bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling Year-round Cultivation in the Nordics-Agrivoltaics and Adaptive LED Lighting Control of Daily Light Integral
Authors: Hernandez Velasco Marco
Published: December 2021

High efficacy LED lamps combined with adaptive lighting control and greenhouse integrated photovoltaics (PV) could enable the concept of year-round cultivation. This concept can be especially useful for increasing the production in the Nordic countries of crops like herbaceous perennials, forest seedlings, and other potted plants not native of the region, which are grown more than one season in this harsh climate. Meteorological satellite data of this region was analyzed in a parametric study to evaluate the potential of these technologies. The generated maps showed monthly average temperatures fluctuating from −20 °C to 20 °C throughout the year. The natural photoperiod and light intensity also changed drastically, resulting in monthly average daily light integral (DLI) levels ranging from 45–50 mol·m−2·d−1 in summer and contrasting with 0–5 mol·m−2·d−1 during winter. To compensate, growth room cultivation that is independent of outdoor conditions could be used in winter. Depending on the efficacy of the lamps, the electricity required for sole-source lighting at an intensity of 300 µmol·m−2·s−1 for 16 h would be between 1.4 and 2.4 kWh·m−2·d−1. Greenhouses with supplementary lighting could help start the cultivation earlier in spring and extend it further into autumn. The energy required for lighting highly depends on several factors such as the natural light transmittance, the light threshold settings, and the lighting control protocol, resulting in electric demands between 0.6 and 2.4 kWh·m−2·d−1. Integrating PV on the roof or wall structures of the greenhouse could offset some of this electricity, with specific energy yields ranging from 400 to 1120 kWh·kW−1·yr−1 depending on the region and system design.
Qualitative and Nutraceutical Characteristics after Storage of New Pear Selections in Emilia-Romagna Region
Authors: Caracciolo Giuseppina , Maltoni Maria Luigia , Faedi Giulia , Sirri Sandro , Baruzzi Gianluca
Published: December 2021

The Emilia-Romagna region is excellent in European pear production. CREA Centro di Ricerca Olivicoltura, Frutticoltura e Agrumicoltura leads a breeding project co-founded by New Plant (a consortium of three growers’associations Apofruit, Apoconerpo, and Orogel Fresco) whose main objective is to improve fruit quality and nutraceutical parameters. The purpose of this study is to describe the qualitative characteristics of some new genotypes obtained by this breeding activity after cold storage, in comparison with the main cultivated varieties, ‘Abbé Fétel’, ‘William’s B.C’ and ‘Doyenne du Comice’. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, fruit samples, stored in a normal refrigeration room and after 100 dd, reaching the consumption ripening (2.5–3 kg/0.5 cm2), were analyzed to quantify the qualitative parameters: average weight, caliber, titratable acidity, soluble solids contents, skin color and overcolor, sugar and organic acids content, the antioxidant capacity, the total polyphenols, and ascorbic acid content. The results showed that the selection ‘CREA 171’, with red skin and yellow-cream flesh, outstood for the high antioxidant capacity due to the high content of polyphenols and ascorbic acid.
Incorporating Auxiliary Data of Different Spatial Scales for Spatial Prediction of Soil Nitrogen Using Robust Residual Cokriging (RRCoK)
Authors: Qu Mingkai , Guang Xu , Liu Hongbo , Zhao Yongcun , Huang Biao
Published: December 2021

Auxiliary data has usually been incorporated into geostatistics for high-accuracy spatial prediction. Due to the different spatial scales, category and point auxiliary data have rarely been incorporated into prediction models together. Moreover, traditionally used geostatistical models are usually sensitive to outliers. This study first quantified the land-use type (LUT) effect on soil total nitrogen (TN) in Hanchuan County, China. Next, the relationship between soil TN and the auxiliary soil organic matter (SOM) was explored. Then, robust residual cokriging (RRCoK) with LUTs was proposed for the spatial prediction of soil TN. Finally, its spatial prediction accuracy was compared with that of ordinary kriging (OK), robust cokriging (RCoK), and robust residual kriging (RRK). Results show that: (i) both LUT and SOM are closely related to soil TN; (ii) by incorporating SOM, the relative improvement accuracy of RCoK over OK was 29.41%; (iii) by incorporating LUTs, the relative improvement accuracy of RRK over OK was 33.33%; (iv) RRCoK obtained the highest spatial prediction accuracy (RI = 43.14%). It is concluded that the recommended method, RRCoK, can effectively incorporate category and point auxiliary data together for the high-accuracy spatial prediction of soil properties.
Chemical and Microbial Characteristics of Blackening Disease in Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Caused by Hirschmanniella diversa Sher
Authors: Kurashita Hazuki , Kuroda Kyohei , Maki Shinya , Sato Takeshi , Takagi Motonori , Goto Maki , Kariya Tetsuro , Hatamoto Masashi , Yamaguchi Takashi , Tomita Shun , Narihiro Takashi
Published: December 2021

