bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean radiant temperature from global-scale numerical weather prediction models
Authors: Di Napoli Claudia , Hogan Robin J. , Pappenberger Florian
Published: April 2020

In human biometeorology, the estimation of mean radiant temperature (MRT) is generally considered challenging. This work presents a general framework to compute the MRT at the global scale for a human subject placed in an outdoor environment and irradiated by solar and thermal radiation both directly and diffusely. The proposed framework requires as input radiation fluxes computed by numerical weather prediction (NWP) models and generates as output gridded globe-wide maps of MRT. It also considers changes in the Sun’s position affecting radiation components when these are stored by NWP models as an accumulated-over-time quantity. The applicability of the framework was demonstrated using NWP reanalysis radiation data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Mapped distributions of MRT were correspondingly computed at the global scale. Comparison against measurements from radiation monitoring stations showed a good agreement with NWP-based MRT (coefficient of determination greater than 0.88; average bias equal to 0.42 °C) suggesting its potential as a proxy for observations in application studies.
Extremely Al-Depleted Chlorites From Dolomite Carbonatites of the Kovdor Ultramafic-Alkaline Complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Chukanov Nikita V. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Pekov Igor V. , Varlamov Dmitry A. , Van Konstantin V. , Ermolaeva Vera N. , Vozchikova Svetlana A.
Published: April 2020

The problem to be solved is whether Al is a necessary component of Fe-Mg chlorites. Very unusual Al-depleted and Fe-enriched trioctahedral chlorites with the empirical formulae Na0.05Ca0.05(Fe2+3.01Mg2.01Ti0.14Fe3+0.04)Σ6.00[(Si3.53Fe3+0.41Al0.06)Σ4.00O10](OH)8·nH2O (Sample 1) and Na0.05Ca0.01(Fe2+3.26Mg1.97Fe3+0.75Mn0.01Ti0.01)Σ6.00[(Si3.16Fe3+0.75Al0.09)Σ4.00O10](OH)8 (Sample 2) have been discovered in Al-depleted dolomite carbonatites of the Kovdor complex of ultramafic, alkaline rocks and carbonatites, Kola Peninsula, Russia. The presence of substantial amounts of Ti in Sample 1 is another unusual feature of this mineral. In both samples, chlorites are intimately intergrown with cronstedtite-1T which is an indication of a low stability of chlorite structure in the absence of aluminum in the tetrahedral sheet. The crystal structure of chlorite in Sample 1 was solved by the Rietveld method. The mineral is triclinic (IIb-4-module), space group C-<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" display="inline">1, a = 5.4153(4), b = 9.3805(7), c = 14.5743(12) Å, α = 90.137(5)°, β = 96.928(5)°, γ = 90.043(6)°, V = 734.95(10) Å3, and Z = 2. A problem to be solved is how stable are Al-free chlorites belonging to the clinochlore–chamosite solid-solution series and whether their existence in natural mineral assemblages is possible. The results obtained indicate that even though Al-depleted chlorites belonging to the clinochlore–chamosite solid-solution series exist in Nature as metastable phases, these minerals are extremely rare and much less stable than Al-poor serpentines.
Caveolin-1 regulates the ASMase/ceramide-mediated radiation response of endothelial cells in the context of tumor–stroma interactions
Authors: Ketteler Julia , Wittka Alina , Leonetti Daniela , Roy Victoria Veas , Estephan Hala , Maier Patrick , Reis Henning , Herskind Carsten , Jendrossek Verena , Paris Francois , Klein Diana
Published: April 2020

The integral membrane protein caveolin-1 (CAV1) plays a central role in radioresistance-mediating tumor–stroma interactions of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Among the tumor–stroma, endothelial cells (EC) evolved as critical determinants of the radiation response. CAV1 deficiency in angiogenic EC was already shown to account for increased apoptosis rates of irradiated EC. This study explores the potential impact of differential CAV1 levels in EC on the acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase)/ceramide pathway as a key player in the regulation of EC apoptosis upon irradiation and cancer cell radioresistance. Enhanced apoptosis sensitivity of CAV1-deficient EC was associated with increased ASMase activity, ceramide generation, formation of large lipid platforms, and finally an altered p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27)/AKT (protein kinase B, PKB) signaling. CAV1-deficient EC increased the growth delay of LNCaP and PC3 PCa cells upon radiation treatment in direct 3D spheroid co-cultures. Exogenous C6 and C16 ceramide treatment in parallel increased the growth delay of PCa spheroids and induced PCa cell apoptosis. Analysis of the respective ceramide species in PCa cells with increased CAV1 levels like those typically found in radio-resistant advanced prostate tumors further revealed an upregulation of unsaturated C24:1 ceramide that might scavenge the effects of EC-derived apoptosis-inducing C16 ceramide. Higher ASMase as well as ceramide levels could be confirmed by immunohistochemistry in human advanced prostate cancer specimen bearing characteristic CAV1 tumor–stroma alterations. Conclusively, CAV1 critically regulates the generation of ceramide-dependent (re-)organization of the plasma membrane that in turn affects the radiation response of EC and adjacent PCa cells. Understanding the CAV1-dependent crosstalk between tumor cells and the host-derived tumor microvasculature and its impact on radiosensitivity may allow to define a rational strategy for overcoming tumor radiation resistance improving clinical outcomes by targeting CAV1.
Stereoselective gridization and polygridization with centrosymmetric molecular packing
Authors: Lin Dongqing , Wei Ying , Peng Aizhong , Zhang He , Zhong Chunxiao , Lu Dan , Zhang Hao , Zheng Xiangping , Yang Lei , Feng Quanyou , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: April 2020

