bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of numerical predictions of the supersonic expansion inside micronozzles of micro–resistojets
Authors: De Giorgi Maria Grazia , Fontanarosa Donato , Ficarella Antonio
Published: December 2019

The present work provides a numerical investigation of the supersonic flow inside a planar micronozzle configuration under different gas rarefaction conditions. Two different propellants have been considered, namely water vapor and nitrogen, which relate to their use in VLMs (the former) and cold gas microthrusters (the latter), respectively. Furthermore, two different numerical approaches have been used due to the different gas rarefaction regime, i.e. the typical continuum Navier–Stokes with partial slip assumption at walls and the particle–based Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) technique. As a result, under high–pressure operating conditions, both water and nitrogen flows supersonically expanded into the micronozzle without chocking in combination with a linear growth of the boundary layer on walls. However, when low–pressure operating condition are imposed and a molecular regime is established inside the micronozzle, a very rapid expansion occurred close to the nozzle exit in combination with a strong chocking of the flow and a micronozzle quality reduction of about 40%. Furthermore, water exhibited specific higher specific impulse than nitrogen above 60%.
Effect of control surfaces on the aerodynamic database of the Stratofly hypersonic vehicle
Authors: Flora Andrea , Capasso Pasquale , Brancaccio Simona , Ambrico Paolo , D’Onofrio Alessio , De Stasio Francesco
Published: December 2019

This paper aims at studying the control surfaces of the STRATOFLY project reference aircraft, funded by the European Commission, under the framework of Horizon 2020 plan. The values of aerodynamic coefficients in a wide range of flow free-stream conditions are stored in the aircraft aerodynamic database. The research goal is to update a pre-existent database that was developed with fixed control surfaces using the six control surfaces deflection as input. Different Mach numbers determine different flow regimes: subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic. In subsonic, transonic and low supersonic regimes a vortex-lattice solver is used to obtain the global coefficients assuming an unviscous flow on a simplified model. In hypersonic flow a build-up approach is applied: the control surfaces deflection contribution is developed by assuming a two-dimensional flow on the airfoil and by applying shock-expansion theory on the geometry. Then the paper analyses results showing stability and L/D results. The final paragraph focuses on trimmability at cruise Mach. No trimmed solution is obtainable to optimize the propulsive system. The solution proposed to solve this issue is to extend the four elevons: larger elevons are found to be able to trim the vehicle at the desired angle of attack.
An influence of shroud design parameters on the static stresses of blade assemblies
Authors: Savchenko Kyrylo , Zinkovskii Anatoliy , Rzadkowski Romuald , Przysowa Radoslaw , Kruts Vadym
Published: December 2019

In this study, the structural analysis of the blade assemblies was carried out using the finite element method to determine the influence of design parameters of shroud couplings on the static stresses of turbine rotor blades with zigzag and slant shroud couplings. An angle of inclination of the shroud contact surfaces with respect to the rotor rotation axis was selected as the design parameter. Based on the calculation results, it has been found that irrespective of the type of the shroud coupling, the values of the contact pressure and the stresses in the shroud increase with the angle of inclination of the contact surfaces. Also, for the slant shroud coupling, the stresses increase in the blade airfoil portion with the increase of angle of inclination of the contact surfaces, while for the zigzag shroud coupling the contact stresses decrease with the increase of this angle. It was concluded that the zigzag shroud coupling causes the increase in static stresses when compared to the slant one.
Determination of serviceability limits of a turboshaft engine by the criterion of blade natural frequency and stall margin
Authors: Dvirnyk Yaroslav , Pavlenko Dmytro , Przysowa Radoslaw
Published: December 2019

This paper analyses the health and performance of 12–stage axial compressor of the TV3–117VM/VMA turboshaft operated in a desert environment. The results of the dimensional control of 4,800 worn blades are analysed to model the wear process. Operational experience is used to assess the effectiveness of an Inlet Particle Separator. Numerical modal analysis is performed to generate the Campbell diagram of worn blades and identify resonant blade vibration which can lead to high cycle fatigue (HCF). It is shown that the gradual loss of the stall margin over time determines the serviceability limits of compressor blades. Recommendations setting out go / no–go criteria are made to maintenance and repair organisations.
Design of distributed propulsion system for general aviation airplane
Authors: Hospodář Pavel , Klesa Jan , Žižkovský Nikola
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a small airplane is redesigned by using a distributed electrical propulsion (DEP) system. The design procedure is focused on the reduction of fuel consumption in cruise regime with constrained parameters of take-off/landing. In this case, a one half wing area compared to an original airplane is used. Take-off distance and minimum airspeed for landing is achieved by distributed propellers mounted on the leading edge of the wing. These propellers induce velocity on the wing and thereby increase local dynamic pressure, thus the required lift force can be reached with smaller wing area. Moreover, the distributed propellers are assumed as folded in cruise regime to minimize drag when the main combustion engine provides sufficient power.
Development of a robust solver to model the flow inside the engines for high-speed propulsion
Authors: Nista Ludovico , Saracoglu Bayindir H.
Published: December 2019

