bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Semivolatile Organic Nitrates in Ambient Atmosphere by Gas Chromatography/Electron Ionization–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Rui , Jiang Xiaotong , Wang Xinfeng , Chen Tianshu , Du Lin , Xue Likun , Bi Xinhui , Tang Mingjin , Wang Wenxing
Published: February 2019

Semivolatile organic nitrates (SVONs) contribute a large proportion of total organic nitrates and play an important role in the tropospheric chemistry. However, the composition and concentrations of SVONs in the atmosphere remain unclear due to the lack of reliable analytical techniques for specific organic nitrates. In this study, a method based on gas chromatography and electron ionization–mass spectrometry was developed to detect ambient SVONs that were collected via polyurethane foam disk enrichment. Three SVONs were identified in the semivolatile samples from urban Jinan during spring based on the characteristic fragment ions of [NO2]+ and [CH2NO3]+ and the characteristic fragment loss of NO2 and NO3: 1-pentyl nitrate (molecular weight [MW] = 133), 4-hydroxy-isoprene nitrate (MW = 147), and (3,4)-di-hydroxy-isoprene nitrate (MW = 163). The latter two isoprene nitrates were rarely detected in the real atmosphere in previous studies. The contents of 1-pentyl nitrate, 4-hydroxy-isoprene nitrate, and (3,4)-di-hydroxy-isoprene nitrate were roughly quantified based on the standard of 1-pentyl nitrate, with a detection limit of 50 μg L−1. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was used to determine the total SVONs content. The average concentrations of 1-pentyl nitrate, 4-hydroxy-isoprene nitrate, (3,4)-di-hydroxy-isoprene nitrate, and total SVONs in Jinan during spring were 20.2 ± 7.2, 13.2 ± 7.2, 36.5 ± 8.4, and 380.0 ± 190.8 ng m−3, respectively. The three identified SVONs contributed only 20.2 ± 5.5% to the total SVONs, which suggests that some unidentified SVONs are present in the ambient atmosphere and that studies with improved or advanced analytical techniques will be required to identify them.
Climatic Effects of China Large-Scale Urbanization on East Asian Summer Monsoon under Different Phases of Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Liang Yongxiao , Xiao Pengfeng
Published: February 2019

The effects of urbanization over eastern China on the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) under different sea surface temperature background are compared using a Community Atmosphere Model (CAM5.1). Experiments of urbanization investigated by comparing two climate simulations with and without urban land cover under both positive and negative phases of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) show the spatial distribution of precipitation with ‘southern flood and northern drought’ and weakening status of EASM. The climate effect of urbanization in eastern China is significantly different from north to south. Anomalous vertical ascending motion due to the role of urbanization in the south of 30° N have induced an increase in convective available potential energy (CAPE) and precipitation increase over southern China. At the same time, the downward vertical motion occurs in the north of 30° N which cause warming over northern China. Due to the anti-cyclonic anomalies in the upper and lower layers of the north, the monsoon circulation is weakened which can reduce the precipitation. However, urbanization impact under various phases of PDO show different effect. In the 1956–1970 urbanization experiments of negative PDO phase, the downward vertical motion and anti-cyclonic anomalies in the north of 30° N are also weaker than that of positive phase of PDO in 1982–1996. In terms of this situation, the urbanization experiments of negative phase of PDO reveal that the range of the warming area over the north of 40° N is small, and the warming intensity is weak, but the precipitation change is more obvious compared with the background of positive phase of PDO.
Entanglement, Complementarity, and Vacuum Fields in Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion
Authors: Menzel Ralf , Heuer Axel , Milonni Peter W.
Published: February 2019

Using two crystals for spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a parallel setup, we observe two-photon interference with high visibility. The high visibility is consistent with complementarity and the absence of which-path information. The observations are explained as the effects of entanglement or equivalently in terms of interfering probability amplitudes and also by the calculation of a second-order field correlation function in the Heisenberg picture. The latter approach brings out explicitly the role of the vacuum fields in the down-conversion at the crystals and in the photon coincidence counting. For comparison, we show that the Hong–Ou–Mandel dip can be explained by the same approach in which the role of the vacuum signal and idler fields, as opposed to entanglement involving vacuum states, is emphasized. We discuss the fundamental limitations of a theory in which these vacuum fields are treated as classical, stochastic fields.
A Study of the Biomechanical Behavior of the Implantation Method of Inverted Shoulder Prosthesis (BIO–RSA) under Different Abduction Movements
Authors: Mebarki Salah , Aour Benaoumeur , Jourdan Franck , Malachanne Etienne , Belaghit Abdel Hakem
Published: February 2019

