bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERCC1 19007 Polymorphism in Greek Patients with Advanced Urothelial Cancer Treated with Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: Effect of the Changing Treatment Paradigm: A Cohort Study by the Hellenic GU Cancer Group
Authors: Bamias Aristotelis , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Gavalas Nikos , Zakopoulou Roubini , Tzannis Kimon , Dedes Nikos , Boulouta Anna , Fragkoulis Charalampos , Kostouros Eythymios , Dellis Athanasios , Mitsogiannis Iraklis , Adamakis Ioannis , Anastasiou Ioannis , Skolarikos Andreas , Papatsoris Athanasios , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Ferakis Nikolaos , Pagoni Stamatina , Ntoumas Konstantinos , Mitropoulos Dionysios , Deliveliotis Charalambos , Constantinides Constantinos A. , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: November 2021

We previously showed that ERCC1 19007 C>T polymorphism was associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) after platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer (aUC). We aimed to confirm this association in a different cohort of patients. Genotyping of the 19007C>T polymorphism was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 98 aUC patients, treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Median age of the patients was 68.8, 13.3% of them were female, 90.8% had ECOG PS of 0 or 1, and 48% received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. In addition to chemotherapy, 32.7% of the patients received immunotherapy, and 19.4% vinflunine. Eighty-one patients (82.7%) were carriers of the 19007T polymorphic allele: 46 (46.9%) were heterozygotes, and 35 (35.7%) were homozygotes. The ERCC1 polymorphism was not associated with CSS, progression-free (PFS), or overall (OS) survival in the total population. Nevertheless, there was a significant interaction between the prognostic significance of ERCC1 polymorphism and the use of modern immunotherapy: the T allele was associated with worse outcome in patients who received chemotherapy only, while this association was lost in patients who received both chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our study suggests that novel therapies may influence the significance of ERCC1 polymorphism in patients with aUC. Its determination may be useful in the changing treatment landscape of the disease.
A Case of Atypical Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Han Yujin , Lee Se-Hoon , Cho Minah , Cho Sang-Hyun , Lee Jeong-Deuk , Woo Yu-Ri , Kim Hei-Sung
Published: November 2021

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare complex vascular syndrome with limb hypertrophy. KTS is diagnosed if at least two of the three features of capillary malformation, venous malformation, and soft tissue and/or bone overgrowth are present. Of these, capillary malformation (i.e., port-wine stain) is the most commonly observed feature but may be absent in atypical KTS. We herein report a case of atypical KTS with venous malformation and unilateral soft tissue hypertrophy.
On the Zero-Neutron Density in Stochastic Nuclear Dynamics
Authors: Vadillo Fernando
Published: November 2021

In this short paper, we compare the deterministic model for the nuclear reactor dynamic (Hetrick, 1993) with the stochastic model (Kinard and Allen, 2004). Our numerical results show coincidences between the deterministic model and the mean of the stochastic paths, although, as already observed by other authors, there is alarge amount of dispersion between the individual paths. Notably, we always observe that the neutron density approaches zero within a short time. In this paper, we investigate this question; more concretely, we study the mean-extinction of the neutron density. The technique used here first builds the backward Kolmogorov differential equation and then solves it numerically using the finite-element method with FreeFem++. Our results confirm that in a very short time the neutrons disappear although later they recover probably due to the external source.
Outage Performance Analysis of NOMA in Wireless Powered Cognitive Radio Networks with AF and DF Relaying Techniques
Authors: Wang Hui , Dong Jian , Tang Kun , Shi Heyuan
Published: November 2021

