bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generational Learning: from the 1920s to the 1950s
Authors: Phillips Jim
Published: January 2020

Scottish miners were heterogeneous in their politics and culture. A distinct Scottish mining identity accommodated social conservatives and religious sectarians with class-conscious trade unionists and international socialists. This identity developed through political campaigning from the 1950s to the 1980s and drew upon the claimed values of the Scottish Nation as well as solidarity with working class people across Britain and the world. It emphasised the value of gender equality, and gradually undermined coalfield male chauvinism. Mining leaders related security explicitly to questions of class and nation. Solidarities of class were pursued with trade unionists across Britain, but miners in Scotland tended to see deindustrialisation as an acute and even distinctly Scottish problem. The unreformed constitutional-political structures of the UK were criticised as an obstacle to coalfield security, with policy-makers remote from the communities affected by accelerating job loss. Scotland’s national right to self-determination was asserted, and the miners persuaded the Scottish Trades Union Congress to adopt Home Rule as official policy by the early 1970s.
Reflective Equilibrium as a Process
Authors: Dombrowski Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

This chapter deals with method and hence informs what occurs in the remaining six chapters. Specifically, it deals with the processual method of reflective equilibrium (or Aristotelian dialectic). This method is wider than and includes Rawls's more famous methodological device of deliberating about justice in an original position behind a veil of ignorance. The idea that Rawls's method is static is thoroughly discredited.
Gamwell on ‘The Comprehensive Question’: A Rawlsian Critique
Authors: Dombrowski Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

Chapter Abstract: This chapter examines a notable challenge to Rawlsian political liberalism from a thinker who is very well versed in process thought: Franklin Gamwell. The relationship between metaphysics and political philosophy is analyzed in a way that is conducive to the justification and flourishing of politically liberal institutions. Liberal separation of metaphysics and politics is defended, albeit as qualified by the concept of the translation proviso.
Heidegger, Political Philosophy and Disequilibrium
Authors: Dombrowski Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

Chapter Abstract: In this chapter Martin Heidegger's right wing, indeed fascist, political philosophy is examined. His view deviates significantly from reflective equilibrium. Thankfully, process thinkers have not been persuaded by Heidegger's version of anti-democracy, although recent alt-right thinkers have indeed found (Nietzsche's and) Heidegger's views attractive.
From Non-human Animals to the Environment
Authors: Dombrowski Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

Chapter Abstract: In this chapter a politically liberal defence of both nonhuman animal rights and environmental ethics is offered so as to challenge right-wing and Marxist versions of environmentalism. Anthropocentrism is criticized. Despite violence against both humans and nonhuman animals and the environment, there are grounds for optimism regarding the processual effort to asymptotically approach a realistic utopia that is just.
Погромний рух у Східній Галичині влітку–восени 1941 року: основні дослідження та інтерпрeтації
Authors: Mykhailiuk Maryna
Published: January 2020

У статті аналізується участь пересічних галичан (українців, поляків) у погромних акціях влітку-восени 1941 р., спрямованих проти євреїв як носіїв «жидо-більшовицької» ідеології, прихильників радянської окупації регіону. Розглянуто причини прояву агресії, методи знущання над людьми, які не обмежувалися фізичним і моральним насиллям, але й закінчувалися умисними вбивствами. Визначені результати прояву насилля у вигляді проблеми підрахунку жертв.
Перехідні поліційні сили під час реінтеграції хорватського Подунав’я: уроки для України
Authors: Nahirnyi Mykola
Published: January 2020

У статті розглянуто процес створення та діяльність національно змішаних правоохоронних сил на території хорватського Подунав’я під час реінтеграції цього регіону до складу Хорватії у другій половині 1990-х років. Проаналізовано труднощі у діяльності Перехідної поліції, вимоги сторін конфлікту під час формування «нової поліції». Висловлено припущення, чи можна хорватський досвід зі створення тимчасових багатонаціональних поліційних сил використати у сучасних українських реаліях.
Розвиток трансатлантичних відносин за Адміністрації Джона Кеннеді
Authors: Lymar Margaryta
Published: January 2020

У статті досліджуються американсько-європейські відносини за період президентства Джона Ф. Кеннеді, їх основи та розвиток. Визначено, що Дж. Кеннеді не розглядав європейський напрям зовнішньої політики як пріоритетний. Зазначається, що у контексті європейської політики, увага була зосереджена на протидії комунізму та розбудові відносин із Великою Британією, Німеччиною та Францією. Спроба створення «Атлантичного співтовариства», або «Grand Design» стала ключовою ініціативою адміністрації Дж. Кеннеді для трансатлантичної єдності. Доведено, що Франція найбільш рішуче виступала проти зміцнення американських позицій в Європі та протидіяла поширенню англосаксонського впливу на континенті.
Microfluidic Jetting Deformation and Pinching-off Mechanism in Capillary Tubes by Using Traveling Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: Lei Yulin , Hu Hong , Chen Jian , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2020