The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the human body, but it is very fragile; several pathologies, and especially muscular degenerations in the elderly, can affect its stability. These are more commonly called rotator cuff fractures. In the case of this type of pathology, the mobility of the shoulder decreases and pain appears. In order to restore mobility and reduce pain, implantation of an inverted shoulder prosthesis is recommended. Unfortunately, over time a notch phenomenon has been observed. In the lower position of the arm, part of the implant comes into contact with the scapula and therefore causes deterioration of the bone. Among the solutions adopted is the lateralized method with bone grafting. However, a main disadvantage of this method concerns the reconstruction of the graft in the case of prosthesis revision. In this context, the aim of the present work was to reconstruct the shoulder joint in 3D in order to obtain a bio-faithful geometry, and then study the behavior of different types of biomaterials that can replace bone grafting. To this end, three arm abduction motions were examined for three individuals. From the results obtained, it appears that grafts in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) exhibit a behavior closer to that of bones.
Integrated Approaches for the Use of Large Datasets to Identify Rational Therapies for the Treatment of Lung Cancers
Authors: Cardnell Robert J. , Byers Lauren Averett , Wang Jing
Published: February 2019

The benefit and burden of contemporary techniques for the molecular characterization of samples is the vast amount of data generated. In the era of “big data”, it has become imperative that we develop multi-disciplinary teams combining scientists, clinicians, and data analysts. In this review, we discuss a number of approaches developed by our University of Texas MD Anderson Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Program to process and utilize such large datasets with the goal of identifying rational therapeutic options for biomarker-driven patient subsets. Large integrated datasets such as the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for patient samples and the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) for tumor derived cell lines include genomic, transcriptomic, methylation, miRNA, and proteomic profiling alongside clinical data. To best use these datasets to address urgent questions such as whether we can define molecular subtypes of disease with specific therapeutic vulnerabilities, to quantify states such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition that are associated with resistance to treatment, or to identify potential therapeutic agents in models of cancer that are resistant to standard treatments required the development of tools for systematic, unbiased high-throughput analysis. Together, such tools, used in a multi-disciplinary environment, can be leveraged to identify novel treatments for molecularly defined subsets of cancer patients, which can be easily and rapidly translated from benchtop to bedside.
Mouse-Derived Isograft (MDI) In Vivo Tumor Models II. Carcinogen-Induced cMDI Models: Characterization and Cancer Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Beshay Janette , Jantscheff Peter , Lemarchand Thomas , Obodozie Cynthia , Schächtele Christoph , Weber Holger
Published: February 2019

In this second study, we established syngeneic in vivo models named carcinogen-induced mouse-derived isografts (cMDIs). Carcinogen-induced tumors were obtained during short-term observation (3–9 months) of CBA/J mice treated with various administration routes with 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) or N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) as carcinogens. During necropsy, primary tumors and suspicious tissues were assessed macroscopically and re-transplanted (in PDX-like manner) into sex-matched syngeneic animals. Outgrowing tumors were histologically characterized as either spinocellular carcinoma (1/8) or various differentiated sarcomas (7/8). Growth curves of four sarcomas showed striking heterogeneity. These cMDIs were further characterized by flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, or efficacy studies. A variable invasion of immune cells into the tumors, as well as varying expression of tyrosine kinase receptor, IFN-γ signature, or immune cell population marker genes could be observed. Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment (anti-mPD-1, anti-mCTLA-4, or a combination thereof) showed different responses in the various cMDI models. In general, cMDI models are carcinogen-induced tumors of low passage number that were propagated as tissue pieces in mice without any tissue culturing. Therefore, the tumors contained conserved tumor characteristics and intratumoral immune cell populations. In contrast to the previously described spontaneous MDI, carcinogen induction resulted in a greater number of individual but histologically related tumors, which were preferentially sarcomas.
Paclitaxel-Induced Src Activation Is Inhibited by Dasatinib Treatment, Independently of Cancer Stem Cell Properties, in a Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kadife Elif , Chan Emily , Luwor Rodney , Kannourakis George , Findlay Jock , Ahmed Nuzhat
Published: February 2019

Approximately seventy percent of ovarian cancer patients succumb to the disease within the first 5 years of diagnosis, even after successful surgery and effective chemotherapy treatment. A small subset of chemotherapy resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) cause relapse of ovarian cancers. This study investigated the association between paclitaxel-mediated Src activation (p-Src) and CSC populations in driving ovarian cancer progression. We demonstrate that patients with high-stage serous ovarian carcinomas have significantly elevated levels of p-Src, compared to patient with low-stage and benign ovarian tumours. Additionally, p-Src was significantly enhanced in ascites-derived tumour cells obtained from recurrent patients, compared to chemonaïve patients. Paclitaxel treatment increased Src activation in ovarian cancer cells, causing enrichment of CSC marker expression in the surviving cells in vitro and in xenografts of nude mice. Dasatinib in combination with paclitaxel significantly suppressed p-Src in ovarian cancer cell lines and xenografts but had no effect on the expression of CSC markers. However, combination of paclitaxel and Dasatinib showed lower trend in invasion in liver and pancreas, compared to paclitaxel-only treatment. The tumours treated with combination therapy also had significantly lower infiltration of mononuclear cells. Robust recurrent tumour growth was observed in all mice groups after termination of treatments. The above results suggest that Dasatinib-mediated inhibition of p-Src may not be crucial for paclitaxel-induced CSC-mediated recurrence in ovarian cancer.
Titanium Dioxide: From Engineering to Applications
Authors: Kang Xiaolan , Liu Sihang , Dai Zideng , He Yunping , Song Xuezhi , Tan Zhenquan
Published: February 2019

