bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Everything Old Is New Again: Drug Repurposing Approach for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Targeting MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jain Anisha S. , Prasad Ashwini , Pradeep Sushma , Dharmashekar Chandan , Achar Raghu Ram , Silina Ekaterina , Stupin Victor , Amachawadi Raghavendra G. , Prasad Shashanka K. , Pruthvish R , Syed Asad , Shivamallu Chandan , Kollur Shiva Prasad
Published: October 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prominent subtype of lung carcinoma that accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths globally, and it is responsible for about 80% to 85% of lung cancers. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are a vital aspect of NSCLC, and have aided in the advancement of therapies for this carcinoma. Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is a promising and alternative method in NSCLC treatment, which is highlighted in this review. The introduction of targeted medicines has revolutionized the treatment of patients with this carcinoma. When combined with current systems biology-driven stratagems, repurposing non-cancer drugs into new therapeutic niches presents a cost-effective and efficient technique with enhancing outcomes for discovering novel pharmacological activity. This article highlights the successful cutting-edge techniques while focusing on NSCLC targeted therapies. The ultimate challenge will be integrating these repurposed drugs into the therapeutic regimen of patients affected with NSCLC to potentially increase lung cancer cure rates.
The Role of the Vitamin D Receptor in the Pathogenesis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Becker Alyssa L. , Carpenter Evan L. , Slominski Andrzej T. , Indra Arup K.
Published: October 2021

Melanoma is the malignant transformation of melanocytes and represents the most lethal form of skin cancer. While early-stage melanoma localized to the skin can be cured with surgical excision, metastatic melanoma often requires a multi-pronged approach and even then can exhibit treatment resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma could lead to novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies to ultimately decrease morbidity and mortality. One emerging candidate that may have value as both a prognostic marker and in a therapeutic context is the vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR is a nuclear steroid hormone receptor activated by 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [calcitriol, 1,25(OH)2D3]. While 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 is typically thought of in relation to calcium metabolism, it also plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, programmed-cell death as well as photoprotection. This review discusses the role of VDR in the crosstalk between keratinocytes and melanocytes during melanomagenesis and summarizes the clinical data regarding VDR polymorphisms, VDR as a prognostic marker, and potential uses of vitamin D and its analogs as an adjuvant treatment for melanoma.
Identification of a Nuclear Mitochondrial-Related Multi-Genes Signature to Predict the Prognosis of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Jiang Xuewen , Xia Yangyang , Meng Hui , Liu Yaxiao , Cui Jianfeng , Huang Huangwei , Yin Gang , Shi Benkang
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent urinary cancers, and its management is still a problem causing recurrence and progression, elevating mortality.

Materials and Methods

We aimed at the nuclear mitochondria-related genes (MTRGs), collected from the MITOMAP: A Human Mitochondrial Genome Database. Meanwhile, the expression profiles and clinical information of BC were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) as a training group. The univariate, multivariate, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were used to construct a nuclear mitochondrial-related multi-genes signature and the prognostic nomogram.

Results

A total of 17 nuclear MTRGs were identified to be correlated with the overall survival (OS) of BC patients, and a nuclear MTRGs signature based on 16 genes expression was further determined by the LASSO Cox regression analysis. Based on a nuclear MTRGs scoring system, BC patients from the TCGA cohort were divided into high- and low- nuclear MTRGs score groups. Patients with a high nuclear MTRGs score exhibited a significantly poorer outcome (median OS: 92.90 vs 20.20 months, p<0.0001). The nuclear MTRGs signature was further verified in three independent datasets, namely, GSE13507, GSE31684, and GSE32548, from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The BC patients with a high nuclear MTRGs score had significantly worse survival (median OS in GSE13507: 31.52 vs 98.00 months, p<0.05; GSE31684: 32.85 months vs unreached, p<0.05; GSE32548: unreached vs unreached, p<0.05). Furthermore, muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients had a significantly higher nuclear MTRGs score (p<0.05) than non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients. The integrated signature outperformed each involved MTRG. In addition, a nuclear MTRGs-based nomogram was constructed as a novel prediction prognosis model, whose AUC values for OS at 1, 3, 5 years were 0.76, 0.75, and 0.75, respectively, showing the prognostic nomogram had good and stable predicting ability. Enrichment analyses of the hallmark gene set and KEGG pathway revealed that the E2F targets, G2M checkpoint pathways, and cell cycle had influences on the survival of BC patients. Furthermore, the analysis of tumor microenvironment indicated more CD8+ T cells and higher immune score in patients with high nuclear MTRGs score, which might confer sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusions

Not only could the signature and prognostic nomogram predict the prognosis of BC, but it also had potential therapeutic guidance.
From Biology to Clinical Practice: Iron Chelation Therapy With Deferasirox
Authors: Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Galimberti Sara , Barcellini Wilma , Cilloni Daniela , Di Renzo Nicola , Elli Elena Maria , Finelli Carlo , Maurillo Luca , Ricco Alessandra , Musto Pellegrino , Russo Rodolfo , Latagliata Roberto
Published: October 2021

Iron chelation therapy (ICT) has become a mainstay in heavily transfused hematological patients, with the aim to reduce iron overload (IOL) and prevent organ damage. This therapeutic approach is already widely used in thalassemic patients and in low-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) patients. More recently, ICT has been proposed for high-risk MDS, especially when an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation has been planned. Furthermore, other hematological and hereditary disorders, characterized by considerable transfusion support to manage anemia, could benefit from this therapy. Meanwhile, data accumulated on how iron toxicity could exacerbate anemia and other clinical comorbidities due to oxidative stress radical oxygen species (ROS) mediated by free iron species. Taking all into consideration, together with the availability of approved oral iron chelators, we envision a larger use of ICT in the near future. The aim of this review is to better identify those non-thalassemic patients who can benefit from ICT and give practical tips for management of this therapeutic strategy.
Can the Childhood Physical Activity Questionnaire Be Used to Identify Physical Activity Levels in Children With Asthma?
Authors: van der Kamp Mattienne R. , Nieuwdorp Bram W. , Thio Boony J. , Tabak Monique , Kamps Arvid W. A. , Hermens Hermie J. , Driessen Jean M. M.
Published: October 2021

Objective: Children with asthma who are physically active have a better quality of life, emphasizing the importance of activity monitoring and promotion in daily life. The validity of self-reported activity measurements has been questioned in pediatric populations. In this study, we aim to compare the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) with objectively measured PA using accelerometry.

Design: In this comparison study, the pooled dataset of two cross-sectional studies was used, which prospectively home-monitored PA using the alternative self-report PAQ-C questionnaire as well as with the criterion standard accelerometry (Actigraph wGT3X-BT and GT1M).

Participants:Ninety children with pediatrician-diagnosed asthma participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures:Correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relation between the PAQ-C and accelerometer data. The predictive value of the PAQ-C in differentiating between achieving and failing the recommended daily level of moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA) was evaluated with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results: The results showed weak to moderate correlations of the PAQ-C with the accelerometer data (r = 0.29–0.47). A PAQ-C cutoff of 3.09 showed the best performance on predicting whether the recommended level of MVPA was achieved. With this cutoff, 21 of the 39 children that did achieve their daily MVPA level (53.8% sensitivity) and 33 of the 46 children that did fail their daily MVPA level (71.7% specificity) were correctly classified. A PAQ-C score of 3.5 revealed a negative predictive value of 100% for assessing physical inactivity.

Conclusion: This study revealed a weak relation between the PAQ-C and PA assessed with accelerometry. However, a PAQ-C score of 3.5 or higher might be used as a low-cost and easy-to-use PA screening tool for ruling out physical inactivity in a portion of the pediatric asthma population.

