bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity of Dyskinesia and D3R Signaling Changes Induced by L-DOPA Treatment of Hemiparkinsonian Rats Are Features Inherent to the Treated Subjects
Authors: Albarrán-Bravo Sacnité , Ávalos-Fuentes José Arturo , Cortés Hernán , Rodriguez-Sánchez Marina , Leyva-García Norberto , Rangel-Barajas Claudia , Erlij David , Florán Benjamín
Published: September 2019

Extensive damage to nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons leads to Parkinson’s disease (PD). To date, the most effective treatment has been administration of levodopa (L-DOPA) to increase dopaminergic tone. This treatment leads to responses that vary widely among patients, from predominantly beneficial effects to the induction of disabling, abnormal movements (L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID)). Similarly, experimental studies have shown animals with widely different degrees of LID severity. In this study, unilateral injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) produced more than 90% depletion of dopamine in both the striatum and the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) of rats. Population analysis showed that dopamine depletion levels were clustered in a single population. In contrast, analysis of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) induced by L-DOPA treatment of 6-OHDA-lesioned animals yielded two populations: one with mild LID, and the other with severe LID, which are also related to different therapeutic responses. We examined whether the severity of LID correlated with changes in dopamine 3 receptor (D3R) signaling because of the following: (a) D3R expression and the induction of LID are strongly correlated; and (b) dopaminergic denervation induces a qualitative change in D3R signaling in the SNr. We found that the effects of D3R activation on cAMP accumulation and depolarization-induced [3H]-gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]-GABA) release were switched. L-DOPA treatment normalized the denervation-induced changes in animals with mild LID. The D3R activation caused depression of both dopamine 1 receptor (D1R)-induced increases in cAMP production and depolarization-induced [3H]-GABA release, which were reversed to their pre-denervation state. In animals with severe LID, none of the denervation-induced changes were reversed. The finding that in the absence of identifiable differences in 6-OHDA and L-DOPA treatment, two populations of animals with different D3R signaling and LIDs severity implies that mechanisms intrinsic to the treated subject determine the segregation.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Trichloromethyl Dichlorophenyl Triazole Derivatives as Potential Safener
Authors: Guo Ke-Liang , Zhao Li-Xia , Wang Zi-Wei , Rong Shu-Zhe , Zhou Xiao-Lin , Gao Shuang , Fu Ying , Ye Fei
Published: September 2019

The dominance of safener can unite with herbicides acquiring the efficient protection of crop and qualifying control of weeds in agricultural fields. In order to solve the crop toxicity problem and exploit the novel potential safener for fenoxaprop-P-ethyl herbicide, a series of trichloromethyl dichlorobenzene triazole derivatives were designed and synthesized by the principle of active subunit combination. A total of 21 novel substituted trichloromethyl dichlorobenzene triazole compounds were synthesized by substituted aminophenol and amino alcohol derivatives as the starting materials, using cyclization and acylation. All the compounds were unambiguously characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HRMS. A greenhouse bioassay indicated that most of the title compounds could protect wheat from injury caused by fenoxaprop-P-ethyl at varying degrees, in which compound 5o exhibited excellent safener activity at a concentration of 10 μmol/L and was superior to the commercialized compound fenchlorazole. A structure–activity relationship for the novel compounds was determined, which demonstrated that those compounds containing benzoxazine groups showed better activity than that of oxazole-substituted compounds. Introducing a benzoxazine fragment and electron-donating group to specific positions could improve or maintain the safener activity for wheat against attack by the herbicide fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. A molecular docking model suggested that a potential mechanism between 5o and fenoxaprop-P-ethyl is associated with the detoxication of the herbicide. Results from the present work revealed that compound 5o exhibited good crop safener activities toward wheat and could be a promising candidate structure for further research on wheat protection.
Sn-Based Porous Coordination Polymer Synthesized with Two Ligands for Tandem Catalysis Producing 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Jiao Lutong , Sun Siyu , Meng Xianling , Ji Peijun
Published: September 2019

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a biomass-derived important platform compound. Developing an efficient catalyst for producing HMF from a biomass source is important. Herein, using the ligands 5-sulfoisophthalic acid (SPA) and imidazole (Imd), a tin-based porous coordination polymer was synthesized, namely SPA-Imd-TinPCP. This novel material possesses a multifunctional catalysis capability. The coordinated tin (IV) can catalyze the isomerization of glucose to fructose. The ligand imidazole, as an additional base site, can catalyze glucose isomerization. The sulfonic group of the ligand SPA can catalyze the dehydration of fructose to HMF. SPA-Imd-TinPCP was used as a catalyst for the conversion of glucose to HMF. HMF yields of 59.5% in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 49.8% in the biphasic solvent of water/tetrahydrofuran were obtained. Consecutive use of SPA-Imd-TinPCP demonstrated that, after reusing it five times, there was no significant activity loss in terms of the glucose conversion and HMF yield.
The Performance of an ASHP System Using Waste Air to Recover Heat Energy in a Subway System
Authors: Ninikas Konstantinos , Hytiris Nicholas , Emmanuel Rohinton , Aaen Bjorn
Published: September 2019

