bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Inherited Maternal Antigens Identify Acceptable HLA Mismatches: A New Policy for the Hellenic Cord Blood Bank
Authors: Panagouli Effrosyni , Dinou Amalia , Mallis Panagiotis , Michalopoulos Efstathios , Papassavas Andreas , Spyropoulou-Vlachou Maria , Meletis John , Angelopoulou Maria , Konstantopoulos Kostas , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros , Stavropoulos-Giokas Catherine
Published: September 2018

Background: During pregnancy, the maternal-fetal contact may lead to the development of tolerance against the maternal human leukocyte antigen (HLA) that is not inherited by the fetus. These non-inherited maternal antigens (NIMAs) define acceptable HLA mismatches; therefore, the number of HLA phenotypes that are suitable matches for patients who need a hematopoietic stem cell transplant could be increased. Cord blood unit (CBU) transplantations to patients mismatched for a HLA loci, but similar to the ΝΙΜAs of the CBU, have a prognosis similar to 6/6-matched ones. Methods: The Hellenic Cord Blood Bank (HCBB) identified the maternal HLA of 380 cord blood donors, specifying the NIMA haplotypes of the related cryostored CBUs. Results: The HCBB extended the pool of HLA phenotypes through the generation of unique virtual phenotypes (VPs). A “VP database” was set up, using Microsoft Office—Access™, in order to provide NIMA-matched CBUs for potential recipients. The effectiveness of VPs’ matching was tested in 80 Greek patients. Conclusion: This methodology may contribute to the increase of the number of available CBUs for patients, in the case where there is no available CBU, or in case an additional one is needed. Through this method, the CBUs could be used faster and more effectively, rather than being cryostored for long periods of time.
Fucoidan Sulfatases from Marine Bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica CZ1127T
Authors: Silchenko Artem S. , Rasin Anton B. , Zueva Anastasiya O. , Kusaykin Mikhail I. , Zvyagintseva Tatiana N. , Kalinovsky Anatoly I. , Kurilenko Valeriya V. , Ermakova Svetlana P.
Published: September 2018

Fucoidans belong to a structurally heterogeneous class of sulfated polysaccharides isolated from brown algae. They have a wide spectrum of biological activities. The complex structures of these polysaccharides hinder structure-activity relationships determination. Fucoidan sulfatases can make useful tools for the determination of the fine chemical structure of fucoidans. In this study, identification and preparation of two recombinant sulfatases able to catalyze the cleavage of sulfate groups from fragments of fucoidan molecules is described for the first time. Two genes of sulfatases swf1 and swf4 of the marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica CZ1127T were cloned and the proteins were produced in Escherichia coli cells. Sulfatases SWF1 and SWF4 are assigned to S1_17 and S1_25 subfamilies of formylglycine-dependent enzymes of S1 family (SulfAtlas). Some molecular and biochemical characteristics of recombinant fucoidan sulfatases have been studied. Detailed specificity and catalytic features of sulfatases were determined using various sulfated fucooligosaccharides. Structures of products produced by SWF1 and SWF4 were established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Based on the obtained data, the enzymes are classified as fucoidan exo-2O-sulfatase (SWF1) and fucoidan exo-3O-sulfatase (SWF4). In addition, we demonstrated the sequential action of sulfatases on 2,3-di-O-sulfated fucooligosacchrides, which indicates an exolitic degradation pathway of fucoidan by a marine bacterium W. fucanilytica CZ1127T.
Characterization of Precursor-Dependent Steroidogenesis in Human Prostate Cancer Models
Authors: Deb Subrata , Pham Steven , Ming Dong-Sheng , Chin Mei Yieng , Adomat Hans , Hurtado-Coll Antonio , Gleave Martin E. , Guns Emma S. Tomlinson
Published: September 2018

Castration-resistant prostate tumors acquire the independent capacity to generate androgens by upregulating steroidogenic enzymes or using steroid precursors produced by the adrenal glands for continued growth and sustainability. The formation of steroids was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in LNCaP and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells, and in human prostate tissues, following incubation with steroid precursors (22-OH-cholesterol, pregnenolone, 17-OH-pregnenolone, progesterone, 17-OH-progesterone). Pregnenolone, progesterone, 17-OH-pregnenolone, and 17-OH-progesterone increased C21 steroid (5-pregnan-3,20-dione, 5-pregnan-3,17-diol-20-one, 5-pregnan-3-ol-20-one) formation in the backdoor pathway, and demonstrated a trend of stimulating dihydroepiandrosterone or its precursors in the backdoor pathway in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. The precursors differentially affected steroidogenic enzyme messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions in the cell lines. The steroidogenesis following incubation of human prostate tissue with 17-OH-pregnenolone and progesterone produced trends similar to those observed in cell lines. Interestingly, the formation of C21 steroids from classical pathway was not stimulated but backdoor pathway steroids (e.g., 5-pregnan-3,20-dione, 5-pregnan-3-ol-20-one) were elevated following incubations with prostate tissues. Overall, C21 steroids were predominantly formed in the classical as well as backdoor pathways, and steroid precursors induced a diversion of steroidogenesis to the backdoor pathway in both cell lines and human prostate tissue, and influenced adaptive steroidogenesis to form C21 steroids.
Photocatalytic Inactivation of Bacteriophage f2 with Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 Composite under Visible Light Irradiation: Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Cheng Rong , Shen Liang-jie , Yu Jin-hui , Xiang Shao-yu , Zheng Xiang
Published: September 2018

