bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Operation of a Modern Polish Plant for Plastic Waste Recycling through the Degradative Depolymerization Process. A Case Study
Authors: Duda Andrzej , Fenicki Arkadiusz , Molski Patryk , Szostak Elżbieta , Duda Piotr
Published: December 2020

The paper describes an installation for the degradative depolymerization of polyolefin materials obtained from wastes, hereinafter also referred to as depolymerization for simplicity. The plant, on an industrial scale, is one of the few operating in Poland. However, it is one of the most modern plants in this industry. Design solutions, construction of particular technological lines, compliance with national and EU regulations and the high level of process safety were described in this paper as well as compared to other plants of this type in Poland. Different solutions were presented in drawings and photos of the plant and in fragmentary technological diagrams. The types of waste and the methods of their processing by the plant were also characterized in accordance with the applicable regulations. The waste throughput is from 2000 to 4000 kg/h, while the efficiency of the depolymerization installation itself is 1500 kg/h. The industrial-scale depolymerization process is carried out in one or two stages: by homogenization (extraction) at a temperature up to 200 °C and depolymerization at temperatures up to 400 °C. The obtained products (energy goods) are sold for further processing. The processes, devices and methods are characterized by novel, innovative solutions, covered by a number of patents, which are also described below. The advantage of the presented technology is the substantial simplification of the process and thereby a considerable reduction in investment costs. Among others, the processes of distillation and rectification (low- and negative-pressure) were abandoned.
Hybrid DC Converter with Current Sharing and Low Freewheeling Current Loss
Authors: Lin Bor-Ren , Wu Guan-Yi
Published: December 2020

A new hybrid high-frequency link pulse-width modulation (PWM) converter using voltage balance capacitor and current balance magnetic coupling is proposed to realize low freewheeling current loss and wide load range of soft switching operation. Series-connected H-bridge converter is adopted for high voltage applications. In addition, a voltage balance capacitor and a current balance magnetic coupling core are employed for achieving voltage and current balance. To extend zero-voltage switching (ZVS) range of switches at lagging-leg of phase-shift PWM converter, soft switching LLC converter is linked to the lagging-leg of phase-shift PWM converter. Therefore, the wide ZVS load operation is realized in the presented hybrid converter. The other high freewheeling current disadvantage in conventional phase-shift PWM converter is improved by a snubber circuit used on low-voltage side. Thus, the primary current during the freewheeling state is decreased and close to zero. In addition, the conduction losses on primary-side components of studied converter are reduced. The secondary-sides of phase-shift PWM converter and LLC resonant converter are series-connected to achieve power transfer between input and output sides. Experimental results using a laboratory prototype are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the studied circuit and control algorithm.
Numerical Simulations of the Flow of a Dense Suspension Exhibiting Yield-Stress and Shear-Thinning Effects
Authors: Li Meng-Ge , Feng Feng , Wu Wei-Tao , Massoudi Mehrdad
Published: December 2020

Many types of dense suspensions are complex materials exhibiting both solid-like and fluid-like behavior. These suspensions are usually considered to behave as non-Newtonian fluids and the rheological characteristics such as yield stress, thixotropy and shear-thinning/thickening can have significant impact on the flow and the engineering applications of these materials. Therefore, it is important to understand the rheological features of these fluids. In this paper, we study the flow of a nonlinear fluid which exhibits yield stress and shear-thinning effects. The geometries of interests are a straight channel, a channel with a crevice and a pipe with a contraction; we assume the fluid behaves as a Herschel-Bulkley fluid. The numerical simulations indicate that for flows with low Reynolds number and high Bingham number an unyielded plug may form in the center of the channel. In the case of a channel with a crevice, the fluid in the deep portion of the crevice is at an extremely high level of viscosity, forming a plug which is hard to yield. For the pipe with a contraction, near the pipe neck the unyielded region is smaller due to the enhanced flow disturbance.
The Effect of Reinforcing Plate on the Stiffness of Elastomeric Bearing for FPSO
Authors: Han DongSeop , Kim MooHyun
Published: December 2020

