bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capture of Pb2+ and Cu2+ Metal Cations by Neisseria meningitidis-type Capsular Polysaccharides
Authors: Ghimire Sujan , McCarthy Pumtiwitt C.
Published: May 2018

Heavy metal pollution of water is a significant environmental and public health concern. Current biological strategies for heavy metal removal from water are performed using microbial biopolymers, including polysaccharides, that are already fully formed. This creates limitations in adapting polysaccharides to increase binding affinity for specific metals. We propose that altering the specificity of polysaccharide-producing enzymes could be beneficial to improving metal capture by modified polysaccharides. We assess binding of Cu2+ and Pb2+ metal cations to Neisseria meningitidis-type polysaccharides. All concentrations of metal cations tested were able to completely bind to colominic acid. This polymer is equivalent to the capsular polysaccharide of N. meningitidis serogroup B comprised of a homopolymer of negatively charged sialic acid. There was slightly less binding observed with N. meningitidis serogroup W, which contains repeating units of the neutral sugar galactose and sialic acid. Our work represents the first assessment of the metal-binding properties of these capsular polysaccharides. Future work will seek to optimize metal-binding with Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W polysaccharide.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Enhance Delivery of Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics
Authors: McClorey Graham , Banerjee Subhashis
Published: May 2018

The promise of nucleic acid based oligonucleotides as effective genetic therapies has been held back by their low bioavailability and poor cellular uptake to target tissues upon systemic administration. One such strategy to improve upon delivery is the use of short cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that can be either directly attached to their cargo through covalent linkages or through the formation of noncovalent nanoparticle complexes that can facilitate cellular uptake. In this review, we will highlight recent proof-of-principle studies that have utilized both of these strategies to improve nucleic acid delivery and discuss the prospects for translation of this approach for clinical application.
Erratum: Catechol-Based Hydrogel for Chemical Information Processing. Biomimetics 2017, 2, 11
Authors: Kim Eunkyoung , Liu Zhengchun , Liu Yi , Bentley William , Payne Gregory
Published: May 2018

It was brought to our attention that there were errors in the original publication by Kim et al. [1]. [...]
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): A Promising Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder?
Authors: Bennabi Djamila , Haffen Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) opens new perspectives in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), because of its ability to modulate cortical excitability and induce long-lasting effects. The aim of this review is to summarize the current status of knowledge regarding tDCS application in MDD. Methods: In this review, we searched for articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE from the earliest available date to February 2018 that explored clinical and cognitive effects of tDCS in MDD. Results: Despite differences in design and stimulation parameters, the examined studies indicated beneficial effects of tDCS for MDD. These preliminary results, the non-invasiveness of tDCS, and its good tolerability support the need for further research on this technique. Conclusions: tDCS constitutes a promising therapeutic alternative for patients with MDD, but its place in the therapeutic armamentarium remains to be determined.
Translation Control by p53
Authors: Kasteri Justina , Das Dibash , Zhong Xuelin , Persaud Leah , Francis Ashleigh , Muharam Hilal , Sauane Moira
Published: May 2018

The translation of mRNAs plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression and therefore, in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Unrestricted initiation of translation causes malignant transformation and plays a key role in the maintenance and progression of cancers. Translation initiation is regulated by the ternary complex and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex. The p53 tumor suppressor protein is the most well studied mammalian transcription factor that mediates a variety of anti-proliferative processes. Post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene expression in general and those of translation in particular play a major role in shaping the protein composition of the cell. The p53 protein regulates transcription and controls eIF4F, the ternary complex and the synthesis of ribosomal components, including the down-regulation of rRNA genes. In summary, the induction of p53 regulates protein synthesis and translational control to inhibit cell growth.
The Prevalence of CD146 Expression in Breast Cancer Subtypes and Its Relation to Outcome
Authors: De Kruijff Ingeborg E. , Timmermans Anna M. , Den Bakker Michael A. , Trapman-Jansen Anita M.A.C. , Foekens Renée , Meijer-Van Gelder Marion E. , Oomen-de Hoop Esther , Smid Marcel , Hollestelle Antoinette , Van Deurzen Carolien H.M. , Foekens John A. , Martens John W.M. , Sleijfer Stefan
Published: May 2018

