bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Tumor Cell-Derived Pre-Clinical Models for Personalized Medicine
Authors: Tellez-Gabriel Marta , Cochonneau Denis , Cadé Marie , Jubelin Camille , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Heymann Dominique
Published: December 2018

The main cause of death from cancer is associated with the development of metastases, resulting from the inability of current therapies to cure patients at metastatic stages. Generating preclinical models to better characterize the evolution of the disease is thus of utmost importance, in order to implement effective new cancer biomarkers and therapies. Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are good candidates for generating preclinical models, making it possible to follow up the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of tumor tissues. This method is a non-invasive liquid biopsy that can be obtained at any stage of the disease. It partially summarizes the molecular heterogeneity of the corresponding tumors at a given time. Here, we discuss the CTC-derived models that have been generated so far, from simplified 2D cultures to the most complex CTC-derived explants (CDX models). We highlight the challenges and strengths of these preclinical tools, as well as some of the recent studies published using these models.
Conversion of Carbon Monoxide into Methanol on Alumina-Supported Cobalt Catalyst: Role of the Support and Reaction Mechanism—A Theoretical Study
Authors: Ngoc Ha Nguyen , Thi Thu Ha Nguyen , Binh Long Nguyen , Minh Cam Le
Published: December 2018

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the step-by-step hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (CO) to form methanol over a Co4 cluster/Al2O3 surface. A three-dimensional Co4 tetrahedral structure was selected to explore its interaction with the supporting Al2O3 (104) surface. Co4 chemically reacted with Al2O3 to form a new chemical system. The calculated results show that Al2O3 support has strengthened the Co4 catalyst during the reaction since the formation of the Co–O bond. Loading Co4 on the Al2O3 surface increases CO adsorption ability but decreases the dissociation ability of C–O to produce hydrocarbons. As such, CH3OH formation becomes more favorable both kinetically and thermodynamically on Co4/Al2O3. In CO hydrogenation, methanol was synthesized through a CO reaction with hydrogen via either an Eley–Rideal or Langmuir–Hinshelwood pathway to form the intermediates C*-O-H, H-C*-OH, H2-C*-OH, and finally the hydrogenation of H2-C*-OH to methanol with both hydrogenation steps forming C*-OH and final product as rate-limiting. These results showed that the interaction between Co, Al2O3 and H2 pressure can change the pathway of CO hydrogenation on Co/Al2O3 and it may, therefore, influence distribution of the final products.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Synthesis of 2-Methylbenzimidazole from 2-Nitroaniline and Ethanol Over Mg Modified Cu-Pd/γ-Al2O3
Authors: Feng Feng , Deng Yaqin , Cheng Zheng , Xu Xiaoliang , Zhang Qunfeng , Lu Chunshan , Ma Lei , Li Xiaonian
Published: December 2018

The direct synthesis of benzimidazoles from 2-nitroaniline and ethanol over Cu-Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts has the advantages of requiring easily available starting materials, having high efficiency, and a simple procedure. The modification by Mg of the Cu-Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst could improve the catalytic activity significantly. The addition of Mg to the Cu-Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst could maintain and promote the formation of CuPd alloy active sites. Meanwhile, the basicity of the support was enhanced appropriately by Mg, which generated more basic sites (Al-Oδ−) to accelerate the dehydrogenation of alcohol and increased the rate of the whole coupled reaction. The 2-nitroaniline was completely converted over Cu-Pd/(Mg)γ-Al2O3 after reacting for six hours, and the yield of 2-methylbenzimidazole was 98.8%. The results of this work provide a simple method to develop a more efficient catalyst for the “alcohol-dehydrogenation, hydrogen transfer and hydrogenation” coupled reaction system.
Oncogenic Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Induced Protein 8 (TNFAIP8)
Authors: Niture Suryakant , Dong Xialan , Arthur Elena , Chimeh Uchechukwu , Niture Samiksha S. , Zheng Weifan , Kumar Deepak
Published: December 2018

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) is a founding member of the TIPE family, which also includes TNFAIP8-like 1 (TIPE1), TNFAIP8-like 2 (TIPE2), and TNFAIP8-like 3 (TIPE3) proteins. Expression of TNFAIP8 is strongly associated with the development of various cancers including cancer of the prostate, liver, lung, breast, colon, esophagus, ovary, cervix, pancreas, and others. In human cancers, TNFAIP8 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, autophagy, and tumorigenesis by inhibition of cell apoptosis. In order to better understand the molecular aspects, biological functions, and potential roles of TNFAIP8 in carcinogenesis, in this review, we focused on the expression, regulation, structural aspects, modifications/interactions, and oncogenic role of TNFAIP8 proteins in human cancers.
Longitudinal Changes in Sitting Patterns, Physical Activity, and Health Outcomes in Adolescents
Authors: Contardo Ayala Ana María , Salmon Jo , Dunstan David W. , Arundell Lauren , Parker Kate , Timperio Anna
Published: December 2018

