A multi-objective control strategy for grid connection of DG (distributed generation) resources

This paper presents a flexible control technique for connection of DG (distributed generation) resources to distribution networks, especially during ride-through on faulty grid. This strategy is derived from the abc/αβ and αβ/dq transformations of the ac system variables. The active and reactive currents injected by the DG source are controlled in the synchronously rotating orthogonal dq reference frame. The transformed variables are used to control the VSI (voltage source inverter) which connects the DG to the distribution network. Using a P.L.L. (phase locked loop) in circuit of proposed control technique, the angle of positive sequence has been detected, in order to synchronize the currents to the distribution network. The proposed control technique has the capability of providing active and reactive powers and harmonic currents to nonlinear loads with a fast dynamic response. Simulation results and mathematical analysis have been completed in order to achieve a reduced THD (total harmonic distortion), increased power factor and compensated load’s active and reactive powers. The analyses show the high performance of this control strategy in DG applications in comparison with other existing strategies.     

Power generation efficiency analysis of offshore wind farms connected to a SLPC (single large power converter) operated with variable frequencies considering wake effects

This paper deals with the power generation efficiency analysis of a proposed offshore wind farm topology, consisting of a SLPC (single large power converter) that simultaneously controls a group of generators. This common converter can operate at a VF (variable frequency) or at a CF (constant frequency). The results are compared with the conventional onshore wind farm scheme, where individual power converters are connected to each turbine, guaranteeing maximum power generation for the entire wind farm. A methodology to analyze different wind speed and direction scenarios, and to compute the optimal electrical frequency for each one, is presented and applied to different case studies depending on the wind farm size. In order to obtain more realistic values of wind speeds, the wake effect amongst wind turbines is considered. A wake model considering single, partial and multiple wakes inside a wind farm and taking into account different wind directions, is presented. Both wind farm topologies are analyzed by means of simulations, taking into account both wind speed variability in wind farms and the number of wind turbines. The possible resulting benefits of simplifying the MPCs (multiple power converters) of each turbine, namely saving costs, reducing losses and maintenance and increasing the reliability of the system, are analyzed, focusing on the total power extraction. The SLPC-VF scheme is also compared with a CF scheme SLPC-CF, and it is shown that a significant power increase of more than 33% can be obtained with SLPC-VF.     

Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay for determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxy derivatives in meconium

A procedure based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is described for determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylendioxy derivatives in meconium, using 3,4-methylendioxypropylamphetamine as internal standard. The analytes were initially extracted from the matrix by 17 mM methanolic HCl. Subsequently, a solid-phase extraction with Bondelut Certify columns was applied. Chromatography was performed on a C(18) reversed-phase column using a linear gradient of 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate, pH 9.0-methanol as a mobile phase. Analytes were determined in LC-MS single ion monitoring mode with an atmospheric pressure ionization-electrospray interface. The method was validated in the range 0.005-1.00 microg/g using 1 g of meconium per assay. Mean recoveries ranged between 61.1 and 87.2% for different analytes. The quantification limits were 0.005 microg/g meconium for amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine and 0.004 microg/g meconium for 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine, and N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine. The method was applied to analysis of meconium in newborns to assess eventual fetal exposure to amphetamine derivatives.     

Intravascular Ultrasound Tissue Characterization with Sub-class Error-Correcting Output Codes

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) represents a powerful imaging technique to explore coronary vessels and to study their morphology and histologic properties. In this paper, we characterize different tissues based on radial frequency, texture-based, and combined features. To deal with the classification of multiple tissues, we require the use of robust multi-class learning techniques. In this sense, error-correcting output codes (ECOC) show to robustly combine binary classifiers to solve multi-class problems. In this context, we propose a strategy to model multi-class classification tasks using sub-classes information in the ECOC framework. The new strategy splits the classes into different sub-sets according to the applied base classifier. Complex IVUS data sets containing overlapping data are learnt by splitting the original set of classes into sub-classes, and embedding the binary problems in a problem-dependent ECOC design. The method automatically characterizes different tissues, showing performance improvements over the state-of-the-art ECOC techniques for different base classifiers. Furthermore, the combination of RF and texture-based features also shows improvements over the state-of-the-art approaches.     

Significance of individual point mutations, T202C and C314T, in the human Lewis (FUT3) gene for expression of Lewis antigens by the human alpha(1,3/1,4)-fucosyltransferase, Fuc-TIII

The Lewis alpha(1,3/1,4)-fucosyltransferase, Fuc-TIII, encoded by the FUT3 gene is responsible for the final synthesis of Lea and Leb antigens. Various point mutations have been described explaining the Lewis negative phenotype, Le(a-b-), on erythrocytes and secretions. Two of these, T202C and C314T originally described in a Swedish population, have not been found as single isolated point mutations so far. To define the relative contribution of each of these two mutations to the Lewis negative phenotype, we cloned and made chimeric FUT3 constructs separating the T202C mutation responsible for the amino acid change Trp68 --> Arg, from the C314T mutation leading to the Thr105 --> Met shift. COS-7 cells were transfected and the expression of Fuc-TIII enzyme activity and the presence of Lewis antigens were determined. There was no decrease in enzyme activity nor of immunofluorescence staining on cells transfected with the construct containing the isolated C314T mutation compared with cells transfected with a wild type FUT3 allele control. No enzyme activity nor immunoreactivity for Lewis antigens was detected in FUT3 constructs containing both mutations in combination. The T202C mutation alone decreased the enzyme activity to less than 1% of the activity of the wild type FUT3 allele. These results demonstrate, that the Trp68 --> Arg substitution in human Fuc-TIII is the capital amino acid change responsible for the appearance of the Le(a-b-) phenotype on human erythrocytes in individuals homozygous for both the T202C and C314T mutations.     

