bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotype-Driven Diagnostic of PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome: Macrocephaly, But Neither Height nor Weight Development, Is the Important Trait in Children
Authors: Plamper Michaela , Gohlke Bettina , Schreiner Felix , Woelfle Joachim
Published: July 2019

PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) encompasses different syndromic disorders which are associated with autosomal-dominant mutations of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN. Patients are at high risk to develop benign and malignant tumors. Macrocephaly is a diagnostic feature, but there is a paucity of data on auxological development during childhood. Growth charts for height, weight and head circumference for PHTS do not exist yet. In this study, patient data for height, weight and head circumferences (HC) were collected from repeated medical exams or prevention check-up visits starting at birth. Growth charts were generated and compared to German reference data. Standard deviation scores (SDS) of HC, height and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. We included 23 pediatric patients (8 female, 15 male) with molecular proven PTEN gene mutation. Most male patients already demonstrated macrocephaly at birth (73%), whereas only one female patient had documented congenital macrocephaly. By the age of two years all patients exhibited a head circumference above the 97th percentile. Stratified for different age groups the median HC-SDSs were between +3.3 and +5.5 in male patients and between +2.9 and +4.1 in female patients. Height, weight and BMI measurements for both sexes were mostly within the normal range. We conclude that macrocephaly, but not height, weight or BMI, is useful in the identification of PHTS patients. The increased HC in PHTS patients develops early in life and is more pronounced in males than in females, which might explain the finding of a higher percentage of male PHTS patients diagnosed during childhood.
The Centrosome and the Primary Cilium: The Yin and Yang of a Hybrid Organelle
Authors: Joukov Vladimir , De Nicolo Arcangela
Published: July 2019

Centrosomes and primary cilia are usually considered as distinct organelles, although both are assembled with the same evolutionary conserved, microtubule-based templates, the centrioles. Centrosomes serve as major microtubule- and actin cytoskeleton-organizing centers and are involved in a variety of intracellular processes, whereas primary cilia receive and transduce environmental signals to elicit cellular and organismal responses. Understanding the functional relationship between centrosomes and primary cilia is important because defects in both structures have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. Here, we discuss evidence that the animal centrosome evolved, with the transition to complex multicellularity, as a hybrid organelle comprised of the two distinct, but intertwined, structural-functional modules: the centriole/primary cilium module and the pericentriolar material/centrosome module. The evolution of the former module may have been caused by the expanding cellular diversification and intercommunication, whereas that of the latter module may have been driven by the increasing complexity of mitosis and the requirement for maintaining cell polarity, individuation, and adhesion. Through its unique ability to serve both as a plasma membrane-associated primary cilium organizer and a juxtanuclear microtubule-organizing center, the animal centrosome has become an ideal integrator of extracellular and intracellular signals with the cytoskeleton and a switch between the non-cell autonomous and the cell-autonomous signaling modes. In light of this hypothesis, we discuss centrosome dynamics during cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and propose a model of centrosome-driven microtubule assembly in mitotic and interphase cells. In addition, we outline the evolutionary benefits of the animal centrosome and highlight the hierarchy and modularity of the centrosome biogenesis networks.
A Novel Assay for Profiling GBM Cancer Model Heterogeneity and Drug Screening
Authors: Stackhouse Christian T. , Rowland James R. , Shevin Rachael S. , Singh Raj , Gillespie G. Yancey , Willey Christopher D.
Published: July 2019

Accurate patient-derived models of cancer are needed for profiling the disease and for testing therapeutics. These models must not only be accurate, but also suitable for high-throughput screening and analysis. Here we compare two derivative cancer models, microtumors and spheroids, to the gold standard model of patient-derived orthotopic xenografts (PDX) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). To compare these models, we constructed a custom NanoString panel of 350 genes relevant to GBM biology. This custom assay includes 16 GBM-specific gene signatures including a novel GBM subtyping signature. We profiled 11 GBM-PDX with matched orthotopic cells, derived microtumors, and derived spheroids using the custom NanoString assay. In parallel, these derivative models underwent drug sensitivity screening. We found that expression of certain genes were dependent on the cancer model while others were model-independent. These model-independent genes can be used in profiling tumor-specific biology and in gauging therapeutic response. It remains to be seen whether or not cancer model-specific genes may be directly or indirectly, through changes to tumor microenvironment, manipulated to improve the concordance of in vitro derivative models with in vivo models yielding better prediction of therapeutic response.
Proteomics in the World of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Lindoso Rafael Soares , Kasai-Brunswick Tais H. , Monnerat Cahli Gustavo , Collino Federica , Bastos Carvalho Adriana , Campos de Carvalho Antonio Carlos , Vieyra Adalberto
Published: July 2019

