bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic cigarette vapour moderately stimulates pro-inflammatory signalling pathways and interleukin-6 production by human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Chen I-Ling , Todd Ian , Tighe Patrick J. , Fairclough Lucy C.
Published: May 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells that play a critical role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Numerous studies have shown that tobacco constituents present in conventional cigarettes affect the phenotype and function of DCs; however, no studies have examined the effects of vapour from E-cigarettes on human DCs. Here, the effects of E-cigarette vapour extract (ECVE) on the phenotype and function of DCs were investigated by creating an in vitro cell culture model using human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs). Immature DCs were generated from peripheral blood monocytes and mature DCs were then produced by treatment with LPS or Poly I:C for 24 h. For LPS-matured DCs, 3% ECVE treatment slightly suppressed HLA-DR and CD86 expression, whereas 1% ECVE treatment enhanced IL-6 production. The overall expression of 29 signalling molecules and other cytoplasmic proteins (mainly associated with DC activation) was significantly upregulated in immature DCs by 1% ECVE, and in LPS-treated DCs by 3% ECVE. In particular, the condition that induced IL-6 production also upregulated MAPK pathway activation. These findings indicate that E-cigarette vapour moderately affects human DCs, but the effects are less pronounced than those reported for tobacco smoke.
An adverse outcome pathway for immune-mediated and allergic hepatitis: a case study with the NSAID diclofenac
Authors: Selvaraj Saravanakumar , Oh Jung-Hwa , Borlak Jürgen
Published: May 2020

Many drugs have the potential to cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI); however, underlying mechanisms are diverse. The concept of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) has become instrumental for risk assessment of drug class effects. We report AOPs specific for immune-mediated and drug hypersensitivity/allergic hepatitis by considering genomic, histo- and clinical pathology data of mice and dogs treated with diclofenac. The findings are relevant for other NSAIDs and drugs undergoing iminoquinone and quinone reactive metabolite formation. We define reactive metabolites catalyzed by CYP monooxygenase and myeloperoxidases of neutrophils and Kupffer cells as well as acyl glucuronides produced by uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase as molecular initiating events (MIE). The reactive metabolites bind to proteins and act as neo-antigen and involve antigen-presenting cells to elicit B- and T-cell responses. Given the diverse immune systems between mice and dogs, six different key events (KEs) at the cellular and up to four KEs at the organ level are defined with mechanistic plausibility for the onset and progression of liver inflammation. With mice, cellular stress response, interferon gamma-, adipocytokine- and chemokine signaling provided a rationale for the AOP of immune-mediated hepatitis. With dogs, an erroneous programming of the innate and adaptive immune response resulted in mast cell activation; their infiltration into liver parenchyma and the shift to M2-polarized Kupffer cells signify allergic hepatitis and the occurrence of granulomas of the liver. Taken together, diclofenac induces divergent immune responses among two important preclinical animal species, and the injury pattern seen among clinical cases confirms the relevance of the developed AOP for immune-mediated hepatitis.
Final results of the PräVAC trial: prevention of wound complications following inguinal lymph node dissection in patients with penile cancer using epidermal vacuum-assisted wound closure
Authors: Schmid Sebastian C. , Seitz Anna K. , Haller Bernhard , Fritsche Hans-Martin , Huber Toni , Burger Maximilian , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Maurer Tobias
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile cancer is associated with a high rate of wound complications. The aim of this trial was to prospectively analyze the effect of an epidermal vacuum wound dressing on lymphorrhea, complications and reintervention in patients with inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer.

Patients and methods

Prospective, multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated study in two German university hospitals (2013–2017). Thirty-one patients with penile cancer and indication for bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection were included and randomized to conventional wound care on one side (CONV) versus epidermal vacuum wound dressing (VAC) on the other side.

Results

A smaller cumulative drainage fluid volume until day 14 (CDF) compared to contralateral side was observed in 15 patients (CONV) vs. 16 patients (VAC), with a median CDF 230 ml (CONV) vs. 415 ml (VAC) and a median maximum daily fluid volume (MDFV) of 80 ml (CONV) vs. 110 ml (VAC). Median time of indwelling drainage: 7 days (CONV) vs. 8 days (VAC). All grade surgery-related complications were seen in 74% patients (CONV) vs. 74% patients (VAC); grade 3 complications in 3 patients (CONV) vs. 6 patients (VAC). Prolonged hospital stay occurred in 32% patients (CONV) vs. 48% patients (VAC); median hospital stay was 11.5 days. Reintervention due to complications occurred in 45% patients (CONV) vs. 42% patients (VAC).

Conclusions

In this prospective, randomized trial we could not observe a significant difference between epidermal vacuum treatment and conventional wound care.
A non-diploid DNA status is linked to poor prognosis in renal cell cancer
Authors: Büscheck Franziska , Fraune Christoph , Kluth Martina , Lennartz Maximilian , Simon Ronald , Hube-Magg Claudia , Morlock Christian , Barbieri Silvano , Wahl Carolin , Eichelberg Christian , Möller-Koop Christina , Höflmayer Doris , Wittmer Corinna , Wilczak Waldemar , Sauter Guido , Fisch Margit , Eichenauer Till , Rink Michael
Published: May 2020

Purpose

DNA ploidy measurement has earlier been suggested as a potentially powerful prognostic tool in many cancer types, but the role in renal tumors is still unclear.

