bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redistribution of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Causes Neonatal Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling and PH but Protects Against Experimental Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Sherlock Laurie , Trumpie Ashley , Hernandez-Lagunas Laura , McKenna Sarah , Fisher Susan , Bowler Russell , Wright Clyde , Delaney Cassidy , Nozik-Grayck Eva
Published: March 2018

Background: A naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), (R213G), in extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), decreases SOD3 matrix binding affinity. Humans and mature mice expressing the R213G SNP exhibit increased cardiovascular disease but decreased lung disease. The impact of this SNP on the neonatal lung at baseline or with injury is unknown. Methods: Wild type and homozygous R213G mice were injected with intraperitoneal bleomycin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) three times weekly for three weeks and tissue harvested at 22 days of life. Vascular and alveolar development were evaluated by morphometric analysis and immunostaining of lung sections. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was assessed by right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). Lung protein expression for superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms, catalase, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase-1 (GTPCH-1) was evaluated by western blot. SOD activity and SOD3 expression were measured in serum. Results: In R213G mice, SOD3 lung protein expression decreased, serum SOD3 protein expression and SOD serum activity increased compared to wild type (WT) mice. Under control conditions, R213G mice developed pulmonary vascular remodeling (decreased vessel density and increased medial wall thickness) and PH; alveolar development was similar between strains. After bleomycin injury, in contrast to WT, R213G mice were protected from impaired alveolar development and their vascular abnormalities and PH did not worsen. Bleomycin decreased VEGFR2 and GTPCH-1 only in WT mice. Conclusion: R213G neonatal mice demonstrate impaired vascular development and PH at baseline without alveolar simplification, yet are protected from bleomycin induced lung injury and worsening of pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH. These results show that vessel bound SOD3 is essential in normal pulmonary vascular development, and increased serum SOD3 expression and SOD activity prevent lung injury in experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and PH.
Constraint-Based Time-Scale Modification of Music Recordings for Noise Beautification
Authors: Müller Meinard , Hedwig Helmut , Zalkow Frank , Popescu Stefan
Published: March 2018

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a patient is exposed to beat-like knocking sounds, often interrupted by periods of silence, which are caused by pulsing currents of the MRI scanner. In order to increase the patient’s comfort, one strategy is to play back ambient music to induce positive emotions and to reduce stress during the MRI scanning process. To create an overall acceptable acoustic environment, one idea is to adapt the music to the locally periodic acoustic MRI noise. Motivated by this scenario, we consider in this paper the general problem of adapting a given music recording to fulfill certain temporal constraints. More concretely, the constraints are given by a reference time axis with specified time points (e.g., the time positions of the MRI scanner’s knocking sounds). Then, the goal is to temporally modify a suitable music recording such that its beat positions align with the specified time points. As one technical contribution, we model this alignment task as an optimization problem with the objective to fulfill the constraints while avoiding strong local distortions in the music. Furthermore, we introduce an efficient algorithm based on dynamic programming for solving this task. Based on the computed alignment, we use existing time-scale modification procedures for locally adapting the music recording. To illustrate the outcome of our procedure, we discuss representative synthetic and real-world examples, which can be accessed via an interactive website. In particular, these examples indicate the potential of automated methods for noise beautification within the MRI application scenario.
Treatment of Mineral Oil Refinery Wastewater in Microbial Fuel Cells Using Ionic Liquid Based Separators
Authors: Addi Hasna , Mateo-Ramírez Francisco , Ortiz-Martínez Víctor , Salar-García María , Hernández-Fernández Francisco , Pérez de los Ríos Antonia , Godínez Carlos , Lotfi El , El Mahi Mohammed , Blanco Luis
Published: March 2018

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an environmentally friendly technology that can recover electricity directly from several wastes at ambient temperatures. This work explores the use of mineral oil refinery wastewater as feedstock in single-chamber air-cathode MFC devices. A polymer inclusion membrane based on the ionic liquid methyltrioctylammonium chloride, [MTOA+][Cl−], at a concentration of 70% w/w, was used as separator, showing a good efficiency in power production and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. The power and the chemical oxygen demand removal reached values of 45 mW/m3 and over 80%, respectively. The evolution of other parameters of the wastewater including nitrites, phosphates and sulphates were also studied. Kjeldahl nitrogen and sulphates were significantly reduced during MFC operation. The results show that mineral oil refinery wastewater can be used as feedstock in air breathing cathode-microbial fuel cells based on polymer ionic liquid inclusion membranes. This configuration could represent a good alternative for wastewater depuration while producing energy during the process.
Economic and Environmental Impact of Energy Saving in Healthcare Buildings
Authors: García-Sanz-Calcedo Justo , Al-Kassir Awf , Yusaf Talal
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this article is to estimate the economic and environmental impacts of energy consumption derived from healthcare buildings and proposes several energy-saving options in the sector. An experimental energy consumption study was development between 2005 and 2013 in 12 hospitals and 70 healthcare centres in Spain, built between 1980 and 2005 through audits carried out between 2005 and 2012, performed by the Extremadura Energy Agency. The study focused on electric energy, HVAC, DWH, lighting systems, renewable energies, maintenance strategy, thermal insulation, and optimal building size. Specifically, the following parameters were evaluated: energy savings, investment emission of CO2, NO2, and SO2 gases, and payback. The results revealed that through an appropriate energy management of healthcare buildings it is possible to save up to 8.60 kWh/m2 per year, for buildings of less than 5000 m2 (with no beds), which represents an expense of 1.55 €/m2. In healthcare buildings larger than 5000 m2 (with beds), it was possible to save up to 6.88 kWh/m2 per year, which represents an expense of 1.25 €/m2.
Modelling the Interaction Levels in HCI Using an Intelligent Hybrid System with Interactive Agents: A Case Study of an Interactive Museum Exhibition Module in Mexico
Authors: Rosales Ricardo , Castañón-Puga Manuel , Lara-Rosano Felipe , Flores-Parra Josue , Evans Richard , Osuna-Millan Nora , Gaxiola-Pacheco Carelia
Published: March 2018

