bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical and Probabilistic Study on the Optimal Region for Tsunami Detection Instrument Deployment in the Eastern Sea of Korea
Authors: Lee Eunju , Jung Taehwa , Shin Sungwon
Published: September 2020

A tsunami is a significant coastal hazard that causes destructive damage to coastal cities in the world. Besides, tsunamis, generated on the west coast of Japan, damaged coastal cities on the east coast of Korea in 1983 and 1993. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential tsunami zone near the west coast of Japan. Therefore, it is important to have tsunami observation instruments in proper locations for tsunami detection and warning aspect. This study proposes the optimal region for offshore tsunami observation instrument deployment under the limited condition that the tsunami source in out of the territorial sea by investigating areas with the highest tsunami detection probability along with maximum evacuation time and bottom slope. Using the Cornell Multi-grid Coupled Tsunami (COMCOT) numerical model and a probabilistic approach, this study suggests the optimal region for offshore tsunami detection instrument deployment to be the northeast area of Ulleung-do Island in the eastern sea of Korea.
Computer-Based 3D Simulation Method in Dental Occlusion Education: Student Response and Learning Effect
Authors: Mai Hai Yen , Mai Hang-Nga , Lee Du-Hyeong
Published: September 2020

Occlusion is a fundamental subject in dental education, and occlusal adjustment is clinically essential in daily dental practices. This study aimed to assess the effects of computer-based 3D simulations on learner responses and learning effect on the principles of occlusal adjustment in undergraduate dental students in comparison with the traditional approach. Two teaching methods, i.e., paper-based 2D presentation and computer-based 3D simulation, were used for teaching the occlusal adjustment concepts. Sixty dental students were divided into two groups using a pair-matching randomization method. In the 2D presentation group, a textbook with 2D illustrations was used. 3D graphic dental models and computer design software were applied in the 3D simulation group. After the course, an attitudinal survey and examination were conducted to evaluate the participants’ feedback and the learning effects resulting from the teaching methods. The independent t test was used to compare the test scores between groups (with α = 0.5). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to investigate the agreement between the survey data and test scores. Most of the students’ feedback indicated that the 3D simulation method would be effective in acquiring knowledge on occlusion and jaw movement. The examination scores were significantly higher in the 3D simulation group compared with those in the 2D presentation group in the questions for centric relation (P = 0.034). Conversely, the scores were insignificant in the questions for eccentric relation (P = 0.403). There was no correlation observed between the survey data and the actual examination score. Computer-based 3D simulation could increase the participants’ expectations and learning effects in dental occlusion education. Further studies in diversified learning environments are required on the efficacy of digital educational modality.
Heart Rate Variability Assessment Using Time–Frequency Analysis in Hypotensive and Non-Hypotensive Patients in Hemodialysis
Authors: Becerra-Luna Brayans , Cartas-Rosado Raúl , Sánchez-García Juan Carlos , Martínez-Memije Raúl , Infante-Vázquez Oscar , Lerma Claudia , Pérez-Grovas Héctor , Rodríguez-Chagolla José Manuel , Sánchez-Pérez Gabriel , Cadena-Méndez Miguel
Published: September 2020

Intradialytic hypotension occurs in 10–30% of hemodialysis (HD) sessions. This phenomenon affects the cardiovascular system’s functions, which are reflected in the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). To indirectly assess the ANS during HD, we analyzed the mean R–R intervals and the spectral power of heart rate variability (HRV) from 20 end-stage renal disease patients divided into hypotensive and non-hypotensive groups. The spectrotemporal analysis was accomplished using short-time Fourier transform with 10 min epochs of HRV overlapping by 40%. The spectral power was divided into three segments according to high frequency, low frequency, and very low frequency bandwidths and averaged to fit quadratic regression models. The analysis of the mean R–R intervals showed significant differences between the groups (p = 0.029). The power variation over time was significant in each spectral band (p ≪ 0.05). The average power, maximum power, and time when the peak was reached differed for each band and between groups, showing the ability to correctly identify the decompensation of the ANS and discriminate between hypotensive and non-hypotensive patients. Additionally, the changes in the sympathovagal ratio were not significant and very scattered for the hypotensive group (p = 0.23) compared to the non-hypotensive group, where the changes were significant (p ≪ 0.05) and much less scattered.
Stabilization of Municipal Solid Waste Fly Ash, Obtained by Co-Combustion with Sewage Sludge, Mixed with Bottom Ash Derived by the Same Plant
Authors: Assi Ahmad , Bilo Fabjola , Zanoletti Alessandra , Borgese Laura , Depero Laura Eleonora , Nenci Mario , Bontempi Elza
Published: September 2020