To date, there has been little research attention paid to jetting deformation and pinching-off of microfluidic flows induced by the surface acoustic wave (SAW) mechanism. Further, such studies were almost limited to one sessile drop actuation without any confinement mechanisms. Such a scenario is likely attributable to the mechanism’s relatively poor controllability, the difficulty of maintaining the fluid loading position and issues related to stability and repeatability. In this paper, a novel SAW-microfluidic jetting system with a vertical capillary tube was designed, accompanied by a large number of experiments investigating the single droplet jetting mechanism with different device dimensions, resonance frequencies and radio frequency (RF) power capabilities. The study began with the whole jetting deformation and droplet pinching off through the use of a microscope with a high-speed camera, after which the results were discussed to explain the droplet jetting mechanism in a vertical capillary tube. After that, the study continued with experimental and theoretical examinations for high-quality single droplet jetting conditions. Jetting characterization parameters, including threshold RF power, resonance frequency, liquid volume, pinching off droplet dimensions, were thoroughly analyzed. Lastly, the Weber number range, a significant parameter in SAW-microfluidic jetting, was verified, and the pinching off microdroplet dimension was analyzed and compared via experiments. The significance of this study lies in the realization of microfluidic drop-on-demand based on SAW technology.
Dietary High Sodium Fluoride Impairs Digestion and Absorption Ability, Mucosal Immunity, and Alters Cecum Microbial Community of Laying Hens
Authors: Miao Liping , Zhu Mingkun , Li Huaiyu , Xu Qianqian , Dong Xinyang , Zou Xiaoting
Published: January 2020

(1) Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fluoride (F) on tissue retention, digestive enzymes activities, mucosal immunity, and cecum microbial community of laying hens. (2) Methods: Total of 288 37-week-old Hy-Line Gray laying hens with similar laying rate (85.16% ± 3.87%) were adapted to the basal diets for ten days, and then allocated into three groups at random (n = 9, 6, 6 replicates/group). The concentrations of F in the diets were 31.19 (the control group, CON), 431.38 (F400, low-F group) and 1237.16 mg/kg (F1200, high-F group), respectively. The trial lasted for 59 days. (3) Results: Results suggested that F residuals in duodenum responded to dietary F concentrations positively. The activities of amylase, maltase and lactase were decreased in high-F group, compared with those in the control group. The mRNA expression levels of jejunum and ileum secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and Mucin 2, and sIgA concentrations were decreased inhigh-F group, than those in the control group. The observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of laying hens in high-F group were higher than the CON and low-F groups, and the bacterial structure was different from the other two groups. The Lactobacillus was higher in the control group, while Gammaproteobacteria, Escherichia-Shigella, Streptococcaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae were higher in the high-F group. (4) Conclusions: The actual results confirmed that dietary high F intake increased the F residuals in duodenum, and reduced the digestion and absorption of nutrients and immunity via decreasing the activities of digestive enzymes, impairing intestine mucosal immunity, and disturbing the cecum microbial homeostasis of laying hens.
Randomised Control Trial Comparing Cypermethrin-Based Preparations in the Prevention of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle
Authors: Allan Jennifer , Van Winden Steven
Published: January 2020

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) caused by Moraxella bovis is commonly seen in the summer months spread by face flies. This trial investigated the difference in incidence of IBK cases from natural exposure between two groups of animals, one treated with Cypermethrin pour-on preparation (PON, n = 98) and one with Cypermethrin impregnated ear tags (TAG, n = 99). Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG) difference was investigated between animals with cases and those without and between treatment groups. A randomised positive control study, enrolled 197 animals split into two treatment groups. Cases of IBK and DLWG were recorded over the grazing season (April–November 2018). Fifty-four cases of IBK were recorded. There was no association between the two treatment groups (p = 0.362) and case status. Breed and under 12 months old were significant factors for having a case; (OR 2.3, p = 0.014 and OR 3.5, p < 0.001 respectively). There was no difference in DLWG between animals that had a case and animals that had not (p = 0.739) or between the two treatment groups (p = 0.215). Based on our results, there is no significant difference between PON or TAG preparations in the prevention of IBK. Younger animals and white-faced breeds are significantly more likely to suffer with IBK.
Diversity and Composition of Rumen Bacteria, Fungi, and Protozoa in Goats and Sheep Living in the Same High-Altitude Pasture
Authors: Langda Suo , Zhang Chenguang , Zhang Ke , Gui Ba , Ji De , Deji Ciren , Cuoji Awang , Wang Xiaolong , Wu Yujiang
Published: January 2020