Water-borne virus pollution has caused great harm and attracted widespread attention in many countries. Visible-light-driven photocatalysis is considered as a promising process for disinfection. In this study, Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 (AgCN) composites were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic disinfection was investigated using bacteriophage f2 as the model virus. Moreover, the effects of pH and humic acid on photocatalytic disinfection were studied. Meanwhile, the mechanism of enhanced disinfection by Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 was systematically investigated by radical scavenger experiments. The results show that Ag3PO4 particles were uniformly distributed on g-C3N4 sheets. By means of photoluminescence spectrometer analysis, it is confirmed that a lower carrier recombination rate for Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 was achieved compared with Ag3PO3 and g-C3N4. Meanwhile, complete inactivation of f2 with concentration of 3 × 106 PFU/mL was reached within 80 min in the presence of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite. The pH had little effect on removal efficiency overall, while the existence of humic acid resulted in a significant negative effect on the inactivation of f2 due to the optical shielding and absorption of humic acid. Recycling tests of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 confirmed that Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 presented superior stability. The results from radical scavenger experiments indicated that holes (h+) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) played important roles in photocatalytic disinfection process.
Photocatalytic Treatment of An Actual Confectionery Wastewater Using Ag/TiO2/Fe2O3: Optimization of Photocatalytic Reactions Using Surface Response Methodology
Authors: Lin Yi Ping , Mehrvar Mehrab
Published: September 2018

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis is one of the most commonly studied advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the mineralization of deleterious and recalcitrant compounds present in wastewater as it is stable, inexpensive, and effective. Out of all, doping with metal and non-metals, and the heterojunction with another semiconductor were proven to be efficient methods in enhancing the degradation of organic pollutants under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. However, complex degradation processes in the treatment of an actual wastewater are difficult to model and optimize. In the present study, the application of a modified photocatalyst, Ag/TiO2/Fe2O3, for the degradation of an actual confectionery wastewater was investigated. Factorial studies and statistical design of experiments using the Box-Behnken method along with response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to identify the individual and cross-factor effects of independent parameters, including light wavelength (nm), photocatalyst concentration (g/L), initial pH, and initial total organic carbon (TOC) concentration (g/L). The maximum TOC removal at optimum conditions of light wavelength (254 nm), pH (4.68), photocatalyst dosage (480 mg/L), and initial TOC concentration (11,126.5 mg/L) was determined through the numerical optimization method (9.78%) and validated with experimental data (9.42%). Finally, the first-order rate constant with respect to TOC was found to be 0.0005 min−1 with a residual value of 0.998.
Control of DNA Replication Initiation by Ubiquitin
Authors: Hernández-Carralero Esperanza , Cabrera Elisa , Alonso-de Vega Ignacio , Hernández-Pérez Santiago , Smits Veronique A. J. , Freire Raimundo
Published: September 2018

Eukaryotic cells divide by accomplishing a program of events in which the replication of the genome is a fundamental part. To ensure all cells have an accurate copy of the genome, DNA replication occurs only once per cell cycle and is controlled by numerous pathways. A key step in this process is the initiation of DNA replication in which certain regions of DNA are marked as competent to replicate. Moreover, initiation of DNA replication needs to be coordinated with other cell cycle processes. At the molecular level, initiation of DNA replication relies, among other mechanisms, upon post-translational modifications, including the conjugation and hydrolysis of ubiquitin. An example is the precise control of the levels of the DNA replication initiation protein Cdt1 and its inhibitor Geminin by ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. This control ensures that DNA replication occurs with the right timing during the cell cycle, thereby avoiding re-replication events. Here, we review the events that involve ubiquitin signalling during DNA replication initiation, and how they are linked to human disease.
Vimentin Diversity in Health and Disease
Authors: Danielsson Frida , Peterson McKenzie Kirsten , Caldeira Araújo Helena , Lautenschläger Franziska , Gad Annica Karin Britt
Published: September 2018