The marine elastomeric bearing consists of an elastomer and several reinforcing inserted plates. Unlike land bearings that are to absorb high-frequency vibration during earthquakes, offshore elastomeric bearings are to support topside-module weight while efficiently absorbing wave-induced hull motions. The bearing is to receive three loads: compression, shear, and bending, and providing sufficient stiffness to resist the loads by inserting an adequate number of reinforcing plates is a major design issue for marine bearings. The stiffness of elastomeric bearings is largely influenced by the ratio of height to the area of the bearing and the number of laminated reinforcing plates. In this study, for the given size of the elastomeric bearing, the effect of the number of reinforcing plates on its compression, shear, and bending stiffness is investigated by using ANSYS Mechanical APDL, a commercial structural FE (finite element) analysis program. First, full analysis is done for the compression, shear, and bending stiffness with increasing respective displacements and the number of reinforcing plates from 0 to 8. The numerical results are partly validated by authors’ experimental results. Based on the numerical results, several empirical formulas are suggested for the variation of the three stiffnesses as a function of the number of reinforcing plates. Next, the design of the elastomer bearing for a representative FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) operated in the North Sea is conducted according to the required load and displacement conditions. Then, the adequate number of reinforcing plates for the case is determined and the results are shown to satisfy all the required safety factors for various required loading conditions.
Applying Deep Learning to the Heat Production Planning Problem in a District Heating System
Authors: Lee Donghun , Yoon Seok Mann , Lee Jaeseung , Kim Kwanho , Song Sang Hwa
Published: December 2020

District heating system is designed to minimize energy consumption and environmental pollution by employing centralized production facilities connected to demand regions. Traditionally, optimization based algorithms were applied to the heat production planning problem in the district heating systems. Optimization-based models provide near optimal solutions, while it takes a while to generate solutions due to the characteristics of the underlying solution mechanism. When prompt re-planning due to any parameter changes is necessary, the traditional approaches might be inefficient to generate modified solutions quickly. In this study, we developed a two-phase solution mechanism, where deep learning algorithm is applied to learn optimal production patterns from optimization module. In the first training phase, the optimization module generates optimal production plans for the input scenarios derived from operations history, which are provided to the deep learning module for training. In the second planning phase, the deep learning module with trained parameters predicts production plan for the test scenarios. The computational experiments show that after the training process is completed, it has the characteristic of quickly deriving results appropriate to the situation. By combining optimization and deep learning modules in a solution framework, it is expected that the proposed algorithm could be applied to online optimization of district heating systems.
Mathematical Modeling of Transient Processes in Magnetic Suspension of Maglev Trains
Authors: Chaban Andriy , Lukasik Zbigniew , Lis Marek , Szafraniec Andrzej
Published: December 2020

On the basis of a generalized interdisciplinary method that consists of a modification of Hamilton–Ostrogradski principle by expanding the Lagrange function with two components that address the functions of dissipation energy and the energy of external conservative forces, a mathematical model is presented of an electromechanical system that consists of the force section of a magneto-levitation non-contact maglev suspension in a prototype traction vehicle. The assumption that magnetic potential hole, generated naturally by means of cryogenic equipment, is present in the levitation suspension, serving to develop the model system. Contrary to other types of magnetic cushion train suspensions, for instance, maglev–Shanghai or Japan–maglev, this suspension does not need a complicated control system, and levitation is possible starting from zero train velocity. As high-temperature superconductivity can be generated, the analysis of levitation systems, including the effect of magnetic potential holes, has become topical. On the basis of the model of a prototype maglev train, dynamic processes are analyzed in the levitation system, including the effect of the magnetic potential hole. A system of ordinary differential equations of the dynamic state is presented in the normal Cauchy form, which allows for their direct integration by both explicit and implicit numerical methods. Here, the results of the computer simulations are shown as figures, which are analyzed.
Heat Transfer Coefficient Determination during FC-72 Flow in a Minichannel Heat Sink Using the Trefftz Functions and ADINA Software
Authors: Piasecka Magdalena , Maciejewska Beata , Łabędzki Paweł
Published: December 2020

