bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Core-Clock Gene NR1D1 Impacts Cell Motility In Vitro and Invasiveness in a Zebrafish Xenograft Colon Cancer Model
Authors: Basti Alireza , Fior Rita , Yalҫin Müge , Póvoa Vanda , Astaburuaga Rosario , Li Yin , Naderi Julian , Godinho Ferreira Miguel , Relógio Angela
Published: April 2020

Malfunctions of circadian clock trigger abnormal cellular processes and influence tumorigenesis. Using an in vitro and in vivo xenograft model, we show that circadian clock disruption via the downregulation of the core-clock genes BMAL1, PER2, and NR1D1 impacts the circadian phenotype of MYC, WEE1, and TP53, and affects proliferation, apoptosis, and cell migration. In particular, both our in vitro and in vivo results suggest an impairment of cell motility and a reduction in micrometastasis formation upon knockdown of NR1D1, accompanied by altered expression levels of SNAI1 and CD44. Interestingly we show that differential proliferation and reduced tumour growth in vivo may be due to the additional influence of the host-clock and/or to the 3D tumour architecture. Our results raise new questions concerning host–tumour interaction and show that core-clock genes are involved in key cancer properties, including the regulation of cell migration and invasion by NR1D1 in zebrafish xenografts.
Green Chemistry Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Potential Anticancer Effects
Authors: Ratan Zubair Ahmed , Haidere Mohammad Faisal , Nurunnabi Md. , Shahriar Sadi Md. , Ahammad A.J. Saleh , Shim Youn Young , Reaney Martin J.T. , Cho Jae Youl
Published: April 2020

Nanobiotechnology has grown rapidly and become an integral part of modern disease diagnosis and treatment. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a class of eco-friendly, cost-effective and biocompatible agents that have attracted attention for their possible biomedical and bioengineering applications. Like many other inorganic and organic nanoparticles, such as AuNPs, iron oxide and quantum dots, AgNPs have also been widely studied as components of advanced anticancer agents in order to better manage cancer in the clinic. AgNPs are typically produced by the action of reducing reagents on silver ions. In addition to numerous laboratory-based methods for reduction of silver ions, living organisms and natural products can be effective and superior source for synthesis of AgNPs precursors. Currently, plants, bacteria and fungi can afford biogenic AgNPs precursors with diverse geometries and surface properties. In this review, we summarized the recent progress and achievements in biogenic AgNPs synthesis and their potential uses as anticancer agents.
The Calcium-Sensing Receptor is A Marker and Potential Driver of Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bery Fanny , Cancel Mathilde , Chantôme Aurélie , Guibon Roseline , Bruyère Franck , Rozet François , Mahéo Karine , Fromont Gaëlle
Published: April 2020

The mechanisms underlying neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation in prostate cancer (PCa) remain mostly uncharacterized. Since a deregulated calcium homeostasis has been reported in neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), we explored herein the link between NE differentiation and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). CaSR expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry—together with NE markers—on tissue microarrays containing samples of normal prostate, localized PCa, metastatic castration resistant PCa (MCRPC) and NEPC. In prostate tissues, we observed a strong association between CaSR and chromogranin expression. Both markers were strongly expressed in all cases of NEPC and co-expression was confirmed by double immunostaining. In MCRPC, the expression of CaSR was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. The involvement of CaSR in NE differentiation was evaluated in PCa cell lines. Inhibition of CaSR led to decrease the expression of neuronal (NSE, βtubulinIII) and NE (chromogranin, synaptophysin) markers in the NE PCa cell line NCI-H660. A decrease of neuronal and NE markers was also observed in siCaSR-transfected PC3 and 22RV1 cells, respectively, whereas CaSR activation increased both NSE and synaptophysin expression in PC3 cells. These results strongly suggest that CaSR is a marker and a driver of NE differentiation in PCa and emphasize the potential of CaSR directed therapy for NEPC patients.
Nucleolin-Sle A Glycoforms as E-Selectin Ligands and Potentially Targetable Biomarkers at the Cell Surface of Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Fernandes Elisabete , Freitas Rui , Ferreira Dylan , Soares Janine , Azevedo Rita , Gaiteiro Cristiana , Peixoto Andreia , Oliveira Sara , Cotton Sofia , Relvas-Santos Marta , Afonso Luis Pedro , Palmeira Carlos , Oliveira Maria José , Ferreira Rita , Silva André M. N. , Lara Santos Lúcio , Ferreira José Alexandre
Published: April 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health burden worldwide, with half of patients developing metastases within 5 years after treatment, urging novel biomarkers for diagnosis and efficient therapeutic targeting. Sialyl-Lewis A (SLeA), a terminal glycoepitope of glycoproteins and glycolipids, offers tremendous potential towards this objective. It is rarely expressed in healthy tissues and blood cells, while it is present in highly metastatic cell lines and metastases. SLeA is also involved in E-selectin mediated metastasis, making it an ideal target to control disease dissemination. Methods and Results: To improve cancer specificity, we have explored the SLeA-glycoproteome of six GC cell models, with emphasis on glycoproteins showing affinity for E-selectin. A novel bioinformatics-assisted algorithm identified nucleolin (NCL), a nuclear protein, as a potential targetable biomarker potentially involved in metastasis. Several immunoassays, including Western blot and in situ proximity ligation reinforced the existence of cell surface NCL-SLeA glycoforms in GC. The NCL-SLeA glycophenotype was associated with decreased survival and was not reflected in relevant healthy tissues. Conclusions: NCL-SLeA is a biomarker of poor prognosis in GC holding potential for precise cancer targeting. This is the first report describing SLeA in preferentially nuclear protein, setting a new paradigm for cancer biomarkers discovery and targeted therapies.
Propane and Naphthalene Oxidation over Gold-Promoted Cobalt Catalysts Supported on Zirconia
Authors: Leguizamón Aparicio María Silvia , Ruiz María Lucia , Ocsachoque Marco Antonio , Ponzi Marta Isabel , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Lick Ileana Daniela
Published: April 2020

