bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expectations of transgender people in the face of their health-care access difficulties and how they can be overcome. A qualitative study in France
Authors: Allory Emmanuel , Duval Ellie , Caroff Marion , Kendir Candan , Magnan Raphaël , Brau Bernard , Lapadu-Hargue Elinore , Chhor Sidonie
Published: December 2020

Aim:

Our objective was to explore the difficulties experienced by transgender people in accessing primary health-care services and their expectations towards primary care providers to improve their health-care access.

Background:

Because transgender people are exposed to many discriminations, their health-care access is particularly poor. Guidelines recommend greater involvement of primary care providers in the processes because of the accessibility feature of primary care services.

Methods:

A qualitative study using semi-directed interviews was conducted among 27 transgender people (February 2018 – August 2018). These voluntary participants were recruited through different means: local trans or LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex) associations, primary care providers, and social networks. The data analysis was based on reflexive thematic analysis in an inductive approach.

Findings:

Difficulties in accessing health-care occurred at all the levels of the primary health-care system: primary care providers – transgender people interaction, access to the primary care team facility (starting with the secretariat), access to secondary care specialists, and continuity of care. Transgender people report ill-adapted health-care services as a result of gender-based identification in health-care settings. Their main expectation was depsychiatrization and self-determination. They supported mixed health network comprising primary care providers and transgender people with a coordinating role for the general practitioner. These expectations should be priorities to consider in our primary health-care system to improve access to health-care for transgender people.
An Analytical Four‐Dimensional Ensemble‐Variational Data Assimilation Scheme
Authors: Liang Kangzhuang , Li Wei , Han Guijun , Shao Qi , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Liang , Jia Binhe , Bai Yang , Liu Siyuan , Gong Yantian
Published: December 2020

The usage of four‐dimensional variational (4DVar) scheme is limited by the static background error covariance and the adjoint model. In a hybrid frame of the four‐dimensional ensemble‐variational data assimilation scheme (4DEnVar), being able to avoid the tangent linear and adjoint models in the 4DVar and nowadays developed into a cutting‐edge research topic of the next‐generation data assimilation methods, an analytical 4DEnVar (A‐4DEnVar) scheme is designed. First, an analytical expression for explicit evolution of the background error covariances is derived. The expression collects the innovation of observations over an assimilation window simultaneously and propagates information to the initial background field by temporal cross covariances. Second, to estimate the adjoint model, the temporal covariances are constructed with ensemble members being centralized with respect to the model states integrated from the initial condition. Third, an iterative linear search process is introduced to minimize the cost function to update the analysis field until convergence. Twin experiments based on the Lorenz chaos model with three variables are conducted for the validation of the A‐4DEnVar scheme. Comparisons to the conventional 4DVar show that the A‐4DEnVar is comparable in accuracy even with a long assimilation window and sparse observations. The assimilation results also show that the A‐4DEnVar scheme can be implemented with a very small ensemble size which means that under circumstances without the tangent linear and adjoint models it can be easily incorporated into data assimilation systems in use.
Computed tomography chest imaging offers no advantage over chest X-ray in the initial assessment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Authors: Parker Victoria L. , Winter Matthew C. , Whitby Elspeth , Parker William A. E. , Palmer Julia E. , Tidy John A. , Pacey Allan A. , Hancock Barry W. , Harrison Robert F.
Published: December 2020

Background

The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) score identifies gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) patients as low- or high-risk of single-agent chemotherapy resistance (SACR). Computed tomography (CT) has greater sensitivity than chest X-ray (CXR) in detecting pulmonary metastases, but effects upon outcomes remain unclear.

Methods

Five hundred and eighty-nine patients underwent both CXR and CT during GTN assessment. Treatment decisions were CXR based. The number of metastases, risk scores, and risk category using CXR versus CT were compared. CT-derived chest assessment was evaluated as impact upon treatment decision compared to patient outcome, incidence of SACR, time-to-normal human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone (TNhCG), and primary chemotherapy resistance (PCR).

Results

Metastasis detection (p < 0.0001) and FIGO score (p = 0.001) were higher using CT versus CXR. CT would have increased FIGO score in 188 (31.9%), with 43 re-classified from low- to high-risk, of whom 23 (53.5%) received curative single-agent chemotherapy. SACR was higher when score (p = 0.044) or risk group (p < 0.0001) changed. Metastases on CXR (p = 0.019) but not CT (p = 0.088) lengthened TNhCG. Logistic regression analysis found no difference between CXR (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.63) versus CT (AUC = 0.64) in predicting PCR.