Omics approaches have significantly impacted knowledge about molecular signaling pathways driving cell function. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have revolutionized the field of biological sciences and proteomics and, in particular, has been instrumental in identifying key elements operating during the maintenance of the pluripotent state and the differentiation process to the diverse cell types that form organisms. This review covers the evolution of conceptual and methodological strategies in proteomics; briefly describes the generation of iPSC from a historical perspective, the state-of-the-art of iPSC-based proteomics; and compares data on the proteome and transcriptome of iPSC to that of embryonic stem cells (ESC). Finally, proteomics of healthy and diseased cells and organoids differentiated from iPSC are analyzed.
The Role of the Primary Cilium in Sensing Extracellular pH
Authors: Atkinson Kimberly F. , Sherpa Rinzhin T. , Nauli Surya M.
Published: July 2019

Biosensors on the membrane of the vascular endothelium are responsible for sensing mechanical and chemical signals in the blood. Transduction of these stimuli into intracellular signaling cascades regulate cellular processes including ion transport, gene expression, cell proliferation, and/or cell death. The primary cilium is a well-known biosensor of shear stress but its role in sensing extracellular pH change has never been examined. As a cellular extension into the immediate microenvironment, the cilium could be a prospective sensor for changes in pH and regulator of acid response in cells. We aim to test our hypothesis that the primary cilium plays the role of an acid sensor in cells using vascular endothelial and embryonic fibroblast cells as in vitro models. We measure changes in cellular pH using pH-sensitive 2′,7′-biscarboxyethy1-5,6-carboxyfluorescein acetoxy-methylester (BCECF) fluorescence and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity to quantify responses to both extracellular pH (pHo) and intracellular pH (pHi) changes. Our studies show that changes in pHo affect pHi in both wild-type and cilia-less Tg737 cells and that the kinetics of the pHi response are similar in both cells. Acidic pHo or pHi was observed to change the length of primary cilia in wild-type cells while the cilia in Tg737 remained absent. Vascular endothelial cells respond to acidic pH through activation of ERK1/2 and p38-mediated signaling pathways. The cilia-less Tg737 cells exhibit delayed responsiveness to pHo dependent and independent pHi acidification as depicted in the phosphorylation profile of ERK1/2 and p38. Otherwise, intracellular pH homeostatic response to acidic pHo is similar between wild-type and Tg737 cells, indicating that the primary cilia may not be the sole sensor for physiological pH changes. These endothelial cells respond to pH changes with a predominantly K+-dependent pHi recovery mechanism, regardless of ciliary presence or absence.
PL Study on the Effect of Cu on the Front Side Luminescence of CdTe/CdS Solar Cells
Authors: Opyrchal Halina , Chen Dongguo , Cheng Zimeng , Chin Ken
Published: July 2019

The effect of Cu on highly efficient CdTe thin solid film cells with a glass/TCO/CdS/CdTe structure subjected to CdCl2 treatment was investigated by low-temperature photoluminescence (PL). The PL of the CdS/CdTe junction in samples without Cu deposition revealed a large shift in the bound exciton position due to the formation of CdSxTe1−x alloys with Eg (alloy) ≅ 1.557 eV at the interface region. After Cu deposition on the CdTe layer and subsequent heat treatment, a neutral acceptor-bound exciton (A0Cu,X) line at 1.59 eV and two additional band-edge peaks at 1.54 and 1.56 eV were observed, indicating an increase in the energy gap value in the vicinity of the CdTe/CdS interface to that characteristic of bulk CdTe. These results may suggest the disappearance of the intermixing phase at the CdTe/CdS interface due to the presence of Cu atoms in the junction area and the interaction of the Cu with sulfur atoms. Furthermore, an increase in the intensity of CdS-related peaks in Cu-doped samples was observed, implying that Cu atoms were incorporated into CdS after heat treatment.
Underwater Optical Wireless Communications with Chromatic Dispersion and Time Jitter
Authors: Roumelas George D. , Nistazakis Hector E. , Stassinakis Argyris N. , Volos Christos K. , Tsigopoulos Andreas D.
Published: July 2019

The obsolete communication systems used in the underwater environment necessitates the development and use of modern telecommunications technologies. One such technology is the optical wireless communications, which can provide very high data rates, almost infinite bandwidth and very high transmission speed for real time fast and secure underwater links. However, the composition and the optical density of seawater hinder the communication between transmitter and receiver, while many significant effects strongly mitigate the underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) systems’ performance. In this work, the influences of chromatic dispersion and time jitter are investigated. Chromatic dispersion causes the temporal broadening or narrowing of the pulse, while time jitter complicates the detection process at the receiver. Thus, the broadening of the optical pulse due to chromatic dispersion is studied and the influence of the initial chirp is examined. Moreover, the effect of the time jitter is also taken into consideration and for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a mathematical expression for the probability of fade is extracted, taking into account the influence of both of the above-mentioned effects for a UOWC system. Finally, the appropriate numerical results are presented.
Tc and Other Cuprate Properties in Relation to Planar Charges as Measured by NMR
Authors: Jurkutat Michael , Erb Andreas , Haase Jürgen
Published: July 2019