This study examined two-year changes in patterns of activity and associations with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) among adolescents. Inclinometers (activPAL) assessed sitting, sitting bouts, standing, stepping, and breaks from sitting. ActiGraph-accelerometers assessed sedentary time (SED), light-intensity physical activity (LIPA, stratified as low- and high-LIPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Anthropometric measures were objectively assessed at baseline and self-reported at follow-up. Data from 324 and 67 participants were obtained at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models examined changes over time, and associations between baseline values and BMI and WC at follow-up. There were significant increases in BMI (0.6 kg/m2) and durations of prolonged sitting (26.4 min/day) and SED (52 min/day), and significant decreases in stepping (−19 min/day), LIPA (−33 min/day), low-LIPA (−26 min/day), high-LIPA (−6.3 min/day), MVPA (−19 min/day), and the number of breaks/day (−8). High baseline sitting time was associated (p = 0.086) with higher BMI at follow-up. There were no significant associations between baseline sitting, prolonged sitting, LIPA, or MVPA with WC. Although changes in daily activity patterns were not in a favourable direction, there were no clear associations with BMI or WC. Research with larger sample sizes and more time points is needed.
Change in Climate Extremes and Pan Evaporation Influencing Factors over Ouémé Delta in Bénin
Authors: Hounguè Rita , Lawin Agnidé , Moumouni Sounmaila , Afouda Akambi
Published: December 2018

This work focuses on trend analysis of rainfall, evaporation, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine duration over the Ouémé Delta in Bénin. Eight temperature based indices and fifteen rainfall based indices are computed from 1960 to 2016. Moreover, maximum 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 days precipitation indices were computed at the monthly scale. Trends are detected at 0.05 confidence level, using a combination of Mann-Kendall and prewhitened Mann-Kendall test. Partial correlation and stepwise regression are used to detect the set of meteorological variables that influence pan evaporation in Ouémé Delta. Results showed intensification of heavy rainfall over Ouémé Delta. Moreover, a significant increasing trend is detected in temperature. As consequence, diurnal temperature significantly decreases as proof of the global warming. Average pan evaporation showed a significant slither increasing trend over the area. Change in pan evaporation can be explained by wind speed and sunshine duration that hold almost 50% of pan evaporation variance. As future temperature is going to be increasing, pan evaporation may increase considerably. So, adaptation measures have to be reinforced in the Ouémé Delta area where farmer are used to rainfed agriculture for food security. Moreover, Ouémé Delta plan have to be developed for it resources sustainability.
Influence of the Geometric Parameters on the Deposition Mode in Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition: A Novel Approach to Area-Selective Deposition
Authors: Masse de la Huerta César , Nguyen Viet Huong , Dedulle Jean-Marc , Bellet Daniel , Jiménez Carmen , Muñoz-Rojas David
Published: December 2018

Within the materials deposition techniques, Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (SALD) is gaining momentum since it is a high throughput and low-cost alternative to conventional atomic layer deposition (ALD). SALD relies on a physical separation (rather than temporal separation, as is the case in conventional ALD) of gas-diluted reactants over the surface of the substrate by a region containing an inert gas. Thus, fluid dynamics play a role in SALD since precursor intermixing must be avoided in order to have surface-limited reactions leading to ALD growth, as opposed to chemical vapor deposition growth (CVD). Fluid dynamics in SALD mainly depends on the geometry of the reactor and its components. To quantify and understand the parameters that may influence the deposition of films in SALD, the present contribution describes a Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation that was coupled, using Comsol Multiphysics®, with concentration diffusion and temperature-based surface chemical reactions to evaluate how different parameters influence precursor spatial separation. In particular, we have used the simulation of a close-proximity SALD reactor based on an injector manifold head. We show the effect of certain parameters in our system on the efficiency of the gas separation. Our results show that the injector head-substrate distance (also called deposition gap) needs to be carefully adjusted to prevent precursor intermixing and thus CVD growth. We also demonstrate that hindered flow due to a non-efficient evacuation of the flows through the head leads to precursor intermixing. Finally, we show that precursor intermixing can be used to perform area-selective deposition.
Modified Ethylsilicates as Efficient Innovative Consolidants for Sedimentary Rock
Authors: Remzova Monika , Carrascosa Luis A. M. , Mosquera María J. , Rathousky Jiri
Published: December 2018

Although silicon alkoxides (especially ethylsilicates) have long been used as consolidants of weathered stone monuments, their physical properties are not ideal. In this study, an innovative procedure for the consolidation of sedimentary rocks was developed that combines the use of organometallic and alkylamine catalysts with the addition of well-defined nanoparticles exhibiting a narrow size distribution centered at ca. 10 nm. As a suitable test material, Pietra di Lecce limestone was selected because of its color and problematic physico-chemical properties, such as rather low hardness. Using the developed procedure, the mechanical and surface properties of the limestone were improved without the unwanted over-consolidation of the surface layers of the stone, and any significant deterioration in the pore size distribution, water vapor permeability, or the stone’s appearance. The developed modified ethylsilicates penetrated deeper into the pore structure of the stone than the unmodified ones and increased the hardness of the treated material. The formed xerogels within the stone pores did not crack. Importantly, they did not significantly alter the natural characteristics of the stone.
Corrosion Behavior and Surface Properties of PVD Coatings for Mold Technology Applications
Authors: D'Avico Luigi , Beltrami Ruben , Lecis Nora , Trasatti Stefano P.
Published: December 2018