Zirconia-supported gold-promoted cobalt catalysts were synthesized and tested for the complete oxidation of propane and naphthalene. The catalysts were characterized by BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In both propane and naphthalene combustion reactions, the results obtained indicate that catalysts formulated with Co3O4 are more active than those containing only Au. Catalysts prepared using the deposit/precipitation (DP) method have better activity than those in which the traditional technique is used. Gold addition using the DP methods generates a promoting effect on the activity of cobalt-containing catalysts. The AuDpCoZt catalyst was found to be the most active for both propane and naphthalene combustion. The catalytic behavior of this sample is associated with a synergic effect between gold, cobalt, and the support, which is also evidenced by an increase in the reducibility of this catalytic system. The effect of the presence of NO in the feed was also analyzed for propane combustion.
Biocatalysis: Chemical Biosynthesis
Authors: Bastida Agatha
Published: April 2020

Biocatalysis is very appealing for industry because it allows the synthesis of products that are not accessible by chemical synthesis, use of alternative raw materials, lower operating costs, low fixed cost infrastructure and improved eco-efficiency [...]
Platelet-Leukocyte Interplay in Cancer Development and Progression
Authors: Stoiber Dagmar , Assinger Alice
Published: April 2020

Beyond their crucial role in hemostasis, platelets are increasingly recognized as regulators of inflammation. Via modulation of the immune system by direct and indirect interactions with leukocytes, platelets regulate several aspects of tumor-associated pathology. They influence inflammatory processes in cancer at various stages: platelets alter the activation status of the endothelium, recruit leukocytes to tumor sites and attune the inflammatory milieu at sites of primary and metastatic tumors. Patients with cancer show systemic changes of platelet activation. Tumor-associated platelet activation facilitates initiation of the coagulation cascade and constitutes a significant risk for thrombosis. Tumor-activated platelets further contribute to cancer progression by promoting critical processes such as angiogenesis and metastasis. Platelets modulate innate leukocyte effector functions such as antigen presentation by dendritic cells, monocyte recruitment and differentiation or neutrophil extracellular trap formation, which sculpture immune responses but also promote thrombosis and metastasis. On the other hand, responses of the adaptive immune system are also regulated by platelets. They are also involved in T-helper cell 17 differentiation, which represents a double-edged sword in cancer progression, as these cells propagate angiogenesis and immunosuppressive activities but are also involved in recruiting immune cells into tumors and stimulating effector CD8+ T cells. Moreover, platelets fine-tune tumor surveillance processes by modulating natural killer cell-mediated cancer cell recognition and effector functions. This review aims at summarizing the role of platelet-leukocyte interactions in the development and progression of cancer and puts its focus on cancer-related alterations of platelet and leukocyte functions and their impact on cancer pathology.
Short Histone H2A Variants: Small in Stature but not in Function
Authors: Jiang Xuanzhao , Soboleva Tatiana A. , Tremethick David J.
Published: April 2020

The dynamic packaging of DNA into chromatin regulates all aspects of genome function by altering the accessibility of DNA and by providing docking pads to proteins that copy, repair and express the genome. Different epigenetic-based mechanisms have been described that alter the way DNA is organised into chromatin, but one fundamental mechanism alters the biochemical composition of a nucleosome by substituting one or more of the core histones with their variant forms. Of the core histones, the largest number of histone variants belong to the H2A class. The most divergent class is the designated “short H2A variants” (H2A.B, H2A.L, H2A.P and H2A.Q), so termed because they lack a H2A C-terminal tail. These histone variants appeared late in evolution in eutherian mammals and are lineage-specific, being expressed in the testis (and, in the case of H2A.B, also in the brain). To date, most information about the function of these peculiar histone variants has come from studies on the H2A.B and H2A.L family in mice. In this review, we describe their unique protein characteristics, their impact on chromatin structure, and their known functions plus other possible, even non-chromatin, roles in an attempt to understand why these peculiar histone variants evolved in the first place.
Ecklonia stolonifera Extract Suppresses Lipid Accumulation by Promoting Lipolysis and Adipose Browning in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Male Mice
Authors: Jin Heegu , Lee Kippeum , Chei Sungwoo , Oh Hyun-Ji , Lee Kang-Pyo , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: April 2020