In this short communication, we demonstrate that the performance of a typical air source heat pump (ASHP), exploiting a relatively stable air temperature within a subway environment, is high, even during the peak heating months. After a nine-month operational run, the coefficient of performance is demonstrated to be 3.5. The design and installation difficulties are stated together with the lessons learnt following this trial. The actual energy and carbon savings are discussed.
Metal Phosphonates and Phosphinates
Authors: Taddei Marco , Costantino Ferdinando
Published: September 2019

The present Special Issue entitled “Metal phosphonates and phosphinates” aims to collect recent and significant research papers on the fascinating chemistry of these two related families of coordination compounds [...]
Phylogeny and Biogeography of Branchipolynoe (Polynoidae, Phyllodocida, Aciculata, Annelida), with Descriptions of Five New Species from Methane Seeps and Hydrothermal Vents
Authors: Lindgren Johanna , Hatch Avery S. , Hourdez Stephané , Seid Charlotte A. , Rouse Greg W.
Published: September 2019

The four named species of Branchipolynoe all live symbiotically in mytilid mussels (Bathymodiolus) that occur at hydrothermal vents or methane seeps. Analyses using mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and nuclear (ITS) genes, as well as morphology, were conducted on a collection of Branchipolynoe from Pacific Costa Rican methane seeps and West Pacific hydrothermal vents. This revealed five new species of Branchipolynoe, and these are formally described. The new species from Costa Rica live in three species of Bathymodiolus mussels (also new) at depths ranging from 1000 to 1800 m. Branchipolynoe kajsae n. sp. and Branchipolynoe halliseyae n. sp. were found in all three undescribed Bathymodiolus species, while Branchipolynoe eliseae n. sp. was found in Bathymodiolus spp. 1 and 2, and Branchipolynoe meridae n. sp. was found in Bathymodiolus spp. 1 and 3. Hence, Bathymodiolus sp. 1 hosted all four of the new species, while the other two Bathymodiolus hosted three each. Most mussels contained only one specimen of Branchipolynoe; where there was more than one, these were often a female and smaller male of the same species. The newly discovered species from the West Pacific, Branchipolynoe tjiasmantoi n. sp., lives in unidentified Bathymodiolus at depths ranging from 674 to 2657 m from hydrothermal vents in the North Fiji (Fiji) and Lau Basins (Tonga) and also from New Zealand, Vanuatu, and the Manus Basin (Papua New Guinea). The phylogenetic and biogeographical implications of this diversity of Branchipolynoe are discussed.
Value and Diagnostic Efficacy of Fetal Morphology Assessment Using Ultrasound in a Poor-Resource Setting
Authors: Ukweh Ofonime N. , Ugbem Theophilus I. , Okeke Chibuike M. , Ekpo Ernest U.
Published: September 2019

Background: Ultrasound is operator-dependent, and its value and efficacy in fetal morphology assessment in a low-resource setting is poorly understood. We assessed the value and efficacy of fetal morphology ultrasound assessment in a Nigerian setting. Materials and Methods: We surveyed fetal morphology ultrasound performed across five facilities and followed-up each fetus to ascertain the outcome. Fetuses were surveyed in the second trimester (18th–22nd weeks) using the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) guideline. Clinical and surgical reports were used as references to assess the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound in livebirths, and autopsy reports to confirm anomalies in terminated pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, intrauterine fetal deaths, and still births. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, Area under the curve (AUC), Youden index, likelihood ratios, and post-test probabilities. Results: In total, 6520 fetuses of women aged 15–46 years (mean = 31.7 years) were surveyed. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 77.1 (95% CI: 68–84.6), 99.5 (95% CI: 99.3–99.7), and 88.3 (95% CI: 83.7–92.2), respectively. Other performance metrics were: positive predictive value, 72.4 (95% CI: 64.7–79.0), negative predictive value, 99.6 (95% CI: 99.5–99.7), and Youden index (77.1%). Abnormality prevalence was 1.67% (95% CI: 1.37–2.01), and the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 254 (95% CI: 107.7–221.4) and 0.23 (95% CI: 0.16–0.33), respectively. The post-test probability for positive test was 72% (95% CI: 65–79). Conclusion: Fetal morphology assessment is valuable in a poor economics setting, however, the variation in the diagnostic efficacy across facilities and the limitations associated with the detection of circulatory system anomalies need to be addressed.
Epigenetics and Mechanobiology in Heart Development and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Jarrell Dillon K. , Lennon Mallory L. , Jacot Jeffrey G.
Published: September 2019