Clinical Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register: Trial NL6087.
Case Report: Subtherapeutic Vancomycin and Meropenem Concentrations due to Augmented Renal Clearance in a Patient With Intracranial Infection Caused by Streptococcus intermedius
Authors: Fransson Marcus , Helldén Anders , Östholm Balkhed Åse , Nezirević Dernroth Dženeta , Ha Maria , Haglund Mats , Milos Peter , Hanberger Håkan , Kågedal Bertil
Published: October 2021

Streptococcus intermedius occasionally causes brain abscesses that can be life-threatening, requiring prompt antibiotic and neurosurgical treatment. The source is often dental, and it may spread to the eye or the brain parenchyma. We report the case of a 34-year-old man with signs of apical periodontitis, endophthalmitis, and multiple brain abscesses caused by Streptococcus intermedius. Initial treatment with meropenem and vancomycin was unsuccessful due to subtherapeutic concentrations, despite recommended dosages. Adequate concentrations could be reached only after increasing the dose of meropenem to 16 g/day and vancomycin to 1.5 g × 4. The patient exhibited high creatinine clearance consistent with augmented renal clearance, although iohexol and cystatin C clearances were normal. Plasma free vancomycin clearance followed that of creatinine. A one-day dose of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole led to an increase in serum creatinine and a decrease in both creatinine and urea clearances. These results indicate that increased tubular secretion of the drugs was the cause of suboptimal antibiotic treatment. The patient eventually recovered, but his left eye needed enucleation. Our case illustrates that augmented renal clearance can jeopardize the treatment of serious bacterial infections and that high doses of antibiotics are needed to achieve therapeutic concentrations in such cases. The mechanisms for regulation of kidney tubular transporters of creatinine, urea, vancomycin, and meropenem in critically ill patients are discussed.
Interaction of Phytophthora sojae Effector Avr1b With E3 Ubiquitin Ligase GmPUB1 Is Required for Recognition by Soybeans Carrying Phytophthora Resistance Rps1-b and Rps1-k Genes
Authors: Li Shan , Hanlon Regina , Wise Hua , Pal Narinder , Brar Hargeet , Liao Chunyu , Gao Hongyu , Perez Eli , Zhou Lecong , Tyler Brett M. , Bhattacharyya Madan K.
Published: October 2021

Phytophthora sojaeis an oomycete that causes stem and root rot disease in soybean.P. sojaedelivers many RxLR effector proteins, including Avr1b, into host cells to promote infection. We show here that Avr1b interacts with the soybean U-box protein, GmPUB1-1, in yeast two-hybrid, pull down, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) assays.GmPUB1-1, and a homeologous copyGmPUB1-2, are induced by infection and encode 403 amino acid proteins with U-Box domains at their N-termini. Non-synonymous mutations in the Avr1b C-terminus that abolish suppression of cell death also abolished the interaction of Avr1b with GmPUB1-1, while deletion of the GmPUB1-1 C-terminus, but not the U box, abolished the interaction. BIFC experiments suggested that the GmPUB1-1-Avr1b complex is targeted to the nucleus.In vitroubiquitination assays demonstrated that GmPUB1-1 possesses E3 ligase activity. Silencing of theGmPUB1genes in soybean cotyledons resulted in loss of recognition of Avr1b by gene products encoded byRps1-b andRps1-k. The recognition of Avr1k (which did not interact with GmPUB1-1) byRps1-k plants was not, however, affected followingGmPUB1-1silencing. Furthermore, over-expression of GmPUB1-1 in particle bombardment experiments triggered cell death suggesting that GmPUB1 may be a positive regulator of effector-triggered immunity. In a yeast two-hybrid system, GmPUB1-1 also interacted with a number of other RxLR effectors including Avr1d, while Avr1b and Avr1d interacted with a number of other infection-induced GmPUB proteins, suggesting that the pathogen uses a multiplex of interactions of RxLR effectors with GmPUB proteins to modulate host immunity.
Improving Selection Efficiency of Crop Breeding With Genomic Prediction Aided Sparse Phenotyping
Authors: He Sang , Jiang Yong , Thistlethwaite Rebecca , Hayden Matthew J. , Trethowan Richard , Daetwyler Hans D.
Published: October 2021

Increasing the number of environments for phenotyping of crop lines in earlier stages of breeding programs can improve selection accuracy. However, this is often not feasible due to cost. In our study, we investigated a sparse phenotyping method that does not test all entries in all environments, but instead capitalizes on genomic prediction to predict missing phenotypes in additional environments without extra phenotyping expenditure. The breeders’ main interest – response to selection – was directly simulated to evaluate the effectiveness of the sparse genomic phenotyping method in a wheat and a rice data set. Whether sparse phenotyping resulted in more selection response depended on the correlations of phenotypes between environments. The sparse phenotyping method consistently showed statistically significant higher responses to selection, compared to complete phenotyping, when the majority of completely phenotyped environments were negatively (wheat) or lowly positively (rice) correlated and any extension environment was highly positively correlated with any of the completely phenotyped environments. When all environments were positively correlated (wheat) or any highly positively correlated environments existed (wheat and rice), sparse phenotyping did not improved response. Our results indicate that genomics-based sparse phenotyping can improve selection response in the middle stages of crop breeding programs.
Towards Developing Drought-smart Soybeans
Authors: Arya Hina , Singh Mohan B. , Bhalla Prem L.
Published: October 2021