Obesity develops due to an energy imbalance and manifests as the storage of excess triglyceride (TG) in white adipose tissue (WAT). Recent studies have determined that edible natural materials can reduce lipid accumulation and promote browning in WAT. We aimed to determine whether Ecklonia stolonifera extract (ESE) would increase the energy expenditure in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and 3T3-L1 cells by upregulating lipolysis and browning. ESE is an edible brown marine alga that belongs to the family Laminariaceae and contains dieckol, a phlorotannin. We report that ESE inhibits body mass gain by regulating the expression of proteins involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. In addition, ESE activates protein kinase A (PKA) and increases the expression of lipolytic enzymes including adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (p-HSL), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) and also thermogenic genes, such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), PR domain-containing 16 (PRDM16), and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). These findings indicate that ESE may represent a promising natural means of preventing obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.
The Tyranny of Arm-Wrestling Methyls on Iron(II) Spin State in Pseudo-Octahedral [Fe(didentate)3] Complexes
Authors: Deorukhkar Neel , Lathion Timothée , Guénée Laure , Besnard Céline , Piguet Claude
Published: April 2020

The connection of a sterically constrained 3-methyl-pyrazine ring to a N-methyl-benzimidazole unit to give the unsymmetrical α,α’-diimine ligand L5 has been programmed for the design of pseudo-octahedral spin-crossover [Fe(L5)3]2+ units, the transition temperature (T1/2) of which occurs in between those reported for related facial tris-didentate iron chromophores fitted with 3-methyl-pyridine-benzimidazole in a LaFe helicate (T1/2 ~ 50 K) and with 5-methyl-pyrazine-benzimidazole L2 ligands (T1/2 ~350 K). A thorough crystallographic analysis of [Fe(L5)3](ClO4)2 (I), [Ni(L5)3](ClO4)2 (II), [Ni(L5)3](BF4)2∙H2O (III), [Zn(L5)3](ClO4)2 (IV), [Ni(L5)3](BF4)2∙1.75CH3CN (V), and [Zn(L5)3](BF4)2∙1.5CH3CN (VI) shows the selective formation of pure facial [M(L5)3]2+ cations in the solvated crystals of the tetrafluoroborate salts and alternative meridional isomers in the perchlorate salts. Except for a slightly larger intra-strand interannular twist between the aromatic heterocycles in L5, the metric parameters measured in [Zn(L5)3]2+ are comparable to those reported for [Zn(L2)3]2+, where L2 is the related unconstrained ligand. This similitude is reinforced by comparable ligand-field strengths (∆oct) and nephelauxetic effects (as measured by the Racah parameters B and C) extracted from the electronic absorption spectra recorded for [Ni(L5)3]2+ and [Ni(L2)3]2+. In this context, the strictly high-spin behavior observed for [Fe(L5)3]2+ within the 5–300 K range contrasts with the close to room-temperature spin-crossover behavior of [Fe(L2)3]2+ (T1/2 = 349(5) K in acetonitrile). This can be unambiguously assigned to an intraligand arm wrestling match operating in bound L5, which prevents the contraction of the coordination sphere required for accommodating low-spin FeII. Since the analogous 3-methyl-pyridine ring in [Fe(L3)3]2+ derivatives are sometimes compatible with spin-crossover properties, the consequences of repulsive intra-strand methyl–methyl interactions are found to be amplified in [Fe(L5)3]2+ because of the much lower basicity of the 3-methyl-pyrazine ring and the resulting weaker thermodynamic compensation. The decrease of the stability constants by five orders of magnitude observed in going from [M(L2)3]2+ to [M(L5)3]2+ (M = NiII and ZnII) is diagnostic for the operation of this effect, which had been not foreseen by the authors.
Effects of Laser Hardening Process Parameters on Hardness Profile of 4340 Steel Spline—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Barka Noureddine , Sattarpanah Karganroudi Sasan , Fakir Rachid , Thibeault Patrick , Feujofack Kemda Vincent Blériot
Published: April 2020

