bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U-47700 and Its Analogs: Non-Fentanyl Synthetic Opioids Impacting the Recreational Drug Market
Authors: Baumann Michael H. , Tocco Graziella , Papsun Donna M. , Mohr Amanda L. , Fogarty Melissa F. , Krotulski Alex J.
Published: November 2020

The recreational use of opioid drugs is a global threat to public health and safety. In particular, an epidemic of opioid overdose fatalities is being driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, while novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) are appearing on recreational drug markets as standalone products, adulterants in heroin, or ingredients in counterfeit drug preparations. Trans-3,4-dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U-47700) is a prime example of a non-fentanyl NSO that is associated with numerous intoxications and fatalities. Here, we review the medicinal chemistry, preclinical pharmacology, clandestine availability, methods for detection, and forensic toxicology of U-47700 and its analogs. An up-to-date summary of the human cases involving U-47700 intoxication and death are described. The evidence demonstrates that U-47700 is a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist, which poses a serious risk for overdosing and death. However, most analogs of U-47700 appear to be less potent and have been detected infrequently in forensic specimens. U-47700 represents a classic example of how chemical entities from the medicinal chemistry or patent literature can be diverted for use in recreational drug markets. Lessons learned from the experiences with U-47700 can inform scientists, clinicians, and policymakers who are involved with responding to the spread and impact of NSOs.
Effect of Support Conditions on Performance of Continuous Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams
Authors: Mansour Moustafa , El-Ariss Bilal , El-Maaddawy Tamer
Published: November 2020

While continuous reinforced concrete deep beams with fixed and hinged support conditions are every so often found in structures, little research has focused on their performance. This, in part, can be attributed to the demanding nature of ensuring fixed supports in experimentally testing such members. Nonetheless, conducting numerical analysis in comparison with experimental study has been a typical technique for producing a reliable numerical model as an alternative to destructive tests. This paper is aimed at numerically investigating the impact of different support conditions in the performance of two-span continuous reinforced concrete deep beams. A numerical model of three experimentally tested beams with two exterior rollers and interior hinge support conditions was generated. Good comparison, with an acceptable variation between numerical and experimental results, was achieved by tuning a few parameters in the numerical model, including element type, mesh size, and material constitutive relations. The refined numerical model was used as an alternative to destructive tests to conduct a parametric study to further investigate the impact of different sets of support conditions in the performance of two-span continuous reinforced concrete deep beams. This study highlights the potentially serious consequences of the support conditions in the performance of such deep beams.
Making Connections: p53 and the Cathepsin Proteases as Co-Regulators of Cancer and Apoptosis
Authors: Soond Surinder M. , Savvateeva Lyudmila V. , Makarov Vladimir A. , Gorokhovets Neonila V. , Townsend Paul A. , Zamyatnin Andrey A.
Published: November 2020

While viewed as the “guardian of the genome”, the importance of the tumor suppressor p53 protein has increasingly gained ever more recognition in modulating additional modes of action related to cell death. Slowly but surely, its importance has evolved from a mutated genetic locus heavily implicated in a wide array of cancer types to modulating lysosomal-mediated cell death either directly or indirectly through the transcriptional regulation of the key signal transduction pathway intermediates involved in this. As an important step in determining the fate of cells in response to cytotoxicity or during stress response, lysosomal-mediated cell death has also become strongly interwoven with the key components that give the lysosome functionality in the form of the cathepsin proteases. While a number of articles have been published highlighting the independent input of p53 or cathepsins to cellular homeostasis and disease progression, one key area that warrants further focus is the regulatory relationship that p53 and its isoforms share with such proteases in regulating lysosomal-mediated cell death. Herein, we review recent developments that have shaped this relationship and highlight key areas that need further exploration to aid novel therapeutic design and intervention strategies.
Precision Approaches in the Management of Colorectal Cancer: Current Evidence and Latest Advancements towards Individualizing the Treatment
Authors: Shuford Rebecca A. , Cairns Ashley L. , Moaven Omeed
Published: November 2020

The genetic and molecular underpinnings of metastatic colorectal cancer have been studied for decades, and the applicability of these findings in clinical decision making continues to evolve. Advancements in translating molecular studies have provided a basis for tailoring chemotherapeutic regimens in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment, which have informed multiple practice guidelines. Various genetic and molecular pathways have been identified as clinically significant in the pathogenesis of metastatic colorectal cancer. These include rat sarcoma (RAS), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair, and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog b1 (BRAF) with established clinical implications. RAS mutations and deficiencies in the mismatch repair pathway guide decisions regarding the administration of anti-EGFR-based therapies and immunotherapy, respectively. Furthermore, there are several emerging pathways and therapeutic modalities that have not entered mainstream use in mCRC treatment and are ripe for further investigation. The well-established data in the arena of targeted therapies provide evidence-based support for the use or avoidance of various therapeutic regimens in mCRC treatment, while the emerging pathways and platforms offer a glimpse into the future of transforming a precision approach into a personalized treatment.
A Combined Systemic Strategy for Overcoming Cisplatin Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer: From Target Identification to Drug Discovery
Authors: Chen Yin-Ju , You Guo-Rung , Lai Meng-Yu , Lu Long-Sheng , Chen Chang-Yu , Ting Lai-Lei , Lee Hsin-Lun , Kanno Yuzuka , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Cheng Ann-Joy
Published: November 2020