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is widely cultivated in Asia, but a blackening disease in the lotus tuber, called “kurokawa-senchu-byo”, is a serious problem caused by the Hirschmanniella diversa Sher plant-parasitic nematode. To effectively control the disease, we must elucidate the blackening mechanisms; therefore, in this study, we performed a soil chemical analysis and an evaluation of the disease level in the lotus cultivation fields, identified the chemical components of the black spots on the lotus surface, and performed a 16S rRNA gene-based microbial community analysis of the black spots. Using linear regression analysis, a positive linear relationship with a strong correlation between the damage index values and fertilizer components such as P2O5 was observed. As a result of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) were found to be concentrated in the black spots of the lotus tubers. Furthermore, we found that the concentrations of P and Fe in the black spots were 1.5- and 2.7-fold higher, respectively, than those found in the healthy parts of the lotus tubers. A 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (DIRB) were predominant in the black spots, suggesting that these bacteria are important to the formation of P and Fe compounds in the black spots.
Inhibition of the Growth and Development of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) De Bary by Combining Azoxystrobin, Penicillium chrysogenum VKM F-4876d, and Bacillus Strains
Authors: Yaderets Vera V. , Karpova Nataliya V. , Glagoleva Elena V. , Ovchinnikov Alexander I. , Petrova Kseniya S. , Dzhavakhiya Vakhtang V.
Published: December 2021

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a plant pathogen with a wide host range, which causes significant yield and storage losses of edible roots and other plant products. Due to its ability to sclerotia formation, the efficient control of this pathogen is complicated. The study of five Bacillus strains (B. subtilis VKM B-3154D, VKM B-3155D, VKM B-3505D, VKM B-2998D, and B. amyloliquefaciens VKM B-3153D) showed their ability to produce polyene antibiotics suppressing the growth and development of plant pathogenic fungi. The maximum concentration of polyene compounds was revealed for B. subtilis VKM B-2998D. A high in vitro antifungal activity of a dry mycelium biomass (DMP) of Penicillium chrysogenum VKM F-4876D, B. subtilis VKM B-2998D, and their combination has been demonstrated in relation to S. sclerotiorum. A combined application of DMP (0.3 g/L) and azoxystrobin at low dosage (2.5 mg/L) showed a high suppressing activity towards S. sclerotiorum (100% growth inhibition) including inhibition of a sclerotia formation that may be useful for the development of efficient methods of crop protection against this plant pathogen. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of DMP revealed the presence of mevastatin suggesting the mechanism of the DMP antifungal activity is based on the blocking of the ergosterol (the main component of fungal cell walls) biosynthesis. The results of the study provide a prerequisite to the development of biopreparations to control S. sclerotiorum, whose use may provide a reduction of concentrations of fungicides used in agriculture and the corresponding reduction of their negative xenobiotic impact on the environment and recovery of the ecological balance in the soil.
Predicting the Effects of Carbapenem/Carbapenemase Inhibitor Combinations against KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Time-Kill Experiments: Alternative versus Traditional Approaches to MIC Determination
Authors: Filimonova Alla V. , Golikova Maria V. , Strukova Elena N. , Portnoy Yury A. , Kuznetsova Anastasiya A. , Zinner Stephen H.
Published: December 2021

Traditionally, the antibacterial activity of β-lactam antibiotics in the presence of β-lactamase inhibitors is determined at the fixed inhibitor concentration. This traditional approach does not consider the ratio of antibiotic-to-inhibitor concentrations achieved in humans. To explore whether an alternative pharmacokinetically based approach to estimate MICs in combinations is predictive of antimicrobial efficacy, the effects of imipenem and doripenem alone and in combination with relebactam were studied in time-kill experiments against carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. The carbapenem-to-relebactam concentration ratios in time-kill assays were equal to the therapeutic 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) ratios of the drugs (1.5/1). The simulated levels of carbapenem and relebactam were equal to their concentrations achieved in humans. When effects of combined regimens were plotted against respective C/MICs, a sigmoid relationship was obtained only with MICs determined by pharmacokinetically based method. The effectiveness of both carbapenems in the presence of relebactam was comparable by the results of time-kill experiments. These findings suggest that (1) antibiotic/inhibitor MICs determined at a pharmacokinetically based concentration ratio allow an adequate assessment of carbapenem susceptibility in carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae strains and can be used to predict antibacterial effects; (2) in time-kill experiments, the effects of imipenem and doripenem in the presence of relebactam are comparable.
Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Inflammatory Pain and Enhances the Analgesic Properties of Delta Opioid Receptors
Authors: Porta Aina , Rodríguez Laura , Bai Xue , Batallé Gerard , Roch Gerard , Pouso-Vázquez Enric , Balboni Gianfranco , Pol Olga
Published: December 2021