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials have garnered extensive scientific interest since 1972 and have been widely used in many areas, such as sustainable energy generation and the removal of environmental pollutants. Although TiO2 possesses the desired performance in utilizing ultraviolet light, its overall solar activity is still very limited because of a wide bandgap (3.0–3.2 eV) that cannot make use of visible light or light of longer wavelength. This phenomenon is a deficiency for TiO2 with respect to its potential application in visible light photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical devices, as well as photovoltaics and sensors. The high overpotential, sluggish migration, and rapid recombination of photogenerated electron/hole pairs are crucial factors that restrict further application of TiO2. Recently, a broad range of research efforts has been devoted to enhancing the optical and electrical properties of TiO2, resulting in improved photocatalytic activity. This review mainly outlines state-of-the-art modification strategies in optimizing the photocatalytic performance of TiO2, including the introduction of intrinsic defects and foreign species into the TiO2 lattice, morphology and crystal facet control, and the development of unique mesocrystal structures. The band structures, electronic properties, and chemical features of the modified TiO2 nanomaterials are clarified in detail along with details regarding their photocatalytic performance and various applications.
The Role of Androgen Receptor Signaling in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Mizushima Taichi , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2019

Emerging evidence has suggested that androgen receptor signaling plays an important role in ovarian cancer outgrowth. Specifically, androgen receptor activation appears to be associated with increased risks of developing ovarian cancer and inducing tumor progression. However, conflicting findings have also been reported. This review summarizes and discusses the available data indicating the involvement of androgens as well as androgen receptor and related signals in ovarian carcinogenesis and cancer growth. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms for androgen receptor functions in ovarian cancer remain far from being fully understood, current observations may offer effective chemopreventive and therapeutic approaches, via modulation of androgen receptor activity, against ovarian cancer. Indeed, several clinical trials have been conducted to determine the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy in patients with ovarian cancer.
Switching on Endogenous Metal Binding Proteins in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: McLeary Fleur A. , Rcom-H’cheo-Gauthier Alexandre N. , Goulding Michael , Radford Rowan A. W. , Okita Yuho , Faller Peter , Chung Roger S. , Pountney Dean L.
Published: February 2019

The formation of cytotoxic intracellular protein aggregates is a pathological signature of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The principle aggregating protein in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical Parkinson’s diseases is α-synuclein (α-syn), which occurs in neural cytoplasmic inclusions. Several factors have been found to trigger α-syn aggregation, including raised calcium, iron, and copper. Transcriptional inducers have been explored to upregulate expression of endogenous metal-binding proteins as a potential neuroprotective strategy. The vitamin-D analogue, calcipotriol, induced increased expression of the neuronal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein, calbindin-D28k, and this significantly decreased the occurrence of α-syn aggregates in cells with transiently raised intracellular free Ca, thereby increasing viability. More recently, the induction of endogenous expression of the Zn and Cu binding protein, metallothionein, by the glucocorticoid analogue, dexamethasone, gave a specific reduction in Cu-dependent α-syn aggregates. Fe accumulation has long been associated with PD. Intracellularly, Fe is regulated by interactions between the Fe storage protein ferritin and Fe transporters, such as poly(C)-binding protein 1. Analysis of the transcriptional regulation of Fe binding proteins may reveal potential inducers that could modulate Fe homoeostasis in disease. The current review highlights recent studies that suggest that transcriptional inducers may have potential as novel mechanism-based drugs against metal overload in PD.
The Centriolar Adjunct–Appearance and Disassembly in Spermiogenesis and the Potential Impact on Fertility
Authors: Garanina Anastasiia S. , Alieva Irina B. , Bragina Elizaveta E. , Blanchard Emmanuelle , Arbeille Brigitte , Guerif Fabrice , Uzbekova Svetlana , Uzbekov Rustem E.
Published: February 2019

During spermiogenesis, the proximal centriole forms a special microtubular structure: the centriolar adjunct. This structure appears at the spermatid stage, which is characterized by a condensed chromatin nucleus. We showed that the centriolar adjunct disappears completely in mature porcine spermatozoa. In humans, the centriolar adjunct remnants are present in a fraction of mature spermatids. For the first time, the structure of the centriolar adjunct in the cell, and its consequent impact on fertility, were examined. Ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy was performed on near 2000 spermatozoa per person, in two patients with idiopathic male sterility (IMS) and five healthy fertile donors. We measured the average length of the “proximal centriole + centriolar adjunct” complex in sections, where it had parallel orientation in the section plane, and found that it was significantly longer in the spermatozoa of IMS patients than in the spermatozoa of healthy donors. This difference was independent of chromatin condensation deficiency, which was also observed in the spermatozoa of IMS patients. We suggest that zygote arrest may be related to an incompletely disassembled centriolar adjunct in a mature spermatozoon. Therefore, centriolar adjunct length can be potentially used as a complementary criterion for the immaturity of spermatozoa in the diagnostics of IMS patients.
Inkjet Printed Interdigitated Biosensor for Easy and Rapid Detection of Bacteriophage Contamination: A Preliminary Study for Milk Processing Control Applications
Authors: Rosati Giulio , Cunego Arianna , Fracchetti Fabio , Del Casale Antonio , Scaramuzza Matteo , De Toni Alessandro , Torriani Sandra , Paccagnella Alessandro
Published: February 2019