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect worldwide and the number one killer of live-born infants in the United States. Heart development occurs early in embryogenesis and involves complex interactions between multiple cell populations, limiting the understanding and consequent treatment of CHD. Furthermore, genome sequencing has largely failed to predict or yield therapeutics for CHD. In addition to the underlying genome, epigenetics and mechanobiology both drive heart development. A growing body of evidence implicates the aberrant regulation of these two extra-genomic systems in the pathogenesis of CHD. In this review, we describe the stages of human heart development and the heart defects known to manifest at each stage. Next, we discuss the distinct and overlapping roles of epigenetics and mechanobiology in normal development and in the pathogenesis of CHD. Finally, we highlight recent advances in the identification of novel epigenetic biomarkers and environmental risk factors that may be useful for improved diagnosis and further elucidation of CHD etiology.
Early Wound Healing Score (EHS): An Intra- and Inter-Examiner Reliability Study
Authors: Marini Lorenzo , Sahrmann Philipp , Rojas Mariana Andrea , Cavalcanti Camilla , Pompa Giorgio , Papi Piero , Pilloni Andrea
Published: September 2019

The early wound healing score (EHS) was introduced to assess early wound healing of periodontal soft tissues after surgical incision. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the EHS. Six examiners with different levels of training and clinical focus were enrolled. Each examiner was trained on the use of the EHS before starting the study. Thereafter, 63 photographs of three different types of surgical incisions taken at day 1, 3 or 7 post-operatively were independently evaluated according to the proposed assessment method. A two-way random intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to analyze the intra- and inter-examiner reliability for the EHS. The inter-examiner reliability for the EHS was 0.828 (95% CI: 0.767–0.881). The intra-examiner reliability ranged between 0.826 (95% CI: 0.728–0.891) and 0.915 (95% CI: 0.856–0.950). The results therefore show an “almost perfect agreement” for intra- and inter-examiner reliability. The EHS provides a system for reproducible repeated ratings for the early healing assessment of incisions of periodontal soft tissues. Even when used by examiners with different clinical experience and specialty, it shows a high correlation coefficient.
Layered Double Hydroxide Fluoride Release in Dental Applications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hoxha Agron , Gillam David G. , Bushby Andy J. , Agha Amani , Patel Mangala P.
Published: September 2019

This systematic review appraises studies conducted with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for fluoride release in dentistry. LDH has been used as antacids, water purification in removing excess fluoride in drinking water and drug delivery. It has great potential for controlled fluoride release in dentistry, e.g., varnishes, fissure sealants and muco-adhesive strips, etc. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement was followed with two reviewers performing a literature search using four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Ovid Medline with no date restrictions. Studies including any LDH for ion/drug release in dentistry were included, while assessing the application of LDH and the value of the methodology, e.g., ion release protocol and the LDH production process. Results: A total of 258 articles were identified and four met the inclusion criteria. Based on two in vitro studies and one clinical study, LDH was previously studied in dental materials, such as dental composites and buccal muco-adhesive strips for fluoride release, with the latter studied in a clinical environment. The fourth study analysed LDH powder alone (without being incorporated into dental materials). It demonstrated fluoride release and the uptake of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC), which may reduce halitosis (malodour). Conclusion: LDHs incorporated in dental materials have been previously evaluated for fluoride release and proven to be clinically safe. LDHs have the potential to sustain a controlled release of fluoride (or other cariostatic ions) in the oral environment to prevent caries. However, further analyses of LDH compositions, and clinical research investigating any other cariostatic effects, are required.
Evaluation of a Baseline Controller for Autonomous “Figure-8” Flights of a Morphing Geometry Quadcopter: Flight Performance
Authors: Bai Ye , Gururajan Srikanth
Published: September 2019

This article describes the design, fabrication, and flight test evaluation of a morphing geometry quadcopter capable of changing its intersection angle in-flight. The experiments were conducted at the Aircraft Computational and Resource Aware Fault Tolerance (AirCRAFT) Lab, Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO. The flight test matrix included flights in a “Figure-8” trajectory in two different morphing configurations (21° and 27°), as well as the nominal geometry configuration, two different flight velocities (1.5 m/s and 2.5 m/s), two different number of waypoints, and in three planes—horizontal, inclined, and double inclined. All the experiments were conducted using standard, off-the-shelf flight controller (Pixhawk) and autopilot firmware. Simulations of the morphed geometry indicate a reduction in pitch damping (42% for 21° morphing and 57.3% for 27° morphing) and roll damping (63.5% for 21° morphing and 65% for 27° morphing). Flight tests also demonstrated that the dynamic stability in roll and pitch dynamics were reduced, but the quadcopter was still stable under morphed geometry conditions. Morphed geometry also has an effect on the flight performance—with a higher number of waypoints (30) and higher velocity (2.5 m/s), the roll dynamics performed better as compared to the lower waypoints and lower velocity condition. The yaw dynamics remained consistent through all the flight conditions, and were not significantly affected by asymmetrical morphing of the quadcopter geometry. We also determined that higher waypoint and flight velocity conditions led to a small performance improvement in tracking the desired trajectory as well.
Directionally-Unbiased Unitary Optical Devices in Discrete-Time Quantum Walks
Authors: Osawa Shuto , Simon David S. , Sergienko Alexander V.
Published: September 2019