The demand for discovering new commercial routes as well as the possibility to shortening civilian long-haul flights boosted the interest of civil hypersonic vehicle designs. Among all the multiple projects started by the various nations, the European community funded project STRATOFLY aims at refining the baseline LAPCAT II-MR2.4 design for further improvements. The new aircraft would enable a flight shorter that 3 hours from Brussels to Sydney, carrying 300-passengers above the already crowed atmosphere. The wide Mach range operability, up to Mach 8, demands the use of multiple engines, leading to a highly integrated propulsion system. The current study is focused on the development of new CFD platform to estimate the performance of the combined propulsion system during the supersonic to hypersonic transition. In order to control the complex flow physics, highfidelity CFD simulations remain the fundamental tools for the preliminary investigations. On the current framework, an advanced robust compressible solver has been develop d in order to handle the different flow regimes. The new tool solves Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations by employing cell-centered Finite Volume Method constructed on openFoam toolbox. Two innovative high-order discretization schemes, with different abilities, based on approximated Riemann solvers were developed for capturing the flow physics within high-speed propulsion systems. Advanced time discretization has been taken into account to increase the temporal accuracy. At the end, the whole implementation has been validated in multiple test cases, ranging from incompressible to hypersonic regimes, confirming its excellent stability, robustness and accuracy.
Feasibility study of innovative regional turboprop: an overview of the European project IRON
Authors: Corcione Salvatore , Trifari Vittorio , Nicolosi Fabrizio , Cusati Vincenzo , Ciliberti Danilo , Della Vecchia Pierluigi
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with the research activities performed by the Design of Aircraft and Flight technologies group from the University of Naples Federico II within the European funded project IRON (Innovative turbopROp configuratioN). The research project is addressed to the feasibility study of an innovative high-capacity turboprop which is supposed to be competitive with respect to regional jets on short/medium range. This paper wants to provide some design considerations that must be addressed to design a high capacity turboprop, and to illustrate the configuration assessment through a Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization process performed to design such an innovative platform. A three-lifting surface configuration has been identified as the most promising layout for such a regional aircraft. Moreover, this paper wants to focus on some criticalities and design challenges that have been faced into designing a three-lifting platform.
On the use of AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar and IRST (InfraRed Search&Track) System to Detect and Track Low Observable Threats
Authors: Gaitanakis George-Konstantinos , Limnaios George , Zikidis Konstantinos C.
Published: December 2019

The radar has been indisputably the most important sensor in the battlefield, allowing early warning and tracking of air vehicles. Modern fighter ircraft employing AESA fire control radars are able to acquire and track targets at long ranges, in the order of 50 nautical miles or more. However, the proliferation of low observable or stealth technology has contested radar capabilities, reducing their detection / tracking ranges roughly to one third. This degradation is more severe concerning fighter aircraft radars, since most stealth threats are optimised for higher frequency bands, as in the case of fire control radars. Hence, other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum have been reconsidered, such as infrared radiation (IR). Every aircraft is a source of IR, due to fuel combustion, aerodynamic friction and IR reflection. In this way, a jet fighter can be detected by an IR sensor against the cold background of the sky. Therefore, IRST systems have re-emerged, offering an alternative to the radar. Apart from their capabilities concerning target detection (whether stealth or not), IRST systems also exhibit passive operation, resilience to jamming and better angular accuracy. On the other hand, they are prone to weather conditions, especially moisture, while they cannot measure distance directly, as in the case of the radar. This work explores and compares the capabilities and limitations of the two approaches, AESA radars and IRST systems, offering also some insight to the benefits of sensor fusion.
Collaborative Augmented worker and Artificial Intelligence in Zero defect Manufacturing environment
Authors: Sesana Michele , Moussa Abdulrahman
Published: December 2019

New technologies are bringing together shopfloor elements which were separated before. The human worker, the IOT system and the Artificial Intelligence can co-operate together in order to better prevent and solve any possible problem which can lead to a product defect. Collaboration is enabled by a platform connecting the worker via Augmented Reality with data from the industrial IOT and the suggestions from the Artificial Intelligence.
Preliminary safety Assessment on System Design Level for Broadband Acoustic Liner Concepts for Aviation
Authors: Mischke Marcel , Kazula Stefan , Hoeschler Klaus
Published: December 2019

Selected methods of the aviation safety assessment process according to ARP 4761 are introduced and conducted within the scope of a concept study for future broadband acoustic liners. While having similar primary functions and basic design, the acoustic liner concepts diverge concerning subfunctions and potential malfunctions. With the ARP 4761 safety assessment methods, significant differences in sub functions and possible malfunctions of the concepts can be identified. The results of the safety assessment are discussed, and the concepts are evaluated in terms of feasibility and safety.
Implementation of advanced technologies into Aeronautic integrated maintenance concept - Use of virtual reality in ground-floor training maintenance execution
Authors: Matos Nelson , Gamito Pedro , Pinto Margarida , Ferreira Joel , Oliveira Luis
Published: December 2019