Chemical dosing for sulfide control in Australia: An industry survey

Controlling sulfide (H₂S) production and emission in sewer systems is critical due to the corrosion and malodour problems that sulfide causes. Chemical dosing is one of the most commonly used measures to mitigate these problems. Many chemicals have been reported to be effective for sulfide control, but the extent of success varies between chemicals and is also dependent on how they are applied. This industry survey aims to summarise the current practice in Australia with the view to assist the water industry to further improve their practices and to identify new research questions. Results showed that dosing is mainly undertaken in pressure mains. Magnesium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and nitrate are the most commonly used chemicals for sewers with low flows. In comparison, iron salts are preferentially used for sulfide control in large systems. The use of oxygen injection has declined dramatically in the past few years. Chemical dosing is mainly conducted at wet wells and pumping stations, except for oxygen, which is injected into the pipe. The dosing rates are normally linked to the control mechanisms of the chemicals and the dosing locations, with constant or profiled dosing rates usually applied. Finally, key opportunities for improvement are the use of mathematical models for the selection of chemicals and dosing locations, on-line dynamic control of the dosing rates and the development of more cost-effective chemicals for sulfide control.     

Experimental and analytical study of the structural response of segmental tunnel linings based on an in situ loading test.: Part 1: Test configuration and execution

During the last years the use of segmental linings in tunnels bored with tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have increased considerably. Despite this, uncertainties remain on the structural behavior of segmental tunnel linings. To overcome them, a new methodology for an in situ real scale test on this kind of tunnels was developed and applied on an experimental section placed at the new Line 9 (L9) of the metro of Barcelona. The main particularity of this test falls on its performance in the definitive placement of the rings and, therefore, in the real work conditions of the tunnel. The main advantage to previous real scale test experiences was the consideration of the real ground–structure interaction. The experimental section was composed by 15 rings built using steel fibers as a unique reinforcement. Significant loads were applied to the tunnel crown (max 3000 kN) by means of three hydraulic flat jacks embedded at the extrados of the loaded ring. A complete set of internal and external instrumentation was placed on the experimental section to obtain the necessary measurements to characterize the lining behavior. Such measurements were intensively treated and its main results are presented and analyzed in detail in this paper. This in situ test provides significant evidences of the structural response of SFRC segmental tunnel linings in hard ground conditions.     

Heterologous expression of an engineered truncated form of human Lewis fucosyltransferase (Fuc-TIII) by the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris

A stable GS115 Pichia pastoris recombinant strain was constructed to secrete a truncated form of the human alpha(1,3/4) fucosyltransferase (amino acids 45-361). Enzyme production resulted from a secretory pathway based on the pre-pro- alpha mating factor signal sequence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Following its transit through the Golgi apparatus, the enzyme accumulated in the periplasmic space before its release in the culture broth (about 30 mg/l). Cell-enclosed enzyme ( approximately 0.16%) proved to be fairly stable for many freezing and thawing cycles and could be used several times as an immobilized catalyst. Soluble enzyme (>99.8%) representing the main protein of the culture broth (10%) has been characterized by Western-blotting, substrate specificities and kinetic parameters. The two forms (cell-enclosed and soluble) of recombinant enzyme may be used for in vitro synthesis of Lewisadeterminants.     

Evidence of human non-alpha-galactosyl antibodies involved in the hyperacute rejection of pig lungs and their removal by pig organ perfusion

BACKGROUND: Human natural xenoantibodies represent a major hurdle to the clinical application of pig lungs in transplantation by initiating hyperacute rejection within minutes to hours. OBJECTIVE: The object was to compare pig organ perfusion and specific depletion of anti-alpha-galactosyl xenoantibodies for prevention of hyperacute rejection in the pig to human lung combination. METHODS: Large White pig (20-25 kg) left lungs were removed and continuously ventilated and reperfused ex vivo either with (1) whole human blood previously perfused in situ through pig right lung (group I), liver (group II), or spleen (group III) or with (2) human plasma in vitro immunoabsorbed on columns containing alpha-galactosyl disaccharide (Gal-alpha-(1-3)Gal-beta-(CH2)3NH2; B disaccharide) (group IV). Each study group included 6 animals. RESULTS: The in situ and in vitro preperfusions depleted anti-alpha-galactosyl xenoantibodies and all in situ perfused pig organs showed histologic signs of hyperacute rejection. After the ex vivo reperfusion, group I xenografts had a significantly (P < .001) longer functional and histologic survival than did xenografts in groups II, III, and IV. Human blood reperfusing group I xenografts had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower (1) decline of clotting factors and total circulating immunoglobulins, (2) total and membrane attack complex (C5b,6,7,8,9) complement activation, and (3) hemolysis. By Western blot analysis, the in situ lung preperfusion removed antibodies against non-alpha-galactosyl proteins of low molecular weight that were not eliminated by the alpha-galactosyl column. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that specific depletion of anti-alpha-galactosyl antibodies alone incompletely protects pig lungs from hyperacute rejection. It is speculated that the more complete prevention of this rejection afforded by pig lung preperfusion relates to the removal of other, non-alpha-galactosyl antibodies.