CD146, involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), might affect cancer aggressiveness. We here investigated the prevalence of CD146 expression in breast cancer subtypes, its relation to prognosis, the relation between CD146 and EMT and the outcome to tamoxifen. Primary breast cancer tissues from 1342 patients were available for this retrospective study and immunohistochemically stained for CD146. For survival analyses, pure prognosis was studied by only including lymph-node negative patients who did not receive (neo)adjuvant systemic treatment (n = 551). 11% of the tumors showed CD146 expression. CD146 expression was most prevalent in triple-negative cases (64%, p < 0.001). In univariable analysis, CD146 expression was a prognostic factor for both metastasis-free survival (MFS) (p = 0.020) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.037), but not in multivariable analysis (including age, tumor size, grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and Ki-67). No correlation between CD146 and EMT nor difference in outcome to first-line tamoxifen was seen. In this large series, our data showed that CD146 is present in primary breast cancer and is a pure prognostic factor for MFS and OS in breast cancer patients. We did not see an association between CD146 expression and EMT nor on outcome to tamoxifen.
YAP and TAZ in Lung Cancer: Oncogenic Role and Clinical Targeting
Authors: Lo Sardo Federica , Strano Sabrina , Blandino Giovanni
Published: May 2018

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world and there is no current treatment able to efficiently treat the disease as the tumor is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Moreover, cancer cells are often resistant or acquire resistance to the treatment. Further knowledge of the mechanisms driving lung tumorigenesis, aggressiveness, metastasization, and resistance to treatments could provide new tools for detecting the disease at an earlier stage and for a better response to therapy. In this scenario, Yes Associated Protein (YAP) and Trascriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), the final effectors of the Hippo signaling transduction pathway, are emerging as promising therapeutic targets. Here, we will discuss the most recent advances made in YAP and TAZ biology in lung cancer and, more importantly, on the newly discovered mechanisms of YAP and TAZ inhibition in lung cancer as well as their clinical implications.
Selective Conversion of Furfural to Cyclopentanone or Cyclopentanol Using Co-Ni Catalyst in Water
Authors: Li Yaru , Guo Xingcui , Liu Daosheng , Mu Xindong , Chen Xiufang , Shi Yan
Published: May 2018

Co-Ni catalysts, prepared by a typical wetness impregnation method, can selectively convert furfural (FFA) to cyclopentanone (CPO) or cyclopentanol (CPL) in water, respectively. The catalytic performance depends strongly on the support. It is also strongly influenced by the Co-Ni loadings of the catalyst. The 10%Co-10%Ni/TiO2 catalyst showed the highest selectivity toward CPO (53.3%) with almost complete FFA conversion, and the main product was CPL (45.4%) over 20%Co/TiO2 at the optimized conditions (150 °C, 4 MPa H2, 4 h). The surface morphology, surface area, composition and reducibility properties of these catalysts were fully characterized by XRD, H2-TPR, ICP-AES and SEM. The factors that influenced the activity of catalysts were also investigated in detail. Additionally, the stability of catalyst for the hydrogenative rearrangement of FFA was studied.
Palladium-Catalyzed Isomerization-Coupling Reactions of Allyl Chloride with Amines to Generate Functionalized Phosphorus Derivatives
Authors: Wen Jing-Hong , Li Qiang , Nie Shao-Zhen , Ye Jing-Jing , Xu Qing , Zhao Chang-Qiu
Published: May 2018

A Pd-catalyzed isomerization-coupling reaction of P-containing allyl chloride with amine afforded imine or enamine that was converted to various functionalized phosphorus derivatives via hydrolysis, reduction, or Stork reactions. The reaction was confirmed to proceed via an isomerization of a starting material and a coupling of the resulting vinyl chloride with amine.
On the Phase Diagrams of 4He Adsorbed on Graphene and Graphite from Quantum Simulation Methods
Authors: Badman Thomas L. , McMahon Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2018

The ground-state phase diagrams of 4 He adsorbed on graphene and graphite are calculated using quantum simulation methods. In this work, a systematic investigation of the approximations used in such simulations is carried out. Particular focus is placed on the helium–helium (He–He) and helium–carbon (He–C) interactions, as well as their modern approximations. On careful consideration of other approximations and convergence, the simulations are otherwise (numerically) exact. The He–He interaction as approximated by a sum of pairwise potentials is quantitatively assessed. A similar analysis is made for the He–C interaction, but more thoroughly and with a focus on surface corrugation. The importance of many-body effects is discussed. Altogether, the results provide “reference data” for the considered systems. Using comparisons with experiments and first-principle calculations, conclusions are drawn regarding the quantitative accuracy of these modern approximations to these interactions.
Patterns of Long-Term Population Trends of Three Lupine-Feeding Butterflies in Wisconsin
Authors: Swengel Ann B. , Swengel Scott R.
Published: May 2018