Chronic inflammatory pain is present in many pathologies and diminishes the patient’s quality of life. Moreover, most current treatments have a low efficacy and significant side effects. Recent studies demonstrate the analgesic properties of slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors in animals with osteoarthritis or neuropathic pain, but their effects in inflammatory pain and related pathways are not completely understood. Several treatments potentiate the analgesic actions of δ-opioid receptor (DOR) agonists, but the role of H2S in modulating their effects and expression during inflammatory pain remains untested. In C57BL/6J male mice with inflammatory pain provoked by subplantar injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant, we evaluated: (1) the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of different doses of two slow-releasing H2S donors, i.e., diallyl disulfide (DADS) and phenyl isothiocyanate (P-ITC) and their mechanism of action; (2) the pain-relieving effects of DOR agonists co-administered with H2S donors; (3) the effects of DADS and P-ITC on the oxidative stress and molecular changes caused by peripheral inflammation. Results demonstrate that both H2S donors inhibited allodynia and hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner, potentiated the analgesic effects and expression of DOR, activated the antioxidant system, and reduced the nociceptive and apoptotic pathways. The data further demonstrate the possible participation of potassium channels and the Nrf2 transcription factor signaling pathway in the pain-relieving activities of DADS and P-ITC. This study suggests that the systemic administration of DADS and P-ITC and local application of DOR agonists in combination with slow-releasing H2S donors are two new strategies for the treatment of inflammatory pain.
An Approach Based on VR to Design Industrial Human-Robot Collaborative Workstations
Authors: Prati Elisa , Villani Valeria , Peruzzini Margherita , Sabattini Lorenzo
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an integrated approach for the design of human-robot collaborative workstations in industrial shop floors. In particular, the paper presents how to use virtual reality (VR) technologies to support designers in the creation of interactive workstation prototypes and in early validation of design outcomes. VR allows designers to consider and evaluate in advance the overall user experience, adopting a user-centered perspective. The proposed approach relies on two levels: the first allows designers to have an automatic generation and organization of the workstation physical layout in VR, starting from a conceptual description of its functionalities and required tools; the second aims at supporting designers during the design of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) by interaction mapping, HMI prototyping and testing in VR. The proposed approach has been applied on two realistic industrial case studies related to the design of an intensive warehouse and a collaborative assembly workstation for automotive industry, respectively. The two case studies demonstrate how the approach is suited for early prototyping of complex environments and human-machine interactions by taking into account the user experience from the early phases of design.
Mathematical Tool Based on Breakthrough Curves to Evaluate the Economic Advantages of Chemical Regeneration of Activated Carbon in Power Plants: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mariño Peacok Thayset , Crespo Sariol Harold , Puente Torres Jeamichel , Yperman Jan , Sánchez Roca Ángel , Carleer Robert , Salomón García Liset
Published: December 2021

A mathematical tool has been developed to evaluate the economic advantages of in-situ chemical regeneration of fixed-bed industrial adsorbers of granular activated carbon for cooling water treatment systems in Cuban power plants. Two scenarios of activated carbon (AC) management in a power plant were compared by applying the proposed model. The economic profit by implementing the regeneration strategy as a function of the number of regeneration cycles was determined and optimized. Breakthrough curves were obtained to assess the adsorption performance of the AC after progressive saturation–chemical regeneration cycles using synthetic water and hydrochloric acid, respectively. For the first saturation cycle, the breakthrough time was 272 min and after 10 cycles, it was reduced to 58 min, indicating a decrease of the adsorption capacity of 21%. The AC adsorption performance in terms of saturation time as a function of the number of regeneration cycles was considered one of the tool parameters. The proposed tool allows to determine the optimal number of regeneration cycles for a maximum economic profit in the regeneration strategy. It was demonstrated, using the proposed tool, that after an optimum of seven regeneration cycles, the power plant expends only 26% of the total investment. The simplicity of the tool permits a rapid way to find the most profitable number of regeneration cycles by combining economic, technical and adsorption efficiency parameters in one function, thus improving the AC management strategy at an industrial scale with corresponding environmental and economic advantages, including sustainability.
Analysis of Hydrological Characteristics of Blue Nile Basin, Nashe Watershed
Authors: Leta Megersa Kebede , Demissie Tamene Adugna , Waseem Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Hydrological modeling is a technique for understanding hydrologic characteristics and estimation of the water balance of watersheds for integrated water resources development and management. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used for modeling the hydrological behavior of the Nashe watershed in the north-western part of Ethiopia. The spatial data, daily climate, and stream flow were the required input data for the model. The observed monthly stream flow data at the outlet and selected sub-watersheds in the catchment were used to calibrate and validate the model. The model performance was assessed between the simulated and observed streamflow by using sequential uncertainty fitting-2 (SUFI-2), generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation, parameter solution (Parasol) and particle swarm optimization. The sensitivity of 18 parameters was tested, and the most sensitive parameters were identified. The model performance was evaluated using p and r- factor, coefficient of determination, Nash Sutcliffe coefficient efficiency, percent bias during uncertainty analysis, calibration and validation. Therefore, based on the set of proposed evaluation criteria, the SUFI-2 algorithm has been able to provide slightly more reasonable outcomes and Parasol is the worst compared to the other algorithms. An analysis of monthly and seasonal water balance has been also accomplished for the Nashe catchment. The water balance parameters were distinct for the three seasonal periods in the catchment. The seasonal water budget analysis reveals that the watershed receives around 19%, 69%, and 12% of rainfall through the short rain, long rain and dry seasons, respectively. The received precipitation was lost due to evapotranspiration by 29%, 34% and 37% for each season respectively. The surface runoff contributes to the catchment by 5%, 86% and 9% of the water yield.
30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test: A Systematic Review of Studies, Examining the VO2max Estimation and Training Programming
Authors: Stanković Mima , Gušić Marko , Nikolić Siniša , Barišić Valentin , Krakan Ivan , Sporiš Goran , Mikulić Ivan , Trajković Nebojša
Published: December 2021