This study presents an innovative stabilization method of fly ash derived from co-combustion of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge. Bottom ash, obtained from the same process, is used as a stabilizing agent. The stabilization method involved the use of two other components—flue gas desulfurization residues and coal fly ash. Leaching tests were performed on stabilized samples, aged in a laboratory at different times. The results reveal the reduction of the concentrations of heavy metals, particularly Zn and Pb about two orders of magnitude lower with respect to fly ash. The immobilization of heavy metals on the solid material mainly depends on three factors—the amount of used ash, the concentrations of Zn and Pb in as-received fly ash and the pH of the solution of the final materials. The inert powder, obtained after the stabilization, is a new eco-material, that is promising to be used as filler in new sustainable composite materials.
Characteristic Test and Electromagnetic Analysis of Regenerative Hybrid Electrodynamic Damper for Vibration Mitigation and Monitoring of Stay Cables
Authors: Kye Seungkyung , Jung Hyung-Jo
Published: September 2020

Electromagnetic dampers are emerging as alternatives to conventional dampers applied to stay cables of bridges because they can reduce maintenance costs and allow vibration monitoring owing to their permanent driving characteristics and self-generation function. In this study, the main equations (including those for the induced electromotive force of the active coils and the total damping force of the damper) were derived through magnetic circuit analysis using the main parameters of the electromagnetic damper model. Characteristic tests were performed on electromagnetic damper prototypes to analyze the hysteretic dynamics and derive characteristics according to their structure and excitation conditions. On the basis of the results, we proposed a regenerative hybrid electrodynamic damper with an oxygen-free copper tube and teeth structure. Its physical and electromagnetic behaviors were examined through an electromagnetic analysis of the finite element model of the proposed damper. The results confirmed that attenuation occurred via strengthened magnetic flows, and the estimated power production is suitable for energy harvesting applications. Therefore, we confirmed the feasibility of constructing a system that can simultaneously perform cable attenuation and vibration monitoring using the proposed damper.
Simulation of Debris-Flow Runout Near a Construction Site in Korea
Authors: Chae Byung-Gon , Wu Ying-Hsin , Liu Ko-Fei , Choi Junghae , Park Hyuck-Jin
Published: September 2020

This study analyzed landslide susceptibility and numerically simulated the runout distance of debris flows near a construction site in Korea. Landslide susceptibility was based on a landslide prediction map of the study area. In the prediction map, 3.5% of the area had a 70–90% landslide probability, while 0.79% had over 90% probability. Based on the landslide susceptibility analysis, debris flows in four watersheds were simulated to assess possible damage to the construction site. According to the simulations, debris flow in Watershed C approaches to within 9.6 m of the site. Therefore, the construction site could be impacted by debris flow in Watershed C. Although the simulated flows in Watersheds A and D do not directly influence the construction site, they could damage the nearby road and other facilities. The simulations also show that debris runout distance is strongly influenced by the volume of debris in the on-slope source area and by the slope angles along the debris-flow path.
Experimental Study on Lining Cracking of Shallow Buried Loess Tunnel under the Simulation of Effect of Slide Surface Immersion
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Lai Hongpeng
Published: September 2020

The water immersion of surrounding rock slide surface causes lining cracking of the shallow buried loess tunnel, and different types of slide surface and different immersion degrees have different effects on secondary lining. In this paper, four types of slide surfaces for shallow buried loess tunnel are proposed. In order to find out the characteristics and laws of lining cracking under the effect of slide surface immersion, a loading model test with a large geometric similarity ratio of 1:10 was carried out. The test results show that the immersion of the slide surface has the most significant influence on the deformation of the lining vault and the arch waist, and the value and speed of the vault deformation are always the largest. When the unilateral slide surface is immersed in water, the lining cracking is concentrated on the flooded side of the slide surface, and the appearance of compressive cracks can be regarded as a precursor of lining instability. In the direction of lining thickness, the cracks always begin to develop from I-type, then gradually develop into L-type, and finally develop to Y-type, among which the number of L-type cracks is the most. Furthermore, the residual bearing capacity of cracked lining is also discussed.
Characterization of Alginate from Sargassum duplicatum and the Antioxidant Effect of Alginate–Okra Fruit Extracts Combination for Wound Healing on Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ilmi Zulfa Nailul , Wulandari Pugar Arga Cristina , Husen Saikhu Akhmad , Winarni Dwi , Alamsjah Mochammad Amin , Awang Khalijah , Vastano Marco , Pellis Alessandro , Macquarrie Duncan , Pudjiastuti Pratiwi
Published: September 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood-glucose levels over a prolonged period that causes complications when an open wound is present. Alginate is an antioxidant and a good absorbent of exudates. Okra fruit contains flavonoids that can act as antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of extracts combination reduce blood-glucose levels significantly to accelerate the activities of wound-healing processes on diabetic mice. Alginate was characterized by Size Exclusion Chromatography-Multiple Angle Laser Light Scattering (SEC-MALLS), thermal stability and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR). The evaluation of wound healing on 36 male mice were divided into 12 groups including normal control (NC), diabetics control (DC), alginate (DA) and alginate–okra (DAO) groups in three different times by histopathology test on skin tissue. The results of SEC-MALLS analysis showed that alginate as single and homogeneous polysaccharide. The 1H-NMR spectrum showed that the mannuronate/guluronate ratio of the used alginate was 0.91. Alginate, okra fruit extract and their combination were classified as moderate and strong antioxidants. The numbers of fibrocytes, fibroblasts, collagen densities had significantly increased from three to seven days. In contrast, wound width, neutrophil, macrophages had significantly decreased at 14 days. The administration of extracts combination increased the re-epithelization of the wound area and wound-healing process on diabetic mice.
DisKnow: A Social-Driven Disaster Support Knowledge Extraction System
Authors: Boné João , Dias Mariana , Ferreira João C. , Ribeiro Ricardo
Published: September 2020