This study displays the effect of laser surface hardening parameters on the hardness profile (case depth) of a splined shaft made of AISI 4340 steel. The approach is mainly based on experimental tests wherein the hardness profile of laser hardened splines is acquired using micro-hardness measurements. These results are then evaluated with statistical analysis (ANOVA) to determine the principal effect and the contributions of each parameter in the laser hardening process. Using empirical correlations, the case depth of splined shaft at tip and root of spline’s teeth is also estimated and verified with measured data. The obtained results were then used to study the sensitivity of the measured case depths according to the evolution of laser process parameters and geometrical factors. The feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach lead to a reliable statistical model in which the hardness profile of the spline is estimated with respect to its specific geometry.
The Effect of a Dam Construction on Subtidal Nematode Communities in the Ba Lai Estuary, Vietnam
Authors: Yen Nguyen Thi My , Vanreusel Ann , Lins Lidia , Thai Tran Thanh , Nara Bezerra Tania , Quang Ngo Xuan
Published: April 2020

Nematode communities and relevant environmental variables were investigated to assess how the presence of a dam affects the Ba Lai estuary benthic ecosystem, in comparison to the adjacent dam-free estuary Ham Luong. Both estuaries are part of the Mekong delta system in Vietnam. This study has shown that the dam’s construction had an effect on the biochemical components of the Ba Lai estuary, as observed by the local increase in total suspended solids and heavy metal concentrations (Hg and Pb) and by a significant oxygen depletion compared to the natural river of Ham Luong. The nematode communities were also different between the two estuaries in terms of density, genus richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity, and dominant genera. The Ba Lai estuary exhibited lower nematode densities but a higher diversity, while the genus composition only slightly differed between estuaries. The results indicate that the present nematode communities may be well adapted to the natural organic load, to the heavy metal accumulation and to the oxygen stress in both estuaries, but the dam presence may potentially continue to drive the Ba Lai’s ecosystem to its tipping point.
Particle Swarm Contour Search Algorithm
Authors: Weikert Dominik , Mai Sebastian , Mostaghim Sanaz
Published: April 2020

In this article, we present a new algorithm called Particle Swarm Contour Search (PSCS)—a Particle Swarm Optimisation inspired algorithm to find object contours in 2D environments. Currently, most contour-finding algorithms are based on image processing and require a complete overview of the search space in which the contour is to be found. However, for real-world applications this would require a complete knowledge about the search space, which may not be always feasible or possible. The proposed algorithm removes this requirement and is only based on the local information of the particles to accurately identify a contour. Particles search for the contour of an object and then traverse alongside using their known information about positions in- and out-side of the object. Our experiments show that the proposed PSCS algorithm can deliver comparable results as the state-of-the-art.
An Experimental Analysis of Soybean Straw Combustion on Both CO and NOX Emission Characteristics in a Tubular Furnace
Authors: Xu Qing , Peng Weichao , Ling Changming
Published: April 2020

In this study, an experiment is conducted to explore the potential to protect both the environment and resource shortage of soybean straw, for combustion in a tubular furnace. Then, the combustion characteristics, gas emissions, and energy consumption of soybean straw are analyzed at a combustion temperature range of 773–1173 K. The results show that the total emissions of CO and NOX are the largest at a temperature of 873 K. For NOX, the emission time is significantly improved at temperatures of 973–1173 K. At high temperatures, the reaction of NOX with CO and coke reduces the total emission of NOX. The average weight loss rate at combustion temperatures of 973, 1073, and 1173 K increased by 27.38%, 61.47% and 77.97%, respectively, relative to that of 873 K. However, the energy consumption increases with the increase in combustion temperature, resulting in unnecessary waste. To get an optimal characteristic between energy utilization and pollutant discharge, a temperature range of 873–973 K is determined as the appropriate temperature for burning soybean straw.
Determining the Load Inertia Contribution from Different Power Consumer Groups
Authors: Thiesen Henning , Jauch Clemens
Published: April 2020

Power system inertia is a vital part of power system stability. The inertia response within the first seconds after a power imbalance reduces the velocity of which the grid frequency changes. At present, large shares of power system inertia are provided by synchronously rotating masses of conventional power plants. A minor part of power system inertia is supplied by power consumers. The energy system transformation results in an overall decreasing amount of power system inertia. Hence, inertia has to be provided synthetically in future power systems. In depth knowledge about the amount of inertia provided by power consumers is very important for a future application of units supplying synthetic inertia. It strongly promotes the technical efficiency and cost effective application. A blackout in the city of Flensburg allows for a detailed research on the inertia contribution from power consumers. Therefore, power consumer categories are introduced and the inertia contribution is calculated for each category. Overall, the inertia constant for different power consumers is in the range of 0.09 to 4.24 s if inertia constant calculations are based on the power demand. If inertia constant calculations are based on the apparent generator power, the load inertia constant is in the range of 0.01 to 0.19 s.
Scribing Method for Carbon Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Meroni Simone M. P. , Hooper Katherine E. A. , Dunlop Tom , Baker Jenny A. , Worsley David , Charbonneau Cecile , Watson Trystan M.
Published: April 2020