Environmental adaptation of ruminants was highly related to microbiota in the rumen. To investigate the diversity and composition of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in the rumen of high-altitude animals, amplicon gene sequencing was performed using rumen fluid samples derived from both Tibetan goats and sheep at the same pasture in a highland (altitude > 4800 m). Between these two species, the ruminal bacteria and fungi were significantly different at multiple taxonomic levels. The alpha diversity of bacteria was significantly high in goats (p < 0.05). One hundred and sixty-four and 29 Operational Taxonomy Units (OTUs) with significant differences were detected in bacteria and fungi, respectively. The abundance of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in the rumen was characterized at multiple taxonomic levels, and we determined that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Neocallimastigomycota, and Ciliophora were the most abundant bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The family Neocallimastigaceae and the genus Metadinium had cellulose degradation capacity in the rumen with high abundance, thereby, suggesting that fungi and protozoa played an essential role in rumen fermentation. In addition, by comparing microbiota in the rumen of goats and sheep it was found, that the fiber-degrading fungi genus (Cyllamyces) was increased in the rumen of sheep (p < 0.05) whereas VFA-producing bacteria (Saccharofermentans and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014) were increased in the rumen of goats (p < 0.05). Interestingly, in the rumen, no differences in protozoa were observed between goats and sheep (p > 0.05). Furthermore, when compared to sheep, level of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) were significantly increased in the rumen of goats (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggested microbiota in the rumen drive goats to better adapt to high-altitude grazing conditions.
Identification of Important Proteins and Pathways Affecting Feed Efficiency in DLY Pigs by iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Wu Jie , Wang Xingwang , Ding Rongrong , Quan Jianping , Ye Yong , Gu Ting , Xu Zheng , Zheng Enqin , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Yang Ming , Yang Jie
Published: January 2020

Feed efficiency is an economically important trait controlled by multiple genes in pigs. The small intestine is the main organ of digestion and nutrient absorption. To explore the biological processes by which small intestine proteomics affects feed efficiency (FE), we investigated the small intestinal tissue proteomes of high-FE and low-FE pigs by the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) method. In this study, a total of 225 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) (DLY) commercial pigs were ranked according to feed efficiency, which ranged from 30 kg to 100 kg, and six pigs with extreme phenotypes were selected, three in each of the high and low groups. A total of 1219 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between the high-FE and low-FE groups (fold change ≥1.2 or ≤0.84; p ≤ 0.05), of which 785 were upregulated, and 484 were downregulated. Enrichment analysis indicated that the DEPs were mainly enriched in actin filament formation, microvilli formation, and small intestinal movement pathways. Protein functional analysis and protein interaction networks indicated that RHOA, HCLS1, EZR, CDC42, and RAC1 were important proteins that regulate FE in pigs. This study provided new insights into the important pathways and proteins involved in feed efficiency in pigs.
Conceptualising the Integration of Strategies by Clinical Commissioning Groups in England towards the Antibiotic Prescribing Targets for the Quality Premium Financial Incentive Scheme: A Short Report
Authors: Anyanwu Philip Emeka , Borek Aleksandra J. , Tonkin-Crine Sarah , Beech Elizabeth , Costelloe Céire
Published: January 2020

Background: In order to tackle the public health threat of antimicrobial resistance, improvement in antibiotic prescribing in primary care was included as one of the priorities of the Quality Premium (QP) financial incentive scheme for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England. This paper briefly reports the outcome of a workshop exploring the experiences of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) leads within CCGs in selecting and adopting strategies to help achieve the QP antibiotic targets. Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of the notes on discussions and observations from the workshop to identify key themes. Results: Practice visits, needs assessment, peer feedback and audits were identified as strategies integrated in increasing engagement with practices towards the QP antibiotic targets. The conceptual model developed by AMS leads demonstrated possible pathways for the impact of the QP on antibiotic prescribing. Participants raised a concern that the constant targeting of high prescribing practices for AMS interventions might lead to disengagement by these practices. Most of the participants suggested that the effect of the QP might be less about the financial incentive and more about having national targets and guidelines that promote antibiotic prudency. Conclusions: Our results suggest that national targets, rather than financial incentives are key for engaging stakeholders in quality improvement in antibiotic prescribing.
Oxidation of Sperm Nucleus in Mammals: A Physiological Necessity to Some Extent with Adverse Impacts on Oocyte and Offspring
Authors: Drevet Joël R. , Aitken Robert John
Published: January 2020

Sperm cells have long been known to be good producers of reactive oxygen species, while they are also known to be particularly sensitive to oxidative damage affecting their structures and functions. As with all organic cellular components, sperm nuclear components and, in particular, nucleic acids undergo oxidative alterations that have recently been shown to be commonly encountered in clinical practice. This review will attempt to provide an overview of this situation. After a brief coverage of the biological reasons why the sperm nucleus and associated DNA are sensitive to oxidative damage, a summary of the most recent results concerning the oxidation of sperm DNA in animal and human models will be presented. The study will then attempt to cover the possible consequences of sperm nuclear oxidation on male fertility and beyond.
Grown to Be Blue—Antioxidant Properties and Health Effects of Colored Vegetables. Part II: Leafy, Fruit, and Other Vegetables
Authors: Di Gioia Francesco , Tzortzakis Nikolaos , Rouphael Youssef , Kyriacou Marios C. , Sampaio Shirley L. , C.F.R. Ferreira Isabel , Petropoulos Spyridon A.
Published: January 2020