This research is aimed at creating and presenting DisKnow, a data extraction system with the capability of filtering and abstracting tweets, to improve community resilience and decision-making in disaster scenarios. Nowadays most people act as human sensors, exposing detailed information regarding occurring disasters, in social media. Through a pipeline of natural language processing (NLP) tools for text processing, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for classifying and extracting disasters, and knowledge graphs (KG) for presenting connected insights, it is possible to generate real-time visual information about such disasters and affected stakeholders, to better the crisis management process, by disseminating such information to both relevant authorities and population alike. DisKnow has proved to be on par with the state-of-the-art Disaster Extraction systems, and it contributes with a way to easily manage and present such happenings.
A Novel Stacked Auto Encoders Sparse Filter Rotating Component Comprehensive Diagnosis Network for Extracting Domain Invariant Features
Authors: Ding Rui , Li Shunming , Lu Jiantao , Xu Kun , Wang Jinrui
Published: September 2020

In recent years, the method of deep learning has been widely used in the field of fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment due to its strong feature extraction and other advantages such as high efficiency, portability, and so on. However, at present, most kinds of intelligent fault diagnosis algorithms mainly focus on the diagnosis of a single fault component, and few intelligent diagnosis models can simultaneously carry out comprehensive fault diagnosis for a rotating system composed of a shaft, bearing, gear, and so on. In order to solve this problem, a novel stacked auto encoders sparse filter rotating component comprehensive diagnosis network (SAFC) was proposed to extract domain invariant features of various health conditions at different speeds. The model clusters domain invariant features at different speeds through the self-coding network, and then classifies fault types of various parts through sparse filtering. The SAFC model was validated by the vibration data collected, and the results show that this model has higher diagnostic performance than other models.
Construction of Analytical Models for Driving Energy Consumption of Electric Buses through Machine Learning
Authors: Lin Kuan-Cheng , Lin Chuan-Neng , Ying Josh Jia-Ching
Published: September 2020

In recent years, the Taiwan government has been calling for the use of public transportation and has been popularizing pollution-reducing green vehicles. Passenger transport operators are being encouraged to replace traditional buses with electric buses, to increase their use in urban transportation. Reduced energy consumption and operating costs are important operational benefits for passenger transport operators, and driving behavior has a significant impact on fuel consumption. Although many literatures or real-world systems have addressed the issues related to reducing energy consumption with electric buses, these works do not involve the records collected from an on-vehicle battery management system (BMS). Accordingly, the results of analyses of existing works lack in-depth discussions, and therefore the applicability of existing works is insignificant. Therefore, in this study, driving data were collected using a battery management system (BMS), and vehicular power consumption was classified according to energy efficiency. Then, decision trees and random forest were applied to construct energy consumption analytical models. Finally, the driving behaviors that influence energy consumption were investigated. A case study was conducted in which a Taichung passenger transport operator’s electric bus driving data on urban routes were collected to construct energy consumption analytical models. The data consisted of two parts, i.e., vehicle records and route records. On the basis of these records, we considered the practicability and applicability of the analytical models by transforming the unstructured records into raw data. Passenger transport operators and drivers can leverage the obtained eco-driving indicators for different bus routes for energy savings and carbon reduction.
Hazards Resulting from the Burning Wood Impregnated with Selected Chemical Compounds
Authors: Rabajczyk Anna , Zielecka Maria , Małozięć Daniel
Published: September 2020

In the construction industry, a variety wooden products have been used for thousands of years, according to demand, accessibility/availability, and customers’ requirements. Wood is a preferred material due to its large range of properties, depending on the type of wood. It is an easily available and economically competitive material, and it is also extremely strong in relation to its weight. Therefore, it is used in the production of construction materials, building parts, and finishing components, as well as for furniture and decorative elements. Each of these products is commonly additionally chemically treated in order to improve its performance parameters. However, impregnated wooden products such as furniture and fence boards are often misused, including for house heating, waste incineration, bonfires, etc. For this reason, among the products of combustion, there is a whole range of different chemical compounds, frequently carcinogenic, and dangerous for health and the environment, for example, heavy metals. Knowledge in this field is important for professions, such as: firefighter, lifeguard, people dealing with environmental management, and units responsible for waste landfills. On the other hand, important recipients of this information are ordinary residents who, due to a lack of knowledge, use such materials as e.g., heating material.
Dynamic Response Evaluation of Bridges Considering Aspect Ratio of Pier in Near-Fault and Far-Fault Ground Motions
Authors: An Hyojoon , Lee Jong-Han , Shin Soobong
Published: September 2020