Cisplatin is the first-line chemotherapy agent for head and neck cancer (HNC), but its therapeutic effects are hampered by its resistance. In this study, we employed systemic strategies to overcome cisplatin resistance (CR) in HNC. CR cells derived from isogenic HNC cell lines were generated. The CR related hub genes, functional mechanisms, and the sensitizing candidates were globally investigated by transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses. Clinically, the prognostic significance was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Cellular and molecular techniques, including cell viability assay, tumorsphere formation assay, RT-qPCR, and immunoblot, were used. Results showed that these CR cells possessed highly invasive and stem-like properties. A total of 647 molecules was identified, and the mitotic division exhibited a novel functional mechanism significantly related to CR. A panel of signature molecules, MSRB3, RHEB, ULBP1, and spindle pole body component 25 (SPC25), was found to correlate with poor prognosis in HNC patients. SPC25 was further shown as a prominent molecule, which markedly suppressed cancer stemness and attenuated CR after silencing. Celastrol, a nature extract compound, was demonstrated to effectively inhibit SPC25 expression and reverse CR phenotype. In conclusion, the development of SPC25 inhibitors, such as the application of celastrol, maybe a novel strategy to sensitize cisplatin for the treatment of refractory HNC.
Evidences of a Direct Relationship between Cellular Fuel Supply and Ciliogenesis Regulated by Hypoxic VDAC1-ΔC
Authors: Meyenberg Cunha-de Padua Monique , Fabbri Lucilla , Dufies Maeva , Lacas-Gervais Sandra , Contenti Julie , Voyton Charles , Fazio Sofia , Irondelle Marie , Mograbi Baharia , Rouleau Matthieu , Sadaghianloo Nirvana , Rovini Amandine , Brenner Catherine , Craigen William J. , Bourgeais Jérôme , Herault Olivier , Bost Frédéric , Mazure Nathalie M.
Published: November 2020

Metabolic flexibility is the ability of a cell to adapt its metabolism to changes in its surrounding environment. Such adaptability, combined with apoptosis resistance provides cancer cells with a survival advantage. Mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) has been defined as a metabolic checkpoint at the crossroad of these two processes. Here, we show that the hypoxia-induced cleaved form of VDAC1 (VDAC1-ΔC) is implicated in both the up-regulation of glycolysis and the mitochondrial respiration. We demonstrate that VDAC1-ΔC, due to the loss of the putative phosphorylation site at serine 215, concomitantly with the loss of interaction with tubulin and microtubules, reprograms the cell to utilize more metabolites, favoring cell growth in hypoxic microenvironment. We further found that VDAC1-ΔC represses ciliogenesis and thus participates in ciliopathy, a group of genetic disorders involving dysfunctional primary cilium. Cancer, although not representing a ciliopathy, is tightly linked to cilia. Moreover, we highlight, for the first time, a direct relationship between the cilium and cancer cell metabolism. Our study provides the first new comprehensive molecular-level model centered on VDAC1-ΔC integrating metabolic flexibility, ciliogenesis, and enhanced survival in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Circulating Tumour DNA in Advanced Melanoma Patients Ceasing PD1 Inhibition in the Absence of Disease Progression
Authors: Warburton Lydia , Calapre Leslie , Pereira Michelle R. , Reid Anna , Robinson Cleo , Amanuel Benhur , Ziman Mel , Millward Michael , Gray Elin
Published: November 2020

Immunotherapy is an important and established treatment option for patients with advanced melanoma. Initial anti-PD1 trials arbitrarily defined a two-year treatment duration, but a shorter treatment duration may be appropriate. In this study, we retrospectively assessed 70 patients who stopped anti-PD1 therapy in the absence of progressive disease (PD) to determine clinical outcomes. In our cohort, the median time on treatment was 11.8 months. Complete response was attained at time of anti-PD1 discontinuation in 61 (87%). After a median follow up of 34.2 months (range: 2–70.8) post discontinuation, 81% remained disease free. Using ddPCR, we determine the utility of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) to predict progressive disease after cessation (n = 38). There was a significant association between presence of ctDNA at cessation and disease progression (p = 0.012, Fisher’s exact test) and this conferred a negative and positive predictive value of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.645–0.930) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.284–0.995), respectively. Additionally, dichotomised treatment-free survival in patients with or without ctDNA at cessation was significantly longer in the latter group (p < 0.001, HR: 0.008, 95% CI: 0.001–0.079). Overall, our study confirms that durable disease control can be achieved with cessation of therapy in the absence of disease progression and undetectable ctDNA at cessation was associated with longer treatment-free survival.
Solar-Driven Chemical Looping Methane Reforming Using ZnO Oxygen Carrier for Syngas and Zn Production in a Cavity-Type Solar Reactor
Authors: Chuayboon Srirat , Abanades Stéphane
Published: November 2020