We monitored consecutive generations of three lupine-feeding specialist butterflies in pine-oak barrens in central Wisconsin, USA: Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus), Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), and Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius) during 1991–2014. We also monitored the summer generation of Karner Blues in northwestern Wisconsin. We present results on 24 sites for Frosted Elfin and Persius Duskywing, and 39 sites for Karner Blue. Land uses in sites occupied by the federally endangered Karner Blue are regulated. Economically utilized lands classified as “Shifting Mosaic” (SM) (forestry land) or “Permanency of Habitat” (PH) (rights-of-way) are afforded a lower standard of conservation results than the more favorable management expected of Reserves (R). For all three species, reserve sites had more favorable trends than permanency of habitat and shifting mosaic sites. Frosted Elfin and Persius Duskywing had more strongly negative trends in permanency of habitat than shifting mosaic, but vice versa for Karner Blue. Shifting mosaic sites added more recently to the study had negative trends, but not as strongly as longer-monitored shifting mosaic sites. Another large shifting mosaic complex (Hunter Haven), monitored in 17 years during 1995–2014 for Frosted Elfin and Persius Duskywing, had non-negative trends. Individual reserve sites also had more favorable trends than collectively for all reserve sites, including significant positive trends for Persius Duskywing and Karner Blue, and a stable trend for Frosted Elfin. Thus, land use is implicated not only for declines but also for effective conservation of these species.
A Generalized Relative (α, β)-Entropy: Geometric Properties and Applications to Robust Statistical Inference
Authors: Ghosh Abhik , Basu Ayanendranath
Published: May 2018

Entropy and relative entropy measures play a crucial role in mathematical information theory. The relative entropies are also widely used in statistics under the name of divergence measures which link these two fields of science through the minimum divergence principle. Divergence measures are popular among statisticians as many of the corresponding minimum divergence methods lead to robust inference in the presence of outliers in the observed data; examples include the ϕ -divergence, the density power divergence, the logarithmic density power divergence and the recently developed family of logarithmic super divergence (LSD). In this paper, we will present an alternative information theoretic formulation of the LSD measures as a two-parameter generalization of the relative α -entropy, which we refer to as the general ( α , β ) -entropy. We explore its relation with various other entropies and divergences, which also generates a two-parameter extension of Renyi entropy measure as a by-product. This paper is primarily focused on the geometric properties of the relative ( α , β ) -entropy or the LSD measures; we prove their continuity and convexity in both the arguments along with an extended Pythagorean relation under a power-transformation of the domain space. We also derive a set of sufficient conditions under which the forward and the reverse projections of the relative ( α , β ) -entropy exist and are unique. Finally, we briefly discuss the potential applications of the relative ( α , β ) -entropy or the LSD measures in statistical inference, in particular, for robust parameter estimation and hypothesis testing. Our results on the reverse projection of the relative ( α , β ) -entropy establish, for the first time, the existence and uniqueness of the minimum LSD estimators. Numerical illustrations are also provided for the problem of estimating the binomial parameter.
Parental Education Better Helps White than Black Families Escape Poverty: National Survey of Children’s Health
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: May 2018

According to the Blacks’ Diminished Return theory, the health effects of high socioeconomic status (SES) are systemically smaller for Black compared to White families. One hypothesis is that due to the existing structural racism that encompasses residential segregation, low quality of education, low paying jobs, discrimination in the labor market, and extra costs of upward social mobility for minorities, Black families face more challenges for leveraging their education to escape poverty. Aims: Using a nationally representative sample of American families with children, this study investigated racial variation in the effects of highest education of parents on family’s ability to scale poverty, defined as the household’s income-to-needs ratio. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) 2003–2004—a nationally representative telephone survey that included 86,537 parents of children 0–17 years old. The sample was composed of White (n = 76,403, 88.29%) and Black (n = 10,134, 11.71%) families. The independent variable was highest education of the parents. The dependent variable was household poverty status (income-to-needs ratio). Race was the focal moderator. Linear regression was used in the pooled sample, as well as by race. Results: In the pooled sample, higher education of parents in the household was associated with lower risk of poverty. Race, however, interacted with parental education attainment on household-income-to-needs ratio, indicating smaller effects for Black compared to White families. Lower number of parents and higher number of children in Black families did not explain such racial disparities. Conclusions: The economic gain of parental education on helping family escape poverty is smaller for Black than White families, and this is not as a result of a lower parent-to-child ratio in Black households. Policies should specifically address structural barriers in the lives of all minorities to minimize the diminished return of SES resources across racial minority groups. Policies should also enhance quality of education and reduce the extra cost of upward social mobility for racial minorities. As the likely causes are multilevel, the solutions should also be multilevel. Without such interventions, it may be very difficult if not impossible to eliminate the existing economic and health gap between racial groups.
The Myth That Only Brilliant People Are Good at Math and Its Implications for Diversity
Authors: Chestnut Eleanor , Lei Ryan , Leslie Sarah-Jane , Cimpian Andrei
Published: May 2018

