bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural and Shear Performance of Prestressed Composite Slabs with Inverted Multi-Ribs
Authors: Han Sun-Jin , Jeong Jae-Hoon , Joo Hyo-Eun , Choi Seung-Ho , Choi Seokdong , Kim Kang Su
Published: November 2019

Half precast concrete slabs with inverted multi-ribs (Joint Advanced Slab, JAS), which enhance composite performance between slabs by introducing shear keys at connections between the slabs and improve structural performance by placing prestressing tendons and truss-type shear reinforcements, have recently been developed and applied in many construction fields. In this study, flexural and shear tests were performed to verify the structural performance of JAS members. Towards this end, two flexural specimens and four shear specimens were fabricated, and the presence of cast-in-place concrete and the location of the critical section were set as the main test variables. In addition, the flexural and shear performance of the JAS was quantitatively evaluated using a non-linear flexural analysis model and current structural design codes. Evaluation results confirmed that the flexural behavior of the JAS was almost similar to the behavior simulated through the non-linear flexural analysis model, and the shear performance of the JAS can also be estimated appropriately by using the shear strength equations presented in the current design codes. For the JAS with cast-in-place concrete, however, the shear strength estimation results differed significantly depending on the way that the shear contributions of the precast concrete unit and cast-in-place concrete were calculated. Based on the analysis results, this study proposed a design method that can reasonably estimate the shear strength of the composite JAS.
Evaluation of the Indoor Air Quality in Governmental Oversight Supermarkets (Co-Ops) in Kuwait
Authors: Almutairi Azel , Alsanad Abdullah , Alhelailah Heba
Published: November 2019

Examining the indoor air environment of public venues, especially populated supermarkets such as Co-Ops in Kuwait, is crucial to ensure that these venues are safe from indoor environmental deficits such as sick building syndrome (SBS). The aim of this study was to characterize the quality of the indoor air environment of the Co-Ops supermarkets in Kuwait based on investigation of CO2, CO, NO2, H2S, TVOCs, and NMHC. On-site measurements were conducted to evaluate these parameters in three locations at the selected Co-Ops, and the perceived air quality (PAQ) was determined to quantify the air’s pollutants as perceived by humans. Moreover, the indoor air quality index (AQI) was constructed for the selected locations, and the ANOVA test was used to analyze the association between the observed concentrations among these environmental parameters. At least in one spot at each Co-Op, the tested environmental parameters exceeded the threshold limit set by the environmental agencies. The PAQ for Co-Op1, 2, and 3 are 1.25, 1.00, and 0.75 respectively. CO2 was significantly found in an association with CO, H2S, and TVOCs, and its indoor-outdoor concentrations were significantly correlated with R2 values ranges from 0.40 to 0.86 depending on the tested location.
Security Analysis of Discrete-Modulated Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution over Seawater Channel
Authors: Ruan Xinchao , Zhang Hang , Zhao Wei , Wang Xiaoxue , Li Xuan , Guo Ying
Published: November 2019

We investigate the optical absorption and scattering properties of four different kinds of seawater as the quantum channel. The models of discrete-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) in free-space seawater channel are briefly described, and the performance of the four-state protocol and the eight-state protocol in asymptotic and finite-size cases is analyzed in detail. Simulation results illustrate that the more complex is the seawater composition, the worse is the performance of the protocol. For different types of seawater channels, we can improve the performance of the protocol by selecting different optimal modulation variances and controlling the extra noise on the channel. Besides, we can find that the performance of the eight-state protocol is better than that of the four-state protocol, and there is little difference between homodyne detection and heterodyne detection. Although the secret key rate of the protocol that we propose is still relatively low and the maximum transmission distance is only a few hundred meters, the research on CV-QKD over the seawater channel is of great significance, which provides a new idea for the construction of global secure communication network.
Saturation Based Nonlinear FOPD Motion Control Algorithm Design for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Lichuan , Liu Lu , Zhang Shuo , Cao Sheng
Published: November 2019

The application of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is expanding rapidly, which drives the urgent need of its autonomy improvement. Motion control system is one of the keys to improve the control and decision-making ability of AUVs. In this paper, a saturation based nonlinear fractional-order PD (FOPD) controller is proposed for AUV motion control. The proposed controller is can achieve better dynamic performance as well as robustness compared with traditional PID type controller. It also has the advantages of simple structure, easy adjustment and easy implementation. The stability of the AUV motion control system with the proposed controller is analyzed through Lyapunov method. Moreover, the controlled performance can also be adjusted to satisfy different control requirements. The outperformed dynamic control performance of AUV yaw and depth systems with the proposed controller is shown by the set-point regulation and trajectory tracking simulation examples.
Intercomparison of Ground- and Satellite-Based Total Ozone Data Products at Marambio Base, Antarctic Peninsula Region
Authors: Čížková Klára , Láska Kamil , Metelka Ladislav , Staněk Martin
Published: November 2019