The current trend for substituting synthetic compounds with natural ones in the design and production of functional and healthy foods has increased the research interest about natural colorants. Although coloring agents from plant origin are already used in the food and beverage industry, the market and consumer demands for novel and diverse food products are increasing and new plant sources are explored. Fresh vegetables are considered a good source of such compounds, especially when considering the great color diversity that exists among the various species or even the cultivars within the same species. In the present review we aim to present the most common species of colored vegetables, focusing on leafy and fruit vegetables, as well as on vegetables where other plant parts are commercially used, with special attention to blue color. The compounds that are responsible for the uncommon colors will be also presented and their beneficial health effects and antioxidant properties will be unraveled.
Improved Tetanic Force and Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis by Astaxanthin Treatment in Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sztretye Mónika , Singlár Zoltán , Szabó László , Angyal Ágnes , Balogh Norbert , Vakilzadeh Faranak , Szentesi Péter , Dienes Beatrix , Csernoch László
Published: January 2020

Background: Astaxanthin (AX) a marine carotenoid is a powerful natural antioxidant which protects against oxidative stress and improves muscle performance. Retinol and its derivatives were described to affect lipid and energy metabolism. Up to date, the effects of AX and retinol on excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) in skeletal muscle are poorly described. Methods: 18 C57Bl6 mice were divided into two groups: Control and AX supplemented in rodent chow for 4 weeks (AstaReal A1010). In vivo and in vitro force and intracellular calcium homeostasis was studied. In some experiments acute treatment with retinol was employed. Results: The voltage activation of calcium transients (V50) were investigated in single flexor digitorum brevis isolated fibers under patch clamp and no significant changes were found following AX supplementation. Retinol shifted V50 towards more positive values and decreased the peak F/F0 of the calcium transients. The amplitude of tetani in the extensor digitorum longus was significantly higher in AX than in control group. Lastly, the mitochondrial calcium uptake was found to be less prominent in AX. Conclusion: AX supplementation increases in vitro tetanic force without affecting ECC and exerts a protecting effect on the mitochondria. Retinol treatment has an inhibitory effect on ECC in skeletal muscle.
Scalable Treatment of Flowing Organic Liquids Using Ambient-Air Glow Discharge for Agricultural Applications
Authors: Gamaleev Vladislav , Iwata Naoyuki , Ito Ginji , Hori Masaru , Hiramatsu Mineo , Ito Masafumi
Published: January 2020

In this work, we developed a portable device with low production and operation costs for generating ambient-air glow discharge (AAGD) that is transferred to the surface of flowing liquid and demonstrated its applicability to practical use in agriculture. An experiment procedure that ensured the stable treatment of various liquids was established. Additionally, it was found that humidity did not have a significant effect on the treatment process, which makes the use of the developed device possible in various locations. It was found that an L-phenylalanine solution treated with AAGD allows simultaneous 40% hydroponic radish-sprout growth promotion with a bactericidal effect. Further, scalability and practical-application possibilities in hydroponic plant growth were discussed.
Object Detection-Based One-Shot Imitation Learning with an RGB-D Camera
Authors: Shao Quanquan , Qi Jin , Ma Jin , Fang Yi , Wang Weiming , Hu Jie
Published: January 2020

End-to-end robot learning has achieved a great success for robots to obtain various manipulation skills. It learns a function which maps visual information to robotic action directly. Because of the diversity of target objects, most end-to-end robot learning approaches have focused on a single object-specific task with a limited capability of generalization. In this work, an object detection-based one-shot learning method is proposed, which separates the semantic understanding from robot control. It enables a robot to acquire similar manipulation skills efficiently and to have the ability to cope with new objects with a single demonstration. This approach mainly has two modules: the object detection network and the motion policy network. With RGB images, the object detection network tries to output the task-related semantic keypoint of the target object, which is the center of the container in this application, and the motion policy network generates the motion action based on the depth map and the detected keypoint. To evaluate this proposed pipeline, a series of experiments are conducted on typical placing tasks in different simulation scenarios and, additionally, the learned policy is transferred from simulation to the real world without any fine-tuning.
Nonlinear Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Method for Wind Turbines Considering Dynamics
Authors: Qi Liangwen , Zheng Liming , Bai Xingzhi , Chen Qin , Chen Jiyao , Chen Yan
Published: January 2020