Chrome plating is still one of the best solutions to coat martensitic steel used in the molding of plastics and rubbers. However, current stringent regulations on environmental impact call for more sustainable processes. In the present work, some physical vapor deposition (PVD) nitride coatings were produced on X155CrMoV12 steel and characterized in terms of both corrosion behavior and surface properties. Results indicated that titanium-based PVD coatings could be a valuable alternative to chromium-based coatings as they exhibited a good compromise between corrosion and surface properties. AlTiN and TiN PVD coatings exhibited adequate hardness for plastic mold applications, with AlTiN reaching hardness as high as 2000 HV. Moreover, the critical loads and adhesion properties were found to be definitely better than those of chromium-based coatings. From a corrosion point of view, the presence of multilayers in AlTiN did not seem to be beneficial as the breakdown potential for TiN (single layer) was ca. 1.1 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) compared to 0.85 V vs. SCE for AlTiN in aggressive media (NaCl).
Prototypes of User Interfaces for Mobile Applications for Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Pavlas Jan , Krejcar Ondrej , Maresova Petra , Selamat Ali
Published: December 2018

We live in a heavily technologized global society. It is therefore not surprising that efforts are being made to integrate current information technology into the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This paper is dedicated to improving the treatment of this disease through the use of well-designed mobile applications. Our analysis of relevant literature sources and existing solutions has revealed that the current state of mobile applications for diabetics is unsatisfactory. These limitations relate both to the content and the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of existing applications. Following the analysis of relevant studies, there are four key elements that a diabetes mobile application should contain. These elements are: (1) blood glucose levels monitoring; (2) effective treatment; (3) proper eating habits; and (4) physical activity. As the next step in this study, three prototypes of new mobile applications were designed. Each of the prototypes represents one group of applications according to a set of given rules. The most optimal solution based on the users’ preferences was determined by using a questionnaire survey conducted with a sample of 30 respondents participating in a questionnaire after providing their informed consent. The age of participants was from 15 until 30 years old, where gender was split to 13 males and 17 females. As a result of this study, the specifications of the proposed application were identified, which aims to respond to the findings discovered in the analytical part of the study, and to eliminate the limitations of the current solutions. All of the respondents expressed preference for an application that includes not only the key functions, but a number of additional functions, namely synchronization with one of the external devices for measuring blood glucose levels, while five-sixths of them found suggested additional functions as being sufficient.
Reversed Crystal Growth
Authors: Zhou Wuzong
Published: December 2018

In the last decade, a reversed growth route has been found in many crystal growth processes. In these systems, a single crystal does not develop from a single nucleus. The precursor molecules/ions or nanocrystallites aggregate into some large amorphous or polycrystalline particles. Multiple-nucleation on the surface of the amorphous particles or surface re-crystallization of the polycrystalline particles then takes place, forming a single crystal shell with a regular morphology. Finally, the crystallization extends from the surface to the core to form single crystals. This non-classical crystal growth route often results in some special morphologies, such as core-shell structures, hollow single crystals, sandwich structures, etc. This article gives a brief review of the research into reversed crystal growth and demonstrates that investigation of detailed mechanisms of crystal growth enables us to better understand the formation of many novel morphologies of the crystals. Some unsolved problems are also discussed.
Twins in YAl3(BO3)4 and K2Al2B2O7 Crystals as Revealed by Changes in Optical Activity
Authors: Buchen Johannes , Wesemann Volker , Dehmelt Steffen , Gross Andreas , Rytz Daniel
Published: December 2018

Many borate crystals feature nonlinear optical properties that allow for efficient frequency conversion of common lasers down into the ultraviolet spectrum. Twinning may degrade crystal quality and affect nonlinear optical properties, in particular if crystals are composed of twin domains with opposing polarities. Here, we use measurements of optical activity to demonstrate the existence of inversion twins within single crystals of YAl 3 (BO 3 ) 4 (YAB) and K 2 Al 2 B 2 O 7 (KABO). We determine the optical rotatory dispersion of YAB and KABO throughout the visible spectrum using a spectrophotometer with rotatable polarizers. Space-resolved measurements of the optical rotation can be related to the twin structure and give estimates on the extent of twinning. The reported dispersion relations for the rotatory power of YAB and KABO may be used to assess crystal quality and to select twin-free specimens.
Multifunctional Molecular Magnets: Magnetocaloric Effect in Octacyanometallates
Authors: Fitta Magdalena , Pełka Robert , Konieczny Piotr , Bałanda Maria
Published: December 2018