This study aims to compare the ground-based Brewer spectrophotometer total ozone column measurements with the Dobson spectrophotometer and various satellite overpass data available at Marambio Base during the period 2011–2013. This station provides a unique opportunity to study ozone variability near the edge of the southern polar vortex; therefore, many institutions, such as the National Meteorological Service of Argentina, the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, have been carrying out various scientific activities there. The intercomparison was performed using total ozone column data sets retrieved from the ground-based instruments and from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)—Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), OMI–Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS), Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2 (GOME2), and Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrophotometer for Atmospheric Cartography (SCIAMACHY) satellite observations. To assess the quality of the selected data products, comparisons with reference to the Brewer spectrophotometer single observations were made. The performance of the satellite observational techniques was assessed against the solar zenith angle and effective temperature, as well as against the actual shape of the vertical ozone profiles, which represent an important input parameter for the satellite ozone retrievals. The ground-based Dobson observations showed the best agreement with the Brewer data set (R2 = 1.00, RMSE = 1.5%); however, significant solar zenith angle (SZA) dependency was found. The satellite overpass data confirmed good agreement with the Brewer observations but were, however, overestimated in all cases except for the OMI(TOMS), when the mean bias differed from −0.7 DU in the case of the OMI(TOMS) to 6.4 DU for the SCIAMACHY. The differences in satellite observational techniques were further evaluated using statistical analyses adapted for depleted and non-depleted conditions over the ozone hole period.
Novel Insect Antifeedant and Ixodicidal Nootkatone Derivatives
Authors: Galisteo Pretel Alberto , Pérez del Pulgar Helena , Olmeda A. Sonia , Gonzalez-Coloma Azucena , Barrero Alejandro F. , Quílez del Moral José Francisco
Published: November 2019

Naturally occurring nootkatone, with reported insecticidal and acaricidal properties, has been used as a lead to generate molecular diversity and, consequently, new insect antifeedant and ixodicidal compounds. A total of 22 derivatives were generated by subjecting this molecule to several reactions including dehydrogenation with the iodine/DMSO system, oxidation with SeO2, epoxidation with mCPBA, oxidation or carbon homologations of the α-carbonyl position with TMSOTf (trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate) followed by Rubottom and Dess Martin periodane oxidations, condensation with formaldehyde using Yb(OTf)3 as catalyst and dehydroxilation using the Grieco protocol. The insect antifeedant (against Myzus persicae and Ropaloshysum padi) and ixodicidal (against the tick Hyalomma lusitanicum) activities of these compounds were tested. Compound 20 was the most active substance against M. persicae and R. padi, and twice more efficient than nootkatone in the antitick test.
Vestibular Compensation after Vestibular Dysfunction Induced by Arsanilic Acid in Mice
Authors: Ito Taeko , Tatsumi Kouko , Takimoto Yasumitsu , Nishimura Tadashi , Imai Takao , Yamanaka Toshiaki , Takeda Noriaki , Wanaka Akio , Kitahara Tadashi
Published: November 2019

When vestibular function is lost, vestibular compensation works for the reacquisition of body balance. For the study of vestibular dysfunction and vestibular compensation, surgical or chemical labyrinthectomy has been performed in various animal species. In the present study, we performed chemical labyrinthectomy using arsanilic acid in mice and investigated the time course of vestibular compensation through behavioral observations and histological studies. The surgical procedures required only paracentesis and storage of 50 µL of p-arsanilic acid sodium salt solution in the tympanic cavity for 5 min. From behavioral observations, vestibular functions were worst at 2 days and recovered by 7 days after surgery. Spontaneous nystagmus appeared at 1 day after surgery with arsanilic acid and disappeared by 2 days. Histological studies revealed specific damage to the vestibular endorgans. In the ipsilateral spinal vestibular nucleus, the medial vestibular nucleus, and the contralateral prepositus hypoglossal nucleus, a substantial number of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells appeared by 1 day after surgery with arsanilic acid, with a maximum increase in number by 2 days and complete disappearance by 7 days. Taken together, these findings indicate that chemical labyrinthectomy with arsanilic acid and the subsequent observation of vestibular compensation is a useful strategy for elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying vestibular pathophysiologies.
Long Non-Coding RNA: Dual Effects on Breast Cancer Metastasis and Clinical Applications
Authors: Huang Qi-Yuan , Liu Guo-Feng , Qian Xian-Ling , Tang Li-Bo , Huang Qing-Yun , Xiong Li-Xia
Published: November 2019

As a highly heterogeneous malignancy, breast cancer (BC) has become the most significant threat to female health. Distant metastasis and therapy resistance of BC are responsible for most of the cases of mortality and recurrence. Distant metastasis relies on an array of processes, such as cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), and angiogenesis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a class of non-coding RNA with a length of over 200 nucleotides. Currently, a rising number of studies have managed to investigate the association between BC and lncRNA. In this study, we summarized how lncRNA has dual effects in BC metastasis by regulating invasion, migration, and distant metastasis of BC cells. We also emphasize that lncRNA has crucial regulatory effects in the stemness and angiogenesis of BC. Clinically, some lncRNAs can regulate chemotherapy sensitivity in BC patients and may function as novel biomarkers to diagnose or predict prognosis for BC patients. The exact impact on clinical relevance deserves further study. This review can be an approach to understanding the dual effects of lncRNAs in BC, thereby linking lncRNAs to quasi-personalized treatment in the future.
Complex Formation with Monomeric α-Tubulin and Importin 13 Fosters c-Jun Protein Stability and Is Required for c-Jun’s Nuclear Translocation and Activity
Authors: Kappelmann-Fenzl Melanie , Kuphal Silke , Krupar Rosemarie , Schadendorf Dirk , Umansky Viktor , Vardimon Lily , Hellerbrand Claus , Bosserhoff Anja-Katrin
Published: November 2019