Bacteriophages are responsible for significant material and time losses in the dairy industry. This because these viruses infect the selected lactic starter cultures used for milk fermentation, i.e., the first stage toward cheese production. Standard detection techniques are time- and labor-consuming, causing huge costs related to production plant sanitation and product wasting. A new type of biosensor for early detection of bacteriophage contamination is highly demanded by the milk processing market, and inkjet-printed electrochemical sensors could be the answer. Inkjet printing is a well-known technology that has been revisited in recent years, using silver nanoparticle (AgNP) based inks for low-cost and easy fabrication of sensing and biosensing systems on flexible and eco-compatible substrates. In this research, we studied inkjet printing for the manufacturing of both interdigitated electrodes arrays (IDEAs), and a versatile system to monitor bacterial cultures by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In particular, we studied this biosensing system for the detection of bacteriophages by comparing its performance with standard microbiological methods. We performed electrical and morphological characterizations of the devices produced with a consumer-use inkjet printer with commercial AgNPs ink on flexible substrates, such as office paper, polyethylene (PET), and photo paper. We used light microscopy optical analysis, profilometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging to define the objects resolution, their real dimensions, and thickness. We also investigated the devices’ conductivity and layout, by EIS measurements with a standard buffer solution, i.e., phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Finally, we tested our system by monitoring Lactococcus lactis cultures and bacteriophage infection. We compared the results to those obtained by two standard microbiological methods in terms of response time, proving that our technique requires less than half the time of other methods and no specialized personnel.
Effect of Different Types of Pores on Thermal Conductivity of YSZ Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Huang Yiling , Hu Ningning , Zeng Yi , Song Xuemei , Lin Chucheng , Liu Ziwei , Zhang Jimei
Published: February 2019

Atmospheric plasma spray (APS) yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings have a complex microstructure with a variety of pores that significantly reduce the thermal conductivity. APS thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with a similar monoclinic phase were prepared. The pore sizes and distributions of the coatings were obtained by scanning their cross-section via SEM; the scanned areas were over 1 mm × 2 mm and more than 23,000 pores for each coating were analyzed. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the porosity data and then to determine the quantitative relationship between different types of pores and thermal conductivity. Results revealed that the different pores have different effects on decreasing the thermal conductivity. The small, vertical pores have the biggest effect, while the horizontal pores also play a significant role in decreasing the thermal conductivity.
Recognize the Little Ones: UAS-Based In-Situ Fluorescent Tracer Detection
Authors: Teickner Henning , Lehmann Jan R. K. , Guth Patrick , Meinking Florian , Ott David
Published: February 2019

In ecological research, a key interest is to explore movement patterns of individual organisms across different spatial scales as one driver of biotic interactions. While various methods exist to detect and record the presence and movements of individuals in combination with UAS, addressing these for smaller animals, such as insects, is challenging and often fails to reveal information on potential interactions. Here, we address this gap by combining the UAS-based detection of small tracers of fluorescent dyes by means of a simple experiment under field conditions for the first time. We (1) excited fluorescent tracers utilizing an UV radiation source and recorded images with an UAS, (2) conducted a semi-automated selection of training and test samples to (3) train a simple SVM classifier, allowing (4) the classification of the recorded images and (5) the automated identification of individual traces. The tracer detection success significantly decreased with increasing altitude, increasing distance from the UV radiation signal center, and decreasing size of the fluorescent traces, including significant interactions amongst these factors. As a first proof-of-principle, our approach has the potential to be broadly applicable in ecological research, particularly in insect monitoring.
Magnetotelluric Signal-Noise Identification and Separation Based on ApEn-MSE and StOMP
Authors: Li Jin , Cai Jin , Peng Yiqun , Zhang Xian , Zhou Cong , Li Guang , Tang Jingtian
Published: February 2019

Natural magnetotelluric signals are extremely weak and susceptible to various types of noise pollution. To obtain more useful magnetotelluric data for further analysis and research, effective signal-noise identification and separation is critical. To this end, we propose a novel method of magnetotelluric signal-noise identification and separation based on ApEn-MSE and Stagewise orthogonal matching pursuit (StOMP). Parameters with good irregularity metrics are introduced: Approximate entropy (ApEn) and multiscale entropy (MSE), in combination with k-means clustering, can be used to accurately identify the data segments that are disturbed by noise. Stagewise orthogonal matching pursuit (StOMP) is used for noise suppression only in data segments identified as containing strong interference. Finally, we reconstructed the signal. The results show that the proposed method can better preserve the low-frequency slow-change information of the magnetotelluric signal compared with just using StOMP, thus avoiding the loss of useful information due to over-processing, while producing a smoother and more continuous apparent resistivity curve. Moreover, the results more accurately reflect the inherent electrical structure information of the measured site itself.
Multiscale Entropy Quantifies the Differential Effect of the Medium Embodiment on Older Adults Prefrontal Cortex during the Story Comprehension: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Keshmiri Soheil , Sumioka Hidenobu , Yamazaki Ryuji , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: February 2019

