Estimation method of frequency bias using normal operating data

A technique of calculating the frequency bias of an electric power system from frequency fluctuation data and total output power is described. An evaluation method for testing the calculations by the new method is developed. The results are in good agreement with estimates based on generator speed regulation but the method gives an excessively high figure for the load frequency bias.     

An Orthogonally Multiplexed QAM System Using the Discrete Fourier Transform

An orthogonally multiplexed QAM (O-QAM) system is a multichannel system with a baud rate spacing between adjacent carrier frequencies; this property is desirable to digitally implement the system using the discrete Fourier transformation (DFT). This paper provides a novel digital signal processing method based on anN/2-point DFT processing in the O-QAM system. A complexity comparison between a digital O-QAM system and a digital singlechannel QAM system shows that the digital O-QAM system using the new method is more economical than the digitally implemented conventional single-channel data transmission system.     

Optimum Ordering Policies with Lead Time for an Operating Unit in Preventive Maintenance

An ordering policy allows a spare, delivered after a constant lead time, to be put into inventory. Under certain conditions there exists a finite and unique ordering policy maximizing the cost effectiveness, which balances the system effectiveness and the cost and is defined as [s-availability]/[s-expected cost rate].     

Effects of lipase,lipoxygenase, peroxidase and free fatty acids on volatile compound found in boiled buckwheat noodles

BACKGROUND: Relationships between buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) flour lipase, lipoxygenase and peroxidase activity, along with levels of individual free fatty acids (FFAs) and levels of headspace volatile compounds of boiled buckwheat noodles, were investigated for 12 different buckwheat varieties. Enzyme activities and FFA levels in flour were correlated with their respective varietal arrays of boiled noodle headspace volatile compounds, measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The volatiles hexanal, tentative butanal, tentative 3‐methylbutanal and tentative 2‐methylbutanal showed significant positive correlation with one another, indicating that they may be generated through similar mechanisms. These important volatile components of buckwheat flavor were also positively correlated with lipase and/or peroxidase activity, indicating that enzymatic reactions are important in flavor generation in boiled buckwheat noodles. On the other hand, pentanal, which showed no significant correlation with any enzyme activity, showed a significant positive correlation to the levels of C18:2 and C18:3 FFAs, suggesting the existence of a ‘non‐enzymatic’ and/or ‘uncertain enzymatic pathway’ for flavor generation in boiled buckwheat noodles. CONCLUSION: Lipase and peroxidase in buckwheat flour are important for flavor generation of boiled buckwheat noodles. This information is important for increasing desirable flavor of buckwheat products as well as for selecting varieties with improved flavor. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

A New Lead Identification Strategy: Screening an sp3-rich and Lead-like Compound Library Composed of 7-Azanorbornane Derivatives

Although the advantages of sp³-rich, sterically complicated molecules in drug development have been pointed out, modern screening libraries are filled with planar, sp²-rich components. Compounds that are sp³-rich are difficult to synthesize, and thus we aimed to invent an efficient method to construct sp³-rich libraries. By modifying sp³-rich 7-azanorbornane scaffolds through click chemistry, we efficiently prepared a small set of compounds. These compounds were not only sp³-rich, but also had sufficient “lead-like” properties in view of molecular weights and hydrophobicity. Screening assays of this library provided weak κ opioid receptor agonists and growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonists with high hit rates. These results indicate that the 7-azanorbornane scaffold may be a “privileged structure” for lead identification in drug discovery.     

Application of the partial element equivalent circuit method to tower surge response calculations

This article presents calculations of tower surge responses and insulator voltages of an actual transmission tower including ground wires and phase wires. The partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) method is applied as a simulation tool. Surge responses of the tower and insulator voltages calculated by the PEEC method are compared with electro magnetic transients program (EMTP) simulated results and experimental results collected from the literatures. The results calculated by the PEEC method agree well with the experimetal results, not only amplitudes but also waveshapes. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Numerical Simulation of Sterilization Processes for Shear‐Thinning Food in Taylor‐Couette Flow Systems

The performance of the Taylor‐Couette flow apparatus as a heat sterilizer is numerically investigated. The destruction of Clostridium botulinum and thiamine (vitamin B1) was selected as model reaction. When Taylor vortices were formed in the annular space, the heat transfer significantly enhanced as compared to the case without vortex flow. As a result, the equivalent lethality calculated from the temperature field increased, which is regarded as a quantum leap. Conversely, the improvement of heat transfer induced destruction of thiamine. These results suggest that there is a trade‐off relationship between the enhancement of heat transfer and the avoidance of thermal destruction of nutritional components. In conclusion, the Taylor‐Couette flow sterilizer has the potential for process intensification in heat sterilization processes.     

Engineering of Lipid Nanoparticles by the Multifunctionalization of the Surface with Amino Acid Derivatives for the Neutralization of a Target Toxic Peptide

Protein affinity reagents (e.g., antibodies) are often used for basic research, diagnostics, separations, and disease therapy. Although a lot of “synthetic” protein affinity reagents have been developed as a cost-effective alternative to antibodies, their low biocompatibility is a considerable problem for clinical application. Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) represent a highly biocompatible drug delivery agent. However, little has been reported that LNP itself works as a protein affinity reagent in living animals. Here, LNP is engineered for binding to and neutralizing a target toxic peptide in living animals by multifunctionalization with amino acid derivatives. Multifunctionalized LNP (MF-LNP) is prepared using amino acid derivative-conjugated lipids. Optimized MF-LNP exhibits nanomolar affinity to the target toxic peptide and inhibits toxic peptide-dependent hemolysis and cytotoxicity. In addition, MF-LNP captures and neutralizes the toxic peptide after intravenous injection in the bloodstream; in addition, MF-LNP does not release the toxic peptide in the accumulated organ. These results reveal the potential of using LNP as a highly biocompatible protein affinity reagent such as an antidote.