Converting sunlight into chemical fuels and metal commodities, via solar thermochemical conversion processes, is an attractive prospect for the long-term storage of renewable energy. In this study, the combined methane reforming and ZnO reduction in a single reaction for co-production of hydrogen-rich syngas and metallic Zn was demonstrated in a flexible solar thermochemical reactor prototype, driven by highly concentrated sunlight. Using solar energy as the process heat source in chemical-looping methane reforming with the ZnO/Zn oxygen carrier is a means to reduce the dependence on conventional energy resources and to reduce emissions of CO2 and other pollutants, while upgrading the calorific value of the feedstock for the production of energy-intensive and high-value chemical fuels and materials. On-sun experiments were carried out with different operating parameters including operating temperatures (800–1000 °C), inlet methane flow-rates (0.1–0.4 NL/min), and inlet ZnO feeding-rates (0.5–1.0 g/min) both in batch and continuous modes under reduced (0.15 and 0.45 bar) and atmospheric pressures (0.90 bar), thereby demonstrating solar reactor flexibility and reliability. As a result, increasing the temperature promoted net ZnO conversion at the expense of favored methane cracking reaction, which can be lowered by decreasing pressure to vacuum conditions. Diminishing total pressure improved the net ZnO conversion but favored CO2 yield due to insufficient gas residence time. Rising ZnO feeding rate under a constant over-stoichiometric CH4/ZnO molar ratio of 1.5 enhanced ZnO and methane consumption rates, which promoted Zn and syngas yields. However, an excessively high ZnO feeding rate may be detrimental, as ZnO could accumulate when the ZnO feeding rate is higher than the ZnO consumption rate. In comparison, continuous operation demonstrated greater performance regarding higher ZnO conversion (XZnO) and lower methane cracking than batch operation. High-purity metallic Zn with a well-crystallized structure and of micrometric size was produced from both batch and continuous tests under vacuum and atmospheric pressures, demonstrating suitable reactor performance for the solar thermochemical methane-driven ZnO reduction process. The produced Zn metal can be further re-oxidized with H2O or CO2 in an exothermic reaction to produce pure H2 or CO by chemical-looping.
Non-Thermal Plasma for Process and Energy Intensification in Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Abiev Rufat Sh. , Sladkovskiy Dmitry A. , Semikin Kirill V. , Murzin Dmitry Yu. , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: November 2020

Plasma-assisted dry reforming of methane (DRM) is considered as a potential way to convert natural gas into fuels and chemicals under near ambient temperature and pressure; particularly for distributed processes based on renewable energy. Both catalytic and photocatalytic technologies have been applied for DRM to investigate the CH4 conversion and the energy efficiency of the process. For conventional catalysis; metaldoped Ni-based catalysts are proposed as a leading vector for further development. However; coke deposition leads to fast deactivation of catalysts which limits the catalyst lifetime. Photocatalysis in combination with non-thermal plasma (NTP), on the other hand; is an enabling technology to convert CH4 to more reactive intermediates. Placing the catalyst directly in the plasma zone or using post-plasma photocatalysis could generate a synergistic effect to increase the formation of the desired products. In this review; the recent progress in the area of NTP-(photo)catalysis applications for DRM has been described; with an in-depth discussion of novel plasma reactor types and operational conditions including employment of ferroelectric materials and nanosecond-pulse discharges. Finally, recent developments in the area of optical diagnostic tools for NTP, such as optical emission spectroscopy (OES), in-situ FTIR, and tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), are reviewed.
A Highly Active Au/In2O3-ZrO2 Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol
Authors: Lu Zhe , Sun Kaihang , Wang Jing , Zhang Zhitao , Liu Changjun
Published: November 2020

A novel gold catalyst supported by In2O3-ZrO2 with a solid solution structure shows a methanol selectivity of 70.1% and a methanol space–time yield (STY) of 0.59 gMeOH h−1 gcat−1 for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol at 573 K and 5 MPa. The ZrO2 stabilizes the structure of In2O3, increases oxygen vacancies, and enhances CO2 adsorption, causing the improved activity.
Redox Isomerization of Allylic Alcohols Catalyzed by New Water-Soluble Rh(I)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Czégéni Csilla Enikő , Fekete Marianna , Tóbiás Eszter , Udvardy Antal , Horváth Henrietta , Papp Gábor , Joó Ferenc
Published: November 2020