Todays’ communication media virtually impact and transform every aspect of our daily communication and yet the extent of their embodiment on our brain is unexplored. The study of this topic becomes more crucial, considering the rapid advances in such fields as socially assistive robotics that envision the use of intelligent and interactive media for providing assistance through social means. In this article, we utilize the multiscale entropy (MSE) to investigate the effect of the physical embodiment on the older people’s prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity while listening to stories. We provide evidence that physical embodiment induces a significant increase in MSE of the older people’s PFC activity and that such a shift in the dynamics of their PFC activation significantly reflects their perceived feeling of fatigue. Our results benefit researchers in age-related cognitive function and rehabilitation who seek for the adaptation of these media in robot-assistive cognitive training of the older people. In addition, they offer a complementary information to the field of human-robot interaction via providing evidence that the use of MSE can enable the interactive learning algorithms to utilize the brain’s activation patterns as feedbacks for improving their level of interactivity, thereby forming a stepping stone for rich and usable human mental model.
A Countermeasure against DPA on SIMON with an Area-Efficient Structure
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Ning , Zhou Fang , Zhang Jinbao , Yahya Muhammad Rehan
Published: February 2019

Differential power analysis (DPA) is an effective side channel attack method, which poses a critical threat to cryptographic algorithms, especially lightweight ciphers such as SIMON. In this paper, we propose an area-efficient countermeasure against DPA on SIMON based on the power randomization. Firstly, we review and analyze the architecture of SIMON algorithm. Secondly, we prove the threat of DPA attack to SIMON by launching actual DPA attack on SIMON 32/64 circuit. Thirdly, a low-cost power randomization scheme is proposed by combining fault injection with double rate technology, and the corresponding circuit design is implemented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scheme that applies the combination of fault injection and double rate technology to the DPA-resistance. Finally, the t-test is used to evaluate the security mechanism of the proposed designs with leakage quantification. Our experimental results show that the proposed design implements DPA-resistance of SIMON algorithm at certain overhead the cost of 47.7% LUTs utilization and 39.6% registers consumption. As compared to threshold implementation and bool mask, the proposed scheme has greater advantages in resource consumption.
A Pseudo-Dynamic Delay Calculation Using Optimal Zone Segmentation for Ultra-Compact Ultrasound Imaging Systems
Authors: Kim Pilsu , Kang Jeeun , Song Tai-Kyong
Published: February 2019

The implementation of dynamic delay calculations (DDCs) is challenging for ultra-compact ultrasound imaging due to the enormous computation and power consumption requirements. Here, we present an efficient pseudo-DDC method based on optimal zone segmentation (PDC-Optimal), which significantly decreases these requirements relative to an unconstrained DDC method: reductions in flip-flops of 84.35% and in look-up tables of 94.19%, respectively. The reductions lead to an up to 94.53% lower dynamic power consumption and provide image quality comparable to the unconstrained DDC method. The proposed PDC-Optimal method also provides adaptive flexibility between beamforming accuracy and battery life using the delay error allowance, a user-definable parameter. A conventional pseudo-DDC method using uniform zone segmentation (PDC-Conv) presented substantial image degradation in the near imaging field when the same number of zone segments was used. Therefore, the PDC-Optimal method provides an efficient yet flexible DDC solution to improve the experiences for ultra-compact ultrasound imaging system users.
Autonomous Battery Swapping System and Methodologies of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Adegbohun Feyijimi , von Jouanne Annette , Lee Kwang Y.
Published: February 2019

The transportation industry contributes a significant amount of carbon emissions and pollutants to the environment globally. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has a significant potential to not only reduce carbon emissions, but also to provide needed energy storage to contribute to the adoption of distributed renewable generation. This paper focuses on a design model and methodology for increasing EV adoption through automated swapping of battery packs at battery sharing stations (BShS) as a part of a battery sharing network (BShN), which would become integral to the smart grid. Current battery swapping methodologies are reviewed and a new practical approach is proposed considering both the technical and socio-economic impacts. The proposed BShS/BShN provides novel solutions to some of the most preeminent challenges that EV adoption faces today such as range anxiety, grid reliability, and cost. Challenges and advancements specific to this solution are also discussed.
Improving Energy Efficiency in a Synchronized Road-Transportation System by Using a TFMC (Transportation Fleet-Management Control) in Finland
Authors: Palander Teijo , Kärhä Kalle
Published: February 2019