Drought is one of the significant abiotic stresses threatening crop production worldwide. Soybean is a major legume crop with immense economic significance, but its production is highly dependent on optimum rainfall or abundant irrigation. Also, in dry periods, it may require supplemental irrigation for drought-susceptible soybean varieties. The effects of drought stress on soybean including osmotic adjustments, growth morphology and yield loss have been well studied. In addition, drought-resistant soybean cultivars have been investigated for revealing the mechanisms of tolerance and survival. Advanced high-throughput technologies have yielded remarkable phenotypic and genetic information for producing drought-tolerant soybean cultivars, either through molecular breeding or transgenic approaches. Further, transcriptomics and functional genomics have led to the characterisation of new genes or gene families controlling drought response. Interestingly, genetically modified drought-smart soybeans are just beginning to be released for field applications cultivation. In this review, we focus on breeding and genetic engineering approaches that have successfully led to the development of drought-tolerant soybeans for commercial use.
PUCHI Regulates Giant Cell Morphology During Root-Knot Nematode Infection in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Suzuki Reira , Yamada Mizuki , Higaki Takumi , Aida Mitsuhiro , Kubo Minoru , Tsai Allen Yi-Lun , Sawa Shinichiro
Published: October 2021

Parasitic root-knot nematodes transform the host’s vascular cells into permanent feeding giant cells (GCs) to withdraw nutrients from the host plants. GCs are multinucleated metabolically active cells with distinctive cell wall structures; however, the genetic regulation of GC formation is largely unknown. In this study, the functions of the Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor PUCHI during GC development were investigated. PUCHI expression was shown to be induced in early developing galls, suggesting the importance of the PUCHI gene in gall formation. Despite the puchi mutant not differing significantly from the wild type in nematode invasion and reproduction rates, puchi GC cell walls appeared to be thicker and lobate when compared to the wild type, while the cell membrane sometimes formed invaginations. In three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of puchi GCs, they appeared to be more irregularly shaped than those in the wild type, with noticeable cell-surface protrusions and folds. Interestingly, the loss-of-function mutant of 3-KETOACYL-COA SYNTHASE 1 showed GC morphology and cell wall defects similar to those of the puchi mutant, suggesting that PUCHI may regulate GC development via very long chain fatty acid synthesis.
Self-Transcendence as a Buffer Against COVID-19 Suffering: The Development and Validation of the Self-Transcendence Measure-B
Authors: Wong Paul T. P. , Arslan Gökmen , Bowers Victoria L. , Peacock Edward J. , Kjell Oscar Nils Erik , Ivtzan Itai , Lomas Tim
Published: October 2021

The age of COVID-19 calls for a different approach toward global well-being and flourishing through the transcendence suffering as advocated by existential positive psychology. In the present study, we primarily explained what self-transcendence is and why it represents the most promising path for human beings to flourish through the transformation of suffering in a difficult and uncertain world. After reviewing the literature on self-transcendence experiences, we concluded that the model of self-transcendence presented by Frankl is able to integrate both of the characteristics associated with self-transcendence. Afterward, we discussed how the self-transcendence paradigm proposed by Wong, an extension of the model by Frankl, may help awaken our innate capacity for connections with the true self, with others, and with God or something larger than oneself. We presented self-transcendence as a less-traveled but more promising route to achieve personal growth and mental health in troubled times. Finally, we presented the history of the development and psychometrics of the Self-Transcendence Measure-Brief (STM-B) and reported the empirical evidence that self-transcendence served as a buffer against COVID-19 suffering. The presented data in the current study suggested that the best way to overcome pandemic suffering and mental health crises is to cultivate self-transcendence.
No Evidence of Robust Noun-Referent Associations in German-Learning 6- to 14-Month-Olds
Authors: Steil Jessica N. , Friedrich Claudia K. , Schild Ulrike
Published: October 2021