Microtubules are highly dynamic structures, which consist of α- and β-tubulin heterodimers. They are essential for a number of cellular processes, including intracellular trafficking and mitosis. Tubulin-binding chemotherapeutics are used to treat different types of tumors, including malignant melanoma. The transcription factor c-Jun is a central driver of melanoma development and progression. Here, we identify the microtubule network as a main regulator of c-Jun activity. Monomeric α-tubulin fosters c-Jun protein stability by protein–protein interaction. In addition, this complex formation is necessary for c-Jun’s nuclear localization sequence binding to importin 13, and consequent nuclear import and activity of c-Jun. A reduction in monomeric α-tubulin levels by treatment with the chemotherapeutic paclitaxel resulted in a decline in the nuclear accumulation of c-Jun in melanoma cells in an experimental murine model and in patients’ tissues. These findings add important knowledge to the mechanism of the action of microtubule-targeting drugs and indicate the newly discovered regulation of c-Jun by the microtubule cytoskeleton as a novel therapeutic target for melanoma and potentially also other types of cancer.
Enhanced Performance of Immobilized Xylanase/Filter Paper-ase on a Magnetic Chitosan Support
Authors: Amaro-Reyes Aldo , Díaz-Hernández Azariel , Gracida Jorge , García-Almendárez Blanca E. , Escamilla-García Monserrat , Arredondo-Ochoa Teresita , Regalado Carlos
Published: November 2019

Enzyme immobilization on different supports has emerged as an efficient and cost-effective tool to improve their stability and reuse capacity. This work aimed to produce a stable immobilized multienzymatic system of xylanase and filter paper-ase (FPase) onto magnetic chitosan using genipin as a cross-linking agent and to evaluate its biochemical properties and reuse capacity. A mixture of chitosan magnetic nanoparticles, xylanase, and FPase was covalently bonded using genipin. Immobilization yield and efficiency were quantified. The activity of free and immobilized enzymes was quantified at different values of pH, temperature, substrate concentration (Km and Vmax), and reuse cycles. The immobilization yield, immobilization efficiency, and activity recovery were 145.3% ± 3.06%, 14.8% ± 0.81%, and 21.5% ± 0.72%, respectively, measured as the total hydrolytic activity. Immobilization confers resistance to acidic/basic conditions and thermal stability compared to the free form. Immobilization improved 3.5-fold and 78-fold the catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) of the xylanase and filter paper-ase activities, while immobilized xylanase and FPase could be reused for 34 min and 43 min, respectively. Cross-linking significantly improved the biochemical properties of immobilized enzymes, combined with their simplicity of reuse due to the paramagnetic property of the support. Multienzyme immobilization technology is an important issue for industrial applications.
Second-Generation Manganese(III) Porphyrins Bearing 3,5-Dichloropyridyl Units: Innovative Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Epoxidation of Alkenes
Authors: Neves Cláudia M. B. , Rebelo Susana L. H. , Faustino M. Amparo F. , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Simões Mário M. Q.
Published: November 2019

The synthesis, characterisation and homogeneous catalytic oxidation results of two manganese(III) porphyrins of the so-called second-generation of metalloporphyrin catalysts, containing one or four 3,5-dichloropyridyl substituents at the meso positions are reported for the first time. The catalytic efficiency of these novel manganese(III) porphyrins was evaluated in the oxidation of cyclooctene and styrene using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant, under homogeneous conditions. High conversions were obtained in the presence of both catalysts, obtaining the corresponding epoxide as the major product. The asymmetric metalloporphyrin, chloro[5,10,15-tris(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-20-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)porphyrinate]manganese(III), CAT-4, evidences a similar activity to that obtained with the well-known and highly efficient second-generation metalloporphyrin catalyst, chloro[5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrinate]manganese(III), CAT-2. CAT-4 was covalently attached onto Merrifield resin and 3-bromopropylsilica supports. The solid materials obtained were characterized by several techniques including diffuse reflectance, UV—VIS spectrophotometry, SEM and XPS. The catalytic results for the oxidation of cyclooctene and styrene using the immobilized catalysts are also presented. The Merrifield-supported catalyst showed to be very efficient, leading to five catalytic cycles in the oxidation of cyclooctene, using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant.
Investigation of Thermal Stability and Reactivity of Rh Nanoclusters on an Ultrathin Alumina Film
Authors: Liao Zhen-He , Hsu Po-Wei , Hung Ting-Chieh , Liao Guan-Jr , Chern Zhao-Ying , Lai Yu-Ling , Yu Li-Chung , Hsu Yao-Jane , Wang Jeng-Han , Chen Peilong , Luo Meng-Fan
Published: November 2019