This study presents an overview of current scientific articles that address the reliability and validity of the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15 IFT) as an assessment of aerobic capacity, as well as its use in terms of training programming. The search for and analysis of papers was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A database search was performed through PubMed, PMC, Med Line, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect, as well as directly from the author who first presented the IFT 30–15. Type of study: research was included in this paper on condition that (i) the original scientific paper was available in its entirety; (ii) the IFT 30–15 was used to evaluate or verify validity and reliability; and (iii) the IFT 30–15 was used for the purpose of evaluation of training programming. Of the 213 relevant studies identified, 21 were included in the quantitative analysis. All research was conducted on a sample of athletes who are exclusively engaged in team sports. As for the use of the subject test when it comes to programming individualized intermittent training to strengthen aerobic capacity, it seems that the IFT 30–15 test is appropriate and extremely useful for team sports. Regarding the reliability of tests identified in the reviewed literature, all studies indicate that the 30–15 IFT is a reliable test for assessment of aerobic capacity.
Pallet Recognition with Multi-Task Learning for Automated Guided Vehicles
Authors: Mok Chunghyup , Baek Insung , Cho Yoon Sang , Kim Younghoon , Kim Seoung Bum
Published: December 2021

As the need for efficient warehouse logistics has increased in manufacturing systems, the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) has also increased to reduce travel time. The AGVs are controlled by a system using laser sensors or floor-embedded wires to transport pallets and their loads. Because such control systems have only predefined palletizing strategies, AGVs may fail to engage incorrectly positioned pallets. In this study, we consider a vision sensor-based method to address this shortcoming by recognizing a pallet’s position. We propose a multi-task deep learning architecture that simultaneously predicts distances and rotation based on images obtained from a visionary sensor. These predictions complement each other in learning, allowing a multi-task model to learn and execute tasks impossible with single-task models. The proposed model can accurately predict the rotation and displacement of the pallets to derive information necessary for the control system. This information can be used to optimize a palletizing strategy. The superiority of the proposed model was verified by an experiment on images of stored pallets that were collected from a visionary sensor attached to an AGV.
Impact Noise and Vibration Sources Induced by Heavy Gym Activities: Do They in Turn Unnecessarily, Indirectly Affect Our Health?
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Shi Yu
Published: December 2021

‘Good health and wellbeing’ is one of the key United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). By ensuring healthy lives and promoting positive wellbeing, physical and mental activities have been encouraged for all at all ages. In recent decades, fitness culture and industry has significantly grown in many countries to enhance healthy lives and positive wellbeing. With the vigorous development of the fitness industry, a gym has become one of the common facilities within a neighborhood or on a campus in order to promote more and more people to participate in fitness activities. At the same time, the rapid increase in gym construction also provides more employment opportunities for professional fitness coaches. On the other hand, excessive noises and vibrations stemming from certain heavy gym activities can be observed. Accordingly, the NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) in a gym should receive more attention. According to critical literature reviews, the high-intensity noise in gyms is mainly caused by the drops of heavy steel bars or dumbbells. Today, most gyms adopt cushioned flooring in specific areas, but the effectiveness of noise suppression still needs to be evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of hearing loss caused by noise doses in a gym. Noises derived from heavy gym sources (i.e., lifting of heavy weights) were monitored and collected for analyses in order to estimate the risk of NIHL in a traditional gym, as well as to assess the measurements against the authoritative criteria to derive some technical guidelines for fitness and gym managers. The outcome of this study will improve insights into acoustic monitoring techniques and practical management within a gym environment.
Proposal of a Tool for Determining Sub- and Main Dimension Indicators in Assessing Internal Logistics Readiness for Industry 4.0 within a Company
Authors: Poor Peter , Zoubek Michal , Simon Michal
Published: December 2021