Methods

To clarify its prognostic impact, we analyzed the DNA content of 1320 kidney tumors, including clear cell, papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as well as renal oncocytoma and compared these data with clinico-pathological parameters and patient prognosis.

Results

A non-diploid DNA content was seen in 37% of 1276 analyzable renal tumors with a striking predominance in chromophobe carcinoma (74.3% of 70 cases). In clear cell carcinoma, a non-diploid DNA content was significantly linked to high-grade (ISUP, Fuhrman, Thoenes; p < 0.0001 each), advanced tumor stage (p = 0.0011), distant metastasis (p < 0.0001), shortened overall survival (p = 0.0010), and earlier recurrence (p < 0.0001). In papillary carcinoma, an aberrant DNA content was significantly linked to high Fuhrman grade (p = 0.0063), distant metastasis (p = 0.0138), shortened overall survival (p = 0.0010), and earlier recurrence (p = 0.0003).

Conclusion

In summary, the results of our study identify a non-diploid DNA content as a predictor of an unfavorable prognosis in clear cell and papillary carcinoma.
Pareto efficient income taxation without single-crossing
Authors: Bastani Spencer , Blomquist Sören , Micheletto Luca
Published: May 2020

We provide a full characterization of a two-type optimal nonlinear income tax model where the single-crossing condition is violated due to an assumption that agents differ both in terms of market abilities and in terms of their needs for a work-related good. We set up a Pareto-efficient tax problem and analyze the entire second-best Pareto-frontier, highlighting several non-standard results, such as the possibility of income re-ranking relative to the laissez-faire and gaps in the Pareto-frontier.
Changing water cycle and freshwater transports in the Atlantic Ocean in observations and CMIP5 models
Authors: Skliris Nikolaos , Marsh Robert , Mecking Jennifer V. , Zika Jan D.
Published: May 2020

Observations over the last 40 years show that the Atlantic Ocean salinity pattern has amplified, likely in response to changes in the atmospheric branch of the global water cycle. Observational estimates of oceanic meridional freshwater transport (FWT) at 26.5° N indicate a large increase over the last few decades, during an apparent decrease in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). However, there is limited observation based information at other latitudes. The relative importance of changing FWT divergence in these trends remains uncertain. Ten models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 are analysed for AMOC, FWT, water cycle, and salinity changes over 1950–2100. Over this timescale, strong trends in the water cycle and oceanic freshwater transports emerge, a part of anthropogenic climate change. Results show that as the water cycle amplifies with warming, FWT strengthens (more southward freshwater transport) throughout the Atlantic sector over the 21st century. FWT strengthens in the North Atlantic subtropical region in spite of declining AMOC, as the long-term trend is dominated by salinity change. The AMOC decline also induces a southward shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and a dipole pattern of precipitation change over the tropical region. The consequent decrease in freshwater input north of the equator together with increasing net evaporation lead to strong salinification of the North Atlantic sub-tropical region, enhancing net northward salt transport. This opposes the influence of further AMOC weakening and results in intensifying southward freshwater transports across the entire Atlantic.
Fast microglial activation after severe traumatic brain injuries
Authors: Lier Julia , Ondruschka Benjamin , Bechmann Ingo , Dreßler Jan
Published: May 2020

Traumatic brain injury is among the leading causes of death in individuals under 45 years of age. However, since trauma mechanisms and survival times differ enormously, the exact mechanisms leading to the primary and secondary injury and eventually to death after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain unclear. Several studies showed the versatile functions of microglia, the innate macrophages of the brain, following a TBI. Earlier being characterized as rather neurotoxic, neuroprotective capacities were recently demonstrated, therefore, making microglia one of the key players following TBI. Especially in cases with only short survival times, immediate microglial reactions are of great forensic interest in questions of wound age estimation. Using standardized immunohistochemical methods, we examined 8 cases which died causatively of TBI with survival times between minutes and 7 days and 5 control cases with cardiovascular failure as the cause of death to determine acute changes in microglial morphology and antigen expression after TBI. In this pilot study, we detected highly localized changes in microglial morphology already early after traumatic damage, e.g., activated microglia and phagocyted erythrocytes in the contusion areas in cases with minute survival. Furthermore, an altered antigen expression was observed with increasing trauma wound age, showing similar effects like earlier transcriptomic studies. There is minute data on the direct impact of shear forces on microglial morphology. We were able to show localization-depending effects on microglial morphology causing localized dystrophy and adjacent activation. While rodent studies are widespread, they fail to mimic the exact mechanisms in human TBI response. Therefore, more studies focusing on cadaveric samples need to follow to thoroughly define the mechanisms leading to cell destruction and eventually evaluate their forensic value.
Why do children and adolescents with epilepsy disclose or not disclose their condition to their friends?
Authors: Jeschke Sarah , Woltermann Sarah , Neininger Martina Patrizia , Pauschek Josefine , Kiess Wieland , Bertsche Thilo , Bertsche Astrid
Published: May 2020