Conclusions

CT chest would improve the prediction of SACR, but does not influence overall treatment outcome, TNhCG, or prediction of PCR. Lower radiation doses and cost mean ongoing CXR-based assessment is recommended.
Epithelial loss of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation leads to disturbed enamel and impaired dentin matrix formation in postnatal developed mouse incisor
Authors: Imhof Thomas , Rosenblatt Katharina , Pryymachuk Galyna , Weiland Daniela , Noetzel Nicolas , Deschner James , Baris Olivier R. , Kimoloi Sammy , Koch Manuel , Wiesner Rudolf J. , Korkmaz Yüksel
Published: December 2020

The formation of dentin and enamel matrix depends on reciprocal interactions between epithelial-mesenchymal cells. To assess the role of mitochondrial function in amelogenesis and dentinogenesis, we studied postnatal incisor development in K320E-TwinkleEpi mice. In these mice, a loss of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), followed by a severe defect in the oxidative phosphorylation system is induced specifically in Keratin 14 (K14+) expressing epithelial cells. Histochemical staining showed severe reduction of cytochrome c oxidase activity only in K14+ epithelial cells. In mutant incisors, H&E staining showed severe defects in the ameloblasts, in the epithelial cells of the stratum intermedium and the papillary cell layer, but also a disturbed odontoblast layer. The lack of amelogenin in the enamel matrix of K320E-TwinkleEpi mice indicated that defective ameloblasts are not able to form extracellular enamel matrix proteins. In comparison to control incisors, von Kossa staining showed enamel biomineralization defects and dentin matrix impairment. In mutant incisor, TUNEL staining and ultrastructural analyses revealed differentiation defects, while in hair follicle cells apoptosis is prevalent. We concluded that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in epithelial cells of the developed incisor is required for Ca2+ homeostasis to regulate the formation of enamel matrix and induce the differentiation of ectomesenchymal cells into odontoblasts.
Morphological effect of side chain on H3O+ transfer inside polymer electrolyte membranes across polymeric chain via molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Cha JinHyeok
Published: December 2020

Performance and durability of polymer electrolyte membrane are critical to fuel cell quality. As fuel cell vehicles become increasingly popular, membrane fundamentals must be understood in detail. Here, this study used molecular dynamic simulations to explore the morphological effects of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)-based membranes on ionic conductivity. In particular, I developed an intuitive quantitative approach focusing principally on hydronium adsorbing to, and desorbing from, negatively charged sulfonate groups, while conventional ionic conductivity calculations featured the use of mean square displacements that included natural atomic vibrations. The results revealed that shorter side-chains caused more hydroniums to enter the conductive state, associated with higher ion conductivity. In addition, the hydronium path tracking showed that shorter side-chains allowed hydroniums to move among host groups, facilitating chain adsorption, in agreement with a mechanism suggested in earlier studies.
Hemocompatibility of new magnetically-levitated centrifugal pump technology compared to the CentriMag adult pump
Authors: Schibilsky David , Takatani Setsuo , Schibilsky Barbara , Graf Tobias , da Silva Diana Michels , Wendel Hans Peter , Avci-Adali Meltem , Schlensak Christian
Published: December 2020

The specific hemocompatibility properties of mechanical-circulatory-support (MCS)-pump technologies have not previously been described in a comparable manner. We thus investigated the hemocompatibility-indicating marker of a new magnetically-levitated (MagLev) centrifugal pump (MT-Mag) in a human, whole-blood mock-loop for 360 min using the MCS devices as a driving component. We compared those results with the CentriMag adult (C-Mag) device under the same conditions according to ISO10993-4. Blood samples were analyzed via enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) for markers of coagulation, complement system, and the inflammatory response. The time-dependent activation of the coagulation system was measured by detecting thrombin-anti-thrombin complexes (TAT). The activation of the complement system was determined by increased SC5b-9 levels in both groups. A significant activation of neutrophils (PMN-elastase) was detected within the C-Mag group, but not in the MT-Mag group. However, the amount of PMN-elastase at 360 min did not differ significantly between groups. The activation of the complement and coagulation system was found to be significantly time-dependent in both devices. However, coagulation activation as determined by the TAT level was lower in the MT-Mag group than in the C-Mag group. This slight disparity could have been achieved by the optimized secondary flow paths and surface coating, which reduces the interaction of the surface with blood.
Inhibition of potato leafroll virus multiplication and systemic translocation by siRNA constructs against putative ATPase fold of movement protein
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Kumar Jitesh , Kumar Ravi Ranjan , Ansar Mohammad , Rajani Kumari , Kumar Sunil , Ranjan Tushar
Published: December 2020

Viruses cause many severe plant diseases, resulting in immense losses of crop yield worldwide. Therefore, developing novel approaches to control plant viruses is crucial to meet the demands of a growing world population. Recently, RNA interference (RNAi) has been widely used to develop virus-resistant plants. Once genome replication and assembly of virion particles is completed inside the host plant, mature virions or sometimes naked viral genomes spread cell-to-cell through plasmodesmata by interacting with the virus-encoded movement protein (MP). We used the RNAi approach to suppress MP gene expression, which in turn prevented potato leafroll virus (PLRV) systemic infection in Solanum tuberosum cv. Khufri Ashoka. Potato plants agroinfiltrated with MP siRNA constructs exhibited no rolling symptoms upon PLRV infection, indicating that the silencing of MP gene expression is an efficient method for generating PLRV-resistant potato plants. Further, we identified novel ATPase motifs in MP that may be involved in DNA binding and translocation through plasmodesmata. We also showed that the ATPase activity of MP was stimulated in the presence of DNA/RNA. Overall, our findings provide a robust technology to generate PLRV-resistant potato plants, which can be extended to other species. Moreover, this approach also contributes to the study of genome translocation mechanisms of plant viruses.
Appropriate time to apply control input to complex dynamical systems
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , Nowzari-Dalini Abbas , Jalili Mahdi , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: December 2020