The fully printable carbon triple-mesoscopic perovskite solar cell (C-PSC) has already demonstrated good efficiency and long-term stability, opening the possibility of lab-to-fab transition. Modules based on C-PSC architecture have been reported and, at present, are achieved through the accurate registration of each of the patterned layers using screen-printing. Modules based on this approach were reported with geometric fill factor (g-FF) as high as 70%. Another approach to create the interconnects, the so-called scribing method, was reported to achieve more than 90% g-FF for architectures based on evaporated metal contacts, i.e., without a carbon counter electrode. Here, for the first time, we adopt the scribing method to selectively remove materials within a C-PSC. This approach allowed a deep and selective scribe to open an aperture from the transparent electrode through all the layers, including the blocking layer, enabling a direct contact between the electrodes in the interconnects. In this work, a systematic study of the interconnection area between cells is discussed, showing the key role of the FTO/carbon contact. Furthermore, a module on 10 × 10 cm2 substrate with the optimised design showing efficiency over 10% is also demonstrated.
A Novel Exergy Indicator for Maximizing Energy Utilization in Low-Temperature ORC
Authors: Jankowski Marcin , Borsukiewicz Aleksandra
Published: April 2020

In the last decade, particular attention has been paid to the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power plant, a technology that implements a classical steam Rankine cycle using low-boiling fluid of organic origin. Depending on the specific application and the choice of the designer, the ORC can be optimized using one or several criteria. The selected objectives reflect various system performance aspects, such as: thermodynamic, economic, environmental or other. In this study, a novel criterion called exergy utilization index (XUI) is defined and used to maximize the utilization of an energy source in the ORC system. The maximization of the proposed indicator is equivalent to bring the heat carrier outlet temperature to the ambient temperature as close as possible. In the studied case, the XUI is applied along with the total heat transfer area of the system, and the multi-objective optimization is performed in order to determine the optimal operating conditions of the ORC. Moreover, to reveal a relationship between the XUI and important ORC performance indicators, a parametric study is conducted. Based on the results, it has been found that high values of the XUI (~80%) correspond to optimal values of exergy-based indicators such as: exergy efficiency, waste exergy ratio, environmental effect factor or exergetic sustainability index. Furthermore, the values of the XUI = 60%–80% are associated with beneficial economic characteristics reflected in a low payback period (<11.3 years). When considering the ecological aspect, the maximization of XUI has resulted in minimization of exergy waste to the environment. In general, the simple formulation and straightforward meaning make the XUI a particularly useful indicator for the preliminary evaluation and design of the ORC. Furthermore, the comparative analysis with respect to other well-known performance indicators has shown that it has a potential to be successfully applied as the objective function in the optimization of ORC power plants.
Multi-Time Scale Optimization Scheduling Strategy for Combined Heat and Power System Based on Scenario Method
Authors: Zhou Yunhai , Guo Shengkai , Xu Fei , Cui Dai , Ge Weichun , Chen Xiaodong , Gu Bo
Published: April 2020

The wind–heat conflict and wind power uncertainty are the main factors leading to the phenomenon of wind curtailment during the heating period in the northern region of China. In this paper, a multi-time scale optimal scheduling strategy for combined heat and power system is proposed. Considering the temporal dependence of wind power fluctuation, the intra-day wind power scenario generation method is put forward, and both day-ahead and intra-day optimization scheduling models based on the scenario method are established to maximize the system’s revenue. The case analyzes the impacts of the initial heat storage capacity of a heat storage device and different scheduling strategies on system revenue. It is verified that the scheduling strategy can better adapt to wind power uncertainty and improve the absorption capacity of wind power, while ensuring the safety and economical efficiency of system operation.
Validation of GreenH2armony® as a Tool for the Computation of Harmonised Life-Cycle Indicators of Hydrogen
Authors: Valente Antonio , Iribarren Diego , Dufour Javier
Published: April 2020

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is often used to check the environmental suitability of hydrogen energy systems, usually involving comparative studies. However, these comparative studies are typically affected by inconsistent methodological choices between the case studies under comparison. In this regard, protocols for the harmonisation of methodological choices in LCA of hydrogen are available. The step-by-step application of these protocols to a large number of case studies has already resulted in libraries of harmonised carbon, energy, and acidification footprints of hydrogen. In order to foster the applicability of these harmonisation protocols, a web-based software for the calculation of harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen has recently been developed. This work addresses—for the first time—the validation of such a tool by checking the deviation between the available libraries of harmonised carbon, energy, and acidification footprints of hydrogen and the corresponding tool-based harmonised results. A high correlation (R2 > 0.999) was found between the library- and tool-based harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen, thereby successfully validating the software. Hence, this tool has the potential to effectively promote the use of harmonised life-cycle indicators for robust comparative LCA studies of hydrogen energy systems, significantly mitigating misinterpretation.
Determining the Position of the Brushless DC Motor Rotor
Authors: Kolano Krzysztof
Published: April 2020