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in cuprate research is a prominent bulk local probe of magnetic properties. NMR also, as was shown over the last years, actually provides a quantitative measure of local charges in the CuO 2 plane. This has led to fundamental insights, e.g., that the maximum T c is determined by the sharing of the parent planar hole between Cu and O. Using bonding orbital hole contents on planar Cu and O measured by NMR, instead of the total doping x, the thus defined two-dimensional cuprate phase diagram reveals significant differences between the various cuprate materials. Even more importantly, the reflected differences in material chemistry appear to set a number of electronic properties as we discuss here, for undoped, underdoped and optimally doped cuprates. These relations should advise attempts at a theoretical understanding of cuprate physics as well as inspire material chemists towards new high- T c materials. Probing planar charges, NMR is also sensitive to charge variations or ordering phenomena in the CuO 2 plane. Thereby, local charge order on planar O in optimally doped YBCO could recently be proven. Charge density variations seen by NMR in both planar bonding orbitals with amplitudes between 1% to 5% appear to be omnipresent in the doped CuO 2 plane, i.e., not limited to underdoped cuprates and low temperatures.
Generating a High Valency Biotin Binder by Selecting Uniform Protein Assemblies via Crystallization
Authors: Avraham Orly , Levi-Kalisman Yael , Livnah Oded
Published: July 2019

Crystallization is a common practice in the purification process in small molecule synthesis while selecting the wanted product. For proteins it is rarely applied due to the methodological predicaments in obtaining crystals. Our observation of the stabilized octamers in the crystal structure of hoefavidin, a novel dimeric member of the avidin family, led to the notion of developing a novel biotechnological tool via covalent crosslinking. The avidin–biotin system has been exploited for decades utilizing the ultra-high affinity between avidin and biotin as a basis for numerous applications. Optimizing the system led to the discovery of a novel group of dimeric avidins including hoefavidin. Hoefavidin has a dynamic quaternary structure, where a dimer is the basis for generating the octamer via crystallographic symmetry operation. Upon biotin binding in solution hoefavidin dissociates solely into dimers. In order to stabilize the octamer, we designed the P61C mutant to form a disulfide bridge stabilizing the octamer and preventing dissociation upon biotin binding. The process of selecting P61C hoefavidin uniform octamers includes crystallization followed by dissolving the crystals. The P61C modified hoefavidin octamer can have a substantial added value to the various biotechnological applications and advances of the biotin based high affinity systems.
Visual Detection of Dengue-1 RNA Using Gold Nanoparticle-Based Lateral Flow Biosensor
Authors: Yrad Flora M. , Castañares Josephine M. , Alocilja Evangelyn C.
Published: July 2019

Dengue is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease. Early diagnosis is important for clinical screening, medical management, and disease surveillance. The objective of this study was to develop a colorimetric lateral flow biosensor (LFB) for the visual detection of dengue-1 RNA using dextrin-capped gold nanoparticle (AuNP) as label. The detection was based on nucleic acid sandwich-type hybridization among AuNP-labeled DNA reporter probe, dengue-1 target RNA, and dengue-1 specific DNA capture probe immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane. Positive test generated a red test line on the LFB strip, which enabled visual detection. The optimized biosensor has a cut-off value of 0.01 µM using synthetic dengue-1 target. Proof-of-concept application of the biosensor detected dengue-1 virus in pooled human sera with a cut-off value of 1.2 × 104 pfu/mL. The extracted viral RNA, when coupled with nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), was detected on the LFB in 20 min. This study first demonstrates the applicability of dextrin-capped AuNP as label for lateral flow assay. The biosensor being developed provides a promising diagnostic platform for early detection of dengue infection in high-risk resource-limited areas.
Maximum Entropy Method for Solving the Turbulent Channel Flow Problem
Authors: Lee T.-W.
Published: July 2019

There are two components in this work that allow for solutions of the turbulent channel flow problem: One is the Galilean-transformed Navier-Stokes equation which gives a theoretical expression for the Reynolds stress (u′v′); and the second the maximum entropy principle which provides the spatial distribution of turbulent kinetic energy. The first concept transforms the momentum balance for a control volume moving at the local mean velocity, breaking the momentum exchange down to its basic components, u′v′, u′2, pressure and viscous forces. The Reynolds stress gradient budget confirms this alternative interpretation of the turbulence momentum balance, as validated with DNS data. The second concept of maximum entropy principle states that turbulent kinetic energy in fully-developed flows will distribute itself until the maximum entropy is attained while conforming to the physical constraints. By equating the maximum entropy state with maximum allowable (viscous) dissipation at a given Reynolds number, along with other constraints, we arrive at function forms (inner and outer) for the turbulent kinetic energy. This allows us to compute the Reynolds stress, then integrate it to obtain the velocity profiles in channel flows. The results agree well with direct numerical simulation (DNS) data at Reτ = 400 and 1000.
Unusual Quantum Transport Mechanisms in Silicon Nano-Devices
Authors: Tettamanzi Giuseppe Carlo
Published: July 2019