We studied the structural and morphological evolution of Rh clusters on an ordered ultrathin alumina film grown on NiAl(100) in annealing processes, under ultrahigh vacuum conditions and with various surface probe techniques. The Rh clusters, prepared on vapor deposition of Rh onto the alumina film at 300 K, had an fcc phase and grew in the (100) orientation; the annealing altered the cluster structure little—the lattice parameter decreased by a factor <2%—but the cluster morphology significantly. With elevated temperature, small clusters (diameter ≤1.5 nm) decreased little in size; in contrast, large clusters (diameter ≥2.0 nm) varied in a complex manner—their mean diameter decreased to about 1.5 nm on annealing to 450 K, despite their similar height, while it increased to above 2.0 nm at temperature ≥570 K. This atypical decrease in size was governed predominantly by energetics. Such a reduced size enhanced the total surface area as well as the reactivity of the clusters toward methanol decomposition, so increased the production of D2 (H2) and CO from decomposed methanol-d4 (or methanol). The result implies a higher temperature tolerance for Rh clusters on the alumina film and a practical approach to prepare small Rh clusters with high reactivity.
Functional Ultrastructure of the Excretory Gland Cell in Zoonotic Anisakids (Anisakidae, Nematoda)
Authors: Mladineo Ivona , Hrabar Jerko , Smodlaka Hrvoje , Palmer Lauren , Sakamaki Kristen , Keklikoglou Kleoniki , Katharios Pantelis
Published: November 2019

Excretory and secretory products are crucial for parasite infectivity and host immunomodulation, but the functioning and ultrastructure of the excretory gland cell (EC) that produces these products are still scarcely understood and described. In light of growing reports on anisakiasis cases in Europe, we aimed to characterise the EC of larval Anisakis pegreffii and adult Pseudoterranova azarasi. In the latter, EC starts 0.85 mm from the head tip, measuring 1.936 × 0.564 mm. Larval EC shows a long nucleus with thorn-like extravaginations toward the cytoplasm, numerous electron-dense and -lucent secretory granules spanning from the perinuclear to subplasmalemmal space, an elevated number of free ribosomes, small, spherical mitochondria with few cristae and a laminated matrix, small and few Golgi apparatuses, and few endoplasmic reticula, with wide cisternae complexes. Ultrastructure suggests that anaerobic glycolysis is the main metabolic pathway, obtained through nutrient endocytosis across the pseudocoelomic surface of the EC plasmalemma and its endocytic canaliculi. Thorn-like extravaginations of EC karyotheca likely mediate specific processes (Ca2+ signaling, gene expression, transport, nuclear lipid metabolism) into the extremely wide EC cytosol, enabling focal delivery of a signal to specific sites in a short time. These functional annotations of parasitic EC should help to clarify anisakiasis pathogenesis.
Targeting the Stress-Induced Protein NUPR1 to Treat Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Santofimia-Castaño Patricia , Xia Yi , Peng Ling , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Abián Olga , Lan Wenjun , Lomberk Gwen , Urrutia Raul , Rizzuti Bruno , Soubeyran Philippe , Neira José Luis , Iovanna Juan
Published: November 2019

Cancer cells activate stress-response mechanisms to adapt themselves to a variety of stressful conditions. Among these protective mechanisms, those controlled by the stress-induced nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) belong to the most conserved ones. NUPR1 is an 82-residue-long, monomeric, basic and intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), which was found to be invariably overexpressed in some, if not all, cancer tissues. Remarkably, we and others have previously showed that genetic inactivation of the Nupr1 gene antagonizes the growth of pancreatic cancer as well as several other tumors. With the use of a multidisciplinary strategy by combining biophysical, biochemical, bioinformatic, and biological approaches, a trifluoperazine-derived compound, named ZZW-115, has been identified as an inhibitor of the NUPR1 functions. The anticancer activity of the ZZW-115 was first validated on a large panel of cancer cells. Furthermore, ZZW-115 produced a dose-dependent tumor regression of the tumor size in xenografted mice. Mechanistically, we have demonstrated that NUPR1 binds to several importins. Because ZZW-115 binds NUPR1 through the region around the amino acid Thr68, which is located into the nuclear location signal (NLS) region of the protein, we demonstrated that treatment with ZZW-115 inhibits completely the translocation of NUPR1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus by competing with importins.
Differential Roles of Lipin1 and Lipin2 in the Hepatitis C Virus Replication Cycle
Authors: Castro Victoria , Calvo Gema , Ávila-Pérez Ginés , Dreux Marlène , Gastaminza Pablo
Published: November 2019

Although their origin, nature and structure are not identical, a common feature of positive-strand RNA viruses is their ability to subvert host lipids and intracellular membranes to generate replication and assembly complexes. Recently, lipin1, a cellular enzyme that converts phosphatidic acid into diacylglycerol, has been implicated in the formation of the membranous web that hosts hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicase. In the liver, lipin1 cooperates with lipin2 to maintain glycerolipid homeostasis. We extended our previous study of the lipin family on HCV infection, by determining the impact of the lipin2 silencing on viral replication. Our data reveal that lipin2 silencing interferes with HCV virion secretion at late stages of the infection, without significantly affecting viral replication or assembly. Moreover, uninfected lipin2-, but not lipin1-deficient cells display alterations in mitochondrial and Golgi apparatus morphology, suggesting that lipin2 contributes to the maintenance of the overall organelle architecture. Finally, our data suggest a broader function of lipin2 for replication of HCV and other RNA viruses, in contrast with the specific impact of lipin1 silencing on HCV replication. Overall, this study reveals distinctive functions of lipin1 and lipin2 in cells of hepatic origin, a context in which they are often considered functionally redundant.
UV/Ozone-Assisted Rapid Formation of High-Quality Tribological Self-Assembled Monolayer
Authors: Fan Zhitao , Zhi Chao , Wu Lei , Zhang Pei , Feng Chengqiang , Deng Liang , Yu Bingjun , Qian Linmao
Published: November 2019