Technology has become a necessity in our everyday lives and essential for completing activities we typically take for granted; technologies can assist us by completing set tasks or achieving desired goals with optimal affect and in the most efficient way, thereby improving our interactive experiences. This paper presents research that explores the representation of user interaction levels using an intelligent hybrid system approach with agents. We evaluate interaction levels of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with the aim of enhancing user experiences. We consider the description of interaction levels using an intelligent hybrid system to provide a decision-making system to an agent that evaluates interaction levels when using interactive modules of a museum exhibition. The agents represent a high-level abstraction of the system, where communication takes place between the user, the exhibition and the environment. In this paper, we provide a means to measure the interaction levels and natural behaviour of users, based on museum user-exhibition interaction. We consider that, by analysing user interaction in a museum, we can help to design better ways to interact with exhibition modules according to the properties and behaviour of the users. An interaction-evaluator agent is proposed to achieve the most suitable representation of the interaction levels with the aim of improving user interactions to offer the most appropriate directions, services, content and information, thereby improving the quality of interaction experienced between the user-agent and exhibition-agent.
Microscale 3D Liver Bioreactor for In Vitro Hepatotoxicity Testing under Perfusion Conditions
Authors: Freyer Nora , Greuel Selina , Knöspel Fanny , Gerstmann Florian , Storch Lisa , Damm Georg , Seehofer Daniel , Foster Harris Jennifer , Iyer Rashi , Schubert Frank , Zeilinger Katrin
Published: March 2018

The accurate prediction of hepatotoxicity demands validated human in vitro models that can close the gap between preclinical animal studies and clinical trials. In this study we investigated the response of primary human liver cells to toxic drug exposure in a perfused microscale 3D liver bioreactor. The cellularized bioreactors were treated with 5, 10, or 30 mM acetaminophen (APAP) used as a reference substance. Lactate production significantly decreased upon treatment with 30 mM APAP (p < 0.05) and ammonia release significantly increased in bioreactors treated with 10 or 30 mM APAP (p < 0.0001), indicating APAP-induced dose-dependent toxicity. The release of prostaglandin E2 showed a significant increase at 30 mM APAP (p < 0.05), suggesting an inflammatory reaction towards enhanced cellular stress. The expression of genes involved in drug metabolism, antioxidant reactions, urea synthesis, and apoptosis was differentially influenced by APAP exposure. Histological examinations revealed that primary human liver cells in untreated control bioreactors were reorganized in tissue-like cell aggregates. These aggregates were partly disintegrated upon APAP treatment, lacking expression of hepatocyte-specific proteins and transporters. In conclusion, our results validate the suitability of the microscale 3D liver bioreactor to detect hepatotoxic effects of drugs in vitro under perfusion conditions.
Proton Beam Therapy without Fiducial Markers Using Four-Dimensional CT Planning for Large Hepatocellular Carcinomas
Authors: Shibata Satoshi , Takamatsu Shigeyuki , Yamamoto Kazutaka , Mizuhata Miu , Bou Sayuri , Sato Yoshitaka , Kawamura Mariko , Asahi Satoko , Tameshige Yuji , Maeda Yoshikazu , Sasaki Makoto , Kumano Tomoyasu , Kobayashi Satoshi , Tamamura Hiroyasu , Gabata Toshifumi
Published: March 2018