The optical beam splitter is a widely-used device in photonics-based quantum information processing. Specifically, linear optical networks demand large numbers of beam splitters for unitary matrix realization. This requirement comes from the beam splitter property that a photon cannot go back out of the input ports, which we call “directionally-biased”. Because of this property, higher dimensional information processing tasks suffer from rapid device resource growth when beam splitters are used in a feed-forward manner. Directionally-unbiased linear-optical devices have been introduced recently to eliminate the directional bias, greatly reducing the numbers of required beam splitters when implementing complicated tasks. Analysis of some originally directional optical devices and basic principles of their conversion into directionally-unbiased systems form the base of this paper. Photonic quantum walk implementations are investigated as a main application of the use of directionally-unbiased systems. Several quantum walk procedures executed on graph networks constructed using directionally-unbiased nodes are discussed. A significant savings in hardware and other required resources when compared with traditional directionally-biased beam-splitter-based optical networks is demonstrated.
Entropy Production in Quantum is Different
Authors: Ansari Mohammad H. , van Steensel Alwin , Nazarov Yuli V.
Published: September 2019

Currently, ‘time’ does not play any essential role in quantum information theory. In this sense, quantum information theory is underdeveloped similarly to how quantum physics was underdeveloped before Erwin Schrödinger introduced his famous equation for the evolution of a quantum wave function. In this review article, we cope with the problem of time for one of the central quantities in quantum information theory: entropy. Recently, a replica trick formalism, the so-called ‘multiple parallel world’ formalism, has been proposed that revolutionizes entropy evaluation for quantum systems. This formalism is one of the first attempts to introduce ‘time’ in quantum information theory. With the total entropy being conserved in a closed system, entropy can flow internally between subsystems; however, we show that this flow is not limited only to physical correlations as the literature suggest. The nonlinear dependence of entropy on the density matrix introduces new types of correlations with no analogue in physical quantities. Evolving a number of replicas simultaneously makes it possible for them to exchange particles between different replicas. We will summarize some of the recent news about entropy in some example quantum devices. Moreover, we take a quick look at a new correspondence that was recently proposed that provides an interesting link between quantum information theory and quantum physics. The mere existence of such a correspondence allows for exploring new physical phenomena as the result of controlling entanglement in a quantum device.
Crystallisation in Melts of Short, Semi-Flexible Hard-Sphere Polymer Chains: The Role of the Non-Bonded Interaction Range
Authors: Shakirov Timur
Published: September 2019

A melt of short semi-flexible polymers with hard-sphere-type non-bonded interaction undergoes a first-order crystallisation transition at lower density than a melt of hard-sphere monomers or a flexible hard-sphere chain. In contrast to the flexible hard-sphere chains, the semi-flexible ones have an intrinsic stiffness energy scale, which determines the natural temperature scale of the system. In this paper, we investigate the effect of weak additional non-bonded interaction on the phase transition temperature. We study the system using the stochastic approximation Monte Carlo (SAMC) method to estimate the micro-canonical entropy of the system. Since the density of states in the purely hard-sphere non-bonded interaction case already covers 5600 orders of magnitude, we consider the effect of weak interactions as a perturbation. In this case, the system undergoes the same ordering transition with a temperature shift non-uniformly depending on the additional interaction. Short-range attractions impede ordering of the melt of semi-flexible polymers and decrease the transition temperature, whereas relatively long-range attractions assist ordering and shift the transition temperature to higher values, whereas weak repulsive interactions demonstrate an opposite effect on the transition temperature.
An Algorithm for Natural Images Text Recognition Using Four Direction Features
Authors: Zhang Min , Yan Yujin , Wang Hai , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2019

Irregular text has widespread applications in multiple areas. Different from regular text, irregular text is difficult to recognize because of its various shapes and distorted patterns. In this paper, we develop a multidirectional convolutional neural network (MCN) to extract four direction features to fully describe the textual information. Meanwhile, the character placement possibility is extracted as the weight of the four direction features. Based on these works, we propose the encoder to fuse the four direction features for the generation of feature code to predict the character sequence. The whole network is end-to-end trainable due to using images and word-level labels. The experiments on standard benchmarks, including the IIIT-5K, SVT, CUTE80, and ICDAR datasets, demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method on both regular and irregular datasets. The developed method shows an increase of 1.2% in the CUTE80 dataset and 1.5% in the SVT dataset, and has fewer parameters than most existing methods.
Parameters Design and Optimization of a High Frequency, Interleaved, Dual-Buck, Bidirectional, Grid-Connected Converter
Authors: Cui Yulu , Wang Yifeng , Ma Xiaoyong
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a high frequency, interleaved, dual-buck, bidirectional, grid-connected converter topology is proposed. Free from the straight-through and dead-time distortion issues, both higher switching frequency and power density can be achieved. Due to the interleaved technique, the current ripple and stress for inductors and other power devices can be effectively reduced. Moreover, a novel filter parameter design method is proposed. The method is optimized with smaller inductance, higher filtering performance, and better steady-state performance. For one thing, the performance requirements under the two states of inverter and rectifier are comprehensively considered. For another, the relationship between the performance indexes and the filter parameters is analyzed. However, the results show that the relationship between the performance indexes is contradictory. A set of optimization parameters were obtained by setting the priority of the filter performance index. The specific design process of the filter parameters is given in detail. In order to verify the rationality of the parameter design, a 5 kW prototype was built and tested. The total harmonic distortions (THDs) of the grid currents in the among grid-connected inverter, off-connected inverter, and rectifier states under full load were 2.7%, 1.2%, and 4.5%, respectively, and the power density reached 36 W/in3.
A Novel 3D Encapsulation Structure Based on Subwavelength Structure and Inserted Pyrex Glass for RF MEMS Infrared Detectors
Authors: Zhao Jicong , Ge Mingmin , Song Chenguang , Sun Ling , Sun Haiyan
Published: September 2019