Vimentin is a protein that has been linked to a large variety of pathophysiological conditions, including cataracts, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV and cancer. Vimentin has also been shown to regulate a wide spectrum of basic cellular functions. In cells, vimentin assembles into a network of filaments that spans the cytoplasm. It can also be found in smaller, non-filamentous forms that can localise both within cells and within the extracellular microenvironment. The vimentin structure can be altered by subunit exchange, cleavage into different sizes, re-annealing, post-translational modifications and interacting proteins. Together with the observation that different domains of vimentin might have evolved under different selection pressures that defined distinct biological functions for different parts of the protein, the many diverse variants of vimentin might be the cause of its functional diversity. A number of review articles have focussed on the biology and medical aspects of intermediate filament proteins without particular commitment to vimentin, and other reviews have focussed on intermediate filaments in an in vitro context. In contrast, the present review focusses almost exclusively on vimentin, and covers both ex vivo and in vivo data from tissue culture and from living organisms, including a summary of the many phenotypes of vimentin knockout animals. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the many diverse aspects of vimentin, from biochemical, mechanical, cellular, systems biology and medical perspectives.
The Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Patterns of Children in Kindergarten and Grade 2
Authors: Crane Jeff R. , Naylor Patti-Jean , Temple Viviene A.
Published: September 2018

Accompanying the transition from early to middle childhood are substantial changes in children’s educational and recreational circumstances. These changes may affect physical activity levels. This study examined levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in kindergarten (age range 5–6 years) and grade 2 (age range 7–8 years). Participants were 96 kindergarten children recruited in the 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 school years and 94 grade 2 children recruited in the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 school years. A sub-cohort of children was tracked longitudinally from kindergarten to grade 2. Accelerometers were used to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Independent t-tests revealed that children in grade 2 spent significantly less time engaged in physical activity compared to those in kindergarten (292 min/day compared with 354 min/day) and more in sedentary behaviours (443 min/day compared with 368 min/day). For the longitudinal sample, the pattern was similar. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant decrease in physical activity levels (364 min/day to 292 min/day) and a significant increase in sedentary behaviour (368 min/day to 435 min/day) over time. There is a critical need to invest in strategies to maintain higher levels of physical activity across the primary years and reduce sedentary time, since these behaviours affect health outcomes.
Does the Number of Fingers on the Bag Influence Volume Delivery? A Randomized Model Study of Bag-Valve-Mask Ventilation in Infants
Authors: Zweiker David , Schwaberger Hanna , Urlesberger Berndt , Mileder Lukas P , Baik-Schneditz Nariae , Pichler Gerhard , Schmölzer Georg M , Schwaberger Bernhard
Published: September 2018

We sought to compare the effectiveness of two versus five fingers used for bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation on effective tidal volume (VTeff) delivery in an infant resuscitation model. In a randomised cross-over study, 40 healthcare professionals ventilated a modified leak-free infant resuscitation manikin with both two and five fingers, using a self-inflating bag. The delivered and effective tidal volumes, ventilation rate, and mask leak were measured and recorded using a respiratory function monitor. We found no significant differences in the VTeff (five-finger 61.7 ± 23.9 vs. two-finger 58.8 ± 16.6 mL; p = 0.35) or ventilatory minute volume (2.71 ± 1.59 vs. 2.76 ± 1.24 L/min; p = 0.40) of both BVM ventilation techniques. However, there was an increase in the delivered tidal volume (VTdel) and mask leak when using the five-finger technique compared with the two-finger technique (VTdel 96.1 ± 19.4 vs. 87.7 ± 15.5 mL; p < 0.01; and mask leak 34.6 ± 23.0 vs. 30.0 ± 21.0%; p = 0.02). Although the five-finger technique was associated with an increased mask leak, the number of fingers used during the BVM ventilation had no effect on VTeff in an infant resuscitation model.
Recent Studies of Semitransparent Solar Cells
Authors: Shin Dong Hee , Choi Suk-Ho
Published: September 2018

It is necessary to develop semitransparent photovoltaic cell for increasing the energy density from sunlight, useful for harvesting solar energy through the windows and roofs of buildings and vehicles. Current semitransparent photovoltaics are mostly based on Si, but it is difficult to adjust the color transmitted through Si cells intrinsically for enhancing the visual comfort for human. Recent intensive studies on translucent polymer- and perovskite-based photovoltaic cells offer considerable opportunities to escape from Si-oriented photovoltaics because their electrical and optical properties can be easily controlled by adjusting the material composition. Here, we review recent progress in materials fabrication, design of cell structure, and device engineering/characterization for high-performance/semitransparent organic and perovskite solar cells, and discuss major problems to overcome for commercialization of these solar cells.
Can Combined Electrostatic and Polarization Effects Alone Explain the F···F Negative-Negative Bonding in Simple Fluoro-Substituted Benzene Derivatives? A First-Principles Perspective
Authors: Varadwaj Pradeep R. , Varadwaj Arpita , Marques Helder M. , Yamashita Koichi
Published: September 2018

