the Panx3 channel conformation was sensitive to ATP. Together, the phosphorylation of Panx3 at Ser68 is an essential step controlling the gating of the Panx3 ER Ca2+ channel to promote osteogenesis.
Author Correction: Quantitative proteomic analysis of enhanced cellular effects of electrochemotherapy with Cisplatin in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Mittal Lakshya , Aryal Uma K. , Camarillo Ignacio G. , Ferreira Rodrigo M. , Sundararajan Raji
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Photocatalytic proximity labelling of MCL-1 by a BH3 ligand
Authors: Beard Hester A. , Hauser Jacob R. , Walko Martin , George Rachel M. , Wilson Andrew J. , Bon Robin S.
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Poly(arylene ether sulfone) crosslinked networks with pillar[5]arene units grafted by multiple long-chain quaternary ammonium salts for anion exchange membranes
Authors: Peng Jinwu , Liang Minhui , Liu Zhenchao , Wang Peng , Shi Chengying , Hu Wei , Liu Baijun
Published: December 2019

For the first time, high-molecular-weight pillar[5]arene-containing aromatic polymers were synthesized and further modified for application as anion exchange membranes.
Regulatory network analysis of Paneth cell and goblet cell enriched gut organoids using transcriptomics approaches
Authors: Treveil A. , Sudhakar P. , Matthews Z. J. , Wrzesiński T. , Jones E. J. , Brooks J. , Ölbei M. , Hautefort I. , Hall L. J. , Carding S. R. , Mayer U. , Powell P. P. , Wileman T. , Di Palma F. , Haerty W. , Korcsmáros T.
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate the application of network biology techniques to increase understanding of intestinal dysbiosis through studying transcriptomics data from Paneth and goblet cell enriched enteroids.
Cooperativity of hydrogen bonds in the nitroamide crystal: a prototypical case study of low-sensitivity and high-energy explosives
Authors: Liu Yingzhe , Yu Tao , Lai Weipeng , Ma Yiding , Ge Zhongxue
Published: December 2019

The cooperativity of hydrogen-bond interactions in explosive crystals was revealed computationally.
Template-assisted vapour–liquid–solid growth of InP nanowires on (001) InP and Si substrates
Authors: Jafari Jam Reza , Persson Axel R. , Barrigón Enrique , Heurlin Magnus , Geijselaers Irene , Gómez Víctor J. , Hultin Olof , Samuelson Lars , Borgström Magnus T. , Pettersson Håkan
Published: December 2019

We report on the synthesis of InP nanowire arrays on (001) InP and Si substrates using template-assisted vapour–liquid–solid growth. We also demonstrate growth of InP nanowire p–n junctions and InP/InAs/InP nanowire heterostructures on (001) InP substrates.
Synthetic studies of cystobactamids as antibiotics and bacterial imaging carriers lead to compounds with high in vivo efficacy
Authors: Testolin Giambattista , Cirnski Katarina , Rox Katharina , Prochnow Hans , Fetz Verena , Grandclaudon Charlotte , Mollner Tim , Baiyoumy Alain , Ritter Antje , Leitner Christian , Krull Jana , van den Heuvel Joop , Vassort Aurelie , Sordello Sylvie , Hamed Mostafa M. , Elgaher Walid A. M. , Herrmann Jennifer , Hartmann Rolf W. , Müller Rolf , Brönstrup Mark
Published: December 2019

Structure–activity relationship studies of the natural product cystobactamid at four different positions led to novel imaging probes and analogs with superior antibacterial activities and in vivo efficacy.
Nucleation and crystal growth control for scalable solution-processed organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hu Hanlin , Singh Mriganka , Wan Xuejuan , Tang Jiaoning , Chu Chih-Wei , Li Gang
Published: December 2019

In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of perovskite film formation mechanism and highlight the important role of nucleation/crystal growth in perovskite photovoltaics by using scalable solution deposition techniques.
A controllable strategy for the self-assembly of WM nanocrystals/nitrogen-doped porous carbon superstructures (M = O, C, P, S, and Se) for sodium and potassium storage
Authors: Jiao Xiaojuan , Liu Xiaojie , Wang Beibei , Wang Gang , Wang Xiujuan , Wang Hui
Published: December 2019

