bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Für und gegen die Buchpreisbindung. Wem hilft die (un)sichtbare Hand des Marktes?
Authors: Budrich Edmund
Published: September 2018

Für und gegen die Buchpreisbindung streiten nur zwei Parteien: Auf der einen Seite als Gegner die Monopolkommission und einzelne Medien, und auf der anderen Seite die Buchhandels- und Verlagsbranche sowie Autoren und der Schriftstellerverband. Beide Parteien kämpfen um dieselben Fragen, die die Monopolkommission mit ihrem neuen Gutachten vorgegeben hat. Der Beitrag dokumentiert Stellungnahmen aus beiden Richtungen und weist auf den im Kampf gegen die Buchpreisbindung wirkenden unerschütterlichen Glauben an „den Markt“, der nach dem bekannten Mythos alles zum allgemeinen Besten richtet.
„Wie soll in der Demokratie mit Minderheiten umgegangen werden?“ – Eine Untersuchung von Demokratiemodellen im Politikunterricht. Werkstattbericht
Authors: Fischer Christian
Published: September 2018

Demokratie bedeutet in der Regel, dass die Mehrheit entscheidet. Damit stellt sich zugleich die Frage, wie in einer Demokratie eigentlich mit Minderheiten, mit ihren Bedürfnissen und Interessen, umgegangen werden soll. Welche Schutz- und Fördermaßnahmen für Minderheiten sind wünschenswert? Was ist gerecht? Diese Fragestellung ist mit Blick auf die Öffnung der Ehe für homosexuelle Paare, den Beschluss des Bundesverfassungsgerichts zur Anerkennung der Intersexualität und das Thema Integration hoch aktuell. Wie man sich hierzu im Einzelnen positioniert, hängt davon ab, welche Demokratievorstellung man hat. Hierin liegt ein fruchtbarer Ansatz, um im Politikunterricht eine problemorientierte Untersuchung ausgewählter Demokratiemodelle zu initiieren. Der Werkstattbericht führt in die Idee und die ersten Erfahrungen mit diesem Ansatz ein. Auf dieser Basis werden verschiedene Umsetzungsvorschläge für den Unterricht skizziert, diskutiert und Hinweise auf die entwickelten Unterrichtsmaterialien gegeben.
Hate Speech analog – Eine situative Herausforderung in Schule und Unterricht
Authors: May Michael
Published: September 2018

Verunglimpfung und Hetze gegenüber Andersdenkenden und bestimmten gesellschaftlichen Gruppen nehmen mittlerweile einen größeren Stellenwert in Politik und Öffentlichkeit der Bundesrepublik ein. Der Tonfall hat sich deutlich gewandelt. Dies macht auch vor Schule und Unterricht nicht halt. Der Beitrag untersucht das Phänomen von Hate Speech aus einer pädagogischen Perspektive, systematisiert Fallbeispiele und gibt Hinweise für pädagogisches Handeln.
Akut koroner sendromda perkütan koroner girişim yapılan hastalarda kontrast nefropati prevalansı
Authors: Karadeniz Muhammed , Kandemir Hüseyin , Sarak Taner , Alp Çağlar
Published: September 2018

Amaç: Kontrast madde
nefropatisi (KMN), tanı veya tedavi
amaçlı yapılan girişimlerde uygulanan intravenöz kontrast ajanlara bağlı olarak
gelişen akut böbrek hasarı olarak tanımlanmıştır ve akut böbrek yetersizliğine
bağlı olarak hastaneye yatışlarda önemli bir nedendir. Bu çalışmada akut
koroner sendromda koroner girişim ve kontrast madde nefropatisi sıklığı
araştırılmıştır.Gereç ve Yöntem: Avrupa Ürogenital Radyoloji Cemiyeti Kılavuzu’na göre KMN tanımı; “başka
bir etiyolojik sebep olmaksızın, kontrast madde verilmesinden sonraki 3 gün
içinde serum kreatinin düzeyinde başl25 veya 0.5 mg/dl artış olması” olarak
kabul edilmiştir. Etik Kurul onayı sonrası dahil edilme
kriterlerine uyan 336 hasta çalışmaya alındı. 18 yaşından küçük, kronik böbrek
yetersizliği olan, kalp yetmezliği olan, koroner by-pass öyküsü olan, işlem
sonrası serum kreatinini kontrol edilemeyen hastalar ve perkütan koroner
girişim yapılmayan hastalar çalışma dışı bırakıldı.Sonuçlar: Çalışmaya dahil edilen 336 hastanın %11,9’unda
KMN saptandı. KMN gelişen 40 hastanın yaş ortalaması 73,9±10,2/yıl, KMN
gelişmeyen 296 hastanın yaş ortalaması 59,4±12,3/yıl idi. KMN gelişen grupta
yaş ortalaması istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede yüksek bulundu
(p<0.001). KMN gelişmeyen hasta grubunda vücut kitle indeksi (VKİ)
ortalaması 28,2±4,7kg/m² iken, KMN gelişen grupta VKİ ortalaması 26,5±3.3kg/m²
idi. KMN gelişen grupta VKİ ortalaması daha düşük bulundu (p=0.044). KMN gelişmeyen
hasta grubunda SYNTAX skoru ortalama 16,6±8,3 iken, KMN gelişen hasta grubunda
ortalama 22,5±10,3 idi. KMN gelişen grupta SYNTAX skoru KMN gelişmeyen gruba
göre daha yüksek bulundu (p=0.001). AKS tipi, DM, HT ve cinsiyet açısından iki
grup arasında fark bulunmadı (p=0.713, p=0.317,p=0.055, p=0.589).