Aviation Maintenance industry, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) procedures need to keep up with the technological evolution and evolve from the 2D support to the 3D. The available manuals for learning and training MRO tasks rely much on old 2D drawings and lists of maintenance steps to be performed sequentially. However, these are complex actions that require and would benefit greatly from a 3D insight in order to be quickly and comprehensible absorbed. Virtual Reality (VR) apps are potentially a suitable option to turn these procedures closer to reality and, thus, improving competences and skills. Amongst the several maintenance optimization developments of the AIRMES project, which is cradled in the EU Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking programme, the above concept is applied to maintenance execution by developing a VR app to help practitioners in the process of carrying out specific maintenance activities as removing and positioning components into aircraft structures. The VR app runs on a mobile platform that uses a smartphone and a portable motion capture device coupled with a head mounted device allowing the practitioners to learn and to train onsite on how to proceed with the maintenance operations. The practitioners will be in an immersive and interactive environment where both the host aircraft structure section with the target component and auxiliary/peripheral systems parts are displayed and in which the 3D component can be removed by virtual hands that emulate, through the motion capture device, the hands of the user. The system developed provides a high-level training and reliable information to the technician on the maintenance operations for a dedicated situation and facilitate the identification and execution of the procedure to be applied, improving the time for repair.
Innovative concept of compliant mechanisms made by additive manufacturing
Authors: Kiener Lionel , Saudan Hervé , Cosandier Florent , Perruchoud Gérald , Spanoudakis Peter
Published: December 2019

The complete redesign for Additive Manufacturing of compliant mechanism structures enables CSEM to develop innovative concepts to drastically reduce the need of machining and assembly after additive manufacturing. Support structures under flexure blades are thus minimised and the overall process becomes more streamlined. Moreover, this concept allows us to easily design and produce monolithic cross flexure pivots with interlocked flexible blades. Based on this concept, CSEM is now developing new architectures of Compliant Mechanisms based on Additive Manufacturing (COMAM) for the European Space Agency (ESA) in the frame of a GSTP research project. The past and current work of design, 3D printing and testing on several compliant mechanisms are presented. These demonstrators will be used as use-case for future high-precision and harsh environment applications such as cryogenic and space.
PPU for a small, low power and low cost EPS
Authors: Savvas Spiridon , Ramnalis Pavlos , Manoudis Alexandros
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper is to present the design of the Power Processing Unit (PPU) of the Microsatellite Electric Propulsion System (MEPS) program currently being developed at Elegant Bread Board (EBB). High efficiency, small size and weight and high reliability are the main parameters that special focus is given. The propulsion system of MEPS consists of two small size and low power (up to 300W) Thruster Units (TUs) each one composed of a Hall Effect Thruster and a Cathode, a single Propellant Management and Tank Assembly (PMA/PTA) and a single PPU. The PPU designed for the EBB phase has no redundancy, is fully flexible and capable of driving two different TU types (Rafael’s CAM-200 coupled with Rafael’s Heaterless Hollow Cathode (RHHC) and SITAEL’s HT100 coupled with SITAEL’s Heated Hollow Cathode (HC1)). This paper illustrates the core design requirements and important aspects on which the design was based. Preliminary results obtained from the coupling tests on the critical parts developed at Bread Board (BB), which contributed to the current design are also briefly depicted. Last but not least, the future development steps of the program that can become the driving factor for the successful implementation of an easily adjustable PPU compatible with a wide range of low power Electric Propulsion Systems (EPSs) are demonstrated.
Titanium solar metallurgy – Earth and Space
Authors: Kovácik Jaroslav , Mináriková Natália , Emmer Štefan , Šugár Peter , Šugárová Jana , Ludrovcová Barbora , Al–Qutub Amro , Al–Athel Khaled , Rodriguez Jose , Cañadas Inmaculada
Published: December 2019

Experimental results for solar metallurgy, solar powder metallurgy of titanium, solar surface treatment of titanium and titanium welding are briefly reviewed. Most of them were performed at Plataforma Solar de Almeria Spain using solar furnaces SF5 and SF40 in gas/vacuum furnace. Generally, it was observed that the time to achieve required sample temperature is very short when concentrated solar power used. Thanks to use of renewable solar energy these technologies starts to be attractive for industrial production of titanium in Earth solar belt. It can be expected that the obtained results and approaches are similar also in Space. According to the obtained knowledge, the possible solutions/necessary changes for solar furnaces on Moon, Mars and in main asteroids belt are discussed.
A discrete-time Kalman filtering method for launch vehicle under parametric modelling uncertainty
Authors: Stoica Adrian-Mihail , Ene Costin , Jakab Istvan-Barna
Published: December 2019