Silicon-based materials have been the leading platforms for the development of classical information science and are now one of the major contenders for future developments in the field of quantum information science. In this short review paper, while discussing only some examples, I will describe how silicon Complementary-Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) compatible materials have been able to provide platforms for the observation of some of the most unusual transport phenomena in condensed matter physics.
Green Communications in Smart Cities
Authors: Ul Hassan Naveed , Yuen Chau , Chen Xiaoming
Published: July 2019

As the vision of smart cities becomes a reality, the number of sensors, devices, and embedded platforms deployed in our surroundings is rapidly increasing [...]
Real-Time Detection of DoS Attacks in IEEE 802.11p Using Fog Computing for a Secure Intelligent Vehicular Network
Authors: Erskine Samuel , Elleithy Khaled
Published: July 2019

The vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is a method through which Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have become important for the benefit of daily life. Real-time detection of all forms of attacks, including hybrid DoS attacks in IEEE 802.11p, has become an urgent issue for VANET. This is due to sporadic real-time exchange of safety and road emergency message delivery in VANET. Sporadic communication in VANET has the tendency to generate an enormous amount of messages. This leads to overutilization of the road side unit (RSU) or the central processing unit (CPU) for computation. Therefore, efficient storage and intelligent VANET infrastructure architecture (VIA), which includes trustworthiness, are required. Vehicular Cloud and Fog Computing (VFC) play an important role in efficient storage, computation, and communication needs for VANET. This research utilizes VFC integration with hybrid optimization algorithms (OAs), which also possess swarm intelligence, including Cuckoo/CSA Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and Firefly/Genetic Algorithm (GA), to provide real-time detection of DoS attacks in IEEE 802.11p, using VFC for a secure intelligent vehicular network. Vehicles move ar a certain speed and the data is transmitted at 30 Mbps. Firefly Feed forward back propagation neural network (FFBPNN) is used as a classifier to distinguish between the attacked vehicles and the genuine vehicles. The proposed scheme is compared with Cuckoo/CSA ABC and Firefly GA by considering jitter, throughput, and prediction accuracy.
An LVRT Scheme for Grid Connected DFIG Based WECS Using State Feedback Linearization Control Technique
Authors: Kaloi Ghulam , Baloch Mazhar , Kumar Mahesh , Soomro Dur , Chauhdary Sohaib , Memon Ali , Ishak Dahaman
Published: July 2019

This paper primarily focuses on an advance control strategy to enhance the low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability in doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind energy conversion system (WCES). In the proposed control strategy, the captured wind energy during grid faults circumstances is stored timidly in the rotor’s inertia kinetic energy. Though a minimal amount of energy is available in the grid, stator current and DC-link voltage are set beneath the perilous levels. However, both the required stator voltage and stator current are kept within a tolerable range of rotor side converter (RSC), through state feedback linearization technique for maintaining the accurate control to suppress the overvoltage and overcurrent. Furthermore, stator current oscillations are significantly suppressed during fault transient. The input mechanical energy from the wind turbine can be resumed after the fault clearance. In spite of being dissipated in the resistors of crowbar circuit, as in the conventional LVRT assemblies, torque balancing among electrical and mechanical measures is attained; DC-link voltage instabilities and rotor speed inconsistencies are substantially reduced. As a result, a noticeable reduction in the requirement of reactive power and swift restoration of terminal voltage on fault clearance is acquired successfully. Correspondingly, several tests are conducted to validate the effectiveness and enhancement in the performance of the DFIG based wind farms, when the proposed control strategy is implemented over it during numerous fault ride-through circumstances.
Performance Analysis of a Flexi-Fuel Turbine-Combined Free-Piston Engine Generator
Authors: Jia Boru , Smallbone Andrew , Mikalsen Rikard , Shivaprasad K.V. , Roy Sumit , Roskilly Anthony Paul
Published: July 2019

The turbine-combined free-piston engine generator (TCFPEG) is a hybrid machine, generating both mechanical work from the gas turbine and electricity from the linear electric generator for battery charging. In the present study, the system performance of the designed TCFPEG system is predicted using a validated numerical model. A parametric analysis is undertaken based on the influence of the engine load, valve timing, the number of linear generators adopted, and different fuels on the system performance. It is found that when linear electric generators are connected with the free-piston gas turbine, the bottom dead centre, the peak piston velocity, and engine operation frequency are all reduced. Very minimal difference on the in-cylinder pressure and the compressor pressure is observed, while the peak pressure in the bounce chamber is reduced. When coupled with a linear electric generator, the system efficiency can be improved to nearly 50% by optimising engine load and the number of the linear generators adopted in the TCFPEG system. The system is able to be operated with different fuels as the piston is not limited by a mechanical system; the output power and system efficiency are highest when hydrogen is used as the fuel.
A Global Search Algorithm for Determining Water Influx in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Jiali , Liao Xinwei , Chen Zhiming , Wang Nutao
Published: July 2019