The gridarenes, with well-defined edges and vertices, represent versatile nanoscale building blocks for the installation of frameworks and architectures but suffer from difficulty in stereoselective control during their synthesis. Here we report a diastereoselective gridization of superelectrophilic diazafluorene-containing substrates (AmBn) with crescent shapes into Drawing Hands grids (DHGs). The meso-selectivity reaches 75.6% diastereomeric excess (de) during the gridization of A1B1-type substrates and maintains ~80% de during the polygridization of A2B2-type monomers. Such stereocontrol originates from the centrosymmetric molecular packing of two charge-delocalized superelectrophiles with synergistically π–π stacking attractions and coulombic repulsions. As meso-stereoregular structures show 20∼30 nm in length, the rigid ring/chain-alternating polygrids have a Mark–Houwink exponent of 1.651 and a molecular weight (M) dependence of the hydrodynamic radius Rh ∼ M1.13. Via the simulation of chain collapse, meso-configured polygridarenes still adopt rod-like conformations that facilitate the high rigidity of organic nanopolymers, distinguished from toroid backbones of rac-type polygrids.
Prostate-specific antigen dynamics predict individual responses to intermittent androgen deprivation
Authors: Brady-Nicholls Renee , Nagy John D. , Gerke Travis A. , Zhang Tian , Wang Andrew Z. , Zhang Jingsong , Gatenby Robert A. , Enderling Heiko
Published: April 2020

Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (IADT) is an attractive treatment for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (PCa), whereby cycling treatment on and off can reduce cumulative dose and limit toxicities. We simulate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) dynamics, with enrichment of PCa stem-like cell (PCaSC) during treatment as a plausible mechanism of resistance evolution. Simulated PCaSC proliferation patterns correlate with longitudinal serum PSA measurements in 70 PCa patients. Learning dynamics from each treatment cycle in a leave-one-out study, model simulations predict patient-specific evolution of resistance with an overall accuracy of 89% (sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 91%). Previous studies have shown a benefit of concurrent therapies with ADT in both low- and high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa. Model simulations based on response dynamics from the first IADT cycle identify patients who would benefit from concurrent docetaxel, demonstrating the feasibility and potential value of adaptive clinical trials guided by patient-specific mathematical models of intratumoral evolutionary dynamics.
Unveiling phonons in a molecular qubit with four-dimensional inelastic neutron scattering and density functional theory
Authors: Garlatti E. , Tesi L. , Lunghi A. , Atzori M. , Voneshen D. J. , Santini P. , Sanvito S. , Guidi T. , Sessoli R. , Carretta S.
Published: April 2020

Phonons are the main source of relaxation in molecular nanomagnets, and different mechanisms have been proposed in order to explain the wealth of experimental findings. However, very limited experimental investigations on phonons in these systems have been performed so far, yielding no information about their dispersions. Here we exploit state-of-the-art single-crystal inelastic neutron scattering to directly measure for the first time phonon dispersions in a prototypical molecular qubit. Both acoustic and optical branches are detected in crystals of [VO(acac)$${}_{2}$$

2

] along different directions in the reciprocal space. Using energies and polarisation vectors calculated with state-of-the-art Density Functional Theory, we reproduce important qualitative features of [VO(acac)$${}_{2}$$

2

] phonon modes, such as the presence of low-lying optical branches. Moreover, we evidence phonon anti-crossings involving acoustic and optical branches, yielding significant transfers of the spin-phonon coupling strength between the different modes.
Bionic 3D printed corals
Authors: Wangpraseurt Daniel , You Shangting , Azam Farooq , Jacucci Gianni , Gaidarenko Olga , Hildebrand Mark , Kühl Michael , Smith Alison G. , Davey Matthew P. , Smith Alyssa , Deheyn Dimitri D. , Chen Shaochen , Vignolini Silvia
Published: April 2020

Corals have evolved as optimized photon augmentation systems, leading to space-efficient microalgal growth and outstanding photosynthetic quantum efficiencies. Light attenuation due to algal self-shading is a key limiting factor for the upscaling of microalgal cultivation. Coral-inspired light management systems could overcome this limitation and facilitate scalable bioenergy and bioproduct generation. Here, we develop 3D printed bionic corals capable of growing microalgae with high spatial cell densities of up to 109 cells mL−1. The hybrid photosynthetic biomaterials are produced with a 3D bioprinting platform which mimics morphological features of living coral tissue and the underlying skeleton with micron resolution, including their optical and mechanical properties. The programmable synthetic microenvironment thus allows for replicating both structural and functional traits of the coral-algal symbiosis. Our work defines a class of bionic materials that is capable of interacting with living organisms and can be exploited for applied coral reef research and photobioreactor design.
Identity and function of an essential nitrogen ligand of the nitrogenase cofactor biosynthesis protein NifB
Authors: Rettberg Lee A. , Wilcoxen Jarett , Jasniewski Andrew J. , Lee Chi Chung , Tanifuji Kazuki , Hu Yilin , Britt R. David , Ribbe Markus W.
Published: April 2020