The paper presents a Kalman filtering problem for discrete–time linear systems with parametric uncertainties. A stochastic model with multiplicative noise both in the state and in the output equations is used to represent the system with uncertain parameters. The solution of the filtering problem is a Kalman type filter which gain is determined by solving theH2optimization problem for the resulting system obtained by coupling the filter with the stochastic system. It is proved that the optimal gain of the filter may be computed by solving a trace minimization problem with constraints expressed in terms of a system of matrix inequalities. The proposed filtering approach is illustrated by a case study aiming to estimate the states of the pitch dynamics of a space launch vehicle in its center of mass.
Les limites de l’ « oncologie de précision »
Authors: Jordan Bertrand
Published: December 2019

The concept of precision oncology is straightforward, but the actual results of treating advanced cancer patients with the targeted drug suggested by genomic analysis have been generally disappointing, indicating that this approach is not yet ready for routine clinical practice. A number of possible improvements can and will be tested by additional clinical trials.
Die Entdeckung des AV-Knotens des Herzens durch Sunao Tawara und Ludwig Aschoff
Authors: Aumüller Gerhard
Published: December 2019

Already in 1664, the Danish anatomist and naturalist Niels Stensen proved that the heart is a muscle. But for a long time it remained unclear what triggered the heart contractions.The Dutch physiologist Willem Einthoven registered the electrical processes in the contraction of the heart muscle and thus provided the first electrophysiological basis of cardiac muscle activity. Since 1903, Sunao Tawara was assistant to Ludwig Aschoff in Marburg. Both left Marburg in 1906: Tawara went back to Japan and Aschoff to Freiburg. In 1905, Tawara discovered the connections of the His’ bundle to the AV node and the Purkinje fibers. At that time, there was no thought of a functional interpretation. Tawara discovered a kind of “knot” that linked to the adjacent myocardial cells, as well as the “Tawara thighs”, which frayed and went into structures known as Purkinje fibers. Tawara detected the tree-like structure he had discovered as a muscle-fiber system that controlled the arousal of the heart’s musculature. Thus the old dispute between myogenic and neurogenic arousal of the heart was decided in favor of the myogenic excitation conduction. The atrioventricular node described by Tawara was given the eponym “Aschoff-Tawara node”. Tawara’s groundbreaking work on the conduction system was the basis for the discovery of the sinus node and the interpretation of the heart’s electrophysiology.
Berechenbarkeit der Qualitätsindikatoren der onkologischen S3-Leitlinien mit dem ADT-/GEKID-Basisdatensatz und seiner Zusatzmodule
Authors: Gebauer Alexander , Barlag Hagen , Wesselmann Simone , Biedenweg Linda , Weitmann Kerstin , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

Hintergrund Das Krebsfrüherkennungs- und -registergesetz (KFRG, § 65c SGB V) regelt zur Verbesserung der onkologischen Versorgung, dass die klinische Krebsregistrierung in Deutschland auf Grundlage des Basisdatensatzes der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Tumorzentren (ADT) und der Gesellschaft der epidemiologischen Krebsregister in Deutschland (GEKID) durchzuführen ist. Qualitätsindikatoren in S3-Leitlinien sind Kennzahlen zur Beurteilung der Qualität von Behandlung und Ergebnis in der klinischen Versorgung für die jeweilige Krebsentität. Diese Studie untersucht, in welchem Umfang diese Qualitätsindikatoren anhand der Variablen des ADT/GEKID Basisdatensatzes und seiner organspezifischen Module berechnet werden können.

Methoden Nach Überprüfung aller verfügbaren S3-Leitlinien auf die Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien zur Berechnung der Qualitätsindikatoren, wurde für jeden Indikator bewertet, ob er unter Verwendung einer einzelnen oder einer Kombination mehrerer Variablen des ADT/GEKID Basisdatensatzes und seiner organ-spezifische Module berechnet werden kann.

Ergebnisse In 17 veröffentlichten S3-Leitlinien werden insgesamt 151 Qualitätsindikatoren definiert. Davon können 82 (54%) Qualitätsindikatoren mit den Variablen des ADT/GEKID Basisdatensatzes ermittelt werden. Nur die Qualitätsindikatoren des exokrinen Pankreaskarzinoms konnten zu 100% berechnet werden und hatte damit den höchsten berechenbaren Anteil. Der geringste Anteil an Qualitätsindikatoren ist für das Mundhöhlenkarzinom berechenbar (10%).

Schlussfolgerungen Diese Analyse zeigt erhebliche Unterschiede bei der Berechenbarkeit der Qualitätsindikatoren für die verschiedenen Tumorentitäten mittels der in den klinischen Krebsregistern dokumentierten Variablen. Der ADT/GEKID-Basisdatensatz sollte um zusätzliche organ-spezifische Module, ähnlich dem Modul für das kolorektale Karzinom, erweitert werden, um eine möglichst vollständige Dokumentation aller Variablen zu ermöglichen, die für die Bestimmung der klinischen Qualitätsindikatoren erforderlich sind.
The impact of mild cognitive impairment on musical ability
Authors: Agren Carolin , Frese Achim , Summ Oliver , Evers Stefan
Published: December 2019

Hintergrund: Patienten mit einer Alzheimer-Erkrankung zeigen Beeinträchtigungen kognitiver Prozesse einschließlich der Verarbeitung musikalischer Reize. Wir haben untersucht, ob der Rückgang der musikalischen Verarbeitung schon im Stadium der mild cognitive impairment (MCI) beginnt.