Octacyanometallate-based compounds displaying a rich pallet of interesting physical and chemical properties, are key materials in the field of molecular magnetism. The [M(CN)8]n− complexes, (M = WV, MoV, NbIV), are universal building blocks as they lead to various spatial structures, depending on the surrounding ligands and the choice of the metal ion. One of the functionalities of the octacyanometallate-based coordination polymers or clusters is the magnetocaloric effect (MCE), consisting in a change of the material temperature upon the application of a magnetic field. In this review, we focus on different approaches to MCE investigation. We present examples of magnetic entropy change ΔSm and adiabatic temperature change ΔTad, determined using calorimetric measurements supplemented with the algebraic extrapolation of the data down to 0 K. At the field change of 5T, the compound built of high spin clusters Ni9[W(CN)8]6 showed a maximum value of −ΔSm equal to 18.38 J·K−1 mol−1 at 4.3 K, while the corresponding maximum ΔTad = 4.6 K was attained at 2.2 K. These values revealed that this molecular material may be treated as a possible candidate for cryogenic magnetic cooling. Values obtained for ferrimagnetic polymers at temperatures close to their magnetic ordering temperatures, Tc, were lower, i.e., −ΔSm = 6.83 J·K−1 mol−1 (ΔTad = 1.42 K) and −ΔSm = 4.9 J·K−1 mol−1 (ΔTad = 2 K) for {[MnII(pyrazole)4]2[NbIV(CN)8]·4H2O}n and{[FeII(pyrazole)4]2[NbIV(CN)8]·4H2O}n, respectively. MCE results have been obtained also for other -[Nb(CN)8]-based manganese polymers, showing significant Tc dependence on pressure or the remarkable magnetic sponge behaviour. Using the data obtained for compounds with different Tc, due to dissimilar ligands or other phase of the material, the ΔSm ~ Tc−2/3 relation stemming from the molecular field theory was confirmed. The characteristic index n in the ΔSm ~ ΔHn dependence, and the critical exponents, related to n, were determined, pointing to the 3D Heisenberg model as the most adequate for the description of these particular compounds. At last, results of the rotating magnetocaloric effect (RMCE), which is a new technique efficient in the case of layered magnetic systems, are presented. Data have been obtained and discussed for single crystals of two 2D molecular magnets: ferrimagnetic {MnII(R-mpm)2]2[NbIV(CN)8]}∙4H2O (mpm = α-methyl-2-pyridinemethanol) and a strongly anisotropic (tetren)Cu4[W(CN)8]4 bilayered magnet showing the topological Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition.
Reactive Mechanism of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin Films Prepared by Reactive Annealing of the Cu/Zn Metal Layer in a SnSex + Se Atmosphere
Authors: Yao Liyong , Ao Jianping , Jeng Ming-Jer , Bi Jinlian , Gao Shoushuai , Sun Guozhong , He Qing , Zhou Zhiqiang , Zhang Yi , Sun Yun , Chang Liann-Be
Published: December 2018

Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) thin films were prepared by a two-step process with the electrodeposition of a Cu/Zn metallic stack precursor followed by a reactive anneal under a Se + Sn containing atmosphere. We investigate the effect of the Sex and SnSex (x = 1,2) partial pressures and annealing temperature on the morphological, structural, and elemental distribution of the CZTSe thin films. Line scanning energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) measurements show the presence of a Zn-rich secondary phase at the back-absorber region of the CZTSe thin films processed with higher SnSex partial pressure and lower annealing temperatures. The Zn-rich phase can be reduced by lowering the SnSex partial pressure and by increasing the annealing temperature. A very thin MoSe2 film between the CZTSe and Mo interface is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) measurements. These measurements indicate a strong dependence of these process variations in secondary phase formation and accumulation. A possible reaction mechanism of CZTSe thin films was presented. In a preliminary optimization of both the SnSex partial pressure and the reactive annealing process, a solar cell with 7.26% efficiency has been fabricated.
Thermal Expansion and Electro-Elastic Features of Ba2TiSi2O8 High Temperature Piezoelectric Crystal
Authors: Jiang Chao , Chen Feifei , Yu Fapeng , Tian Shiwei , Cheng Xiufeng , Zhang Shujun , Zhao Xian
Published: December 2018

A high-quality Ba2TiSi2O8 (BTS) single crystal was grown using the Czochralski (Cz) pulling method. The thermal expansion and electro-elastic properties of BTS crystal were studied for high temperature sensor applications. The relative dielectric permittivities ε 11 T / ε 0 and ε 33 T / ε 0 were determined to be 16.3 and 11.8, while the piezoelectric coefficients d15, d31, d33 were found to be 17.8, 2.9, and 4.0 pC/N, respectively. Temperature dependence of electro-elastic properties were investigated, where the variation of elastic compliance s 55 E (= s 44 E ) was found to be <6% over temperature range of 20–700 °C. Taking advantage of the anisotropic thermal expansion, linear thermal expansion comparable to insulating alumina ceramic was achieved over temperature range up to 650 °C. The optimum crystal cut with large effective piezoelectric coefficient (>8.5 pC/N) and linear thermal expansion coefficient (8.03 ppm/°C) achieved for BTS crystal along the (47°, φ) direction (φ is arbitrary in 0–360°), together with its good temperature stability up to 650 °C, make BTS crystal a promising candidate for high temperature piezoelectric sensors.
Continuous- versus Segmented-Flow Microfluidic Synthesis in Materials Science
Authors: Gonidec Mathieu , Puigmartí-Luis Josep
Published: December 2018