NifB is a radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) enzyme that is essential for nitrogenase cofactor assembly. Previously, a nitrogen ligand was shown to be involved in coupling a pair of [Fe4S4] clusters (designated K1 and K2) concomitant with carbide insertion into an [Fe8S9C] cofactor core (designated L) on NifB. However, the identity and function of this ligand remain elusive. Here, we use combined mutagenesis and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance analyses to establish histidine-43 of Methanosarcina acetivorans NifB (MaNifB) as the nitrogen ligand for K1. Biochemical and continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance data demonstrate the inability of MaNifB to serve as a source for cofactor maturation upon substitution of histidine-43 with alanine; whereas x-ray absorption spectroscopy/extended x-ray fine structure experiments further suggest formation of an intermediate that lacks the cofactor core arrangement in this MaNifB variant. These results point to dual functions of histidine-43 in structurally assisting the proper coupling between K1 and K2 and concurrently facilitating carbide formation via deprotonation of the initial carbon radical.
Design of a Multiplexed Analyte Biosensor using Digital Barcoded Particles and Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Prakash Shreya , Ashley Brandon K. , Doyle Patrick S. , Hassan Umer
Published: April 2020

Multiplexing allows quantifying multiple analytes in a single step, providing advantages over individual testing through shorter processing time, lower sample volume, and reduced cost per test. Currently, flow cytometry is the gold standard for biomedical multiplexing, but requires technical training, extensive data processing, and expensive operational and capital costs. To solve this challenge, we designed digital barcoded particles and a microfluidic architecture for multiplexed analyte quantification. In this work, we simulate and model non-fluorescence-based microfluidic impedance detection with a single excitation and detection scheme using barcoded polymer microparticles. Our barcoded particles can be designed with specific coding regions and generate numerous distinct patterns enabling digital barcoding. We found that signals based on adhered microsphere position and relative orientation were evaluated and separated based on their associated electrical signatures and had a 7 µm microsphere limit of detection. Our proposed microfluidic system can enumerate micron-sized spheres in a single assay using barcoded particles of various configurations. As representation of blood cells, the microsphere concentrations may provide useful information on disease onset and progression. Such sensors may be used for diagnostic and management of common critical care diseases like sepsis, acute kidney injury, urinary tract infections, and HIV/AIDS.
Chemical manipulation of hydrogen induced high p-type and n-type conductivity in Ga2O3
Authors: Islam Md Minhazul , Liedke Maciej Oskar , Winarski David , Butterling Maik , Wagner Andreas , Hosemann Peter , Wang Yongqiang , Uberuaga Blas , Selim Farida A.
Published: April 2020

Advancement of optoelectronic and high-power devices is tied to the development of wide band gap materials with excellent transport properties. However, bipolar doping (n-type and p-type doping) and realizing high carrier density while maintaining good mobility have been big challenges in wide band gap materials. Here P-type and n-type conductivity was introduced in β-Ga2O3, an ultra-wide band gap oxide, by controlling hydrogen incorporation in the lattice without further doping. Hydrogen induced a 9-order of magnitude increase of n-type conductivity with donor ionization energy of 20 meV and resistivity of 10−4 Ω.cm. The conductivity was switched to p-type with acceptor ionization energy of 42 meV by altering hydrogen incorporation in the lattice. Density functional theory calculations were used to examine hydrogen location in the Ga2O3 lattice and identified a new donor type as the source of this remarkable n-type conductivity. Positron annihilation spectroscopy measurements confirm this finding and the interpretation of the experimental results. This work illustrates a new approach that allows a tunable and reversible way of modifying the conductivity of semiconductors and it is expected to have profound implications on semiconductor field. At the same time, it demonstrates for the first time p-type and remarkable n-type conductivity in Ga2O3 which should usher in the development of Ga2O3 devices and advance optoelectronics and high-power devices.
Increased pollen source area does not always enhance the risk of pollen dispersal and gene flow in Oryza sativa L
Authors: Hu Ning , Jiang Xiaodong , Yuan Qianhua , Liu Wuge , Yao Kemin , Long Yan , Pei Xinwu
Published: April 2020