A diagnosis of epilepsy substantially influences the lives of affected children and adolescents, and concealing the diagnosis can generate additional stress. However, little is known about whether children and adolescents communicate their diagnosis to their friends. We performed a survey at two German university hospitals. Epilepsy patients aged 6–18 years were asked why they did or did not disclose their condition to their friends. A total of 101 patients (44 female, 57 male) were interviewed. Twenty-one (21%) informed all their friends about their epilepsy, 63 (62%) informed only certain friends, and 3 (3%) did not specify. Fourteen (14%) did not inform any friends. Their reasons for informing their friends were trust in friends (47/87; 54%); questions from friends, e.g., about missed school days (29/87; 33%); a wish for friends to be informed in case of an emergency (15/87; 17%); and a desire to live openly with the condition (8/87; 9%). The reasons for not informing friends were fear of stigmatization/shame (4/14; 29%), discouragement from parents (3/14; 21%), and a wish for confidentiality (3/14; 21%).

Conclusion: Most children and adolescents inform their friends about their epilepsy. Fear of stigmatization is the main reason for not informing friends about this condition.

What is Known• An epilepsy diagnosis is a life-changing event for affected children and adolescents.• Having to conceal the diagnosis can be very stressful.

What is New• Most pediatric epilepsy patients informed at least some close friends about their diagnosis motivated by trust in friends; questions from friends, e.g., about missed school days; and a wish for friends to be informed in case of an emergency.• Fear of stigmatization/shame, discouragement from parents, and a wish for confidentiality were the motivations for concealing the disease.
Retrospective study of the functional and oncological outcomes of conformal sphincter preservation operation in the treatment of very low rectal cancer
Authors: Sun G. , Lou Z. , Zhang H. , Yu G. Y. , Zheng K. , Gao X. H. , Meng R. G. , Gong H. F. , Furnée E. J. B. , Bai C. G. , Zhang W.
Published: May 2020

Background

Conformal sphincter preservation operation (CSPO) is a new surgical procedure for very low rectal cancers (within 4–5 cm from the anal verge). CSPO preserves more of the dentate line and distal rectal wall and also avoids injuring nerves in the intersphincteric space, resulting in satisfactory anal function after resection. The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term surgical results and long-term oncological and functional outcomes of CSPO.

Methods

Consecutive patients with very low rectal cancer, who had CSPO between January 2011 and October 2018 at Changhai Hospital, Shanghai were included. Patient demographics, clinicopathological features, oncological outcomes and anal function were analyzed.

Results

A total of 102 patients (67 men) with a mean age of 56.9 ± 10.8 years were included. The median distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 3 (IQR, 3–4) cm. Thirty-five patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). The median distal resection margin (DRM) was 0.5 (IQR, 0.3–0.8) cm. One patient had a positive DRM. All circumferential margins were negative. There was no perioperative mortality. The postoperative complication rate was 19.6%. The median duration of follow-up was 28 (IQR, 12–45.5) months. The local recurrence rate was 2% and distant metastasis rate was 10.8%. The 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 100% and 83.9%, respectively. The mean Wexner incontinence and low anterior resection syndrome scores 12 months after ileostomy reversal were 5.9 ± 4.3, and 29.2 ± 6.9, respectively.

Conclusions

For patients with very low rectal cancers, fecal continence can be preserved with CSPO without compromising oncological results.
Appraising the risk level of physicochemical and bacteriological twin contaminants of water resources in part of the western Niger Delta region
Authors: Ocheli Azuka , Otuya Onyeka Benjamin , Umayah Star Otitie
Published: May 2020