Work with the looking-while-listening (LWL-) paradigm suggested that 6-month-old English-learning infants associated several labels for common nouns with pictures of their referents: While one distractor picture was present, infants systematically fixated the named target picture. However, recent work revealed constraints of infants' noun comprehension. The age at which these abilities can be obtained appears to relate to the infants' familiarity with the talker, the target language, and word frequency differences in target-distractor pairs. Here, we present further data to this newly established field of research. We tested 42 monolingual German-learning infants aged 6–14 months by means of the LWL-paradigm. Infants saw two pictures side-by-side on a screen, whilst an unfamiliar male talker named one of both. Overall, infants did not fixate the target picture more than the distractor picture. In line with previous results, infants' performance on the task was higher when target and distractor differed within their word frequency—as operationalized by the parental rating of word exposure. Together, our results add further evidence for constraints on early word learning. They point to cross-linguistic differences in early word learning and strengthen the view that infants might use extra-linguistic cues within the stimulus pairing, such as frequency imbalance, to disambiguate between two potential referents.
A Virtual Approach to Promote Inter-Professional Learning (IPL) Between Biomedical Science and Medicine in Higher Education for the Benefit of Patient Care
Authors: Leadbeater Wendy , Pallett Ross , Dunn Elizabeth , Bashir Amreen
Published: October 2021

In the clinical setting, collaboration between multidisciplinary teams is core to providing effective patient care. The delivery of traditional interprofessional education is associated with a number of logistical challenges, which were heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic. This workshop was developed to bring together Biomedical Science and Medical students using an online platform. The workshop consisted of (1) defining interprofessional education, (2) introducing the role of the Pathology laboratory, (3) Professional registration with regulatory bodies and (4) an insight into Covid-19 laboratory diagnosis. The session was supported by mixed group breakout rooms and interactive polling. Thirty four percent of students completed a post-workshop online survey which included open and closed questions. Thematic analysis revealed a better understanding the role of the pathology laboratory in diagnosing disease, an increased awareness of the similarities and differences in the roles of a Biomedical Scientist and a Medic and the importance of a multi-disciplinary team in achieving effective patient care. Quantitative analysis of survey data revealed that the majority of students reported positive experiences of interprofessional education online. Approximately 90% of students agreed that the workshop enabled them to increase their understanding of their own roles within healthcare, in addition to increasing their understanding of the roles of other healthcare professionals. 74.3% of participants reported that working with students from a different programme provided an alternative perspective. Seventy nine percent of students agreed that the online format enabled interactivity and discussion of the tasks. Of the 204 students, 85% engaged with the four polls during the workshop. This online workshop enabled discussion between degree programmes, enabled interactivity and allowed the learning outcomes to be met. Universities should embrace online platforms to provide a novel, engaging and effective interprofessional educational experience.
TeleParallax: Low-Motion-Blur Stereoscopic System With Correct Interpupillary Distance for 3D Head Rotations
Authors: Amemiya Tomohiro , Aoyama Kazuma , Hirose Michitaka
Published: October 2021

Binocular parallax provides cues for depth information when a scene is viewed with both eyes. In visual telepresence systems, stereo cameras are commonly used to simulate human eyes. However, motion blur occurs when these cameras are rotated quickly. The use of omnidirectional cameras can reduce the motion blur, but does not provide the correct interpupillary distance (IPD) when viewers tilt or turn their heads sideways. We propose a method called TeleParallax, in which two omnidirectional cameras are separated by the IPD and the direction of the lenses are kept constant in world coordinates by robotic arms during three-dimensional head rotations. TeleParallax can suppress the increase in image buffering during head rotations because each camera can capture an omnidirectional image with the lens direction fixed. We conducted three user studies to evaluate the perceptual effect of head tilt, eye asynchrony, and delays in IPD correction for a particular rotation. The results indicate that TeleParallax can provide depth perception that is independent of the head movement with less visual discomfort. Although the results show that the users were sensitive to the asynchrony between their eyes and to camera motion during IPDs, they retained the feeling of depth perception within interocular delays of 70 ms and motion velocity of 75°/s. These results imply that TeleParallax has remarkable potential for visual telepresence systems.
LOGOPEDIA W UNIWERSYTECIE WARSZAWSKIM
Authors: Porayski-Pomsta Józef
Published: October 2021