UV/ozone (UVO)-assisted formation of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) was prepared on a glass surface. The effect of UVO exposure time on surface roughness and hydrophilicity was investigated through goniometer and atomic force microscope (AFM), and deposition time-dependent SAM quality was detected by AFM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The glass surface became smooth with UVO radiation after 10 min, and the hydrophilicity was also improved after the treatment. Confirmed by surface topography detection and chemical composition analysis, a high-quality SAM can be formed rapidly on glass with 10 min UVO treatment followed by 2 h deposition in PFDS solution. Excellent tribological performances of SAM coated with UVO treatment glass were demonstrated by friction and wear tests on AFM compared to film-deposited glass without UVO treatment and original glass. The study sheds a light on preparing high-quality lubrication and antiwear self-assembled films on the surface of engineering materials.
A Printable Paste Based on a Stable n-Type Poly[Ni-tto] Semiconducting Polymer
Authors: Tkachov Roman , Stepien Lukas , Greifzu Moritz , Kiriy Anton , Kiriy Nataliya , Schüler Tilman , Schmiel Tino , López Elena , Brückner Frank , Leyens Christoph
Published: November 2019

Polynickeltetrathiooxalate (poly[Ni-tto]) is an n-type semiconducting polymer having outstanding thermoelectric characteristics and exhibiting high stability under ambient conditions. However, its insolubility limits its use in organic electronics. This work is devoted to the production of a printable paste based on a poly[Ni-tto]/PVDF composite by thoroughly grinding the powder in a ball mill. The resulting paste has high homogeneity and is characterized by rheological properties that are well suited to the printing process. High-precision dispenser printing allows one to apply both narrow lines and films of poly[Ni-tto]-composite with a high degree of smoothness. The resulting films have slightly better thermoelectric properties compared to the original polymer powder. A flexible, fully organic double-leg thermoelectric generator with six thermocouples was printed by dispense printing using the poly[Ni-tto]-composite paste as n-type material and a commercial PEDOT-PSS paste as p-type material. A temperature gradient of 100 K produces a power output of about 20 nW.
Two Interpenetrated Zn(II) Coordination Polymers: Synthesis, Topological Structures, and Property
Authors: He Zi-Wei , Liu Chang-Jie , Li Wei-Dong , Han Shuai-Shuai , Chen Shui-Sheng
Published: November 2019

Two interpenetrated coordination polymers (CPs) {[Zn1(L)(NO2pbda)]n[Zn2(L)(NO2pbda)]n} (1) and [Zn(L)(Brpbda)]n (2) were prepared by reactions of zinc sulfate heptahydrate with N-donor ligands of 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene (L) and auxiliary carboxylic acids of nitroterephthalic acid (H2NO2pbda) and 2,5-dibromoterephthalic acid (H2Brpbda), respectively. The structures of the CPs were characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination polymer 1 has two different (4, 4) sql 2D layer structures based on the [Zn(L)(NO2pbda)] moiety, which results in inclined interpenetration with a 2D + 2D → 3D architecture, while the CP 2 exhibits a 3-fold interpenetrating dmp network. The diffuse reflectance spectra are also investigated for the CPs 1 and 2.
Fluorescence Properties and Density Functional Theory Calculation of a Structurally Characterized Heterotetranuclear [ZnII2–SmIII2] 4,4′-Bipy-Salamo-Constructed Complex
Authors: An Xiao-Xin , Liu Chang , Chen Zhuang-Zhuang , Xie Ke-Feng , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2019

A new heterotetranuclear complex, [{Zn(L)Sm(NO3)3}2(4,4′-bipy)]·2CH3OH, was synthesized via an unsymmetrical single salamo-like ligand H2L: 6-methoxy-6′-ethoxy-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(azinomethyl)]diphenol, with Zn(OAc)2·2H2O, Sm(NO3)3·6H2O, and 4,4′-bipyridine by the one-pot method. The [ZnII2–SmIII2] complex was validated via elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy. The X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis of the [ZnII2–SmIII2] complex was carried out via X-ray single-crystal crystallography. The crystal structure and supramolecular features were discussed. In addition, while studying the fluorescence properties of the [ZnII2–SmIII2] complex, the density functional theory (DFT) calculation of its structure was also performed.
Reiber’s Diagram for Kappa Free Light Chains: The New Standard for Assessing Intrathecal Synthesis?
Authors: Schwenkenbecher Philipp , Konen Franz Felix , Wurster Ulrich , Witte Torsten , Gingele Stefan , Sühs Kurt-Wolfram , Stangel Martin , Skripuletz Thomas
Published: November 2019