The recent increase in earthquake activities has highlighted the importance of predicting the seismic response of structures. Damage to civil infrastructure, particularly bridges, can cause considerable human and property losses. The seismic performance of a structure should be evaluated based on the characteristics of structures and earthquakes. For this, this study defined the two main factors of ground motion and structural system that affect the seismic response of a structure. Ground motions, which are mainly dependent on the distance from the epicenter, were defined as near-fault and far-fault ground motions. Near-fault ground motion includes the characteristics of forward directivity and fling step. In addition to ground motion, the aspect ratio of the pier, as a representative factor of a structural system, influences the seismic behavior of bridges. Thus, this study assessed the seismic response of bridges with various aspect ratios under the near-fault and far-fault ground motion conditions. Nonlinear static analysis was first performed to evaluate the seismic capacity of the pier. Then modal and dynamic analyses were carried out to examine the effects of the aspect ratio and ground motion on the displacement and force response and the change in the natural frequency of the bridge.
Study on the Vibration Active Control of Three-Support Shafting with Smart Spring While Accelerating over the Critical Speed
Authors: Li Miao-Miao , Ma Liang-Liang , Wu Chuan-Guo , Zhu Ru-Peng
Published: September 2020

Smart Spring is a kind of active vibration control device based on piezoelectric material, which can effectively suppress the vibration of the shaft system in an over-critical state, and the selection of control strategy has great influence on the vibration reduction effect of the Smart Spring. In this paper, the authors investigate the control of the over-critical vibration of the transmission shaft system with Smart Spring, based on the ADAMS and MATLAB joint simulation method. Firstly, the joint simulation model of three-support shafting with Smart Spring is established, and the over-critical speed simulation analysis of the three-support shafting under the fixed control force of the Smart Spring is carried out. The simulation results show that the maximum vibration reduction rate is 71.6%. The accuracy of the joint simulation model is verified by the experiment of the three-support shafting subcritical vibration control. On this basis, a function control force vibration control strategy with time-varying control force is proposed. By analyzing the axis orbit of the shafting, the optimal fixed control force at different speeds is obtained, the control force function is determined by polynomial fitting, and the shafting critical crossing simulation under the function control force is carried out. The simulation results show that the displacement response of the shafting under the function control force is less than that under the fixed control force in the whole speed range.
Biological Risk for Hypogea: Shared Data from Etruscan Tombs in Italy and Ancient Tombs of the Baekje Dynasty in Republic of Korea
Authors: Caneva Giulia , Isola Daniela , Lee Hyun Ju , Chung Yong Jae
Published: September 2020

Biological growth represents one of the main threats for the conservation of subterranean cultural heritage. Knowledge of the conditions which favour the various taxonomic groups is important in delineating their control methods. Combining our experience regarding hypogea in Italy and the Republic of Korea, we aim to perform a critical review and comparison of the Biodeterioration Patterns (BPs) found, the materials used, and the conservative treatments applied. For this purpose, we focused on Etruscan tombs (Italy, 7th to 3th century BC) and the ancient tombs of the Baekje Dynasty (Republic of Korea, 6th to 7th centuries AD), most of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, collecting original and bibliographic data as well as official documents. Results highlight the rich biodiversity of the bacterial and fungal species. Phototrophs were observed only in niches with sufficient light and the development of roots was also detected. Changes in humidity and temperature, the nature of the soil, nutrient accumulation, and vegetation above the hypogea along with human activities explain the different BPs. The effects of biocide treatments are also discussed, such as the emergence of dangerous fungal species. The shared data also enhance the role of overlaying tumuli and vegetation as well as protective barriers to reduce biological risk.
Application of Fuzzy Theory and Optimum Computing to the Obstacle Avoidance Control of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Chen Shihming , Lin Tsungyin , Jheng Kaiyi , Wu Chengmao
Published: September 2020

Autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are unmanned underwater vehicles widely used in marine environments. Establishing an efficient obstacle avoidance approach in underwater environments remains a challenge for these vehicles. Most studies have relied on simulated results; few have been conducted with vehicles in a real environment. This study used an ROV equipped with a scanning sonar as an experimental platform and applied fuzzy logic control to solve nonlinear and uncertain problems, which are difficult to address using conventional control theory. Using data from the depth and inertial sensors, fuzzy logic control can output defuzzification command values that are passed through a fuzzy inference engine to control ROV motion. Fuzzy logic control was used to evaluate depth and heading degrees in navigation experiments. In heading navigation, scanning sonar was used to detect obstacles in the scanning range. An optimum navigation strategy was also developed to calculate appropriate headings to safely and stably navigate during a mission to attain a predetermined destination. The results indicated that the ROV with fuzzy logic control had superior control stability and obstacle avoidance in an underwater environment.
Snow Impurities in the Central Pyrenees: From Their Geochemical and Mineralogical Composition towards Their Impacts on Snow Albedo
Authors: Pey Jorge , Revuelto Jesús , Moreno Natalia , Alonso-González Esteban , Bartolomé Miguel , Reyes Jesús , Gascoin Simon , López-Moreno Juan Ignacio
Published: September 2020