A series of WM (M = O, C, P, S, and Se) nanocrystals/N-doped porous carbon superstructures with superporous structures were generated and the resulting WSe2/N–PC superstructure was used as anode for both sodium and potassium storage.
Pressure-promoted irregular CoMoP2 nanoparticles activated by surface reconstruction for oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts
Authors: Xu Shishuai , Gao Xiang , Deshmukh Amol , Zhou Junshuang , Chen Ning , Peng Wenfeng , Gong Yutong , Yao Zhiqiang , Finkelstein Kenneth D. , Wan Biao , Gao Faming , Wang Mingzhi , Chen Mingyang , Gou Huiyang
Published: December 2019

Pressure-induced homogeneous CoMoP2 irregular nanoparticles, whose surface Co atoms form Co(OH)2 shells by reconstruction, and Mo atoms maintain the structural integrity.
Substance P-embedded multilayer on titanium substrates promotes local osseointegration via MSC recruitment
Authors: Mu Caiyun , Hu Yan , Hou Yanhua , Li Menghuan , He Ye , Shen Xinkun , Tao Bailong , Lin Chuanchuan , Chen Maowen , Chen Maohua , Cai Kaiyong
Published: December 2019

In this study, the chemokine substance P (SP) was inserted into multilayered systems on titanium (Ti)-based substrates for endogenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment to facilitate bone healing.
A dual-targeted CeO2–DNA nanosensor for real-time imaging of H2O2 to assess atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Cao Yujie , Zhang Xiaona , Yang Huazhen , Zhao Yujie , Gao Wen , Tang Bo
Published: December 2019

A novel dual-targeted CeO2–DNA nanosensor by modifying with folic acid (FA) and CD36 antibody was designed.
Harvesting graphene oxide – years 1859 to 2019: a review of its structure, synthesis, properties and exfoliation
Authors: Brisebois P. P. , Siaj M.
Published: December 2019

A benchmark guide for tailoring graphene oxide from a practical viewpoint.
The effect of group B streptococcus on maternal and infants’ prognosis in Guizhou, China
Authors: Dai Wei , Zhang Youcheng , Xu Yin , Zhu Mingjuan , Rong Xiaotin , Zhong Qing
Published: December 2019

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a kind of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria and mainly strikes the lower digestive tract and genitourinary tract. It is a major risk factor for neonatal babies, seriously threatening their lives. In the present study, we aimed to detect the GBS colonization in late pregnant women, and to study the effect of GBS on maternal and infants’ prognosis. Pregnant women with a gestational age of 35–37 weeks were enrolled in the study. Real-time polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the colonization of GBS in the vaginal and rectal secretions for late pregnant women according to the screening guidelines. Chi-square test was applied to analyze the relationship between GBS colonization and clinical characteristics. A follow-up of 6 weeks was performed on the puerpera and infants after delivery. The positive rate of GBS was 12.6% in late pregnant women. GBS carrier state was positively related to several pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine infection, premature rupture of membranes, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal distress and puerperal infection, as well as to part neonatal outcomes, containing neonatal infection, neonatal pneumonia and neonatal sepsis (all P < 0.05). GBS infection in late pregnant women results in adverse effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Technique to eliminate RF signal amplitude dependence in AOA measurement
Authors: Chen H. , Chan E.H.W.
Published: December 2019

A technique to estimate an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal angle of arrival (AOA) irrespective of the RF signal amplitude is presented. It is based on measuring the DC voltage at the output of two modules where each of them consists of an optical modulator, an optical filter and a photodetector. An RF signal amplitude‐independent AOA can be obtained from the ratio of the two DC voltages. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate 0°–63° AOA measurement with <3° errors for an RF signal with three different power levels of 3.2, −0.3 and −3.6 dBm into the modulator.
Realising full‐selective sources contribution in AC nano‐grids
Authors: Samet Haidar , Kazemzadeh Ebrahim , Ghanbari Teymoor
Published: December 2019