Oligoclonal bands are the gold standard for determination of an intrathecal immunoglobulin G synthesis and were recently included in the McDonald criteria of 2017 to diagnose relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) as a substitute for dissemination in time. Intrathecally produced kappa free light chains (KFLC) are a novel promising biomarker with similar characteristics and the advantage for automated determination. However, different approaches exist to determine the intrathecal KFLC fraction. The most common method is to calculate the CSF/serum KFLC quotient with reference to the albumin CSF/serum quotient (QKappa/QAlb) the so-called KFLC index. Recently, Reiber developed a theoretically and empirically founded hyperbolic function similar to his traditional hyperbolic function for the immunoglobulins A, G, M. Our study included a total of 168 patients with either MS according to the McDonald criteria of 2017, clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) with conversion to MS during follow-up, or stable CIS. Positive oligoclonal bands were compared with the KFLC index, Reiber’s KFLC diagram, Presslauer’s KFLC exponential curve, and Senel’s linear curve for KFLC. Reiber’s diagram detected an intrathecal production of KFLC in 98/100 patients with MS, only one patient fewer than oligoclonal bands positivity (99/100). By using the KFLC index ≥ 5.9, Presslauer’s KFLC exponential function, and Senel’s linear curve two more patients would not have been identified (96/100). For the group of patients who converted from CIS to MS similar results were obtained for both the oligoclonal bands and the Reiber graph (21/24, 88%). The KFLC index ≥ 5.9, Presslauer’s method, and Senel’s linear function each identified two patients fewer (19/24, 79%). In patients with stable CIS, 11/44 patients (25%) displayed oligoclonal bands in contrast to 9/44 patients (20%) with elevated KFLC by using Reiber’s diagram and Presslauer’s method, 8/44 patients (18%) with elevated KFLC as detected by Senel’s linear function, and 7/44 patients (16%) with KFLC index ≥ 5.9. In conclusion, Reiber’s KFLC diagram shows a great diagnostic performance to detect an intrathecal KFLC production in patients with MS.
Identification of Pneumococcal Serotypes by PCR–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
Authors: García-Suárez María del Mar , González-Rodríguez Irene , Cima-Cabal María Dolores , Yuste Jose Enrique , Vazquez Fernando , Santiago Enrique
Published: November 2019

Streptococcus pneumoniae shows more than 90 capsular serotypes that can be distinguished by their reactivity against antisera. The main objective of this work was the development of a molecular method for serotyping without the use of antisera. A computer program containing an algorithm was used to search in a database for potentially useful enzymes for Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-RFLP typing, in order to maximize the discrimination between different serotypes. DNA sequences of 90 serotypes for the region between dexB and aliA genes were compiled, and a computer screening of restriction enzymes was performed. The wzg–wzh–wzd–wze region and Sse9I restriction predicted unique PCR-RFLP patterns for 39 serotypes and eight serogroups. A second restriction enzyme resolved fragment specific patterns for 25 serotypes. The method was tested with 98 serotype-unknown clinical isolates. PCR-RFLP analysis deduced correct serotypes that were confirmed by Quellung reaction for 78.5% of the isolates.
Router-Integrated Cache Hierarchy Design for Highly Parallel Computing in Efficient CMP Systems
Authors: Zhao Huatao , Jia Xu , Watanabe Takahiro
Published: November 2019

In current Chip Multi-Processor (CMP) systems, data sharing existing in cache hierarchy acts as a critical issue which costs plenty of clock cycles for maintaining data coherence. Along with the integrated core number increasing, the only shared cache serves too many processing threads to maintain sharing data efficiently. In this work, an enhanced router network is integrated within the private cache level for fast interconnecting sharing data accesses existing in different threads. All sharing data in private cache level can be classified into seven access types by experimental pattern analysis. Then, both shared accesses and thread-crossed accesses can be rapidly detected and dealt with in the proposed router network. As a result, the access latency of private cache is decreased, and a conventional coherence traffic problem is alleviated. The process in the proposed path is composed of three steps. Firstly, the target accesses can be detected by exploring in the router network. Then, the proposed replacement logic can handle those accesses for maintaining data coherence. Finally, those accesses are delivered in the proposed data deliverer. Thus, the harmful data sharing accesses are solved within the first chip layer in 3D-IC structure. The proposed system is also implemented into a cycle-precise simulation platform, and experimental results illustrate that our model can improve the Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) of on-chip execution by maximum 31.85 percent, while energy consumption can be saved by about 17.61 percent compared to the base system.
Adaptive Equalization for Dispersion Mitigation in Multi-Channel Optical Communication Networks
Authors: Ali Farman , Ahmad Shabbir , Muhammad Fazal , Abbas Ziaul Haq , Habib Usman , Kim Sunghwan
Published: November 2019

Optical communication networks (OCNs) provide promising and cost-effective support for the ultra-fast broadband solutions, thus enabling them to address the ever growing demands of telecommunication industry such as high capacity and end users’ data rate. OCNs are used in both wired and wireless access networks as they offer many advantages over conventional copper wire transmission such as low power consumption, low cost, ultra-high bandwidth, and high transmission rates. Channel effects caused by light propagation through the fiber limits the performance, hence the data rate of the overall transmission. To achieve the maximum performance gain in terms of transmission rate through the OCN, an optical downlink system is investigated in this paper using feed forward equalizer (FFE) along with decision feedback equalizer (DFE). The simulation results show that the proposed technique plays a key role in dispersion mitigation in multi-channel optical transmission to uphold multi-Gb/s transmission. Moreover, bit error rate (BER) and quality factor (Q-factor) below 10 − 5 and above 5, respectively, are achieved with electrical domain equalizers for the OCN in the presence of multiple distortion effects showing the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive equalization techniques.
Efficient Evolutionary Learning Algorithm for Real-Time Embedded Vision Applications
Authors: Guo Zhonghua , Zhang Meng , Lee Dah-Jye
Published: November 2019