We evaluated the effectiveness and toxicity of proton beam therapy (PBT) for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) >5 cm without fiducial markers using four-dimensional CT (4D-CT) planning. The subjects were 29 patients treated at our hospital between March 2011 and March 2015. The median total dose was 76 Cobalt Gray Equivalents (CGE) in 20 fractions (range; 66–80.5 CGE in 10–32 fractions). Therapy was delivered with end-expiratory phase gating. An internal target volume (ITV) margin was added through the analysis of respiratory movement with 4D-CT. Patient age ranged from 38 to 87 years (median, 71 years). Twenty-four patients were Child–Pugh class A and five patients were class B. Tumor size ranged from 5.0 to 13.9 cm (median, 6.9 cm). The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 72 months (median; 27 months). All patients completed PBT according to the treatment protocol without grade 4 (CTCAE v4.03 (draft v5.0)) or higher adverse effects. The two-year local tumor control (LTC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 95%, 22%, and 61%, respectively. The LTC was not inferior to that of previous reports using fiducial markers. Respiratory-gated PBT with 4D-CT planning without fiducial markers is a less invasive and equally effective treatment for large HCCs as PBT with fiducial markers.
Coming of Age for Autotaxin and Lysophosphatidate Signaling: Clinical Applications for Preventing, Detecting and Targeting Tumor-Promoting Inflammation
Authors: Benesch Matthew , MacIntyre Iain , McMullen Todd , Brindley David
Published: March 2018

A quarter-century after the discovery of autotaxin in cell culture, the autotaxin-lysophosphatidate (LPA)-lipid phosphate phosphatase axis is now a promising clinical target for treating chronic inflammatory conditions, mitigating fibrosis progression, and improving the efficacy of existing cancer chemotherapies and radiotherapy. Nearly half of the literature on this axis has been published during the last five years. In cancer biology, LPA signaling is increasingly being recognized as a central mediator of the progression of chronic inflammation in the establishment of a tumor microenvironment which promotes cancer growth, immune evasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance. In this review, we will summarize recent advances made in understanding LPA signaling with respect to chronic inflammation and cancer. We will also provide perspectives on the applications of inhibitors of LPA signaling in preventing cancer initiation, as adjuncts extending the efficacy of current cancer treatments by blocking inflammation caused by either the cancer or the cancer therapy itself, and by disruption of the tumor microenvironment. Overall, LPA, a simple molecule that mediates a plethora of biological effects, can be targeted at its levels of production by autotaxin, LPA receptors or through LPA degradation by lipid phosphate phosphatases. Drugs for these applications will soon be entering clinical practice.
Different Behaviours of the Ross and Weddell Seas Surface Heat Fluxes in the Period 1972–2015
Authors: Fusco Giannetta , Cotroneo Yuri , Aulicino Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

Operational analyses and re-analyses, provided by ECMWF for the period 1972–2015, were used to investigate the behaviour of the surface heat fluxes between ocean and atmosphere, estimated via empirical formulae, over the Ross and Weddell Seas. The presence and thickness of sea ice cover, which strongly affects ocean-atmosphere interactions, was estimated through Special Sensor Microwave Imager and Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder brightness temperatures. Because of the lack of ice information before 1992, daily averaged ice and snow thickness obtained from the 1992–2012 dataset has been used as a ‘climatological year’ for the 1972–2015 period. The heat loss in the Ross Sea reached its maximum in 2008 (−98 W∙m−2) and its minimum (−58 W∙m−2) in 1980, while in the Weddell Sea, it ranged between −65 W∙m−2 (1999) and −99 W∙m−2 (2015). Results showed that the surface heat fluxes behaviour in the two seas moved from opposite to synchronous during the study period. The wavelet analysis was applied to evaluate if this result might be linked to the signature of global climate variability expressed by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Southern Annular Mode (SAM). The synchronous behaviour of the surface heat fluxes in the Ross and Weddell seas, observed since 2001, coincides with a change in the energy peak associated to the time scale of the SAM variability, which moved from 32 to 64 months during 1990s. This change generates a common energy peak for the SAM and ENSO with a lagged in phase relationship between the signals, possibly influencing the behaviour of the surface heat fluxes.
Durable Superomniphobic Surface on Cotton Fabrics via Coating of Silicone Rubber and Fluoropolymers
Authors: Moiz Arsheen , Padhye Rajiv , Wang Xin
Published: March 2018

Performance textiles that protect human from different threats and dangers from environment are in high demand, and the advancement in functionalization technology together with employing advanced materials have made this an area of research focus. In this work, silicone rubber and environmentally friendly fluoropolymers have been employed to explore superomniphobic surface on cotton fabrics without compromising comfort much. It has been found that a cross-linked network between the rubber membrane and the fluoropolymers has been formed. The surface appearance, morphology, handle, thickness and chemical components of the surface of cotton fabrics have been changed. The coated fabrics showed resistance to water, aqueous liquid, oil, chemicals and soil. The comfort of the coated fabrics is different to uncoated cotton fabrics due to the existence of coated layers on the surface of cotton fabrics. This work would benefit the development and design of the next generation of performance textiles with balanced performance and comfort.
The Influence of Process Parameters on the Structure, Phase Composition, and Texture of Micro-Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , He Dingyong , Zhou Zheng , Wang Zengjie , Wang Guohong
Published: March 2018