Methodik: Wir haben 18 Patienten mit MCI und ohne eine andere neurologische oder psychiatrische Erkrankung eingeschlossen. Es wurde ein selbst entwickelter Musikalitätstest angewendet, der folgende Fähigkeiten misst: Identifikation von Melodien; Tonhöhenerkennung; Rhythmuserkennung; emotionaler Ausdruck der Musik. Zusätzlich haben wir Marker einer dementiellen Entwicklung im Liquor bestimmt. Wir haben die Ergebnisse der Patienten verglichen mit den Ergebnissen einer nach Alter und Geschlecht parallelisierten gesunden Vergleichsgruppe. Alle Patienten und Kontrollen hatten keine spezifische musikalische Ausbildung.

Ergebnisse: Patienten mit MCI zeigten signifikant niedrigere Ergebnisse beim Rhythmus, Metrum und emotionalen Subtests und im gesamten Test-Score. Der Gesamt-Score war invers korreliert mit dem Level von Gesamt-Tau im Liquor.

Diskussion: Unsere Daten deuten darauf hin, dass einige Domänen der Musikalität bei Patienten mit MCI signifikant beeinträchtigt sind. Dies bedeutet jedoch nicht notwendigerweise, dass die Produktion von und die Freude an Musik beeinträchtigt sind. Dennoch sollte die Beeinträchtigung von Teilen der Musikalität beim Einsatz von Musiktherapie bei diesen Patienten berücksichtigt werden.
Neuro-Ophthalmologic Complications of Giant Cell Arteritis: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Fein Alexander S. , Ko Melissa W.
Published: December 2019

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in individuals 50 years or older, with a lifetime risk in the United States of 1% in women and 0.5% in men. It is a granulomatous disease that affects large- and medium-sized vessels, most notably the branches of the internal and external carotid arteries. GCA can cause both afferent and efferent visual manifestations, the most common being arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Diagnosis of GCA is made using criteria developed by the American College of Rheumatology, which include clinical signs, positive biopsy, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. C-reactive protein and platelet counts may be elevated in GCA, and noninvasive imaging modalities such as Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are now being used to aid in diagnosis. While glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment for GCA, new breakthrough treatments such as tocilizumab (an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody) have shown great promise in causing disease remission and reducing the cumulative glucocorticoid dose. Emerging therapies such as abatacept and ustekinumab are still being studied and may be of use to clinicians in the future.
Cobertura del Dorso de los Dedos de la Mano Con Colgajos Tipo Propeller de Perforantes de Arteria Intermetacarpiana Dorsal
Authors: Vela-Lasagabaster Arturo , De Juan-Huelves Ana , Gutiérrez-Roca Laura
Published: December 2019

Las lesiones en el dorso los dedos de la mano, debidas a traumatismos, infecciones o quemaduras, son causa frecuente de exposición de estructuras nobles óseas, articulares y/o tendinosas. El dorso de la mano ofrece la posibilidad de cobertura donante con una gran similitud de calidad de tejido. Por ello, una opción sencilla y práctica es la cobertura con un colgajo tipo Propeller de perforantes de la arteria intermetacarpiana dorsal, conocido en la literatura médica anglosajona como “Quaba flap,” y sus variantes. Presentamos una serie de 3 pacientes, con afectación y exposición noble del dorso de los dedos, desde F1, PIP Y F2, ocurridos tras infección, quemadura y traumatismo, respectivamente, que se vieron beneficiados de esa técnica, empleando, en cada caso, un colgajo de distinto espacio intermetacarpiano dorsal. Especificamos los detalles de la técnica quirúrgica con referencias anatómicas.
Kisspeptin as a Behavioral Hormone
Authors: Mills Edouard G.A. , O'Byrne Kevin T. , Comninos Alexander N.
Published: December 2019

Successful reproduction is dependent not only on hormonal endocrine responses but also on suitable partner selection, copulatory acts, as well as associated emotional, behavioral, and cognitive processes many of which are supported by the limbic system. The reproductive hormone kisspeptin (encoded by the KISS1/kiss1 gene) is now recognized as the key orchestrator of the reproductive axis. In addition to the hypothalamus, prominent kisspeptin neuronal populations have been identified throughout limbic and paralimbic brain regions across an assortment of species. In this review, we detail the emerging roles of kisspeptin signaling in the broader aspects of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive control. Recent studies from zebrafish through humans have provided new molecular and neural insights into the complex role of kisspeptin in interpreting olfactory and auditory cues to govern sexual partner preference, in regulating copulatory behaviors and in influencing mood and emotions. Furthermore, emerging roles for kisspeptin in facilitating memory and learning are also discussed. To this end, these findings shed new light onto the importance of kisspeptin signaling, while informing the pharmacological development of kisspeptin as a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals suffering from associated reproductive, emotional, and cognitive disorders.
Does the KNDy Model for the Control of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Pulses Apply to Monkeys and Humans?
Authors: Lehman Michael N. , He Wen , Coolen Lique M. , Levine Jon E. , Goodman Robert L.
Published: December 2019