A novel wafer-level three-dimensional (3D) encapsulation structure was designed for radio-frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS) infrared detectors and investigated by using the finite element method (FEM) simulation. A subwavelength structure with a circular array of coaxial apertures was designed to obtain an extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) on top of a silicon substrate. For perpendicular incident light, a maximum transmission of 56% can be achieved in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) region and the transmission bandwidth covered almost the full LWIR region. Moreover, the maximum transmission could be further promoted with an increase in the incident angle. The vertical silicon vias, insulated by inserted Pyrex glass, were used to generate electrical contacts. With the optimized structure parameters, a feed-through level lower than −82 dB, and a transmission coefficient of one single via of more than −0.032 dB were obtained at a frequency from 0 to 2 GHz, which contributed to the low-loss transmission of the RF signals. Due to the matched thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) between silicon and Pyrex glass, the proposed via structure has excellent thermal reliability. Moreover, its thermal stress is much less than that of a conventional through-silicon via (TSV) structure. These calculated results demonstrate that the proposed 3D encapsulation structure shows enormous potential in RF MEMS infrared detector applications.
Multi-Band Frequency Window for Time-Frequency Fault Diagnosis of Induction Machines
Authors: Burriel-Valencia Jordi , Puche-Panadero Ruben , Martinez-Roman Javier , Sapena-Baño Angel , Riera-Guasp Martin , Pineda-Sánchez Manuel
Published: September 2019

Induction machines drive many industrial processes and their unexpected failure can cause heavy production losses. The analysis of the current spectrum can identify online the characteristic fault signatures at an early stage, avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Nevertheless, frequency domain analysis requires stable working conditions, which is not the case for wind generators, motors driving varying loads, and so forth. In these cases, an analysis in the time-frequency domain—such as a spectrogram—is required for detecting faults signatures. The spectrogram is built using the short time Fourier transform, but its resolution depends critically on the time window used to generate it—short windows provide good time resolution but poor frequency resolution, just the opposite than long windows. Therefore, the window must be adapted at each time to the shape of the expected fault harmonics, by highly skilled maintenance personnel. In this paper this problem is solved with the design of a new multi-band window, which generates simultaneously many different narrow-band current spectrograms and combines them into as single, high resolution one, without the need of manual adjustments. The proposed method is validated with the diagnosis of bar breakages during the start-up of a commercial induction motor.
Cranking Capability Estimation Algorithm Based on Modeling and Online Update of Model Parameters for Li-Ion SLI Batteries
Authors: Noh Tae-Won , Ahn Jung-Hoon , Lee Byoung Kuk
Published: September 2019

The terminal voltage of a starting–lighting–ignition (SLI) battery can decrease to a value lower than the allowable voltage range because of the high discharge current required to crank the engine of a vehicle. To avoid the safety problems generated by this voltage drop, this paper proposes a cranking capability estimation algorithm. The proposed algorithm includes an equivalent circuit model for describing the instantaneous voltage response to the cranking current profile. This algorithm predicts the minimum value of the terminal voltage for the cranking transient period by analyzing the polarization voltage and dynamic characteristic of the equivalent circuit model. The estimation accuracy is adjusted by an online update for the parameters of the equivalent circuit model, which varies with temperature, aging, and other factors. The proposed algorithm was validated by experiments with a 60Ah LiFePO4-type SLI battery.
Review on Distribution Network Optimization under Uncertainty
Authors: Liao Huilian
Published: September 2019

With the increase of renewable energy in electricity generation and increased engagement from demand sides, distribution network planning and operation face great challenges in the provision of stable, secure and dedicated service under a high level of uncertainty in network behaviors. Distribution network planning and operation, at the same time, also benefit from the changes of current and future distribution networks in terms of the availability of increased resources, diversity, smartness, controllability and flexibility of the distribution networks. This paper reviews the critical optimization problems faced by distribution planning and operation, including how to cope with these changes, how to integrate an optimization process in a problem-solving framework to efficiently search for optimal strategy and how to optimize sources and flexibilities properly in order to achieve cost-effective operation and provide quality of services as required, among other factors. This paper also discusses the approaches to reduce the heavy computation load when solving large-scale network optimization problems, for instance by integrating the prior knowledge of network configuration in optimization search space. A number of optimization techniques have been reviewed and discussed in the paper. This paper also discusses the changes, challenges and opportunities in future distribution networks, analyzes the possible problems that will be faced by future network planning and operations and discusses the potential strategies to solve these optimization problems.
A Novel Reactive Current Injection (RCI) Control for Microgrid Protection with Inverter Based Distributed Generation (IBDG)
Authors: Oon Kheng , Tan ChiaKwang , Bakar A.H.A. , Che Hang , Wong Jorinda
Published: September 2019