This study was carried out to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological contaminants of surface, shallow well and municipal borehole waters in part of the western Niger Delta as a way of safeguarding public health against waterborne diseases. A total of 72 water samples collected from the study area were analysed and their results show that the pH average value ranges from 6.2 in the dry to 8.5 in the rainy seasons for surface water, 6.6 and 8.3 for shallow well water and 6.5 to 8.4 for borehole water. The turbidity in surface water varies from 8.1 to 26.2 Formazin Attenuation Unit (FAU), 0.3 to 2.9 FAU in shallow well water and 0.4 to 4.8 FAU in borehole water. Electrical conductivity (EC) value varies from 1010 to 1840 μs/cm for surface water, 201 to 950 μs/cm for shallow well water and 670 to 1650 μs/cm for borehole water. Total dissolved solids range from 0.1 to 2.6 mg/l in surface water, 0.2 to 4.1 mg/l in shallow well water and 0.3 to 4.4 mg/l in borehole water. The value of the total hardness ranges from 44 to 120 mg in surface water, 46 to 96 mg in shallow well water and 70 to 130 mg in borehole water. The nitrate value ranges from 1.1 to 10.6 mg in surface water, 3.0 to 8.4 mg in shallow well water and 3.7 to 9.6 mg in borehole water. The value of sulphate content varies from 4.6 to 38.5 mg in surface water, 6.2 to 34.8 mg in shallow well water and 5.7 to 55.7 mg in borehole water. The value of phosphate concentrations in surface water varies from 1.0 to 9.0 mg, 0.7 to 3.4 mg in shallow well water and 1.0 to 4.7 mg in borehole water. The bacteriological analysis using the membrane filtration technique revealed the presence of faecal bacteria and total coliform counts. The presence of the analysed twin contaminants in the studied water resources reduced their water quality. The physicochemical and bacteriological data were subjected to statistical and correlation tests. It was concluded that their concentration levels were independent of intra-seasonal changes. The likely natural and artificial sources of contaminants are run-offs from fertilized lands, septic tanks, industrial discharges, sewage and waste disposal, algae blooms and erosion from natural deposits. The inherent risk is water-related diseases such as waterborne diseases, water-washed diseases, water-based diseases and diseases transmitted by water-related insect vectors. Water resources should be protected through proper sanitation systems, limiting of up-stream discharges, maintenance of wellheads, boiling and municipal water treatment plants. Educational advice should be given to the inhabitants on the dangers posed by continuous drinking of contaminated water. These measures will prevent disease outbreak and public health burden in the area.
Professional learning networks: From teacher learning to school improvement?
Authors: Prenger Rilana , Poortman Cindy L. , Handelzalts Adam
Published: May 2020

Professional learning communities are promising for teacher learning and improving the quality of education. In the past decade, there has been a shift in focus from within-school to cross-school PLCs: Professional Learning Networks. Knowledge of the underlying working processes of teacher learning in PLNs is scarce. This is even more complicated for PLNs, because of organizational, geographic and professional boundaries. The purpose of this study is to explore how PLNs can function to meet their objectives and what challenges they face in their aim of achieving sustainable teacher learning and school improvement. We applied a qualitative case study design. Data were collected by means of interviews with PLN participants and external coaches, logs by external coaches, and yearly observations by the researchers. Results show how the PLN context influences the outcomes in terms of teacher learning, PLN products and application in their schools. Findings show how leadership, the perception of a shared goal, structured activities, collaboration, and facilitation and support especially appear to influence outcomes. PLNs face additional challenges in relation to within-school PLCs, in terms of knowledge transfer from the PLN back to participants’ own schools and the network as a whole. This should be acknowledged and acted upon before PLNs are even established.
COSINUS: Cryogenic Calorimeters for the Direct Dark Matter Search with NaI Crystals
Authors: Angloher G. , Carniti P. , Dafinei I. , Di Marco N. , Fuss A. , Gotti C. , Mancuso M. , Martella P. , Pagnanini L. , Pessina G. , Petricca F. , Pirro S. , Pröbst F. , Reindl F. , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schmiedmayer D. , Schwertner C. , Stadler R. , Stahlberg M. , Zema V. , Zhu Y.
Published: May 2020

COSINUS (Cryogenic Observatory for SIgnatures seen in Next-generation Underground Searches) is an experiment employing cryogenic calorimeters, dedicated to direct dark matter search in underground laboratories. Its goal is to cross-check the annual modulation signal the DAMA collaboration has been detecting for about 20 years (Bernabei et al. in Nucl Part Phys Proc 303–305:74–79, 2018. 10.1016/j.nuclphysbps.2019.03.015) and which has been ruled out by other experiments in certain dark matter scenarios. COSINUS can provide a model-independent test by the use of the same target material (NaI), with the additional chance of discriminating $$\beta /\gamma$$

β
/
γ

events from nuclear recoils on an event-by-event basis, by the application of a well-established temperature sensor technology developed within the CRESST collaboration. Each module is constituted by two detectors: the light detector, that is a silicon beaker equipped with a transition edge sensor (TES), and the phonon detector, a small cubic NaI crystal interfaced with a carrier of a harder material (e.g. $$\hbox {CdWO}_4$$

CdWO
4

), also instrumented with a TES. This technology had so far never been applied to NaI crystals because of several well-known obstacles, and COSINUS is the first experiment which succeeded in operating NaI crystals as cryogenic calorimeters. Here, we present the COSINUS project, describe the achievements and the challenges of the COSINUS prototype development and discuss the status and the perspectives of this NaI-based cryogenic frontier.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures may optimize shared decision-making for cancer risk management in BRCA mutation carriers
Authors: van Egdom L. S. E. , de Kock M. A. , Apon I. , Mureau M. A. M. , Verhoef C. , Hazelzet J. A. , Koppert L. B.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, either after bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) or during breast surveillance, to improve shared decision-making in their cancer risk management.

Methods

Unaffected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers at least one year after BPM followed by immediate breast reconstruction (BPM-IBR) or one year under surveillance were eligible. After informed consent, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and BREAST-Q were administered and compared between the different strategies. PROs were also compared to available normative data.