Pollen dispersal is one of the main ways of gene flow. In the past years, rice pollen dispersal and gene flow have been well studies. However, there is much dispute whether the risk of pollen dispersal and gene flow continuously increases with the source area. A Lagrangian stochastic model was used to simulate the pollen depositions at different distances from different pollen source areas. The field experiments showed a good fit in the pollen depositions. The larger the source area, the more the pollen grains were deposited at each distance, with the pollen dispersal distance increasing accordingly. However, this effect gradually leveled off as the source area increased. In the large-area of pollen source, we found a significantly higher saturation point for the amount of pollen deposition. Once the source area exceeded 1000 × 1000 m2, the pollen deposition no longer increased, even if the source area continued to increase, indicating the “critical source area” of rice pollen dispersal. However, a 100 × 100 m2critical source area for conventional rice and hybrid rice was sufficient, while the critical source area for the sterile line was about 230 × 230 m2.
Monoamine oxidase A is down-regulated in EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lee Hui Min , Sia Alice Pei Eal , Li Lili , Sathasivam Hans Prakash , Chan Melissa Sue Ann , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Tsang Chi Man , Tsao Sai Wah , Murray Paul G. , Tao Qian , Paterson Ian C. , Yap Lee Fah
Published: April 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly metastatic cancer that is consistently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. In this study, we identify for the first time a role for monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) in NPC. MAOA is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes oxidative deamination of neurotransmitters and dietary amines. Depending on the cancer type, MAOA can either have a tumour-promoting or tumour-suppressive role. We show that MAOA is down-regulated in primary NPC tissues and its down-regulation enhances the migration of NPC cells. In addition, we found that EBV infection can down-regulate MAOA expression in both pre-malignant and malignant nasopharyngeal epithelial (NPE) cells. We further demonstrate that MAOA is down-regulated as a result of IL-6/IL-6R/STAT3 signalling and epigenetic mechanisms, effects that might be attributed to EBV infection in NPE cells. Taken together, our data point to a central role for EBV in mediating the tumour suppressive effects of MAOA and that loss of MAOA could be an important step in the pathogenesis of NPC.
Deep learning aided rational design of oxide glasses
Authors: Ravinder R. , Sridhara Karthikeya H. , Bishnoi Suresh , Grover Hargun Singh , Bauchy Mathieu , Jayadeva  , Kodamana Hariprasad , Krishnan N. M. Anoop
Published: April 2020

Designing new glasses requiresa prioriknowledge of how the composition of a glass dictates its properties such as stiffness, density, or processability. Developing multi-property design charts, namely, glass selection charts, using deep learning can enable discovery of novel glasses with targeted properties.
Controllable synthesis of a mesoporous NiO/Ni nanorod as an excellent catalyst for urea electro-oxidation
Authors: Li Qing , Li Nan , An Jing , Pang Huan
Published: April 2020

Mesoporous rod-like structured composites of NiO/Ni have been successfully prepared via a low temperature heat treatment of the precursor NiC2O4·2H2O in N2.
Anthranils: versatile building blocks in the construction of C–N bonds and N-heterocycles
Authors: Gao Yang , Nie Jianhong , Huo Yanping , Hu Xiao-Qiang
Published: April 2020

This review article provides an overview of the recent progress in the transformations of anthranils, which have emerged as versatile building blocks in the assembly of various C–N bonds and medicinally active heterocyclic systems.
Visible-light mediated oxidative ring expansion of anellated cyclopropanes to fused endoperoxides with antimalarial activity
Authors: Budde Simon , Goerdeler Felix , Floß Johannes , Kreitmeier Peter , Hicks Elliot F. , Moscovitz Oren , Seeberger Peter H. , Davies Huw M. L. , Reiser Oliver
Published: April 2020

Hetero- and carbocyclic anellated cyclopropanes were converted in one step by a visible light induced photooxidation to their corresponding polycyclic endoperoxides, which show promising antimalarial activity.
SET processes in Lewis acid–base reactions: the tritylation of N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Dong Zhaowen , Pezzato Cristian , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Scopelliti Rosario , Fadaei-Tirani Farzaneh , Severin Kay
Published: April 2020

Carbenes as single electron donors: the tritylation of N-heterocyclic carbenes proceeds via an initial SET step, giving highly reactive carbene radical cations and the trityl radical.
Behandeln statt wegsperren
Authors: Grübler Beate
Published: April 2020

Psychiatrische Abteilungen im Jugendstrafvollzug sind bislang rar, obwohl die Zahl der psychisch auffälligen Inhaftierten zunimmt. Unsere Autorin besuchte die Jugendanstalt Hameln, in der es seit 2,5 Jahren eine solche Abteilung gibt. Lesen Sie, wie die Jugendlichen ihren Aufenthalt dort erleben und warum eine psychiatrische Versorgung im Strafvollzug wichtig ist.
Psychiatrische Fragestellungen im Rahmen der Konsiliarpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie
Authors: Kirchner Miriam
Published: April 2020

Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über häufige Fragestellungen in der psychiatrischen konsilärztlichen Tätigkeit und den damit verbundenen diagnostischen Anforderungen. Im Anschluss an diesen Überblick werden 2 Fallbeispiele aus der konsilärztlichen Praxis dargestellt. Der erste Fall veranschaulicht exemplarisch das Vorgehen bei einer Polypharmazie mit Vorliegen klinisch relevanter pharmakokinetischer Interaktionen. Aus dem zweiten Fall lassen sich Empfehlungen für das Umstellen von Psychopharmaka bei Leberfunktionsstörungen und Erhöhung der Transaminasen ableiten.
Primary Sarcoma of Descending Aorta
Authors: Tessitore Adele , Mariolo Alessio V. , Galetta Domenico , Sedda Giulia , Spirito Rosa , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