Sonuç: Kontrast madde verilmesi gereken risk altındaki
gruplarda işlem öncesinde ve sonrasında hidrasyon mutlak olması şartıyla diğer
KMN gelişmesini önleyici stratejiler uygulanmalıdır.
Evaluation the effect of several anticancer drugs on Vietnamese breast cancer cells
Authors: Nguyen Oanh Thi-Kieu
Published: September 2018

In Viet Nam, data from Conference of Cancer organized by the Ministry of Health has shown that breast cancer is the most popular cancer in women. Current mainly treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, the rate of recurrence after five years was very high. One of the causes of high relapse is cancer cells develop multidrug-resistant (MDR) thus reduced the efficiency of treatments. In this research, MTT assay was used for measured cell viability of Vietnamese breast cancer cells (VNBRCA cells) and positive control MCF-7 cell lines after treatment with several anticancer drugs as Doxorubicin (DOX), Tamoxifen (TAM), Mitomycin C (MMC) in 48h. After that, cancer cells were treated at haft maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of anticancer drug and observed cell morphology, apoptosis of cellular nuclear by AO/PI staining. IC50 value of VNBRCA cells with DOX, TAM, MMC were 0.641± 0.07 µM, 4.639 ± 0.933 µM and 1.338 ± 0.176 µM, respectively, which higher than IC50 of MCF-7 with DOX, TAM, MMC was 0.168 ± 0.037 µM, 7.085 ± 0.87 µM and 0.379 ± 0.159 µM, respectively. The response of VNBRCA cells with several anticancer drugs as DOX, TAM, and MMC was lower than the response of MCF-7, therefore, it showed that the specific features of VNBRCA cells; from which develop specific treatments for Vietnamese breast cancer patients.
Investigation of different reactor configurations for electrochemical ferrate (VI) synthesis
Authors: BARIŞÇI Sibel
Published: September 2018

There are numerous methods used for wastewaters
treatment. The agents to be used in those methods should be harmless and
degraded to non-hazardous byproducts. Ferrate (VI) has high oxidation
capability and is reduced to a non-toxic byproduct, Fe (III), during the
degradation of pollutants. Thus, ferrate (VI) is one of the most influential
and eco-friendly chemical for water and wastewater treatment. This study aimed
to investigate electrochemical ferrate (VI) synthesis, using two different
reactor configurations using pure iron plates (R1) and cast-iron flakes (R2) as
electrode. In this study, the optimum conditions have been determined
experimentally for electrochemical synthesis of ferrate (VI). Ferrate (VI)
yield and current efficiency are leading parameters for this purpose. The most
appropriate electrolyte concentration is found as 16 M, and the applied current
of 1 A is the optimum value with the highest determined current efficiency for
both reactor configurations. In comparison with reactor configurations, R2 with
iron flakes provided higher ferrate (VI) yield and current efficiency providing
higher surface area and higher dissolution rates.
Gestão de Riscos no Setor Público
Authors: Ávila Marta Dulcélia Gurgel
Published: September 2018

O Processo gerencial no setor público precisa de ferramentas de controle que auxiliem na tomada de decisões. Cada vez mais, o serviço público tem sido forçado a tomar decisões difíceis sobre riscos de saúde, riscos ambientais, riscos ao bem-estar econômico e riscos envolvidos na prestação de serviços, entre vários outros. As responsabilidades e deveres do governo em relação ao bem público exigem a adoção de práticas e estratégias eficazes de gestão de riscos. A gestão eficaz de riscos é crucial para o serviço público; a capacidade de tomar decisões corretas em relação a políticas, programas e serviços públicos, em ambiente caracterizado por incertezas, torna-se fundamental. A gestão de riscos já é uma realidade no Governo Federal, todavia é preciso estimular essas práticas nas células da federação: os governos municipais.
O Alcance da Súmula Vinculante Nº 13 em Relação à Ocupação de Cargos e Funções de Confiança por Servidores Efetivos e a Concretização dos Princípios Constitucionais
Authors: Barreto Ediara de Souza
Published: September 2018

A edição da súmula vinculante nº 13 representou importante consolidação, na consciência jurídica e política nacional, da vedação constitucional ao nepotismo, fazendo emergir sobretudo questões relativas aos princípios da moralidade e da impessoalidade. Todavia, a existência de problemas na redação do enunciado não permite a sua aplicação de forma clara em certas situações, havendo, pois, dificuldades em relação aos seus corretos limites, o que tem levado a doutrina e a jurisprudência a sinalizar a necessidade de certos abrandamentos. O presente artigo visa analisar os critérios e as condições necessárias para a aplicabilidade do seu conteúdo e, por consequência, dos princípios constitucionais citados, quando a relação de parentesco envolver servidor ocupante de cargo efetivo.
Ouvidorias Públicas: Conceito, Papel, Evolução e Qualidade no Controle Social
Authors: Cavalcante Maria Lailze Simões Albuquerque
Published: September 2018