Results

Ninety-six participants were analyzed in this study and showed significant differences between strategies in age, age at genetic testing, and time since BPM or starting breast surveillance. All HADS scores were below 8 suggesting no signs of anxiety or depression in both groups. Higher mean ‘Q-physical well-being’ scores were reported by the surveillance group (81.78 [CI 76.99–86.57]) than the BPM group (76.96 [CI 73.16 – 80.75]; p = 0.011). Overall, for both questionnaires better scores were seen when compared to age-matched normative data.

Conclusions

No signs of anxiety or depression were seen in the surveillance or BPM-IBR group. Slightly better mean BREAST-Q scores were seen for the surveillance group in comparison to BPM-IBR, except for ‘Q-psychological well-being’. The difference in ‘Q-physical well-being’ was significantly worse for BPM-IBR. Approaches to obtain longitudinal PROs and reference values should be explored in the future, which could add value to shared decision-making in regards to breast cancer risk management in this specific patient population.
Characteristic Renal Histology of a 81-Year-Old Patient with a 30-Year History of Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report
Authors: Shima Natsuki , Sawa Naoki , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Mizuno Hiroki , Kawada Masahiro , Sekine Akinari , Hiramatsu Rikako , Hayami Noriko , Hasegawa Eiko , Suwabe Tatsuya , Hoshino Junichi , Takaichi Kenmei , Ohashi Kenichi , Fujii Takeshi , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: May 2020

A renal histology of an 81-year-old man with a 30-year history of diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, was examined. The patient’s blood pressure was controlled within the normal range (less than 140/75 mmHg) using antihypertensive agents including angiotensin receptor blocker. Edematous management was achieved by a strict salt diet (less than 6 g/per day). However, this patient’s glycemic control was poor with HbA1c 8–10%. Serum creatinine was 0.87 mg/dL and estimated globular filtration rate (eGFR) was 64 ml/min/1.73m2. Urinary protein excretion was 1.5 g/day. This patient’s renal biopsy showed linear staining for IgG along the GBM by immunofluorescence microscopy, but light microscopy showed almost intact glomeruli, and the GBM was not thickened as revealed by electron microscopy with a width of 288–368 nm (< 430 nm). While arteriolar hyalinosis was severe, and polar vasculosis was observed around the glomerular vascular pole. This case indicates that long-standing hyperglycemia may induce polar vasculosis by the mechanism of angiogenesis, but diabetic glomerulopathy can become minor change, only when hypertension and edematous management could be controlled strictly.
The “Guest” Who Refuses to Work, the “Terrorist” Who Contemplates Global Hunger: Minorities in Fatih Akin Films
Authors: Çelik Rappas İpek A.
Published: May 2020

In her book that explores Turkish migrant organizations in Germany, sociologist Gökçe Yurdakul detects a historical transformation in the political representation of migrants and minorities from the 1970s through the 2000s. She marks six historical events that lead to this transformation: labor migration (1961–1972), the introduction of family reunification law (1973–1979), post-1980 military coup asylum seekers from Turkey (1980–1988), the fall of the Berlin Wall and its aftermath of exacerbating xenophobia against non-German minorities (1989–1998), the introduction of the new citizenship law (1999), and finally the terrorist attacks on September 11 (2001–present). According to Yurdakul, these events mark a gradual shift in the minority rights debate. While the first minority organizations were formed around labor rights, gradually, due to these landmark events and laws, their demands shifted toward political and social rights of citizenship, and identitarian rights, such as the right “to exist as Muslims and as Europeans.”
A Critical Review of Control Techniques for Flexible and Rigid Link Manipulators
Authors: Alandoli Esmail Ali , Lee T. S.
Published: May 2020

There is a high demand for developing effective controllers to perform fast and accurate operations for either flexible link manipulators (FLMs) or rigid link manipulators (RLMs). Thus, this paper is beneficial for such vast field, and it is also advantageous and indispensable for researchers who are interested in robotics to have sufficient knowledge about various controllers of FLMs and RLMs as the controllers’ concepts are elaborated in detail. The paper concentrates in critically reviewing classical controllers, intelligent controllers, robust controllers, and hybrid controllers for both FLMs and RLMs. The advantages and disadvantages of the aforementioned control methods are summarized in this paper; it also has a detailed comparison for the controllers in terms of the design difficulty, performance, and the suitability for controlling FLMs or RLMs.
Protecting the Rule of Law in the EU Legal Order: A Constitutional Role for the Court of Justice
Authors: Van Elsuwege Peter , Gremmelprez Femke
Published: May 2020

The rule of law as one of the core constitutional values of the EU legal order – The rule of law in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union – Jurisdiction of the Court on the basis of a combined reading of Articles 2 and 19 TEU – Protecting the rule of law in the Common Foreign and Security Policy – Protecting the rule of law in the member states in order to safeguard the structure and functioning of the EU legal order – Limits to the scope of application of EU law
Wave Normal Angle Distribution of Magnetosonic Waves in the Earth's Magnetosphere: 2‐D PIC Simulation
Authors: Sun Jicheng , Chen Lunjin , Wang Xueyi
Published: May 2020