The determination of water influx in naturally fractured reservoirs is always a significant and difficult task in gas reservoir engineering. To improve this situation, this paper presents a new global search algorithm to determine water influx in the naturally fractured gas reservoirs. In the methodology, a dimensionless water influx derivative curve is first introduced in this paper. It is used to identify flow regimes of water invasion by combining with the water influx characteristic curve. Following that, a sensitivity analysis is performed to study the impacts of key factors on flow regimes. Finally, based on the sensitivity study and material balance equation, a global search algorithm is proposed to obtain water influx. Results show that there are two steps in the dimensionless water influx curve and a “V-shape” in the derivative curve. The smaller the aquifer and gas reservoir radius ratio is, the earlier and more obvious the “V-shape” appears. The smaller the storativity ratio is, the earlier the “V-shape” appears. The smaller the interporosity flow coefficient is, the more obvious the “V-shape” is. Results of the field application demonstrate the method applicability, which provide a good reference for further work about determination of water influx.
Experimental Study on the Thermal and Electrical Characteristics of an Air-Based Photovoltaic Thermal Collector
Authors: Kim Sang-Myung , Kim Jin-Hee , Kim Jun-Tae
Published: July 2019

A photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system is a technology that combines photovoltaics (PV) and a solar thermal collector to produce thermal energy and generate electricity. PVT systems have the advantage that the energy output per unit area is higher than the single use of a PV module or solar thermal collector, since both heat and electricity can be produced and used simultaneously. Air-based PVT collectors use air as the heat transfer medium and flow patterns are important factors that affect the performance of the PVT collector. In this study, the thermal and electrical performance and characteristics of an air-based PVT collector were analyzed through experiments. The PVT collector, with bending round-shaped heat-absorbing plates, which increase the air flow path, has been developed to improve the thermal performance. The experiment was done under the test conditions of ISO 9806:2017 for the thermal performance analysis of an air-based PVT collector. The electrical performance was analyzed under the same conditions. In the results, it can be found that the inlet flow rate of the PVT collector considerably affects the thermal efficiency. It was analyzed that as the inlet flow rate increased from 60 to 200 m3/h, the thermal efficiency increased from 29% to 42%. Then, the electricity efficiency was also analyzed, where it was determined that it was improved according to operating condition of PVT collector.
Gallium-Nitride Semiconductor Technology and Its Practical Design Challenges in Power Electronics Applications: An Overview
Authors: Dalla Vecchia Mauricio , Ravyts Simon , Van den Broeck Giel , Driesen Johan
Published: July 2019

This paper will revise, experimentally investigate, and discuss the main application challenges related to gallium nitride power semiconductors in switch-mode power converters. Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices are inherently gaining space in the market. Due to its high switching speed and operational switching frequency, challenges related to the circuit design procedure, passive component selection, thermal management, and experimental testing are currently faced by power electronics engineers. Therefore, the focus of this paper is on low-voltage (<650 V) devices that are used to assemble DC-DC and/or DC-AC converters to, for instance, interconnect PV generation systems in the DC and/or AC grids. The current subjects will be discussed herein: GaN device structure, the advantages and disadvantages of each lateral gallium nitride technology available, design challenges related to electrical layout and thermal management, overvoltages and its implications in the driver signal, and finally, a comprehensive comparison between GaN and Si technology considering the main parameters to increase the converters efficiency.
Distributed LQR Design for a Class of Large-Scale Multi-Area Power Systems
Authors: Vlahakis Eleftherios , Dritsas Leonidas , Halikias George
Published: July 2019

Load frequency control (LFC) is one of the most challenging problems in multi-area power systems. In this paper, we consider power system formed of distinct control areas with identical dynamics which are interconnected via weak tie-lines. We then formulate a disturbance rejection problem of power-load step variations for the interconnected network system. We follow a top-down method to approximate a centralized linear quadratic regulator (LQR) optimal controller by a distributed scheme. Overall network stability is guaranteed via a stability test applied to a convex combination of Hurwitz matrices, the validity of which leads to stable network operation for a class of network topologies. The efficiency of the proposed distributed load frequency controller is illustrated via simulation studies involving a six-area power system and three interconnection schemes. In the study, apart from the nominal parameters, significant parametric variations have been considered in each area. The obtained results suggest that the proposed approach can be extended to the non-identical case.
A Firefly Algorithm Optimization-Based Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy for Fuel Cell Hybrid Light Rail Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Han , Yang Jibin , Zhang Jiye , Song Pengyun , Xu Xiaohui
Published: July 2019