Materials science is a fast-evolving area that aims to uncover functional materials with ever more sophisticated properties and functions. For this to happen, new methodologies for materials synthesis, optimization, and preparation are desired. In this context, microfluidic technologies have emerged as a key enabling tool for a low-cost and fast prototyping of materials. Their ability to screen multiple reaction conditions rapidly with a small amount of reagent, together with their unique physico-chemical characteristics, have made microfluidic devices a cornerstone technology in this research field. Among the different microfluidic approaches to materials synthesis, the main contenders can be classified in two categories: continuous-flow and segmented-flow microfluidic devices. These two families of devices present very distinct characteristics, but they are often pooled together in general discussions about the field with seemingly little awareness of the major divide between them. In this perspective, we outline the parallel evolution of those two sub-fields by highlighting the key differences between both approaches, via a discussion of their main achievements. We show how continuous-flow microfluidic approaches, mimicking nature, provide very finely-tuned chemical gradients that yield highly-controlled reaction–diffusion (RD) areas, while segmented-flow microfluidic systems provide, on the contrary, very fast homogenization methods, and therefore well-defined super-saturation regimes inside arrays of micro-droplets that can be manipulated and controlled at the milliseconds scale. Those two classes of microfluidic reactors thus provide unique and complementary advantages over classical batch synthesis, with a drive towards the rational synthesis of out-of-equilibrium states for the former, and the preparation of high-quality and complex nanoparticles with narrow size distributions for the latter.
A Mobile Air Pollution Monitoring Data Set
Authors: Adams Matthew D. , Corr Denis
Published: December 2018

Air pollution was observed in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada using monitors installed in a mobile platform from November 2005 up to November 2016. The dataset is an aggregation of several project specific monitoring days, which attempted to quantify air pollution spatial variation under varying conditions or in specific regions. Pollutants observed included carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, total nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particulate matter concentrations for size cuts of 10 µm, 2.5 µm and 1 µm, and sulfur dioxide. Observations were collected over 114 days, which occurred in varying seasons and months. During sampling, the mobile platform travelled at an average speed of 27 km/h. The samples were collected as one-minute integrated samples and are prepared as line-segments, which include an offset for instrument response time. Sampling occurred on major freeways, highways, arterial and residential roads. This dataset is shared in hopes of supporting research on how to best utilize air pollution observations obtained with mobile air pollution platforms, which is a growing technique in the field of urban air pollution monitoring. We conclude with limitations in the data capture technique and recommendations for future mobile monitoring studies.
Plasma Levels of Cytokines (IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α) in Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis and Drug Responsive Tuberculosis Patients in Ghana
Authors: Basingnaa Anthony , Antwi-Baffour Samuel , Nkansah Dinah Obenewaa , Afutu Emmanuel , Owusu Enid
Published: December 2018

The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR–TB) and more recently, extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB has intensified the need for studies aimed at identifying factors associated with TB drug resistance. This study determined the differences in plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in MDR-TB and drug-susceptible (DS) TB patients, in addition to some socio-economic factors. Plasma levels of IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured in 83 participants (comprising 49 MDR-TB and 34 DS-TB patients) using sandwich ELISA. Levels of the three cytokines were elevated in MDR-TB patients compared to DS-TB patients. The mean level of IL-10 (7.8 ± 3.61 ρg/mL) measured in MDR-TB cases was relatively higher than those of TNF-α and IFN-γ, and statistically significant (p = 0.0022) when compared to the level of IL-10 (4.8 ± 4.94 ρg/mL) in the DS-TB cases. There were statistically significant associations between MDR-TB and factors such as education level (X2 = 9.895, p = 0.043), employment status (X2 = 19.404, p = 0.001) and alcoholism (X2 = 3.971, p = 0.046). This study adds to the knowledge that IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 play a role in the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Alcohol intake can be considered as an important MDR-TB risk factor.
Quantum Correlation Based on Uhlmann Fidelity for Gaussian States
Authors: Liu Liang , Hou Jinchuan , Qi Xiaofei
Published: December 2018

A quantum correlation N F G , A for ( n + m ) -mode continuous-variable systems is introduced in terms of local Gaussian unitary operations performed on Subsystem A based on Uhlmann fidelity F. This quantity is a remedy for the local ancilla problem associated with the geometric measurement-induced correlations; is local Gaussian unitary invariant; is non-increasing under any Gaussian quantum channel performed on Subsystem B;and is an entanglement monotone when restricted to pure Gaussian states in the ( 1 + m ) -mode case. A concrete formula for ( 1 + 1 ) -mode symmetric squeezed thermal states (SSTSs) is presented. We also compare N F G , A with other quantum correlations in scale, such as Gaussian quantum discord and Gaussian geometric discord, for two-mode SSTSs, which reveals that N F G , A has some advantage in detecting quantum correlations of Gaussian states.
From Lagrangian Mechanics to Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics: A Variational Perspective
Authors: Gay-Balmaz François , Yoshimura Hiroaki
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we survey our recent results on the variational formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamics for the finite-dimensional case of discrete systems, as well as for the infinite-dimensional case of continuum systems. Starting with the fundamental variational principle of classical mechanics, namely, Hamilton’s principle, we show, with the help of thermodynamic systems with gradually increasing complexity, how to systematically extend it to include irreversible processes. In the finite dimensional cases, we treat systems experiencing the irreversible processes of mechanical friction, heat, and mass transfer in both the adiabatically closed cases and open cases. On the continuum side, we illustrate our theory using the example of multicomponent Navier–Stokes–Fourier systems.
Assessing Water Resources Vulnerability by Using a Rough Set Cloud Model: A Case Study of the Huai River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Yan , Feng Yazhong , Zhang Fan , Wang Lei
Published: December 2018