Controlling a network structure has many potential applications many fields. In order to have an effective network control, not only finding good driver nodes is important, but also finding the optimal time to apply the external control signals to network nodes has a critical role. If applied in an appropriate time, one might be to control a network with a smaller control signals, and thus less energy. In this manuscript, we show that there is a relationship between the strength of the internal fluxes and the effectiveness of the external control signal. To be more effective, external control signals should be applied when the strength of the internal states is the smallest. We validate this claim on synthetic networks as well as a number of real networks. Our results may have important implications in systems medicine, in order to find the most appropriate time to inject drugs as a signal to control diseases.
Effects of different irrigation protocols on dentin surfaces as revealed through quantitative 3D surface texture analysis
Authors: Elbahary Shlomo , Haj-yahya Sohad , Khawalid Majd , Tsesis Igor , Rosen Eyal , Habashi Waseem , Pokhojaev Ariel , Sarig Rachel
Published: December 2020

The combination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been advocated as an effective irrigation methodology to remove organic and inorganic matter in root canal therapy. Yet, it was suggested that both solutions might lead to structural changes of the dentinal wall surface, depending on the order of application which might affect sealer mechanical retention. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different irrigating protocols on dentin surface roughness using quantitative 3D surface texture analysis. Data stems from 150 human root dentin sections, divided into five groups, each prepared according to one of the following protocols: Negative control; 17% EDTA; 17% EDTA followed by 5.25% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl; and 5.25% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA. Each dentin sample was examined for its three-dimensional surface texture using a high-resolution confocal disc-scanning measuring system. EDTA 17% and the combined EDTA 17% with NaOCl 5.25% showed considerably higher roughness properties compared to the control and to NaOCl 5.25% alone. However, the irrigation sequence did not affect the dentin roughness properties. Therefore, mechanical retention is probably not dependent upon the selection of irrigation protocol sequence.
The androgen receptor expression and its activity have different relationships with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Acosta-Lopez S. , Diaz-Bethencourt D. , Concepción-Massip T. , Martin-Fernandez de Basoa M. C. , Plata-Bello A. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez A. , Perez-Hernandez F. , Plata-Bello J.
Published: December 2020

The role of the Androgen Receptor (AR) expression and its activity in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains inconclusive. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of the AR expression and its activity as prognostic biomarkers in HCC. Three-hundred and thirty-seven patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (107 females; 59.42 years [SD = 13.0]) were included. To infer AR activity, the expression-profile of previously validated androgen responsive genes (ARGs) was included. AR activity was shown by the AR-Score-21 (21 ARGs) and AR-Score-13 (13 ARGs) that were computed based on the expression of the selected ARGs. Those ARGs whose expression was significantly different between histological grades were used for computing two new AR-Scores. HCC patients with higher AR expression showed a higher median overall survival (OS). AR-Score 21 and AR-Score-13 did not show any association with prognosis. Six of the 21 ARGs of the AR-Score-21 and 7 of the 13 ARGs of the AR-Score-13 showed a significant different expression profile among histological grades. Based on these differences, another two AR-Scores were computed (AR-Score-6 and AR-Score-7). They showed the relative increase of upregulated to downregulated ARGs in high-grade HCC. Higher AR activity inferred by these AR-Scores was associated with worse outcomes. The expression of AR is associated with a better prognosis in HCC. However, the activity of the AR seems to be qualitatively different among histological grades. The AR activity inferred by the shifted ARGs is associated with a worse prognosis in HCC patients.
Deaminative metal-free reaction of alkenylboronic acids, sodium metabisulfite and Katritzky salts
Authors: Zhu Tonghao , Shen Jia , Sun Yuyuan , Wu Jie
Published: December 2020

A convenient and efficient approach to (E)-alkylsulfonyl olefins via a metal/light-free three-component reaction of alkenylboronic acids, sodium metabisulfite and Katritzky salts is described. This alkylsulfonylation proceeds smoothly with a broad substrate scope, leading to diverse (E)-alkylsulfonyl olefins in moderate to good yields.
Theoretical study of laser cooling of the TlF+ molecular ion
Authors: Chmaisani Wael , Elmoussaoui Soumaya
Published: December 2020

The electronic structure of the TlF+ molecular ion is theoretically investigated from which its feasibility for laser cooling is predicted at 206 nm within the (2)2Π1/2 ← X2Σ+1/2 transition.
Electrochemical reduction of Cr(vi) in water: lessons learned from fundamental studies and applications
Authors: Stern Callie M. , Jegede Temitope O. , Hulse Vanessa A. , Elgrishi Noémie
Published: December 2020