A combined strategy of torque error feed-forward control and blade-pitch angle servo control is proposed to improve the dynamic power capture for wind turbine maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Aerodynamic torque is estimated using the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). Wind speed and tip speed ratio (TSR) are estimated using the Newton–Raphson method. The error between the estimated aerodynamic torque and the steady optimal torque is used as the feed-forward signal to control the generator torque. The gain parameters in the feed-forward path are nonlinearly regulated by the estimated generator speed. The estimated TSR is used as the reference signal for the optimal blade-pitch angle regulation at non-optimal TSR working points, which can improve the wind power capture for a wider non-optimal TSR range. The Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence (FAST) code is used to simulate the aerodynamics and mechanical aspects of wind turbines while MATLAB/SIMULINK is used to simulate the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) system. The example of a 5 MW wind turbine model reveals that the new method is able to improve the dynamic response of wind turbine MPPT and wind power capture.
Numerical Investigation of the Hydrodynamics of Changing Fin Positions within a 4-Fin Surfboard Configuration
Authors: Falk Sebastian , Kniesburges Stefan , Janka Rolf , O’Keefe Tom , Grosso Roberto , Döllinger Michael
Published: January 2020

Most sports like surfing are highly developed. It is necessary to tease the last percentages out of the competitors and equipment—in the case of surfing the surfboard-fin-system—to win competitions or championships. In this computational investigation, a parameter study of the positioning of the two rear fins within a 4-fin configuration with fixed front fins on a surfboard is executed to find appropriate fin positions for specific surf situations. Four different inflow velocities are investigated. The RANS and URANS models combined with the SST k − ω turbulence model, which is available within the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package STAR-CCM+, are used to simulate the flow field around the fins for angles of attack (AoA) between 0° and 45°. The simulation results show that shifting the rear fins toward the longitudinal axis of the surfboard lowers the maximum lift. Surfboards with 4-fin configurations are slower in nearly the whole range of AoA due to a higher drag force but produce a higher lift force compared to the 3-fin configuration. The lift and drag forces increase significantly with increasing inflow velocity. This study shows a significant influence of the rear fin positioning and the inflow velocity on lift and drag performance characteristics.
Feasibility Analysis of a Double-Acting Composite Cylinder in High-Pressure Loading Conditions for Fluid Power Applications
Authors: Mantovani Sara
Published: January 2020

A preliminary study on a double-acting hydraulic cylinder subject to high-pressure loading conditions (pressure = 350 bar) and with a bore diameter of 300 mm is presented. The substitution of the reference steel cylinder tube with a multi-material tube is investigated. In detail, a solution providing a steel thin inner liner wrapped by carbon composite materials is analytically and numerically tested in terms of weight reduction. The composite lay-up design and the component geometry are built to comply with manufacturing constraints for a relatively high-volume production. The alternative multi-material cylinder is designed to ensure the same expected performance as its steel counterpart. Firstly, the non-conventional hydraulic cylinder was designed by extending Lamé’s solution to composite materials, by adopting the micro-mechanics theory of composites in order to bear the maximum operating pressure by monitoring its radial and axial deformation. The selection of the most appropriate carbon reinforcement was investigated. The influence of the stiffness-to-weight and the strength-to-weight ratio of the reinforcement on the design is discussed. Secondly, finite element analyses were performed to evaluate the occurrence of buckling and the modal response of the actuator considering the fluid and of the cylinder own weight influence. The results confirm the validity of the new cylinder tube design compared to the reference steel component. The proposed barrel weights 80 kg compared to the 407 kg of the reference cylinder, with a weight reduction of ~80%. Furthermore, it has a compact design with a decrease of the barrel outer diameter of ~5.3%.
The Impact of Phytases on the Release of Bioactive Inositols, the Profile of Inositol Phosphates, and the Release of Selected Minerals in the Technology of Buckwheat Beer Production
Authors: Duliński Robert , Zdaniewicz Marek , Pater Aneta , Poniewska Dagmara , Żyła Krzysztof
Published: January 2020

A relatively high concentration of phytate in buckwheat malt, and the low activity of endogenous buckwheat phytases, both of which limit the effective use of substrates (starch, proteins, minerals) for fermentation and yeast metabolism, gives rise to the potential for application of phytases in beer production. This study aims at obtaining a 100% buckwheat wort with high bioactive cyclitols (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) concentrations released by exogenous phytases and acid phosphatases. Two mashing programs were used in the study, i.e., (1) typical for basic raw materials, namely the well-established Congress method, and (2) optimized for phytase activity. The results indicated a nearly 50% increase in the level of bioactive myo-inositol and an 80% degradation of phytate in the wort as a result of simultaneous application of phytase and phosphatase enzymes in the mashing of buckwheat malt. In addition, high D-chiro-inositol concentrations were released from malt to the buckwheat wort. The concerted action of the two phytases significantly increased (19–44%) Zn2+ concentrations in wort. This may be of great importance during mash fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts. There is a potential to develop technology for buckwheat beer production, which, in addition to being free from gluten, comprises high levels of bioactive myo- and D-chiro-inositols.
Hybrid Imaging of Aspergillus fumigatus Pulmonary Infection with Fluorescent, 68Ga-Labelled Siderophores
Authors: Pfister Joachim , Summer Dominik , Petrik Milos , Khoylou Marta , Lichius Alexander , Kaeopookum Piriya , Kochinke Laurin , Orasch Thomas , Haas Hubertus , Decristoforo Clemens
Published: January 2020

Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is a human pathogen causing severe invasive fungal infections, lacking sensitive and selective diagnostic tools. A. fumigatus secretes the siderophore desferri-triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC) to acquire iron from the human host. TAFC can be labelled with gallium-68 to perform positron emission tomography (PET/CT) scans. Here, we aimed to chemically modify TAFC with fluorescent dyes to combine PET/CT with optical imaging for hybrid imaging applications. Starting from ferric diacetylfusarinine C ([Fe]DAFC), different fluorescent dyes were conjugated (Cy5, SulfoCy5, SulfoCy7, IRDye 800CW, ATTO700) and labelled with gallium-68 for in vitro and in vivo characterisation. Uptake assays, growth assays and live-cell imaging as well as biodistribution, PET/CT and ex vivo optical imaging in an infection model was performed. Novel fluorophore conjugates were recognized by the fungal TAFC transporter MirB and could be utilized as iron source. Fluorescence microscopy showed partial accumulation into hyphae. µPET/CT scans of an invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) rat model revealed diverse biodistribution patterns for each fluorophore. [68Ga]Ga-DAFC-Cy5/SufloCy7 and -IRDye 800CW lead to a visualization of the infected region of the lung. Optical imaging of ex vivo lungs corresponded to PET images with high contrast of infection versus non-infected areas. Although fluorophores had a decisive influence on targeting and pharmacokinetics, these siderophores have potential as a hybrid imaging compounds combining PET/CT with optical imaging applications.
Discrimination of Naturally-Occurring 2-Arylbenzofurans as Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors: Insights into the Binding Mode and Enzymatic Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Coy-Barrera Ericsson
Published: January 2020

2-arylbenzofuran-containing compounds are chemical entities that can be naturally produced by several organisms. A wide-range of activities is described for several compounds of this kind and they are, therefore, valuable moieties for a lead finding from nature. Although there are in-vitro data about the activity of 2-arylbenzofuran-related compounds against cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, the molecular level of these COX-inhibiting constituents had not been deeply explored. Thus, 58 2-arylbenzofurans were initially screened through molecular docking within the active site of nine COX-2 crystal structures. The resulting docking scores were statistically analyzed and good reproducibility and convergence were found to discriminate the best-docked compounds. Discriminated compounds exhibited the best performance in molecular dynamics simulations as well as the most-favorable binding energies and the lowest in-vitro IC50 values for COX-2 inhibition. A three-dimensional quantitative activity-structure relationship (3D-QSAR) was also demonstrated, which showed some crucial structural requirements for enhanced enzyme inhibition. Therefore, four hits are proposed as lead structures for the development of COX-2 inhibitors based on 2-arylbenzofurans in further studies.
Effects of the Origin and Deacetylation Degree of Chitosan on Properties of Its Coatings on Titanium
Authors: Supernak-Marczewska Milena , Zielinski Andrzej
Published: January 2020

The properties of chitosan coatings on titanium surfaces may be influenced by a variety of factors, including their chemical characteristics and the deposition method. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of a chitosan’s origin (a type of shrimp) and deacetylation degree (DD), when deposited on a very smooth titanium surface, on adhesion and biological behavior. The tests were performed using chitosan of a degree of 87% or 84% of deacetylation and that originated from armor crabs or shrimp armor. The technology of fabrication of chitosan coatings was by surface polishing to a smooth surface, oxidation in air, and immersion in a chitosan solution. The surface topographies were analyzed with an atomic force microscope and their water contact angles were measured by a falling drop method with a goniometer. The bioactivity tests were done in in vitro on osteogenic cells, type MC3T3-E1, with a biological microscope. The abrasion of the coatings was examined using a nano tribotester. The obtained results revealed that the adhesion of the coatings onto a smooth, oxidized titanium surface is appropriate as they remain sufficiently adjacent to the surface after wear tests. The source of chitin has a significant influence on biological properties, and the deacetylation degree is much less critical. The performed tests demonstrated the crucial role that the source of chitosan and the applicability of the applied surface treatment play in the preparation of chitosan coatings.
Critical Thermal Limits Do Not Vary between Wild-caught and Captive-bred Tadpoles of Agalychnis spurrelli (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Pintanel Pol , Tejedo Miguel , Almeida-Reinoso Freddy , Merino-Viteri Andrés , Gutiérrez-Pesquera Luis Miguel
Published: January 2020