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings were deposited on Ti-6Al-4V by micro-plasma spraying (MPS). The influence of the process parameters on the microstructure of HA coatings was investigated. The splat morphology and spreading behavior were examined to understand the influence of process parameters on the coating. The texture strength of HA coatings was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The texture coefficients were all applied to characterize the variation in texture. The morphology of splats and coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD pattern shows that the texture intensity of the c-axis of HA was greatly influenced by spraying distance and spraying current. SEM reveals the different texture strength of HA coatings with different ratios of columnar grains. The strongest c-axis texture was found in the coating by 60 mm spraying distance with a spraying current of 40 A. In the cross-section SEM images of the coating with the strongest c-axis texture, uniform distribution columnar grains were observed in the upper part (~100 μm). The investigation of splats indicates that columnar grain growth occurs after fully melted particles impact the heated substrate. By controlling the melting state prior to in-flight particle impacts, columnar grain growth can be achieved during slow solidification of the disk shape splat during MPS.
Flexibility and Hydration of Amphiphilic Hyperbranched Arabinogalactan-Protein from Plant Exudate: A Volumetric Perspective
Authors: Mejia Tamayo Verónica , Nigen Michaël , Apolinar-Valiente Rafael , Doco Thierry , Williams Pascale , Renard Denis , Sanchez Christian
Published: March 2018

Plant Acacia gum exudates are composed by glycosylated hydroxyproline-rich proteins, which have a high proportion of heavily branched neutral and charged sugars in the polysaccharide moiety. These hyperbranched arabinogalactan-proteins (AGP) display a complexity arising from its composition, architecture, and conformation, but also from its polydispersity and capacity to form supramolecular assemblies. Flexibility and hydration partly determined colloidal and interfacial properties of AGPs. In the present article, these parameters were estimated based on measurements of density and sound velocity and the determination of volumetric parameters, e.g., partial specific volume (vs°) and coefficient of partial specific adiabatic compressibility coefficient (βs°). Measurements were done with Acacia senegal, Acacia seyal, and fractions from the former separated according to their hydrophobicity by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography, i.e., HIC-F1, HIC-F2, and HIC-F3. Both gums presented close values of vs° and βs°. However, data on fractions suggested a less hydrated and more flexible structure of HIC-F3, in contrast to a less flexible and more hydrated structure of HIC-F2, and especially HIC-F1. The differences between the macromolecular fractions of A. senegal are significantly related to the fraction composition, protein/polysaccharide ratio, and type of amino acids and sugars, with a polysaccharide moiety mainly contributing to the global hydrophilicity and a protein part mainly contributing to the global hydrophobicity. These properties form the basis of hydration ability and flexibility of hyperbranched AGP from Acacia gums.
Fermionic Properties of Two Interacting Bosons in a Two-Dimensional Harmonic Trap
Authors: Mujal Pere , Polls Artur , Juliá-Díaz Bruno
Published: March 2018

The system of two interacting bosons in a two-dimensional harmonic trap is compared with the system consisting of two noninteracting fermions in the same potential. In particular, we discuss how the properties of the ground state of the system, e.g., the different contributions to the total energy, change as we vary both the strength and range of the atom–atom interaction. In particular, we focus on the short-range and strong interacting limit of the two-boson system and compare it to the noninteracting two-fermion system by properly symmetrizing the corresponding degenerate ground state wave functions. In that limit, we show that the density profile of the two-boson system has a tendency similar to the system of two noninteracting fermions. Similarly, the correlations induced when the interaction strength is increased result in a similar pair correlation function for both systems.
Nutrient Removal Efficiency of Rhizophora mangle (L.) Seedlings Exposed to Experimental Dumping of Municipal Waters
Authors: Agraz-Hernández Claudia , Del Río-Rodríguez Rodolfo , Chan-Keb Carlos , Osti-Saenz Juan , Muñiz-Salazar Raquel
Published: March 2018

Mangrove forests are conspicuous components of tropical wetlands that sustain continuous exposure to wastewater discharges commonly of municipal origins. Mangroves can remove nutrients from these waters to fulfill their nutrients demand, although the effects of continuous exposure are unknown. An experimental greenhouse imitating tidal regimes was built to measure the efficiency of mangrove seedlings to incorporate nutrients, growth and above biomass production when exposed to three periodic wastewater discharges. The experiment totaled 112 d. Nutrient removal by the exposed group, such as phosphates, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (97%, 98.35%, 71.05%, 56.57% and 64.36%, respectively) was evident up to the second dumping. By the third dumping, all nutrient concentrations increased in the interstitial water, although significant evidence of removal by the plants was not obtained (p > 0.05). Nutrient concentrations in the control group did not change significantly throughout the experiment (p > 0.05). Treated plants increased two-fold in stem girth when compared to the control (p < 0.05), although control plants averaged higher heights (p < 0.05). Biomass of treated group increased up to 45% against 37% of the control during the duration of the experiment (p < 0.05). We suggest that nutrient removal efficiency of mangroves is linked to the maintenance of oxic conditions in the pore-water because of oxygen transference from their aerial to their subterranean radicular system that facilitates the oxidation of reduced nitrogen compounds and plants uptake. Nevertheless, continuous inflows of wastewater would lead to eutrophication, establishment of anoxic conditions in water and soil, and lessening of nutrient absorption of mangroves.
Development and Validation of 3D-CFD Injection and Combustion Models for Dual Fuel Combustion in Diesel Ignited Large Gas Engines
Authors: Eder Lucas , Ban Marko , Pirker Gerhard , Vujanovic Milan , Priesching Peter , Wimmer Andreas
Published: March 2018