A common misconception about math is that it requires raw intellectual talent or “brilliance.” Only students who possess this sort of brilliance are assumed to be capable of success in math-related subjects. This harmful myth has far-reaching consequences for the success of girls and children from ethnic-minority backgrounds in these subjects. Because women and minorities are stereotyped as lacking brilliance, the myth that success in math requires this trait is a barrier that students from these groups have to overcome. In the first part of this paper, we detail the pervasiveness of this myth and explore its relation to gender and race gaps in math and beyond. In the second part, we highlight some potential sources of this myth in children’s everyday experiences and offer some strategies for debunking it.
The StarT Project Competition from the Perspective of Mathematics and Academic Literacy
Authors: Viro Elina , Joutsenlahti Jorma
Published: May 2018

This article concerns mathematical project work in the context of Finnish StarT project competition. The focus is on how well pupils achieve the learning objective of their project work: learning mathematics and practicing 21st century skills. Development of the learning objectives is considered from the viewpoint of Finnish national core curriculum and evaluated using the framework of academic literacy. The research material consists of teams’ project reports, observation, and questionnaires. Project work in the StarT competition seems to develop the learning objectives of project-based learning: pupils practice 21st century skills while studying mathematical contents.
A Novel Supercapacitor/Lithium-Ion Hybrid Energy System with a Fuzzy Logic-Controlled Fast Charging and Intelligent Energy Management System
Authors: Khan Muhammad Adil , Zeb Kamran , Sathishkumar P. , Ali Muhammad Umair , Uddin Waqar , Hussain S. , Ishfaq M. , Khan Imran , Cho Hwan-Gue , Kim Hee-Je
Published: May 2018

The electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is an essential assistive tool for people with serious injuries or disability. This manuscript describes the validation of applied research for reducing the charging time of an electric wheelchair using a hybrid electric system (HES) composed of a supercapacitor (SC) bank and a lithium-ion battery with a fuzzy logic controller (FLC)-based fast charging system for Li-ion batteries and a fuzzy logic-based intelligent energy management system (FLIEMS) for controlling the power flow within the HES. The fast charging FLC was designed to drive the voltage difference (Vd) among the different cells of a multi-cell battery and the cell voltage (Vc) of an individual cell. These parameters (voltage difference and cell voltage) were used as input voltages to reduce the charge time and activate a bypass equalization (BPE) scheme. BPE was introduced in this paper so that the battery operates within the safe voltage range. For SC/Li-ion HES, the FLIEMS presented in this paper controls the bi-directional power flow to smooth the power extracted from Li-ion batteries. Moreover, a dual active bridge isolated bidirectional DC converter (DAB-IBDC) was used for power conversion. The DAB-IBDC presented in this paper has the characteristics of galvanic isolation, and high power conversion efficiency compared to the conventional converter circuits due to the reduced reverse power flow and current stresses.
Theoretical Modeling and Parameter Analysis of Micro-Pulsed Plasma Thruster
Authors: Ou Yang , Wu Jianjun , Zhang Yu , Li Jian , Tan Sheng
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a new numerical modeling method that combines a modified electromechanical model with a Teflon ablation model is proposed to simulate the working process of micro-pulsed plasma thruster (μPPT). The ablation mass accumulation during the discharge process and the non-Fourier effect during the ablation process are considered to improve simulation accuracy. Simulation results are in good agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, the influence of both the electrical and structural parts on the performance of μPPT was investigated by applying the combined model. It was proven that large capacitance of the capacitor and large gap-to-plate-width ratios can effectively improve the comprehensive performance of the thruster concluding the specific impulse, impulse bit, and efficiency. The results not only validate the theoretical model, but also guide the design and operation optimization of μPPT.
A Novel Three-Level Voltage Source Converter for AC–DC–AC Conversion
Authors: Ye Zongbin , Chen Anni , Mao Shiqi , Wang Tingting , Yu Dongsheng , Deng Xianming
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a novel three-level voltage source converter for AC–DC–AC conversion. The proposed converter based on H-bridge structure is studied in detail. The control method with traditional double-closed-loop control strategy and voltage balancing algorithm is applied to the rectifier side. Correspondingly, a simplified modulation algorithm is applied to the inverter side, and the voltage balancing of inverter side is realized through the optimal selection of switching combination. Then, the application of the proposed topology is assessed in general and ideal operation conditions. Furthermore, the proposed topology with a variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) is verified in experimental conditions. The performance of the proposed converter and control strategy is evaluated by experimental and simulation results.
Architecture Optimization of Hybrid Electric Vehicles with Future High-Efficiency Engine
Authors: Hong Jinlong , Zhao Liangchun , Lei Yulong , Gao Bingzhao
Published: May 2018