The divergence of fluorine-based systems and significance of their nascent non-covalent chemistry in molecular assemblies are presented in a brief review of the field. Emphasis has been placed to show that type-I and -II halogen-centered F···F long-ranged intermolecular distances viable between the entirely negative fluorine atoms in some fluoro-substituted dimers of C6H6 can be regarded as the consequence of significant non-covalent attractive interactions. Such attractive interactions observed in the solid-state structures of C6F6 and other similar fluorine-substituted aromatic compounds have frequently been underappreciated. While these are often ascribed to crystal packing effects, we show using first-principles level calculations that these are much more fundamental in nature. The stability and reliability of these interactions are supported by their negative binding energies that emerge from a supermolecular procedure using MP2 (second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory), and from the Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory, in which the latter does not determine the interaction energy by computing the total energy of the monomers or dimer. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and Reduced Density Gradient Non-Covalent Index charge-density-based approaches confirm the F···F contacts are a consequence of attraction by their unified bond path (and bond critical point) and isosurface charge density topologies, respectively. These interactions can be explained neither by the so-called molecular electrostatic surface potential (MESP) model approach that often demonstrates attraction between sites of opposite electrostatic surface potential by means of Coulomb’s law of electrostatics, nor purely by the effect of electrostatic polarization. We provide evidence against the standalone use of this approach and the overlooking of other approaches, as the former does not allow for the calculation of the electrostatic potential on the surfaces of the overlapping atoms on the monomers as in the equilibrium geometry of a complex. This study thus provides unequivocal evidence of the limitation of the MESP approach for its use in gaining insight into the nature of reactivity of overlapped interacting atoms and the intermolecular interactions involved.
Numerical Simulation on Flow Dynamics and Pressure Variation in Porous Ceramic Filter
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Toda Yusuke
Published: September 2018

Using five samples with different porous materials of Al2TiO5, SiC, and cordierite, we numerically realized the fluid dynamics in a diesel filter (diesel particulate filter, DPF). These inner structures were obtained by X-ray CT scanning to reproduce the flow field in the real product. The porosity as well as pore size was selected systematically. Inside the DPF, the complex flow pattern appears. The maximum filtration velocity is over ten times larger than the velocity at the inlet. When the flow forcibly needs to go through the consecutive small pores along the filter’s porous walls, the resultant pressure drop becomes large. The flow path length ratio to the filter wall thickness is almost the same for all samples, and its value is only 1.2. Then, the filter backpressure closely depends on the flow pattern inside the filter, which is due to the local substrate structure. In the modified filter substrate, by enlarging the pore and reducing the resistance for the net flow, the pressure drop is largely suppressed.
Size-Controllable Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework/Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Fu Fang , Zheng Bin , Xie Lin-Hua , Du Huiling , Du Shuangming , Dong Zhenhua
Published: September 2018

Composite materials that combine the unique properties of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can give rise to novel applications. Here, ZIF-8/CNT composites were successfully prepared with and without the addition of an agent template. The size of the ZIF-8 crystals in the composite materials was controlled by varying the template, feeding order, and concentration of reactants. Thus, ZIF-8 crystals with a wide variety of sizes (from nano- to micrometer size, which is range that differs by a factor of 10) were obtained, depending on the conditions. This size-controllable synthesis of ZIF-8 was achieved by modifying the number of nucleation sites on the CNTs, as revealed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work provides an efficient method for preparing ZIF-8/CNT composites with controllable size and can pave the way for the synthesis of other metal-organic framework (MOF)/CNT composite materials.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of a New Coordination Polymer Built from N/O-Donor Mixed Ligands
Authors: Zhu Mei-An , Han Shuai-Shuai , Deng Feng , Li Jia-Le , Chen Shui-Sheng
Published: September 2018

The coordination polymer, namely, [Cd(H2L)(nobda)]n (1) was prepared by the reaction of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O with 4-amino-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2nobda) and 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene (H2L), and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The carboxylic acid of H2nobda ligands was completely deprotonated to be nobda2− anions, which act as tridentate ligand to connect the Cd2+ to form two-dimensional (2D) network, while the neutral H2L ligands serve as a linear didentate bridge to connect two adjacent Cd2+ ions upper and down the 2D layer. The adjacent 2D layers were further linked into the three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular polymer by the weak interactions such as hydrogen bonds and π−π stacking interactions. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra and luminescent properties in the solid state at room temperature have been investigated.
Crystal Structure of the Protonated Germanide Cluster [HGe9]3−
Authors: Lorenz Corinna , Korber Nikolaus
Published: September 2018

A single crystal X-ray diffraction study of the new compound [Rb([2.2.2]crypt)]2[Rb([18]crown−6)][HGe9]·4NH3 revealed the presence of the first protonated nine-atom germanide cluster [HGe9]3−. It forms from Rb4Ge9 in liquid ammonia, so that [Ge9]4− can be considered as the base and [HGe9]3− its formally conjugated acid. The H atom is attached to a germanium vertex atom of the basal square plane, as it is known for [RGe9]3− (R = C5H9, Mes, etc.) or [HE9]3− (E = Si, Sn). In addition, the proton could be located unambiguously in the Fourier difference map. [HGe9]3− also represents a nido cluster species with 22 cluster-bonding electrons, which can be considered the most stable structure for nine-atom cluster species for all group 14 elements.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) with Normal Values of Both Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Concentration at the Time of Diagnosis in a Centenarian Man: A Case Report
Authors: Manzo Ciro
Published: September 2018