Radiation belt electrons can be accelerated and scattered by magnetosonic waves in the Earth's magnetosphere, and the scattering rate of electrons is sensitive to the wave normal angle. However, observationally it is difficult to identify the wave normal angle within a few degrees. In this study, using 2‐D particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations, we investigate the wave normal angle distribution of magnetosonic waves excited by ring distribution protons. Both the linear theory and simulations have shown that the wave normal angles are distributed over a narrow range (82°–89°) with a major peak at about 85° during the linear growth stage when the proton ring velocity is close to the Alfven speed. In addition, 2‐D PIC simulations further demonstrated that the waves tend to have larger wave normal angles (84°–89°) during the saturation stage since the waves with smaller wave normal angles are dissipated faster. It is also found that wave normal angles decrease with the increase of wave frequency. With the increase of the ring velocity of the proton ring distribution, the perpendicular wavenumber of excited magnetosonic waves decreases, which leads to the decrease of the wave normal angle. The simulation results provide a valuable insight to understand the property of magnetosonic waves, and the findings are useful for the global simulations of radiation belt dynamics.
Serum alpha-mannosidase as an additional barrier to eliciting oligomannose-specific HIV-1-neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Bruxelle Jean-François , Kirilenko Tess , Qureshi Quratulain , Lu Naiomi , Trattnig Nino , Kosma Paul , Pantophlet Ralph
Published: May 2020

Oligomannose-type glycans on HIV-1 gp120 form a patch that is targeted by several broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and that therefore is of interest to vaccine design. However, attempts to elicit similar oligomannose-specific bnAbs by immunizing with oligomannosidic glycoconjugates have only been modestly successful so far. A common assumption is that eliciting oligomannose-specific bnAbs is hindered by B cell tolerance, resulting from the presented oligomannosides being sensed as self molecules. Here, we present data, along with existing scientific evidence, supporting an additional, or perhaps alternate, explanation: serum mannosidase trimming of the presented oligomannosides in vivo. Mannosidase trimming lessens the likelihood of eliciting antibodies with capacity to bind full-sized oligomannose, which typifies the binding mode of existing bnAbs to the oligomannose patch. The rapidity of the observed trimming suggests the need for immunization strategies and/or synthetic glycosides that readily avoid or resist mannosidase trimming upon immunization and can overcome possible tolerance restrictions.
Quantifying biodiversity trade-offs in the face of widespread renewable and unconventional energy development
Authors: Popescu Viorel D. , Munshaw Robin G. , Shackelford Nancy , Montesino Pouzols Federico , Dubman Evgenia , Gibeau Pascale , Horne Matt , Moilanen Atte , Palen Wendy J.
Published: May 2020

The challenge of balancing biodiversity protection with economic growth is epitomized by the development of renewable and unconventional energy, whose adoption is aimed at stemming the impacts of global climate change, yet has outpaced our understanding of biodiversity impacts. We evaluated the potential conflict between biodiversity protection and future electricity generation from renewable (wind farms, run-of-river hydro) and non-renewable (shale gas) sources in British Columbia (BC), Canada using three metrics: greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, electricity cost, and overlap between future development and conservation priorities for several fish and wildlife groups - small-bodied vertebrates, large mammals, freshwater fish – and undisturbed landscapes. Sharp trade-offs in global versus regional biodiversity conservation exist for all energy technologies, and in BC they are currently smallest for wind energy: low GHG emissions, low-moderate overlap with top conservation priorities, and competitive energy cost. GHG emissions from shale gas are 1000 times higher than those from renewable sources, and run-of-river hydro has high overlap with conservation priorities for small-bodied vertebrates. When all species groups were considered simultaneously, run-of-river hydro had moderate overlap (0.56), while shale gas and onshore wind had low overlap with top conservation priorities (0.23 and 0.24, respectively). The unintended cost of distributed energy sources for regional biodiversity suggest that trade-offs based on more diverse metrics must be incorporated into energy planning.
Insights into the secondary structures of lactam N-substituted stapled peptides
Authors: Vasco Aldrin V. , Moya Celia G. , Gröger Stefan , Brandt Wolfgang , Balbach Jochen , Pérez Carlos S. , Wessjohann Ludger A. , Rivera Daniel G.
Published: May 2020

NMR and CD studies together with molecular dynamics simulation reveal new insights into the s-cis/s-trans isomerism and the effect of the lactam bridge N-substituent on the secondary structure of stapled peptides.
Effects of Scrum methodology on students’ critical scientific literacy: the case of Green Chemistry
Authors: Vogelzang Johannes , Admiraal Wilfried F. , van Driel Jan H.
Published: May 2020