The paper entitled Logopaedics at the University of Warsaw is composed
of two sections. Section one discusses profi les of the following linguists: Jan
Baudouin de Courtenay, Tytus Benni, Witold Doroszewski, Halina Koneczna, and
Irena Styczek, whose academic research and organisational activity contributed
most to the formation of the research on speech acquisition, development,
and disorders at the University of Warsaw. Section two presents the history of
establishing institutions training speech therapists at the University of Warsaw:
Podyplomowe Studium Ortofonii Szkolnej (Postgraduate Studies of School
Orthophony), Podyplomowe (later: Pomagisterskie) Studium Logopedyczne
(Postgraduate Studies of Logopaedics), and various organisational forms and
frameworks of training speech therapists as part of full-time programmes.
USTALENIE STANDARDU LOGOPEDYCZNEGO
POSTĘPOWANIA DIAGNOSTYCZNEGO U DZIECI
DWUJĘZYCZNYCH – UWARUNKOWANIA I WYZWANIA
Authors: Kurowska Marlena , Sadowska Elżbieta , Zawadka Joanna
Published: October 2021

Gradual, yet constant, changes in the Polish society, which is fairly uniform
in terms of culture and unilingual, have been observable in recent years. As
a consequence of migratory fl ows, which have covered virtually the whole of
Europe, Polish speech therapists (and other specialists) working, among others,
in educational establishments, learning disability services, and private practices
increasingly often meet non-Polish speaking children and parents. The growing
number of such experiences gives rise e.g. to the need to determine a diagnostic
procedure standard for such children. This paper is aimed to present selected
considerations and challenges regarding the development of a speech therapy
standard for bilingual children
Osoba z ASD, osoba ze spektrum, autystyk, osoba autystyczna
czy osoba z autyzmem? Współczesne tendencje w nazewnictwie osób z ASD
Authors: Sadowska Elżbieta
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to present the names for people with diagnosed
autism that are used in the literature dedicated to logopaedics. The analysed
expressions are as follows: autystyk (an autistic), osoba z autyzmem (a person
with autism), osoba z ASD (a person with ASD), osoba autystyczna (an autistic
person), dziecko autystyczne (an autistic child), osoba cierpiąca z powodu
autyzmu (a person who suffers from autism), osoba ze spectrum (a person on the
spectrum), osoba ze spektrum autyzmu (a person on the spectrum of autism),
osoba wysoko i nisko funkcjonująca (a high- and low-functioning person)
‘The ideal collective capitalist’ in times of the pandemic
Authors: Ilkowski Filip
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the actions of capitalist countries in the situation of the crisis, related to the Covid-19 pandemic, primarily the actions of the world’s leading economic, powers (the United States, China, Japan, Germany, India). An attempt is made to find, the characteristics and motifs of these actions. On this basis, an assessment is made of the, adequacy of the definition of the capitalist state by Friedrich Engels as “the ideal collective, capitalist”.
Anticancer Mechanisms of Bioactive Compounds from Solanaceae: An Update
Authors: Nkwe David O. , Lotshwao Bonolo , Rantong Gaolathe , Matshwele James , Kwape Tebogo E. , Masisi Kabo , Gaobotse Goabaone , Hefferon Kathleen , Makhzoum Abdullah
Published: October 2021

Plants continue to provide unlimited pharmacologically active compounds that can treat various illnesses, including cancer. The Solanaceae family, besides providing economically important food plants, such as potatoes and tomatoes, has been exploited extensively in folk medicine, as it provides an array of bioactive compounds. Many studies have demonstrated the anticancer potency of some of the compounds, but the corresponding molecular targets are not well defined. However, advances in molecular cell biology and in silico modelling have made it possible to dissect some of the underlying mechanisms. By reviewing the literature over the last five years, we provide an update on anticancer mechanisms associated with phytochemicals isolated from species in the Solanaceae plant family. These mechanisms are conveniently grouped into cell cycle arrest, transcription regulation, modulation of autophagy, inhibition of signalling pathways, suppression of metabolic enzymes, and membrane disruption. The majority of the bioactive compounds exert their antiproliferative effects by inhibiting diverse signalling pathways, as well as arresting the cell cycle. Furthermore, some of the phytochemicals are effective against more than one cancer type. Therefore, understanding these mechanisms provides paths for future formulation of novel anticancer drugs, as well as highlighting potential areas of research.
Nucleic Acid Drugs—Current Status, Issues, and Expectations for Exosomes
Authors: Yamada Yoji
Published: October 2021