In addition to conventional load side and source side management techniques, some approaches for management of local resources have been proposed for networks in recent years. For a load section including several loads and local sources, there is no approach in which full‐selective contribution of the sources has taken into account. This study deals with a full‐selective method for realising different desirable contributions of the local sources in a AC nano‐grid. The full‐selective contribution for active and reactive powers delivery is achieved using an electric power hub (EPH) and an efficient algorithm, both suggested in this work. The EPH composed of some power control units, by which one can share each load between the sources, desirably. The performance of the approach is evaluated in different conditions using some simulations in Matlab/Simulink.
Stability analysis of brain emotional intelligent controller with application to electrically driven robot manipulators
Authors: Moradi Zirkohi Majid
Published: December 2019

This study discusses stability analysis of the brain emotional learning‐based intelligent controller (BELBIC) for model‐free tracking control of a class of uncertain non‐linear systems. Due to the unique adaptation laws for the controller gains, stability analysis of these controllers is a challenging task. This issue constructs the motivation of this study to undertake this task. Similar to direct adaptive fuzzy control, the BELBIC plays the role of a direct intelligent controller. Thus, the stability of the BELBIC can be guaranteed based on the stability analysis of direct adaptive fuzzy control. The main objective of this study is that the stability of the BELBIC in tracking control of a class of uncertain non‐linear systems is guaranteed. Based on the proposed stability analysis and Barbalat's lemma, BELBIC can yield in the asymptotic convergence of the tracking error to zero. In comparison with the existing works in the literature, the proposed approach has fewer tuning parameters. Therefore, the developed approach has a simple structure. The simulation results on an articulated manipulator actuated by permanent magnet DC motors and comparison with other model‐free approaches are presented to show the superiority of the proposed approach.
The quest of chirality in the interstellar medium
Authors: Ellinger Y. , Pauzat F. , Markovits A. , Allaire A. , Guillemin J.-C.
Published: December 2019

Context. All but one complex organic molecule (COM) detected so far in the interstellar medium (ISM) are achiral; propylene oxide (c-C2H3O)-CH3 is the only exception to this. Finding other chiral species is a priority for astrobiology to progress in the understanding of the emergence of life. Whatever the conditions of their formation, i.e., gas phase or grain chemistry, the detection relies on rotational spectra. This means that, if adsorbed after formation in the gas phase or directly formed on the icy grains, these COMs must escape in the gas phase as free flyers to be detectable.

Aims. Learning the lesson drawn from the only observation of a chiral compound and considering the structural constraints imposed to a molecule to be chiral, we look at what species could satisfy these conditions and be potential targets for a radio astronomy search in the ISM gas phase.

Methods. This question was addressed by combining two complementary approaches that rely on density functional theory. The structure, energetics, and spectroscopic parameters of each potential candidate were determined using molecular calculations. The propensity for a molecule to remain trapped on the ice coating of the grains was evaluated by numerical simulations making use of a solid state periodic model.

Results. Replacing the -CH3 group on rigid propylene oxide by -CN, -CCH, -NH2, -OH, or -HCO gives oxirane daughter molecules whose adsorption energies divide into two classes: below and above the adsorption energy of H2O on solid water-ice ~13.5 kcal mol−1.

Conclusions. The best chiral candidate would be a rigid molecule for an easier determination of its radio spectra. This molecule would be composed of a central carbon linked to one hydrogen and three different chemical groups as simple as possible. If not the most stable isomer, this candidate should be as close as possible on the energy scale, possess a significant dipole moment, and be less strongly attached to the ice than H2O itself.
A performance monitoring method for PID control system
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Peihong , Dong Yihua
Published: December 2019

The change of plant dynamics results in mismatch between the current model and the model used for design, which may have significant impacts on the performance of control system. A method to monitor the influence of the mismatch is proposed, including the estimation of mismatched model and the evaluation of control performance. The estimation method is based on back-propagation (BP) neural network and provide more accurate and reliable estimation effect. Serious mismatch can be alarmed according to evaluation method presented. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Three-party evolutionary game theory analysis of the development of Chinese professional construction micro enterprises
Authors: Hu Changming , Huang Shasha , Zhang Zhanxue , Li Ping
Published: December 2019