This paper focuses on improving the 3D-Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of diesel ignited gas engines, with an emphasis on injection and combustion modeling. The challenges of modeling are stated and possible solutions are provided. A specific approach for modeling injection is proposed that improves the modeling of the ballistic region of the needle lift. Experimental results from an inert spray chamber are used for model validation. Two-stage ignition methods are described along with improvements in ignition delay modeling of the diesel ignited gas engine. The improved models are used in the Extended Coherent Flame Model with the 3 Zones approach (ECFM-3Z). The predictive capability of the models is investigated using data from single cylinder engine (SCE) tests conducted at the Large Engines Competence Center (LEC). The results are discussed and further steps for development are identified.
Sucrose Is a Promising Feedstock for the Synthesis of the Platform Chemical Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Steinbach David , Kruse Andrea , Sauer Jörg , Vetter Philipp
Published: March 2018

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has an outstanding position among bio-based platform chemicals, because high-value polymer precursors and fuel additives can be derived from HMF. Unfortunately, the large-scale industrial production of HMF is not yet realized. An open research question is the choice of hexose feedstock material. In this study, we used the highly available disaccharide sucrose for HMF synthesis. The conversion of sucrose was catalyzed by sulfuric acid in water media. Experiments were conducted at temperatures of 180, 200, and 220 °C with reaction times of 2–24 min. A carbon balance showed that the yield of unwanted side products rose strongly with temperature. We also developed a kinetic model for the conversion of sucrose, involving nine first-order reactions, to uncover the kinetics of the main reaction pathways. Within this model, HMF is produced exclusively via the dehydration of fructose. Glucose isomerizes slowly to fructose. Side products arise simultaneously from glucose, fructose, and HMF. A pathway from hexoses to xylose via reverse aldol reaction was also included in the model. We believe that sucrose is the ideal feedstock for large-scale production of HMF because it is more abundant than fructose, and easier to process than sugars obtained from lignocellulosic biomass.
Small Landowner Production of Pellets from Green, Beetle-Killed, and Burned Lodgepole Pine
Authors: Qin Xuexian , Keefe Robert , Daugaard Daren
Published: March 2018

To meet the growing need for raw materials to produce pellets and wood-based biofuels, trees killed by natural disturbances have increasingly been considered as potential feedstock in bioenergy development scenarios in the Western U.S. and Canada. While much research has focused on utilization of beetle-killed and fire-salvaged timber from federal lands in this region, small private landowners make up a large portion of land holdings in the Rocky Mountain Region and may also provide an important potential supply of uniform feedstock pellets in decentralized energy supply systems in the future. In this paper, we evaluated the quality of pellets produced from green, beetle-killed, and burned lodgepole pine with and without bark using a chipper, hammer mill, and pellet mill intended for use by small landowners. Results show that green, beetle-killed, and fire-salvaged lodgepole pine produced by small landowners, including material with bark, are suitable as feedstock for pellet production. Further, pellet quality can be varied through the blending of source lodgepole pine products when needed to meet pellet quality standards.
Energy Benchmarking in Educational Buildings through Cluster Analysis of Energy Retrofitting
Authors: Marrone Paola , Gori Paola , Asdrubali Francesco , Evangelisti Luca , Calcagnini Laura , Grazieschi Gianluca
Published: March 2018

A large part of the stock of Italian educational buildings have undertaken energy retrofit interventions, thanks to European funds allocated by complex technical-administrative calls. In these projects, the suggested retrofit strategies are often selected based on the common best practices (considering average energy savings) but are not supported by proper energy investigations. In this paper, Italian school buildings’ stock was analyzed by cluster analysis with the aim of providing a methodology able to identify the best energy retrofit interventions from the perspective of cost-benefit, and to correlate them with the specific characteristics of the educational buildings. This research is based on the analysis of about 80 school buildings located in central Italy and characterized by different features and construction technologies. The refurbished buildings were classified in homogeneous clusters and, for each of them, the most representative building was identified. Furthermore, for each representative building a validating procedure based on dynamic simulations and a comparison with actual energy use was performed. The two buildings thus singled out provide a model that could be developed into a useful tool for Public Administrations to suggest priorities in the planning of new energy retrofits of existing school building stocks.
Thermal Characteristics of an Oscillating Heat Pipe Cooling System for Electric Vehicle Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chi Ri-Guang , Chung Won-Sik , Rhi Seok-Ho
Published: March 2018