This work focuses on subcooled boiling heat transfer during flow in a minichannel heat sink with three or five minichannels of 1 mm depth. The heated element for FC-72 flowing along the minichannels was a thin foil of which temperature on the outer surface was measured due to the infrared thermography. The test section was oriented vertically or horizontally. A steady state heat transfer process and a laminar, incompressible flow of the fluid in a central minichannel were assumed. The heat transfer problem was described by the energy equations with an appropriate system of boundary conditions. Several mathematical methods were applied to solve the heat transfer problem with the Robin condition to determine the local heat transfer coefficients at the fluid/heated foil interface. Besides the 1D approach as a simple analytical method, a more sophisticated 2D approach was proposed with solutions by the Trefftz functions and ADINA software. Finite element method (FEM) calculations were conducted to find the temperature field in the flowing fluid and in the heated wall. The results were illustrated by graphs of local heated foil temperature and transfer coefficients as a function of the distance from the minichannel inlet. Temperature distributions in the heater and the fluid obtained from the FEM computations carried out by ADINA software were also shown. Similar values of the heat transfer coefficient were obtained in both the FEM calculations and the 1D approach. Example boiling curves indicating nucleation hysteresis are shown and discussed.
Comparison of Spatially and Nonspatially Explicit Nonlinear Mixed Effects Models for Norway Spruce Individual Tree Growth under Single-Tree Selection
Authors: Bianchi Simone , Myllymaki Mari , Siipilehto Jouni , Salminen Hannu , Hynynen Jari , Valkonen Sauli
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives: Continuous cover forestry is of increasing importance, but operational forest growth models are still lacking. The debate is especially open if more complex spatial approaches would provide a worthwhile increase in accuracy. Our objective was to compare a nonspatial versus a spatial approach for individual Norway spruce tree growth models under single-tree selection cutting. Materials and Methods: We calibrated nonlinear mixed models using data from a long-term experiment in Finland (20 stands with 3538 individual trees for 10,238 growth measurements). We compared the use of nonspatial versus spatial predictors to describe the competitive pressure and its release after cutting. The models were compared in terms of Akaike Information Criteria (AIC), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute bias (MAB), both with the training data and after cross-validation with a leave-one-out method at stand level. Results: Even though the spatial model had a lower AIC than the nonspatial model, RMSE and MAB of the two models were similar. Both models tended to underpredict growth for the highest observed values when the tree-level random effects were not used. After cross-validation, the aggregated predictions at stand level well represented the observations in both models. For most of the predictors, the use of values based on trees’ height rather than trees’ diameter improved the fit. After single-tree selection cutting, trees had a growth boost both in the first and second five-year period after cutting, however, with different predicted intensity in the two models. Conclusions: Under the research framework here considered, the spatial modeling approach was not more accurate than the nonspatial one. Regarding the single-tree selection cutting, an intervention regime spaced no more than 15 years apart seems necessary to sustain the individual tree growth. However, the model’s fixed effect parts were not able to capture the high growth of the few fastest-growing trees, and a proper estimation of site potential is needed for uneven-aged stands.
Disentangling Mechanisms of Drought-Induced Dieback in Pinus nigra Arn. from Growth and Wood Isotope Patterns
Authors: González de Andrés Ester , Camarero Jesús Julio
Published: December 2020

The increased frequency and intensity of warming-induced droughts have triggered dieback episodes affecting many forest types and tree species worldwide. Tree plantations are not exempt as they can be more vulnerable to drought than natural forests because of their lower structural and genetic diversity. Therefore, disentangling the physiological mechanisms leading to growth decline and tree mortality can provide tools to adapt forest management to climate change. In this study, we investigated a Pinus nigra Arn. plantation situated in northern Spain, in which some trees showed canopy dieback and radial-growth decline. We analyzed how radial growth and its responses to drought events differed between non-declining (ND) and declining (D) trees showing low and high canopy defoliation, respectively, in combination with carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios in tree rings. The radial growth of P. nigra was constrained by water availability during the growing season and the previous autumn. The radial growth of D trees showed higher sensitivity to drought than ND trees. This fact is in accordance with the lower drought resilience and negative growth trends observed in D trees. Both tree classes differed in their growth from 2012 onwards, with D trees showing a reduced growth compared to ND trees. The positive δ13C-δ18O relationship together with the uncoupling between growth and intrinsic water-use efficiency suggest that D trees have less tight stomatal regulation than ND trees, which could involve a high risk of xylem embolism in the former class. Our results suggest that different water use strategies between coexisting ND and D trees were behind the differences in growth patterns and point to hydraulic failure as a possible mechanism triggering dieback and growth decline.
Distinct Effects of Inflammation on Cytochrome P450 Regulation and Drug Metabolism: Lessons from Experimental Models and a Potential Role for Pharmacogenetics
Authors: de Jong Laura M. , Jiskoot Wim , Swen Jesse J. , Manson Martijn L.
Published: December 2020

Personalized medicine strives to optimize drug treatment for the individual patient by taking into account both genetic and non-genetic factors for drug response. Inflammation is one of the non-genetic factors that has been shown to greatly affect the metabolism of drugs—primarily through inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) drug-metabolizing enzymes—and hence contribute to the mismatch between the genotype predicted drug response and the actual phenotype, a phenomenon called phenoconversion. This review focuses on inflammation-induced drug metabolism alterations. In particular, we discuss the evidence assembled through human in-vitro models on the effect of inflammatory mediators on clinically relevant CYP450 isoform levels and their metabolizing capacity. We also present an overview of the current understanding of the mechanistic pathways via which inflammation in hepatocytes may modulate hepatic functions that are critical for drug metabolism. Furthermore, since large inter-individual variability in response to inflammation is observed in human in-vitro models and clinical studies, we evaluate the potential role of pharmacogenetic variability in the inflammatory signaling cascade and how this can modulate the outcome of inflammation on drug metabolism and response.
Inaction on Lead Despite the Relevant Knowledge: Predictors, Covariates, and Outreach Implications
Authors: Rossi Alessandra , Wolde Bernabas , Lal Pankaj , Harclerode Melissa
Published: December 2020