To coordinate multiple power sources properly, this paper presents an optimal control strategy for a fuel cell/battery/supercapacitor light rail vehicle. The proposed strategy, which uses the firefly algorithm to optimize the equivalent consumption minimization strategy, improves the drawback that the conventional equivalent consumption minimization strategy takes insufficient account of the global performance for the vehicle. Moreover, the strategy considers the difference between the two sets of optimized variables. The optimization objective is to minimize the daily operating cost of the vehicle, which includes the total fuel consumption, initial investment, and cycling costs of power sources. The selected case study is a 100% low-floor light rail vehicle. The advantages of the proposed strategy are investigated by comparison with the operating mode control, firefly algorithm-based operating mode control, and equivalent consumption minimization strategy. In contrast to other methods, the proposed strategy shows cost reductions of up to 39.62% (from operating mode control), 18.28% (from firefly algorithm-based operating mode control), and 13.81% (from equivalent consumption minimization strategy). In addition, the proposed strategy can reduce fuel consumption and increase the efficiency of the fuel cell system.
OPEC: Daily Load Data Analysis Based on Optimized Evolutionary Clustering
Authors: Lin Rongheng , Ye Zezhou , Zhao Yingying
Published: July 2019

Customers’ electricity consumption behavior can be studied from daily load data. Studying the daily load data for user behavior pattern analysis is an emerging research area in smart grid. Traditionally, the daily load data can be clustered into different clusters, to reveal the different categories of consumption. However, as user’s electricity consumption behavior changes over time, classical clustering algorithms are not suitable for tracing the changes, as they rebuild the clusters when clustering at any timestamp but never consider the relationship with the clusters in the previous state. To understand the changes of consumption behavior, we proposed an optimized evolutionary clustering (OPEC) algorithm, which optimized the existing evolutionary clustering algorithm by joining the Proper Restart (PR) Framework. OPEC relied on the basic fact that user’s energy consumption behavior would not abruptly change significantly, so the clusters would change progressively and remain similar in adjacent periods, except for an emergency. The newly added PR framework can deal with a situation where data changes dramatically in a short period of time, and where the former frameworks of evolutionary clustering do not work well. We evaluated the OPEC based on daily load data from Shanghai, China and the power load diagram data from UCI machine learning repository. We also carefully discussed the adjustment of the parameter in the optimized algorithm and gave an optimal value for reference. OPEC can be implemented to adapt to this situation and improve clustering quality. By understanding the changes of the users’ power consumption modes, we can detect abnormal power consumption behaviors, and also analyze the changing trend to improve the operations of the power system. This is significant for the regulation of peak load in the power grid. In addition, it can bring certain economic benefits to the operation of the power grid.
Unsteady RANS Simulations of Flow around a Twin-Box Bridge Girder Cross Section
Authors: Jeong Wonmin , Liu Shengnan , Bogunovic Jakobsen Jasna , Ong Muk Chen
Published: July 2019

The aerodynamic performance of bridge deck girders requires a thorough assessment and optimization in the design of long-span bridges. The present paper describes a numerical investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics of a twin-box bridge girder cross section in the range of angles of attack between −10.0° and +10.2°. The simulations are performed by solving 2D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations together with the k–ω shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model. The investigated Reynolds number (Re) based on the free stream velocity ( U ∞ ) and the height of the deck (D) is 31,000. The predicted aerodynamic characteristics such as the mean drag, lift and moment coefficients, are generally in good agreement with the results from the wind tunnel tests. Changes of flow patterns and aerodynamic forces with different angles of attack are investigated. Flow characteristics during one vortex shedding period are highlighted. Relative contributions of each of the two bridge decks to the overall drag and lift coefficients, with respect to the angle of attack, are also discussed.
Investigations on Performance Enhancement Measures of the Bidirectional Converter in PV–Wind Interconnected Microgrid System
Authors: Madurai Elavarasan Rajvikram , Ghosh Aritra , K. Mallick Tapas , Krishnamurthy Apoorva , Saravanan Meenal
Published: July 2019

In this work, a hybrid microgrid framework was created with the assistance of a photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) generator. Additionally, bidirectional control mechanisms were implemented where an AC system was integrated with permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based WT and a DC system was integrated with a sliding mode algorithm controlled maximum power point tracker (MPPT)-integrated PV system. The wind and PV interconnected microgrid system was mathematically modeled for steady-state conditions. This hybrid microgrid model was simulated using the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform. Optimal load management strategy was performed on a chosen hybrid microgrid system. Various case studies pertaining to connection and disconnection of sources and loads were performed on the test system. The outcomes establish that the system can be kept up in a steady-state condition under the recommended control plans when the network is changed, starting with one working condition then onto the next.
Impact on Sensory and Aromatic Profile of Low Ethanol Malbec Wines Fermented by Sequential Culture of Hanseniaspora uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Native Yeasts
Authors: Mestre María Victoria , Maturano Yolanda Paola , Gallardo Candelaria , Combina Mariana , Mercado Laura , Toro María Eugenia , Carrau Francisco , Vazquez Fabio , Dellacassa Eduardo
Published: July 2019