Considerando a modernização e democratização do Estado brasileiro como um processo de expressiva relevância ao exercício da cidadania é que destacamos o papel das Ouvidorias Públicas. Com a criação desse instituto, ficou reconhecido o direito à informação nos órgãos públicos e o efetivo exercício da cidadania como direito fundamental previsto na Constituição Federal de 1988. Reconhecemos que houve um significativo avanço no processo participativo da sociedade, e uma maior visibilidade e transparência às ações por meio do canal de comunicação direto aos usuários. Por meio das Ouvidorias públicas, se fortaleceu a governança democrática e criou-se espaços de participação nos diversos órgãos responsáveis pela implementação de políticas públicas. Acredita-se que com a efetiva participação popular no exercício da cidadania, nos garante exigir dos órgãos públicos respostas plausíveis da não funcionalidade do sistema público no Brasil. Diante disso, o cidadão, pode cobrar um serviço com maior transparência das ações pela comunicação direta entre usuário e órgão público. Vale ressaltar, a Lei da Acesso à Informação-LAI como instrumento legal de fortalecimento da transparência frente as demandas dos usuários.
O Contraditório e a Invalidação de Ato Administrativo Concessório de Vantagens Pecuniárias a Servidor Público
Authors: Gondim Lia Almino
Published: September 2018

A concepção de processualidade administrativa encontra-se hoje consolidada, no sentido de que a participação dos administrados se afigura essencial à tomada de decisões pela Administração Pública. Sem desconsiderar tal aspecto, o presente estudo analisa a possibilidade de se ter um contraditório diferido no âmbito do processo de invalidação de atos administrativos que deferem, sem qualquer respaldo legal, vantagens a servidores públicos. Na verdade, e sem a pretensão de solucionar a questão, apenas se propõe, com fundamento da doutrina e na Lei nº. 9784/99, uma forma de evitar que o patrimônio público sofra com pagamentos indevidos, que, por decorrerem de erro da Administração e terem como beneficiários servidores de boa-fé, são irrepetíveis. Dessa forma, espera-se que este breve ensaio possa, ainda que minimamente, contribuir para a discussão em torno do tema.
Rekonstruksi deformitas malar pada fraktur lama multipel wajah menggunakan kartilago iga dan silikon
Authors: Widiarni Dini , Wardhana Arroyan , Mangunkusumo Endang , Irawati Yunia
Published: September 2018

Background: In old traumatic multiple facial fractures, connective tissue and fibrosis were formedwhich make them difficult to be repaired. Purpose: To illustrate to ENT- Head and Neck surgeons asreconstructive surgery could restore the aesthetic and function in facial deformity. Case: Two cases ofold multiple facial fracture were reported. One case was a 32 years old man with history of falling froma tree three years ago and second case was 41 years old man with history of car accident two years ago.   Case management: Those two cases were managed with facial reconstruction and malar augmentation using rib cartilage, plate and screw andsilicon implant. Conclusion: Facial reconstruction using rib cartilage autograft, plate and screw or silicon implant could be repair malar asymmetry. Facial analysisin facial reconstruction is important in determining the site of implantation precisely.Keywords: old multiple facial fracture, facial reconstruction, rib cartilage autograft, silicone implant. Abstrak : Latar belakang: Fraktur multipel wajah akibat trauma lama, telah membentuk jaringan ikatdan fibrosis sehingga sukar untuk dilakukan perbaikan. Tujuan:  sebagai ilustrasi untuk ahli THT-KL,bagaimana bedah rekonstruksi dapat memperbaiki estetika dan fungsi pada deformitas wajah.Kasus:Dua kasus fraktur lama wajah yaitu, pertama laki-laki berusia 32 tahun dengan riwayat jatuh dari pohon 3 tahun yang lalu dan kasus kedua laki-laki berusia 41 tahun dengan riwayat kecelakaan lalu lintas 2tahun yang lalu.Penatalaksanaan: Pada kedua pasien dilakukan rekonstruksi wajah dengan augmentasimalar menggunakan kartilago iga,plate and screw dan implan silikon. Kesimpulan: Rekonstruksiwajah menggunakan tandur autologus kartilago iga dan plate and screw atau implan silikon dapatmengurangi asimetri malar. Analisis wajah pada saat rekonstruksi penting untuk menentukan posisitandur atau implan dengan tepat.Kata kunci: fraktur multipel lama wajah, rekonstruksi wajah, tandur autologus kartilago iga, implansilikon.
In vivo effect of enalapril on lysosomal compartment isolated from kidney and liver of rats
Authors: Martinelli Reinaldo , Santos Claudia VCD , Albuquerque Marcel L , Silva Aline M , Rodrigues Luiz Erlon
Published: September 2018

Introduction. Angiotensin II (Ang II) inhibitory agents such as angiotensin-converting enyzme (ACE) inhibitors have been used as antihypertensive and anti-proteinuric drugs, attenuating the progression and inducing regression of glomerulosclerosis.The mechanisms related to the renoprotective effects of the ACE-inhibitors, although partly related to the blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), are not completely understood.Their effects on many cellular functions and intracellular components have not been directly studied.The aim of the present studies was to investigate the effect of enalapril on lysosomal activity.

Material and methods. Two groups of Wistar rats were studied.The experimental group received enalapril, 50 mg/L, in the drinking water; the control group was submitted to the same conditions except for enalapril. After two weeks of treatment, each animal was sacrificed and samples of liver and kidney were individually collected, homogenised and subjected to differential centrifugation.The supernatant was utilised for evaluation of ortophosphoricmonoester phosphohydrolase as a marker of lysosome stability and the results expressed as specific units of phosphatase activity.

Results. The mean specific activities of the lysosomal compartment isolated from kidneys of enalapril-treated rats showed a mean specific activity that was 17.6% higher than the control group; no difference was found in the liver.