Previous studies have suggested that the use of high-capacity transportation (HCT) can lead to low-carbon road-transportation in the forest industry. This study shows the impacts (in terms of energy efficiency) of a three-year adaptation process of transportation (2014–2016) towards HCT that took place in a synchronized transportation system (STS). The use of three transportation fleet-management control (TFMC) methods was analyzed in various road infrastructures. Energy-efficiency calculations were undertaken based on the HCT vehicles’ mass limits (64, 68 and 76 t). The use of 76 t vehicles increased energy efficiency by 13.4% and reduced CO2 emissions by 3.5% (to 49.6 g/tkm). In addition, the results show that the energy efficiency of the STS could be improved by a further 3.1%. In this respect, the proposed TFMC was used to adjust the STS towards vehicle-group transportation while meeting the road-class constraints of local wood supply chains. Forest-industry companies in Finland and abroad can use the tailored TFMC to optimize the STS in the near future and to achieve the energy-efficient STS and the regulations of the European Commission in wood-procurement logistics.
A Heuristic Home Electric Energy Management System Considering Renewable Energy Availability
Authors: Gutierrez-Martinez Victor J. , Moreno-Bautista Carlos A. , Lozano-Garcia Jose M. , Pizano-Martinez Alejandro , Zamora-Cardenas Enrique A. , Gomez-Martinez Miguel A.
Published: February 2019

This paper presents the development of a heuristic-based algorithm for a Home Electric Energy Management System (HEEMS). The novelty of the proposal resides in the fact that solutions of the Pareto front, minimizing both the energy consumption and cost, are obtained by a Genetic Algorithm (GA) considering the renewable energy availability as well as the user activity level (AL) inside the house. The extensive solutions search characteristic of the GAs is seized to avoid the calculation of the full set of Pareto front solutions, i.e., from a reduced set of non-dominated solutions in the Pareto sense, an optimal solution with the best fitness is obtained, reducing considerably the computational time. The HEEMS considers models of the air conditioner, clothes dryer, dishwasher, electric stove, pool pump, and washing machine. Models of the wind turbine and solar PV modules are also included. The wind turbine model is written in terms of the generated active power exclusively dependent on the incoming wind profiles. The solar PV modules model accounts for environmental factors such as ambient temperature changes and irradiance profiles. The effect of the energy storage unit on the energy consumption and costs is evaluated adapting a model of the device considering its charge and discharge ramp rates. The proposed algorithm is implemented in the Matlab® platform and its validation is performed by comparing its results to those obtained by a freeware tool developed for the energy management of smart residential loads. Also, the evaluation of the performance of the proposed HEEMS is carried out by comparing its results to those obtained when the multi-objective optimization problem is solved considering weights assigned to each objective function. Results showed that considerable savings are obtained at reduced computational times. Furthermore, with the calculation of only one solution, the end-user interaction is reduced making the HEEMS even more manageable than previously proposed approaches.
Thermal Performance of a Low-Temperature Heat Exchanger Using a Micro Heat Pipe Array
Authors: Yang Jingang , Zhao Yaohua , Chen Aoxue , Quan Zhenhua
Published: February 2019

Domestic heat exchangers, even though widely used in industry, are not adequate for studies on low-temperature flue-gas use technologies. Despite spite their limitations, very few theoretical models have been investigated based on practical applications. Moreover, most of the existing studies on heat exchangers have focused particularly on one-dimensional and two-dimensional heat transfer models, while limited studies focus on three-dimensional ones. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the thermal performance of a low-temperature flue-gas heat recovery unit in the cold regions. Specifically, this study was conducted in the context of Changchun of Jilin Province, China, a city with the mean ambient temperature of −14 °C and mean diurnal temperature of −10 °C during winter. Experimental results showed that the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger was higher than 60%. Through assessing the heat exchange coefficient and heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger, it is found that the thermal efficiency had been improved up to 0.77–0.83. Furthermore, the ICEPAK software and the standard k-ε RNG turbulence model were used to carry out simulations. The velocity and outlet temperature of fresh airflow and polluted airflow were simulated through setting different inlet temperatures of fresh air and polluted air inlet. Numerical results further indicated that the flow state was laminar flow. The micro heat pipe array side had small eddies and the heat transfer was significantly improved due to the flow of air along the surface of the micro heat pipe.
Multiple Wind Turbine Wakes Modeling Considering the Faster Wake Recovery in Overlapped Wakes
Authors: Shao Zhenzhou , Wu Ying , Li Li , Han Shuang , Liu Yongqian
Published: February 2019