The heat generation of lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) leads to a degradation of energy capacity and lifetime. To solve this problem, a new cooling concept using an oscillating heat pipe (OHP) is proposed. In the present study, an OHP has been adopted for Li-ion battery cooling. Due to the limited space in EVs, the cooling channel is installed on the bottom of the battery module. In the bottom cooling method with an OHP, generated heat can be dissipated easily and conveniently. However, most studies on heat pipes have used bottom heating and top or side cooling methods, so we investigate the various effects of parameters with a top heating/bottom cooling mode with the OHP, i.e., the inclination angle of the system, amount of working fluid charged, the heating amount, and the cold plate temperature with ethanol as a working fluid. The experimental results show that the thermal resistance (0.6 °C/W) and uneven pulsating features influence the heat transfer performance. A heater used as a simulated battery was sustained under 60 °C under 10 W and 14 W heating conditions. This indicates that the proposed cooling system with the bottom cooling is feasible for use as an EV’s battery cooling system.
A Comparison of Non-Isolated High-Gain Three-Port Converters for Hybrid Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Georgious Ramy , Garcia Jorge , Garcia Pablo , Navarro-Rodriguez Angel
Published: March 2018

This work carries out a comparison of non-isolated topologies for power electronic converters applied to Hybrid Energy Storage Systems. At the considered application, several options for three-port circuits are evaluated when interfacing a DC link with two distinct electrical energy storage units. This work demonstrates how the proposed structure, referred to as Series-Parallel Connection, performs as a simple, compact and reliable approach, based on a modification of the H-bridge configuration. The main advantage of this solution is that an effective large voltage gain at one of the ports is attained by means of a simple topology, preventing the use of multilevel or galvanic-isolated power stages. The resulting structure is thoroughly compared against the most significant direct alternatives. The analysis carried out on the switching and conduction losses in the power switches of the target solution states the design constraints at which this solution shows a performance improvement. The experimental validations carried out on a 10 kW prototype demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme, stating its benefits as well as its main limitations. As a conclusion, the Series-Parallel Connection shows a better performance in terms of efficiency, reliability and controllability in the target application of compensating grid or load variations in Non-Isolated Hybrid Storage Systems, with large mismatch in the storage device voltage ratings.
Multi-Model Prediction for Demand Forecast in Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Lopez Farias Rodrigo , Puig Vicenç , Rodriguez Rangel Hector , Flores Juan
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a multi-model predictor called Qualitative Multi-Model Predictor Plus (QMMP+) for demand forecast in water distribution networks. QMMP+ is based on the decomposition of the quantitative and qualitative information of the time-series. The quantitative component (i.e., the daily consumption prediction) is forecasted and the pattern mode estimated using a Nearest Neighbor (NN) classifier and a Calendar. The patterns are updated via a simple Moving Average scheme. The NN classifier and the Calendar are executed simultaneously every period and the most suited model for prediction is selected using a probabilistic approach. The proposed solution for water demand forecast is compared against Radial Basis Function Artificial Neural Networks (RBF-ANN), the statistical Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), and Double Seasonal Holt-Winters (DSHW) approaches, providing the best results when applied to real demand of the Barcelona Water Distribution Network. QMMP+ has demonstrated that the special modelling treatment of water consumption patterns improves the forecasting accuracy.
A New Exact Mathematical Approach for Studying Bifurcation in DCM Operated dc-dc Switching Converters
Authors: Gurbina Mircea , Ciresan Aurel , Lascu Dan , Lica Septimiu , Pop-Calimanu Ioana-Monica
Published: March 2018

A bifurcation study for dc-dc converters operated in DCM is performed using an accurate method. When applying classical techniques significant difficulties are encountered in the calculations. For example, using the averaging method the validity of the result is limited to half the switching frequency and higher order effects are neglected Another approach is to perform a Taylor expansion of the state transition matrices. However, this is somehow also an averaging but the fact that the Taylor series is truncated leads to unacceptable inaccuracy. A new mathematical technique for discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) analysis of dc-dc switching converters is proposed in order to predict bifurcation and chaos. The proposed technique is based on exact calculation of the state transition matrices and of the Jacobian thus providing higher accuracy of the results compared to other previously reported approaches. Beside the fact the new technique allows for exact diagnosis of instability, it is also highly general, in the sense that it can be applied to any dc-dc DCM operated converter employing any type of control. The good agreement between theoretical, simulation and experimental results, with an error lower than 0.94%, confirms the validity of the proposed method.
Algal Biomass from Wastewater and Flue Gases as a Source of Bioenergy
Authors: Lage Sandra , Gojkovic Zivan , Funk Christiane , Gentili Francesco
Published: March 2018