The aim of this work is to understand aerosol transfers to the snowpack in the Spanish Pyrenees (Southern Europe) by determining their episodic mass-loading and composition, and to retrieve their regional impacts regarding optical properties and modification of snow melting. Regular aerosol monitoring has been performed during three consecutive years. Complementarily, short campaigns have been carried out to collect dust-rich snow samples. Atmospheric samples have been chemically characterized in terms of elemental composition and, in some cases, regarding their mineralogy. Snow albedo has been determined in different seasons along the campaign, and temporal variations of snow-depth from different observatories have been related to concentration of impurities in the snow surface. Our results noticed that aerosol flux in the Central Pyrenees during cold seasons (from November to May, up to 12–13 g m−2 of insoluble particles overall accumulated) is much higher than the observed during the warm period (from June to October, typically around 2.1–3.3 g m−2). Such high values observed during cold seasons were driven by the impact of severe African dust episodes. In absence of such extreme episodes, aerosol loadings in cold and warm season appeared comparable. Our study reveals that mineral dust particles from North Africa are a major driver of the aerosol loading in the snowpack in the southern side of the Central Pyrenees. Field data revealed that the heterogeneous spatial distribution of impurities on the snow surface led to differences close to 0.2 on the measured snow albedo within very short distances. Such impacts have clear implications for modelling distributed energy balance of snow and predicting snow melting from mountain headwaters.
Sustainable Development of the Historic Centre of Naples: The Impact of Vehicular Traffic and Food Service Business on Air Quality
Authors: Murena Fabio
Published: September 2020

Monitoring campaigns were carried out to assess the impact of vehicular traffic and food service business on the air quality in the historic centre of Naples. These campaigns monitored fine particles (FPs) from 20 to 1000 nm, using a condensation particle counter (CPC) in four connected streets, during a period of four weeks, from 7 November to 7 December 2019. Two streets were pedestrian only, while the others had average traffic. The following variables were considered while analysing the data—street geometry, and traffic and food service business emissions. The results showed prevalent air contamination, with some critical situations. The FP concentration values in the pedestrian streets were similar to the average values measured at the roadside of other European cities. However, the FP concentration values measured on the streets with average traffic, were twice that of their European counterparts. Spatial maps of FP concentration were produced to assess the impact of food service business emissions at the street level. The maps showed an insignificant contribution to FP pollution. However, it must be noted that emissions of the food service businesses were not measured at the roof top level in this study. The aspect ratio (H/W) played a relevant role on FP concentration, as an increase in aspect ratio correlated to an increase in FP concentration. These findings showed critical preliminary information for the sustainable development of the historic centre of Naples, which should be confirmed through a long-term monitoring campaign.
5-Fluorouracil Conversion Pathway Mutations in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Biagioni Alessio , Staderini Fabio , Peri Sara , Versienti Giampaolo , Schiavone Nicola , Cianchi Fabio , Papucci Laura , Magnelli Lucia
Published: September 2020

To date, 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) is a major component of several chemotherapy regimens, thus its study is of fundamental importance to better understand all the causes that may lead to chemoresistance and treatment failure. Given the evident differences between prognosis in Asian and Caucasian populations, triggered by clear genetic discordances and given the extreme genetic heterogeneity of gastric cancer (GC), the evaluation of the most frequent mutations in every single member of the 5FU conversion and activation pathway might reveal several important results. Here, we exploited the cBioPortal analysis software to query a large databank of clinical and wide-genome studies to evaluate the components of the three major 5FU transformation pathways. We demonstrated that mutations in such ways were associated with a poor prognosis and reduced overall survival, often caused by a deletion in the TYMP gene and amplification in TYMS. The use of prodrugs and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) inhibitors, which normally catabolizes 5FU into inactive metabolites, improved such chemotherapies, but several steps forward still need to be taken to select better therapies to target the chemoresistant pools of cells with high anaplastic features and genomic instability.
The Role of Satellite Glial Cells, Astrocytes, and Microglia in Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lee Ji Hwan , Kim Woojin
Published: September 2020

Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug. Although its efficacy against colorectal cancer is well known, peripheral neuropathy that develops during and after infusion of the agents could decrease the quality of life of the patients. Various pathways have been reported to be the cause of the oxaliplatin-induced paresthesia and dysesthesia; however, its mechanism of action has not been fully understood yet. In recent years, researchers have investigated the function of glia in pain, and demonstrated that glia in the peripheral and central nervous system could play a critical role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. These results suggest that targeting the glia may be an effective therapeutic option. In the past ten years, 20 more papers focused on the role of glia in oxaliplatin-induced thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. However, to date no review has been written to summarize and discuss their results. Thus, in this study, by reviewing 23 studies that conducted in vivo experiments in rodents, the change of satellite glial cells, astrocytes, and microglia activation in the dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and the brain of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain animals is discussed.
Clinical Aspects and Current Therapeutic Approaches for FOP
Authors: Kitoh Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare heritable disorder of connective tissues characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification in various skeletal sites. It is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding activin A receptor type I (ACVR1)/activin-like kinase 2 (ALK2), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor. Heterotopic ossification is usually progressive leading to severe deformities in the trunk and extremities. Early clinical diagnosis is important to prevent unnecessary iatrogenic harm or trauma. Clinicians should become aware of early detectable skeletal malformations, including great toe deformities, shortened thumb, neck stiffness associated with hypertrophy of the posterior elements of the cervical spine, multiple ossification centers in the calcaneus, and osteochondroma-like lesions of the long bones. Although there is presently no definitive medical treatment to prevent, stop or reverse heterotopic ossification in FOP, exciting advances of novel pharmacological drugs focusing on target inhibition of the activated ACVR1 receptor, including palovarotene, REGN 2477, rapamycin, and saracatinib, have developed and are currently in clinical trials.
Three-Dimensional Printed Antimicrobial Objects of Polylactic Acid (PLA)-Silver Nanoparticle Nanocomposite Filaments Produced by an In-Situ Reduction Reactive Melt Mixing Process
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Velidakis Emmanouel , Liebscher Marco , Tzounis Lazaros
Published: September 2020

In this study, an industrially scalable method is reported for the fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA)/silver nanoparticle (AgNP) nanocomposite filaments by an in-situ reduction reactive melt mixing method. The PLA/AgNP nanocomposite filaments have been produced initially reducing silver ions (Ag+) arising from silver nitrate (AgNO3) precursor mixed in the polymer melt to elemental silver (Ag0) nanoparticles, utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), respectively, as macromolecular blend compound reducing agents. PEG and PVP were added at various concentrations, to the PLA matrix. The PLA/AgNP filaments have been used to manufacture 3D printed antimicrobial (AM) parts by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The 3D printed PLA/AgNP parts exhibited significant AM properties examined by the reduction in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria viability (%) experiments at 30, 60, and 120 min duration of contact (p < 0.05; p-value (p): probability). It could be envisaged that the 3D printed parts manufactured and tested herein mimic nature’s mechanism against bacteria and in terms of antimicrobial properties, contact angle for their anti-adhesive behavior and mechanical properties could create new avenues for the next generation of low-cost and on-demand additive manufacturing produced personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as healthcare and nosocomial antimicrobial equipment.
Ultrasonic Assessment of the Concrete Residual Strength after a Real Fire Exposure
Authors: Wróblewski Roman , Stawiski Bohdan
Published: September 2020

After a fire, the assessment of concrete residual strength can be a challenge. Since the strength reduction depends on the distance from the heated surface examination based on destructive test, i.e., core samples, is not precise enough. Therefore, more detailed methods can establish the influence of the high temperature in the zone, which no longer has visible cracks. That method can be used to assess layer thickness to remove due to the fire damage. The Ultrasound Pulse Velocity (UPV) method with point heads was used in the paper to examine samples taken from a structure after the real fire. Moreover, to make the analysis more precise, an effect associated with the porosity in concrete was also considered to separate pure fire effect.
Use of Blind Rivets in Sandwich Panels—Experimental Investigation of Static and Quasi-Cyclic Loading
Authors: Studziński Robert , Ciesielczyk Katarzyna
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we present an original experimental investigation on a pull-out test of a blind rivet from the external facing of sandwich panels with various core layer materials (polyisocyanurate foam, mineral wool, and expanded polystyrene). The blind rivets were subjected to an axial and eccentric tensile force introduced as static and quasi-cyclic loading. The statistical sample size was 5. The laboratory results depicted that the core layer of a sandwich panel influenced the load-displacement path of the investigated blind rivet connections, regardless of the nature of the load (static, quasi-cyclic) and the point of the load application (axial, eccentric). It was observed that the blind connection with the polyisocyanurate foam core sandwich panel was characterized by a reduction of both the capacity and the secant stiffness when compared with the blind connection with the mineral wool or the expanded polystyrene core sandwich panels. Moreover, the tested connections demonstrated that the eccentric load gave a higher flexural stiffness than the axial load and that the quasi-cyclic load did not reduce their stiffness and capacity.
Study on HDPE Effect on Rutting Resistance of Binder
Authors: Piromanski Benjamin , Chegenizadeh Amin , Mashaan Nuha , Nikraz Hamid
Published: September 2020