Testing residential soil and paint for lead provides actionable information. By showing where and how much lead exists on the residence, it allows one to quantify risk and determine the best ways to reduce exposure along with the corresponding health and financial costs. For these reasons, several federal and state programs offer outreach to audiences on the benefits of testing residential soil and paint for lead. Not all individuals who know about lead’s adverse health effects, however, test their residence for lead, potentially limiting the actionable information that could have helped to reduce their exposure. Such individuals represent a challenge to outreach programs and the broader public health objectives. There is, thus, a need to understand who such individuals are and why they behave this way, allowing us to develop a specialized outreach program that addresses the problem by targeting the relevant sub-population. Using survey data, we quantitatively determine the profiles of individuals who, despite knowing about lead’s adverse health effects, are unlikely to test their residence for lead, finding statistically significant socio-economic predictors and behavioral covariates. We also find a geographic component to it, further helping outreach professionals learn how to allocate their limited resources.
An Evacuation Simulation for Hazard Analysis of Isolation at Sea during Passenger Ship Heeling
Authors: Kim Imgyu , Kim Hyuncheol , Han Soonhung
Published: December 2020

The Crisis Management Manual is essential for safe and rapid evacuation in the event of an accident. However, the disaster response measures in the current ship evacuation manual are not systematic and are simple and impractical. In particular, the current instructions when the ship is heeling call for evacuation to the highest deck, in the opposite direction. This advice is dangerous, however, because it is isolated to a specific space, due to the walking limit angle according to the angle of heel during evacuation. This study focuses on the MV Sewol ferry accident on 16 April 2014, to evaluate the risk of isolation at sea when evacuating to the highest deck opposite in the direction of heeling when the ship was sinking. According to the initial angle of heel and various angular velocities, hazard maps were created for each safety factor to predict the risks for each situation, by performing a comprehensive evaluation of the safe and dangerous situations when evacuating to the highest deck. The problems and limitations of the current evacuation manuals and systems were identified, and the necessity of a new evacuation solution was presented.
Job Demand-Control-Support Latent Profiles and Their Relationships with Interpersonal Stressors, Job Burnout, and Intrinsic Work Motivation
Authors: Portoghese Igor , Galletta Maura , Leiter Michael P. , Finco Gabriele , d’Aloja Ernesto , Campagna Marcello
Published: December 2020

In the Job Demand-Control-Support (JDCS) model, the combination of job demands, job control, and social support was hypothesized to lead to eight different constellations of job types. According to the model, these constellations are linked to wellbeing/health and learning outcomes. In the last three decades, these constellations of job types have been investigated by adopting a variable-centered perspective. However, latent profile analyses (LPA) enable a person-centered approach and empirically capture constellations of job types. In the present study, we used LPA to empirically identify distinct profiles of JDCS among Italian healthcare workers. Furthermore, we investigated the role of social stressors (workplace relationships and coworkers’ incivility) as antecedents of these profiles and the association of these profiles with job burnout and work motivation. Results from LPA (n = 1671) revealed four profiles: Isolated Prisoner, Participatory Leader, Moderate Strain, and Low Strain. Negative relationships at work and coworkers’ incivility increased the chances of being included in both Isolated prisoner and Participatory Leader profiles. Finally, the Isolated Prisoner and Moderate Strain profiles showed the highest levels of emotional exhaustion and cynicism and the lower levels of intrinsic work motivation. This study extends previous JDCS research, highlighting that researchers should consider empirically identified profiles rather than theoretically defined subgroups. Implications for stress theory, future research, and practice are discussed.
The Generalizability of HERO across 15 Nations: Positive Psychological Capital (PsyCap) beyond the US and Other WEIRD Countries
Authors: Donaldson Stewart I. , Chan Lawrence B. , Villalobos Jennifer , Chen Christopher L.
Published: December 2020

Recent meta-analyses of positive organizational psychology interventions (POPIs) suggest that interventions that target and improve hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism (HERO) can be highly effective at improving well-being and positive functioning at work. However, many studies to date have been conducted with samples from the US and other Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) societies, which raise the concern about the generalizability of theory-driven POPIs. The aim of this study was to examine if the underlying mechanism of one of the most successful POPIs to date, positive psychological capital (PsyCap) based on the HERO model, predicts positive functioning at work across diverse geographical regions and cultures. Using Qualtrics Panel data collected from 3860 employees across 15 nations (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, and the United States), we found that PsyCap is strongly associated with workplace proactivity, proficiency, adaptivity, and overall work performance across all 15 nations. The results suggest that efforts to develop PsyCap may be effective across national cultures and could be a robust approach for enhancing positive functioning in the global workplace.
Immediate Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Balance in Older Adults with Upper Limb Dysfunction: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Graça Maria , Alvarelhão José , Costa Rui , Fernandes Ricardo J. , Ribeiro Andrea , Daly Daniel , Vilas-Boas João Paulo
Published: December 2020