New water-soluble, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) or mixed NHC/tertiary phosphine complexes [RhCl(cod)(sSIMes)], Na2[Rh(bmim)(cod)(mtppts)], and [Rh(bmim)(cod)(pta)]BF4 were synthetized and applied for the first time as catalysts in redox isomerization of allylic alcohols in aqueous media. [RhCl(cod)(sSIMes)] (with added sulfonated triphenylphosphine) and [Rh(bmim)(cod)(pta)]BF4 catalyzed selectively the transformation of allylic alcohols to the corresponding ketones. The highest catalytic activity, TOF = 152 h−1 (TOF = (mol reacted substrate) × (mol catalyst × time)−1) was observed in redox isomerization of hept-1-en-3-ol ([S]/[cat] = 100). The catalysts were reused in the aqueous phase at least three times, with only modest loss of the catalytic activity and selectivity.
Mesoporous Silica-Supported Ionic Liquids as Catalysts for Styrene Carbonate Synthesis from CO2
Authors: Siewniak Agnieszka , Forajter Adrianna , Szymańska Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Various types of mesoporous silica were used as carriers to synthesize a series of immobilized imidazolium-based ionic liquids. Their activity was tested in the synthesis of styrene carbonate from CO2 and styrene. This is one-pot process, whereby two stages are carried out in one reactor and there is no need to isolate the intermediate product, epoxide. A systematic study on the influence of parameters such as temperature, the reaction time, CO2 pressure, as well as the amount and type of catalyst used was carried out. A strong synergistic catalytic effect of ionic liquid and Lewis acid was observed in promoting this reaction. The addition sequence of regents and amount of immobilized catalyst were considered crucial for the synthesis of styrene carbonate from CO2 and styrene. The tested silica-supported ionic liquids gave an easily-recyclable system which under the most favorable conditions ([mtespim]Cl/@SiO2; ZnBr2, 0.1 mol%; 110 °C, 4 h, 1 MPa) can be reused without a significant loss of catalytic activity nor selectivity.
CRISPR FokI Dead Cas9 System: Principles and Applications in Genome Engineering
Authors: Saifaldeen Maryam , Al-Ansari Dana E. , Ramotar Dindial , Aouida Mustapha
Published: November 2020

The identification of the robust clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated endonuclease (Cas9) system gene-editing tool has opened up a wide range of potential therapeutic applications that were restricted by more complex tools, including zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Nevertheless, the high frequency of CRISPR system off-target activity still limits its applications, and, thus, advanced strategies for highly specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing are continuously under development including CRISPR–FokI dead Cas9 (fdCas9). fdCas9 system is derived from linking a FokI endonuclease catalytic domain to an inactive Cas9 protein and requires a pair of guide sgRNAs that bind to the sense and antisense strands of the DNA in a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM)-out orientation, with a defined spacer sequence range around the target site. The dimerization of FokI domains generates DNA double-strand breaks, which activates the DNA repair machinery and results in genomic edit. So far, all the engineered fdCas9 variants have shown promising gene-editing activities in human cells when compared to other platforms. Herein, we review the advantages of all published variants of fdCas9 and their current applications in genome engineering.
Neurohormonal Modulation as a Therapeutic Target in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: García-Lunar Inés , Pereda Daniel , Ibanez Borja , García-Álvarez Ana
Published: November 2020

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are involved in many cardiovascular disorders, including pulmonary hypertension (PH). The current review focuses on the role of the ANS and RAAS activation in PH and updated evidence of potential therapies targeting both systems in this condition, particularly in Groups 1 and 2. State of the art knowledge in preclinical and clinical use of pharmacologic drugs (beta-blockers, beta-three adrenoceptor agonists, or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone signaling drugs) and invasive procedures, such as pulmonary artery denervation, is provided.
LIMD2 Regulates Key Steps of Metastasis Cascade in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells via MAPK Crosstalk
Authors: Araldi Rodrigo Pinheiro , de Melo Thatiana Correa , Levy Débora , de Souza Dener Madeiro , Maurício Beatriz , Colozza-Gama Gabriel Avelar , Bydlowski Sergio Paulo , Peng Hongzhuang , Rauscher Frank J. , Cerutti Janete Maria
Published: November 2020

Although papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has a good prognosis, 20–90% of patients show metastasis to regional lymph nodes and 10–15% of patients show metastasis to distant sites. Metastatic disease represents the main clinical challenge that impacts survival rate. We previously showed that LIMD2 was a novel metastasis-associated gene. In this study, to interrogate the role of LIMD2 in cancer invasion and metastasis, we used CRISPR-mediated knockout (KO) of LIMD2 in PTC cells (BCPAP and TPC1). Western blot and high-content screening (HCS) analysis confirmed functional KO of LIMD2. LIMD2 KO reduced in vitro invasion and migration. Ultrastructural analyses showed that cell polarity and mitochondria function and morphology were restored in LIMD2 KO cells. To unveil the signals supervising these phenotypic changes, we employed phospho-protein array. Several members of the MAPK superfamily showed robust reduction in phosphorylation. A Venn diagram displayed the overlap of kinases with reduced phosphorylation in both cell lines and showed that they were able to initiate or sustain the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and DNA damage checkpoint. Flow cytometry and HCS validation analyses further corroborated the phospho-protein array data. Collectively, our findings show that LIMD2 enhances phosphorylation of kinases associated with EMT and invasion. Through cooperation with different kinases, it contributes to the increased genomic instability that ultimately promotes PTC progression.
The Potential Role of Osteopontin and Furin in Worsening Disease Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients with Pre-Existing Diabetes
Authors: Adu-Agyeiwaah Yvonne , Grant Maria B. , Obukhov Alexander G.
Published: November 2020