This paper reports the development of an efficient evolutionary learning algorithm designed specifically for real-time embedded visual inspection applications. The proposed evolutionary learning algorithm constructs image features as a series of image transforms for image classification and is suitable for resource-limited systems. This algorithm requires only a small number of images and time for training. It does not depend on handcrafted features or manual tuning of parameters and is generalized to be versatile for visual inspection applications. This allows the system to be configured on the fly for different applications and by an operator without extensive experience. An embedded vision system, equipped with an ARM processor running Linux, is capable of performing at roughly one hundred 640 × 480 frames per second which is more than adequate for real-time visual inspection applications. As example applications, three image datasets were created to test the performance of this algorithm. The first dataset was used to demonstrate the suitability of the algorithm for visual inspection automation applications. This experiment combined two applications to make it a more challenging test. One application was for separating fertilized and unfertilized eggs. The other one was for detecting two common defects on the eggshell. Two other datasets were created for road condition classification and pavement quality evaluation. The proposed algorithm was 100% for fertilized egg detection and 98.6% for eggshell quality inspection for a combined 99.1% accuracy. It had an accuracy of 92% for the road condition classification and 100% for pavement quality evaluation.
Biogas Production from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and Palm Oil Decanter Cake using Solid-State Anaerobic co-Digestion
Authors: Tepsour Muthita , Usmanbaha Nikannapas , Rattanaya Thiwa , Jariyaboon Rattana , O-Thong Sompong , Prasertsan Poonsuk , Kongjan Prawit
Published: November 2019

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and palm oil decanter cake (DC) were used to investigate biogas production by using solid-state anaerobic co-digestion (SS-AcoD) with 15% total solid (TS) content. Solid state anaerobic digestion (SS-AD) using substrate to inoculum (S:I) ratio of 3:1, methane yields of 353.0 mL-CH4/g-VS and 101.5 mL-CH4/g-VS were respectively achieved from mono-digestion of EFB without oil palm ash (OPA) addition and of DC with 10% OPA addition under mesophilic conditions 35 °C. By adding 5% OPA to SS-AD using 3:1 S:I ratio under thermophilic conditions (55 °C), mono-digestion of EFB and DC provided methane yields of 365.0 and 160.3 mL-CH4/g-VS, respectively. Furthermore, SS-AcoD of EFB:DC at 1:1 mixing ratio (volatile solid, VS basis), corresponding to carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio of 32, gathering with S:I ratio of 3:1 and 5% ash addition, synergistic effect is observed together with similar methane yields of 414.4 and 399.3 mL-CH4/g-VS, achieved under 35 °C and 55 °C, respectively. According to first order kinetic analysis under synergistic condition, methane production rate from thermophilic operation is 5 times higher than that from mesophilic operation. Therefore, SS-AcoD could be potentially beneficial to generate biogas from EFB and DC.
An Importance Analysis–Based Weight Evaluation Framework for Identifying Key Components of Multi-Configuration Off-Grid Wind Power Generation Systems under Stochastic Data Inputs
Authors: Bin Lingling , Pan Haiyang , He Li , Lian Jijian
Published: November 2019

Wind power systems have great potential due to its inexhaustible nature and benign environmental impacts. Especially in remote areas, where wind is plentiful, but it is difficult to get grid-connected power, an off-grid wind power system is an effective alternative for power supply. Reliable and safe operation of the generating system are essential for electricity production and supply. Importance analysis to identify key components of the system is a critical part of reliability assessment. This paper proposes an importance analysis–based weight evaluation framework for identifying key components of multi-configuration off-grid wind power generation systems under stochastic inputs. In the framework, the joint importance analysis based on Birnbaum importance and Criticality importance are introduced to analyze the system reliability and failure rate. Wind speed with stochastic characteristics, load demand with multiple scenarios, and energy transfer with different paths are also merged into the evaluation framework. The results reveal that the rectifier, battery, discharge load, and valve controller dominate the reliability of the off-grid wind power generation system. High priority should be placed on these components during the design phase and maintenance stage. The proposed approach is a positive step forward in promoting component importance analysis and providing more theoretical supports in system design, reliability analysis, and monitoring scheme formulation.
The State of Smart Cities in China: The Case of Shenzhen
Authors: Hu Richard
Published: November 2019