Assessing water resources vulnerability is the foundation of local water resources management. However, as one of the major water systems in China, there is no existing evaluation index system that can effectively assess water resource vulnerability for the Huai River basin. To address this issue, we identified key vulnerability factors, constructed an evaluation index system, and applied such system to evaluate water resources vulnerability for the Huai River basin empirically in this paper. Specifically, our evaluation index system consists of 18 indexes selected from three different aspects: water shortage, water pollution, and water-related natural disaster. Then, the improved blind deletion rough set method was used to reduce the size of the evaluation index while keep the evaluation power. In addition, the improved conditional information entropy rough set method was employed to calculate the weights of evaluation indexes. Based on the reduced index system and calculated weights, a rough set cloud model was applied to carry out the vulnerability evaluation. The empirical results show that the Huai River basin water resources were under severe vulnerability conditions for most of the time between 2000 and 2016, and the Most Stringent Water Resources Management System (MS-WRMS) established in 2012 did not work effectively as expected.
The Specification of Dynamic Discrete-Time Two-State Panel Data Models
Authors: Gørgens Tue , Hyslop Dean Robert
Published: December 2018

This paper compares two approaches to analyzing longitudinal discrete-time binary outcomes. Dynamic binary response models focus on state occupancy and typically specify low-order Markovian state dependence. Multi-spell duration models focus on transitions between states and typically allow for state-specific duration dependence. We show that the former implicitly impose strong and testable restrictions on the transition probabilities. In a case study of poverty transitions, we show that these restrictions are severely rejected against the more flexible multi-spell duration models.
Tracking and Monitoring System Based on LoRa Technology for Lightweight Boats
Authors: Sanchez-Iborra Ramon , G. Liaño Ignacio , Simoes Christian , Couñago Elena , Skarmeta Antonio F.
Published: December 2018

Maritime communications are really challenging due to the adverse transmission conditions and the lack of a pre-provided infrastructure for supporting long range connectivity with land. Communications in high seas are usually covered by satellite links that are expensive and lead to high power consumption by the terminals. However, in areas closer to the shore, other communication options have been adopted for different kinds of services such as boat tracking and telemetry, data collection from moored monitoring systems, etc. In these scenarios, technologies such as cellular communications or wireless sensor networks have been employed so far; nevertheless, all of them present different drawbacks mostly related with the coverage and energy-efficiency of the system. Recently, a novel communication paradigm, so-called Low Power-Wide Area Network (LP-WAN) has gained momentum due to its interesting characteristics regarding transmission distances and end-node’s power consumption. The latter may be of great interest for ships with energetic restrictions such as small sailboats, recreational boats, or radio control ships. For that reason, in this work, we present a boat tracking and monitoring system based on LoRa (Long Range), one of the most prominent LP-WAN technologies. We provide a comprehensive overview of this communication solution as well as a discussion addressing its benefits when applied to maritime scenarios. We present the results extracted from a case of study, where real-training sessions of Optimist Class sailboats have been monitored by means of the presented architecture, obtaining good levels of coverage and link-reliability with limited power consumption. A transmission range study is also presented, demonstrating the validity of this proposal for monitoring activities inside the port or maneuvers close to the shore.
5GHz CMOS All-Pass Filter-Based True Time Delay Cell
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed Rasoul , Martinez Herminio , Saberkari Alireza
Published: December 2018

Analog CMOS time-delay cells realized by passive components, e.g., lumped LC delay lines, are inefficient in terms of area for multi-GHz frequencies. All-pass filters considered as active circuits can, therefore, be the best candidates to approximate time delays. This paper proposes a broadband first-order voltage-mode all-pass filter as a true-time-delay cell. The proposed true-time-delay cell is capable of tuning delay, demonstrating its potential capability to be used in different systems, e.g., RF beam-formers. The proposed filter achieves a flat group delay of over 60 ps with a pole/zero pair located at 5 GHz. This proposed circuit consumes only 10 mW power from a 1.8-V supply. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed all-pass filter, simulation results are conducted by using Virtuoso Cadence in a standard TSMC 180-nm CMOS process.
Spline Function Simulation Data Generation for Walking Motion Using Foot-Mounted Inertial Sensors
Authors: Pham Thanh , Suh Young
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the generation of simulation data for motion estimation using inertial sensors. The smoothing algorithm with waypoint-based map matching is proposed using foot-mounted inertial sensors to estimate position and attitude. The simulation data are generated using spline functions, where the estimated position and attitude are used as control points. The attitude is represented using B-spline quaternion and the position is represented by eighth-order algebraic splines. The simulation data can be generated using inertial sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) without using any additional sensors. Through indoor experiments, two scenarios were examined include 2D walking path (rectangular) and 3D walking path (corridor and stairs) for simulation data generation. The proposed simulation data is used to evaluate the estimation performance with different parameters such as different noise levels and sampling periods.
MIDAS: A Benchmarking Multi-Criteria Method for the Identification of Defective Anemometers in Wind Farms
Authors: Rabanal Arkaitz , Ulazia Alain , Ibarra-Berastegi Gabriel , Sáenz Jon , Elosegui Unai
Published: December 2018