Secondary science education plays a key role in students’ process to become scientifically literate citizens. However, teaching students to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with complex societal issues is challenging. This paper reports about a study in which Scrum – a methodology to manage complex projects – was implemented in secondary chemistry classrooms to increase students’ conceptual understanding as well as their critical scientific literacy. A quasi-experimental design was used with 198 Grade 11 students from eight different classes. The experimental condition (99 students, 4 classes, 25 groups with 3 or 4 students, 2 teachers) used Scrum methodology during a context-based course on Green Chemistry. The comparison condition (99 students, 4 classes, 29 groups of 3 or 4 students, 3 teachers) completed the same module about Green Chemistry, without using Scrum methodology. At the end of the course students formulated a written advice on the greenest synthesis of adipic acid. A pre-test on prior knowledge of Green Chemistry principles and a post-test on conceptual understanding of the chemistry concepts involved were administered. In addition, the Standard Observed Learning Outcomes taxonomy (SOLO) was used to analyse the quality of the written advices as a measure for students’ critical scientific literacy. Students from the experimental condition outperformed their peers from the comparison condition in their conceptual understanding. Moreover, the quality of the advices of students from the experimental condition were rated higher than the quality of advices of students in the comparison condition. These findings are discussed and connected to Scrum methodology as teaching approach to scaffold both students’ conceptual understanding and its potential to promote the development of their critical scientific literacy.
Upconversion-mediated Boltzmann thermometry in double-layered Bi2SiO5:Yb3+,Tm3+@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles
Authors: Casagrande Elisa , Back Michele , Cristofori Davide , Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa , Palazzolo Stefano , Rizzolio Flavio , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Trave Enrico , Riello Pietro
Published: May 2020

Highly sensitive Boltzmann thermometry by double-layered Bi2SiO5:Yb3+,Tm3+@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles with exceptional thermometric performances and biocompatibility are demonstrated.
A dual-emitting quantum dot complex nanoprobe for ratiometric and visual detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions
Authors: Manna Mihir , Roy Shilaj , Bhandari Satyapriya , Chattopadhyay Arun
Published: May 2020

Ratiometric and visual sensing of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions by a dual emitting quantum dot complex – following the changes in luminescence color, intensity ratio, chromaticity and hue – is described herein.
Hierarchical learning optimisation method for the coordination dispatch of the inter‐regional power grid considering the quality of service index
Authors: Lv Kai , Tang Hao , Bak‐Jensen Birgitte , Radhakrishna Pillai Jayakrishnan , Tan Qi , Zhang Qianli
Published: May 2020

The economic dispatch of the inter‐regional power grid with multiple uncertain sources and loads is focused in this study. As the tie‐line can transmit the power between regional grids, a coordination mechanism between the tie‐line power schedule and the economic dispatch of regional power grids is built to solve the focused dispatch problem under the uncertain environment. Furthermore, the quality of service (QoS) method is introduced in this study to consider and study the service attribute in the power dispatch process, which is quantified by the responding behaviour of the price‐sensitive consumers. Then, a model‐free hierarchical optimisation method based on the learning technique is designed. The hierarchical structure consists of two levels and multiple agents, where the agents learn knowledge from the interaction between themselves and the environment. An improved reinforcement learning algorithm is adopted to find the optimal dispatch policy for each agent, which realises an online optimisation with the operation samples rather than the support of an accurate system model. Finally, the simulation results are shown to validate the effectiveness of the designed method. Specifically, the optimisation process and the obtained dispatch policies are analysed, and the impact of the QoS index on the optimisation is introduced.
Bacteria foraging optimisation algorithm based optimal control for doubly‐fed induction generator wind energy system
Authors: Bakir Hale , Merabet Adel , Dhar Rupak Kanti , Kulaksiz Ahmet Afsin
Published: May 2020

In this study, an optimisation method, based on bacteria foraging, is investigated to tune the parameters of the proportional–integral (PI) controllers in a doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) wind energy system connected to the grid. The generator is connected to the grid directly at the stator and through the back‐to‐back converter at the rotor. The control system includes PI controllers, at the rotor side, to regulate the rotor currents and PI controller to regulate the dc‐link voltage for efficient power transfer. The control parameters, of three PI controllers, are optimised offline using the bacteria foraging optimisation algorithm and a modelled DFIG wind energy system. Various performance criteria, based on the tracking errors, are used to assess the efficiency of the optimisation method. Furthermore, the conventional tuning method and genetic algorithm optimisation method are conducted and compared to the bacteria foraging optimisation method to demonstrate its advantages. The optimised control parameters are evaluated on a DFIG wind energy experimental setup. Experimental and simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of each optimisation method.
ZnO nanostructures: comparative synthetic and characterisation studies
Authors: Hasany Syed Farhan , Hussain Sajid , Usman Ali Syed M. , Abdul‐Kadhim Wafaa , Amir Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Tuneful behaviours of nano sized materials have been considered as challenge among researchers to explore the possibility of engaging in diverse applications. In particular, the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructured materials offer effective metallic behaviours to enhance the applications in the fuel oxidation, pigments, nonlinear optics and solar energy conversion. In the presented research, ZnO nanoparticles are successfully synthesised by (sol–gel and sol–gel and precipitation) techniques, respectively. The physicochemical behaviours of ZnO nanocrystals were inspected by x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, thermo‐gravimetric analysis, N2 physisorption and NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption techniques. The results revealed that Sol–gel method at lower pH produced smaller particle sizes with larger surface area and well‐established morphology in shorter time at lower temperature conditions, in comparison to precipitation method with higher pH, time and temperature conditions, showed bigger particles with smaller surface area, respectively.
Industrial heritage along railway corridor: a gear towards tourism development, a case study of Lampang Province, Thailand
Authors: Yiamjanya Siripen
Published: May 2020