The great development of engine technologies can help to improve the engine characteristics and performance: a better thermal efficiency and an extending fuel economy area, which will subsequently decrease the fuel consumption and thus influence the overall architecture of the vehicle. In this paper, an investigation is carried out to assess the influence of the high-efficiency engine on the transmission gear numbers. First, according to the relevant studies and the integration of the advanced engine technology, a future engine fuel consumption map is obtained, based on which, the preliminary simulations are applied to explore the best match between the transmission and the proposed future engine from the perspective of fuel consumption. The simulation results indicate that the transmission with four gears is the best option to match the future engine while maintaining good fuel economy and meeting the driving demands. Then, based on this conclusion, a new hybrid powertrain architecture, which includes four gears for the engine, is introduced and analyzed in detail, with the advantage of seamless gear shift due to the compensation torque of the motor. Finally, to further examine the fuel economy and gear shift quality of the proposed powertrain, the dynamic model is established and the simulation results demonstrate that the new powertrain architecture shows a good fuel consumption performance and the gear shift process can be achieved without power interruption.
Experimental Investigation on Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of a Needle-Cylinder Type Ionic Wind Generator for LED Cooling
Authors: Qu Jingguo , Kong Lingjian , Zhang Jianfei
Published: May 2018

Ionic wind cooling for electronic elements is a relevant research field. In order to study the cooling performance of ionic wind on a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an ionic wind generator with a needles-ring electrode configuration was set up. A cylindrical heat sink for the heat dissipation of a heating film representing the LED chip was also manufactured. Following this, the effect of the needle number, the distance between the needles and the ring electrode, and the polarity of the corona discharge on the ionic wind velocity were studied. Finally, the optimal distance between the needles and the ring electrode was adopted to attain the maximum wind velocity with different numbers of needles. After this, the ionic wind device was used to cool the heating film at the working power of 10 watts. The surface temperature of the heating film was measured to evaluate the cooling performance of the ionic wind device. The experimental results indicate that the maximum temperature drop in the heating film center reaches 35.6 °C in the five needle-electrode case, which is very effective and can meet the demands of a 10 watts LED heat dissipation.
An ADRC-Based Control Strategy for FRT Improvement of Wind Power Generation with a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator
Authors: Yang Chenxing , Yang Xu , Shardt Yuri A. W.
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a second-order active disturbance rejection control (ADRC)-based control strategy with an integrated design of the flux damping method, for the fault ride-through (FRT) improvement in wind power generation systems with a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG). First, a first principles model of the rotor and grid side converter of DFIG is developed, which is then used to theoretically analyze the system characteristics and show the damage caused to the DFIG system by a grid voltage fault. Then, the flux damping method is used to suppress the rotor current during a fault ride-through. In order to enhance the robustness and effectiveness of the flux damping method under complex working conditions, an ADRC approach is proposed for disturbance attenuation of the DFIG systems. Finally, a comparison of the proposed method with three other control approaches on a 1.5-MV DFIG system benchmark is performed. It is shown that the proposed method can adaptively and effectively improve the system performance during an FRT.
Modelling the Dynamic Impacts of High Speed Rail Operation on Regional Public Transport—From the Perspective of Energy Economy
Authors: Chou Ching-Chih , Shen Chien-Wen , Gao Dapeng , Gao Yang , Wang Kai , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: May 2018

While the introduction of a high speed rail (HSR) provides passengers with another more environmentally friendly, convenient, and time-saving transport option, it also disrupts the existing passenger transport market. This study adopts time series analysis to model the dynamic competition in a regional passenger transport market when an HSR is introduced. The analyses include examining the long-run equilibrium and causal relationships, and the short-run causality and dynamic relationships between transport modes. In addition, based on the model we conduct impulse response tests and variance decomposition tests to further interpret the interactions between two transport modes. An empirical study is carried out, and the findings indicate that the HSR has a negative impact on conventional rail and air transport in the long-run. In the short-run dynamics, the air passenger transport volume could be regarded as a good predictor of HSR passenger volume. In turn, the HSR passenger volume could be used to predict conventional rail transport volume. The operations of HSR and conventional rail are complementary in the short term. From the short-run market viewpoint, the HSR and conventional rail meet different kinds of passenger demand. Therefore, a previous increased passenger volume for the HSR implies an overall increasing demand for regional transport. Consequently, the past increased HSR passenger volume could be used to predict the growth of conventional rail transport. Through the impulse response test, we can further track the responses of the three transport modes to the shocks from themselves and each other.
Comparison of Axial Magnetic Gears Based on Magnetic Composition Topology Differences
Authors: Syam Sudirman , Soeparman Sudjito , Widhiyanuriawan Denny , Wahyudi Slamet
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a design and implementation of an axial type magnetic gear (MG) based on the composition of the magnetic arrangement. We report a quantitative comparison of two MG topologies with rectangular magnets arranged in series and parallel. Increased magnetic flux is done through magnetic circuit analysis and electrical circuit approach. Testing is done by using the rotation of a DC motor drive from 300–2600 rpm with a DC generator under load conditions. Measurement of load current and generator output power for both axial MG topologies are taken and analyzed. The results showed that the performance of an axial MG with the rectangular magnetic arrangement in parallel is better than that of a series arrangement. Based on the measured loading current of the two axial MG topologies, at generator rotation between 300–1300 rpm with 100, 200, and 300 Ω resistance loads show the same load current. Conversely, after a DC generator rotation approaches ½ of the maximum rotation (1300–2600 rpm) there is a significant increase in load current fluctuations. That is, with an increase of load currents occurring, the parallel magnetic topology shows an increase in load torque due to an increase of magnetic flux in the gear train magnets of the MG.
Multiple Authorities Attribute-Based Verification Mechanism for Blockchain Mircogrid Transactions
Authors: Khan Sarmadullah , Khan Rafiullah
Published: May 2018