Captive-bred organisms are widely used in ecology, evolution and conservation research, especially in scenarios where natural populations are scarce or at risk of extinction. Yet, it is still unclear whether captivity may alter thermal tolerances, crucial traits to predict species resilience to global warming. Here, we study whether captive-bred tadpoles of the gliding treefrog (Agalychnis spurrelli) show different thermal tolerances than wild-caught individuals. Our results show that there are no differences between critical thermal limits (CTmax and CTmin) of captive-bred and wild-caught tadpoles exposed to three-day acclimatization at 20 °C. Therefore, we suggest that the use of captive-bred amphibians is valid and may be appropriate in experimental comparisons to thermal physiological studies of wild populations.
Development of a Decision-Making Framework for Distributed Energy Systems in a German District
Authors: Schmeling Lucas , Schönfeldt Patrik , Klement Peter , Wehkamp Steffen , Hanke Benedikt , Agert Carsten
Published: January 2020

The planning and decision-making for a distributed energy supply concept in complex actor structures like in districts calls for the approach to be highly structured. Here, a strategy with strong use of energetic simulations is developed, the core elements are presented, and research gaps are identified. The exemplary implementation is shown using the case study of a new district on the former Oldenburg airbase in northwestern Germany. The process is divided into four consecutive phases, which are carried out with different stakeholder participation and use of different simulation tools. Based on a common objective, a superstructure of the applicable technologies is developed. Detailed planning is then carried out with the help of a multi-objective optimal sizing algorithm and Monte Carlo based risk assessment. The process ends with the operating phase, which is to guarantee a further optimal and dynamic mode of operation. The main objective of this publication is to present the core elements of the planning processes and decision-making framework based on the case study and to find and identify research gaps that will have to be addressed in the future.
Sulfur Conversion of Mixed Coal and Gangue during Combustion in a CFB Boiler
Authors: Zhao Lizheng , Du Yanfei , Zeng Yusen , Kang Zhizhong , Sun Baomin
Published: January 2020

The construction of a power plant using a 660 MWe supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler with co-combustion of coal and gangue has been proposed in China. Therefore, this study simulated the distribution law and transformation mechanism of sulfur-containing phases using three low-calorific samples of gangue and coal mixtures under different conditions, based on the thermodynamic simulation software HSC Chemistry. The results showed that sulfur low in calorific value coal is mainly converted into gas phase SO2, solid phase alkali metal sulfate (Na2SO4 and K2SO4), and alkaline earth metal sulfate (CaSO4 and MgSO4) in an oxidizing atmosphere. Under a reductive atmosphere, sulfur in coal is mainly converted into gaseous H2S, COS (Carbon oxysulfide), and solid FeSx. With an increase in the O/C ratio, the distribution curve of sulfur-containing substances contracted to lower temperatures. It was established that the sulfur fixation capacity of coal ash depends on the relative amounts of basic oxides and sulfur present in it. Relevant conclusions were also verified and compared to those of the laboratory small-fluidized bed test bench and the 3 MWth CFB combustion test bench.
Topology Design of an Offshore Wind Farm with Multiple Types of Wind Turbines in a Circular Layout
Authors: Tao Siyu , Feijóo Andrés , Zhou Jiemin , Zheng Gang
Published: January 2020

The advances in the manufacturing industry make it possible to install wind turbines (WTs) with large capacities in offshore wind farms (OWFs) in deep water areas far away from the coast where there are the best wind resources. This paper proposes a novel method for OWF optimal planning in deep water areas with a circular boundary. A three-dimensional model of the planning area’s seabed is established in a cylindrical coordinate. Two kinds of WTs with capacities of 4 and 8 MW respectively are supposed to be mixed-installed in that area. Baseline cases are analyzed and compared to verify the superiority of a circular layout pattern and the necessity of a non-uniform installation. Based on the establishment of the optimization model and a realistic wind condition, a novel heuristic algorithm, i.e., the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), is applied to solve the problem to obtain the type selection and coordinates of WTs simultaneously. Finally, the feasibility and advantages of the proposed scheme are identified and discussed according to the simulation results.
On the Reproducibility of Thermal Measurements and of Related Thermal Metrics in Static and Transient Tests of Power Devices
Authors: Farkas Gabor , Schweitzer Dirk , Sarkany Zoltan , Rencz Marta
Published: January 2020

Traditionally the thermal behavior of power devices is characterized by temperature measurements at the junction and at accessible external points. In large modules composed of thin chips and materials of high thermal conductivity the shape and distribution of the heat trajectories are influenced by the external boundary represented by the cooling mount. This causes mediocre repeatability of the characteristic RthJC junction to case thermal resistance even in measurements at the same laboratory and causes very poor reproducibility among sites using dissimilar instrumentation. The Transient Dual Interface Methodology (TDIM) is based on the comparison of measured structure functions. With this method high repeatability can be achieved although introducing severe changes into the measurement environment is the essence of this test scheme. There is a systematic difference between thermal data measured with TDIM method and that measured with temperature probes, but we found that this difference was smaller than the scatter of the latter method. For checking production stability, we propose the use of a structure function-based Rth@Cth thermal metric, which is the thermal resistance value reached at the thermal capacitance belonging to the mass of the package base. This metric condenses the consistency of internal structural elements into a single number.
A Self-Regulation Strategy for the Power Fluctuation of the Islanded Voltage Source Converter (VSC) Station Delivering Large-Scale Wind Power
Authors: Sun Juanjuan , Wang Hui , Zhu Xiaomin , Pu Qian
Published: January 2020