Literature has shown positive results to using waste plastic as an alternative source for PMBs where considerable interest in using waste High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been highlighted on improving rutting resistance. Most importantly, using a waste polymer for an application has benefits (i.e., maintenance, environmental) by improving the durability and quality of our roads and by avoiding polymers from landfill or incineration. This research uses the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test to assess the performance of a binder modified with waste HDPE polymer. The outcomes of this research highlights that a HDPE content of 2–4% shows a substantial increase in rutting resistance and an improvement in elastic recovery. The elastic recovery reported does improve from previous research results however it does underperform in comparison with the Styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) polymer counterpart. Furthermore, it can be indicated by the aging index that a HDPE content of greater than 4% can be detrimental to the aging effects leading to fatigue cracking. It is recommended that a combination of both waste HDPE and an elastomeric polymer such as crumb rubber is to be used in future test work to improve the elastic recovery and address the effects of fatigue cracking.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy
Authors: Kouzy Ramez , Abi Jaoude Joseph , Lin Daniel , Nguyen Nicholas D. , El Alam Molly B. , Ludmir Ethan B. , Taniguchi Cullen M.
Published: September 2020

Pancreatic cancer and its treatment often dramatically impact patients’ quality of life (QoL). Given this, as well as increased focus on QoL measures in clinical oncology, there has been a rise in the number of instruments that measure patient-reported outcomes (PROs). In this review, we describe the landscape of different PRO instruments pertaining to pancreatic cancer, with specific emphasis on PRO findings related to pancreatic cancer patients receiving radiotherapy (RT). Twenty-five of the most commonly utilized PROs are compared in detail. Notably, most of the PRO tools discussed are not specific to pancreatic cancer but are generic and have been used in various malignancies. Published findings concerning PROs in pancreatic cancer involving RT are also extracted and summarized. Among the measures used, the European Organization for Research and Treatment Cancer QLQ-C30 was the most commonly utilized. We recommend a careful selection of PRO measures in clinical pancreatic cancer research and care and encourage the use of a combination of symptom-specific and global QoL tools to more fully capture patients’ perspectives.
Circulating miRNA Increases the Diagnostic Accuracy of Chromogranin A in Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Kövesdi Annamária , Kurucz Petra Anna , Nyírő Gábor , Darvasi Ottó , Patócs Attila , Butz Henriett
Published: September 2020

Chromogranin A (CgA) is the most widely accepted biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors (NET) but its diagnostic accuracy is dependent on tumor type and the use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPI). We investigated the diagnostic value of circulating miRNAs along with CgA in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). 74 serum samples from patients with pNET (n = 25, nonfunctioning), pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL, n = 20), healthy individuals with normal CgA (n = 29) including 10 samples from 5 healthy individuals with and without current PPI treatment were collected. MiRNA expression profiles were determined using next-generation sequencing, followed by validation with individual TaqMan assays. A global downregulation of miRNAs was observed in patients with NET compared to controls. MiRNA expression of 33 miRNAs was able to discriminate tumor samples from controls. No miRNA alone could be considered as an applicable biomarker for pNET or PPGL. However, using a logistic model, the combination of a set of miRNAs increased the discriminatory role of CgA irrespective of PPI treatment. In pNET patients with normal CgA level our regression model yielded high (89.4%) diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.904, sensitivity: 66.6%, specificity: 96.5%). A set of miRNAs increased the diagnostic utility of CgA in pNET even in patients with low CgA.
Carbide-Modified Pd on ZrO2 as Active Phase for CO2-Reforming of Methane—A Model Phase Boundary Approach
Authors: Köpfle Norbert , Ploner Kevin , Lackner Peter , Götsch Thomas , Thurner Christoph , Carbonio Emilia , Hävecker Michael , Knop-Gericke Axel , Schlicker Lukas , Doran Andrew , Kober Delf , Gurlo Aleksander , Willinger Marc , Penner Simon , Schmid Michael , Klötzer Bernhard
Published: September 2020

Starting from subsurface Zr0-doped “inverse” Pd and bulk-intermetallic Pd0Zr0 model catalyst precursors, we investigated the dry reforming reaction of methane (DRM) using synchrotron-based near ambient pressure in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS), in-situ X-ray diffraction and catalytic testing in an ultrahigh-vacuum-compatible recirculating batch reactor cell. Both intermetallic precursors develop a Pd0–ZrO2 phase boundary under realistic DRM conditions, whereby the oxidative segregation of ZrO2 from bulk intermetallic PdxZry leads to a highly active composite layer of carbide-modified Pd0 metal nanoparticles in contact with tetragonal ZrO2. This active state exhibits reaction rates exceeding those of a conventional supported Pd–ZrO2 reference catalyst and its high activity is unambiguously linked to the fast conversion of the highly reactive carbidic/dissolved C-species inside Pd0 toward CO at the Pd/ZrO2 phase boundary, which serves the role of providing efficient CO2 activation sites. In contrast, the near-surface intermetallic precursor decomposes toward ZrO2 islands at the surface of a quasi-infinite Pd0 metal bulk. Strongly delayed Pd carbide accumulation and thus carbon resegregation under reaction conditions leads to a much less active interfacial ZrO2–Pd0 state.
Enhancement of S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methylation by Integrating Methanol Metabolism with 5-Methyl-Tetrahydrofolate Formation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Okano Kenji , Sato Yu , Inoue Shota , Kawakami Shizuka , Kitani Shigeru , Honda Kohsuke
Published: September 2020