A novel multi-criteria methodology for the identification of defective anemometers is shown in this paper with a benchmarking approach: it is called MIDAS: multi-technique identification of defective anemometers. The identification of wrong wind data as provided by malfunctioning devices is very important, because the actual power curve of a wind turbine is conditioned by the quality of its anemometer measurements. Here, we present a novel method applied for the first time to anemometers’ data based on the kernel probability density function and the recent reanalysis ERA5. This estimation improves classical unidimensional methods such as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and the use of the global ERA5’s wind data as the first benchmarking reference establishes a general method that can be used anywhere. Therefore, adopting ERA5 as the reference, this method is applied bi-dimensionally for the zonal and meridional components of wind, thus checking both components at the same time. This technique allows the identification of defective anemometers, as well as clear identification of the group of anemometers that works properly. After that, other verification techniques were used versus the faultless anemometers (Taylor diagrams, running correlation and R M S E , and principal component analysis), and coherent results were obtained for all statistical techniques with respect to the multidimensional method. The developed methodology combines the use of this set of techniques and was able to identify the defective anemometers in a wind farm with 10 anemometers located in Northern Europe in a terrain with forests and woodlands. Nevertheless, this methodology is general-purpose and not site-dependent, and in the future, its performance will be studied in other types of terrain and wind farms.
Closed-Form Solution of Radial Transport of Tracers in Porous Media Influenced by Linear Drift
Authors: Akanji Lateef T. , Falade Gabriel K.
Published: December 2018

A new closed-form analytical solution to the radial transport of tracers in porous media under the influence of linear drift is presented. Specifically, the transport of tracers under convection–diffusion-dominated flow is considered. First, the radial transport equation was cast in the form of the Whittaker equation by defining a set of transformation relations. Then, linear drift was incorporated by considering a coordinate-independent scalar velocity field within the porous medium. A special case of low-intensity tracer injection where molecular diffusion controls tracer propagation but convection with linear velocity drift plays a significant role was presented and solved in Laplace space. Furthermore, a weak-form numerical solution of the nonlinear problem was obtained and used to analyse tracer concentration behaviour in a porous medium, where drift effects predominate and influence the flow pattern. Application in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes where linear drift may interfere with the flow path was also evaluated within the solution to obtain concentration profiles for different injection models. The results of the analyses indicated that the effect of linear drift on the tracer concentration profile is dependent on system heterogeneity and progressively becomes more pronounced at later times. This new solution demonstrates the necessity to consider the impact of drift on the transport of tracers, as arrival times may be significantly influenced by drift intensity.
Evaluation of Biogas Production from the Co-Digestion of Municipal Food Waste and Wastewater Sludge at Refugee Camps Using an Automated Methane Potential Test System
Authors: Al-Addous Mohammad , Saidan Motasem N. , Bdour Mathhar , Alnaief Mohammad
Published: December 2018

The potential benefits of the application of a circular economy—converting biomass at Za’atari Syrian refugee camps into energy—was investigated in this study. Representative organic waste and sludge samples were collected from the camp, mixed in different ratios, and analyzed in triplicate for potential biogas yield. Numerous calorific tests were also carried out. The tangential benefit of the co-digestion that was noticed was that it lowered the value of the total solid content in the mixture to the recommended values for wet digestion without the need for freshwater. To test the potential methane production, the automated methane potential test system (AMPTS) and the graduated tubes in the temperature-controlled climate room GB21 were utilized. Also, calorific values were determined for the organic waste and sludge on both a dry and a wet basis. The maximum biogas production from 100% organic waste and 100% sludge using AMPTS was 153 m3 ton−1 and 5.6 m3 ton−1, respectively. Methane yield reached its maximum at a Vs sub/Vs inoculum range of 0.25–0.3. In contrast, the methane yield decreased when the Vs sub/Vs inoculum exceeded 0.46. The optimum ratio of mixing of municipal food waste to sludge must be carefully selected to satisfy the demands of an energy production pilot plant and avoid the environmental issues associated with the sludge amount at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). A possible ratio to start with is 60–80% organic waste, which can produce 21–65 m3· biogas ton−1 fresh matter (FM). The co-digestion of organic waste and sludge can generate 38 Nm3/day of methane, which, in theory, can generate about 4 MW in remote refugee camps.
An Analysis of the Systematic Error of a Remote Method for a Wattmeter Adjustment Gain Estimation in Smart Grids
Authors: Lukočius Robertas , Nakutis Žilvinas , Daunoras Vytautas , Deltuva Ramūnas , Kuzas Pranas , Račkienė Roma
Published: December 2018