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with more than 50 million cases reported globally. Findings have consistently identified an increased severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with diabetes. Osteopontin, a cytokine-like matrix-associated phosphoglycoprotein, is elevated in diabetes and drives the expression of furin, a proprotein convertase implicated in the proteolytic processing and activation of several precursors, including chemokines, growth factors, hormones, adhesion molecules, and receptors. Elevated serum furin is a signature of diabetes mellitus progression and is associated with a dysmetabolic phenotype and increased risk of diabetes-linked premature mortality. Additionally, furin plays an important role in enhancing the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by promoting its entry and replication in the host cell. Here, we hypothesize that diabetes-induced osteopontin and furin protein upregulation results in worse outcomes in diabetic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to the roles of these protein in promoting viral infection and increasing metabolic dysfunction. Thus, targeting the osteopontin-furin axis may be a plausible strategy for reducing mortality in SARS-CoV-2 patients with diabetes.
Phase I/II Clinical Trial of the Anti-Podoplanin Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Dogs with Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Kamoto Satoshi , Shinada Masahiro , Kato Daiki , Yoshimoto Sho , Ikeda Namiko , Tsuboi Masaya , Yoshitake Ryohei , Eto Shotaro , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yosuke , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kaneko Mika K. , Fujita Naoki , Nishimura Ryohei , Kato Yukinari , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: November 2020

Podoplanin (PDPN), a small transmembrane mucin-like glycoprotein, is ectopically expressed on tumor cells. PDPN is known to be linked with several aspects of tumor malignancies in certain types of human and canine tumors. Therefore, it is considered to be a novel therapeutic target. Monoclonal antibodies targeting PDPN expressed in human tumor cells showed obvious anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies using mouse models. Previously, we generated a cancer-specific mouse–dog chimeric anti-PDPN antibody, P38Bf, which specifically recognizes PDPN expressed in canine tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the safety and anti-tumor effects of P38Bf in preclinical and clinical trials. P38Bf showed dose-dependent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against canine malignant melanoma cells. In a preclinical trial with one healthy dog, P38Bf administration did not induce adverse effects over approximately 2 months. In phase I/II clinical trials of three dogs with malignant melanoma, one dog vomited, and all dogs had increased serum levels of C-reactive protein, although all adverse effects were grade 1 or 2. Severe adverse effects leading to withdrawal of the clinical trial were not observed. Furthermore, one dog had stable disease with P38Bf injections. This is the first reported clinical trial of anti-PDPN antibody therapy using spontaneously occurring canine tumor models.
Open BIM Standards: A Review of the Processes for Managing Existing Structures in the Pre- and Post-Earthquake Phases
Authors: Musella Christian , Serra Milena , Salzano Antonio , Menna Costantino , Asprone Domenico
Published: November 2020

The problem of managing existing structures before and after seismic events has led to the development of many different strategies across the globe. These aim to mitigate the catastrophic effects of earthquakes on the occupants of a building, as well as improve the management of the emergency that inevitably ensues. This paper explores the use of an openBIM approach to resolve the issues referred to above, which is possible because of two new standards: Industry Foundation Classes and Information Delivery Manuals. A review of the most popular strategies adopted in both the pre- and post-earthquake phases is conducted using a process map. This organizes the relevant steps and processes into tasks, and additionally identifies the points at which information is produced and exchanged and the party responsible for doing so. Also described is how BIM models can be utilized in essential pre- and post-earthquake activities, as well as current benefits and ongoing developments intended to improve the processes themselves.
Biodiversity of Ciliates and Their Symbionts: A Special Issue
Authors: Schrallhammer Martina
Published: November 2020

Interests to estimate and assess the diversity of ciliates have a centuries-long history [...]
Post-Mortem Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Guidi Benedetta , Biondi Federico , Chiti Enrica , Santurro Alessandro , Scopetti Matteo , Turillazzi Emanuela , Di Paolo Marco
Published: November 2020

Background: Post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance (PMCMR) is an emerging tool supporting forensic medicine for the identification of the causes of cardiac death, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We proposed a new method of PMCMR to diagnose HCM despite myocardial rigor mortis. Methods: We performed CMR in 49 HCM patients, 30 non-HCM hypertrophy, and 32 healthy controls. In cine images, rigor mortis was simulated by the analysis of the cardiac phase corresponding to 25% of diastole. Left ventricular mass, mean, and standard deviation (SD) of WT, maximal WT, minimal WT, and their difference were compared for the identification of HCM. These parameters were validated at PMCMR, evaluating eight hearts with HCM, 10 with coronary artery disease, and 10 with non-cardiac death. Results: The SD of WT with a cut-off of > 2.4 had the highest accuracy to identify HCM (AUC 0.95, 95% CI = 0.89–0.98). This was particularly evident in the female population of HCM (AUC=0.998), with 100% specificity (95% CI = 85–100%) and 96% sensitivity (95% CI = 79–99%). Using this parameter, at PMCMR, all of the eight patients with HCM were correctly identified with no false positives. Conclusions: PMCMR allows identification of HCM as the cause of sudden death using the SD of WT > 2.4 as the diagnostic parameter.
Predictors of Recurrence for T3a RCC: A Recurring Conundrum
Authors: Leopold Zev , Srivastava Arnav , Singer Eric A.
Published: November 2020