Algae are without doubt the most productive photosynthetic organisms on Earth; they are highly efficient in converting CO2 and nutrients into biomass. These abilities can be exploited by culturing microalgae from wastewater and flue gases for effective wastewater reclamation. Algae are known to remove nitrogen and phosphorus as well as several organic contaminants including pharmaceuticals from wastewater. Biomass production can even be enhanced by the addition of CO2 originating from flue gases. The algal biomass can then be used as a raw material to produce bioenergy; depending on its composition, various types of biofuels such as biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, biobutanol or biohydrogen can be obtained. However, algal biomass generated in wastewater and flue gases also contains contaminants which, if not degraded, will end up in the ashes. In this review, the current knowledge on algal biomass production in wastewater and flue gases is summarized; special focus is given to the algal capacity to remove contaminants from wastewater and flue gases, and the consequences when converting this biomass into different types of biofuels.
Ecoregional Patterns of Spruce Budworm—Wildfire Interactions in Central Canada’s Forests
Authors: Candau Jean-Noël , Fleming Richard , Wang Xianli
Published: March 2018

Wildfires and outbreaks of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), are the two dominant natural disturbances in Canada’s boreal forest. While both disturbances have specific impacts on forest ecosystems, it is increasingly recognized that their interactions also have the potential for non-linear behavior and long-lasting legacies on forest ecosystems’ structures and functions. Previously, we showed that, in central Canada, fires occurred with a disproportionately higher frequency during a ‘window of opportunity’ following spruce budworm defoliation. In this study, we use Ontario’s spatial databases for large fires and spruce budworm defoliation to locate where these two disturbances likely interacted. Classification tree and Random Forest procedures were then applied to find how spruce budworm defoliation history, climate, and forest conditions best predict the location of such budworm–fire interactions. Results indicate that such interactions likely occurred in areas geographically bound by hardwood content in the south, the prevalence of the three major spruce budworm host species (balsam fir, white spruce and black spruce) in the north, and climate moisture in the west. The occurrence of a spruce budworm–fire interaction inside these boundaries is related to the frequency of spruce budworm defoliation. These patterns provide a means of distinguishing regions where spruce budworm attacks are likely to increase fire risk.
Treatment of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris Stumps with Urea and Phlebiopsis gigantea for Control of Heterobasidion
Authors: Kärhä Kalle , Koivusalo Ville , Palander Teijo , Ronkanen Matti
Published: March 2018

Heterobasidion spp. root rot causes severe damage to forests throughout the northern temperate zone. In order to prevent Heterobasidion infection in summertime cuttings, stumps can be treated with urea or Phlebiopsis gigantea. In this study, the consumption of stump treatment materials and the quality of stump treatment work were investigated. A total of 46 harvesters were examined in May–November 2016 in Finland. The average stem size of softwood removal and softwood removal per hectare explained the consumption of stump treatment material. The quality of stump treatment work was good in the study. The best coverage was achieved with the stumps of 20–39 cm diameter at stump height (d0). It can be recommended that the harvester operator self-monitors and actively controls his/her treatment result in cutting work and sets the stump treatment equipment in a harvester if needed. The results also suggested that when cutting mostly small- and medium-diameter (d0 ≤ 39 cm) conifers, the stump treatment guide bars with relatively few (<18) open holes are used, and at the harvesting sites of large-diameter trees, the guide bars with a relatively great (>27) number of open holes are applied.
Food Proteins and Bioactive Peptides: New and Novel Sources, Characterisation Strategies and Applications
Authors: Hayes Maria
Published: March 2018

By 2050, the world population is estimated to reach 9.6 billion, and this growth continues to require more food, particularly proteins. Moreover, the Westernisation of society has led to consumer demand for protein products that taste good and are convenient to consume, but additionally have nutritional and health maintenance and well-being benefits. Proteins provide energy, but additionally have a wide range of functions from enzymatic activities in the body to bioactivities including those associated with heart health, diabetes-type 2-prevention and mental health maintenance; stress relief as well as a plethora of other health beneficial attributes. Furthermore, proteins play an important role in food manufacture and often provide the binding, water- or oil-holding, emulsifying, foaming or other functional attributes required to ensure optimum sensory and taste benefits for the consumer. The purpose of this issue is to highlight current and new protein sources and their associated functional, nutritional and health benefits as well as best practices for quantifying proteins and bioactive peptides in both a laboratory and industry setting. The bioaccessibility, bioavailability and bioactivities of proteins from dairy, cereal and novel sources including seaweeds and insect protein and how they are measured and the relevance of protein quality measurement methods including the Protein Digestibility Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) are highlighted. In addition, predicted future protein consumption trends and new markets for protein and peptide products are discussed.
Sub-Hour X-Ray Variability of High-Energy Peaked BL Lacertae Objects
Authors: Kapanadze Bidzina
Published: March 2018