Recently, advancements in energy distribution models have fulfilled the needs of microgrids in finding a suitable energy distribution model between producer and consumer without the need of central controlling authority. Most of the energy distribution model deals with energy transactions and losses without considering the security aspects such as information tampering. The transaction data could be accessible online to keep track of the energy distribution between the consumer and producer (e.g., online payment records and supplier profiles). However this data is prone to modification and misuse if a consumer moves from one producer to other. Blockchain is considered to be one solution to allow users to exchange energy related data and keep track of it without exposing it to modification. In this paper, electrical transactions embedded in blockchain are validated using the signatures of multiple producers based on their assigned attributes. These signatures are verified and endorsed by the consumers satisfying those attributes without revealing any information. The public and private keys for these consumers are generated by the producers and endorsement procedure using these keys ensures that these consumers are authorized. This approach does not need any central authority. To resist against collision attacks, producers are given a secret pseudorandom function seed. The comparative analysis shows the efficiency of proposed approach over the existing ones.
Smart Meter Traffic in a Real LV Distribution Network
Authors: Andreadou Nikoleta , Kotsakis Evangelos , Masera Marcelo
Published: May 2018

The modernization of the distribution grid requires a huge amount of data to be transmitted and handled by the network. The deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure systems results in an increased traffic generated by smart meters. In this work, we examine the smart meter traffic that needs to be accommodated by a real distribution system. Parameters such as the message size and the message transmission frequency are examined and their effect on traffic is showed. Limitations of the system are presented, such as the buffer capacity needs and the maximum message size that can be communicated. For this scope, we have used the parameters of a real distribution network, based on a survey at which the European Distribution System Operators (DSOs) have participated. For the smart meter traffic, we have used two popular specifications, namely the G3-PLC–“G3 Power Line communication” and PRIME–acronym for “PoweRline Intelligent Metering Evolution”, to simulate the characteristics of a system that is widely used in practice. The results can be an insight for further development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems that control and monitor the Low Voltage (LV) distribution grid. The paper presents an analysis towards identifying the needs of distribution networks with respect to telecommunication data as well as the main parameters that can affect the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) system performance. Identifying such parameters is consequently beneficial to designing more efficient ICT systems for Advanced Metering Infrastructure.
Local Energy Management and Optimization: A Novel Energy Universal Service Bus System Based on Energy Internet Technologies
Authors: Cheng Lefeng , Zhang Zhiyi , Jiang Haorong , Yu Tao , Wang Wenrui , Xu Weifeng , Hua Jinxiu
Published: May 2018