In brushless direct current (or BLDC) motors with more than one pole pair, the status of standard shaft position sensors assumes the same distribution several times for its full mechanical rotation. As a result, a simple analysis of the signals reflecting their state does not allow any determination of the mechanical position of the shaft of such a machine. This paper presents a new method for determining the mechanical position of a BLDC motor rotor with a number of pole pairs greater than one. In contrast to the methods used so far, it allows us to determine the mechanical position using only the standard position sensors in which most BLDC motors are equipped. The paper describes a method of determining the mechanical position of the rotor by analyzing the distribution of errors resulting from the accuracy proposed by the BLDC motor’s Hall sensor system. Imprecise indications of the rotor position, resulting from the limited accuracy of the production process, offer a possibility of an indirect determination of the rotor’s angular position of such a machine.
The Interplay between Breeding and Thermal Feedback in a Molten Chlorine Fast Reactor
Authors: Merk Bruno , Detkina Anna , Litskevich Dzianis , Atkinson Seddon , Cartland-Glover Gregory
Published: April 2020

The energy trilemma and UN SDG 7 form the key drivers for the future of all kinds of energy research. In nuclear technology, molten salt reactors are an interesting option, since they can offer a game-changing approach to deliver an attractive, highly sustainable option for a zero-carbon society by providing sufficient breeding for a self-sustained long-term operation based on spent nuclear fuel from existing reactors while being able to be controlled ideally by inherent processes. To achieve these goals, several basic challenges have already been identified and worked on; demonstration of sufficient breeding and development of a demand driven salt clean up system. This study follows up on the opportunity for reactor control based on inherent feedback mechanisms. It is demonstrated that the investigated sodium chloride-uranium chloride-based systems can feasibly deliver a thermal feedback effect, which is strong enough, to compensate for the critically change due to breeding and fission product accumulation for two different compositions. The achieved results provide a very positive outlook on the system inherent ability for reactor self-control and even for the feasibility of a load following operation based on inherent feedback effects instead of massive and costly manual/automated control system operation.
A Dual-Stage Modeling and Optimization Framework for Wayside Energy Storage in Electric Rail Transit Systems
Authors: Dutta Oindrilla , Saleh Mahmoud , Khodaparastan Mahdiyeh , Mohamed Ahmed
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a dual-stage modeling and optimization framework has been developed to obtain an optimal combination and size of wayside energy storage systems (WESSs) for application in DC rail transportation. Energy storage technologies may consist of a standalone battery, a standalone supercapacitor, a standalone flywheel, or a combination of these. Results from the dual-stage modeling and optimization process have been utilized for deducing an application-specific composition of type and size of the WESSs. These applications consist of different percentages of energy saving due to regenerative braking, voltage regulation, peak demand reduction, estimated payback period, and system resiliency. In the first stage, sizes of the ESSs have been estimated using developed detailed mathematical models, and optimized using the Genetic Algorithm (GA). In the second stage, the respective sizes of ESSs are simulated by developing an all-inclusive model of the transit system, ESS and ESS management system (EMS) in MATLAB/Simulink. The mathematical modeling provides initial recommendations for the sizes from a large search space. However, the dynamic simulation contributes to the optimization by highlighting the transit system constraints and practical limitations of ESSs, which impose bounds on the maximum energy that can be captured from decelerating trains.
An Exploratory Agent-Based Modeling Analysis Approach to Test Business Models for Electricity Storage
Authors: Mir Mohammadi Kooshknow Seyed Ahmad Reza , den Exter Rob , Ruzzenenti Franco
Published: April 2020