Converting toxic Cr(vi) to benign Cr(iii) would offer a solution to decontaminate drinking water.
Direct synthesis of a high-density aviation fuel using a polycarbonate
Authors: Wang Lulin , Han Fengan , Li Guangyi , Zheng Min , Wang Aiqin , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao , Cong Yu , Li Ning
Published: December 2020

A high-density cyclic hydrocarbon mixture was first synthesized by a one-pot transfer hydrodeoxygenation of a polycarbonate.
Determination of critical trace impurities in “uranium silicide dispersed in aluminium” nuclear fuel by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Authors: Saha Abhijit , Kumari Khushboo , Deb Sadhan Bijoy , Saxena Manoj Kumar
Published: December 2020

Development of an indigeneous matrix separation system for the determination of trace impurities in U3Si2–Al dispersed nuclear fuel by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Soluble polyfluorene dots as photocatalyst for light-driven methylene blue degradation and hydrogen generation
Authors: Yang Junfeng , Su He , Dong Yanhui , Fu Yunhao , Guo Xingyuan , Sun Hang , Yin Shengyan
Published: December 2020

The soluble Pdots based on poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) were introduced as a photocatalyst for photodegradation activity and light-driven hydrogen generation.
Compositional tuning of negative differential resistance in a bulk silver iodide memristor
Authors: Naik Smita Gajanan , Rabinal Mohammad Hussain K.
Published: December 2020

Silver iodide a negative differential resistance (NDR) memristor
Identification of an immune-related six-long noncoding RNA signature as a novel prognosis biomarker for adenocarcinoma of lung
Authors: Miao Huikai , Chen Dongni , Li Rongzhen , Hu Jia , Chen Youfang , Xu Chunmei , Wen Zhesheng
Published: December 2020

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a heterogeneous disease with high mortality. Close attention has been paid to immunotherapy in LUAD treatment. However, immunotherapy has produced different therapeutic effects because of immune heterogeneity. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are survival prognostic indicators with functions in the immune process. The present study was designed to examine the predictive power of immune-related lncRNAs in LUAD prognosis and investigated potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Transcriptome profiling and LUAD sample clinical information were retrieved from online database. The immune-related lncRNAs signature was identified by Cox regression. Survival analysis was used to verify the validity of the prognosis model. Then, possible biological functions were predicted and the abundance of infiltrating immune cells in LUAD samples were further analyzed.

Results: An immune-associated lncRNAs signature was established by combining six lncRNAs. Patients with LUAD were stratified into high- and low-risk groups using the six lncRNAs signature. Patients in different risk levels had significantly different prognoses (P<0.001), and the immune-associated lncRNAs signature was identified as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD. The functions of the lncRNA signature were confirmed as ubiquitin mediated proteolysis and signal sequence binding. The lncRNA signature negatively correlates with B-cell immune infiltration.

Conclusion: A reliable immune-related lncRNAs prognosis model for LUAD was identified. lncRNAs played a vital role in the tumor immune process and were associated with the LUAD prognosis. Research of lncRNAs in B-cell immune infiltration could provide new insight into the immunotherapy of LUAD.
Study of statistical data on the composition of electric distribution networks on the example of a Kaluga region district
Authors: Bolshev V.E. , Vinogradov A.V. , Vinogradova A.V. , Bukreev A.V. , Khasanov S.R.
Published: December 2020

Sustainable operation of the power grid complex is impossible without reliable and high-quality operation of 10/0.4 kV electrical distribution networks, which are the final link in the system for providing consumers with electric energy and are in direct interaction with a specific consumer. The study of statistical information on the composition of distribution networks makes it possible to draw conclusions about electrical network state, to implement recommendations for their development and to compare distribution electrical networks in different regions. This information is especially relevant for analyzing the reliability of power supply to consumers connected to the considered electrical distribution networks. Such indicators of network structure as the length of electric transmission lines of different voltages and power transmission schemes are studied. It also analyzes the number of damages in networks, the causes of these damages, data on the time of planned and emergency outages. This paper considers the structure of 10/0.4 kV electrical distribution networks located on the territory of one of the districts of the Kaluga region. The sample for distribution networks was: 1190 overhead transmission lines and 536 transformer substations. Consumers in the district are 21671 subscribers of individuals and 1986 subscribers of legal entities, that is, a total of 23657 metering points. On the lines of 0.4 kV and 10 kV, the percentage of their isolated design was revealed. The share of single-transformer and two-transformer versions of transformer substations is analyzed.
Development of the competitive advantages of the enterprise based on the network cooperation
Authors: Meshkova Natalia , Sergievskaya Nataly
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the issues of ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises by means of the network interactions. The aim of the research is to study the problem of choosing the effective toolkit for managing the development of the manufacturing enterprises based on the inter-organizational integration processes. The issues of integration with other market participants, which is a prerequisite for ensuring the strategic competitive advantages of the enterprises in the context of globalization, are discussed in the article. The simplified algorithm has been developed to substantiate the feasibility of the method of integrating a business entity with other market participants. As a result of the research, the logic of crosssectoral integration of the enterprises was substantiated through the creation of the networked business systems. They are characterized by flexibility and ability by their nature to adapt to the market space. As a result, the main stages of creating the business network were identified, which presuppose the presence of the key components of its forming. They are missions, goals, resources.
Purposeful ensuring energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of waste and review of used local conservation laws
Authors: Korshunov Gennady , Solnitsev Remir , Polyakov Sergey , Frolova Elena
Published: December 2020