This study investigated industrial heritage elements and associated landscapes along the railway corridor of Lampang Province, Thailand, and potential (re)uses for tourism development by approaches in relation to the industrial heritage concept. The study employed the qualitative approach utilizing field surveys and focus group discussion with key informants, and an additional questionnaire- based survey. The findings highlight significant potential of mining and railway heritage that can be developed for tourism in the future. The study proposed alternative approaches for future interpretation, with a remark addressing that more research is required, as academic studies in this field still lack, in order to advance the academic and practical areas of the industrial heritage in Thailand.
Restoration of the Martyn brothers house as a bright example of the work of the architect N.M. Socolow
Authors: Petrusenko Yuliya , Ivanova-Ilicheva Anna
Published: May 2020

The paper discusses the history of the Martyn Brothers House, as well as the practice of restoring this object of cultural heritage of federal significance. The author of the mansion is Nikolai Matveevich Sokolov (1859-1906), the city architect of the late XIX - early XX centuries in Rostov-on-Don. To characterize the measures for the protection and modern practice of restoration of one of the brightest examples of N. M. Sokolov’s creativity – the Martyn Brothers House in Rostov-on-Don. The main method of research was historical analysis - the study of the origin, formation and development of objects in chronological order, as well as archival and full-scale surveys of the object, photo fixation. The characteristic of practice of restoration of works of “brick style” using Martyn Brothers House as a bright example of the work of the architect N.M. Sokolov was given. The mansion is of scientific and practical interest. During the research, the main techniques and methods used in restoration practice that can be used by modern restorers were identified. After the completion of restoration work on the site of the Martyn Brothers House, the original historical and architectural appearance of the magnificent monument of the late XIX century was restored, taking into account all the lost parts of the building.
The balanced diet during the stall period as sheep dermatitis preventing factor
Authors: Bagamaev Bagama , Gorchakov Eduard , Fedota Natalia , Gvozdetsky Nikolai , Taranuha Nadegda , Kolomysova Natalia
Published: May 2020

The intensity and direction of the living organism’s metabolic processes determine the growth rate, development, nutrients synthesis, as well as the reproductive body function and the biosynthesis of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the form of feedstuff and raw materials. The higher animals’ productivity, the more intensive are metabolic processes. The living bodies’ metabolism proceeds with a certain speed and at the same time contrariwise, but with accurate coherence and interaction due to the participation of “life regulators”, enzymes, which represent the specific proteins, the activity of which is regulated by hormones, vitamins and various synergistic elements. Chemical elements included in the living organism structure are not synthesized in it but must be originated from feeds and other nutrients. Changes in essential micronutrients supply shall not be studied in isolation from the general bio-geochemical situation. Both excess and deficiency may lead to metabolic disorders involving enzyme systems. Knowledge applied by veterinary specialists about the imbalance of various chemical elements in soil, water and feeds has formed the basis for raising the issue of endemic animal diseases diagnosis and prevention. The feeds inadequacy often leads to undernutrition and the reduction of their value in the stall period, which causes the fatness reduction and, therefore, the decrease in mobility and activity, and the weakness of animals. General inspection and palpation of animals reveal ruffled coat, dry-looking and non-supple skin, and if the lack of nutrients becomes more intense, anemic mucous membranes (in more complicated forms even cyanosis and icterus) are observed.
Automated substantiation of multivariate land use planning projects
Authors: Sorokina Olga , Fomkin Ilya , Petrova Larisa , Zatsepina Elena , Mamedova Ellina
Published: May 2020

The intensification of the Russian economy determines the need for forecasting and planning agricultural production at the level of specific agricultural organizations and producers. In the context of an annually changing market, the most important factor in the innovative development of the agricultural sector is the system of land use planning measures. It creates the most favorable organizational and territorial prerequisites for agricultural production. The most optimal method of land use planning design is the multivariant method, which involves analyzing several options and selecting the best according to technical and economic indicators. It determines the need for improving the methodology for substantiating multivariate land use planning projects based on automated technologies. The above mentioned circumstances determined the goal of research, which is improving the Kolos software package. The approach involves clarifying the used regulatory and guidance information and updating the composition and relationships of software modules. An automated assessment of normative and actual indicators allows analyzing up to 10 options for organizing a crop rotation system and arranging their territory, choosing the optimal one and guaranteeing the rational use of each hectare of land that provides solutions to production, environmental and social problems. The considered software package ensures the high quality of land use planning decisions when planning and organizing the rational use of the country’s land resources. This allows reducing the cost of design and use planning work, increasing their reliability and accessibility for agricultural organizations in all regions of the Russian Federation.