Key elements of Industry 4.0 are the digitization of products and production, enterprise information systems, robotic workplaces, communication infrastructure, and of course, employees. Industry 4.0 transforms production from stand-alone automated units to fully integrated automated and continuously optimized production environments. According to the prediction of Industry 4.0, new global networks will be created based on the interconnection of production equipment into CPS systems. These systems will be the basic building block of the so-called “smart factories”, and will be able to exchange information autonomously, trigger the necessary actions in response to current conditions and mutually independent inspections. The aim of this article is to describe the issue of readiness models for the Industry 4.0 concept, which are commonly used as tools for conceptualizing and measuring the maturity of an organization or process related to a specific target state. Characteristic for the models is their use because, on this basis, it is possible to identify the current readiness for the concept of Industry 4.0 comprehensively in the whole company or in various sub-areas.
Characterization of Potential Pollutants from Poly(lactic acid) after the Degradation Process in Soil under Simulated Environmental Conditions
Authors: Krawczyk-Walach Marta , Gzyra-Jagieła Karolina , Milczarek Anna , Jóźwik-Pruska Jagoda
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the amount of produced petrochemical plastic waste has been growing at an alarming rate. According to the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)/Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, in 2018 the global production of plastics amounts to 359 million tons, and in Europe—61.8 million tons. More than 80% of all marine litter is plastic, which accumulates in the environment due to its durability. Due to the growing problem, biodegradable polymer products are introduced to the market. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on degradation products in order to estimate the risk arising from their presence in the environment. This paper discusses research on compounds that may potentially remain in the soil after the degradation of the double green PLA polymer. The aim of the research was to prove whether products made of PLA, e.g., packaging, films and other waste can release substances harmful to the environment. Therefore, soil was selected as a medium to characterize the substances potentially released from the polymer under conditions simulating the degradation process in the environment. The soil was always used from the same producer. Before the polymer biodegradation process, it was additionally checked for pH, C and N content, number of microorganisms, etc. PLA degradation in soil was carried out in a laboratory accredited by the Polish Accreditation Center (PCA). During the research, soil samples at various stages of the degradation process under laboratory conditions were subjected to both extraction in an aqueous environment and organic solvent extraction The studies used the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), as well as pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC/MS). In addition, the study used the gel permeation chromatography (GPC/SEC) allowing to determine the distribution of molar masses, average molar masses and polydispersity, and the infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity of UiO-66-NH2 in the Esterification of Levulinic Acid
Authors: Bravo Fuchineco Daiana A. , Heredia Angélica C. , Mendoza Sandra M. , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Crivello Mónica E.
Published: December 2021

The massive use of petroleum and its possible exhaustion are driving the current research trend to study alternative raw materials from biomass for organic reactions. In this context, the present article presents a study of the catalytic esterification of levulinic acid, a platform molecule, with ethanol. Metal-organic framework (MOF) type compounds UiO-66-NH2 have been synthesized. Zirconium was incorporated, using zirconium chloride as a metal precursor, together with 2-aminoterephthalic acid as an organic binding agent. An alternative route of synthesis was proposed using more favorable conditions from an economic and environmental point of view, replacing dimethylformamide by 50 and 75% acetone as substitute solvent. The physicochemical properties of the materials were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectrometry with Fourier Transform (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) and N2 adsorption to understand their morphology, crystalline, chemical and pore structure. The progress of the reaction was followed by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. The catalytic activity result of MOF25% in autoclave reactor, showed 100% of selectivity to ethyl levulinate and a turnover number (TON) of 66.18 moles of product/moles of Zr. This good catalytic performance obtained by partial solvent replacement in the synthetic material provides a more economical and eco-friendly process for ethyl levulinate generation.
Impedance Based Temperature Estimation of Lithium Ion Cells Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ströbel Marco , Pross-Brakhage Julia , Kopp Mike , Birke Kai Peter
Published: December 2021

Tracking the cell temperature is critical for battery safety and cell durability. It is not feasible to equip every cell with a temperature sensor in large battery systems such as those in electric vehicles. Apart from this, temperature sensors are usually mounted on the cell surface and do not detect the core temperature, which can mean detecting an offset due to the temperature gradient. Many sensorless methods require great computational effort for solving partial differential equations or require error-prone parameterization. This paper presents a sensorless temperature estimation method for lithium ion cells using data from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in combination with artificial neural networks (ANNs). By training an ANN with data of 28 cells and estimating the cell temperatures of eight more cells of the same cell type, the neural network (a simple feed forward ANN with only one hidden layer) was able to achieve an estimation accuracy of ΔT= 1 K (10 ∘C <T< 60 ∘C) with low computational effort. The temperature estimations were investigated for different cell types at various states of charge (SoCs) with different superimposed direct currents. Our method is easy to use and can be completely automated, since there is no significant offset in monitoring temperature. In addition, the prospect of using the above mentioned approach to estimate additional battery states such as SoC and state of health (SoH) is discussed.
A Novel Peptide-MHC Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Forms a T Cell-like Immune Synapse
Authors: Wang Stacie Shiqi , Luong Kylie , Gracey Fiona Margaret , Jabar Shereen , McColl Brad , Cross Ryan Stanley , Jenkins Misty Rayna
Published: December 2021