Primitive aortic sarcomas are rare tumors characterized by resistance to medical treatment and a poor prognosis with high metastatic rates and local recurrences. Surgery remains the mainstay treatment and is based on challenging and technically demanding resections with high rate of major intraoperative and postoperative complications. We report the case of a patient with primitive intimal sarcoma of the aorta, who underwent a descending aortic resection and reconstruction with a prosthetic tube.
Characterisation of Atropine in High Aqueous Dilutions for Homeopathic Use
Authors: Cruces-García Miguel A. , Ramírez Verónica Ivonne Hernández , Rangel-López Edgar , Martínez Edgar Fernando Cortés , Velázquez-Domínguez José Antonio
Published: April 2020

Background Atropine is a constitutive alkaloid of belladonna, which is widely used in homeopathic medicine in high dilutions (HDs). In HDs, atropine molecules are not correlated with the energy of electrophysical interactions or the presence of aggregates, resulting in neurotoxic effects. However, in small concentrations at the nanoscale, its effects could present therapeutic advantages.

Objective In the present study, the physicochemical properties of a range of HDs of atropine were analysed to establish a correlation between its electrical and morphological properties.

Methods The electrodynamic properties were analysed with a conductivity meter, whereas the size and morphology of the nanoparticles were evidenced by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The HDs were prepared with deionised water under sterile conditions. Hydrogen potential (pH) and electrical potential were determined with a portable equipment. Electrical conductivity (EC) was calculated using the ionic strength and Debye length.

Results The characterisation of atropine HDs showed the formation of aggregates and the fluctuation of morphological variables at each dilution. Electromagnetic and pH changes were evidenced, which could contribute to a change in the EC. Possibly being responsible for a better response at the cellular level without triggering side effects in the individual.

These data suggest that the forces of Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek and the forces of Van der Waals are involved in the variety of forms among these aggregates.

The EC was significant at 200°C. This variation suggests changes in the electromagnetic configuration of the HDs. It is only through the conformation of nanoparticle aggregates that these variations can be triggered.

Conclusion Atropine HDs have demonstrated the presence of nanoparticle aggregates with different morphological and electromagnetic properties. Our results may be relevant for future approaches focused on the use of atropine in HDs to minimise cytotoxic effects or modulate adverse effects in patients with neuropathy.

Until now, the therapeutic effects of homeopathy have not been relevant to the scientific community; however, here we demonstrate with scientific approaches the conformation of aggregates of nanoparticles present in HDs that modify their structure and electromagnetism, properties that could produce differential biological responses without generating cytotoxicity.
Root interactions on sole crop and intercrop give different effects of competition
Authors: Hassan A , Kodoh J , Kamu A , Majius R , Yunus N M
Published: April 2020

Root interactions on sole crop and intercrop give different effects of competition. Understanding on root interactions is very challenging due to the methodology limits in root studies especially when we intercrop between tree and crop components. The objectives of this study were (1) to measure the aboveground and belowground biomass of intercropped Acacia hybrid with Beta vulgaris (red beet) and (2) to determine the rooting pattern at each rhizotron depth. This study involved three (3) types of treatments, Acacia hybrid sole crop, Beta vulgaris sole crop, and intercropping of these two species. Root intensity and root biomass were measured. Root growth of red beet was affected by the presence of Acacia hybrid while Acacia hybrid was not affected for both either in sole or intercrop. However, the root intensity of Acacia hybrid was higher in deeper soil layer when intercrop with red beet. For the root biomass, Acacia hybrid was slightly affected when intercrop with red beet. In contract, red beet was higher when intercrop with Acacia hybrid. In terms of shoot biomass, both crops were not affected when they are in sole or intercrop. The rooting pattern showed that the root length density was dominant in the upper layer for both crops, and intercrop treatment was significantly higher compared to sole crops. In conclusion, Acacia hybrid is the competitor to the red beet in belowground interaction in terms of root growth and rooting pattern. There is no differences in terms of aboveground interactions.
Vegetation structure, composition and diversity in agroforestry system in Andongrejo Village, Jember Regency, East Java
Authors: Hartoyo A P P , Karimatunnisa T A , Ikhfan A N , Wijayanto N , Azizah S
Published: April 2020

Andongrejo Village is one of the buffer villages of Meru Betiri National Park (TNMB). The lack of baseline data related to the diversity of vegetation in agroforestry system surrounding TNMB requires further research as a conservation effort and sustainable ecosystem management purpose. The objectives of this research were to: (a) analyze the structure and composition of vegetation in agroforestry system, (b) analyze the diversity of vegetation in agroforestry system, as well as (c) analyze correlation of canopy density with the diversity of seedlings and understorey in agroforestry system in Andongrejo village, Jember Regency, East Java. The method used was purposive vegetation sampling and vegetation analysis. The number of individual (ind/ha) in all three canopy density classes did not show reverse J-curve. The dominant species found were Banana (Musa sp.), Teak (Tectona grandis), and Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria). The species richness and diversity index at all tree level growth were clasified into low diversity and low species richness. The higher percentage of canopy density results in the higher individuals per ha and the number of species per ha (r = 0.500 and r = 0.696). The implementation of enrichment planting with species that has high economic value at all tree level growth are necessary. Introducing fruit species is one of alternative ways to increase the local community’s income and conserve the diversity in agroforestry system. Silviculture technique (eg prunning) is necessary to maintain the diversity and tree level growth in this location.
Diversity and carbon stock assessment of an indigenous Philippine tree farm
Authors: Reyes T , Sarnowski M B
Published: April 2020