Background: Aquatic physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in developing balance, strength, and functional reach over time. When dealing with immediate effects, the literature has concentrated more on the body’s physiological response to the physical and mechanical properties of water during passive immersion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single 45-min active aquatic physiotherapy session on standing balance and strength, and its relationship with functional reach in persons 55 years and older with upper limb dysfunction. Methods: The intervention group (n = 12) was assessed before and after a single aquatic physiotherapy session, while the control group (n = 10) was evaluated before and after 45 min of sitting rest. Functional assessment was made using the visual analogue pain scale (points), step test (repetitions), functional reach test (cm), and global balance-standing test on a force platform (% time). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was applied (p < 0.05). Results: The intervention group showed non-significant improvements between measurement before and after the intervention: Pain: 6.2 ± 1.9 vs. 5.2 ± 2.3 cm, steps: 7.0 ± 2.0 vs. 7.4 ± 1.8 repetitions, reach: 9.1 ± 2.8 vs. 10.4 ± 3.8 cm, and balance: 61.7 ± 5.9 vs. 71.3 ± 18.2% time in balance on the platform. The control group showed fewer changes but had better baseline values. A comparison between groups with time showed no significant differences in these changes. Conclusions: No significant immediate effects were found for one session of aquatic physiotherapy applied to patients older than 55 years with upper limb dysfunction.
Influence of Evacuation Policy on Clearance Time under Large-Scale Chemical Accident: An Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Kim Minjun , Cho Gi-Hyoug
Published: December 2020

Large-scale chemical accidents that occur near areas with large populations can cause significant damage not only to employees in a workplace but also to residents near the accident site. Despite the increasing frequency and severity of chemical accidents, few researchers have argued for the necessity of developing scenarios and simulation models for these accidents. Combining the TRANSIMS (Transportation Analysis and Simulation System) agent-based model with the ALOHA (Areal Location of Hazardous Atmospheres) dispersion model, this study aims to develop a modeling framework for simulating emergency evacuations in response to large-scale chemical accidents. The baseline accident scenario assumed the simultaneous leakage of toxic chemicals from industrial complexes near residential areas. The ALOHA model results showed that approximately 60% of residents in the scenario’s city were required to evacuate their homes. The majority of evacuees completed their evacuations within 5 h in the baseline scenario (evacuating maximum number of private vehicles without any intervention), while the distribution of the population and street network density caused geographical variability in clearance time. Clearance time can be significantly reduced by changing both the evacuees’ behaviors and the evacuation policy, which suggests the necessity for proper public intervention when the mass evacuation of residents is required due to chemical accidents.
Establishing a Theory-Based Multi-Level Approach for Primary Prevention of Mental Disorders in Young People
Authors: Lo Moro Giuseppina , Soneson Emma , Jones Peter B. , Galante Julieta
Published: December 2020

The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders and psychosocial distress among young people exceeds the capacity of mental health services. Social and systemic factors determine mental health as much as individual factors. To determine how best to address multi-level risk factors, we must first understand the distribution of risk. Previously, we have used psychometric methods applied to two epidemiologically-principled samples of people aged 14–24 to establish a robust, latent common mental distress (CMD) factor of depression and anxiety normally distributed across the population. This was linearly associated with suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self-harm such that effective interventions to reduce CMD across the whole population could have a greater total benefit than those that focus on the minority with the most severe scores. In a randomised trial of mindfulness interventions in university students (the Mindful Student Study), we demonstrated a population-shift effect whereby the intervention group appeared resilient to a universal stressor. Given these findings, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we argue that population-based interventions to reduce CMD are urgently required. To target all types of mental health determinants, these interventions must be multi-level. Careful design and evaluation, interdisciplinary work, and extensive local stakeholder involvement are crucial for these interventions to be effective.
Compounds with Antiviral, Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activity Identified in Wine from Hungary’s Tokaj Region via High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Bioinformatics Analyses
Authors: Kalló Gergő , Kunkli Balázs , Győri Zoltán , Szilvássy Zoltán , Csősz Éva , Tőzsér József
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Wine contains a variety of molecules with potential beneficial effects on human health. Our aim was to examine the wine components with high-resolution mass spectrometry including high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry in two wine types made from grapes with or without the fungus Botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot”. (2) For LC-MS/MS analysis, 12 wine samples (7 without and 5 with noble rotting) from 4 different wineries were used and wine components were identified and quantified. (3) Results: 288 molecules were identified in the wines and the amount of 169 molecules was statistically significantly different between the two wine types. A database search was carried out to find the molecules, which were examined in functional studies so far, with high emphasis on molecules with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. (4) Conclusions: A comprehensive functional dataset related to identified wine components is also provided highlighting the importance of components with potential health benefits.
Role of Genetic Variation in ABC Transporters in Breast Cancer Prognosis and Therapy Response
Authors: Hlaváč Viktor , Václavíková Radka , Brynychová Veronika , Koževnikovová Renata , Kopečková Katerina , Vrána David , Gatěk Jiří , Souček Pavel
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the world. The role of germline genetic variability in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer chemoresistance and prognosis still needs to be elucidated. We used next-generation sequencing to assess associations of germline variants in coding and regulatory sequences of all human ABC genes with response of the patients to the neoadjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy and disease-free survival (n = 105). A total of 43 prioritized variants associating with response or survival in the above testing phase were then analyzed by allelic discrimination in the large validation set (n = 802). Variants in ABCA4, ABCA9, ABCA12, ABCB5, ABCC5, ABCC8, ABCC11, and ABCD4 associated with response and variants in ABCA7, ABCA13, ABCC4, and ABCG8 with survival of the patients. No association passed a false discovery rate test, however, the rs17822931 (Gly180Arg) in ABCC11, associating with response, and the synonymous rs17548783 in ABCA13 (survival) have a strong support in the literature and are, thus, interesting for further research. Although replicated associations have not reached robust statistical significance, the role of ABC transporters in breast cancer should not be ruled out. Future research and careful validation of findings will be essential for assessment of genetic variation which was not in the focus of this study, e.g., non-coding sequences, copy numbers, and structural variations together with somatic mutations.
Building Blocks to Design Liposomal Delivery Systems
Authors: Juszkiewicz Katarzyna , Sikorski Aleksander F. , Czogalla Aleksander
Published: December 2020