Conclusion. The present studies suggests that the beneficial effect of enalapril is not related to effects on lysosomal membrane.
Multi-Branch Deep Residual Network for Single Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Liu Peng , Hong Ying , Liu Yan
Published: September 2018

Recently, algorithms based on the deep neural networks and residual networks have been applied for super-resolution and exhibited excellent performance. In this paper, a multi-branch deep residual network for single image super-resolution (MRSR) is proposed. In the network, we adopt a multi-branch network framework and further optimize the structure of residual network. By using residual blocks and filters reasonably, the model size is greatly expanded while the stable training is also guaranteed. Besides, a perceptual evaluation function, which contains three parts of loss, is proposed. The experiment results show that the evaluation function provides great support for the quality of reconstruction and the competitive performance. The proposed method mainly uses three steps of feature extraction, mapping, and reconstruction to complete the super-resolution reconstruction and shows superior performance than other state-of-the-art super-resolution methods on benchmark datasets.
Property Investigation of Replaceable PDMS Membrane as an Actuator in Microfluidic Device
Authors: Yuan Yapeng , Yalikun Yaxiaer , Ota Nobutoshi , Tanaka Yo
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates the basic deflection properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane as an actuator component in a microfluidic device. Polydimethylsiloxane membrane is a widely used structure in various applications in microfluidics. Most of the applications using PDMS membrane as actuators are pumps, valves, microlenses, and cell stimulators. In these applications, PDMS membranes are deflected to function by applied pressure. However, based on our literature survey, correlations between thickness, applied air pressure, and the deflection properties of replaceable PDMS membrane have not been theoretically and experimentally investigated yet. In this paper, we first conducted a simulation to analyze the relationship between deflection of the replaceable PDMS membrane and applied pressure. Then we verified the deflection of the PDMS membrane in different experimental conditions. Finally, we demonstrated that the PDMS membrane functioned as a valve actuator in a cell-capturing device as one application. We expect this study would work as an important reference for research investigations that use PDMS membrane as an actuator.
Effect of Supplementary Light Source on Quality of Grafted Tomato Seedlings and Expression of Two Photosynthetic Genes
Authors: Wei Hao , Hu Jiangtao , Liu Chen , Wang Mengzhao , Zhao Jin , Kang Dong Il , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: September 2018

Supplementary lighting is commonly used in high-quality seedling production. In this study, grafted tomato seedlings were grown for 10 days in a glasshouse with 16-h daily supplementary lighting at 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD (Photosynthetic photon flux density) from either high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), far-red (FR), white LEDs (Light emitting diodes) (W), or mixed LEDs (W1R2B1, where the subscript numbers indicate the ratio of the LED chips) to determine which light sources improve the seedling quality. The control seedlings did not receive any supplementary light. Physiological parameters and the expression of genes related to photosynthesis were analyzed. The results showed that root length, biomass, number of leaves, chlorophyll (SPAD), scion dry weight to height ratio (WHR), and specific leaf weight (SLW) were the greatest for grafted seedlings grown in W1R2B1. The level of root ball formation was the greatest for seedlings grown in W1R2B1, followed by those grown in W, HPS, and MH. Seedlings grown in FR did not fare well, as they were very thin and weak. Moreover, the expression of two photosynthetic genes (PsaA and PsbA) was significantly increased by W1R2B1 and W, which suggests that the plastid or nuclear genes might be regulated. The overall results suggest that W1R2B1 was the most suitable light source to enhance the quality of grafted tomato seedlings. The results of this study could be used as a reference for seedling production in glasshouses, and may provide new insights in the research on lights affecting the development of plants.
A Systematic Review of Heat Load in Australian Livestock Transported by Sea
Authors: Collins Teresa , Hampton Jordan O. , Barnes Anne L.
Published: September 2018

The transport of animals by sea (‘live export’) is one of the most important current animal welfare issues in Australian society. Recent media attention has highlighted concerns regarding the effects of high environmental temperature and humidity on the welfare and mortality of sheep being shipped live from Australia to the Middle East, especially during the Northern Hemisphere summer. To improve understanding of how and why harmful heat load occurs, we systematically reviewed Australian research into heat load and sea transport. High thermal load occurs during the sea transport of sheep and cattle from Australia when animals are subject to hot and humid environmental conditions and cannot remove heat generated by metabolic processes in the body, potentially also gaining heat from the environment. Several approaches have been proposed to mitigate these risks, including avoidance of voyages in hot seasons, selection of heat-resistant livestock breeds, reducing stocking density, and improved ventilation. We identified a lack of scientific literature relating to heat load in animals transported by sea and considerable potential for bias in the literature that was found. We identified the following priority research areas: (i) experimental manipulation of variables thought to influence the incidence and severity of harmful heat load, including sheep density; (ii) further assessment of the Heat Stress Risk Assessment (HSRA) model used to predict heat load events, and (iii) development of a suite of animal welfare indicators that may allow identification of ‘at risk’ sheep before they reach debilitating heat load condition. Addressing these knowledge gaps will assist efforts to reduce the frequency and intensity of harmful heat load events.
Main Factors Affecting Animal Welfare and Meat Quality in Lambs for Slaughter in Chile
Authors: Gallo Carmen , Tarumán Juan , Larrondo Cristian
Published: September 2018