This paper develops a novel energy universal service bus system (EUSBS) based on emerging energy Internet (E-net) technologies. This EUSBS is a unified identification and plug-and-play interface platform to which high penetration distributed energy and equipment (DEE), including photovoltaic (PV), fans, electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs), energy storage equipment (ESE), and commercial and residential users (CRUs), can access in a coordinated control and optimized utilization mode. First, the functions design, overall framework and topology architecture design of the EUSBS are expounded, among which the EUSBS is mainly composed of a hardware system and a software platform. Moreover, several future application scenarios are presented. Then, the hardware part of EUSBS is designed and developed, including the framework design of this hardware subsystem, and development of the hardware equipment for PV access, fans access, EVCS access, ESE access, and CRU access. The hardware subsystem consists of smart socket, and household/floor/building concentrators. Based on this, the prototypes development of EUSBS hardware equipment is completely demonstrated. Third, the software part of the EUSBS is developed as a cloud service platform for electricity use data analysis of DEE. This software subsystem contains the power quality & energy efficiency analysis module, optimization control module, information and service module, and data monitoring and electricity behavior analysis module. Based on this design, the software interfaces are developed. Finally, an application study on energy management and optimization of a smart commercial building is conducted to evaluate the functions and practicality of this EUSBS. The EUSBS developed in this paper is able to overcome difficulties in big data collection and utilization on sides of distribution network and electricity utilization, and eventually implement a deep information-energy fusion and a friendly supply-demand interaction between the grid and users. This contribution presents a detailed and systematic development scheme of the EUSBS, and moreover, the laboratory prototypes of the hardware and software subsystems have been developed based on E-net technologies. This paper can provide some thoughts and suggestions for the research of active distribution network and comprehensive energy management and optimization in power systems, as well as references and guidance for researchers to carry out research regarding energy management, optimization and coordinated control of the smart buildings.
A Reconfigurable Mesh-Ring Topology for Bluetooth Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Ben-Yi , Yu Chih-Min , Kao Yao-Huang
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a Reconfigurable Mesh-Ring (RMR) algorithm is proposed for Bluetooth sensor networks. The algorithm is designed in three stages to determine the optimal configuration of the mesh-ring network. Firstly, a designated root advertises and discovers its neighboring nodes. Secondly, a scatternet criterion is built to compute the minimum number of piconets and distributes the connection information for piconet and scatternet. Finally, a peak-search method is designed to determine the optimal mesh-ring configuration for various sizes of networks. To maximize the network capacity, the research problem is formulated by determining the best connectivity of available mesh links. During the formation and maintenance phases, three possible configurations (including piconet, scatternet, and hybrid) are examined to determine the optimal placement of mesh links. The peak-search method is a systematic approach, and is implemented by three functional blocks: the topology formation block generates the mesh-ring topology, the routing efficiency block computes the routing performance, and the optimum decision block introduces a decision-making criterion to determine the optimum number of mesh links. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimal mesh-ring configuration can be determined and that the scatternet case achieves better overall performance than the other two configurations. The RMR topology also outperforms the conventional ring-based and cluster-based mesh methods in terms of throughput performance for Bluetooth configurable networks.
Shearing Systems for Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) Christmas Trees
Authors: Hinesley Eric , Deal Buddy , Deal Earl
Published: May 2018

Plantation-grown Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) Christmas trees were subjected to nine shearing regimes over nine years in a plantation in western North Carolina (USA). Treatments differed in the year of onset as well as the length of the residual leader (25 to 46 cm). Long leaders (36 to 46 cm) yielded trees that were taller than trees sheared with short leaders (25 to 30 cm), but the gain in height was offset by a lower average U.S. Department of Agriculture grade. Late in the rotation, trees sheared with 36–46-cm leaders were 17–34% heavier than those with 25–30-cm leaders. Average wholesale price of trees sheared with long leaders was 57% greater than that of trees sheared with short leaders. Assuming good bud density on leaders and branches, and considering other factors as well, the optimum leader length for Fraser fir Christmas trees in western North Carolina appears to be 30 to 41 cm (12 to 16 inches). Depending on site quality and variation in bud density and vigor among individual trees, leader length can be reduced, if necessary, to increase crown density.
Does Dietary Fiber Affect the Levels of Nutritional Components after Feed Formulation?
Authors: Adams Seidu , Sello Cornelius Tlotliso , Qin Gui-Xin , Che Dongsheng , Han Rui
Published: May 2018

Studies on dietary fiber and nutrient bioavailability have gained an increasing interest in both human and animal nutrition. Questions are increasingly being asked regarding the faith of nutrient components such as proteins, minerals, vitamins, and lipids after feed formulation. The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence with the perspective of fiber usage in feed formulation. The consumption of dietary fiber may affect the absorption of nutrients in different ways. The physicochemical factors of dietary fiber, such as fermentation, bulking ability, binding ability, viscosity and gel formation, water-holding capacity and solubility affect nutrient absorption. The dietary fiber intake influences the different methods in which nutrients are absorbed. The increase in the total fiber content of the diet may delay the glycemic response. Soluble fiber decreased blood glucose content whereas purified insoluble fiber has a little or no effect on the blood glucose levels after a meal. Dietary fiber and prebiotics influence the host animal well-being by regulating blood glucose or insulin levels, stool bulking effects, increasing the acidity of the gut, constructive synthesis of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), decreasing intestinal transit time, stimulating the growth of intestinal microbes, and increasing blood parameters. Previous studies suggest that fiber affects the bioavailability of nutrients, and maintains the host wellness.
Buchanania obovata: Functionality and Phytochemical Profiling of the Australian Native Green Plum
Authors: Fyfe Selina A. , Netzel Gabriele , Netzel Michael E. , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: May 2018