The flexibility of liposomal carriers does not just simply rely on their capability to encapsulate various types of therapeutic substances, but also on the large array of components used for designing liposome-based nanoformulations. Each of their components plays a very specific role in the formulation and can be easily replaced whenever a different therapeutic effect is desired. It is tempting to describe this by an analogy to Lego blocks, since a whole set of structures, differing in their features, can be designed using a certain pool of blocks. In this review, we focus on different design strategies, where a broad variety of liposomal components facilitates the attainment of straightforward control over targeting and drug release, which leads to the design of the most promising systems for drug delivery. The key aspects of this block-based architecture became evident after its implementation in our recent works on liposomal carriers of antisense oligonucleotides and statins, which are described in the last chapter of this review.
Beyond the Mind—Serum Trace Element Levels in Schizophrenic Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Baj Jacek , Forma Alicja , Sitarz Elżbieta , Karakuła Kaja , Flieger Wojciech , Sitarz Monika , Grochowski Cezary , Maciejewski Ryszard , Karakula-Juchnowicz Hanna
Published: December 2020

The alterations in serum trace element levels are common phenomena observed in patients with different psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, or major depressive disorder. The fluctuations in the trace element concentrations might act as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of many psychiatric and neurological disorders. This paper aimed to assess the alterations in serum trace element concentrations in patients with a diagnosed schizophrenia. The authors made a systematic review, extracting papers from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Among 5009 articles identified through database searching, 59 of them were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 33 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. This review includes the analysis of serum levels of the following trace elements: iron, nickel, molybdenum, phosphorus, lead, chromium, antimony, uranium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, and manganese. Currently, there is no consistency regarding serum trace element levels in schizophrenic patients. Thus, it cannot be considered as a reliable prognostic or diagnostic marker of schizophrenia. However, it can be assumed that altered concentrations of those elements are crucial regarding the onset and exaggeration of either psychotic or negative symptoms or cognitive dysfunctions.
Multifaceted Functions of Platelets in Cancer: From Tumorigenesis to Liquid Biopsy Tool and Drug Delivery System
Authors: Dovizio Melania , Ballerini Patrizia , Fullone Rosa , Tacconelli Stefania , Contursi Annalisa , Patrignani Paola
Published: December 2020

Platelets contribute to several types of cancer through plenty of mechanisms. Upon activation, platelets release many molecules, including growth and angiogenic factors, lipids, and extracellular vesicles, and activate numerous cell types, including vascular and immune cells, fibroblasts, and cancer cells. Hence, platelets are a crucial component of cell–cell communication. In particular, their interaction with cancer cells can enhance their malignancy and facilitate the invasion and colonization of distant organs. These findings suggest the use of antiplatelet agents to restrain cancer development and progression. Another peculiarity of platelets is their capability to uptake proteins and transcripts from the circulation. Thus, cancer-patient platelets show specific proteomic and transcriptomic expression patterns, a phenomenon called tumor-educated platelets (TEP). The transcriptomic/proteomic profile of platelets can provide information for the early detection of cancer and disease monitoring. Platelet ability to interact with tumor cells and transfer their molecular cargo has been exploited to design platelet-mediated drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxicity often associated with traditional chemotherapy. Platelets are extraordinary cells with many functions whose exploitation will improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Analysis of P4 and XDP for IoT Programmability in 6G and Beyond
Authors: Carrascal David , Rojas Elisa , Alvarez-Horcajo Joaquin , Lopez-Pajares Diego , Martínez-Yelmo Isaías
Published: December 2020