China is at the midpoint of its urbanisation—the largest scale in human history. The recent smart city movement is influencing the discourse and practice of China’s urbanisation, with numerous cities claiming to build smart cities and/or adopting some forms of smart city strategies and initiatives. A so-called ‘latecomer’s advantage’ is being exploited to advance their pursuit for a smart city status, not only to catch up with overseas counterparts, but to overtake them and become international leaders. This local-level enthusiasm strikes a chord with the central government’s strategy of building an ‘innovative nation’ to drive its economic transformation towards a knowledge economy. This converging central-local interest is creating a ‘smart city mania’ across the nation, which, however, has not received due attention in the international literature, and thus deserves critical examination and reflection to inform policy debates. To address this gap, this study investigates the state of smart cities in China, based on a case study of Shenzhen, China’s fastest-growing, experimental city. Shenzhen grew from a fishing village into an international metropolis in 40 years, and has now won a nickname of ‘China’s Silicon Valley’ or ‘China’s smartest city’. This study analyses the state of Chinese smart cities and the pursuit for a smart Shenzhen from the perspectives of the smart city as a concept, as an urban development paradigm, and as an urban regime, drawing upon the international smart city literature. It concludes that a technology-centric approach to smart cities in China, as illustrated by the Shenzhen case, have advanced innovation capacity and economic growth through capitalising on a ‘latecomer’s advantage’. However, this ‘latecomer’s advantage’ may translate into a ‘latecomer’s disadvantage’ for this approach’s lack of institutional adaptation, and for its insufficient attention to social and environmental problems covered under the shiny economic boom. This latecomer’s disadvantage is likely to impact the long-term sustainability of Chinese cities.
Data-Driven Compartmental Modeling Method for Harmonic Analysis—A Study of the Electric Arc Furnace
Authors: Xu Haobo , Shao Zhenguo , Chen Feixiong
Published: November 2019

The electric arc furnace (EAF) contributes to almost one-third of the global iron and steel industry, and its harmonic pollution has drawn attention. An accurate EAF harmonic model is essential to evaluate the harmonic pollution of EAF. In this paper, a data-driven compartmental modeling method (DCMM) is proposed for the multi-mode EAF harmonic model. The proposed DCMM considers the coupling relationship among different frequencies of harmonics to enhance the modeling accuracy, meanwhile, the dimensions of the harmonic dataset are reduced to improve computational efficiency. Furthermore, the proposed DCMM is applicable to establish a multi-mode EAF harmonic model by dividing the multi-mode EAF harmonic dataset into several clusters corresponding to the different modes of the EAF smelting process. The performance evaluation results show that the proposed DCMM is adaptive in terms of establishing the multi-mode model, even if the data volumes, number of clusters, and sample distribution change significantly. Finally, a case study of EAF harmonic data is conducted to establish a multi-mode EAF harmonic model, showing that the proposed DCMM is effective and accurate in EAF modeling.
Tidal Current Energy Resource Distribution in Korea
Authors: Hwang Su-jin , Jo Chul H.
Published: November 2019

Korea is a very well-known country for having abundant tidal current energy resources. There are many attractive coastal areas for the tidal current power that have very strong currents due to the high tidal range and the acceleration through the narrow channels between islands in the west and south coasts of the Korean peninsula. Recently, the Korean government announced a plan that aims to increase the portion of electricity generated from renewable energy to 20% by 2030. Korea has abundant tidal current energy resources; however, as reliable resource assessment results of tidal current energy are not sufficient, the portion of tidal current power is very small in the plan. Therefore, a reliable resource assessment should be conducted in order to provide a basis for the development plan. This paper describes the resource assessment of tidal current energy in Korea based on the observational data provided by KHOA (Korean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency) and numerical simulation of water circulation. As the observational data were unable to present the detailed distribution of the complicated tidal current between islands, numerical simulation of water circulation was used to describe the detailed distribution of tidal current in Incheon-Gyeonggi and Jeollanam-do, where the tidal energy potentials are abundant. The west and south coastal areas of Korea were divided into seven regions according to the administrative district, and the theoretical tidal current potential was calculated using average power intercepted. The results of this research can provide the insight of the tidal current energy development plan in Korea.
Microgrids Literature Review through a Layers Structure
Authors: Carpintero-Rentería Miguel , Santos-Martín David , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: November 2019

Within a distributed generation (DG) system, microgrids (MGs) are an alternative approach that may provide both resiliency and efficiency benefits. In this review, an analysis of both research and industrial documents was done. In order to establish a solid foundation of the MGs concept, a comparison of various definitions written by distinguished authors has been made. Segmenting the information of MGs into layers facilitates its analysis, search, and comparison. Therefore, this paper continuous with a layer approach from other studies and incorporates the concept of the environment as a key element that has a high impact on the microgrid functional structure. With the foundation of the MG concept, an exhaustive literature review has been developed about the main microgrid layers, such as business, standard, climate, infrastructure or control, and operation.
Energy Justice as Part of the Acceptance of Wind Energy: An Analysis of Limburg in The Netherlands
Authors: Kluskens Nikki , Vasseur Véronique , Benning Rowan
Published: November 2019

Policy documents in Limburg stress the importance of participation and distribution of benefits in wind energy projects, but it is not clear which modes of participation and distribution of benefits are most just, both in terms of perceived justice, and in terms of justice principles. Research shows that considering justice in renewable energy transitions increases the level of acceptance. This study aims to provide insight in what modes of participation and distribution are perceived as most just and likely to create local acceptance of wind parks. The most preferred modes are being compared to the indicators of the energy justice framework in order if they meet the criteria for a fair procedure and distribution of outcomes. Based on semi-structured interviews the analysis of the data demonstrated that different modes of participation in different phases of the process are being preferred and that a balance between modes of distribution of benefits is preferred. The results indicate that the most preferred modes of participation cannot necessarily address all indicators of procedural justice and that depending on the mode of distribution of benefits and the balance between those modes indicators of distributive justice can be addressed.