There is now considerable evidence supporting the role of a subpopulation of neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus that coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (abbreviated as KNDy neurons) as the long sought-after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator. The “KNDy hypothesis” of pulse generation has largely been based on findings in rodents and ruminants, and there is considerably less information about the anatomical and functional organization of the KNDy subpopulation in the primate hypothalamus. In this review, we focus on the applicability of this hypothesis, and the roles of kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin in reproduction, to humans and nonhuman primates, reviewing available data and pointing out important gaps in our current knowledge. With recent application of drugs that target KNDy peptides and their receptors to therapeutic treatments for reproductive disorders, it is imperative we fully understand the primate KNDy network and its role in the control of GnRH secretion, as well as species differences in this system that may exist between humans, nonhuman primates, and other mammals.
The Roles of the Amygdala Kisspeptin System
Authors: Mills Edouard G. A. , O'Byrne Kevin T. , Comninos Alexander N.
Published: December 2019

The hypothalamic hormone kisspeptin (encoded by the KISS1/kiss1 gene) is the master regulator of the reproductive axis with its role in controlling gonadotrophin hormone secretion now well characterized. However, identification of kisspeptin and its cognate receptor expression within the amygdala, a key limbic brain region whose functions contribute to a broad range of physiological and behavioral processes, has heightened interest concerning kisspeptins' role in the broader aspects of reproductive physiology. In this review, we detail the important developments and key studies examining the emerging functions of this kisspeptin population. These studies provide novel advances in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling reproductive neuroendocrinology by defining the crucial role of the amygdala kisspeptin system in modulating pubertal timing, reproductive hormone secretion, and pulsatility, as well as its influence in governing-related behaviors. To this end, the role of the amygdala kisspeptin system in integrating reproductive hormone secretion with behavior sheds new light onto the potential use of kisspeptin-based therapeutics for reproductive and related psychosexual disorders.
Breakfast can Affect Routine Hematology and Coagulation Laboratory Testing: An Evaluation on Behalf of COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM
Authors: Arredondo Maria Elena , Aranda Eduardo , Astorga Rubén , Brennan-Bourdon Lorena Michele , Campelo Marise Danielle , Flores Silvia , Medel Claudio , Manríquez Ignacio , Ochoa Patricia , Varela Beatriz , Salinas Carlos Vega , Lima-Oliveira Gabriel
Published: December 2019

Laboratories worldwide perform both hematological and coagulation testing on patients avoiding fasting time. In 2017, the Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI) commissioned the Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM) to study preanalytical variability and establish guidelines for preanalytical procedures to be applied by clinical laboratories and health care professionals. This study, on behalf of COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM, aims to evaluate the effect of the breakfast on routine hematology and coagulation laboratory testing. We studied 20 healthy volunteers who consumed a breakfast containing a standardized amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. We collected blood specimens for routine hematology and coagulation laboratory testing before breakfast and 1, 2, and 4 hours thereafter. Significant differences between samples were assessed by the Wilcoxon ranked-pairs test. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between basal and 4 hours after the breakfast were observed for red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean platelet volume, and activated partial thromboplastin time. In conclusion, the significant variations observed in several hematological parameters, and activated partial thromboplastin time due to breakfast feeding demonstrate that the fasting time needs to be carefully considered prior to performing routine hematological and coagulation testing to avoid interpretive mistakes of test results, and to guarantee patient safety. Therefore, COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM encourages laboratory quality managers to standardize the fasting requirements in their laboratory, i.e., 12 hours.
A New Catheter Technique to Correct Severe IVC Filter Tilt during Placement
Authors: Laroia Sandeep T. , Guan Justin J. , Laroia Archana T. , Lenhart Lucas , Hayes Antony J.
Published: December 2019

Introduction Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter tilt is a common complication that occurs during and after filter placement. Severe tilting leads to reduced filter efficacy, lower retrieval success, and higher complication rates during retrieval. We present a novel catheter technique to correct severely tilted cone-shaped IVC filters without having to retrieve and replace the existing filter.

Methods A retrospective review was performed for patients at our institution over three years who had severely tilted filters and underwent correction with the catheter technique. Indications for filter placement were categorized, and patient age, gender, tilt correction outcome, and complication rates were collected and analyzed. After severe tilting was noted on post-IVC filter deployment venogram, a Sos catheter was passed via the same femoral access site used for the filter placement. The catheter tip was reformed inside the cone of the filter and was used to push the filter tip back toward midline. Completion venogram was taken to document the amelioration of the tilt.