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a promising form of adoptive cell therapy that re-engineers patient-derived T cells to express a hybrid receptor specific to a tumour-specific antigen of choice. Many well-characterised tumour antigens are intracellular and therefore not accessible to antibodies at the cell surface. Therefore, the ability to target peptide-MHC tumour targets with antibodies is key for wider applicability of CAR T cell therapy in cancer. One way to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of ligating tumour target cells is studying the immune synapse. Here we generated a second-generation CAR to targeting the HLA-A*02:01 restricted H3.3K27M epitope, identified as a possible therapeutic target in ~75% of diffuse midline gliomas, used as a model antigen to study the immune synapse. The pMHCI-specific CAR demonstrated specificity, potent activation, cytokine secretion and cytotoxic function. Furthermore, we characterised killing kinetics using live cell imaging as well as CAR synapse confocal imaging. Here we provide evidence of robust CAR targeting of a model peptide-MHC antigen and that, in contrast to protein-specific CARs, these CARs form a TCR-like immune synapse which facilitates TCR-like killing kinetics.
The Neuropeptide VIP Limits Human Osteoclastogenesis: Clinical Associations with Bone Metabolism Markers in Patients with Early Arthritis
Authors: Castro-Vazquez David , Lamana Amalia , Arribas-Castaño Paula , Gutiérrez-Cañas Irene , Villanueva-Romero Raúl , Pérez-García Selene , Martínez Carmen , Juarranz Yasmina , Fernández de Córdoba Sara , González-Álvaro Isidoro , Gomariz Rosa P. , Carrión Mar
Published: December 2021

We aimed to evaluate the direct action of VIP on crucial molecules involved in human osteoclast differentiation and function. We also investigated the relationship between VIP serum levels and bone remodeling mediators in early arthritis patients. The expression of VIP receptors and osteoclast gene markers in monocytes and in vitro differentiated osteoclasts was studied by real-time PCR. NFATc1 activity was measured using a TransAM® kit. Osteoclastogenesis was confirmed by quantification of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive multinucleated cells. OsteoAssay® Surface Multiple Well Plate was used to evaluate bone-resorbing activity. The ring-shaped actin cytoskeleton and the VPAC1 and VPAC2 expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence. We described the presence of VIP receptors in monocytes and mature osteoclasts. Osteoclasts that formed in the presence of VIP showed a decreased expression of osteoclast differentiation gene markers and proteolytic enzymes involved in bone resorption. VIP reduced the resorption activity and decreased both β3 integrin expression and actin ring formation. Elevated serum VIP levels in early arthritis patients were associated with lower BMD loss and higher serum OPG concentration. These results demonstrate that VIP exerts an anti-osteoclastogenic action impairing both differentiation and resorption activity mainly through the negative regulation of NFATc1, evidencing its bone-protective effects in humans.
Regulation of Oncogenic Targets by Tumor-Suppressive miR-150-3p in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mizuno Keiko , Tanigawa Kengo , Misono Shunsuke , Suetsugu Takayuki , Sanada Hiroki , Uchida Akifumi , Kawano Minami , Machida Kentaro , Asai Shunichi , Moriya Shogo , Inoue Hiromasa , Seki Naohiko
Published: December 2021

Several recent studies have shown that both strands of certain miRNAs derived from miRNA duplexes are involved in cancer pathogenesis. Our own recent studies revealed that both strands of the miR-150 duplex act as tumor-suppressive miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) through the targeting of several oncogenes. The aim of the study here was to further investigate the tumor-suppressive roles of miR-150-3p (the passenger strand) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSQ) and its control of cancer-promoting genes in LUSQ cells. The downregulation of miR-150-3p in LUSQ tissues was confirmed by data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The ectopic expression of miR-150-3p attenuated cancer cell aggressive features, e.g., cell cycle arrest, migration and invasive abilities. Our target search strategy successfully identified a total of 49 putative targets that were listed as subjects of miR-150-3p regulation in LUSQ cells. Interestingly, among these targets, 17 genes were categorized as related to the “cell cycle” based on Gene Ontology (GO) classification, namely CENPA, CIT, CCNE1, CCNE2, TIMELESS, BUB1, MCM4, HELLS, SKA3, CDCA2, FANCD2, NUF2, E2F2, SUV39H2, CASC5, ZWILCH and CKAP2). Moreover, we show that the expression of HELLS (helicase, lymphoid specific) is directly controlled by miR-150-3p, and its expression promotes the malignant phenotype of LUSQ cells.
Ecology of Gamebirds in Namha National Protected Area, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: Bleisch William V. , Buzzard Paul , Souliya Deang , Li Xueyou , Brooks Daniel M.
Published: December 2021