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases are important tools for the biocatalytic methylation of diverse biomolecules. Methylation by a whole-cell biocatalyst allows the utilization of intrinsic SAM and its regeneration system, which consists of a cyclic and multi-step enzymatic cascade. However, low intracellular availability of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-methyl-THF), which functions as a methyl group donor, limits SAM regeneration. Here, we integrated methanol metabolism with 5-methyl-THF formation into SAM-dependent methylation system in Escherichia coli, driven by heterologously expressed methanol dehydrogenase (MDH). The coupling of MDH-catalyzed methanol oxidation with the E. coli endogenous reactions enhances the formation of 5-methyl-THF using methanol as a source of methyl group, thereby promoting both the SAM regeneration and methylation reactions. Co-expression of the mutant MDH2 from Cupriavidus necator N-1 with the O-methyltransferase 5 from Streptomyces avermitilis MA-4680 enhanced O-methylation of esculetin 1.4-fold. Additional overexpression of the E. coli endogenous 5,10-methylene-THF reductase, which catalyzes the last step of 5-methyl-THF formation, further enhanced the methylation reaction by 1.9-fold. Together with deregulation of SAM biosynthesis, the titer of methylated compounds was increased about 20-fold (from 0.023 mM to 0.44 mM). The engineered E. coli strain with enhanced 5-methyl-THF formation is now available as a chassis strain for the production of a variety of methylated compounds.
Adjusting Ortho-Cycloalkyl Ring Size in a Cycloheptyl-Fused N,N,N-Iron Catalyst as Means to Control Catalytic Activity and Polyethylene Properties
Authors: Han Mingyang , Zhang Qiuyue , Oleynik Ivan I. , Suo Hongyi , Oleynik Irina V. , Solan Gregory A. , Ma Yanping , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: September 2020

Five examples of bis(arylimino)tetrahydrocyclohepta[b]pyridine dichloroiron(II) complex, [2-{(Ar)N=CMe}-9-{N(Ar)}C10H10N]FeCl2 (Ar = 2-(C5H9)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe1, 2-(C6H11)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe2, 2-(C8H15)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe3, 2-(C12H23)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe4, and 2,6-(C5H9)2-4-(CHPh2)C6H2Fe5), incorporating ortho-pairings based on either benzhydryl/cycloalkyl (ring sizes ranging from 5 to 12) or cyclopentyl/cyclopentyl groups, have been prepared in reasonable yield by employing a simple one-pot template strategy. Each complex was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and for Fe3 and Fe5 by single crystal X-ray diffraction; pseudo-square pyramidal geometries are a feature of their coordination spheres. On treatment of Fe1–Fe5 with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) or methylaluminoxane (MAO), a range in catalytic activities for ethylene polymerization were observed with benzhydryl/cyclopentyl-containing Fe1/MMAO achieving the maximum level of 15.3 × 106 g PE mol−1 (Fe) h−1 at an operating temperature of 70 °C. As a key trend, the activity was found to drop as the ortho-cycloalkyl ring size increased: Fe1C5H9/CHPh2~Fe5C5H9/C5H9 > Fe2C6H11/CHPh2 > Fe3C8H15/CHPh2 > Fe4C12H23/CHPh2. Furthermore, strictly linear polyethylenes (Tm > 126 °C) were formed with molecular weights again dependent on the ortho-cycloalkyl ring size (up to 55.6 kg mol−1 for Fe1/MAO); narrow dispersities were a characteristic of all the polymers (Mw/Mn range: 2.3–4.7), highlighting the well-controlled nature of these polymerizations.
Influence of the ZrO2 Crystalline Phases on the Nature of Active Sites in PdCu/ZrO2 Catalysts for the Methanol Steam Reforming Reaction—An In Situ Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Ruano Daniel , Pabón Beatriz M. , Azenha Càtia , Mateos-Pedrero Cecilia , Mendes Adélio , Pérez-Dieste Virginia , Concepción Patricia
Published: September 2020

In this work, the electronic properties of the metal sites in cubic and monoclinic ZrO2 supported Pd and PdCu catalysts have been investigated using CO as probe molecule in in-situ IR studies, and the surface composition of the outermost layers has been studied by APXPS (Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy). The reaction products were followed by mass spectrometry, making it possible to relate the chemical properties of the catalysts under reaction conditions with their selectivity. Combining these techniques, it has been shown that the structure of the support (monoclinic or cubic ZrO2) affects the metal dispersion, mobility, and reorganization of metal sites under methanol steam reforming (MSR) conditions, influencing the oxidation state of surface metal species, with important consequences in the catalytic activity. Correlating the mass spectra of the reaction products with these spectroscopic studies, it was possible to conclude that electropositive metal species play an imperative role for high CO2 and H2 selectivity in the MSR reaction (less CO formation).