Although the gold standard treatment for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN), recurrence rates remain high at 7%, 26%, and 39% for T1, T2, and T3 staged disease, respectively [...]
A Review on Deep Learning-Based Approaches for Automatic Sonar Target Recognition
Authors: Neupane Dhiraj , Seok Jongwon
Published: November 2020

Underwater acoustics has been implemented mostly in the field of sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) procedures for submarine communication, the examination of maritime assets and environment surveying, target and object recognition, and measurement and study of acoustic sources in the underwater atmosphere. With the rapid development in science and technology, the advancement in sonar systems has increased, resulting in a decrement in underwater casualties. The sonar signal processing and automatic target recognition using sonar signals or imagery is itself a challenging process. Meanwhile, highly advanced data-driven machine-learning and deep learning-based methods are being implemented for acquiring several types of information from underwater sound data. This paper reviews the recent sonar automatic target recognition, tracking, or detection works using deep learning algorithms. A thorough study of the available works is done, and the operating procedure, results, and other necessary details regarding the data acquisition process, the dataset used, and the information regarding hyper-parameters is presented in this article. This paper will be of great assistance for upcoming scholars to start their work on sonar automatic target recognition.
A Learning-Based Framework for Circuit Path Level NBTI Degradation Prediction
Authors: Bu Aiguo , Li Jie
Published: November 2020

Negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) has become one of the major causes for temporal reliability degradation of nanoscale circuits. Due to its complex dependence on operating conditions, it is a tremendous challenge to the existing timing analysis flow. In order to get the accurate aged delay of the circuit, previous research mainly focused on the gate level or lower. This paper proposes a low-runtime and high-accuracy machining learning framework on the circuit path level firstly, which can be formulated as a multi-input–multioutput problem and solved using a linear regression model. A large number of worst-case path candidates from ISCAS’85, ISCAS’89, and ITC’99 benchmarks were used for training and inference in the experiment. The results show that our proposed approach achieves significant runtime speed-up with minimal loss of accuracy.
Identification of the Use of Unauthorized Apps in the O2O Service by Combining Online Events and Offline Conditions
Authors: Kim Changoh , Kim Huy Kang
Published: November 2020

A model for detecting unauthorized Apps use events by combined analysis of situation information in an offline service and user behavior in an online environment is proposed. The detection and response to abnormal behavior in the O2O service environment can be focused on providers, whose decisions change dynamically based on the offline market status and conditions. However, the method for identifying the user’s tools and detecting the usage pattern of the service user were developed in the existing online service environment. Thus, in order to identify abnormal behavior in the O2O service environment, we conducted an experiment to identify the abnormal behavior of providers of smart mobility services, a representative O2O service. In the experiment, the range of normal behavior of a taxi drivers was identified, which was prepared on the basis of the test result directly executed by an expert. The optimal features were selected in order to effectively detect abnormal behavior from the event data relating to the service call acceptance behavior. In addition, by processing the collected data based on the selected features by using various machine-learning classification algorithms, we derived a detection and prediction model that is 98.28% accurate with a prediction result of more than 74% based on the F1 score. Based on these results, we expect to be able to respond to abnormal behavior that may occur in various types of O2O services.
DTaPO: Dynamic Thermal-Aware Performance Optimization for Dark Silicon Many-Core Systems
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Sultan , Al-Kubati Ali A. M. , Paraman Norlina , Ab Rahman Ab Al-Hadi , Marsono M. N.
Published: November 2020