Improving spectral efficiency under a certain energy limitation is an important design metric for future wireless communications as a response to the growing transmission demand of wireless devices. In order to improve spectral efficiency for communication systems without increasing energy consumption, this paper considers a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)–based cognitive radio network, with the assistance of a wireless-powered relay station (RS), and then analyzes the system outage performance under amplified-and-forward (AF) and decoded-and-forward (DF) cooperative transmission modes. Specifically, the base station (BS) has the opportunity to cooperate by transmitting information through the RS, depending on whether the RS can harvest sufficient RF energy for cooperative transmission. That is to say, when the energy stored by the RS is sufficient for cooperative transmission, the RS will assist the BS to forward information; otherwise, the BS will send information through direct links, while the RS converts the radio frequency (RF) signals sent by the BS into energy for future transmission. Moreover, the transmission power required by the RS for cooperative transmission is usually relatively large, while the amount of harvested energy by the RS in a transmission slot is usually low, so it takes several consecutive time slots to accumulate enough transmission energy. To this end, we utilize a discrete-time Markov chain to describe the processes of charging and discharging of the RS. Subsequently, we derive the closed-form outage probabilities of both the primary and secondary systems for the considered system in AF and DF modes through mathematical analysis, and verify the accuracy of the analyses through Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation results show that the two proposed cooperative transmission schemes with AF and DF relaying techniques outperform both direct transmission and other similar schemes in both the primary and secondary system, while the DF scheme can provide better performance than the AF scheme within the range of setting values.
Integrating Vehicle Positioning and Path Tracking Practices for an Autonomous Vehicle Prototype in Campus Environment
Authors: Yang Jui-An , Kuo Chung-Hsien
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the implementation of an autonomous electric vehicle (EV) project in the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) campus in Taiwan. The aim of this work was to integrate two important practices of realizing an autonomous vehicle in a campus environment, including vehicle positioning and path tracking. Such a project is helpful to the students to learn and practice key technologies of autonomous vehicles conveniently. Therefore, a laboratory-made EV was equipped with real-time kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) to provide centimeter position accuracy. Furthermore, the model predictive control (MPC) was proposed to perform the path tracking capability. Nevertheless, the RTK-GPS exhibited some robust positioning concerns in practical application, such as a low update rate, signal obstruction, signal drift, and network instability. To solve this problem, a multisensory fusion approach using an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) was utilized to improve the vehicle positioning performance by further considering an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and wheel odometry. On the other hand, the model predictive control (MPC) is usually used to control autonomous EVs. However, the determination of MPC parameters is a challenging task. Hence, reinforcement learning (RL) was utilized to generalize the pre-trained datum value for the determination of MPC parameters in practice. To evaluate the performance of the RL-based MPC, software simulations using MATLAB and a laboratory-made, full-scale electric vehicle were arranged for experiments and validation. In a 199.27 m campus loop path, the estimated travel distance error was 0.82% in terms of UKF. The MPC parameters generated by RL also achieved a better tracking performance with 0.227 m RMSE in path tracking experiments, and they also achieved a better tracking performance when compared to that of human-tuned MPC parameters.
Localization of Disconnection Faults in PV Installations Using the Multiple Frequencies Injection Method
Authors: Ko Jae-Sub , Kim Dae-Kyong
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a method to detect disconnection faults and their exact location in PV systems. The proposed method injects multiple frequencies into a PV system with a transmitter and detects the injected signal using a receiver. The signal detected by the receiver exhibits different frequency characteristics on a disconnection failure. Based on this characteristic, a disconnection failure can be detected. In addition, by detecting the frequency radiated through the disconnection point, the exact disconnection point can be detected.
CFD Simulation of Syngas Combustion in a Two-Pass Oxygen Transport Membrane Reactor for Fire Tube Boiler Application
Authors: Zhao Te , Chen Chusheng , Ye Hong
Published: November 2021

The oxygen transport membrane reactor technology enables the stable combustion of syngas and reduction in NOx emission. Applying the syngas combustion membrane reactor to fire tube boiler can integrate oxygen separation, syngas combustion, and steam generation in a single apparatus. In this study, a CFD model for oxygen permeation and syngas combustion in a two-pass LSCoF-6428 tubular membrane reactor for fire tube boiler application was developed to study the effects of the inlet temperature, the sweep gas flow rate, and the syngas composition on the reactor performance. It is shown that the inlet temperature has a strong effect on the reactor performance. Increasing the inlet temperature can efficiently and significantly improve the oxygen permeability and the heat production capacity. A 34-times increase of oxygen permeation rate and a doubled thermal power output can be obtained when increasing the inlet temperature from 1073 to 1273 K. The membrane temperature, the oxygen permeation rate, and the thermal power output of the reactor all increase with the increase of sweep gas flow rate or H2/CO mass ratio in syngas. The feasibility of the syngas combustion membrane reactor for fire tube boiler application was elucidated.
Demonstration of a Novel Alternating Current Hybrid Concept for a Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid Electric Aircraft
Authors: Ghosh Debjani , Willich Caroline , Bauer Christiane , Kallo Josef
Published: November 2021

Hybrid electric aircraft offer the potential to decrease emissions from air travel. A new hybrid concept is proposed for a fuel cell-battery hybrid aircraft. In contrast to existing hybrids, the proposed concept puts a battery directly on the AC phases of the motor, which together with a suitable switching circuit superimposes the DC voltage from the battery on the AC voltage of the motor phase providing a voltage boost depending on the battery voltage, which can be used during a high-power demand flight phase. The system is also capable of recharging the battery during flight. The necessary switching architecture was developed and modeled in MATLAB/Simulink to verify the concept and an experimental setup was built for demonstrating the functionality. Simulation and experimental results showed a very good agreement which is very promising for the proposed new hybrid topology.
Effects of Structural Substituents on the Electrochemical Decomposition of Carbonyl Derivatives and Formation of the Solid–Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Beheshti S. Hamidreza , Javanbakht Mehran , Omidvar Hamid , Behi Hamidreza , Zhu Xinhua , Mamme Mesfin Haile , Hubin Annick , Van Mierlo Joeri , Berecibar Maitane
Published: November 2021

The solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), the passivation layer formed on anode particles during the initial cycles, affects the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in terms of capacity, power output, and cycle life. SEI features are dependent on the electrolyte content, as this complex layer originates from electrolyte decomposition products. Despite a variety of studies devoted to understanding SEI formation, the complexity of this process has caused uncertainty in its chemistry. In order to clarify the role of the substituted functional groups of the SEI-forming compounds in their efficiency and the features of the resulting interphase, the performance of six different carbonyl-based molecules has been investigated by computational modeling and electrochemical experiments with a comparative approach. The performance of the electrolytes and stability of the generated SEI are evaluated in both half-cell and full-cell configurations. Added to the room-temperature studies, the cyclability of the NMC/graphite cells is assessed at elevated temperatures as an intensified aging condition. The results show that structural adjustments within the SEI-forming molecule can ameliorate the cyclability of the electrolyte, leading to a higher capacity retention of the LIB cell, where cinnamoyl chloride is introduced as a novel and more sustainable SEI forming agent with the potential of improving the LIB capacity retention.
Numerical Studies of the Dynamics of the Roadheader Equipped with an Automatic Control System during Cutting of Rocks with Different Mechanical Properties
Authors: Cheluszka Piotr
Published: November 2021

The process of cutting rocks with a boom-type roadheader results in extreme dynamic loads and vibrations. Mining, especially in the case of hard rocks, is associated with large energy consumption, which, when combined with low process efficiency, can lead to low drilling performance. These phenomena are undesirable because excessive dynamic load leads to low machine durability, as well as deterioration of work conditions and safety. Low mining efficiency affects the economics of mining works conducted using roadheaders. However, these adverse effects can be minimized by optimizing the cutting process, thanks to the automatic control of the roadheader. The present article discusses the concept of automatic control of a boom-type roadheader’s cutting heads movement. Based on previously conducted computer investigations, it was assumed that reducing the energy consumption of the cutting process and improving the dynamic state of the roadheader (objective functions) are possible only by controlling three of the four parameters characterizing the cutting process: angular speed of the cutting heads, boom swinging speed, and cut height. The web of cut and workability of the rock can be treated as variables of a stochastic nature. This paper presents selected results of computer tests during simulated cutting of rocks with different uniaxial compressive strengths (UCS) in automatic and manual mode. In addition, the tests studied the behavior of the roadheader during the cutting of rocks with variable workability, which is typical of drilling excavations in a layered rock mass. The results of simulated cutting in automatic and manual mode were compared to assess the effectiveness of the adopted automatic control strategy. It was found that the algorithm developed for automatic control of the cutting heads’ movement allows reducing the consumption of cutting energy by up to half compared to the consumption during cutting in manual mode. Furthermore, it was found to improve the dynamic state of the machine.
Evaluation on Coupling of Wall Boiling and Population Balance Models for Vertical Gas-Liquid Subcooled Boiling Flow of First Loop of Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Hu Guang , Ma Yue , Liu Qianfeng
Published: November 2021

An accurate prediction of the interphase behaviors of the vertical gas-liquid subcooled boiling flow is meaningful for the first loop of a nuclear power plant (NPP). Therefore, the interphase behaviors including the bubble size distribution in the first loop of the NPP are analyzed, evaluated, and validated using various wall boiling models coupled with the population balance model (PBM) kernels in this paper. Firstly, nondimensional numbers of the first loop of the NPP and DEBORA (Development of Borehole Seals for High-Level Radioactive Waste) experiment test cases are analyzed with approximation. Secondly, five active nucleation site density models Nn coupled with the PBM kernel combination, four kernel combinations (C1~C4) with the Nn models are calculated and analyzed. Lastly, various behaviors including the bubble size distribution Sauter mean diameter (SMD) dp, void fraction α, gas superficial velocity jg, and liquid superficial velocity jl are compared and validated with the experimental data of the DEBORA-1 (P = 2.62 MPa). The results indicate that the two Nn models are suitable for the calculations of thefirst loop of the nuclear power plant. For instance, for the bubble size distribution SMD dp, the specified Nn model with C1 (maximum relative error 9.63%) has relatively better behaviors for the first loop of the NPP. Especially, the combination C1 is applicable for the calculation of the bubble size distribution dp, void fraction α and liquid superficial velocity jl while C4 is suitable for the calculation of the gas superficial velocity jg. These results can provide guidance for the numerical computation of the subcooled boiling flow in the first loop of the NPP.
A Comprehensive Numerical Analysis of the Scavenging Process in a Uniflow Two-Stroke Diesel Engine for General Aviation
Authors: Faruoli Maria , Coclite Alessandro , Viggiano Annarita , Caso Paolo , Magi Vinicio
Published: November 2021