With construction employment system reform, labor enterprise qualifications elimination and professional construction micro-enterprises development have become the general trends. In this case, this article builds a three-party evolutionary game model between local governments, contractor teams and construction enterprises to discusses evolutionary paths and stability strategies. And Matlab is used for numerical simulation to demonstrate the influence of different initial states on results. The research results show that increase initial probabilities, local governments’ reputations, rewards and punishments, contractor teams’ transformation profits, construction enterprises’ employment profits, and reduce local governments’ costs, contractor teams’ operational costs, construction enterprises’ subcontracting and management costs, which will help the dynamic system to evolve toward an ideal state, which is conducive to the development of micro-enterprises.
Dynamic Models of Dry Electrostatic Precipitator in a 1000MW Coal-fired Plant
Authors: Wang Zhongwei , Su Zhi-gang , Zhu Xiaojin , Hao Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

Dynamic model is the foundation to achieve feedback control of Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) so as to reduce dust emission concentration and high power consumption. This paper investigates the dynamic modeling of outlet dust concentration of a dry electric precipitator with five electric field structure in a 1000MW power plant. The secondary current of the high-frequency power supply of the last two electric fields of the ESP are taken as control inputs, whereas the outlet dust concentration is taken as output. With increasingly stepping the secondary current at four typical load points, experimental data of outlet dust concentration are collected to identify parameters of dynamic models after fixing its structure based on an immune genetic algorithm. The experimental results suggest that the established dynamic models can capture the real dynamics of ESP and have high accuracy.
Exploration of the Confined Aquifers in the Yuyao River Valley (Eastern China) Using Electrical Sounding Method
Authors: Zhao Yu , Yu Youcan , Shen Yufan
Published: December 2019

With abundant groundwater resources and obvious spatial distribution characteristics of confined aquifers, the Yuyao River valley is located in Ningbo, a coastal city in eastern China. It is greatly significant for studying the formation, movement and recharge of groundwater and establishing a sustainable groundwater management system to determine the spatial distribution of confined aquifers. In this paper, the spatial distribution of confined aquifers in the Yuyao River valley are studied by combining the symmetrical quadrupole electrical sounding method with hydrogeological data. Through analysis of the existing hydrogeological data, it is corroborated that there are sand gravel and round gravel confined aquifers in the study area. Then, the results of borehole-side electrical sounding measurements show that significant electrical differences are found among each rock-soil layer in the study area, and the resistivity of sand gravel and round gravel confined aquifers varies from 10 to 20 Ω·m. Finally, 77 symmetrical quadrupole electrical soundings on 5 lines were carried out perpendicular to the Yuyao River valley, and the data of electrical sounding were inverted and analyzed by the analysis software of GeoElectro. After calibration with boreholes, the confined aquifers in the study area were determined to be zonally distributed along the middle line of the valley, with buried depth ranging from -65 to -25 m and width exceeding 1000 m.
Study on the particle shape of soft clay in Tianjin port
Authors: Wang Xuekui , Li Dongjun , Zhu Yaoting
Published: December 2019

Microscopic analysis of soils has attracted wide attention, but at present, the analysis of particle shape of soft clay is still scarce. In this paper, the fractal dimension of particle aspect ratio, roundness and roughness is studied by selecting typical soil samples in Tianjin Port area. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The average aspect ratio of clay, silty clay and silt is 1.56, 1.58 and 1.65, respectively, which shows that the smaller the soil particles are, the smaller the aspect ratio of the whole soil sample is; (2) The average roundness of clay, silty clay and silt are 0.91, 0.89 and 0.88, respectively, which indicates that the smaller the soil particles are, the closer the roundness of the whole soil sample is to 1, the closer the soil particles are to the circle. (3) The smaller the soil particles are, the smoother the surface of the particles is, and the smaller the soil particles are, the more obvious the correlation is.
Experimental Study on Sulfate Attack Resistance of Cement Slurry with UEA Expansive Agent
Authors: XU Ganggang , WANG Xiaodong , WANG Hai
Published: December 2019