Future many-core systems need to handle high power density and chip temperature effectively. Some cores in many-core systems need to be turned off or ‘dark’ to manage chip power and thermal density. This phenomenon is also known as the dark silicon problem. This problem prevents many-core systems from utilizing and gaining improved performance from a large number of processing cores. This paper presents a dynamic thermal-aware performance optimization of dark silicon many-core systems (DTaPO) technique for optimizing dark silicon a many-core system performance under temperature constraint. The proposed technique utilizes both task migration and dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS) for optimizing the performance of a many-core system while keeping system temperature in a safe operating limit. Task migration puts hot cores in low-power states and moves tasks to cooler dark cores to aggressively reduce chip temperature while maintaining high overall system performance. To reduce task migration overhead due to cold start, the source core (i.e., active core) keeps its L2 cache content during the initial migration phase. The destination core (i.e., dark core) can access it to reduce the impact of cold start misses. Moreover, the proposed technique limits tasks migration among cores that share the last level cache (LLC). In the case of major thermal violation and no cooler cores being available, DVFS is used to reduce the hot cores temperature gradually by reducing their frequency. Experimental results for different threshold temperatures show that DTaPO can keep the average system temperature below the thermal limit. Affirmatively, the execution time penalty is reduced by up to 18% compared with using only DVFS for all thermal thresholds. Moreover, the average peak temperature is reduced by up to 10.8°C. In addition, the experimental results show that DTaPO improves the system’s performance by up to 80% compared to optimal sprinting patterns (OSP) and reduces the temperature by up to 13.6°C.
Comparative Performance and Assessment Study of a Current-Fed DC-DC Resonant Converter Combining Si, SiC, and GaN-Based Power Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Rodríguez-Benítez Oscar Miguel , Ponce-Silva Mario , Aquí-Tapia Juan Antonio , Claudio-Sánchez Abraham , Vela-Váldes Luis Gerardo , Lozoya-Ponce Ricardo Eliu , Cortés-García Claudia
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on the main reasons of low efficiency in a current-fed DC-DC resonant converter applied to photovoltaic (PV) isolated systems, comparing the effects derived by the overlapping time in the gate-signals (gate-source voltage) combining silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride (GaN)-based power devices. The results show that unidirectional switches (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) plus diode) present hard switching as a result of the diode preventing the MOSFET capacitance of being discharged. The effectiveness of the converter was verified with a 200-W prototype with an input voltage range of 0–30.3 V, an output voltage of 200 V, and a switching frequency of 200 kHz. The reduction losses by applying GaN versus Si and SiC technologies are 66.49% and 53.57%, respectively. Alternatively, by applying SiC versus Si devices the reduction loss is 27.84%. Finally, according to the results, 60% of losses were caused by the diodes on both switches.
Design and Performance Analysis of a Saturated Iron-Core Superconducting Fault Current Limiter for DC Power Systems
Authors: Dao Van Quan , Lee Jae-In , Kim Chang Soon , Park Minwon , Melaccio Umberto
Published: November 2020

A saturated iron-core superconducting fault current limiter (SI-SFCL) can significantly limit the magnitude of the fault current and reduce the stress on circuit breakers in direct current (DC) power systems. The SI-SFCL consists of three main parts: one magnetic iron-core, one normal conductive primary coil (CPC), and one superconducting secondary coil (SSC). This paper deals with the design options for the coil system of the SI-SFCL and confirms their operating characteristics through a physical experiment. The electromagnetic characteristics and operational features of the SI-SFCL was analyzed by a 3D finite element method simulation model. The design of the SSC was based on shape, wire types, required fault current limit and protection aspects. In the CPC, the bobbin was designed based on material selection, cost, structural design, and the effects of the SI-SFCL on the fault current limit. Based on these simulation results, a laboratory-scale SI-SFCL was developed, specifically fabricated to operate on a 500 V, 50 A direct current (DC) power system. In the experiment, the operating characteristics of each coil were analyzed, and the fault current limit of the SI-SFCL according to the operating currents of the SSC and bobbin design of the CPC were confirmed. Finally, the cost analysis of the SI-SFCL with the proposed design options of the coil system was implemented. The results obtained through this study can be effectively used to large-scale SI-SFCL development studies for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power systems.
Enhanced Light-Induced Biosynthesis of Fatty Acids Suitable for Biodiesel Production by the Yellow-Green Alga Eustigmatos magnus
Authors: Krzemińska Izabela , Nosalewicz Artur , Reszczyńska Emilia , Pawlik-Skowrońska Barbara
Published: November 2020

Optimization of the fatty acid profile in microalgae is one of the key strategies for obtaining valuable products and sustainable biofuels. Light intensity and light regimes exert an impact on the growth and metabolic process in microalgae. The objective of the present investigations was to assess the effect of light intensity and continuous light vs. photoperiod conditions on the growth and changes in the biomass composition in Eustigmatos magnus, with a focus on bioactive molecules such as lipids and fatty acids. The highest daily productivity of Eustigmatos magnus biomass and lipid yields were detected at continuous illumination and at the highest intensity of light. The results show that the content and composition of fatty acids was influenced by the culture conditions. The biomass of Eustigmatos magnus contained the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the pphotoperiod conditions with the highest light intensity. This study shows that Eustigmatos magnus has a capacity for the accumulation of palmitoleic acid. A high intensity of continuous light improves the profile of fatty acids in Eustigmatos magnus, which can be suitable for biodiesel applications. At the high intensity of continuous light, Eustigmatos magnus lipids are characterized by high content of oleic acids and low content of saturated and monounsaturated acids.
Intelligent Systems for Power Load Forecasting: A Study Review
Authors: Jahan Ibrahim Salem , Snasel Vaclav , Misak Stanislav
Published: November 2020

The study of power load forecasting is gaining greater significance nowadays, particularly with the use and integration of renewable power sources and external power stations. Power forecasting is an important task in the planning, control, and operation of utility power systems. In addition, load forecasting (LF) aims to estimate the power or energy needed to meet the required power or energy to supply the specific load. In this article, we introduce, review and compare different power load forecasting techniques. Our goal is to help in the process of explaining the problem of power load forecasting via brief descriptions of the proposed methods applied in the last decade. The study reviews previous research that deals with the design of intelligent systems for power forecasting using various methods. The methods are organized into five groups—Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Regression, Decision Tree (DT), Linear Regression (LR), and Fuzzy Sets (FS). This way, the review provides a clear concept of power load forecasting for the purposes of future research and study.
Efficiency of Electricity Production Technology from Post-Process Gas Heat: Ecological, Economic and Social Benefits
Authors: Miśkiewicz Radosław
Published: November 2020