The scavenging process of two-stroke engines plays a fundamental role in cylinder flow patterns and in the overall engine performance. In this work, 3D CFD simulations of the scavenging in a uniflow, two-stroke, compression ignition engine for general aviation, named GF56, have been performed by using a 3D finite-volume FANS equations solver with k-ϵ closure. The GF56 engine consists of six cylinders, separated into two quasi-symmetric banks. Both the right and the left banks, together with the corresponding cylinders, are carefully analyzed. Charging and trapping efficiencies are computed as a function of the delivery ratio for different mass flow rates entering into the plenum, and the influence of the exhaust pressure and of the cylinder’s location in the bank are analyzed. The results show that the fresh air trapped during the scavenging process is quite similar for each cylinder of the right bank and it is about 92% of the in-cylinder mass. The cylinder’s location in the bank by itself slightly affects the scavenging performance, whereas the pressure profile at the outlet section has a major role. The design of the intake ports is fundamental for establishing the in-cylinder flow field and a new ports configuration is proposed to enhance the swirl ratio and, consequently, the scavenging performance with high delivery ratios.
Effect of Semiconductor Parasitic Capacitances on Ground Leakage Current in Three-Phase Current Source Inverters
Authors: Migliazza Giovanni , Carfagna Emilio , Buticchi Giampaolo , Immovilli Fabio , Lorenzani Emilio
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the influence of power semiconductor parasitic components on the ground leakage current in the three-phase Current Source Inverter topology, in the literature called H7 or CSI7. This topology allows reducing converter conduction losses with respect to the classic CSI, but at the same time makes the topology more susceptible to the parasitic capacitances of the semiconductors devices. In the present work, a grid-connected converter for photovoltaic power systems is considered as a case study, to investigate the equivalent circuit for ground leakage current. The same analysis can be extended to applications regarding electric drives, since the HF model of electric machines is characterized by stray capacitance between windings and the stator slots/motor frame. Simulation results proved the correctness of the proposed simplified common-mode circuit and highlighted the need of an additional common-mode inductor filter in case of resonance frequencies of the common-mode circuit close to harmonics of the power converter switching frequency. Experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Multi-Level Cooperative Scheduling Based on Robust Optimization Considering Flexibilities and Uncertainties of ADN and MG
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Chen Zhong , Zhao Qi , Du Puliang
Published: November 2021

This paper develops the coordination structure and method for utilizing flexibilities in a Micro-Grid (MG), an Active Distribution Network (ADN) and a Transmission Grid (TG), which can play an essential role in addressing the uncertainties caused by renewable energy power generation (REPG). For cooperative dispatching, both flexibilities and uncertainties on the interface of MG–ADN and ADN–TG are portrayed in unified forms utilizing robust optimization (RO), based on the modified equipment-level model of flexible resources. The Constraint-and-Column Generation method is adopted to solve the RO control problems. Simulations on the modified IEEE case-6 and case-33 systems are carried out. The results suggest that the proposed algorithm can exploit flexible resources in both an MG and an ADN, improving the economy and promoting REPG consumption within each level (MG, ADN and TG) while reducing uncertainties and providing flexibilities for superior operators.
Stacking Ensemble Methodology Using Deep Learning and ARIMA Models for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Bento Pedro M. R. , Pombo Jose A. N. , Calado Maria R. A. , Mariano Silvio J. P. S.
Published: November 2021

Short-Term Load Forecasting is critical for reliable power system operation, and the search for enhanced methodologies has been a constant field of investigation, particularly in an increasingly competitive environment where the market operator and its participants need to better inform their decisions. Hence, it is important to continue advancing in terms of forecasting accuracy and consistency. This paper presents a new deep learning-based ensemble methodology for 24 h ahead load forecasting, where an automatic framework is proposed to select the best Box-Jenkins models (ARIMA Forecasters), from a wide-range of combinations. The method is distinct in its parameters but more importantly in considering different batches of historical (training) data, thus benefiting from prediction models focused on recent and longer load trends. Afterwards, these accurate predictions, mainly the linear components of the load time-series, are fed to the ensemble Deep Forward Neural Network. This flexible type of network architecture not only functions as a combiner but also receives additional historical and auxiliary data to further its generalization capabilities. Numerical testing using New England market data validated the proposed ensemble approach with diverse base forecasters, achieving promising results in comparison with other state-of-the-art methods.
Co-Gasification Characteristics of Coal and Biomass Using CO2 Reactant under Thermodynamic Equilibrium Modelling
Authors: Shahabuddin M. , Bhattacharya Sankar
Published: November 2021

This study assessed the entrained flow co-gasification characteristics of coal and biomass using thermodynamic equilibrium modelling. The model was validated against entrained flow gasifier data published in the literature. The gasification performance was evaluated under different operating conditions, such as equivalence ratio, temperature, pressure and coal to biomass ratio. It is observed that the lower heating value (LHV) and cold gas efficiency (CGE) increase with increasing temperature until the process reaches a steady state. The effect of pressure on syngas composition is dominant only at non-steady state conditions (<1100 °C). The variation in syngas composition is minor up to the blending of 50% biomass (PB50). However, the PB50 shows a higher LHV and CGE than pure coal by 12%and 18%, respectively. Overall, biomass blending of up to 50% favours gasification performance with an LHV of 12 MJ/kg and a CGE of 78%.
The Prospect of Combining a Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter with a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Skene David M. , Sergiienko Nataliia , Ding Boyin , Cazzolato Benjamin
Published: November 2021