Results Out of 28 patients who were found to have severely tilted filters on deployment and underwent correction with the catheter technique, 27/28 (96.4%) had successful correction. One (3.6%) had a minor complication where the filter struts became entangled with the catheter tip; however, simple maneuvering of the catheter and use of a stiff wire to straighten the catheter loop freed up the entanglement. No major complications occurred.

Conclusion This technique is safe, effective, obviates filter replacement, and can be considered an additional management option for severe IVC filter tilt during placement.
What’s in a name? Measuring access to social activities with a field experiment
Authors: Nesseler Cornel , Gomez-Gonzalez Carlos , Dietl Helmut
Published: December 2019

Today’s societies increasingly consist of members who migrated from other countries and regions, and their functioning depends heavily on integrating their diverse members. Interactions with the local population through social activities enhance integration. Despite its relevance, however, previous research has largely overlooked the role of the local population in social integration. This paper introduces an objective method for analyzing access to social activities. Switzerland includes diverse native groups, who differ in culture and language, and a high percentage of foreigners. Applications were sent by email to amateur Swiss football clubs, asking if it is possible to join a training session. The applications differed only in the contact name. Individuals with foreign names, as well as individuals with Swiss names from some other native groups, received significantly fewer responses. The findings are relevant for governing institutions and policy-makers. Researchers who study social integration may find the novel method used here of considerable interest.
Edible urbanism 5.0
Authors: Russo Alessio , Cirella Giuseppe T.
Published: December 2019

Urban and peri-urban agriculture can have negative effects (i.e., ecosystem disservices) to the city ecosystem. In the last two decades, urbanists and landscape planners have promoted urban agriculture and food systems with little attention to ecosystem disservices. At present, increased urbanisation, environmental degradation, population growth and changes in food systems require a novel concept that considers trade-offs between ecosystem services and disservices. Considering the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030, as well as the food revolution 5.0 of feeding up to ten billion people, edible urbanism 5.0 is a supportive component in reaching these goals. In this comment, edible urbanism via an edible green infrastructure (EGI) approach is examined against current urbanistic concepts that have common food production systems in cities. Moreover, a discussion on issues and challenges of public policy and governance for the implementation of sustainable food systems is shown with findings that consider current industrial intensive farming as somewhat unsustainable. Edible urbanism integrates three main principles of sustainability by fulfilling food security, resilience and social inclusion. It links site-specific, best-practices by integrating EGI-based governance with modernised food production techniques. Example cities showing EGI- and sustainability-oriented food concepts are presented. Recommendations for future edible urbanism (as a part of the next food revolution) are established.
Microbial chemolithotrophy mediates oxidative weathering of granitic bedrock
Authors: Napieralski Stephanie A. , Buss Heather L. , Brantley Susan L. , Lee Seungyeol , Xu Huifang , Roden Eric E.
Published: December 2019

The flux of solutes from the chemical weathering of the continental crust supplies a steady supply of essential nutrients necessary for the maintenance of Earth’s biosphere. Promotion of weathering by microorganisms is a well-documented phenomenon and is most often attributed to heterotrophic microbial metabolism for the purposes of nutrient acquisition. Here, we demonstrate the role of chemolithotrophic ferrous iron [Fe(II)]-oxidizing bacteria in biogeochemical weathering of subsurface Fe(II)-silicate minerals at the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory in Puerto Rico. Under chemolithotrophic growth conditions, mineral-derived Fe(II) in the Rio Blanco Quartz Diorite served as the primary energy source for microbial growth. An enrichment in homologs to gene clusters involved in extracellular electron transfer was associated with dramatically accelerated rates of mineral oxidation and adenosine triphosphate generation relative to sterile diorite suspensions. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy revealed the accumulation of nanoparticulate Fe–oxyhydroxides on mineral surfaces only under biotic conditions. Microbially oxidized quartz diorite showed greater susceptibility to proton-promoted dissolution, which has important implications for weathering reactions in situ. Collectively, our results suggest that chemolithotrophic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria are likely contributors in the transformation of rock to regolith.
Position–theta-phase model of hippocampal place cell activity applied to quantification of running speed modulation of firing rate
Authors: McClain Kathryn , Tingley David , Heeger David J. , Buzsáki György
Published: December 2019

Spiking activity of place cells in the hippocampus encodes the animal’s position as it moves through an environment. Within a cell’s place field, both the firing rate and the phase of spiking in the local theta oscillation contain spatial information. We propose a position–theta-phase (PTP) model that captures the simultaneous expression of the firing-rate code and theta-phase code in place cell spiking. This model parametrically characterizes place fields to compare across cells, time, and conditions; generates realistic place cell simulation data; and conceptualizes a framework for principled hypothesis testing to identify additional features of place cell activity. We use the PTP model to assess the effect of running speed in place cell data recorded from rats running on linear tracks. For the majority of place fields, we do not find evidence for speed modulation of the firing rate. For a small subset of place fields, we find firing rates significantly increase or decrease with speed. We use the PTP model to compare candidate mechanisms of speed modulation in significantly modulated fields and determine that speed acts as a gain control on the magnitude of firing rate. Our model provides a tool that connects rigorous analysis with a computational framework for understanding place cell activity.
Safety and health before and after Marikana: subcontracting, illegal mining and trade union rivalry in the South African mining industry
Authors: Stewart Paul , Bezuidenhout Andries , Bischoff Christine
Published: December 2019