The strengthening of ecological conflicts due to the increase of the destructive impact from industrial companies on the environment provokes the development and implementation of the eco-innovation technologies. Besides, such technologies should allow obtaining not only the ecological benefits (the decrease of the negative impact on the environment) but also the economic and social advantages which correspond to sustainable development principles. This paper aims to justify the social, ecological and economic effects from implementing a new electricity production technology from post-process gas heat at companies. The data for empirical justification were obtained from the experiment of applying the electricity production technology from post-process gas heat at Polish industrial companies. In the first stage, bibliometric analysis was used for highlighting the scientific background of economic evaluation of the innovative activity on energy technologies of industrial companies and its impact on the environment and public health. Secondly, the economic and ecological efficiency of electricity production technology for the selected company was estimated. The results of the analysis confirm that new technologies allowed increasing the energy efficiency of the company by decreasing energy consumption, increasing productivity, etc. The findings prove that one of the ecological effects was the decrease of CO2 and SO2 emissions in the air. In this case, the link between the volume of CO2 emissions and the rate of morbidity if such innovative technologies were scaled was checked. The findings show that decreasing CO2 emissions by 1% leads to a decline in the death rate by 0.5%. If the new technology were scaled and implemented among similar industrial companies, it could decrease the rate of morbidity by 0.01% The results obtained could be used by the companies’ management and policymakers in the framework to achieve sustainable development goals.
Conjugated Numerical Approach for Modelling DBHE in High Geothermal Gradient Environments
Authors: Renaud Theo , Verdin Patrick G. , Falcone Gioia
Published: November 2020

Geothermal is a renewable energy source that can be untapped through various subsurface technologies. Closed geothermal well solutions, such as deep geothermal heat exchangers (DBHEs), consist of circulating a working fluid to recover the available heat, with less dependency on the local geological settings than conventional geothermal systems. This paper emphasizes a double numerical method to strengthen the assessment of DBHE performances. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) commercial software and the 1D coupled wellbore-reservoir geothermal simulator T2Well have been used to investigate the heat transfer and fluid flow in a vertical DBHE in high geothermal gradient environments. The use of constant water properties to investigate the energy produced from DBHEs can lead to underestimating the overall heat transfer at high temperature and low mass flow rate. 2D axisymmetric CFD modelling improves the understanding of the return flow at the bottom of the DBHE, readjusting and better estimating the pressures losses commonly obtained with 1D modelling. This paper highlights the existence of convective cells located at the bottom of the DBHE internal tubing, with no significant effects due to the increase of injected water flow. Both codes are shown to constrain the numerical limitations to access the true potential of geothermal heat extraction from DBHEs in high geothermal gradient environments and demonstrate that they can be used for geothermal energy engineering applications.
Impact of Selected Methods of Cogging Torque Reduction in Multipolar Permanent-Magnet Machines
Authors: Goryca Zbigniew , Różowicz Sebastian , Różowicz Antoni , Pakosz Artur , Leśko Marcin , Wachta Henryk
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on the matter of cogging torque reduction by combining various methods of cogging torque minimization. Due to the high costs of prototype construction, cogging torque is minimized during the design phase by using numerical methods, while computer simulations are used to find a magnetic circuit arrangement for which the cogging torque has the smallest possible value. Cogging torque occurs as a result of combined impact of the magnetic field of a permanent magnet located at rotor and stator with variable magnetic conductivity depending on an angle of rotation. It is a pulsating torque and occurs permanently during machine operation, impacting the operation of the entire device cooperating with the electric machine and causing vibrations, tension, and noise. It results in braking torque and subsequent power losses and leads to faster wear and tear of machine structural elements. High cogging torque values cause problems with rotational speed adjustment. In the case of electric generators used in wind power plants, it impedes the start-up of power plants at high wind speeds. Considering the above, the reduction of cogging torque in permanent-magnet machines is extremely important.
Methodology for Comprehensive Comparison of Energy Harvesting Shock Absorber Systems
Authors: Gijón-Rivera Carlos , Olazagoitia José Luis
Published: November 2020

In recent years, there has been a lot of work related to Energy Harvesting Shock Absorbers (EHSA). These devices harvest energy from the movement of the vehicle’s shock absorbers caused by road roughness, braking, acceleration and turning. There are different technologies that can be used in these systems, but it is not clear which would be the best option if you want to replace a conventional shock absorber with an EHSA. This article presents a methodology to compare the performance of different EHSA technologies that can replace a shock absorber with a given damping coefficient. The methodology allows to include different analysis options, including different types of driving cycles, computer vehicle models, input signals and road types. The article tests the methodology in selecting the optimal EHSA technology for a particular shock absorber and vehicle, optimizing at the same time energy recovery. In addition, a study of parameters in each type of technology is included to analyze its influence on the final objective. In the example analyzed, the EHSA technology with a rack and pinion system turned out to be the best. The proposed methodology can be extrapolated to other case studies and design objectives.