With recent advances in offshore floating wind and wave energy technology, questions have emerged as to whether the two technologies can be combined to reduce their overall levelised cost of energy. In this paper, the potential for combining a floating offshore wind turbine to a point absorbing wave energy converter is investigated. The focus of the investigation is how much power might be produced by a combined floating wind and wave energy converter system, and the resultant changes in motion of the floating wind platform. A model for the combined wave and wind system is developed which uses the standardised NREL OC3 5 MW spar type wind turbine and a cylindrical buoyant actuator (BA), which is attached to the spar via a generic wave power take-off system (modelled as a spring-damper system). Modelling is conducted in the frequency domain and the tests span a wide range of parameters, such as wave conditions, BA sizes, and power take-off coupling arrangements. It is found that the optimal (with respect to power production) BA size is a draft and radius of approximately 14 m. It is found that this BA can theoretically produce power in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 MW for waves with a significant wave height of 2 m, and has the potential to produce power greater or near to 1 MW for waves with a significant wave height of at least 3 m. However, it is also found that, in terms of the relative capture width, significantly smaller BAs are optimal, and that these smaller BA sizes less significantly alter the motion of the floating wind platform.
Experimental Investigation of the Ash Deposition Characteristics of Biomass Pretreated by Ash Removal during Co-Combustion with Sub-Bituminous Coal
Authors: Lee Dae-Gyun , Ku Min-Jong , Kim Kyeong-Ho , Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Seung-Mo , Jeon Chung-Hwan
Published: November 2021

Although replacing biomass, (e.g., wood chips and pellets), with thinning wood and herbaceous biomass is eco-friendly and economically advantageous, their direct utilization in plant boilers is associated with ash-related challenges, including slagging and fouling. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of ash removal treatment (ashless biomass (ALB)) in the context of solid fuel power plant boilers. Ash was removed via neutralization of metal ions and carboxylic acids contained in the biomass ash. The ash removal rate of K, Na, Cl was indicated by assessing the total biomass before and after ash removal treatment, via XRF analysis. Co-combustion with sub-bituminous coal and ALB-treated biomass was analyzed using a drop tube furnace and revealed that NOx and SOx values converged converge toward an approximate 10 ppm error, whereas the Unburned Carbon (UBC) data did not exhibit a specific trend. Factors associated with slagging and fouling, (capture efficiency (CE), and energy based growth rate (GRE)) were calculated. All biomass samples without pretreatment exhibited V-shaped variation. Conversely, for ashless biomass (ALB) samples, CE and GRE gradually decreased. Thus, the ALB technique may minimize slagging and fouling in a boiler, thus, reducing internal corrosion associated with ash deposition and enhancing the economic operation of boilers.
Gas-Solid Flow in a Fluidized-Particle Tubular Solar Receiver: Off-Sun Experimental Flow Regimes Characterization
Authors: Gueguen Ronny , Sahuquet Guillaume , Mer Samuel , Toutant Adrien , Bataille Françoise , Flamant Gilles
Published: November 2021

The fluidized particle-in-tube solar receiver concept is promoted as an attractive solution for heating particles at high temperature in the context of the next generation of solar power tower. Similar to most existing central solar receivers, the irradiated part of the system, the absorber, is composed of tubes in which circulate the fluidized particles. In this concept, the bottom tip of the tubes is immersed in a fluidized bed generated in a vessel named the dispenser. A secondary air injection, called aeration, is added at the bottom of the tube to stabilize the flow. Contrary to risers, the particle mass flow rate is controlled by a combination of the overpressure in the dispenser and the aeration air velocity in the tube. This is an originality of the system that justifies a specific study of the fluidization regimes in a wide range of operating parameters. Moreover, due to the high value of the aspect ratio, the particle flow structure varies along the tube. Experiments were conducted with Geldart Group A particles at ambient temperature with a 0.045 m internal diameter and 3 m long tube. Various temporal pressure signal processing methods, applied in the case of classical risers, are applied. Over a short acquisition time, a cross-reference of the results is necessary to identify and characterize the fluidization regimes. Bubbling, slugging, turbulent and fast fluidization regimes are encountered and the two operation modes, without and with particle circulation, are compared.
Ferdinand II of Aragon (1479–1516)
Authors: Serrano-Coll Marta
Published: November 2021

Ferdinand II king of Aragon (1479–1516). He was the fourth king of the Trastámara dynasty, which had first come to power after the Compromise of Caspe, reached after Martin I died with no living descendants in 1410. Although in terms of artistic patronage Ferdinand II was not as active as his wife Elisabeth I, he was still aware that the wise use of artistic commissions in reinforcing ideas and concepts favourable to the institution of the monarchy. He is a highly important figure in the history of Spain because, along with Elisabeth, he was one of the Catholic Monarchs and thus represents a new conception of power based on their joint governance, a fact that is reflected in the iconography found in his artistic commissions across all genres. All of the images are evidence of how King Ferdinand, at the end of the Middle Ages, wanted to be recognised by his subjects, who also used his image for legitimising and propagandistic purposes. Nobody else in the history of the Hispanic kingdoms had their image represented so many times and on such diverse occasions as did the Catholic Monarchs.
Human Body Specific Absorption Rate Reduction Employing a Compact Magneto-Dielectric AMC Structure for 5G Massive-MIMO Applications
Authors: Karimian Reza , Ardakani Mansoor Dashti , Ahmadi Shahrokh , Zaghloul Mona
Published: November 2021