Consumers have become increasingly demanding about the quality of products of animal origin, particularly regarding animal welfare during production, transport, and slaughter. The aim of the present study was to review the factors affecting the welfare of lambs for slaughter in Chile and show the implications on meat quality. Rounding up and driving the lambs from the fields in large extensive production systems and long distance transport through difficult geographical routes affect the blood variable indicators of stress and reduces muscle glycogen reserves, increasing the risk of high pH of meat. In small farmer sheep production conditions there is a lack of appropriate installations for loading/unloading and deficiencies in vehicle structure specific for lambs; this together with the work of untrained handlers results in a high percentage of mortality and bruised carcasses, compared to European studies. These problems are common for other South American countries and should be addressed firstly by educating and training all the people involved in the lamb meat chain regarding animal welfare. In Chile there is legislation, ongoing since 2013, regarding the protection of animals during production, transport, and slaughter, including compulsory training of animal handlers and livestock transporters, which should improve animal welfare and meat quality.
Redox Signaling of NADPH Oxidases Regulates Oxidative Stress Responses, Immunity and Aging
Authors: Ewald Collin Y.
Published: September 2018

An accumulating body of evidence suggests that transient or physiological reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases act as a redox signal to re-establish homeostasis. The capacity to re-establish homeostasis progressively declines during aging but is maintained in long-lived animals to promote healthy aging. In the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, ROS generated by dual oxidases (Duox) are important for extracellular matrix integrity, pathogen defense, oxidative stress resistance, and longevity. The Duox enzymatic activity is tightly regulated and under cellular control. Developmental molting cycles, pathogen infections, toxins, mitochondrial-derived ROS, drugs, and small GTPases (e.g., RHO-1) can activate Duox (BLI-3) to generate ROS, whereas NADPH oxidase inhibitors and negative regulators, such as MEMO-1, can inhibit Duox from generating ROS. Three mechanisms-of-action have been discovered for the Duox/BLI-3-generated ROS: (1) enzymatic activity to catalyze crosslinking of free tyrosine ethyl ester in collagen bundles to stabilize extracellular matrices, (2) high ROS bursts/levels to kill pathogens, and (3) redox signaling activating downstream kinase cascades to transcription factors orchestrating oxidative stress and immunity responses to re-establish homeostasis. Although Duox function at the cell surface is well established, recent genetic and biochemical data also suggests a novel role for Duoxs at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane to control redox signaling. Evidence underlying these mechanisms initiated by ROS from NADPH oxidases, and their relevance for human aging, are discussed in this review. Appropriately controlling NADPH oxidase activity for local and physiological redox signaling to maintain cellular homeostasis might be a therapeutic strategy to promote healthy aging.
Diode-Pumped Solid-State Q-Switched Laser with Rhenium Diselenide as Saturable Absorber
Authors: Li Chun , Leng Yuxin , Huo Jinjin
Published: September 2018

We report a solid-state passively Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser adopting rhenium diselenide (ReSe2) as saturable absorber (SA) materials. ReSe2 belongs to a type of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials and it has the weak-layered dependent feature beneficial for the preparation of few-layer materials. The few-layer ReSe2 was prepared by ultrasonic exfoliation method. Using a power-dependent transmission experiment, its modulation depth and saturation intensity were measured to be 1.89% and 6.37 MW/cm2. Pumped by diode laser and based on few-layer ReSe2 SA, the Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser obtained the shortest Q-switched pulse width of 682 ns with the highest repetition rate of 84.16 kHz. The maximum average output power was 125 mW with the slope efficiency of 17.27%. Our experiment, to the best of our knowledge, is the first demonstration that used ReSe2 as SA materials in an all-solid-state laser. The results show that the few-layer ReSe2 owns the nonlinear saturable absorption properties and it has the capacity to act as SA in an all-solid-state laser.
Adaptive Intelligent Sliding Mode Control of a Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter
Authors: Fang Yunmei , Zhu Yunkai , Fei Juntao
Published: September 2018

Adaptive intelligent sliding mode control methods are developed for a single-phase photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected transformerless system with a boost chopper and a DC-AC inverter. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is implemented in the boost part in order to extract the maximum power from the PV array. A global fast terminal sliding control (GFTSMC) strategy is developed for an H-bridge inverter to make the tracking error between a grid reference voltage and the output voltage of the inverter converge to zero in a finite time. A fuzzy-neural-network (FNN) is used to estimate the system uncertainties. Intelligent methods, such as an adaptive fuzzy integral sliding controller and a fuzzy approximator, are employed to control the DC-AC inverter and approach the upper bound of the system nonlinearities, achieving reliable grid-connection, small voltage tracking error, and strong robustness to environmental variations. Simulation with a grid-connected PV inverter model is implemented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications
Authors: Chinga-Carrasco Gary
Published: September 2018

n/a
Energy Diagnosis of University Buildings: Renewable Energy Institute from UNAM
Authors: González-Galvez Oscar , Morales Miguel , Seefoó Carla , Morillón David , Valdés Hugo
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study has been to conduct an energy diagnosis research of the third level. An energy diagnosis is a tool aimed to seek improvements related to measures of energy efficiency and saving, and environmental conservation as well. These improvements would prove to be relevant for any kind of building. The diagnosis was carried out in 36 university buildings (Renewable Energy Institute—REI) through survey and census; that in order (to identify and) to characterize current patterns of energy consumption and demand, as well as for generating specific strategies towards energy efficiency and saving, for instance the identification of systemic indicators and corrective proposals, and non-financial investment. The results promote the achievement of grand energy efficiency. The task on energy conservation entails the supporting participation of each person who either studies or works in the entity, whereas some other activities require economic stimulus for being implemented. Annual per capita energy consumption in the REI is 40 kWh/person: that is greater than the country’s average consumption rate. The main energy consumption corresponds to Building 3.1 (49% of total energy consumption). This is due to its large concentration of laboratories specialized in renewable energy research and innovation.
The Cooperative Relationship between STAT5 and Reactive Oxygen Species in Leukemia: Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Mi Tian , Wang Zhengqi , Bunting Kevin D.
Published: September 2018