The green plum is the fruit of Buchanania obovata Engl. and is an Australian Indigenous bush food. Very little study has been done on the green plum, so this is an initial screening study of the functional properties and phytochemical profile found in the flesh and seed. The flesh was shown to have antimicrobial properties effective against gram negative (Escherichia coli 9001—NCTC) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus 6571—NCTC) bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that the antimicrobial activity causes cell wall disintegration and cytoplasmic leakage in both bacteria. Antioxidant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) testing shows the flesh has high radical scavenging activity (106.3 ± 28.6 μM Trolox equivalant/g Dry Weight in methanol). The flesh and seed contain a range of polyphenols including gallic acid, ellagic acid, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, quercetin and trans-ferulic acid that may be responsible for this activity. The seed is eaten as a bush food and contains a delphinidin-based anthocyanin. The green plum has potential as a functional ingredient in food products for its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, and further investigation into its bioactivity, chemical composition and potential applications in different food products is warranted.
Nanoparticles and Controlled Delivery for Bioactive Compounds: Outlining Challenges for New “Smart-Foods” for Health
Authors: Martínez-Ballesta MCarment , Gil-Izquierdo Ángel , García-Viguera Cristina , Domínguez-Perles Raúl
Published: May 2018

Nanotechnology is a field of research that has been stressed as a very valuable approach for the prevention and treatment of different human health disorders. This has been stressed as a delivery system for the therapeutic fight against an array of pathophysiological situations. Actually, industry has applied this technology in the search for new oral delivery alternatives obtained upon the modification of the solubility properties of bioactive compounds. Significant works have been made in the last years for testing the input that nanomaterials and nanoparticles provide for an array of pathophysiological situations. In this frame, this review addresses general questions concerning the extent to which nanoparticles offer alternatives that improve therapeutic value, while avoid toxicity, by releasing bioactive compounds specifically to target tissues affected by specific chemical and pathophysiological settings. In this regard, to date, the contribution of nanoparticles to protect encapsulated bioactive compounds from degradation as a result of gastrointestinal digestion and cellular metabolism, to enable their release in a controlled manner, enhancing biodistribution of bioactive compounds, and to allow them to target those tissues affected by biological disturbances has been demonstrated.
Antibacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Embedded on Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels Based on α-Amino Acid Residues
Authors: Casolaro Mario , Casolaro Ilaria , Akimoto Jun , Ueda Motoki , Ueki Masashi , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: May 2018

Polyelectrolyte hydrogels bearing l-phenylalanine (PHE), l-valine (AVA), and l-histidine (Hist) residues were used as scaffolds for the formation of silver nanoparticles by reduction of Ag+ ions with NaBH4. The interaction with the metal ion allowed a prompt collapse of the swollen hydrogel, due to the neutralization reaction of basic groups present on the polymer. The imidazole nitrogen of the hydrogel with Hist demonstrated greater complexing capacity with the Ag+ ion compared to the hydrogels with carboxyl groups. The subsequent reduction to metallic silver allowed for the restoration of the hydrogel’s degree of swelling to the starting value. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic analyses showed, respectively, a uniform distribution of the 15 nm spherical silver nanoparticles embedded on the hydrogel and peak optical properties around a wavelength of 400 nm due to the surface plasmonic effect. Unlike native hydrogels, the composite hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles showed good antibacterial activity as gram+/gram− bactericides, and higher antifungal activity against S. cerevisiae.
Regulation of the X Chromosome in the Germline and Soma of Drosophila melanogaster Males
Authors: Argyridou Eliza , Parsch John
Published: May 2018

During the evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes, the sex-specific Y chromosome degenerates, while the X chromosome evolves new mechanisms of regulation. Using bioinformatic and experimental approaches, we investigate the expression of the X chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster. We observe nearly complete X chromosome dosage compensation in male somatic tissues, but not in testis. The X chromosome contains disproportionately fewer genes with high expression in testis than the autosomes, even after accounting for the lack of dosage compensation, which suggests that another mechanism suppresses their expression in the male germline. This is consistent with studies of reporter genes and transposed genes, which find that the same gene has higher expression when autosomal than when X-linked. Using a new reporter gene that is expressed in both testis and somatic tissues, we find that the suppression of X-linked gene expression is limited to genes with high expression in testis and that the extent of the suppression is positively correlated with expression level.
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Aging Mastery Program
Authors: Ferretti Lisa , McCallion Philip , McDonald Emily , Kye Hayoung , Herrera-Venson Angelica P. , Firman James
Published: May 2018

Background: Successful aging is best determined by active management and self-determination of one’s aging roadmap. Some individuals are ready to respond to these challenges, others may benefit from assistance that might be offered through an evidence-based intervention. The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) has been developed to meet these needs. Method: In a cross over design the intervention was tested in ten senior centers and aging network agencies looking at impacts upon general health and quality of life, patient activation, physical activity and advanced care planning. Results: There was a statistically significant (tested at a 0.05 level) level of improvement found in physical activity and advanced care planning. Conclusion: Findings support the program’s effectiveness and its value as an evidence-based intervention for older adult programming.