A compact artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure for the application of specific absorption rate (SAR) reduction is presented in this paper. A magneto-dielectric (MD) structure as a host of AMC substrate is used to miniaturize the AMC size. The magneto-dielectric has been designed with a low-profile spiral loop in a way to have a high permittivity and permeability for the desired center frequency of 3.5 GHz. Simulation results confirm the zero-degree reflection phase of the proposed AMC unit cell. Moreover, a 70% reduction has been achieved in comparison to the conventional AMC. To validate the simulation results, a prototype of the board is fabricated and measured with a coplanar waveguide (CPW) antenna for the reflection coefficient. The measurement results display an excellent agreement with the simulation ones. A VOXEL model of a human body is utilized to determine the SAR value of the proposed structure. Considering the maximum SAR value for an average of 10 g human tissue, more than 70% SAR reduction is verified for the CPW antenna with the recommended MD-AMC structure compared to a conventional single CPW antenna.
Mural Art Conservation Data Recording (SCIMA): The Graart Project
Authors: Rivaroli Laura , Moretti Paola , Caricchio Antonio , Macchia Andrea
Published: November 2021

Urban art in Italy is experiencing a remarkable evolution that has quickly modified urban spaces, especially in suburban areas. More and more often, we are witnessing the birth of works of art that have been commissioned by festivals, or institutional projects next to spontaneous street artworks. These large projects, often defined as “urban renewal”, when carried out through a well-thought-out design, can become real open-air museums. The proliferation of these creative and legal projects has raised the question of whether street art should be preserved over time. The conservation, or even restoration, of urban art has recently become a controversial topic in scientific debate. In Italy, different associations of researchers are developing new methodologies for preserving street artworks; everyone agrees on the importance of the implementation of good conservation practices. The documentation of the existing condition of a work of art is the first step to start taking care of it. In this article we introduce SCIMA (Scheda Conservativa Informatizzata Mural Art), a digitizing conservation data report that is specific for mural art. The aim of SCIMA was to define the existing condition of the work of art, starting with the socio-cultural and artistic importance, to describe its environment, to define the materials used and its deterioration problems, to suggest conservative interventions. It was born as an analogical tool (sheet) but we are working on digitizing it (database) in order to maintain access to the data recorded for the future.
Pathogenic Fungi Associated with Soursop Fruits (Annona muricata L.) during Postharvest in Nayarit, Mexico
Authors: González-Ruíz Alejandra Verónica , Palomino-Hermosillo Yolotzin Apatzingan , Balois-Morales Rosendo , Ochoa-Jiménez Verónica Alhelí , Casas-Junco Paloma Patricia , López-Guzmán Graciela Guadalupe , Berumen-Varela Guillermo , Bautista-Rosales Pedro Ulises
Published: November 2021

Nayarit ranks first in national soursop production (Annona muricata L.). However, the soursop fruits are perishable and susceptible to microorganisms attack, reaching up to 60% of the postharvest losses. Due to the previously mentioned points, the objective of the present study was to isolate, identify, and determine the pathogenicity of fungi related to postharvest diseases in soursop fruits in the main producing areas of Nayarit, Mexico. Several fungi belonging to the genera Fusarium sp., Rhizopus, Lasiodiplodia, Gliocladium, and Colletotrichum were isolated and morphologically identified. Further, bioinformatics sequence analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of the rDNA identified that most pathogen species were Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, and Nectria haematococca, which cause postharvest diseases in soursop fruit, affecting their quality. Lasiodiplodia causes the highest postharvest damage in soursop among the pathogenic species identified.
Control of Penicillium expansum by an Epiphytic Basidiomycetous Yeast
Authors: Sanzani Simona Marianna , Sgaramella Michele , Mosca Saveria , Solfrizzo Michele , Ippolito Antonio
Published: November 2021

Postharvest biocontrol agents are considered a viable alternative to the use of synthetic chemicals as demonstrated by extensive research conducted by scientists and companies worldwide. In the present investigation, the biocontrol potential of a carotenoid-producing basidiomycetous yeast isolated from table grape flowers was analyzed. The strain RY1 proved to be Sporobolomyces roseus. In vitro and in vivo tests were conducted to assess its efficacy against Penicillium expansum, one of the most important postharvest pathogens and producer of the mycotoxin patulin. The yeast proved to control both fungal growth and patulin production, and, in addition, to greatly affect disease incidence and severity on apples. Its mode of action is presumably related both to the competition for nutrients and the production of antifungal volatiles. As such, although further large-scale trials are needed, our S. roseus strain represents a potential interesting biocontrol agent to be applied after harvest.
The First De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and Transcriptomic Dynamics of the Mangrove Tree Rhizophora stylosa Griff. (Rhizophoraceae)
Authors: Miryeganeh Matin , Saze Hidetoshi
Published: November 2021

Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant species that grow in coastal saline water and are adapted to harsh environmental conditions. In this study, we de novo assembled and functionally annotated the transcriptome of Rhizophora stylosa, the widely distributed mangrove from the largest mangrove family (Rhizophoraceae). The final transcriptome consists of 200,491 unigenes with an average length, and N50 of 912.7 and 1334 base pair, respectively. We then compared the genome-wide expression profiles between the two morphologically distinct natural populations of this species growing under different levels of salinity depending on their distance from the ocean. Among the 200,491 unigenes, 40,253 were identified as differentially expressed between the two populations, while 15,741 and 24,512 were up- and down-regulated, respectively. Functional annotation assigned thousands of upregulated genes in saline environment to the categories related to abiotic stresses such as response to salt-, osmotic-, and oxidative-stress. Validation of those genes may contribute to a better understanding of adaptation in mangroves species. This study reported, for the first time, the transcriptome of R. stylosa, and the dynamic of it in response to salt stress and provided a valuable resource for elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying the salt stress response in mangroves and other plants that live under stress.
The Gastroprotective Effect of Naringenin against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Mice through Inhibiting Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Li Wei-Sung , Lin Shih-Chao , Chu Chien-Hui , Chang Yu-Kang , Zhang Xiang , Lin Chi-Chien , Tung Yu-Tang
Published: November 2021

Naringenin is a major flavanone found in grapes, tangelos, blood oranges, lemons, pummelo, and tangerines. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimutagenic, antifibrogenic, and antiatherogenic pharmacological properties. This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of naringenin in ethanol-induced gastric damage in vivo and ethanol-stimulated KATO III cells in vitro. Our results showed that pretreatment with naringenin significantly protected mice from ethanol-induced hemorrhagic damage, epithelial cell loss, and edema with leucocytes. It reduced gastric ulcers (GU) by suppressing ethanol-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity and decreasing the levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). In addition, pretreatment with naringenin might inhibit the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, as well as the proteins cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) via the suppression of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in ethanol-stimulated stomach epithelial KATO III cells. Together, the results of this study highlight the gastroprotective effect of naringenin in GU of mice by inhibiting gastric secretion and acidity, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, suppressing NF-κB activity, and restoring the histological architecture. These findings suggested that naringenin has therapeutic potential in the alleviation of ethanol-induced GU.
Structural Analysis of the Ancestral Haloalkane Dehalogenase AncLinB-DmbA
Authors: Mazur Andrii , Grinkevich Pavel , Chaloupkova Radka , Havlickova Petra , Kascakova Barbora , Kuty Michal , Damborsky Jiri , Kuta Smatanova Ivana , Prudnikova Tatyana
Published: November 2021

Haloalkane dehalogenases (EC 3.8.1.5) play an important role in hydrolytic degradation of halogenated compounds, resulting in a halide ion, a proton, and an alcohol. They are used in biocatalysis, bioremediation, and biosensing of environmental pollutants and also for molecular tagging in cell biology. The method of ancestral sequence reconstruction leads to prediction of sequences of ancestral enzymes allowing their experimental characterization. Based on the sequences of modern haloalkane dehalogenases from the subfamily II, the most common ancestor of thoroughly characterized enzymes LinB from Sphingobium japonicum UT26 and DmbA from Mycobacterium bovis 5033/66 was in silico predicted, recombinantly produced and structurally characterized. The ancestral enzyme AncLinB-DmbA was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapor-diffusion method, yielding rod-like crystals that diffracted X-rays to 1.5 Å resolution. Structural comparison of AncLinB-DmbA with their closely related descendants LinB and DmbA revealed some differences in overall structure and tunnel architecture. Newly prepared AncLinB-DmbA has the highest active site cavity volume and the biggest entrance radius on the main tunnel in comparison to descendant enzymes. Ancestral sequence reconstruction is a powerful technique to study molecular evolution and design robust proteins for enzyme technologies.
Comparative Neuropharmacology and Pharmacokinetics of Methamphetamine and Its Thiophene Analog Methiopropamine in Rodents
Authors: Tuv Silja Skogstad , Bergh Marianne Skov-Skov , Andersen Jannike Mørch , Steinsland Synne , Vindenes Vigdis , Baumann Michael H. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Bogen Inger Lise
Published: November 2021