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are now recognized as important second messengers with roles in many aspects of signaling during leukemogenesis. They serve as critical cell signaling molecules that regulate the activity of various enzymes including tyrosine phosphatases. ROS can induce inactivation of tyrosine phosphatases, which counteract the effects of tyrosine kinases. ROS increase phosphorylation of many proteins including signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) via Janus kinases (JAKs). STAT5 is aberrantly activated through phosphorylation in many types of cancer and this constitutive activation is associated with cell survival, proliferation, and self-renewal. Such leukemic activation of STAT5 is rarely caused by mutation of the STAT5 gene itself but instead by overactive mutant receptors with tyrosine kinase activity as well as JAK, SRC family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs), and Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ABL) kinases. Interestingly, STAT5 suppresses transcription of several genes encoding antioxidant enzymes while simultaneously enhancing transcription of NADPH oxidase. By doing so, STAT5 activation promotes an overall elevation of ROS level, which acts as a feed-forward loop, especially in high risk Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutant leukemia. Therefore, efforts have been made recently to target ROS in cancer cells. Drugs that are able to either quench ROS production or inversely augment ROS-related signaling pathways both have potential as cancer therapies and may afford some selectivity by activating feedback inhibition of the ROS-STAT5 kinome. This review summarizes the cooperative relationship between ROS and STAT5 and explores the pros and cons of emerging ROS-targeting therapies that are selective for leukemia characterized by persistent STAT5 phosphorylation.
Fenofibrate Interferes with the Diapedesis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells through the Interference with Cx43/EGF-Dependent Intercellular Signaling
Authors: Piwowarczyk Katarzyna , Kwiecień Edyta , Sośniak Justyna , Zimoląg Eliza , Guzik Emiliana , Sroka Jolanta , Madeja Zbigniew , Czyż Jarosław
Published: September 2018

Extravasation of circulating cancer cells is regulated by the intercellular/intracellular signaling pathways that locally impair the endothelial barrier function. Co-cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells enabled us to identify these pathways and to quantify the effect of fenofibrate (FF) on their activity. A549 cells induced the disruption and local activation of endothelial continuum. These events were accompanied by epidermal growth factor (EGF) up-regulation in endothelial cells. Impaired A549 diapedesis and HUVEC activation were seen upon the chemical inhibition of connexin(Cx)43 functions, EGF/ERK1/2-dependent signaling, and RhoA/Rac1 activity. A total of 25 μM FF exerted corresponding effects on Cx43-mediated gap junctional coupling, EGF production, and ERK1/2 activation in HUVEC/A549 co-cultures. It also directly augmented endothelial barrier function via the interference with focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/RhoA/Rac1-regulated endothelial cell adhesion/contractility/motility and prompted the selective transmigration of epithelioid A549 cells. N-acetyl-L-cysteine abrogated FF effects on HUVEC activation, suggesting the involvement of PPARα-independent mechanism(s) in its action. Our data identify a novel Cx43/EGF/ERK1/2/FAK/RhoA/Rac1-dependent signaling axis, which determines the efficiency of lung cancer cell diapedesis. FF interferes with its activity and reduces the susceptibility of endothelial cells to A549 stimuli. These findings provide the rationale for the implementation of FF in the therapy of malignant lung cancers.
Theoretical Studies on the Direct Propylene Epoxidation Using Gold-Based Catalysts: A Mini-Review
Authors: Ji Jingjing , Lu Zheng , Lei Yu , Turner C. Heath
Published: September 2018

Direct propylene epoxidation using Au-based catalysts is an important gas-phase reaction and is clearly a promising route for the future industrial production of propylene oxide (PO). For instance, gold nanoparticles or clusters that consist of a small number of atoms demonstrate unique and even unexpected properties, since the high ratio of surface to bulk atoms can provide new reaction pathways with lower activation barriers. Support materials can have a remarkable effect on Au nanoparticles or clusters due to charge transfer. Moreover, Au (or Au-based alloy, such as Au–Pd) can be loaded on supports to form active interfacial sites (or multiple interfaces). Model studies are needed to help probe the underlying mechanistic aspects and identify key factors controlling the activity and selectivity. The current theoretical/computational progress on this system is reviewed with respect to the molecular- and catalyst-level aspects (e.g., first-principles calculations and kinetic modeling) of propylene epoxidation over Au-based catalysts. This includes an analysis of H2 and O2 adsorption, H2O2 (OOH) species formation, epoxidation of propylene into PO, as well as possible byproduct formation. These studies have provided a better understanding of the nature of the active centers and the dominant reaction mechanisms, and thus, could potentially be used to design novel catalysts with improved efficiency.
Application of Lecitase® Ultra-Catalyzed Hydrolysis to the Kinetic Resolution of (E)-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-yl Esters
Authors: Leśniarek Aleksandra , Chojnacka Anna , Gładkowski Witold
Published: September 2018