In a wind farm some wind turbines may be affected by multiple upwind wakes. The commonly used approach in engineering to simulate the interaction effect of different wakes is to combine the single analytical wake model and the interaction model. The higher turbulence level and shear stress profile generated by upwind turbines in the superposed area leads to faster wake recovery. The existing interaction models are all analytical models based on some simple assumptions of superposition, which cannot characterize this phenomenon. Therefore, in this study, a mixing coefficient is introduced into the classical energy balance interaction model with the aim of reflecting the effect of turbulence intensity on velocity recovery in multiple wakes. An empirical expression is also given to calculate this parameter. The performance of the new model is evaluated using data from the Lillgrund and the Horns Rev I offshore wind farms, and the simulations agree reasonably with the observations. The comparison of different interaction model simulation results with measured data show that the calculation accuracy of this new interaction model is high, and the mean absolute percentage error of wind farm efficiency is reduced by 5.3% and 1.58%, respectively, compared to the most commonly used sum of squares interaction model.
Decrease of the Maximum Speed in Highway Tunnels as a Measure to Foster Energy Savings and Sustainability
Authors: Peña-García Antonio , Salata Ferdinando , Golasi Iacopo
Published: February 2019

The high energy consumption of the lighting installations in highway tunnels has become a hot topic in the last few years due to the high figures in terms of money, consumed energy, use of raw materials, emissions of greenhouse gases due to the remarkable number of manufactured elements, and maintenance, among others. In spite of the different strategies proposed up to date and their savings, the potential benefits of decreasing the maximum speed allowed in tunnels have not been considered in depth as a complementary measure yet. In this work, the impact of such a decrease in terms of energy consumption, number projectors, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and yearly costs in energy is analyzed and discussed. The results strongly suggest the convenience of introducing maximum speed reduction in traffic regulations which, in addition, could create positive synergies with traffic safety.
Effects of Prescribed Fire, Site Factors, and Seed Sources on the Spread of Invasive Triadica sebifera in a Fire-Managed Coastal Landscape in Southeastern Mississippi, USA
Authors: Yang Shaoyang , Fan Zhaofei , Liu Xia , Ezell Andrew W. , Spetich Martin A. , Saucier Scott K. , Gray Sami , Hereford Scott G.
Published: February 2019

In the Gulf of Mexico coastal region, prescribed fire has been increasingly used as a management tool to restore declining native ecosystems, but it also increases the threat posed by biological invasion, since the treated sites are more susceptible to invasive species such as Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera). We chose Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge (MSCNWR), a fire-managed landscape, to examine the potential effect of prescribed fire and landscape/community features on tallow invasion and spread. We took a complete survey of roadways and fire lines for tallow and measured a systematic sample of 144 10 × 3 m2 rectangular plots along two selected roadways and a simple random sample of 56 0.04-ha circular plots across burn units. We used pair correlation function for marked point pattern data, zero-inflated negative binomial models for count data, as well as multivariate Hotelling’s T2 test, to analyze the effect of prescribed fire and landscape/community characteristics on tallow invasion and spread along habitat edges and into interiors. Our results show that tallow spread along habitat edges and into interiors in a spatially clustered pattern. Tallow invasion risk decreases with the distance to seed trees and shrub coverage, and with the time since last fire if seed trees are outside the effective seed dispersal range (~300 m), but increases with the time since last fire if seed trees are within the effective seed dispersal range. Tallow seedling (≤2 years old) densities increase with the time since last fire and with increasing overstory tree basal area, but decrease with the distance to seed trees. Tallow-invaded interior plots have significantly shorter mean fire return intervals (2.7 years), lower shrub coverage (8.6%), and are closer to edges (20.3 m) than non-invaded plots (4.3 years, 18.4%, 167.6 m, respectively).
A Forest Model Intercomparison Framework and Application at Two Temperate Forests Along the East Coast of the United States
Authors: Erickson Adam , Strigul Nikolay
Published: February 2019

State-of-the-art forest models are often complex, analytically intractable, and computationally expensive, due to the explicit representation of detailed biogeochemical and ecological processes. Different models often produce distinct results while predictions from the same model vary with parameter values. In this project, we developed a rigorous quantitative approach for conducting model intercomparisons and assessing model performance. We have applied our original methodology to compare two forest biogeochemistry models, the Perfect Plasticity Approximation with Simple Biogeochemistry (PPA-SiBGC) and Landscape Disturbance and Succession with Net Ecosystem Carbon and Nitrogen (LANDIS-II NECN). We simulated past-decade conditions at flux tower sites located within Harvard Forest, MA, USA (HF-EMS) and Jones Ecological Research Center, GA, USA (JERC-RD). We mined field data available from both sites to perform model parameterization, validation, and intercomparison. We assessed model performance using the following time-series metrics: Net ecosystem exchange, aboveground net primary production, aboveground biomass, C, and N, belowground biomass, C, and N, soil respiration, and species total biomass and relative abundance. We also assessed static observations of soil organic C and N, and concluded with an assessment of general model usability, performance, and transferability. Despite substantial differences in design, both models achieved good accuracy across the range of pool metrics. While LANDIS-II NECN showed better fidelity to interannual NEE fluxes, PPA-SiBGC indicated better overall performance for both sites across the 11 temporal and two static metrics tested (HF-EMS R 2 ¯ = 0.73 , + 0.07 , R M S E ¯ = 4.68 , − 9.96 ; JERC-RD R 2 ¯ = 0.73 , + 0.01 , R M S E ¯ = 2.18 , − 1.64 ). To facilitate further testing of forest models at the two sites, we provide pre-processed datasets and original software written in the R language of statistical computing. In addition to model intercomparisons, our approach may be employed to test modifications to forest models and their sensitivity to different parameterizations.
Within-Site Variation in Seedling Survival in Norway Spruce Plantations
Authors: Holmström Emma , Gålnander Helena , Petersson Magnus
Published: February 2019