This study was conducted to determine the species diversity and carbon stock potential of the one-hectare Indigenous Tree Farm at Bohol Island State University-Bilar in the province of Bohol, Philippines. Following its establishment in 2014, trees within the project area have been monitored for species richness and growth rates. Growth rates were calculated using basal diameter, diameter at breast height, and total height. An allometric equation utilizing species presence and growth data was used to calculate projected carbon sequestering potential within the next five years. Forty-four species of trees, including endangered and vulnerable species, were identified within the project site. The species diversity within the site was found to be 2.90 (moderate). There were a total of 1,342 individual trees whose combined carbon load was calculated to be 9.21 tons.
The effects of rooting media, IBA, and clones on rooting ability of Teak’s shoot cutting
Authors: Sawitri  , Na’iem M , Indrioko S , Widiyatno
Published: April 2020

Clonal forestry of teak in the community forest could increase the forest productivity where the shoot cutting was one of the vegetative propagation methods to propagate and maintain the superior clone of teak. However, the major problem on the shoot cutting of teak was the difference in rooting ability among rooting media, IBA (Indolebutyric Acid) and selected superior of teak clone. The research was conducted on split-split plot design with 10 individual as replication on each treatment. The main plot was two rooting media (cocopeat:rice husk 2:1/A; and soil:sand:compost 3:2:1/B). The subplot was IBA hormone concentration (0 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm) and the sub-sub plot was 11 clones of teak. The result showed that the rooting ability of teak was affected by all of treatments and interaction among them (P < 0.05), except for the interaction between IBA dosage and clone (P >0.05). The primary and secondary root length showed that clone and interaction between media and clone were significantly different (P < 0.05), while the media was only significantly different for secondary root length (P < 0.05). However, the number of primary and secondary root was not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). Moreover, the best result of rooting ability of teak for rooting media, IBA and was the cocopeat:rice husk (70,53%), IBA 150 ppm (53.18%) and clone WG2 (85%), respectively. It suggested that the seedling production of superior teak through the shoot cutting method depended on the rooting media, IBA concentration, and the specific of teak clone.
Determining the best agroforestry system using multicriteria analysis in Banyumas Forest Management Unit
Authors: Sadono R , Soeprijadi D , Nikmah S F , Wirabuana P Y A P
Published: April 2020

Social welfare and food security become essential issues of forest management in Java. Agroforestry development have a potential to tackle these both issues without sacrifing the forest sustainability. The best agroforestry system should integrate the following three aspects: production, ecological, and social sustainabilities. This study aimed to identify the best agroforestry system that are established in plantation forest area, in Banyumas Forest Management Unit. Four different agroforestry systems were evaluated i.e. Teak, Pine, Cajuput, and Clonal Teak patterns. Each agroforestry system has different intercropping area based on their initial spacing of woody plant. The analytical hierarchy process method and followed by multi criteria analysis were used to determine the best agroforestry system. The proposed indicators of production aspect were timber forest product and non timber forest product. Meanwhile, the defined parameters of ecological aspect were plant biodiversity, microclimate, as well as soil and water conservation. The indicators of social aspect were market network, adoptability, and manageability. The result indicated that the weight for production, ecological, and social sustainabilities aspects were 0.43; 0.14; 0.43, respectively. This study revealed the best agroforestry system that can integrate the balance of production, ecological, and social sustainabilities aspects was Clonal Teak pattern (2.39). The next position was occupied by Teak pattern (2.08) and then followed by Pine pattern (2.06). The Cajuput pattern, however, was the last position (1.15), and therefore it was not recommended for agroforestry system in this area.
Private forest transition in Gunungkidul village: reality, path, & drivers
Authors: Wicaksono R L , Awang S A , Suryanto P
Published: April 2020

For the past five decades, the state of private forest in the Gunungkidul district has exhibited an expansion after previously shrinking. This paper aims to provide an in-depth look into the process-dynamics of private forest transitions that occur as well as the pathways and drivers. Using content analysis and semi-structured interview methods this research is conducted in Jepitu Village, District of Gunungkidul. The transition of land use in Gunungkidul can be said as a form of private forest transition. This condition is evidenced by the increase in the area which is identical to the land-use system in the terminology of private forests. The process of private forest transition that took place in Gunungkidul occurred evolutionarily through certain stages. In general, the process of transitioning community forests in Gunungkidul follows three forest transition paths, namely: economic development, forest scarcity, and smallholders, tree-based land-use intensification pathways. Nevertheless, the process of transitioning private forests in Gunungkidul has several distinctive characteristics that require further study through a variety of perspectives.
Improvement of the setting method of back pressure setting value of direct air cooling system
Authors: Bai Jianyun , Ren Qi , Meng Xinyu , Yin Jiang
Published: April 2020