It is well known that high ethanol levels in wines adversely affect the perception of new wine consumers. Moreover, numerous issues, such as civil restrictions, health risk and trade barriers, are associated with high ethanol concentrations. Several strategies have been proposed to produce wines with lower alcoholic content, one simple and inexpensive approach being the use of new wine native yeasts with less efficiency in sugar to ethanol conversion. Nevertheless, it is also necessary that these yeasts do not impair the quality of wine. In this work, we tested the effect of sequential culture between Hanseniaspora uvarum BHu9 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae BSc114 on ethanol production. Then, the wines produced were analyzed by GC-MS and tested by a sensorial panel. Co-culture had a positive impact on ethanol reduction and sensory profile when compared to the S. cerevisiae monoculture. Wines with lower alcohol content were related to fruity aroma; moreover, color intensity was associated. The wines obtained with S. cerevisiae BSc114 in pure conditions were described by parameters linked with high ethanol levels, such as hotness and astringency. Moreover, floral profile was related to this treatment. Based on these findings, this work provides a contribution to answer the current consumers’ preferences and addresses the main challenges faced by the enological industry.
Red Meat-Derived Nitroso Compounds, Lipid Peroxidation Products and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Steinberg Pablo
Published: July 2019

About 20 years ago, the research group of Sheila Anne Bingham in Cambridge, UK, showed for the first time that volunteers consuming large amounts of red meat excrete high amounts of nitroso compounds via feces. In the meantime, it has been demonstrated that heme leads to the enhanced formation of nitroso compounds in the gastrointestinal tract and that the main nitroso compounds formed in the gastrointestinal tract are S-nitrosothiols and the nitrosyl heme. Moreover, it has been postulated that these endogenously formed nitroso compounds may alkylate guanine at the O6-position, resulting in the formation of the promutagenic DNA lesions O6-methylguanine and O6-carboxymethylguanine, which, if not repaired (in time), could lead to gene mutations and, subsequently to the development of colorectal cancer. Alternatively, it has been postulated that heme iron could contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis by inducing lipid peroxidation. In the present review, the evidence supporting the above-mentioned hypotheses will be presented.
Does Early Childhood Education in England for the 2020s Need to Rediscover Susan Isaacs: Child of the Late Victorian Age and Pioneering Educational Thinker?
Authors: Hood Philip
Published: July 2019

Since the nineteenth century, the history of childhood has been inextricably linked to the history of schooling. Throughout the period of state-provided schooling, the approach to teaching the youngest children, originally from five but currently usually from three years old, has been contentious. This article looks at Susan Isaacs as a major figure in the shaping of views about early childhood education and thus in the history of contemporary childhood. It surveys her rather special position as someone who was herself a child in the urban late Victorian school system when schooling became compulsory for all, and who later combined radical innovation in the combination of educational theory and practice. She experienced for a period the running of a small experimental primary school on a daily basis, yet also engaged in high level academic research and writing which was founded on psychological, educational and, unusually for the time, observational principles. She thus provided evidence-based thinking for policy making at a crucial point in England’s educational history (The 1944 Education Act). Her early life, her neighbourhood as shown by the 1901 census and the educational significance of her position on the value of assessment through detailed observation are discussed within the overall context of the last one hundred and thirty years of educational change. This reveals the principles which formed during her childhood and which teachers who work with young children share now even though these are challenged by current government policy. This article focuses on educational policy in England, as the other countries of the UK have at times evolved separate structures for their school systems.
Methane Hydrate Stability and Potential Resource in the Levant Basin, Southeastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Tayber Ziv , Meilijson Aaron , Ben-Avraham Zvi , Makovsky Yizhaq
Published: July 2019

To estimate the potential inventory of natural gas hydrates (NGH) in the Levant Basin, southeastern Mediterranean Sea, we correlated the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ), modeled with local thermodynamic parameters, with seismic indicators of gas. A compilation of the oceanographic measurements defines the >1 km deep water temperature and salinity to 13.8 °C and 38.8‰ respectively, predicting the top GHSZ at a water depth of ~1250 m. Assuming sub-seafloor hydrostatic pore-pressure, water-body salinity, and geothermal gradients ranging between 20 to 28.5 °C/km, yields a useful first-order GHSZ approximation. Our model predicts that the entire northwestern half of the Levant seafloor lies within the GHSZ, with a median sub-seafloor thickness of ~150 m. High amplitude seismic reflectivity (HASR), correlates with the active seafloor gas seepage and is distributed across the deep-sea fan of the Nile within the Levant Basin. Trends observed in the distribution of the HASR are suggested to represent: (1) Shallow gas and possibly hydrates within buried channel-lobe systems 25 to 100 mbsf; and (2) a regionally discontinuous bottom simulating reflection (BSR) broadly matching the modeled base of GHSZ. We therefore estimate the potential methane hydrates resources within the Levant Basin at ~100 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and its carbon content at ~1.5 gigatonnes.
E-cigarette Aerosol Condensate Enhances Metabolism of Benzo(a)pyrene to Genotoxic Products, and Induces CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, Likely by Activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Authors: Sun Yuan-Wan , Kosinska Wieslawa , Guttenplan Joseph B.
Published: July 2019