Nucleic acid drugs are being developed as novel therapeutic modalities. They have great potential to treat human diseases such as cancers, viral infections, and genetic disorders due to unique characteristics that make it possible to approach undruggable targets using classical small molecule or protein/antibody-based biologics. In this review, I describe the advantages, classification, and clinical status of nucleic acid therapeutics. To date, more than 10 products have been launched, and many products have been tested in clinics. To promote the use of nucleic acid therapeutics such as antibodies, several hurdles need to be surmounted. The most important issue is the delivery of nucleic acids and several other challenges have been reported. Recent advanced delivery platforms are lipid nanoparticles and ligand conjugation approaches. With the progress of exosome biology, exosomes are expected to contribute to the solution of various problems associated with nucleic acid drugs.
Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Cell Death and Inflammation
Authors: Sanwlani Rahul , Gangoda Lahiru
Published: October 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as novel mediators of intercellular communication. They work via delivering the sequestered cargo to cells in the close vicinity, as well as distant sites in the body, regulating pathophysiological processes. Cell death and inflammation are biologically crucial processes in both normal physiology and pathology. These processes are indistinguishably linked with their effectors modulating the other process. For instance, during an unresolvable infection, the upregulation of specific immune mediators leads to inflammation causing cell death and tissue damage. EVs have gained considerable interest as mediators of both cell death and inflammation during conditions, such as sepsis. This review summarizes the types of extracellular vesicles known to date and their roles in mediating immune responses leading to cell death and inflammation with specific focus on sepsis and lung inflammation.
Analysis of Unidirectional Secondary Resonant Single Active Bridge DC–DC Converter
Authors: Tuan Cao Anh , Takeshita Takaharu
Published: October 2021

A compact and highly efficient unidirectional DC–DC converter is required as a battery charger for electrical vehicles, which will rapidly become widespread in the near future. The single active bridge (SAB) converter is proposed as a simple and high-frequency isolated unidirectional converter, which is comprised of an active H-bridge converter in the primary side, an isolated high frequency transformer, and a rectifying secondary diode bridge output circuit. This paper presents a novel, unidirectional, high-frequency isolated DC–DC converter called a Secondary Resonant Single Active Bridge (SR–SAB) DC–DC converter. The circuit topology of the SR–SAB converter is a resonant capacitor connected to each diode in parallel in order to construct the series resonant circuit in the secondary circuit. As a result, the SR–SAB converter achieves a higher total power factor at the high frequency transformer and a unity voltage conversion ratio under the unity transformer turns ratio. Small and nonsignificant overshoot values of current and voltage waveforms are observed. Soft-switching commutations of the primary H-bridge circuit and the soft recovery of secondary diode bridge are achieved. The operating philosophy and design method of the proposed converter are presented. Output power control using transformer frequency variation is proposed. The effectiveness of the SR–SAB converter was verified by experiments using a 1 kW, 48 VDC, and 20 kHz laboratory prototype.
Post-Closure Safety Analysis of Nuclear Waste Disposal in Deep Vertical Boreholes
Authors: Finsterle Stefan , Muller Richard A. , Grimsich John , Bates Ethan A. , Midgley John
Published: October 2021