The constant improvement of technologies is accompanied by an increase in requirements for the energy efficiency of industrial and residential facilities and the environmental friendliness of waste. The existing standards clearly formulate the concepts and limitations in this problem area. The developing class of cyber-physical systems accumulates the capabilities of cybernetics for modeling and controlling physical environments. Building on their basis not only monitoring systems, but also technology management is especially important in energy and ecology. When creating cyber-physical technology control systems, it is necessary to correctly formulate the goal. The article proposes the use of conservation laws in the format of their local forms. It shows how differential equations corresponding to these forms, transformed into an input-output form, are used to control the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of waste and emissions from enterprises and other technogenic facilities.
Reliability analysis of the existing reinforced concrete beams with normal cracks by rebar strength criteria
Authors: Solovyev Sergey A. , Solovyeva Anastasia A. , Kochkin Alexander A. , Akhmetov Timur R.
Published: December 2020

The paper describes the problem of the reliability analysis for individual reinforced concrete (RC) beams by the rebar strength criterion in cross section with a normal crack. It is proposed to evaluate the stress in the rebar by measurements of the crack width at the level of the rebar using the functional dependence of the crack width and the strain (deformation) in the reinforcement. It is also proposed to replace the modulus of elasticity of steel reinforcement on the secant modulus of elasticity, taking into account the increased reinforcement strain in cross section with crack. The work considers two options of the crack width in beam: less and greater than the ultimate crack width. The reliability analysis of RC beams by the rebar strength is based on the possibility theory and fuzzy set theory by the reason of small statistical data from measurements on existing individual RC beams. The use of offered reliability analysis methods will allow preventing the failures of reinforced concrete beams and in some cases to obtain economic benefit from the possibility of further operation of RC beams with cracks, even with a crack width more than ultimate value.
Destruction of electrical insulating structures of electric motors during various drying techniques
Authors: Bashirov M. , Nemirovskiy A. , Aluynov A. , Vyatkina O. , Salikhova R.
Published: December 2020

The paper discusses the problem of drying electric motors in a humid environment. The study considers the influence of oven, current, electroosmotic, convective-electroosmotic drying methods on defect formation in electrical insulating materials of electric motors. Thermal oven drying destroys the insulation system of electric motors for an order of magnitude higher than other methods and has a lot of negative consequences. The electroosmotic and convective-electroosmotic drying processes do not have disadvantages of thermal drying methods, or these disadvantages are kept to a minimum. It is shown that electroosmotic and convective-electroosmotic drying result in a uniform distribution of moisture content in the volume of electrical insulating materials. This reduces the likelihood of dangerous stresses and subsequent cracking. Electroosmotic and convective-electroosmotic drying have little effect on defect formation processes in the insulation system of electric motors and, thus, almost do not reduce the service life of electric motors.
The use of a digital controller in the loading system of the test bench to improve the accuracy of simulating the modes of oil pumping units
Authors: Petrov Timur , Kornilov Vladimir , Safin Alfred , Kuvshinov Nikita , Tsvetkov Alexey , Gibadullin Ramil
Published: December 2020

Modern trends in the development of technologies are based on the need to conduct experimental studies of the developed equipment in laboratory conditions with the maximum approximation of operating modes to real ones. Such studies are impossible without the development of specialized stands with test automation systems. In modern test equipment systems, devices are often used to create a mechanical load on the shaft of the electric motor under study. As such a device, a system of frequency converter load asynchronous electric motor has been proposed and implemented, which has been tested at the test bench and has proven itself from the best side in comparison with traditional circuits using DC motors.
Introduction to wind energy systems(*)
Authors: Wagner Hermann-Josef
Published: December 2020

This article presents the basic concepts of wind energy and deals with the physics and mechanics of operation. It describes the conversion of wind energy into rotation of turbine, and the critical parameters governing the efficiency of this conversion. After that it presents an overview of various parts and components of windmills. The connection to the electrical grid, the world status of wind energy use for electricity production, the cost situation and research and development needs are further aspects which will be considered.
The oil & gas upstream cycle: Exploration activity
Authors: Craig J. , Quagliaroli F.
Published: December 2020

Eni operates in all areas, from its traditional oil, gas and chemical businesses to renewable energy resources, through its business units and companies. Significant investments are also dedicated to research and development. Eni’s organizational structure is oriented towards the oil & gas core business, time and cost efficiency and the achievement of goals; an agile and effective organization in constant evolution, capable of responding promptly to the challenges that the scenario poses to the entire energy sector. Within the oil & gas industry cycle, the upstream phase includes the exploration, which is the object of the present paper, the development, production and abandonment activities, whereas the midstream and downstream phases deal with the hydrocarbon transportation and trading to the refining and marketing. The exploration units manage Eni’s exploration activities. Exploration is Eni’s driving force, and it is this activity that in recent years has ensured, and will continue to ensure, the future organic growth of the company, with low costs and the flexibility to monetize quickly the results. The concluding section of the present paper will briefly review the future of the oil and gas industry in the context of the energy transition.
Realization of a new large research infrastructure in Belgium: MYRRHA contribution for closing the nuclear fuel cycle making nuclear energy sustainable
Authors: Abderrahim Hamid Aït
Published: December 2020