The possibility of using Lecitase® Ultra as a novel alternative biocatalyst for the kinetic resolution of model racemic allyl esters of (E)-4-phenylbut-3-en-3-ol: Acetate (4a) and propionate (4b) through their enantioselective hydrolysis was investigated. Reaction afforded (+)-(R)-alcohol (3) and unreacted (−)-(S)-ester (4a or 4b). Hydrolysis of propionate 4b proceeded with higher enantioselectivity than acetate 4a. (R)-Alcohol (3) with highest enantiomeric excess (93–99%) was obtained at 20–30 °C by hydrolysis of propionate 4b, while the highest optical purity of unreacted substrate was observed for (S)-acetate 4a (ee = 34–56%). The highest enantioselectivity was found for the hydrolysis of propionate 4b catalyzed at 30 °C (E = 38). Reaction carried out at 40 °C significantly lowered enantiomeric excess of produced alcohol 3 and enantioselectivity in resolution. Lecitase® Ultra catalyzed the enantioselective hydrolysis of allyl esters 4a,b according to Kazlauskas’ rule to produce (R)-alcohol 3 and can find application as a novel biocatalyst in the processes of kinetic resolution of racemic allyl esters.
Cellulose Aerogels for Thermal Insulation in Buildings: Trends and Challenges
Authors: Illera Danny , Mesa Jaime , Gomez Humberto , Maury Heriberto
Published: September 2018

Cellulose-based aerogels hold the potential to become a cost-effective bio-based solution for thermal insulation in buildings. Low thermal conductivities (<0.025 W·m−1·K−1) are achieved through a decrease in gaseous phase contribution, exploiting the Knudsen effect. However, several challenges need to be overcome: production energy demand and cost, moisture sensitivity, flammability, and thermal stability. Herein, a description and discussion of current trends and challenges in cellulose aerogel research for thermal insulation are presented, gathered from studies reported within the last five years. The text is divided into three main sections: (i) an overview of thermal performance of cellulose aerogels, (ii) an identification of challenges and possible solutions for cellulose aerogel thermal insulation, and (iii) a brief description of cellulose/silica aerogels.
The Predictive Value of Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Galectin-3 in Elderly Patients Admitted for Heart Failure
Authors: Testa Marzia , Rosso Gian Luca , Ferreri Cinzia , Feola Mauro
Published: September 2018

Galectin-3 is demonstrated to be a robust independent marker of cardiovascular mid-term (18-month) outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the value of a pre-discharged determination of galectin-3 alone and with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in predicting mid-term outcomes in elderly patients (>70 years old) discharged after an acute decompensated HF (ADHF) episode. Methods: all elderly (≥70 years old) HF subjects discharged alive after an ADHF were enrolled. All patients underwent a determination of BNP and galectin-3, a 6-min walking test (6MWT), and an echocardiogram within 48 h of hospital discharge. Cardiac death, cardiac transplantation, and worsening heart failure requiring readmission to hospital were considered cardiovascular events. Results: 84 patients (63 males (75%), age 77.5 ± 5.9 years old) were analyzed (mean follow-up: 16.2 ± 12.3 months). During the follow-up, 45 events (53.6%) were scheduled (18 cardiac deaths, 27 re-hospitalizations for ADHF). HF patients who suffered an event demonstrated more impaired ventricular function (p = 0.04), higher value of BNP (p = 0.02), and Gal-3 at a pre-discharge evaluation (p = 0.05). By choosing adequate cut-off points (BNP ≥ 500 pg/mL and Gal-3 ≥ 17.6 ng/mL), the Kaplan–Meier curves depicted a powerful stratification using Galectin-3 > 17.6 ng/mL alone (log-rank 13.22; p = 0.0003), and by adding BNP + Gal-3, an even better result was obtained (log-rank 17.96; p < 0.00001). Conclusion: in an elderly population, by adding Gal-3 to BNP, a single pre-discharge strategy testing seemed to obtain a satisfactorily predictive value in alive HF patients discharged after an ADHF episode.
On the Principle of Synchronization
Authors: Schlatter Andreas
Published: September 2018

We construct a type of thermal quantum-clocks and show that various interesting relations between energy, entropy and geometry in space–time directly follow by partially synchronizing them in the sense of making them march in step with photon clocks.
Performance Characteristics of Solid-Desiccant Evaporative Cooling Systems
Authors: Narayanan Ramadas , Halawa Edward , Jain Sanjeev
Published: September 2018

Air conditioning accounts for up to 50% of energy use in buildings. Increased air-conditioning-system installations not only increase total energy consumption but also raise peak load demand. Desiccant evaporative cooling systems use low-grade thermal energy, such as solar energy and waste heat, instead of electricity to provide thermal comfort. This system can potentially lead to significant energy saving, reduction in carbon emissions, and it has a low dew-point operation and large capacity range. Their light weight, simplicity of design, and close-to-atmospheric operation make them easy to maintain. This paper evaluates the applicability of this technology to the climatic conditions of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specifically for the residential sector. Given the subtropical climate of Brisbane, where humidity levels are not excessively high during cooling periods, the numerical study shows that such a system can be a potential alternative to conventional compression-based air-conditioning systems. Nevertheless, the installation of such a system in Brisbane’s climate zone requires careful design, proper selection of components, and a cheap heat source for regeneration. The paper also discusses the economy-cycle options for this system in such a climate and compares its effectiveness to natural ventilation.
Bioelectrochemical Enhancement of Biogenic Methane Conversion of Coal
Authors: Piao Dong-Mei , Song Young-Chae , Kim Dong-Hoon
Published: September 2018