E-cigarette aerosol contains lower levels of most known carcinogens than tobacco smoke, but many users of e-cigarettes are also smokers, and these individuals may be vulnerable to possible promoting and/or cocarcinogenic effects of e-cigarettes. We investigated the possibility that a condensate of e-cigarette aerosol (EAC) enhances the metabolism of the tobacco carcinogen, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), to genotoxic products in a human oral keratinocyte cell line. Cells were pretreated with EAC from two popular e-cigs and then with BaP. Metabolism to its ultimate carcinogenic metabolite, anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro B[a]P (BPDE), was assayed by measuring isomers of its spontaneous hydrolysis products, BaP tetrols. The pretreatment of cells with EAC enhanced the rate of BaP tetrol formation several fold. Pretreatment with the e-liquid resulted in a smaller enhancement. The treatment of cells with EAC induced CYP1A1/1B1 mRNA and protein. The enhancement of BaP tetrol formation was inhibited by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibitor, α-napthoflavone, indicating EAC likely induces CYP1A1/1B1 and enhances BaP metabolism by activating the AhR. To our knowledge, this is first report demonstrating that e-cigarettes can potentiate the genotoxic effects of a tobacco smoke carcinogen.
Novel Phototransformable Fluorescent Protein SAASoti with Unique Photochemical Properties
Authors: Solovyev Ilya D. , Gavshina Alexandra V. , Savitsky Alexander P.
Published: July 2019

SAASoti is a unique fluorescent protein (FP) that combines properties of green-to-red photoconversion and reversible photoswitching (in its green state), without any amino acid substitutions in the wild type gene. In the present work, we investigated its ability to photoswitch between fluorescent red (‘on’) and dark (‘off’) states. Surprisingly, generated by 400 nm exposure, the red form of SAASoti (R1) does not exhibit any reversible photoswitching behavior under 550 nm illumination, while a combination of prior 470 nm and subsequent 400 nm irradiation led to the appearance of another—R2—form that can be partially photoswitched (550 nm) to the dark state, with a very fast recovery time. The phenomenon might be explained by chemical modification in the chromophore microenvironment during prior 470 nm exposure, and the resulting R2 SAASoti differs chemically from the R1 form. The suggestion is supported by the mass spectrometry analysis of the tryptic peptides before and after 470 nm light exposure, that revealed Met164 oxidation, as proceeds in another dual phototransformable FP, IrisFP.
Coeliac Disease and Mast Cells
Authors: Frossi Barbara , De Carli Marco , Calabrò Antonino
Published: July 2019

Over the last decades, there has been an impressive progress in our understanding of coeliac disease pathogenesis and it has become clear that the disorder is the final result of complex interactions of environmental, genetic, and immunological factors. Coeliac disease is now considered a prototype of T-cell-mediated disease characterized by loss of tolerance to dietary gluten and the targeted killing of enterocytes by T-cell receptor αβ intraepithelial lymphocytes. Accumulating evidence, however, indicates that the induction of a gluten-specific T helper-1 response must be preceded by the activation of the innate immune system. Mast cells are key players of the innate immune response and contribute to the pathogenesis of a multitude of diseases. Here, we review the results of studies aimed at investigating the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease, showing that these cells increase in number during the progression of the disease and contribute to define a pro-inflammatory microenvironment.
Differential Protein Expression Profiles of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Following Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Direct and Indirect Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Yue Xinping , Guidry Jessie J.
Published: July 2019

The pathogenic mechanisms of acute lung injury due to direct and indirect pulmonary insults are incompletely understood. Using an unbiased, discovery and quantitative proteomic approach, we examined bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) proteome following lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced direct and indirect lung injury in mice. A total of 1017 proteins were both identified and quantitated in BALF from control, intratracheal (I.T., direct) and intraperitoneal (I.P., indirect) LPS-treated mice. The two LPS groups shared 13 up-regulated and 22 down-regulated proteins compared to the control group. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that acute-phase response signaling was activated by both I.T. and I.P. LPS; however, the magnitude of activation was much greater in the I.T. LPS group. Intriguingly, two canonical signaling pathways, liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor activation, and the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in macrophages, were activated by I.T. but suppressed by I.P. LPS. Cxcl15 (also known as lungkine) was also up-regulated by I.T. but down-regulated by I.P. LPS. In conclusion, our quantitative discovery-based proteomic approach identified commonalities, as well as significant differences in BALF protein expression profiles between LPS-induced direct and indirect lung injury, and importantly, LPS-induced indirect lung injury resulted in suppression of select components of lung innate immunity.