Using camera-trap data, we describe the ecology and occupancy of several species of gamebirds while assessing associations at Namha National Protected Area (Lao People’s Democratic Republic). We detected three species of Arborophila Partridges, albeit in low numbers. Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus show typical diurnal activity, and we provide a record of a male–female pair commensally associated with a boar Sus scrofa. Silver Pheasants Lophura nycthemera have sex ratios slightly favoring females, and are mostly solitary; we provide novel findings of male age structure and rectrix molt. Gray Peacock Pheasants Polyplectron bicalcaratum sex ratios also favor females; males are recorded displaying as early as late February, while daily activity is somewhat bimodal, and we provide novel findings of male age structure. Analysis of the association between occupancy and 14 environmental covariates indicated that Silver Pheasant and Gray Peacock-Pheasant were associated with rougher terrain, and Red Junglefowl had higher occupancy far from well-groomed trails used for tourism. We discuss our results by comparing and contrasting our findings with other studies, and consider implications for conservation in the region.
Characterization of Genetic Heterogeneity in Recurrent Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sauter-Meyerhoff Carolin , Bohnert Regina , Mazzola Pascale , Stühler Viktoria , Kandabarau Siarhei , Büttner Florian A. , Winter Stefan , Herrmann Lisa , Rausch Steffen , Hennenlotter Jörg , Fend Falko , Scharpf Marcus , Stenzl Arnulf , Ossowski Stephan , Bedke Jens , Schwab Matthias , Schaeffeler Elke
Published: December 2021

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibits poor prognosis. Better knowledge of distant metastases is crucial to foster personalized treatment strategies. Here, we aimed to investigate the genetic landscape of metastases, including synchronous and/or recurrent metastases to elucidate potential drug target genes and clinically relevant mutations in a real-world setting of patients. We assessed 81 metastases from 56 RCC patients, including synchronous and/or recurrent metastases of 19 patients. Samples were analysed through next-generation sequencing with a high coverage (~1000× mean coverage). We therefore established a novel sequencing panel comprising 32 genes with impact on RCC development. We observed a high frequency of mutations in known RCC driver genes (e.g., >40% carriers of VHL and PBRM1 mutations) in metastases irrespective of the metastatic site. The somatic mutational composition was significantly associated with cancer-specific survival (p(logrank) = 0.03). Moreover, we identified in 34 patients at least one drug target gene as well as clinically relevant mutations listed in the VICC Meta-Knowledgebase in 7%. In addition to significantly higher mutational burden in recurrent metastases compared to earlier ones, synchronous and/or recurrent metastases of individual patients, even after a time-period >2 yrs, shared a high proportion of somatic events. Our data demonstrate the importance of somatic profiling in metastases for precision medicine in RCC.
Function-Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: December 2021

Recently, minimally invasive (endoscopic or laparoscopic) treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) has been widely accepted. However, a standard gastrectomy with radical lymphadenectomy is generally performed in patients with EGC who have no indications for endoscopic resection, and postgastrectomy dysfunction is one of the problems of standard gastrectomy. Function-preserving gastrectomy, such as proximal gastrectomy and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy, can be considered when attempting to preserve the patient’s quality of life (QOL) postoperatively. In addition, sentinel node navigation surgery for EGC has been applied in clinical practice in several prospective studies on function-preserving personalized minimized gastrectomy. In the near future, the sentinel lymph node concept is expected to form the basis for establishing an ideal, personalized, minimally invasive function-preserving treatment for patients with EGC, which will improve their postoperative QOL without compromising their long-term survival. In this review article, we summarize the current status, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes of function-preserving gastrectomy for EGC.
Multi-Marker Immunofluorescent Staining and PD-L1 Detection on Circulating Tumour Cells from Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Asante Du-Bois , Morici Michael , Mohan Ganendra R. K. A. , Acheampong Emmanuel , Spencer Isaac , Lin Weitao , van Miert Paula , Gibson Samantha , Beasley Aaron B. , Ziman Melanie , Calapre Leslie , Meniawy Tarek M. , Gray Elin S.
Published: December 2021

Detection of ovarian cancer (OC) circulating tumour cells (CTCs) is primarily based on targeting epithelial markers, thus failing to detect mesenchymal tumour cells. More importantly, the immune checkpoint inhibitor marker PD-L1 has not been demonstrated on CTCs from OC patients. An antibody staining protocol was developed and tested using SKOV-3 and OVCA432 OC cell lines. We targeted epithelial (cytokeratin (CK) and EpCAM), mesenchymal (vimentin), and OC-specific (PAX8) markers for detection of CTCs, and CD45/16 and CD31 were used for the exclusion of white blood and vascular endothelial cells, respectively. PD-L1 was used for CTC characterisation. CTCs were enriched using the Parsortix™ system from 16 OC patients. Results revealed the presence of CTCs in 10 (63%) cases. CTCs were heterogeneous, with 113/157 (72%) cells positive for CK/EpCAM (epithelial marker), 58/157 (37%) positive for vimentin (mesenchymal marker), and 17/157 (11%) for both (hybrid). PAX8 was only found in 11/157 (7%) CTCs. In addition, 62/157 (39%) CTCs were positive for PD-L1. Positivity for PD-L1 was significantly associated with the hybrid phenotype when compared with the epithelial (p = 0.007) and mesenchymal (p = 0.0009) expressing CTCs. Characterisation of CTC phenotypes in relation to clinical outcomes is needed to provide insight into the role that epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity plays in OC and its relationship with PD-L1.
Multicellular Effects of STAT3 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Parakh Sagun , Ernst Matthias , Poh Ashleigh R.
Published: December 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases. Aberrant activation of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently observed in NSCLC and is associated with a poor prognosis. Pre-clinical studies have revealed an unequivocal role for tumor cell-intrinsic and extrinsic STAT3 signaling in NSCLC by promoting angiogenesis, cell survival, cancer cell stemness, drug resistance, and evasion of anti-tumor immunity. Several STAT3-targeting strategies have also been investigated in pre-clinical models, and include preventing upstream receptor/ligand interactions, promoting the degradation of STAT3 mRNA, and interfering with STAT3 DNA binding. In this review, we discuss the molecular and immunological mechanisms by which persistent STAT3 activation promotes NSCLC development, and the utility of STAT3 as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in NSCLC. We also provide a comprehensive update of STAT3-targeting therapies that are currently undergoing clinical evaluation, and discuss the challenges associated with these treatment modalities in human patients.
Microtubule-Interfering Drugs: Current and Future Roles in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Authors: Tymon-Rosario Joan , Adjei Naomi N. , Roque Dana M. , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: December 2021