Recently, two technologies have emerged to provide advanced programmability in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environments, namely P4 and XDP. At the same time, the Internet of Things (IoT) represents a pillar of future 6G networks, which will be also sustained by SDN. In this regard, there is a need to analyze the suitability of P4 and XDP for IoT. In this article, we aim to compare both technologies to help future research efforts in the field. For this purpose, we evaluate both technologies by implementing diverse use cases, assessing their performance and providing a quick qualitative overview. All tests and design scenarios are publicly available in GitHub to guarantee replication and serve as initial steps for researchers that want to initiate in the field. Results illustrate that currently XDP is the best option for constrained IoT devices, showing lower latency times, half the CPU usage, and reduced memory in comparison with P4. However, development of P4 programs is more straightforward and the amount of code lines is more similar regardless of the scenario. Additionally, P4 has a lot of potential in IoT if a special effort is made to improve the most common software target, BMv2.
Sudden Death in Congenital Heart Disease: The Role of the Autopsy in Determining the Actual Cause
Authors: Sheppard Mary N.
Published: December 2020

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) have undergone a large change in epidemiology due to prenatal screening and improved outcomes with surgery and percutaneous procedures. In patients with complex CHD there is an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and up to 11% of all SCDs in the young occur in people with CHD. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of the risk factors, and for all patients to be followed up in specialised centres. When an SCD occurs, it is important that an autopsy is done and for the pathologist to have an in-depth knowledge of the particular defect and the corrective surgical techniques employed, as well as any complications due to these procedures. Both pathologist and cardiologist should work closely together to explain the cause of death to the family. A terminal cardiac arrhythmia explains many of the SCD cases, often with underlying cardiac fibrosis due to previous procedures. SCD may also be the first presentation of CHD, so great care is required when examining such cases and referral for a detailed expert opinion is recommended in all CHD-SCD cases.
Novel Hybrid Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Functionalization, Characterization, and Their Application in the Uptake of Scandium (III)Ions from Aqueous Media
Authors: Salman Ali Dawood , Juzsakova Tatjána , Jalhoom Moayed G. , Le Phuoc Cuong , Mohsen Saja , Adnan Abdullah Thamer , Zsirka Balázs , Cretescu Igor , Domokos Endre , Stan Catalina Daniela
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to prepare novel supramolecular hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) that can selectively separate and recover scandium metal ions, Sc(III), from an aqueous phase based on molecular recognition technology (MRT). Moreover, this approach is fully compatible with green chemistry principles. In this work, natural amorphous silica (SiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by a precipitation method from Iraqi rice husk (RH) followed by surface modification with 3-amino-propyl triethoxysilane (APTES) as coupling agent and Kryptofix 2.2.2 (K2.2.2) as polycyclic ligand. To evaluate the potential of the hybrid nanoparticles, the prepared HNPs were used for the solid–liquid extraction of scandium, Sc(III), ions from model solutions due to the fact that K2.2.2 are polycyclic molecules. These polycyclic molecules are able to encapsulate cations according to the corresponding cavity size with the ionic radius of metal by providing a higher protection due their cage-like structures. Moreover, the authors set the objectives to design a high-technology process using these HNPs and to develop a Sc recovery method from the aqueous model solution prior to employing it in industrial applications, e.g., for Sc recovery from red mud leachate. The concentrations of Sc model solutions were investigated using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer technique. Different characterization techniques were used including scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The extraction efficiency of Sc varied from 81.3% to 96.7%. Moreover, the complexed Sc ions were efficiently recovered by HCl with 0.1 mol/L concentration. The stripping ratios of Sc obtained ranged from 93.1% to 97.8%.
Machinability of INCONEL718 Alloy with a Porous Microstructure Produced by Laser Melting Powder Bed Fusion at Higher Energy Densities
Authors: Wood Paul , Díaz-Álvarez Antonio , Díaz-Álvarez José , Miguélez María Henar , Rusinek Alexis , Gunputh Urvashi F. , Williams Gavin , Bahi Slim , Sienkiewicz Judyta , Płatek Paweł
Published: December 2020