As the development of renewable distributed generations (DGs) is growing rapidly, the autonomous self-healing microgrid had emerged as an effective solution for integrating renewable DGs in the distribution networks. However, before the autonomous self-healing microgrid can be realized, one of the main issues that needs to be resolved is the ability to utilize the most cost-effective protection system—overcurrent relays—to achieve the goal. However, the overcurrent relay is insensitive to the limited fault current contributed by the inverter-based distributed generation (IBDG). Therefore, this paper will propose a novel inverter fault current control with a reactive current injection (RCI) that injects the correct fault current vector, albeit with a limited magnitude, for detection by the cost-effective directional overcurrent relay. This paper will also evaluate the performances of the different RCI controls in delivering an efficient self-healing microgrid protection based on a directional overcurrent relay. The proposed self-healing protection scheme is tested with both a simple distribution test network and also the IEEE 16 bus test system, considering random system parameters like variations in IBDG location, fault location, load capacity and load power factor. Moreover, the performance of the proposed inverter RCI control is also tested under changing weather conditions.
A Context-Aware Oil Debris-Based Health Indicator for Wind Turbine Gearbox Condition Monitoring
Authors: López de Calle Kerman , Ferreiro Susana , Roldán-Paraponiaris Constantino , Ulazia Alain
Published: September 2019

One of the greatest challenges of optimising the correct operation of wind turbines is detecting the health status of their core components, such as gearboxes in particular. Gearbox monitoring is a widely studied topic in the literature, nevertheless, studies showing data of in-service wind turbines are less frequent and tend to present difficulties that are otherwise overlooked in test rig based works. This work presents the data of three wind turbines that have gearboxes in different damage stages. Besides including the data of the SCADA (Supervisory Control And Signal Acquisition) system, additional measurements of online optical oil debris sensors are also included. In addition to an analysis of the behaviour of particle generation in the turbines, a methodology to identify regimes of operation with lower variation is presented. These regimes are later utilised to develop a health index that considers operation states and provides valuable information regarding the state of the gearboxes. The proposed health index allows distinguishing damage severity between wind turbines as well as tracking the evolution of the damage over time.
The Characteristics of a Modern Oxy-Fuel Power Plant
Authors: Kotowicz Janusz , Michalski Sebastian , Brzęczek Mateusz
Published: September 2019

This paper presents the thermodynamic and economic analyses of four variants of a supercritical oxy-type plant. These variants differed in terms of air separation units (ASU, variants: V1—cryogenic; V2—hybrid; equipped with a three-end (V3a) or four-end (V3b) high-temperature membrane) and boilers (V1 and V3a—lignite-fired fluidized-bed; V2 and V3b—hard-coal-fired pulverized-fuel). The gross power of steam turbine unit (STU) was 600 MW. The live and reheated steam parameters were 650 °C/30 MPa and 670 °C/6.5 MPa, respectively. The influence of the ASUs’ operating parameters on the ASUs’ auxiliary power rate and boiler efficiency (V3a and V3b only) was studied. The ASUs’ operating parameters for maximum net efficiency were then determined. The decrease in the net efficiency compared to a reference plant (with a classic fluidized-bed or pulverized-fuel boiler) fluctuated in the range 7.2 (V3b)–11.2 (V1) p.p. An analysis of the waste heat utilization was performed (fuel drying—V1 and V3a; STU steam-water heat exchangers replacing). Thus, the efficiency decreases fluctuated in the range 4.3 (V3b)–10.2 (V1) p.p. The economic analysis showed that in order for the variants to be economically viable, the unit CO2 emission cost should be greater than 42.2 (V1) or 22.0 (V3b) EUR/MgCO2.
A Modified One-Cycle Control for Vienna Rectifiers with Functionality of Input Power Factor Regulation and Input Current Distortion Mitigation
Authors: Wang Cong , Liu Jinqi , Cheng Hong , Zhuang Yuan , Zhao Zhihao
Published: September 2019