The possibility that polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) can be diagnosed when both ESR and CRP are normal at the time of diagnosis and before therapy with glucocorticoids, has been often discussed in the literature. We present a case report of a 100-year-old Caucasian man referred to our outpatient clinic, complaining of chronic pain in the shoulder and hip girdle associated with normal values of both ESR (21 mm/1st hour) and CRP (4 mg/dL). In the previous four months, several anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers associated with physiotherapy treatments gave no significant improvement in pain and self-care. After an ultrasound (US) and an 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography associated with total body computed tomography (18-FDG PET/CT) examination, PMR was diagnosed and he started therapy with 17.5 mg prednisone, obtaining a fast improvement in pain and self-care. After 10 months of tapering, he stopped prednisone without relapse. During a 3-year follow-up, no alternative diagnosis was done. When a patient complains of chronic bilateral shoulder and hip girdle pain associated with normal inflammatory indices, it is reasonable to think in the first instance that this person is not suffering from PMR. Moreover, the possibility that PMR may onset in a centenarian person, is exceptional. In our patient, when we piece the puzzle together, the diagnosis of PMR was the most possible one.
Statistical Inference for Geometric Process with the Power Lindley Distribution
Authors: Bicer Cenker
Published: September 2018

The geometric process (GP) is a simple and direct approach to modeling of the successive inter-arrival time data set with a monotonic trend. In addition, it is a quite important alternative to the non-homogeneous Poisson process. In the present paper, the parameter estimation problem for GP is considered, when the distribution of the first occurrence time is Power Lindley with parameters α and λ . To overcome the parameter estimation problem for GP, the maximum likelihood, modified moments, modified L-moments and modified least-squares estimators are obtained for parameters a, α and λ . The mean, bias and mean squared error (MSE) values associated with these estimators are evaluated for small, moderate and large sample sizes by using Monte Carlo simulations. Furthermore, two illustrative examples using real data sets are presented in the paper.
Making the Coupled Gaussian Process Dynamical Model Modular and Scalable with Variational Approximations
Authors: Velychko Dmytro , Knopp Benjamin , Endres Dominik
Published: September 2018

We describe a sparse, variational posterior approximation to the Coupled Gaussian Process Dynamical Model (CGPDM), which is a latent space coupled dynamical model in discrete time. The purpose of the approximation is threefold: first, to reduce training time of the model; second, to enable modular re-use of learned dynamics; and, third, to store these learned dynamics compactly. Our target applications here are human movement primitive (MP) models, where an MP is a reusable spatiotemporal component, or “module” of a human full-body movement. Besides re-usability of learned MPs, compactness is crucial, to allow for the storage of a large library of movements. We first derive the variational approximation, illustrate it on toy data, test its predictions against a range of other MP models and finally compare movements produced by the model against human perceptual expectations. We show that the variational CGPDM outperforms several other MP models on movement trajectory prediction. Furthermore, human observers find its movements nearly indistinguishable from replays of natural movement recordings for a very compact parameterization of the approximation.
A Novel Algorithm Based on the Pixel-Entropy for Automatic Detection of Number of Lanes, Lane Centers, and Lane Division Lines Formation
Authors: Hermosillo-Reynoso Fernando , Torres-Roman Deni , Santiago-Paz Jayro , Ramirez-Pacheco Julio
Published: September 2018

Lane detection for traffic surveillance in intelligent transportation systems is a challenge for vision-based systems. In this paper, a novel pixel-entropy based algorithm for the automatic detection of the number of lanes and their centers, as well as the formation of their division lines is proposed. Using as input a video from a static camera, each pixel behavior in the gray color space is modeled by a time series; then, for a time period τ , its histogram followed by its entropy are calculated. Three different types of theoretical pixel-entropy behaviors can be distinguished: (1) the pixel-entropy at the lane center shows a high value; (2) the pixel-entropy at the lane division line shows a low value; and (3) a pixel not belonging to the road has an entropy value close to zero. From the road video, several small rectangle areas are captured, each with only a few full rows of pixels. For each pixel of these areas, the entropy is calculated, then for each area or row an entropy curve is produced, which, when smoothed, has as many local maxima as lanes and one more local minima than lane division lines. For the purpose of testing, several real traffic scenarios under different weather conditions with other moving objects were used. However, these background objects, which are out of road, were filtered out. Our algorithm, compared to others based on trajectories of vehicles, shows the following advantages: (1) the lowest computational time for lane detection (only 32 s with a traffic flow of one vehicle/s per-lane); and (2) better results under high traffic flow with congestion and vehicle occlusion. Instead of detecting road markings, it forms lane-dividing lines. Here, the entropies of Shannon and Tsallis were used, but the entropy of Tsallis for a selected q of a finite set achieved the best results.
Entropy, or Information, Unifies Ecology and Evolution and Beyond
Authors: Sherwin William Bruce
Published: September 2018