Mine and worker Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) remains crucial given the historically dismal record of fatalities and accidents in mining in South Africa. OHS also played a central role in the resurgence of trade unionism of black South African mineworkers in the 1980s. While the OHS literature has the workplace as its predominant focus, this article explores three factors relating to conditions external to and beyond mining production: subcontracting, illegal mining and inter-union rivalry. By drawing on empirical studies conducted over two decades, employing a range of research methodologies, the article shows how these factors impact negatively on the mechanisms regulating safety and occupational health. The article concludes that understanding the OHS environment cannot remain restricted to the underground mining workplace. Instead, it points to a broader conceptualisation of OHS and notes the implications for worker politics and progressive research practice.
Single amino acid mutation altered substrate specificity for l-glucose and inositol in scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase isolated from Paracoccus laeviglucosivorans
Authors: Suzuki Mayu , Koubara Kairi , Takenoya Mihoko , Fukano Kazuhiro , Ito Shinsaku , Sasaki Yasuyuki , Nakamura Akira , Yajima Shunsuke
Published: December 2019

scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase, isolated from Paracoccus laeviglucosivorans (Pl-sIDH), exhibits a broad substrate specificity: it oxidizes scyllo- and myo-inositols as well as l-glucose, converting l-glucose to l-glucono-1,5-lactone. Based on the crystal structures previously reported, Arg178 residue, located at the entry port of the catalytic site, seemed to be important for accepting substrates. Here, we report the role of Arg178 by using an alanine-substituted mutant for kinetic analysis as well as to determine the crystal structures. The wild-type Pl-sIDH exhibits the activity for scyllo-inositol most preferably followed by myo-inositol and l-glucose. On the contrary, the R178A mutant abolished the activities for both inositols, but remained active for l-glucose to the same extent as its wild-type. Based on the crystal structures of the mutant, the side chain of Asp191 flipped out of the substrate binding site. Therefore, Arg178 is important in positioning Asp191 correctly to exert its catalytic activities.

Abbreviations: IDH: inositol dehydrogenase; LB: Luria-Bertani; kcat: catalyst rate constant; Km: Michaelis constant; NAD: nicotinamide dinucleotide; NADH: nicotinamide dinucleotide reduced form; PDB; Protein Data Bank; PDB entry: 6KTJ, 6KTK, 6KTL
Effects of Irrigation on the Selective Transport of Na+ and K+ in Corn
Authors: Zhao J X , Liu F , Li S M , Zhou Q Y , Liang Z D , Sun A Q , Liu J W , Yang Y C
Published: December 2019

Due to its special climate and geological reasons, Tianjin Binhai area has formed a large area of saline-alkali land. It is of great significance to explore the distribution of salt ions in crops under drip irrigation conditions. In this paper, maize was used as the research object, and different irrigation amount treatment was set up to study the distribution of Na+ and K+ in corn under drip irrigation conditions, and the transport selectivity of corn to Na+ and K+ was analyzed. The results show that the Na+ absorbed by corn is mainly distributed in roots and K+ is mainly distributed in stems and leaves; the transport selectivity coefficient decreases with the increase of irrigation amount, and the increase of Na+/K+ value is the improvement of salt tolerance of corn when irrigation amount is small. Corn can inhibit the transport of Na+ to the ground by enhancing the transport of K+ and reduce the damage to corn.
Research on Real-time Control of Construction Progress
Authors: gang Li , peng Zhao , Shu-hong Sun
Published: December 2019

combining with the chilong river management project, this paper analyzes the factors that affect the progress and the related methods of the progress control. By compiling the network plan, the free time difference and the total time difference in the construction process are analyzed and calculated. It is determined that the key work of construction is Xiaobo pump station, and the key route is Xiaobo pump station excavation-Xiaobo pump station concrete pouring-Xiaobo pump station backfill, and the construction progress is further optimized and analyzed, and the purpose of shortening the construction period is achieved. It is verified that the reasonable arrangement of construction schedule can achieve the purpose of shortening the construction period without increasing the additional cost.
Regional Water Resources Status and Sustainable Utilization Research – A Case Study of Qingyang Longdong Energy and Chemical Industry Base
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Wanfeng , Hu Aiping , Guo Jianbo , Zhang Binwei
Published: December 2019

Water resources are the key factors that restrict the development of Qingyang Longdong energy and chemical industry base. Taking Qingyang Longdong energy and chemical industry base as an example, this paper takes the status quo of water resources as the research object, and points out the problems existing in the current situation of water resources development based on the current status of water quality research and utilization, and then puts forward corresponding measures to promote the sustainable use of water resources. The research results can provide reference for the vigorous construction of Qingyang energy and chemical industry base and the sustainable use and development of local water resources.