When the power source of a voltage source converter (VSC) station at the sending end solely depends on wind power generation, the station is operating in an islanding mode. In this case, the power fluctuation of the wind power will be entirely transmitted to the receiving-end grid. A self-regulation scheme of power fluctuation is proposed in this paper to solve this problem. Firstly, we investigated the short-time variability characteristic of the wind power in a multi-terminal direct-current (MTDC) project in China. Then we designed a virtual frequency (VF) control strategy at the VSC station based on the common constant voltage constant frequency (CVCF) control of VSC station. By cooperating with the primary frequency regulation (PFR) control at the wind farms, the self-regulation of active power pooling at the VSC station was realized. The control parameters of VF and PFR control were carefully settled through the steady-state analysis of the MTDC grid. The self-regulation effect had been demonstrated by a twenty-four-hour simulation. The results showed that the proposed scheme could effectively smoothen the power fluctuation.
Thermo-Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Ejector Refrigerating System Based on a Low Grade Heat Source
Authors: Lillo Gianluca , Mastrullo Rita , Mauro Alfonso William , Trinchieri Raniero , Viscito Luca
Published: January 2020

The rising of the global energy demand requires the use of alternative energy conversion systems employing renewable sources. In the refrigeration and air conditioning fields, heat driven ejector systems represent a promising way to produce the cooling effect by using available low-grade temperature sources. In this paper, a thermo-economic analysis of a waste heat recovery hybrid ejector cycle (WHRHEC) was carried out. A thermodynamic model was firstly developed to simulate a WHRHEC able to obtain chilled water with a cooling load of 20 kW, by varying the working fluids and the pinch point values in the heat exchangers. Specific single- and two-phase heat transfer correlations were used to estimate the heat transfer surface and therefore the investment costs. The operative ranges that provide a reasonable compromise between the set-up costs and the cycle performances were then defined and compared to the current waste heat-driven technologies, such as absorption chillers and organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) coupled with vapor compression cycles (VCCs). The last part of the paper presents an economic analysis providing the map of the design (plant size) and contingent (specific cost of energy, waste heat availability) variables that lead to the economic convenience of a WHRHEC system when integrated to a conventional VCC plant.
Microstructural Investigation of Nanocrystalline Hydrogen-Storing Mg-Titanate Nanotube Composites Processed by High-Pressure Torsion
Authors: Gajdics Marcell , Spassov Tony , Kovács Kis Viktória , Béke Ferenc , Novák Zoltán , Schafler Erhard , Révész Ádám
Published: January 2020

A high-energy ball milling and subsequent high-pressure torsion method was applied to synthesize nanocrystalline magnesium samples catalyzed by TiO2 or titanate nanotubes. The microstructure of the as-milled powders and the torqued bulk disks was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The recorded diffractograms have been evaluated by the convolutional multiple whole profile fitting algorithm, which provided microstructural parameters (average crystal size, crystallite size distribution, average dislocation density). The morphology of the nanotube-containing disks has been examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The effect of the different additives and preparation conditions on the hydrogen absorption behavior was investigated in a Sieverts’-type apparatus. It was found that the ball-milling route has a prominent effect on the dispersion and morphology of the titanate nanotubes, and the absorption capability of the Mg-based composite is highly dependent on these features.
DBH Distributions in America’s Urban Forests—An Overview of Structural Diversity
Authors: Morgenroth Justin , Nowak David , Koeser Andrew
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives: The structural diversity of an urban forest affects ecosystem service provision, and can inform management, planning, as well as policy. Trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) is amongst the most common measures of tree structure due to its ease of measurement and strong relationships with other structural and non-structural urban forest characteristics. Materials and Methods: In this study, the DBH distributions of urban forests are summarised for 38 American cities with a combined population of over 30 million people and a range of geographic, climatic, and demographic conditions. The Anderson–Darling (AD) test was used to test the hypothesis that all DBH distributions came from a common population. Moreover, structural diversity was compared using the Shannon–Wiener index. Results: The AD test results failed to identify any statistically significant differences in DBH distributions. However, qualitatively, the DBH distributions have two primary forms, which have important functional, management, and planning implications. The vast majority of cities have an exponentially inverse-proportional distribution, such that the proportion of trees in each successively larger DBH class decreases exponentially. The Shannon–Wiener index indicates an uneven DBH distribution in the cities with an exponentially inverse-proportional diameter distribution; these cities are dominated by trees in the smallest diameter class. Potential explanations for a large proportion of trees in the smallest diameter classes include a large number of small, naturally regenerating trees; a preference for smaller trees in urban areas; or a recent increase in tree planting efforts. Conclusions: Despite no statistical differences in DBH distributions for the 38 study cities, the functional, management, and planning implications will differ considerably.