In this paper, aiming at incorporating reactive power compensation functionality into the Vienna rectifiers, a modified one-cycle-control (MOCC) strategy is proposed by which the three-phase Vienna rectifier can be regulated in leading, lagging or unity power factors with near-sinusoidal input current waveform. First, a brief review of the working principle of the conventional OCC (COCC) strategy is conducted. Then, the MOCC strategy with the functionality of input current phase-shift control is discussed in detail. To mitigate input current distortion caused by the current phase-shift, a method whereby the signal of one phase current which is flowing in an uncontrollable region is injected into the other two phases’ current command signals is further presented. The constraints to the implementation of the MOCC scheme and the reactive power compensation capacity of the rectifier under MOCC control are analyzed as well. The proposed MOCC strategy is as easy to implement as the COCC strategy. Moreover, the MOCC strategy also preserves all other advantages of the COCC strategy, such as no phase-locked loop, no frame transformation and constant switching frequency. Finally, the theoretical analysis of the proposed MOCC strategy is fully verified by simulation and experimental results from a 1 kV·A three-phase Vienna rectifier prototype.
Improving the Performance of a Dual Kalman Filter for the Identification of PEM Fuel Cells in Impedance Spectroscopy Experiments
Authors: Guarino Antonio , Petrone Giovanni , Zamboni Walter
Published: September 2019

In this paper, the Dual Kalman Filter (DKF) is used for the parametric identification of an RC model of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (FC) stack. The identification is performed for diagnostic purposes, starting from time-domain voltage and current signals in the framework of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Here, the sinusoidal input of the tests makes the identification of DKF parameters challenging. The paper analyzes the filter performance and proposes a possible approach to address the filter tuning to let it work with FC operating either in normal conditions or in the presence of drying and flooding fault conditions, or in fuel starvation mode. The analysis is mainly performed in a simulated environment, where the Fouquet model is used to simulate the FC. Some criteria to tune the filter are derived from the analysis and used also with experimental data produced by some EIS tests, to achieve the best estimate in constrained conditions. The results show that the DKF can be turned into a valuable tool to identify the model parameters even with signals developed for other scopes. The identification results envisage the possibility of assisting the model-based FC diagnosis by means of a very simple tool that can run on a low-cost embedded device. Indeed, the simplicity of the filter approach and a lightweight implementation allow the deployment of the algorithm in embedded solutions.
The First Occurrence of Asbestiform Magnesio-Riebeckite in Schists in the Frido Unit (Pollino Unesco Global Geopark, Southern Italy)
Authors: Laurita Salvatore , Rizzo Giovanna
Published: September 2019

In this paper, new mineralogical and petrographical data of asbestiform Magnesio-riebeckite from ophiolite cropping out in the Pollino Unesco Global Geopark (southern Italy) are presented. Magnesio-riebeckite schists with HP-LT index mineral assemblage recorded metamorphic events in blueschist facies in the Frido Unit. Previous toxicological studies showed that asbestiform Magnesio-riebeckite species exhibited high carcinogenicity in previous intraperitoneal injection experiments with rats. The results have been obtained using different analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and electron probe micro analysis (EPMA). Results show that all the samples contain fibrous Magnesio-riebeckite and/or prismatic, acicular crystals in aggregates. The concentration of elements in Magnesio-riebeckite crystals is: Na2O (4.12–6.26 wt%), MgO (8.22–10.87 wt%), FeO (19.07–23.81 wt%), SiO2 (52.05–56.06 wt%), CaO (1.12–4.53 wt%), Al2O3 (1.34–1.93 wt%), and MnO (0.10–0.34 wt%). Magnesio-riebeckite crystals are documented in the Pollino Unesco Global Geopark for the first time. For this reason, the aim of this paper is the characterization of Magnesio-riebeckite to improve the knowledge of this mineral in the studied area, because the release of fibers into the environment is dangerous for human health.
Plant Fibers and Phenolics: A Review on Their Synthesis, Analysis and Combined Use for Biomaterials with New Properties
Authors: Berni Roberto , Cai Giampiero , Hausman Jean-Francois , Guerriero Gea
Published: September 2019

Devising environmental-friendly processes in biotechnology is a priority in the current economic scenario. We are witnessing a constant and steady push towards finding sustainable solutions to societal challenges by promoting innovation-driven activities minimizing the environmental impact and valorizing natural resources. In bioeconomy, plants are among the most important renewable sources of both fibers (woody and cellulosic) and phytochemicals, which find applications in many industrial sectors, spanning from the textile, to the biocomposite, medical, nutraceutical, and pharma sectors. Given the key role of plants as natural sources of (macro)molecules, we here provide a compendium on the use of plant fibers functionalized/impregnated with phytochemicals (in particular phenolic extracts). The goal is to review the various applications of natural fibers functionalized with plant phenolics and to valorize those plants that are source of both fibers and phytochemicals.
Antibiotic Resistant Pseudomonas Spp. Spoilers in Fresh Dairy Products: An Underestimated Risk and the Control Strategies
Authors: Quintieri Laura , Fanelli Francesca , Caputo Leonardo
Published: September 2019