Methiopropamine is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) that is associated with several cases of clinical toxicity, yet little information is available regarding its neuropharmacological properties. Here, we employed in vitro and in vivo methods to compare the pharmacokinetics and neurobiological effects of methiopropamine and its structural analog methamphetamine. Methiopropamine was rapidly distributed to the blood and brain after injection in C57BL/6 mice, with a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that of methamphetamine. Methiopropamine induced psychomotor activity, but higher doses were needed (Emax 12.5 mg/kg; i.p.) compared to methamphetamine (Emax 3.75 mg/kg; i.p.). A steep increase in locomotor activity was seen after a modest increase in the methiopropamine dose from 10 to 12.5 mg/kg, suggesting that a small increase in dosage may engender unexpectedly strong effects and heighten the risk of unintended overdose in NPS users. In vitro studies revealed that methiopropamine mediates its effects through inhibition of norepinephrine and dopamine uptake into presynaptic nerve terminals (IC50 = 0.47 and 0.74 µM, respectively), while the plasmalemmal serotonin uptake and vesicular uptake are affected only at high concentrations (IC50 > 25 µM). In summary, methiopropamine closely resembles methamphetamine with regard to its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic effects and mechanism of action, with a potency that is approximately five times lower than that of methamphetamine.
Description of Release Process of Doxorubicin from Modified Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Chudoba Dorota , Jażdżewska Monika , Łudzik Katarzyna , Wołoszczuk Sebastian , Juszyńska-Gałązka Ewa , Kościński Mikołaj
Published: November 2021

The article discusses the release process of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) from multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The studies described a probable mechanism of release and actions between the surface of functionalized MWCNTs and anticancer drugs. The surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been modified via treatment in nitric acid to optimize the adsorption and release process. The modification efficiency and physicochemical properties of the MWCNTs+DOX system were analyzed by using SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy and UV-Vis methods. Based on computer simulations at pH 7.4 and the experiment at pH 5.4, the kinetics and the mechanism of DOX release from MWNT were discussed. It has been experimentally observed that the acidic pH (5.4) is appropriate for the efficient release of the drug from CNTs. It was noted that under acidic pH conditions, which is typical for the tumour microenvironment almost 90% of the drug was released in a relatively short time. The kinetics models based on different mathematical functions were used to describe the release mechanism of drugs from MWCNTs. Our studies indicated that the best fit of experimental kinetic curves of release has been observed for the Power-law model and the fitted parameters suggest that the drug release mechanism of DOX from MWCNTs is controlled by Fickian diffusion. Molecular dynamics simulations, on the other hand, have shown that in a neutral pH solution, which is close to the blood pH, the release process does not occur keeping the aggregation level constant. The presented studies have shown that MWCNTs are promising carriers of anticancer drugs that, depending on the surface modification, can exhibit different adsorption mechanisms and release.
Development and Characterization of a Multiplex Assay to Quantify Complement-Fixing Antibodies against Dengue Virus
Authors: Nascimento Eduardo J. M. , Norwood Brooke , Parker Allan , Braun Ralph , Kpamegan Eloi , Dean Hansi J.
Published: November 2021

Antibodies capable of activating the complement system (CS) when bound with antigen are referred to as “complement-fixing antibodies” and are involved in protection against Flaviviruses. A complement-fixing antibody test has been used in the past to measure the ability of dengue virus (DENV)-specific serum antibodies to activate the CS. As originally developed, the test is time-consuming, cumbersome, and has limited sensitivity for DENV diagnosis. Here, we developed and characterized a novel multiplex anti-DENV complement-fixing assay based on the Luminex platform to quantitate serum antibodies against all four serotypes (DENV1-4) that activate the CS based on their ability to fix the complement component 1q (C1q). The assay demonstrated good reproducibility and showed equivalent performance to a DENV microneutralization assay that has been used to determine DENV serostatus. In non-human primates, antibodies produced in response to primary DENV1-4 infection induced C1q fixation on homologous and heterologous serotypes. Inter-serotype cross-reactivity was associated with homology of the envelope protein. Interestingly, the antibodies produced following vaccination against Zika virus fixed C1q on DENV. The anti-DENV complement fixing antibody assay represents an alternative approach to determine the quality of functional antibodies produced following DENV natural infection or vaccination and a biomarker for dengue serostatus, while providing insights about immunological cross-reactivity among different Flaviviruses.
Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Social Life by Deep Learning
Authors: Jijon-Vorbeck Jose Antonio , Segura-Bedmar Isabel
Published: November 2021

Due to the globalisation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the expansion of social media as the main source of information for many people, there have been a great variety of different reactions surrounding the topic. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in December 2020 that they were currently fighting an “infodemic” in the same way as they were fighting the pandemic. An “infodemic” relates to the spread of information that is not controlled or filtered, and can have a negative impact on society. If not managed properly, an aggressive or negative tweet can be very harmful and misleading among its recipients. Therefore, authorities at WHO have called for action and asked the academic and scientific community to develop tools for managing the infodemic by the use of digital technologies and data science. The goal of this study is to develop and apply natural language processing models using deep learning to classify a collection of tweets that refer to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several simpler and widely used models are applied first and serve as a benchmark for deep learning methods, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT). The results of the experiments show that the deep learning models outperform the traditional machine learning algorithms. The best approach is the BERT-based model.