Seedling survival was evaluated from inventories of a large set of Norway spruce plantations in privately owned forests in southern Sweden. The inventories were conducted at the time of planting and a subset was re-inventoried three years later. This enabled comparison of regeneration success after soil scarification and planting. The acquired data enabled evaluation of annual and climatic variation of seedling mortality since inventories were made on newly established clearcuts distributed spatially throughout three regions in southern Sweden and repeated in five consecutive years. Within-site variation was also captured via the use of a large number of sample plots on each clearcut. To do so, thirty sample plots were established within weeks of planting on 150 clearcuts. Small- and large-scale site and management variables were recorded as well as the numbers of suitable planting spots and planted seedlings. Three years later, 60 of the initially surveyed clearcuts were revisited and the numbers of both planted and naturally regenerated seedlings counted. On average, 2000 seedlings ha−1 were planted and 1500 seedlings ha−1 had survived after three years. However, there was high variation, and in 42% of the revisited sample plots no mortality was recorded. Important variables for seedling survival identified by linear regression analysis included the number of suitable planting spots, soil moisture conditions and annual variation in available soil water.
The First Record of a North American Poplar Leaf Rust Fungus, Melampsora medusae, in China
Authors: Zheng Wei , Newcombe George , Hu Die , Cao Zhimin , Yu Zhongdong , Peng Zijia
Published: February 2019

A wide range of species and hybrids of black and balsam poplars or cottonwoods (Populus L., sections Aigeiros and Tacamahaca) grow naturally, or have been introduced to grow in plantations in China. Many species of Melampsora can cause poplar leaf rust in China, and their distributions and host specificities are not entirely known. This study was prompted by the new susceptibility of a previously resistant cultivar, cv. ‘Zhonghua hongye’ of Populus deltoides (section Aigeiros), as well as by the need to know more about the broader context of poplar leaf rust in China. Rust surveys from 2015 through 2018 in Shaanxi, Sichuan, Gansu, Henan, Shanxi, Qinghai, Beijing, and Inner Mongolia revealed some samples with urediniospores with the echinulation pattern of M. medusae. The morphological characteristics of urediniospores and teliospores from poplar species of the region were further examined with light and scanning electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the rDNA ITS region (ITS1, 5.8S rRNA gene, and ITS2) and the nuclear large subunit rDNA (D1/D2) was used to further confirm morphology-based identification. Based on combined analyses, five of the fifteen fully characterized samples were identified as Melampsora medusae: one from Shaanxi and four from Sichuan. Two of the five were from Populus deltoides cv. ‘Zhonghua hongye’. Three others were identified on Populus szechuanica, P. simonii, and P. yunnanensis. Additional samples of M. medusae were collected in Shaanxi in 2017 and 2018, and from Henan in 2015 through 2018. Altogether these findings show that this introduced pathogen is widespread and persistent from year to year in China. This is the first report of this North American poplar leaf rust species, Melampsora medusae, in China. It has previously been reported outside North America in Argentina, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Russia.
Experimental Data on Maximum Rainfall Retention on Crowns of Deciduous Tree Species of the Middle Ural (Russia)
Authors: Klimenko Dmitry , Ostakhova Anna , Tuneva Alina
Published: February 2019

Metering of actual volume of rainfall flowing under deciduous stock canopy is essential for correct calculation of the water balance of forest watersheds of small rivers. This article includes the results of a physical (experimental) simulation of maximum rainfall retention on the laminae of deciduous tree species. The authors developed the experimental methodology, assembled the testing machine, assessed results, and suggested ways of interpreting the obtained results in calculations of flood runoff. According to experimental data, rainfall is retained on laminae both in film and drip form. Specific retention value per unit area of leaf surface is mostly determined by the level of physical roughness of a leaf, which, in turn, depends on the type of venation, typical for different types of analyzed trees. The value of complete raindrops retention by crowns of deciduous species is determined by the leaf surface area and rainfall intensity. Dependencies of the maximum mass of the retained moisture on the leaf surface area, which are characterized by the correlation coefficient of 0.98, were obtained on the basis of branch sprinkling experiments. The maximum mass of water retention on crowns of single deciduous trees can reach up to 77 kg, or 3.0–4.0 mm per projection area of a crown. This is significantly less than the maximum mass of water retention on crowns of coniferous species (for comparison, larch retains up to 150 kg of rain moisture or 5.9 mm of layer). Evaporation from crowns, as well as wind oscillations of laminae, result in larger volumes of interception as compared to the results obtained from experiments. Metering of irrecoverable losses values has great practical value in the assessment of the water balance of forest lands, moisture balance in soil layer under the forest canopy, as well as the flood runoff of small watersheds of forest zones.