This article discusses how entropy/information methods are well-suited to analyzing and forecasting the four processes of innovation, transmission, movement, and adaptation, which are the common basis to ecology and evolution. Macroecologists study assemblages of differing species, whereas micro-evolutionary biologists study variants of heritable information within species, such as DNA and epigenetic modifications. These two different modes of variation are both driven by the same four basic processes, but approaches to these processes sometimes differ considerably. For example, macroecology often documents patterns without modeling underlying processes, with some notable exceptions. On the other hand, evolutionary biologists have a long history of deriving and testing mathematical genetic forecasts, previously focusing on entropies such as heterozygosity. Macroecology calls this Gini–Simpson, and has borrowed the genetic predictions, but sometimes this measure has shortcomings. Therefore it is important to note that predictive equations have now been derived for molecular diversity based on Shannon entropy and mutual information. As a result, we can now forecast all major types of entropy/information, creating a general predictive approach for the four basic processes in ecology and evolution. Additionally, the use of these methods will allow seamless integration with other studies such as the physical environment, and may even extend to assisting with evolutionary algorithms.
Real Exchange Rate Misalignment and Economic Growth: The Case of Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Conrad Daren , Jagessar Jaymieon
Published: September 2018

Empirical studies outline developing countries’ experience economic growth through an undervalued exchange rate and that exchange rate overvaluations have negative long term effects on economic growth. This paper examined the impact of exchange rate movements as well as exchange rate misalignments on economic growth for the Trinidad and Tobago economy over the period 1960 to 2016. We find statistically significant evidence that both exchange rate appreciation and misalignments impact negatively on economic growth in the T&T economy. Drilling deeper, we find interestingly that there exist no non-linear effects of exchange rate misalignments on growth. Specifically, we find statistically significant evidence that both overvaluations and under valuations hamper economic growth in the Trinidad and Tobago economy. We attribute this to T&T’s small and underdeveloped manufacturing sector that tends to be overlooked on account of its energy resources, in addition to the fact that its manufacturing sector is highly import oriented. A major policy recommendation would be for the critical reassessment of the rules governing the Heritage and Stabilization Fund (HSF), as government expenditure was allowed to follow energy revenues due to its current limitations.
A Critically Compassionate Approach to Financial Literacy: A Pursuit of Moral Spirit
Authors: Lucey Thomas
Published: September 2018

An alternative perspective of financial literacy questioned the conceptual legitimacy of sustained personal fulfillment through maximization of financial net worth. In this alternative view, a focus on financial assets and their accumulation constitutes an activity of objectification that perceives other individuals as vehicles for personal social advancement, rather than stories or narratives of themselves. This paper argues that a critically compassionate approach to financial literacy represents a moral pursuit. It begins with the claim that human nature is both controlling and compassionate, and that this dual nature informs about the meaning of financial literacy. From this position, it considers what it may mean to be moral in this context and extending that conception to understandings of financial practice. Finally, it asserts broadening interpretations of financial literacy to include compassionate practices represent a moral consideration.
Extending Universal Design for Learning through Concurrent Enrollment: Algebra Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Staats Susan , Laster Lori Ann
Published: September 2018

Concurrent enrollment refers to partnerships between postsecondary institutions and schools through which secondary school students can complete a university class taught by a qualifying secondary school teacher at their secondary school. We propose that concurrent enrollment programs are an under-recognized tool for extending the impact of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The context of our study is an equity-focused university course in algebraic mathematical modeling that is also offered through concurrent enrollment in over 30 secondary schools to over 800 secondary students annually in our state of Minnesota, U.S.A. This paper presents a qualitative analysis of secondary school teachers’ experiences implementing the inquiry pedagogy and the equity goals of the course. Several results are important for UDL. Teachers (1) describe equity in social terms of race, ethnicity, income, immigration, and language status in addition to measures of academic success; (2) perceive improvements in students’ attitudes towards mathematics, school, and university education; (3) perceive student academic growth through mathematical writing; and (4) report close relationships with students. If higher education faculty design their on-campus classes to incorporate UDL principles, concurrent enrollment offers the potential to improve inclusive pathways from secondary schools to universities.
DC Gate Leakage Current Model Accounting for Trapping Effects in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Rodríguez Raúl , González Benito , García Javier , Toulon Gaetan , Morancho Frédéric , Núñez Antonio
Published: September 2018

A DC leakage current model accounting for trapping effects under the gate of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on silicon has been developed. Based on TCAD numerical simulations (with Sentaurus Device), non-local tunneling under the Schottky gate is necessary to reproduce the measured transfer characteristics in a subthreshold regime. Once the trap concentration and distribution are determined in the device, the resulting gate leakage current is modeled making use of Verilog-A, for typical operation regimes.
Optimal Dispatch of Microgrid with Combined Heat and Power System Considering Environmental Cost
Authors: Wang Xiuyun , Chen Shaoxin , Zhou Yibing , Wang Jian , Cui Yang
Published: September 2018