Electricity storage systems (ESSs) are potential solutions to facilitate renewable energy transition. Lack of viable business models, as well as high levels of uncertainty in technology, economic, and institutional factors, form main barriers for wide implementation of ESSs worldwide and in the Netherlands. Therefore, the design of business models for an ESS is necessary for the development of ESSs. We elaborated on this problem before, and developed a design space for business models of ESSs in the context of the Netherlands. This conceptual paper provides a further view on barriers and uncertainties of ESS development in the Netherlands through the involvement of a business practitioner, elaboration of goals, objectives, and testing of ESS business model designs, suggests and provides a theoretical foundation for combining agent-based modeling and exploratory modeling analysis as a method to test and explore ESS business models, and provides an abstract conceptual agent-based model design thereof. This work can be used as a foundation of detailed design and implementation of models for testing ESS business models in the Netherlands and worldwide.
Cost-Effectiveness of Carbon Emission Abatement Strategies for a Local Multi-Energy System—A Case Study of Chalmers University of Technology Campus
Authors: Mirzaei Alavijeh Nima , Steen David , Norwood Zack , Anh Tuan Le , Agathokleous Christos
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the cost-effectiveness of operation strategies which can be used to abate CO 2 emissions in a local multi-energy system. A case study is carried out using data from a real energy system that integrates district heating, district cooling, and electricity networks at Chalmers University of Technology. Operation strategies are developed using a mixed integer linear programming multi-objective optimization model with a short foresight rolling horizon and a year of data. The cost-effectiveness of different strategies is evaluated across different carbon prices. The results provide insights into developing abatement strategies for local multi-energy systems that could be used by utilities, building owners, and authorities. The optimized abatement strategies include: increased usage of biomass boilers, substitution of district heating and absorption chillers with heat pumps, and higher utilization of storage units. The results show that, by utilizing all the strategies, a 20.8% emission reduction can be achieved with a 2.2% cost increase for the campus area. The emission abatement cost of all strategies is 36.6–100.2 (€/tCO 2 ), which is aligned with estimated carbon prices if the Paris agreement target is to be achieved. It is higher, however, than average European Emission Trading System prices and Sweden’s carbon tax in 2019.
Structural Condition for Controllable Power Flow System Containing Controllable and Fluctuating Power Devices
Authors: Javaid Saher , Kaneko Mineo , Tan Yasuo
Published: April 2020

This paper discusses a structural property for a power system to continue a safe operation under power fluctuation caused by fluctuating power sources and loads. Concerns over global climate change and gas emissions have motivated development and integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar to fulfill power demand. The energy generated from these sources exhibits fluctuations and uncertainty which is uncontrollable. In addition, the power fluctuations caused by power loads also have the same consequences on power system. To mitigate the effects of uncontrollable power fluctuations, a power flow control is presented which allocates power levels for controllable power sources and loads and connections between power devices. One basic function for the power flow control is to balance the generated power with the power demand. However, due to the structural limitations, i.e., the power level limitations of controllable sources and loads and the limitation of power flow channels, the power balance may not be achieved. This paper proposes two theorems about the structural conditions for a power system to have a feasible solution which achieves the power balance between power sources and power loads. The discussions in this paper will provide a solid theoretical background for designing a power flow system which proves robustness against fluctuations caused by fluctuating power devices.
CFD Simulation of Aeration and Mixing Processes in a Full-Scale Oxidation Ditch
Authors: Höhne Thomas , Mamedov Tural
Published: April 2020

This study aims to build a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that can be used to predict fluid flow pattern and to analyse the mixing process in a full-scale OD. CFD is a widely used numerical tool for analysing, modelling and simulating fluid flow patterns in wastewater treatment processes. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) computational geometry was used, and the Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase flow model was built. Pure water was considered as the continuous phase, whereas air was modelled as the dispersed phase. The Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model was specified which predicts turbulence eddies in free stream and wall-bounded region with high accuracy. The momentum source term approach and the transient rotor-stator approach were implemented for the modelling of the submersible agitators. The hydrodynamic analysis was successfully performed for four different scenarios. In order to prevent the incorrect positioning of the submerged agitators, thrust analysis was also done. The results show that the minimum required water velocity was reached to maintain the solid particles suspended in the liquid media and adequate mixing was determined.
High Reynold’s Number Turbulent Model for Micro-Channel Cold Plate Using Reverse Engineering Approach for Water-Cooled Battery in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Panchal Satyam , Gudlanarva Krishna , Tran Manh-Kien , Fraser Roydon , Fowler Michael
Published: April 2020

The investigation and improvement of the cooling process of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are required in order to achieve better performance and longer lifespan. In this manuscript, the temperature and velocity profiles of cooling plates used to cool down the large prismatic Graphite/LiFePO4 battery are presented using both laboratory testing and modeling techniques. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was utilized for the cooling plate, Detroit Engineering Products (DEP) MeshWorks 8.0 was used for meshing of the cooling plate, and STAR CCM+ was used for simulation. The numerical investigation was conducted for higher C-rates of 3C and 4C with different ambient temperatures. For the experimental work, three heat flux sensors were attached to the battery surface. Water was used as a coolant inside the cooling plate to cool down the battery. The mass flow rate at each channel was 0.000277677 kg/s. The k-ε model was then utilized to simulate the turbulent behaviour of the fluid in the cooling plate, and the thermal behaviour under constant current (CC) discharge was studied and validated with the experimental data. This study provides insight into thermal and flow characteristics of the coolant inside a cooing plate, which can be used for designing more efficient cooling plates.
Wind Turbine Blade Optimal Design Considering Multi-Parameters and Response Surface Method
Authors: Lee Sang-Lae , Shin SangJoon
Published: April 2020