Microbial multidrug resistance (MDR) is a growing threat to public health mostly because it makes the fight against microorganisms that cause lethal infections ever less effective. Thus, the surveillance on MDR microorganisms has recently been strengthened, taking into account the control of antibiotic abuse as well as the mechanisms underlying the transfer of antibiotic genes (ARGs) among microbiota naturally occurring in the environment. Indeed, ARGs are not only confined to pathogenic bacteria, whose diffusion in the clinical field has aroused serious concerns, but are widespread in saprophytic bacterial communities such as those dominating the food industry. In particular, fresh dairy products can be considered a reservoir of Pseudomonas spp. resistome, potentially transmittable to consumers. Milk and fresh dairy cheeses products represent one of a few “hubs” where commensal or opportunistic pseudomonads frequently cohabit together with food microbiota and hazard pathogens even across their manufacturing processes. Pseudomonas spp., widely studied for food spoilage effects, are instead underestimated for their possible impact on human health. Recent evidences have highlighted that non-pathogenic pseudomonads strains (P. fluorescens, P. putida) are associated with some human diseases, but are still poorly considered in comparison to the pathogen P. aeruginosa. In addition, the presence of ARGs, that can be acquired and transmitted by horizontal genetic transfer, further increases their risk and the need to be deeper investigated. Therefore, this review, starting from the general aspects related to the physiological traits of these spoilage microorganisms from fresh dairy products, aims to shed light on the resistome of cheese-related pseudomonads and their genomic background, current methods and advances in the prediction tools for MDR detection based on genomic sequences, possible implications for human health, and the affordable strategies to counteract MDR spread.
Main Health-Promoting Compounds Response to Long-Term Freezer Storage and Different Thawing Methods in Frozen Broccoli Florets
Authors: Miao Huiying , Lin Jiayao , Zeng Wei , Wang Mengyu , Yao Leishuan , Wang Qiaomei
Published: September 2019

The effects of long-term freezer storage and different defrosting methods on the retention of glucosinolates, vitamin C, and total phenols in frozen broccoli florets were investigated in the present study. Frozen broccoli florets were stored in a freezer at −20 °C for 165 days or subjected to defrosting by three different house-hold thawing methods (water, air, and refrigerator defrosting). Results showed that all glucosinolates were well preserved, while vitamin C and total phenols were reduced by less than 12% and 19% of the control, respectively, during the storage. Besides, refrigerator and air defrosting were better than water defrosting in glucosinolates retention, and refrigerator defrosting was the best in vitamin C preservation. No difference was observed in reserving phenolic compounds among the three methods. In conclusion, long-term freezer storage is an excellent way to preserve broccoli florets, and refrigerator defrosting is the best way to maintain the nutritional compounds in frozen broccoli florets.
Pulsed Light treatment below a Critical Fluence (3.82 J/cm2) minimizes photo-degradation and browning of a model Phenolic (Gallic Acid) Solution
Authors: Wiktor Artur , Mandal Ronit , Singh Anika , Pratap Singh Anubhav
Published: September 2019

Pulsed light (PL) is one of the most promising non-thermal technologies used in food preservation and processing. Its application results in reduction of microbial load as well as influences the quality of food. The data about the impact of PL on bioactive compounds is ambiguous, therefore the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of PL treatment of a gallic acid aqueous solution—as a model system of phenolic abundant liquid food matrices. The effect of PL treatment was evaluated based on colour, phenolic content concentration and antioxidant activity measured by DPPH assay using a design of experiments approach. The PL fluence (which is the cumulative energy input) was varied by varying the pulse frequency and time. Using Response Surface Methodology, prediction models were developed for the effect of fluence on gallic acid properties. It was demonstrated that PL can modify the optical properties of gallic acid and cause reactions and degradation of gallic acid. However, application of PL did not significantly alter the overall quality of the model gallic acid solution at low fluence levels. Cluster analysis revealed that below 3.82 J/cm2, changes in gallic acid were minimal, and this fluence level could be used as the critical level for food process design aiming to minimize nutrient loss.
Sneaking Out for Happy Hour: Yeast-Based Approaches to Explore and Modulate Immune Response and Immune Evasion
Authors: Angrand Gaëlle , Quillévéré Alicia , Loaëc Nadège , Daskalogianni Chrysoula , Granzhan Anton , Teulade-Fichou Marie-Paule , Fahraeus Robin , Prado Martins Rodrigo , Blondel Marc
Published: September 2019

Many pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites) have developed a wide variety of mechanisms to evade their host immune system. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has successfully been used to decipher some of these immune evasion strategies. This includes the cis-acting mechanism that limits the expression of the oncogenic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-encoded EBNA1 and thus of antigenic peptides derived from this essential but highly antigenic viral protein. Studies based on budding yeast have also revealed the molecular bases of epigenetic switching or recombination underlying the silencing of all except one members of extended families of genes that encode closely related and highly antigenic surface proteins. This mechanism is exploited by several parasites (that include pathogens such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Candida, or Pneumocystis) to alternate their surface antigens, thereby evading the immune system. Yeast can itself be a pathogen, and pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans, which is phylogenetically very close to S. cerevisiae, have developed stealthiness strategies that include changes in their cell wall composition, or epitope-masking, to control production or exposure of highly antigenic but essential polysaccharides in their cell wall. Finally, due to the high antigenicity of its cell wall, yeast has been opportunistically exploited to create adjuvants and vectors for vaccination.