Sulfate attack was one of the most important factors affecting the durability of cement slurry in mine corrosive environment. For water stopping and reinforcement projects in wellbore or working face under sulfate erosion environment, mineral admixtures were often used to improve the sulfate resistance of cement slurry. The physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar with 0, 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% UEA expansive agent content under the conditions of 0.6%, 3% and 15% sodium sulfate solution concentration were investigated through the full immersion test for 19 months in the laboratory. The results showed that the strength of mortar specimens decreased with the increase of UEA expansive agent content, but in the sulfate attack environment, the ability to resist sulfate attack could be significantly improved. In order to ensure the early strength of mortar and reduce the cost, the best effect of UEA expansion agent was 4%.
Numerical Simulation of Unsteady Flow in A Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Ma Xudan , Lyu Kefeng , Zhang Shu , Zhou Ping , Huang Lei
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method was used to simulate the three-dimension, unsteady turbulent flow in a primary pump. Moving mesh method was used to simulate the rotation of the impeller. Sufficient monitoring points in the impeller channel, diffuser channel and interaction zone are set to get the instantaneous pressure. Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) method was used to get the fluctuation frequency and amplitude. Steady and unsteady calculations were carried out in small and nominal flow rates. Unsteady flow in the flow channel at off design condition was revealed. The vibration frequency variation of the pump in different flow rates was analysed. The pressure fluctuation amplitude in different positions of the pump was shown. The results showed that in the clearance between impeller and diffuser, it has the largest fluctuation and higher frequencies. The fluctuation transports downstream. In off design flow rate, the pressure fluctuation is larger than in nominal flow conditions. The dominant frequency is 1 BPF in small flow rate and 3 BPF in large flow rate. The pressure fluctuation happened in the pump is caused by the stator-rotor interaction. This is clearly shown in the internal flow field.
Study on Safety Benchmark Value of Monitoring and Early Warning for Large Section Highway Tunnels
Authors: Wang Yuwen , Yang Cui Xiang , Guo Hongyan , Li Ke
Published: December 2019

Taking several tunnels under construction of a highway as the research object, the ultimate displacement of four buried depth sections of 0-50, 50-100, 100-300, 300-500 m in the surrounding rock of grade III, IV and V is numerically simulated by three-step and seven-step excavation method, middle-wall method, cross-middle-wall method and double-side-wall guide pit method for initial support of large-section highway tunnels. Through analysis, the deformation law of tunnel surrounding rock is obtained: under the same buried depth, the displacement ultimate displacement of the two-sided guide pit method and the cross-middle-wall method is the largest, the middle-wall method is the second, and the three-step seven-step excavation method is the smallest. Through the analysis and collation of the measured data obtained by monitoring and measurement of each construction method in the construction site, the surrounding rock deformation datum values of large-span and large-section tunnel under each construction method are obtained.
Construction Technology of Large Thickness Vibratory Compaction of Hard Rock Embankment
Authors: Chen Aijun , Su Chunhui , Tang Xianyuna , Chen Junhua
Published: December 2019

In order to provide technical guidance for the construction of rock embankment with a thickness greater than 60 cm, thehigh-power roller with self-weight of 32tand supporting construction machinery have been used to carryoutfield experimentson vibration compaction of large thickness rock embankment, and several indexes of compaction quality have been comparedand evaluated, so the quality detection method and evaluation criteria of large thickness vibration compaction of rockembankment have beenobtained.The results showsthatforthe vibration compaction of the hard rock embankment with large thickness, the effective rolling thickness of the high-power vibratory roller with 32tweight is 90cm.It is suggested that the comprehensive parameters such as loosenesscoefficient, settlement difference and construction technology should be adopted toevaluatingcompaction quality. The standard of compacting quality is: the loosenesscoefficient should be greater than 1.16, the average settlement difference of the last rolling should not exceed 5mm, and the high-power roller should roll more than 6 times.
Research on Optimization of Graphical Scheme for Large Plane Cross Signs
Authors: Zhao Yifei , Zhang Yanfei
Published: December 2019