With the rapid development of wind power generation and photovoltaic power generation, the phenomenon of wind and solar abandoning becomes more and more serious in the operation of power systems, and the microgrid is a new operating mode of power systems which provides a new consumption mode for wind power generation. With the increasingly close connection among energy resources and people’s increasing awareness of environmental protection, this paper establishes a microgrid optimal scheduling model with a combined heat and power system, in consideration of environmental costs. This model aims at the lowest comprehensive cost, at the same time taking into account the emission reductions of SO2 and NOx, considering the cost of power generated by the micro-generator, environmental cost, the related cost of battery, operation and maintenance cost of wind power, and photovoltaic power generation. The related constraints of thermal balance and power balance are also considered during microgrid system operation. The established model is solved with an improved particle swarm algorithm. At last, taking a microgrid system as an example, the validity and reliability of the proposed model are verified.
New Monitoring System for Photovoltaic Power Plants’ Management
Authors: Beránek Václav , Olšan Tomáš , Libra Martin , Poulek Vladislav , Sedláček Jan , Dang Minh-Quan , Tyukhov Igor I.
Published: September 2018

An innovative solar monitoring system has been developed. The system aimed at measuring the main parameters and characteristics of solar plants; collecting, diagnosing and processing data. The system communicates with the inverters, electrometers, metrological equipment and additional components of the photovoltaic arrays. The developed and constructed long working system is built on special data collecting technologies. At the generating plants, a special data logger BBbox is installed. The new monitoring system has been used to follow 65 solar plants in the Czech Republic and elsewhere for 175 MWp. As an example, we have selected 13 PV plants in this paper that are at least seven years old. The monitoring system contributes to quality management of plants, and it also provides data for scientific purposes. Production of electricity in the built PV plants reflects the expected values according to internationally used software PVGIS (version 5) during the previous seven years of operation. A comparison of important system parameters clearly shows the new solutions and benefits of the new Solarmon-2.0 monitoring system. Secured communications will increase data protection. A higher frequency of data saving allows higher accuracy of the mathematical models.
Demand Bidding Optimization for an Aggregator with a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yao Leehter , Lim Wei Hong , Tiang Sew Sun , Tan Teng Hwang , Wong Chin Hong , Pang Jia Yew
Published: September 2018

Demand response (DR) is an effective solution used to maintain the reliability of power systems. Although numerous demand bidding models were designed to balance the demand and supply of electricity, these works focused on optimizing the DR supply curve of aggregator and the associated clearing prices. Limited researches were done to investigate the interaction between each aggregator and its customers to ensure the delivery of promised load curtailments. In this paper, a closed demand bidding model is envisioned to bridge the aforementioned gap by facilitating the internal DR trading between the aggregator and its large contract customers. The customers can submit their own bid as a pairs of bidding price and quantity of load curtailment in hourly basis when demand bidding is needed. A purchase optimization scheme is then designed to minimize the total bidding purchase cost. Given the presence of various load curtailment constraints, the demand bidding model considered is highly nonlinear. A modified genetic algorithm incorporated with efficient encoding scheme and adaptive bid declination strategy is therefore proposed to solve this problem effectively. Extensive simulation shows that the proposed purchase optimization scheme can minimize the total cost of demand bidding and it is computationally feasible for real applications.
A Regional Protection Partition Strategy Considering Communication Constraints and Its Implementation Techniques
Authors: Li Zhenxing , Gong Yang , Wang Lu , Tan Hong , Kativu Prominent , Wang Pengfei
Published: September 2018

Regional protection based on multisource information of a regional power network depends on communication technology. A partition strategy considering communication constraints and implementation techniques must be considered to realize the regional protection of a large power grid. This paper aims at examining the technical requirements of rapid and reliable regional protection, considering the number of hops as the factor affecting communication between secondary substations and primary substations, and combining this with the equalization of substations. Then, a primary substation selection model of regional protection based on an exhaustive method is proposed using the Floyd–Warshall algorithm (an algorithm for finding shortest paths in a weighted graph). The partition model is further established according to the multifactors that affect the communication delay time for regional protection. Focusing on the N-1 channel fault in the preset region after the formation of the subregions, this paper analyzes the circuitous process of information in an interrupt channel and considers the influence of communication delay time to further improve the partition strategy. Finally, this paper puts forward techniques for partition strategy implementation based on graph theory; an example analysis of an actual power network is also given, and the conclusions of multiple partitions of the same power network are compared and analyzed. Besides this, partition suggestions and theoretical guidance considering actual engineering demands are given.
Experimental Method and Setup for Laboratory Fluidized Bed Reactor Testing
Authors: Leion Henrik , Frick Volkmar , Hildor Fredrik
Published: September 2018