Smart energy meters supporting bidirectional data communication enable novel remote error monitoring applications. This research targets characterization of the systematic worst-case error of the previously published remote watthour meter’s gain estimation method based on the comparison of synchronous measurements by the reference and meter under test. To achieve the research aim a methodology based on global maximization of the systematic error objective function assuming the typical low voltage electrical distribution network operation parameters ranges as defined by the standard recommendations for network design. To cross verify the reliability of the assessed solutions the suggested error analysis methodology was implemented utilizing two stochastic global extremum search techniques (genetic algorithms, pattern search) and the third one utilizing nonlinear programming solver. It was determined that the wattmeter adjustment gain worst-case error does not exceed 0.5% if the remote wattmeter monitored load power factor is larger than 0.1 and a network is designed according to the recommendation of the acceptable voltage drop less than 5%. For a load exhibiting power factor larger than cos φ = 0.9 the worst-case error was found to be less than 0.1%. It is concluded therefore that considering the systematic worst-case error the previously suggested remote wattmeter adjustment gain estimation method is suitable for remote error monitoring of Class 2 and Class 1 wattmeters.
Study of Inertia and Damping Characteristics of Doubly Fed Induction Generators and Improved Additional Frequency Control Strategy
Authors: Yan Xiangwu , Song Zijun , Xu Yun , Sun Ying , Wang Ziheng , Sun Xuewei
Published: December 2018

Large-scale wind farms connect to the grid and deliver electrical energy to the load center. When a short-circuit fault occurs on the transmission line, there will be an excess of electric power, but the power demand will increase instantaneously once the fault is removed. The conventional additional frequency control strategies of wind farms can effectively reduce the frequency fluctuation caused by load mutation, but still there are some limitations for the frequency fluctuation caused by the whole process of occurrence, development and removal of a short-circuit fault on the transmission line. Therefore, this paper presents an improved additional frequency control strategy for wind farms. According to the variation law of system frequency during the whole process of a short-circuit fault, the proposed strategy revises the parameters in conventional additional frequency control of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) to have effective damping characteristics throughout the entire process from failure to removal, thereby the output power of DFIGs could respond to frequency fluctuation rapidly. MATLAB/ Simulink is used to build a four-machine two-area model for simulation analysis. The results show that the control strategy can effectively reduce the frequency fluctuation of DFIGs, and enhance the stability of the system.
Leveraging Energy Storage in a Solar-Tower and Combined Cycle Hybrid Power Plant
Authors: Ellingwood Kevin , Safdarnejad Seyed Mostafa , Rashid Khalid , Powell Kody
Published: December 2018

A method is presented to enhance solar penetration of a hybrid solar-combined cycle power plant integrated with a packed-bed thermal energy storage system. The hybrid plant is modeled using Simulink and employs systems-level automation. Feedback control regulates net power, collector temperature, and turbine firing temperature. A base-case plant is presented, and plant design is systematically modified to improve solar energy utilization. A novel recycling configuration enables robust control of collector temperature and net power during times of high solar activity. Recycling allows for improved solar energy utilization and a yearly solar fraction over 30%, while maintaining power control. During significant solar activity, excessive collector temperature and power setpoint mismatch are still observed with the proposed recycling configuration. A storage bypass is integrated with recycling, to lower storage charging rate. This operation results in diverting only a fraction of air flow to storage, which lowers the storage charging rate and improves solar energy utilization. Recycling with a storage bypass can handle larger solar inputs and a solar fraction over 70% occurs when following a drastic peaking power load. The novel plant configuration is estimated to reduce levelized cost of the plant by over 4% compared to the base-case plant.
Online Recognition Method for Voltage Sags Based on a Deep Belief Network
Authors: Mei Fei , Ren Yong , Wu Qingliang , Zhang Chenyu , Pan Yi , Sha Haoyuan , Zheng Jianyong
Published: December 2018

Voltage sag is a serious power quality phenomenon that threatens industrial manufacturing and residential electricity. A large-scale monitoring system has been established and continually improved to detect and record voltage sag events. However, the inefficient process of data sampling cannot provide valuable information early enough for governance of the system. Therefore, a novel online recognition method for voltage sags is proposed. The main contributions of this paper include: 1) The causes and waveform characters of voltage sags were analyzed; 2) according to the characters of different sag waveforms, 10 voltage sag characteristic parameters were proposed and proven to be effective; 3) a deep belief network (DBN) model was built using these parameters to complete automatic recognition of the sag event types. Experiments were conducted using voltage sag data from one month recorded by the 10 kV monitoring points in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, China. The results showed good performance of the proposed method: Recognition accuracy was 96.92%. The test results from the proposed method were compared to the results from support vector machine (SVM) recognition methods. The proposed method was shown to outperform SVM.