Within the framework of blade aerodynamic design, the maximum aerodynamic efficiency, power production, and minimum thrust force are the targets to obtain. This paper describes an improved optimization framework for blade aerodynamic design under realistic conditions, while considering multiple design parameters. The relationship between the objective function and the design parameters, such as the chord length, maximum chord, and twist angle, were obtained by using the second-order response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, the identified parameters were organized to optimize the aerodynamic design of the blades. Furthermore, the initial and optimized blade geometries were compared and showed that the performance of the optimized blade improved significantly. In fact, the efficiency was increased by approximately 10%, although its thrust was not varied. In addition, to demonstrate the improvement in the resulting optimized blades, the annual energy production (AEP) was estimated when installed in a specific regional location. The result showed a significant improvement when compared to the baseline blades. This result will be extended to a new perspective approach for a more robust optimal design of a wind turbine blade.
Reduction in Energy Requirement and CO2 Emission for Microalgae Oil Production Using Wastewater
Authors: Ishizaki Riaru , Noguchi Ryozo , Putra Agusta Samodra , Ichikawa Sosaku , Ahamed Tofael , Watanabe Makoto M
Published: April 2020

A comparative evaluation of energy requirement and CO2 emission was performed for native polyculture microalgae oil production in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The wastewater provided nutrients for algae growth. Datasets of microalgae oil production and their details were collected from the Minamisoma pilot plant. Environmental impact estimation from direct energy and material balance was analyzed using SimaPro® v8.0.4. in two scenarios: existing and algal scenarios. In the existing scenario, CO2 emission sources were from wastewater treatment, sludge treatment, and import of crude oil. In the algal scenario, CO2 emission with microalgae production was considered using wastewater treatment, CO2 absorption from growing algae, and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) for extraction, along with the exclusion of exhausted CO2 emission for growing algae and use of discharged heat for HTL. In these two scenarios, 1 m3 of wastewater was treated, and 2.17 MJ higher heating value (HHV) output was obtained. Consequently, 2.76 kg-CO2 eq/m3-wastewater in the existing scenario and 1.59 kg-CO2 eq/m3-wastewater in the algal scenario were calculated. In the HTL process, 21.5 MJ/m3-wastewater of the discharged heat energy was required in the algal scenario. Hence, the efficiency of the biocrude production system will surpass those of the WWTP and imported crude oil.
Selecting Locations of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Based on the Traffic Load Eliminating Method
Authors: Choi Bong-Gi , Oh Byeong-Chan , Choi Sungyun , Kim Sung-Yul
Published: April 2020

Establishing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to keep up with the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) is the most realistic and direct means of promoting their spread. Using traffic data collected in one area; we estimated the EV charging demand and selected priority fast chargers; ranging from high to low charging demand. A queueing model was used to calculate the number of fast chargers required in the study area. Comparison of the existing distribution of fast chargers with that suggested by the traffic load eliminating method demonstrated the validity of our traffic-based location approach.
Multi-Physics Tool for Electrical Machine Sizing
Authors: Moreno Yerai , Almandoz Gaizka , Egea Aritz , Madina Patxi , Escalada Ana Julia
Published: April 2020

Society is turning to electrification to reduce air pollution, increasing electric machine demand. For industrial mass production, a detailed design of one machine is usually done first, then a design of similar machines, but different ratings are reached by geometry scaling. This design process may be highly time-consuming, so, in this paper, a new sizing method is proposed to reduce this time, maintaining accuracy. It is based on magnetic flux and thermal maps, both linked with an algorithm so that the sizing process of an electrical machine can be carried out in less than one minute. The magnetic flux maps are obtained by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the thermal maps are obtained by analytical models based on Lumped Parameter Circuits (LPC), applying a time-efficient procedure. The proposed methodology is validated in a real case study, sizing 10 different industrial machines. Then, the accuracy of the sizing tool is validated performing the experimental test over the 10 machines. A very good agreement is achieved between the experimental results and the performances calculated by the sizing tools, as the maximum error is around 5%.
Optimization and Assessment of the Protective Shed of the Eastern Wu Tomb
Authors: Li Yonghui , Feng Yumai , Kong Zhenyi , Hokoi Shuichi
Published: April 2020

The Eastern Wu tomb in Shangfang Town, Nanjing City is a brick tomb of the Six Dynasties in China, which is very famous for its big scale and complex structure. After being excavated, biodeterioration occurred on the interior wall of the tomb chambers due to the fluctuation of environmental factors, which threatens the cultural value of this architectural heritage. Biodeterioration is highly related to the mild temperature and the high humidity in the tomb chamber and condensation on the wall surface. To reduce biodeterioration in the Eastern Wu tomb, environment monitoring was carried out and the effect of the current protective shed on the Eastern Wu tomb was examined. The hygrothermal transfer model of the protective shed was developed to evaluate the effects of the optimization of the protective shed for reducing the condensation on the wall surface. The results show that condensation on the wall surface of the site was reduced by 53% in a year after the functional space utilizing solar energy was added to the protective shed.