This study demonstrated the enhancement of biogenic coal conversion to methane in a bioelectrochemical anaerobic reactor with polarized electrodes. The electrode with 1.0 V polarization increased the methane yield of coal to 52.5 mL/g lignite, which is the highest value reported to the best of our knowledge. The electrode with 2.0 V polarization shortened the adaptation time for methane production from coal, although the methane yield was slightly less than that of the 1.0 V electrode. After the methane production from coal in the bioelectrochemical reactor, the hydrolysis product, soluble organic residue, was still above 3600 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L. The hydrolysis product has a substrate inhibition effect and inhibited further conversion of coal to methane. The dilution of the hydrolysis product mitigates the substrate inhibition to methane production, and a 5.7-fold dilution inhibited the methane conversion rate by 50%. An additional methane yield of 55.3 mL/g lignite was obtained when the hydrolysis product was diluted 10-fold in the anaerobic toxicity test. The biogenic conversion of coal to methane was significantly improved by the polarization of the electrode in the bioelectrochemical anaerobic reactor, and the dilution of the hydrolysis product further improved the methane yield.
Systematic Effectiveness Assessment Methodology for Fault Current Indicators Deployed in Distribution Systems
Authors: Teng Jen-Hao , Hsieh Chia-Hung , Luan Shang-Wen , Lan Bo-Ren , Li Yun-Fang
Published: September 2018

Fault Current Indicators (FCIs) with communication interfaces have been widely used in distribution systems to reduce fault-finding time. The effectiveness of a Fault Management System (FMS) composed of FCIs greatly depends on the performance of the communication network deployed by the FCIs and the failure rates of distribution systems. The conventional techniques only focus on the issues of optimal number and location of FCIs or communication network deployment individually; therefore, the effectiveness of an FMS cannot be assessed realistically. A systematic effectiveness assessment methodology for FMS considering the performance of the communication network deployed by the FCIs and the failure rates of distribution systems is vital and is investigated in this paper. A communication evaluation platform is designed in this paper and used to acquire the field measurements of communication parameters. The communication parameters, especially the Packet Success Rate (PSR), between two adjacent FCIs are measured, and the Probability Density Function (PDF) of the PSR can be built accordingly. The effectiveness of the FMS is then assessed by stochastic analysis considering the failure rates of the distribution system and PSR PDFs between two adjacent FCIs. Due to the characteristics of easy installation, maintenance, longer battery life, lower cost, and so on of ZigBee, the ZigBee-based FCI is mainly discussed in this paper. In order to efficiently find the communication route when a fault occurs, a fast communication route tracking method is also proposed in this paper and its feasibility is demonstrated in an actual distribution system. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed systematic effectiveness assessment methodology for an FMS composed of FCIs. The proposed assessment methodology can more realistically react to the actual conditions of the FMS and therefore save on installation time and costs.
Concept Research of a Countermeasure Device for Preventing Scour around the Monopile Foundations of Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Yang Wenxian , Tian Wenye
Published: September 2018

Scouring has long been considered to be a major issue affecting the reliability of the monopile foundations of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) on sandy seabeds. To reduce the impact of scouring, several tons of rock/stone are usually placed around the foundations shortly after the installation of them. Such a measure is costly. Moreover, rock and stone may spread widely on the seabed during the long-term service period of OWTs. It has no doubt that recycling these rock and stone on the seabed is quite difficult in future decommission. For this reason, a new scour-countermeasure device (SEMCD) is proposed and studied in this paper. Considering that the major driver of scouring is horseshoe vortices around the monopile foundation, a hollow horn-like SEMCD with an arc surface profile is designed for weakening the horseshoe vortices. The SEMCD is made of either cement or other kinds of corrosion resistant materials. It is light in weight, and easy to install and decommission. In the paper, the working mechanism of the SEMCD is first explained. Then, its scouring mitigation effect (SME), i.e., its contribution to the reduction of horseshoe vortices and the mitigation of seabed erosion around the foundation, is studied through investigating its influences on down/up-flow and seabed shear stress. Finally, the optimal size of the SEMCD is discussed through investigating the impact of its size on the speeds of up and down flows and the shear stress on seabed surface. The calculation results have shown that the proposed SEMCD has great potential to prevent scouring and seabed erosion, so that it is of significance to improve the reliability of the monopile foundations of OWTs.
Maintenance of K+/Na+ Balance in the Roots of Nitraria sibirica Pall. in Response to NaCl Stress
Authors: Tang Xiaoqian , Yang Xiuyan , Li Huanyong , Zhang Huaxin
Published: September 2018

Using Non-invasive Micro-test Technology (NMT), the Na+, K+ and H+ flux profiles in the root meristem regions were investigated in Nitraria sibirica Pall. seedlings under different NaCl concentrations. NaCl stress increased the K+ and Na+ contents in the roots of N. sibirica seedlings. NaCl stress significantly increased the steady Na+ efflux from the N. sibirica seedling roots. Steady K+ effluxes were measured in the control roots (without NaCl) and in the roots treated with 200 mM NaCl, and no significant differences were observed between the two treatments. The steady K+ efflux from roots treated with 400 mM NaCl decreased gradually. NaCl treatment significantly increased the H+ influx. Pharmacological experiments showed that amiloride and sodium vanadate significantly inhibited the Na+ efflux and H+ influx, suggesting that the Na+ efflux was mediated by a Na+/H+ antiporter using energy provided by plasma membrane H+-ATPase. The NaCl-induced root K+ efflux was inhibited by the K+ channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), and was significantly increased by the H+-ATPase inhibitor sodium vanadate. The NaCl-induced K+ efflux was mediated by depolarization-activated outward-rectifying K+ channels and nonselective cation channels (NSCCs). Under salt stress, N. sibirica seedlings showed increased Na+ efflux due to increased plasma membrane H+-ATPase and Na+/H+ antiporter activity. High H+ pump activity not only restricts the Na+ influx through NSCCs, but also limits K+ leakage through outward-rectifying K+ channels and NSCCs, leading to maintenance of the K+/Na+ balance and higher salt tolerance.