The paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA) based fuzzy multi-objective approach for determining the optimum values of fixed and switched shunt capacitors to improve the voltage profile and maximize ...the net savings in a radial distribution system. The two objectives, i.e. maximization of net savings and minimization of the nodes voltage deviation are first fuzzified and, then, dealt with by integrating them into a fuzzy satisfaction objective function through appropriate weighting factors. The optimization technique of the GA is then adopted to solve the fuzzy multi-objective problem for obtaining the optimum values of shunt capacitors. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated through an example.
•A new sensitivity index is proposed for optimal locations of DGs.•Technical and economical factors are considered for optimal sizing of DGs using GA.•Solar photovoltaic, biomass and wind power DGs ...are considered for day time operation.•Biomass and wind power DGs are considered for night time operation.•Annual saving is also computed due to placement of DGs in the distribution network.
This paper presents a multiobjective technique for obtaining optimal sizing of Distributed Generation (DG) units considering both technical and economical factors of the distribution system. The technical factors include real power loss reduction, line load reduction and voltage profile improvement and the economical factors consider optimal DG investment cost. Three different Distributed Generation systems solar photovoltaic, biomass and wind system are considered for integration with the existing distribution system. Since solar photovoltaic system is not available at night time, only biomass and wind systems are operated and for day time operation all the three distribution generation systems are considered. A new sensitivity index based on voltage sensitivity and apparent load power is proposed for identification of optimal locations for DG placement. The optimum sizing of DG units operating at unity power factor and lagging power factor is obtained using GA for different load levels considering daily average hourly loading aiming at improving the technical performance of the distribution system with optimum investment on DG units. Simulation results are presented to show the advantage of the proposed methodology in terms of technical performance and annual economical savings of the distribution system.
The hypoxic bone marrow (BM) microenvironment confers growth/survival and drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Novel therapies targeting the MM cell in its hypoxic BM milieu may overcome ...drug resistance. Recent studies led to the development of a novel molecule RRx-001 with hypoxia-selective epigenetic and nitric oxide-donating properties. Here, we demonstrate that RRx-001 decreases the viability of MM cell lines and primary patient cells, as well as overcomes drug resistance. RRx-001 inhibits MM cell growth in the presence of BM stromal cells. RRx-001-induced apoptosis is associated with: (i) activation of caspases; (ii) release of ROS and nitrogen species; (iii) induction of DNA damage via ATM/γ-H2AX; and (iv) decrease in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and global methylation. RNA interference study shows a predominant role of DNMT1 in MM cell survival versus DNMT3a or DNMT3b. The deubiquitylating enzyme USP7 stimulates DNMT1 activity, and conversely, USP7-siRNA reduced DNMT1 activity and decreased MM cell viability. RRx-001 plus USP7 inhibitor P5091 triggered synergistic anti-MM activity. MM xenograft studies show that RRx-001 is well tolerated, inhibits tumor growth and enhances survival. Combining RRx-001 with pomalidomide, bortezomib or SAHA induces synergistic anti-MM activity. Our results provide the rationale for translation of RRx-001, either alone or in combination, to clinical evaluation in MM.
This paper presents an algorithm for network reconfiguration based on the heuristic rules and fuzzy multiobjective approach. Multiple objectives are considered for load balancing among the feeders ...and also to minimize the real power loss, deviation of nodes voltage, and branch current constraint violation, while subject to a radial network structure in which all loads must be energized. These four objectives are modeled with fuzzy sets to evaluate their imprecise nature and one can provide his or her anticipated value of each objective. Heuristic rules are also incorporated in the algorithm for minimizing the number of tie-switch operations. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through an example.
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•H2 production from rice mill wastewater was enhanced by NiO and CoO NPs addition.•H2 yield was improved by 109% (NiO) and 90% (CoO) for 1.5 mL/g dosage of the NPs.•Inclusion of the ...NPs favored acetate and butyrate pathways of biohydrogen synthesis.•COD reduction efficiency was substantially enriched due to the NPs incorporation.•Gompertz model fitted well with experimental results of NPs assisted fermentation.
This study highlights biohydrogen production enrichment through NiO and CoO nanoparticles (NPs) inclusion to dark fermentation of rice mill wastewater using Clostridium beijerinckii DSM 791. NiO (~26 nm) and CoO (~50 nm) NPs were intrinsically prepared via facile hydrothermal method with polyhedral morphology and high purity. Dosage dependency studies revealed the maximum biohydrogen production characteristics for 1.5 mg/L concentration of both NPs. Biohydrogen yield was improved by 2.09 and 1.9 folds higher for optimum dosage of NiO and CoO respectively, compared to control run without NPs. Co-metabolites analysis confirmed the biohydrogen production through acetate and butyrate pathways. Maximum COD reduction efficiencies of 77.6% and 69.5% were observed for NiO and CoO inclusions respectively, which were higher than control run (57.5%). Gompertz kinetic model fitted well with experimental data of NPs assisted fermentation. Thus, NiO and CoO inclusions to wastewater fermentation seems to be a promising technique for augmented biohydrogen production.
We present observational evidence from studies on primary cortical cultures from AD transgenic mice, APPSwe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mice, for significant decrease in total spine density at DIV-15 and ...onward. This indicates reduction in potential healthy synapses and strength of connections among neurons. Based on this, a network model of neurons is developed, that explains the consequent loss of coordinated activity and transmission efficiency among neurons that manifests over time. The critical time when structural connectivity in the brain undergoes a phase-transition, from initial robustness to irreparable breakdown, is estimated from this model. We also show how the global efficiency of signal transmission in the network decreases over time. Moreover, the number of multiple paths of high efficiency decreases rapidly as the disease progresses, indicating loss of structural plasticity and inefficiency in choosing alternate paths or desired paths for any pattern of activity. Thus loss of spines caused by β-Amyloid (Aβ) peptide results in disintegration of the neuronal network over time with consequent cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
Gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-GB), an anatomical and clinical subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), is prevalent in regions where tobacco-chewing is common. ...Exome sequencing (n=50) and recurrence testing (n=60) reveals that some significantly and frequently altered genes are specific to OSCC-GB (USP9X, MLL4, ARID2, UNC13C and TRPM3), while some others are shared with HNSCC (for example, TP53, FAT1, CASP8, HRAS and NOTCH1). We also find new genes with recurrent amplifications (for example, DROSHA, YAP1) or homozygous deletions (for example, DDX3X) in OSCC-GB. We find a high proportion of C>G transversions among tobacco users with high numbers of mutations. Many pathways that are enriched for genomic alterations are specific to OSCC-GB. Our work reveals molecular subtypes with distinctive mutational profiles such as patients predominantly harbouring mutations in CASP8 with or without mutations in FAT1. Mean duration of disease-free survival is significantly elevated in some molecular subgroups. These findings open new avenues for biological characterization and exploration of therapies.
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