Because the setting method of back pressure of direct air cooling system is not reasonable, the fluctuation range of back pressure and load change are larger when the unit is peak shaving, which reduces the economic efficiency of the unit. In this paper, based on the optimal back pressure of field data calculation, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to optimize the modeling of BP neural network. The results show that, compared with the conventional BP model, the back pressure setting value predicted by the optimized model is more accurate, the model precision is higher, and it is more suitable for industrial field application. This method also provides some reference for the modeling of other objects in the process of thermal production.
Investigations of optimized fin structures in a compact thermal energy storage panel
Authors: Xie Jinlong , Luo Wensheng , Zhang Wei , Wu Zhou , Lee Hsiao Mun
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the thermal behaviours of phase change material (PCM) within a compact thermal energy storage panel installed with conductive metal fins were numerically investigated. To improve the thermal performance of the metal fins, a topological structure optimization approach was employed to generate innovative fin structures with the so-called best heat conduction paths. The conventional plate fin structures with the same metal volume fractions as the optimized structures were considered for comparative studies. Four metal volume fractions including 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 were investigated. Results showed that at the same metal volume fraction, the optimized fin design can significantly enhance the melting of PCM as compared to the plate fin design. When f=0.9, the average PCM melting speeds obtained by the optimized fin structures were 1.10, 1.19, 1.31, and 1.69 times as that by the plate fin designs at the melt volume fractions of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20, respectively. Moreover, the optimized fin structure with a metal volume fraction of 0.10 can achieve the comparable melting speed as the plate fin design with a metal volume fraction of 0.15, and the melting speed achieved by the optimized fin structure with a metal volume fraction of 0.15 is even faster than that by the plate fin design with a metal volume fraction of 0.20.
Enhancement of thermoelectric performance of YbMg2Bi2-based materials by alloying and doping with suppressed bipolar effect
Authors: Zhou Ting , Jiang Jing , Wang Chao
Published: April 2020

Here we report the enhanced thermoelectric performances of the YbMg2Bi2-based compounds. The formation of Yb0.8-xCaxMg0.2Mg2Bi1.96 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) solid solutions effectively decreases the thermal conductivity. Besides, the bandgap of the compounds is widened due to the larger bandgap of CaMg2Bi2 than YbMg2Bi2. Further doping Sn into the Bi site suppresses the bipolar effect and enhances the electrical conductivity at higher temperature by increasing the carrier concentration. And the lattice thermal conductivity is reduced due to the intensified point defects scattering. Benefiting from these results, a higher maximum ZT for Yb0.4Ca0.4Mg0.2Mg2Bi1.95Sn0.01 is achieved. Our work sheds lights on enhancing the thermoelectric performance by suppressing the bipolar conduction and improving the power factor through widening the bandgap accompany by increasing the carrier concentration, and demonstrates that YbMg2Bi2-based Zintls are promising candidates for thermoelectric materials.
Analysis on “against the wind” of primary air fan in 300MW CFB boiler
Authors: Xiao Guanhua , Yan Xi
Published: April 2020

When the primary air fan of a 300MW circulating fluidized bed boiler is operated at a variable frequency, there is a problem of “against the wind” under the condition that the fan is under low load and the air pressure is low. This paper aims at fixing the aforementioned problem and finding out the cause of the “against the wind” of the primary air fan, and proposing the solutions of adjusting the frequency conversion and the inlet diversion at the same time by analyzing the cold fluidization test, the combination test of the fan adjustment mode, the frequency and speed test of the frequency converter, etc. This method successfully avoids the “Agiainst the wind” situation during low load operation, which is important for the adjustment of low-load down-conversion operation of primary air fan of circulating fluidized bed boiler.
Research on selection optimization technology of air fan for ultra-supercritical circulating fluidized bed boiler
Authors: Xie Guowei , Tang Haixin , Li Ke , Peng Zhong , Yang Guanglan , Gu Congyang , Hu Changhua
Published: April 2020

In recent years, with the improvement of the capacity and parameters of domestic CFB boiler units and the potential of technology from design, operation adjustment and equipment transformation, the CFB technology has been relatively mature, and economic indicators are significantly improved. The successful application of new technologies in project provides good conditions for the development of selection optimization technology of air fan. Combined with the application and project practice of the energy-saving technology of air fan for supercritical CFB boiler in service, the energy distribution of air fan after design and energy-saving transformation is quantitatively analyzed through the experiment. Based on this, the energy-saving technology of air fan is researched. From the low bed pressure design, selection optimization of air fan parameter and frequency conversion energy-saving, the selection optimization technology of air fan for ultra-supercritical CFB boiler is proposed, which provides a technical basis for the lower energy consumption technology of ultra-supercritical CFB boiler design in the future.
Long-term prediction method of reactive load based on LSTM neural network
Authors: Liu Xingwei , Fan Shixiong , Qin Jiaqi , Liu Yan , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

In the operation of the power system, the prediction of reactive load can provide accurate data foundation conditions for reactive power compensation planning. Aiming at the characteristics of time series, non-linearity and small fluctuation of power reactive load data, this paper proposes a reactive power load prediction method based on LSTM (long short-term memory) neural network. The proposed method is used to process and predict the power reactive load data of a certain area in Fujian Province. The experimental results show that the LSTM model with one layer and 64 neuron structures have the best result among the support vector regression (SVR), the random forest model (RF), Recurrent Neuron Network (RNN), LSTM-CNN hybrid neural network, the prediction of reactive load on long-term scale has higher accuracy and stability.
Study of key structure parameters on productivity of the ring-die biomass granulator
Authors: Ji Yunguang , Li Yun , Li Hongtao
Published: April 2020