In order to find a practical graphical layout of the plane cross sign and the corresponding intersection road information expression method, and effectively solve the multi-attribute information transmission problem of intersecting roads, the drivers’ eye movement characteristics and the visual response time was analyzed when recognizing the signs with different graphic scheme designs and intersecting road information expressions. The tests were divided into static test and dynamic test by using SMT ETG 2W and Tobbi X20-30 eye trackers. The study found that under the condition of three road name information, comparing the graphical layout with both the intersecting road number and road name and the graphical layout which expressed none information of intersecting road for the large plane cross signs, it is equivalent to the addition of two pieces of information. And the conclusion for six road name information is more obvious.
Research on seismic properties of steel reinforced PP ECC column
Authors: Yu Ming-xin , Wang Lin , Yu Jia-huan , Yang Nan
Published: December 2019

The mechanical property of steel reinforced PP ECC columns under reverse cyclic load is investigated and results are presented in this paper. The influence of reinforcement ratio, curing age and volume fraction of PP fiber on load bearing capacity, energy dissipation and stiffness degradation is investigated. The results highlighted the positive contribution of PP ECC to enhance strength and energy dissipation capacity which is important to evaluate the performance of structures subjected to reverse cyclic loads. According to the experimental study on mechanical behavior of steel reinforced PP ECC columns under reverse cyclic loading, the formula of model parameters related to reinforcement ratio are proposed，it is founded that the restoring force model established is of a certain degree of adaptability.
Research on corrosion protection of earthing device of electric transmission line
Authors: Wang Xianri , Yu Xinmin
Published: December 2019

The selection of insulator is analyzed and studied in detail in combination with climate and pollution.In this paper, several comparison and selection schemes are studied in detail from the aspects of electrical performance, mechanical performance, economic performance and so on. Through the analysis of the whole life cycle and the combination of the actual situation of the project, the reasonable selection of insulators is carried out to make use of insulators to reach the optimal.
Numerical analysis on seismic behavior of a novel sandwich wall system
Authors: Tian Zhao-yan , Xie Qun
Published: December 2019

Concrete sandwich panel is a kind of building element with the characteristics of light weight, high strength, suitability for standardized production, meanwhile it has the multi-function of heat preservation and sound insulation which can be used not only as enclosure components, but also as structural components for multi-story residential buildings. A novel sandwich wall system has been presented in this work with an innovative design concept. Compared with traditional steel wire sandwich panel, this sandwich panel wall system has unique features such as prefabricated steel system, core column with spiral stirrup, foamed concrete as insulation layer. This wall system also meets the national policy requirements in energy-saving and has potential application and development prospects. In this paper, Finite element method is used to simulate and analyze the seismic performance of this new sandwich wall panel. The results show that the panel with 3D steel wire has greater stiffness and better earthquake resistance than panel with planar steel wire mesh.
A Study on the Impact of Supplier Performance towards Achieving Retailer Satisfaction
Authors: Ng Carmen , Yi Min Chua , Daud Dazmin
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, the objective of achieving customer satisfaction has become more and more important in order to maintain organization’s competitive advantage within its industry. This study aims to identify the supplier’s performance focuses on the service quality present provided to retailers. The independent variables for this study include reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangible and consistency. This study was conducted among retailers in Taman Connaught, Cheras and the interview questionnaires were distributed to 5 respondents to test the degree of satisfaction in terms of the five components of service quality and consistency. The collected data was analyzed by classified the respondents into respective groups namely “satisfied retailers” and “dissatisfied retailers”. This study provides several constructive recommendations to the suppliers to improve their performance such as create a commitment, track mistakes, invest in training and development and organize quality circles.
Re-discussion and Correction of Shape Coefficient for Residential Buildings
Authors: Jia Lingkun , Huang Yiru , Yue Zhietie , Pei-Ju Yang Perry
Published: December 2019

As one of the critical concepts in residential energy performance research field, shape coefficient has long been disputed for its validity of evaluating energy consumption. Although suggestions have been brought forward to try to optimize this concept, these proposals still have shortcomings and have not been tested. Based on analysing these existing optimizing proposals, this paper starts from prototype study and summarizes the problems of concept of shape coefficient in terms of definition and relationship with building energy. According to these current issues, the reason for negatively influencing the accuracy of shape coefficient with regard to assessing the building energy consumption is confirmed. By correcting the expression of shape coefficient through inserting a correction factor related to story height, corrected shape coefficient is proposed. Combined with built residential building samples, the corrected and original shape coefficient is contrasted at the macro statistical and micro experimental levels respectively. It is found that the new coefficient has closer correlation with residential building energy performance and is more accurate in evaluating the energy consumption.
Establishment of Thermal Comfort Evaluation Model Based on Individual Difference
Authors: Yang Yalong , Liu Yufu , Zhang Rui , Zhu Xulai , Wang Mingyue
Published: December 2019