In order to provide an appropriate level of energy to the whole world, nuclear energy is still going to play an important role. Nuclear energy can help reducing the CO2 emissions, which today are excessive. The problematics of nuclear waste can be solved using long-term geological storage in deep suitable formations. Partitioning and transmutation can help reducing the radiotoxicity of spent fuel to more acceptable durations of time. The MYRRHA project investigates since more than 20 years the possibility to demonstrate transmutation at a reasonable power level. In this paper we present the current state of the MYRRHA reactor design and the associated research and development activities.
Energy saving and efficiency
Authors: Janssen Eddy
Published: December 2020

Many products and package systems offered by manufacturers have been optimized under pressure from Europe’s eco-design regulations (e.g., Energy Related Products). This also gives the customer access to reliable product information at the time of purchase, which continuously encourages manufacturers to improve the energy efficiency of their products in order to remain competitive. Typical of this merchandise is mass production. The focus in this article is on the design of energy efficient thermal systems, where each installation is custom made and consists of an assembly of components. Two groups with a large share in energy consumption need a different approach: industrial processes and building facilities. Pinch Point Analysis provides a systematic method to save energy in industrial plants through optimal implementation of heat recovery, cogeneration and heat pump applications. On the other hand, the Hysopt simulation software offers a powerful and accessible tool for optimizing the heat generation and distribution network that allows energy savings in buildings. After an introduction, both Pinch Point Analysis and Hysopt are explained, with designers in particular being the target group.
Weight Category-dependent Trunk Muscle Strength and its Relation with LBP in Elite Judokas
Authors: Okada Takashi , Hakkaku Takayoshi , Iwai Kazunori , Nakazato Koichi
Published: December 2020

Trunk muscle strength (TMS), especially rotator, is an important factor for both athletic performance and injury risks in judokas. However, the characteristics of TMS that depend on weight categories are still unclear. Although inadequate TMS might cause low back pain (LBP), the relationship between these two variables is not fully understood. In this study, weight category-dependent TMS and its relationship with LBP was investigated in Japanese judokas. The subjects were 66 male collegiate judokas, who were classified into the lightweight (N=14), middleweight (N=29) or heavyweight (N=23) category. The peak torques of extensor, flexor and rotator muscles were measured. The LBP group and non-LBP group were defined by questionnaire. TMS (normalized by body weight) in the heavier weight category showed a lower tendency in comparison with other categories, except for rotator strength. Significant differences were observed in the extensors (90 and 120 °/s; P<0.05) and flexors (60, 90 and 120 °/s; P<0.05). The LBP group (N=9) only showed significantly lower extensor (60 °/s; P<0.05) and right-rotator (60 °/s; P<0.01) strength in the heavyweight category compared with the non-LBP group (N=14). The relative TMS of judokas decreased in the heavyweight category, except for trunk rotator strength. Notably, low trunk extensor and rotator strengths are risk factors for LBP in heavyweight judokas.
Homogeneous Palladium-Catalyzed Selective Reduction of 2,2′-Biphenols Using HCO2H as Hydrogen Source
Authors: Yang Wen , Zhao Wanxiang , Li Ruoling , Li Chenchen
Published: December 2020

An efficient homogeneous palladium-catalyzed selective deoxygenation of 2,2′-biphenols by reduction of aryl triflates with HCO2H as the hydrogen source is reported. This protocol complements the current method based on heterogeneous Pd/C-catalyzed hydrogenation with hydrogen gas. This process provided the reduction products in good to excellent yields, which could be readily converted to various synthetically useful molecules, especially ligands for catalytic synthesis.
Iron-Catalyzed Remote C–H Alkylation of 8-Amidoquinolines with Cycloalkanes
Authors: Wu Mingbo , Yoshikai Naohiko , Xu Wengang
Published: December 2020

An iron-catalyzed, peroxide-mediated cross-dehydrogenative coupling between 8-amidoquinolines and cycloalkanes has been developed for the site-selective alkylation of the quinoline nucleus at the C5 position. The reaction tolerates various substituted N-(quinolin-8-yl)benzamides and N-(quinolin-8-yl)alkylamides, affording the corresponding C5-alkylation products in good yields. On the basis of control experiments, a reaction mechanism involving the addition of an alkyl radical to an iron-chelated intermediate is proposed.
Nickel-Catalyzed C–F/N–H Annulation of 2-(2-Fluoroaryl) N-Heteroaromatic Compounds with Alkynes: Activation of C–F Bonds
Authors: Chatani Naoto , Kawakami Haruka , Nohira Itsuki
Published: December 2020