The productivity of the biomass granulator is an important parameter to evaluate the quality of the equipment, where the structure of granulator is one of the important influencing factors. In this paper, the basic forming conditions of the granulator are analysed to determine the relationship between the material intake angle and the friction coefficient; Then, the height of the material pressed by the granulator and the influence of the structural parameters of the ring-die and the press roller are obtained; Finally, the empirical correlation between the productivity and the structural parameters of the ring-die biomass granulator is presented. The results show that: 1) the material intake angle β should be less than 26°; 2) When the height of biomass material is fixed, the diameter of the roller should increase with the diameter of ring-die.
Numerical simulation of sediment-laden flow on the Yarlung Zangbo River incorporating the climate change
Authors: Wang Jianyu
Published: April 2020

The Yarlung Zangbo River originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and runoff consists of the rainfall, melting of snow and glaciers in the upper high-altitude areas. The flow and sediment transport induced by flow in the Yarlung Zangbo River is highly sensitive to changes in climatic conditions. Changes in flow and sediment transport will also have an impact on the downstream wetland ecosystem. In order to study the changes of flow and sediment transport in the Yarlung Zangbo River, Niyang River wetlands under the changes of climatic conditions is used as the considered case. The two-dimensional shallow water equation and the non-equilibrium bedload sediment transport model are proposed in the Yarlung Zangbo-Niyang River. The model is discretized using the unstructured grid finite volume method (FVM). The model includes approximately 355 km length and covers an area of approximately 673 km2. According to the measured time series of flow data at Nuxia hydrology station and the simulated data under the climate change conditions by the climate change model, the water level, flow velocity, erosion and siltation, and sediment gradation change in the river channel are calculated. The calculation results show that by the year 2025, the water level of Niyang River wetlands will increase by 2m under RCP8.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway), and accordingly the total area of the wetlands will decrease by 5%. The results show that climate change has a significant impact on the flow and sediment transport and downstream ecological environment of the Yarlung Zangbo River.
Study on the statistical characteristics of soil crack based on complex network
Authors: Wang Lili
Published: April 2020

In the References [1], we found the two typical soil-crack network (SCN) in Yuanmou Dry-hot Valley Region (YDVR) were not only the topological characteristics of the fracture network itself, but also more important study the reflected characteristics of the soil crack under different network topologies. On basis of the above research, we put our research on our attention and energy to their statistical characteristics. In this paper, according to complex network theory, we analyse the degree distribution properties of the two SCN in YDVR, that is, vertisols soil crack network (V-SCN) and dry-red soil crack network (DR-SCN), which includes not only their topological characteristics, but also more important study the reflected characteristics of the soil crack under different network topologies. In this paper, we have studied the betweenness centrality (BC) distribution and characteristic spectral density distribution of the two SCN. We found the power-law dielectric index of DR-SCN is bigger than V-SCN. The V-SCN is vulnerable overall damage, but the DR-SCN are more prone to dismemberment erosion. And we can observe how the crack development mechanism from “small” to “big”, and it can provide continuous visualization to study the growth process of soil crack.
Study on high wind hazard probability risk assessment methods of nuclear power plant
Authors: Wang Handing , Liang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiaoming , Feng Bingchen
Published: April 2020

China’s nuclear power plants were built in coastal areas. High wind such as hurricane would make nuclear power plant transmission lines, structure and component to fail, leading to the transient or loss of off-site power accidents, which have an impact on the safety of nuclear power plants. This paper focuses on high wind hazards analysis of the operational nuclear power plants. We study the high wind probability safety assessment methods and the main technical elements. The following five tasks were performed to complete the high wind PSA models: Site Specific High wind hazard analysis, High wind Walk-downs and equipment list screen out, High wind Fragility Analysis, Integrate High wind Impacts into PSA Model, and Risk Quantification of High wind PSA Model. The methodology can be used to addresses high wind hazard probability risk analysis of nuclear power plant.
Research on distributed photovoltaic power prediction based on centralized photovoltaic output
Authors: Huang Xiaoxiao , Fan Ruiqing , Guo Xiangji , Chen Jian , Guo Lingxu , Yuan Zhongchen , Wang Kunyue , Zhang Jiaan
Published: April 2020

Distributed photovoltaic does not provide output data when it is connected to power grid due to cost constraints, which adversely affects power grid dispatching. Considering the solar irradiance correlation between output of centralized and distributed photovoltaic stations in a region, a method for predicting the output of distributed photovoltaic power generation is proposed. Sinusoid function is used to fit the output of unshielded photovoltaic system by using the least square method, and the unshielded coefficient is proposed to represent the variation of photovoltaic output. The output of distributed photovoltaic (DPV) can be predicted by combining the unshielded coefficient and the reference power curve. The method is verified by a provincial power grid in northern China, the results show that the method has high accuracy, especially for small fluctuations.