A small laboratory fluidized bed reactor is used to test the chemical reactivity of solid particles fluidized with a gas. The novelty of the system is that it can be used for testing any solid particles, and, in this work, oxygen carriers with Mn/Si oxide supported on TiO2 are used to present the possibilities and layout of the laboratory system. The system is equipped with automatic valves that make it possible to rapidly change the gas conditions in the reactor. The setup facilitates solid particle testing using a sample of a few grams with gas-solid contact conditions relevant for a full-scale fluidized bed. With this small system, it is possible to mimic a section or a part of a larger system. It is also possible to test extreme conditions that can occur in a bigger unit. The system is designed for determining chemical reactivity in combustion, gasification, and reforming, but it can be used for investigating any type of gas-solid reaction in fluidized bed conditions. The setup presented here is one of the smallest possible devices that can be realized while maintaining fluidized bed conditions.
Effects of Non-Homogeneous Nanofluid Model on Natural Convection in a Square Cavity in the Presence of Conducting Solid Block and Corner Heater
Authors: Alsabery Ammar I. , Tayebi Tahar , Chamkha Ali J. , Hashim Ishak
Published: September 2018

This study investigates numerically the effect of the two-phase nanofluid model due to natural convection within a square cavity along with the existence of a conducting solid block, and a corner heater using the finite difference method (FDM). The top horizontal wall is retained at a cold temperature that is fixed as constant, while the isothermal heater is positioned at the bottom left corner within the square cavity. The remaining fractions of the right vertical wall and the heated wall are set to be adiabatic. The water-based nanofluid, together with Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles, have been evaluated by determining the following parameters: the volume fraction of nanoparticles, thickness of solid block, Rayleigh number, and the solid block thermal conductivity. As a result, the comparative evaluation with outputs reported in publications and prior experimental works has pointed out exceptional agreement with the findings retrieved in this study. The experimental outcomes are graphically illustrated in terms of the average and local Nusselt numbers, isotherms, distribution of nanoparticles, and the streamlines. The findings indicate that an elevation of the thermal conductivity in blocks with a similar size successfully increases the transfer rate of heat, wherein the dominance of conduction has been observed.
Optimization of the Electric Field Distribution at the End of the Stator in a Large Generator
Authors: Hu Haitao , Zhang Xiaohong , Liu Yanli , Guo Lijun , Gao Junguo
Published: September 2018

The electric field distribution at the end of a large hydro-generator is highly nonuniform and prone to corona discharge, which damages the main insulation and significantly reduces the service life of the hydro-generator. In order to reduce the thickness of the main insulation and the physical size of a large hydro-generator, it is necessary to understand the distribution of the electric field at the end of its stator bar. In this paper, the stator bar at the end of a large generator is simulated using the finite element method to determine the distribution of the potential, electric field, and loss at the rated voltage, as well as to elucidate the differences between the linear corona protection, two-segment nonlinear corona protection, and three-segment nonlinear corona protection structures. The influences of the arc angle, length of each corona protection layer, intrinsic resistivity of the corona protection material, and nonlinear coefficient are also analyzed. The results manifest that the angle of the stator bar should be 22.5°, the difference in resistivity between the two adjacent corona protection coatings should not exceed two orders of magnitude, and the resistivity of the medium resistivity layer should be nearly 106 Ω·m or 107 Ω·m, for an optimal design of the corona protection structure.
Li-B Alloy as an Anode Material for Stable and Long Life Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhou Sisi , Tang Cong , Zhai Qiaoling , Zhang Xianggong , Wang Rui
Published: September 2018

Rechargeable Li metal batteries have attracted lots of attention because they can achieve high energy densities. However, the commercialization of rechargeable Li metal batteries is delayed because Li dendrites may be generated during the batteries’ electrochemical cycles, which may cause severe safety issues. In this research, a Li-B alloy is investigated as an anode for rechargeable batteries instead of Li metal. Results show that the Li-B alloy has better effects in suppressing the formation of dendritic lithium, reducing the interface impedance and improving the cycle performance. These effects may result from the unique structure of Li-B alloy, in which free lithium is embedded in the Li7B6 framework. These results suggest that Li-B alloy may be a promising anode material applicable in rechargeable lithium batteries.
Voltage Harmonic Suppression by Means of Grid-Connected Converters Using only Local Measurements
Authors: Zhang Ya , Roes Maurice , Hendrix Marcel , Duarte Jorge
Published: September 2018

A single-phase grid-connected converter is considered in this paper in the presence of harmonic problems introduced non-linear loads. In order to compensate the harmonics caused by the loads, a local voltage support scheme is proposed. This is an added feature because its implementation is in parallel with a conventional current control method. Distinctively, the measurements of the grid or load current are not needed since the scheme is based on only local measurements. On top of a fundamental part for desired power injection, the converter output current comprises a harmonic part for compensation. Thus, the grid current harmonic distortion is minimized and the enhancement of the local voltage quality is achieved. A comprehensive model analysis indicates that the proposed strategy can help to attenuate harmonics of the local voltage without compromising on the quality of the fundamental current injection. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Moreover, the impact of grid frequency estimation error on the control strategy’s performance is quantified theoretically and experimentally.