The reaction of 2-(2-fluoroaryl) N-heteroaromatic compounds, such as benzimidazole and indole derivatives, with internal alkynes in the presence of a catalytic amount of a nickel complex results in C–F/N–H annulation with alkynes. The reaction shows a high functional group compatibility. The presence of a strong base, such as KOBu­
t
or LiOBu
t
, is required for the reaction to proceed.
Nickel-Catalyzed N-Arylation of Amides with (Hetero)aryl Electrophiles by Using a DBU/NaTFA Dual-Base System
Authors: Stradiotto Mark , Lundrigan Travis , Tassone Joseph P.
Published: December 2020

The first nickel-catalyzed N-arylation of amides with (hetero)aryl (pseudo)halides employing an organic amine base is described. By using a bis(cyclooctadienyl)nickel/8-[2-(dicyclohexylphosphinyl)phenyl]-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphaadamantane catalyst mixture in combination with DBU/NaTFA as a dual-base system, a diversity of (hetero)aryl chloride, bromide, tosylate, and mesylate electrophiles were successfully cross-coupled with structurally diverse primary amides, as well as a selection of secondary amide, lac­tam, and oxazolidone nucleophiles.
Mildly relativistic collisionless shock formed by magnetic piston
Authors: Moreno Q. , Araudo A. , Korneev Ph. , Li C. K. , Tikhonchuk V. T. , Ribeyre X. , d'Humières E. , Weber S.
Published: December 2020

By using particle-in-cell simulations, we study the collision of two plasma flows with one of them carrying a magnetic field. Ion interpenetration results in the formation of a magnetic piston with the magnetic field compression proportional to the density ratio of the colliding plasmas. The counterpropagating ions in the nonmagnetized plasma upstream from the piston excite the ion Weibel instability, which turns into magnetic turbulence. The thickness of the piston increases with time, and it turns into a reverse magnetized shock after less than one ion gyro period. In front of the piston, the time needed to decrease the nonmagnetized ion anisotropy using the magnetic turbulence is much larger than the ion gyroperiod in the piston. Consequently, particles are reflected by the piston, which acts as a wall initiating a transient phase. After several ion periods, the formation of this electromagnetic forward shock is, then, accelerated by the piston, and at large timescale, the dissipation of energy is eventually mediated only by the Weibel turbulence. We report here a new configuration of shocks, where a reverse magnetized and a forward electromagnetic shock coexist separated by a tangential discontinuity. Particle acceleration and heating in the two shock structures and relevance of this scenario of collisionless shock formation to laboratory experiments and astrophysical conditions are discussed.
Intrinsical localization of both topological (anti-kink) envelope and gray (black) gap solitons of the condensed bosons in deep optical lattices
Authors: Wang Y. , Ding J. W. , Wang D. L. , Liu W. M.
Published: December 2020

By developing quasi-discrete multiple-scale method combined with tight-binding approximation, a novel quadratic Riccati differential equation is first derived for the soliton dynamics of the condensed bosons trapped in the optical lattices. For a lack of exact solutions, the trial solutions of the Riccati equation have been analytically explored for the condensed bosons with various scattering length as. When the lattice depth is rather shallow, the results of sub-fundamental gap solitons are in qualitative agreement with the experimental observation. For the deeper lattice potentials, we predict that in the case of as>0, some novel intrinsically localized modes of symmetrical envelope, topological (kink) envelope, and anti-kink envelope solitons can be observed within the bandgap in the system, of which the amplitude increases with the increasing lattice spacing and (or) depth. In the case of as<0, the bandgap brings out intrinsically localized gray or black soliton. This well provides experimental protocols to realize transformation between the gray and black solitons by reducing light intensity of the laser beams forming optical lattice.
Scaling of Hugoniot curves for shock-compressed liquids
Authors: Wei Tie , Lim Seokbin , Wang Yanxing
Published: December 2020

In previous studies of shock compression, pressure P, specific volume v, specific internal energy e, shock velocity Us, and particle velocity up have typically been presented in a dimensional form. For different materials, the plots of P−v, P−up, or Us−up, often called Hugoniot curves, are different. Here, we predict the behavior of shock-compressed liquids through proper scaling of the Rankine–Hugoniot (RH) equations and dimensionless Hugoniot curves. The characteristic density and velocity scales are the density ρ0 and bulk speed of sound cb0 of the undisturbed liquid, respectively. Two dimensionless numbers arise from the scaled RH equations, one for the initial condition of pressure and the other for the initial condition of internal energy. Under normal conditions, these two numbers do not affect the solutions of the dimensionless RH equations. The dimensionless Hugoniot curves P/(ρ0cb02) vs vρ0, Us/cb0 vs up/cb0, and P/(ρ0cb02) vs up/cb0 of different liquids merge reasonably well onto a single curve. The dimensionless Hugoniot curve vρ0 vs Us/cb0 or vρ0 vs up/cb0, often omitted in the previous work, is thus found to be useful in the understanding of shock compression. The vρ0 vs Us/cb0 curve clearly shows that the dependence of the specific volume ratio vρ0 on Us/cb0 is different for moderate and strong shocks. For a moderate strength shock (Us/cb0≲10), a new approximation relation is proposed for shock velocity Us and particle velocity up as (Us−up)/cb0≈(Us/cb0)n, where the exponent is determined empirically as n=0.55−0.6. This new approximation relation is different from the commonly used linear relation between Us and up and better predicts the behavior of shock-compressed liquids. Using the new approximation relation, the ratio vρ0 under moderate strength shocks can be approximated by a power law vρ0≈(Us∗)n−1. For stronger shocks, the decrease in the specific volume ratio is slower and is bounded.
Electric steering of spin excitation in nanostructured synthetic antiferromagnet
Authors: Wang Xi-Guang , Guo Guang-Hua , Berakdar Jamal
Published: December 2020