Products produced by additive manufacturing (AM) seek to exploit net shape manufacturing by eliminating or minimizing post-process stages such as machining. However, many applications which include turbo machinery components with tight dimensional tolerances and a smooth surface finish will require at least a light machine finishing stage. This paper investigates the machinability of the additively fabricated INCONEL718 (IN718) alloy produced by laser melting powder bed fusion (LM-PBF) with different levels of spherical porosity in the microstructure. The literature suggests that the band width for laser energy density, which combines the various scan process parameters to obtain a low spherical type porosity in the LM-PBF IN718 alloy (~1%), has wide breadth. With the increasing laser energy density and above a threshold, there is a rapid increase in the spherical pore size. In this paper, three tube samples each with different levels of spherical porosity were fabricated by varying the laser energy density for LM-PBF of the IN718 alloy within the stable and higher energy density range and the porosity measured. A low laser energy density was avoided due to balling up, which promotes highly irregular lack of fusion defects and poor consolidation within the alloy microstructure. An orthogonal turning test instrumented, with a three-component dynamometer to measure the cutting forces, was performed on AM produced IN718 tube samples under light cut conditions to simulate a finish machining process. The orthogonal turning tests were also performed on a tube sample obtained from the wrought extruded stock. The machining process parameters, which were studied include varying the cutting speed at three levels, at a fixed feed and under dry cut conditions for a short duration to avoid the tool wear. The results obtained were discussed and a notable finding was the higher rate of built-up-edge formation on the tool tip from the AM samples with a higher porosity and especially at a higher cutting speed. The paper also discusses the mechanisms that underpin the findings.
Polymer Flexible Joint as a Repair Method of Concrete Elements: Flexural Testing and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Zdanowicz Łukasz , Seręga Szymon , Tekieli Marcin , Kwiecień Arkadiusz
Published: December 2020

Polymer Flexible Joint (PFJ) is a method for repairs of concrete elements, which enables carrying loads and large deformations effectively. This article presents the possibility of applying PFJ on beams subjected to bending and describes the influence of such joints on concrete elements. An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the behavior of concrete in a four-point bending test. The research program included flexural tests of plain concrete elements with a notch, as well as tests of elements which were repaired with PFJ after failure. Based on the experimental results, the numerical characteristics of analyzed polymer and concrete were calibrated. A nonlinear numerical model is developed, which describes the behavior of concrete elements and polymer in the experiments. The model is used to numerically analyze deformations and stresses under increasing load. The influence of flexible joint on concrete elements is described and behavior of elements repaired with PFJ is compared to original elements. Particular attention was paid to the stress redistribution in concrete. The application of flexible joint positively influences load capacity of the connected concrete elements. Furthermore, because of stress redistribution, connected elements can bear larger deformations than original ones. PFJ can therefore be considered an efficient repair method for connecting concrete elements.
Anisotropic Complex Refractive Indices of Atomically Thin Materials: Determination of the Optical Constants of Few-Layer Black Phosphorus
Authors: Ross Aaron M. , Paternò Giuseppe M. , Dal Conte Stefano , Scotognella Francesco , Cinquanta Eugenio
Published: December 2020

In this work, studies of the optical constants of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides and few-layer black phosphorus are briefly reviewed, with particular emphasis on the complex dielectric function and refractive index. Specifically, an estimate of the complex index of refraction of phosphorene and few-layer black phosphorus is given. The complex index of refraction of this material was extracted from differential reflectance data reported in the literature by employing a constrained Kramers–Kronig analysis combined with the transfer matrix method. The reflectance contrast of 1–3 layers of black phosphorus on a silicon dioxide/silicon substrate was then calculated using the extracted complex indices of refraction.
Dense KNN Polycrystals Doped by Er2O3 Obtained by Hot Pressing with Hexagonal Boron Nitride Protective Layer
Authors: Rutkowski Paweł , Huebner Jan , Graboś Adrian , Kata Dariusz , Sapiński Bogdan , Faryna Marek
Published: December 2020

Analysis of dense Potassium Sodium Niobate (KNN) ceramic obtained by hot pressing (HP) method at 1100 °C are presented in this paper. The synthesis of KNN-based piezoelectrics meets the following challenges—low density of material, uncontrolled K/Na ratio, multiphase composition and formation of different KNN structures. The classical hot pressing approach results in contamination by carbon originating from graphite molds. The proposed hexagonal Boron Carbide (h-BN) layer between green sample and graphite mold could protect samples from carbon contamination. Additionally, the presence of h-BN may decrease the formation of oxygen vacancies, which allows us to maintain the semiconductor features of the KNN structure. Remaining issues were addressed with the addition of excess Na and Er2O3 doping. The results showed that excess Na addition allowed us to compensate evaporation of sodium during the synthesis and sintering. Er2O3 was added as sintering aid to limit abnormal grain growth caused by h–BN addition. The modification of amount of Na and Er2O3 addition resulted in high purity KNN samples with tetragonal structure and apparent density higher than 97%. Finally, piezoelectric features of prepared dense samples were measured and presented.