The study of multi-wavelength flux variability in BL Lacertae objects is very important to discern unstable processes and emission mechanisms underlying their extreme observational features. While the innermost regions of these objects are not accessible from direct observations, we may draw conclusions about their internal structure via the detection of flux variations on various timescales, based on the light-travel argument. In this paper, we review the sub-hour X-ray variability in high-energy peaked BL Lacertae sources (HBLs) that are bright at X-rays and provide us with an effective tool to study the details related to the physics of the emitting particles. The X-ray emission of these sources is widely accepted to be a synchrotron radiation from the highest-energy electrons, and the complex spectral variability observed in this band reflects the injection and radiative evolution of freshly-accelerated particles. The detection of sub-hour X-ray flux variability is very important since it can be related to the small-scale jet turbulent structures or triggered by unstable processes occurring in the vicinity of a central supermassive black hole. We summarize the fastest X-ray variability instances detected in bright HBLs and discuss their physical implications.
Association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cholelithiasis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Chien-Hua , Lin Cheng-Li , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: March 2018

We assessed the subsequent risk of cholelithiasis development in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). We identified 8186 patients who aged ≥20 years and were diagnosed with IBD between 2000 and 2010 as the study cohort. A total of 8186 patients without IBD were selected by frequency-matching according to age, sex, comorbidities, and the index date of diagnosis, and they were identified as the control cohort. To measure the incidence of cholelithiasis, all patients were followed up until the end of 2011. The risk of developing cholelithiasis, either gallbladder stone disease (GSD; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.34–2.61) or common bile duct (CBD) stones and intrahepatic stones (IHSs; aHR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.18–6.51), was higher for the CD cohort than for the non-IBD cohort after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities of hyperlipidemia, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and hepatitis C virus infection. However, UC was related to the development of GSD (aHR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.19–1.75) but not to CBD stones and IHSs (aHR = 1.70, 95% CI = 0.99–2.91). Our population-based cohort study demonstrated that CD is related to the development of cholelithiasis, including GSD alone and non-GSD-associated cholelithiasis. However, UC is only related to the development of GSD alone.
Mobile Healthcare and People with Disabilities: Current State and Future Needs
Authors: Jones Michael , Morris John , Deruyter Frank
Published: March 2018

Significant health disparities exist between the general population and people with disabilities, particularly with respect to chronic health conditions. Mobile healthcare—the delivery of healthcare via mobile communication devices—is witnessing tremendous growth and has been touted as an important new approach for management of chronic health conditions. At present, little is known about the current state of mobile healthcare for people with disabilities. Early evidence suggests they are not well represented in the growth of mobile healthcare, and particularly the proliferation of mobile health software applications (mHealth apps) for smartphones. Their omission in mHealth could lead to further health disparities. This article describes our research investigating the current state of mHealth apps targeting people with disabilities. Based on a multi-modal approach (literature review, Internet search, survey of disabled smartphone users), we confirm that people with disabilities are under-represented in the growth of mHealth. We identify several areas of future research and development needed to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in the mHealth revolution.
Effect of a Conditional Cash Transfer Program on Nutritional Knowledge and Food Practices among Caregivers of 3–5-Year-Old Left-Behind Children in the Rural Hunan Province
Authors: Zhang Yefu , Ji Meimei , Zou Jiaojiao , Yuan Tong , Deng Jing , Yang Lina , Li Mingzhi , Qin Hong , Chen Jihua , Lin Qian
Published: March 2018

Left-behind children (LBC) are a unique population in China, whose numbers have increased dramatically in recent years. Most caregivers of left-behind children (CLBC) are grandparents who lack knowledge about proper nutrition and food practice, putting LBC at greater risk for malnutrition. A cluster randomized controlled trial was carried to assess the effectiveness of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. Forty rural villages from Fenghuang County and Pingjiang County of Hunan province were selected. The villages were randomized into the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, caregivers received a cash transfer conditional on bimonthly health education attendance, bringing LBC in for vaccinations, and on-time annual health checks. The control group received routine health services only. Two rounds of questionnaire surveys were conducted in March 2015 and July 2016. Questionnaires and in-person interviews were used to assess the changes in nutritional knowledge and food practices among CLBC. Among 447 valid subjects, CLBC in the intervention group were significantly more likely to correctly understand the importance of children’s height and weight measurements, food variety, inclusion of eggs and dairy in the diet, and anemia identification and prevention. Intervention group CLBC were also significantly more likely to prepare dairy products and eggs for their children. Generalized liner mixed model (GLMM) analysis showed that CLBC nutrition knowledge was improved significantly in the intervention group (adjusted p value = 0.01), and there were also positive changes in their food practice (adjusted p value = 0.047). This CCT intervention turned to be effective with respect to rural caregivers’ nutritional knowledge and food practice behavior. The findings from this project could be helpful for future health strategies targeting rural children, in particular the LBC group.