Two or more ferromagnetic layers separated by metallic nanoscale spacers may couple antiferromagnetically forming a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) with versatile functionalities that are derived from their ferro- and antiferromagnetic nature. Here, we present a nanostructure consisting of a SAF deposited on a conductive substrate with strong spin–orbit coupling. As demonstrated analytically and fully numerically, the system exhibits exceptional points at which a charge current flowing in the substrate results in extraordinary characteristics of magnetic excitation and signal propagation in the SAF. We predict local electric steering, amplification, and damping of magnonic excitations by tuning the voltage on the substrate. Electrical amplification and local control of spin-pumping currents are also demonstrated. The results point to an alternative way for electrical spatiotemporal control of the nanoscale SAF with promising applications in spintronics and spin-based logic computing.
Formation of dispersive shock waves in evolution of a two-temperature collisionless plasma
Authors: Ivanov Sergey K. , Kamchatnov Anatoly M.
Published: December 2020

The nonlinear dynamics of pulses in a two-temperature collisionless plasma with the formation of dispersion shock waves is studied. An analytical description is given for an arbitrary form of an initial disturbance with a smooth enough density profile on a uniform density background. For large time after the wave breaking moment, dispersive shock waves are formed. Motion of their edges is studied in the framework of Gurevich–Pitaevskii theory and Whitham theory of modulations. The analytical results are compared with the numerical solution.
Using Samoan traditional ecological knowledge to identify calls of the critically endangered endemic tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris)
Authors: Serra G. , Wood G. R. , Faiilagi S. A. , Foliga S. T. , Uili M. , Enoka F.
Published: December 2020

The tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris) is an endemic and highly cryptic bird of the rainforest canopy of Samoa. According to the recently released Tooth-billed Pigeon Recovery Plan (2020–2029), one of the greatest obstacles to conservation efforts is the inability of ornithologists to reliably separate its advertising coo call from that of the common and sympatric Pacific imperial pigeon (Ducula pacifica). Because tooth-billed pigeons are very rarely seen, acoustic methods of identifying them, which have been problematic for ornithologists, would be helpful for population surveys. Our study examines the traditional ecological knowledge and skill of Samoan hunters, peer selected for knowledge and reliability from six villages located on Upolu and Savaii islands, to determine whether they can consistently identify the species based on the calls. Through use of automatic devices, we recorded pigeon coo calls at nine forest sites recommended by reliable hunters within four key biodiversity areas of the islands of Upolu and Savaii from March to June 2016. We isolated and filtered 104 clear coo call sequences from these recordings. The two top hunters separately and confidently identified which of the two pigeon species were calling for 80 of the 104 sequences. On 54 of these 80 call sequences the hunters were in agreement, both assigning a call to the one species. We measured seven sonographic variables on each of the coo calls of each of these 54 sequences in order to investigate potential differences between the calls of Didunculus and Ducula. Two clear differences emerged: a strongly statistically significant difference in the highest frequency of the coo call, and the more regular spacing of the coo calls of Didunculus than of Ducula. Only the second rhythm outcome is consistent with a recent independent analysis by other authors. This regularity of the intervals between coo calls in a sequence may be the key to separation of the two species in the field.
Pre-season fire management planning: the use of Potential Operational Delineations to prepare for wildland fire events
Authors: Greiner S. Michelle , Schultz Courtney A. , Kooistra Chad
Published: December 2020

US fire scientists are developing Potential Wildfire Operational Delineations, also known as ‘PODs’, as a pre-fire season planning tool to promote safe and effective wildland fire response, strengthen risk management approaches in fire management and better align fire management objectives. PODs are a collaborative planning approach based on spatial analytics to identify potential wildfire control lines and assess the desirability of fire before ignition. They offer the opportunity to apply risk management principles with partners before the compressed timeframe of incident response. We sought to understand the potential utility of PODs and factors that may affect their use through semistructured interviews with personnel on several national forests. Interviewees said PODs offer a promising shift in the wildland fire management dynamic, particularly by facilitating proactive communication and coordination about wildfire response. Successfully employing PODs will require leadership commitment, stakeholder and partner engagement and interdisciplinary staff involvement. Our work offers insights for national forests and other jurisdictions where managers are looking to strengthen coordination and strategic approaches for wildland fire response by utilising pre-season collaboration and data analytics.