“People-oriented” and “Energy saving” are the two major themes of current social development. In the field of thermal comfort, establishment of thermal comfort model based on physiological parameters plays an important role in meeting the needs of human health and comfort, optimizing the design of building environment and building energy saving. In this paper, three types of physiological signals (skin temperature, skin conductance and heart rate) were collected through comfort physiological experiments. The changes of the three types of physiological signals under environmental temperature were analyzed. Furthermore, subjective questionnaire survey of human thermal comfort under five experimental conditions was performed. In addition, the thermal comfort evaluation model based on individual differences was established by partial least squares regression and ELM-RBF neural network. The established models were compared with the classical PMV model to analyze the superiority of the model. The results show that the thermal comfort evaluation model based on individual differences established by ELM-RBF neural network can better predict the trend of people's thermal comfort and satisfy the individual's demand for thermal comfort. Meanwhile, it can achieve the goal of building energy saving. Therefore, it has high practical and social significance.
Study on Coastline Changes of Xiamen City Based on Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Qin Yanfang , Ye Lin , Chen Siming
Published: December 2019

Based on the Landsat remote sensing data, this paper had monitored the coastline changes of Xiamen city in recent 20 years. By extracting the coastline vector data of 1999, 2005, 2011 and 2017 respectively, the spatio-temporal characteristics of coastline changes on coastline length, change rate and land change area were analyzed, and the main driving factors were analyzed combined with the land use changes in the coastal swing area. The results show that: the total length of Xiamen's coastline increased from 235.16 km to 264.98 km during 1999-2017, and the land area increased from 1558.84 km2 to 1594.29 km2. The most significant changes occurred in Xiang'an district and Huli district with the coastline length increased by 16.38% during 2011-2017 and 22.14% during 1999-2005 respectively, while the changes were not very conspicuous in other areas. According to the land use changes in the coastal areas, the coastline changes in Xiamen City were mainly related to the expansion of construction land and port constructions in Haicang district, Xiang'an district and Huli district, as well as the expansion of aquaculture in the Xiang'an district.
Hydrogeological Investigation and Parameter Analysis of Floodplain Area in the Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Pengju Xia , Lei Zhang , Yuqiang Liang , Yandong Li , Hailong Shao , Xiangdong Song
Published: December 2019

The binary structure of the floodplain in the reaches of the Yangtze River is obvious and has unique hydrogeological features. In this paper, the hydrogeological survey of the floodplain area is carried out. It is found that the permeability coefficient of the floodplain area is gradually increasing from top to down, and is larger than that of the similar layer in other areas. The horizontal and vertical permeability coefficients are not much different. This hydrological survey results of this paper provide a certain reference for similar dewatering projects in the floodplain area of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Influence of Thermal Design performance of Envelope structure on Indoor Thermal Environment in Dry-Hot and Dry-Cold areas
Authors: Jie Chen , Zhixing Luo , Liu Yang
Published: December 2019

Thermal performance is considered to be a key measure in building sustainability. One of the technologies used in the current building sustainable design is the high thermal mass techniques. The application of this type of technology is widely used in traditional architecture. The paper aims at studying the effect of both high thermal insulation and high thermal mass techniques in buildings dynamic behaviour in Dry-Hot and Dry-Cold Climate. The two techniques can lead to conflicting requirements when considering winter and summer conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to identify insulation measures that conserve the mass dynamic behavior. Experimental investigations were carried out on a single - family house to characterize the behavior of one room with high thermal mass in different seasons. Thermal simulations made it possible to explore different retrofit configurations. Different thermal mass and thermal insulation were compared on internal surface temperature. The analysis shows that the most suitable intervention is both high thermal insulation and high thermal mass techniques, and the decrease of the absorption coefficient of the outer surface is beneficial to improve the overall level of solar radiation.