Taxanes and epothilones are chemotherapeutic agents that ultimately lead to cell death through inhibition of normal microtubular function. This review summarizes the literature demonstrating their current use and potential promise as therapeutic agents in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), as well as putative mechanisms of resistance. Historically, taxanes have become the standard of care in the front-line and recurrent treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. In the past few years, epothilones (i.e., ixabepilone) have become of interest as they may retain activity in taxane-treated patients since they harbor several features that may overcome mechanisms of taxane resistance. Clinical data now support the use of ixabepilone in the treatment of platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer. Clinical data strongly support the use of microtubule-interfering drugs alone or in combination in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. Ongoing clinical trials will shed further light into the potential of making these drugs part of current standard practice.
Mayaro Virus Non-Structural Protein 2 Circumvents the Induction of Interferon in Part by Depleting Host Transcription Initiation Factor IIE Subunit 2
Authors: Ishida Ray , Cole Jamie , Lopez-Orozco Joaquin , Fayad Nawell , Felix-Lopez Alberto , Elaish Mohamed , Luo Shu Yue , Julien Olivier , Kumar Anil , Hobman Tom C.
Published: December 2021

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging mosquito-transmitted virus that belongs to the genus Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae. Humans infected with MAYV often develop chronic and debilitating arthralgia and myalgia. The virus is primarily maintained via a sylvatic cycle, but it has the potential to adapt to urban settings, which could lead to large outbreaks. The interferon (IFN) system is a critical antiviral response that limits replication and pathogenesis of many different RNA viruses, including alphaviruses. Here, we investigated how MAYV infection affects the induction phase of the IFN response. Production of type I and III IFNs was efficiently suppressed during MAYV infection, and mapping revealed that expression of the viral non-structural protein 2 (nsP2) was sufficient for this process. Interactome analysis showed that nsP2 interacts with DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit A (Rpb1) and transcription initiation factor IIE subunit 2 (TFIIE2), which are host proteins required for RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Levels of these host proteins were reduced by nsP2 expression and during infection by MAYV and related alphaviruses, suggesting that nsP2-mediated inhibition of host cell transcription is an important aspect of how some alphaviruses block IFN induction. The findings from this study may prove useful in design of vaccines and antivirals, which are currently not available for protection against MAYV and infection by other alphaviruses.
Genome Analysis of the Janthinobacterium sp. Strain SLB01 from the Diseased Sponge of the Lubomirskia baicalensis
Authors: Belikov Sergei I. , Petrushin Ivan S. , Chernogor Lubov I.
Published: December 2021

The strain Janthinobacterium sp. SLB01 was isolated from the diseased freshwater sponge Lubomirskia baicalensis (Pallas, 1776) and the draft genome was published previously. The aim of this work is to analyze the genome of the Janthinobacterium sp. SLB01 to search for pathogenicity factors for Baikal sponges. We performed genomic analysis to determine virulence factors, comparing the genome of the strain SLB01 with genomes of other related J. lividum strains from the environment. The strain Janthinobacterium sp. SLB01 contained genes encoding violacein, alpha-amylases, phospholipases, chitinases, collagenases, hemolysin, and a type VI secretion system. In addition, the presence of conservative clusters of genes for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of tropodithietic acid and marinocine was found. We present genes for antibiotic resistance, including five genes encoding various lactamases and eight genes for penicillin-binding proteins, which are conserved in all analyzed strains. Major differences were found between the Janthinobacterium sp. SLB01 and J. lividum strains in the spectra of genes for glycosyltransferases and glycoside hydrolases, serine hydrolases, and trypsin-like peptidase, as well as some TonB-dependent siderophore receptors. Thus, the study of the analysis of the genome of the strain SLB01 allows us to conclude that the strain may be one of the pathogens of freshwater sponges.