Isolation of spent nuclear fuel assemblies in deep vertical boreholes is analyzed. The main safety features of the borehole concept are related to the repository’s great depth, implying (a) long migration distances and correspondingly long travel times, allowing radionuclides to decay, (b) separation of the repository from the dynamic hydrological cycle near the land surface, (c) stable geological and hydrogeological conditions, and (d) a geochemically reducing environment. An integrated simulation model of the engineered and natural barrier systems has been developed to examine multiple scenarios of the release of radionuclides from the waste canisters, the transport through a fractured porous host rock, and the extraction of potentially contaminated drinking water from an aquifer. These generic simulations include thermal effects from both the natural geothermal gradient and the heat-generating waste, the influence of topography on regional groundwater flow, moderated by salinity stratification at depth, and the role of borehole sealing. The impact of these processes on the transport of select radionuclides is studied, which include long-lived, soluble, sorbing or highly mobile isotopes along with a decay chain of safety-relevant actinide metals. The generic analyses suggest that a deep vertical borehole repository has the potential to be a safe option for the disposal of certain waste streams, with the depth itself and the stable hydrogeological environment encountered in the emplacement zone providing inherent long-term isolation, which allows for reduced reliance on a complex engineered barrier system.
Simulation Study on Active Air Flow Distribution Characteristics of Closed Heat Pump Drying System with Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Zhao Hai-Bo , Wu Kun , Zhang Jing-Feng
Published: October 2021

A tridimensional turbulent flow model is established for a closed heat pump drying system with waste heat recovery to improve the drying air flow characteristics and reduce the energy consumption of air circulation. The active flow distribution mode is introduced to guide air flowing in the system’s drying cabinet, top air duct, mixing zone, and heat pump. It is found that the wind velocity in the cabinet’s supply channel is greater than that in the return channel, the velocity distribution in the top duct is uneven, and the outlet velocity of the bypass fan is high and a vortex forms. A partition panel added in the top duct and modulating fans in the drying cabinet are proposed to solve these problems. The simulation results show that removing the circulating fan, changing the volume flow of the bypass fan, adopting the alternative operation mode of the bypass fans, reducing the air volume flow of the supply fan, and reducing the total pressure of the fans can improve the dry air velocity uniformity in the drying cabinet and reduce the energy consumption of the fans. This paper analyzes the closed-loop drying air flow characteristics of the active flow distribution system in the heat pump drying system, which lays a foundation for the wind velocity, temperature, and humidity regulating of heat pump drying system with waste heat recovery.
Drone-Assisted Image Processing Scheme using Frame-Based Location Identification for Crack and Energy Loss Detection in Building Envelopes
Authors: Oh Sukjoon , Ham Suyeon , Lee Seongjin
Published: October 2021

This paper presents improved methods to detect cracks and thermal leakage in building envelopes using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) (i.e., drones) with video camcorders and/or infrared cameras. Three widely used contour detectors of Sobel, Laplacian, and Canny algorithms were compared to find a better solution with low computational overhead. Furthermore, a scheme using frame-based location identification was developed to effectively utilize the existing approach by finding the current location of the drone-assisted image frame. The results showed a simplified drone-assisted scheme along with automation, higher accuracy, and better speed while using lower battery energy. Furthermore, this paper found that the cost-effective drone with the attached equipment generated accurate results without using an expensive drone. The new scheme of this paper will contribute to automated anomaly detection, energy auditing, and commissioning for sustainably built environments.
Creep Rupture and Permeability Evolution in High Temperature Heat-Treated Sandstone Containing Pre-Existing Twin Flaws
Authors: Yang Sheng-Qi , Tang Jin-Zhou , Elsworth Derek
Published: October 2021

Utilizing underground coal gasification cavities for carbon capture and sequestration provides a potentially economic and sustainable solution to a vexing environmental and energy problem. The thermal influence on creep properties and long-term permeability evolution around the underground gasification chamber is a key issue in UCG-CCS operation in containing fugitive emissions. We complete multi-step loading and unloading creep tests with permeability measurement at confining stresses of 30 MPa on pre-cracked sandstone specimens thermally heat-treated to 250, 500, 750 and 1000 °C. Observations indicate a critical threshold temperature of 500 °C required to initiate thermally-induced cracks with subsequent strength reduction occurring at 750 °C. Comparison of histories of creep, visco-elastic and visco-plastic strains highlight the existence of a strain jump at a certain deviatoric stress level—where the intervening rock bridge between the twin starter-cracks is eliminated. As the deviatoric stress level increases, the visco-plastic strains make up an important composition of total creep strain, especially for specimens pre-treated at higher temperatures, and the development of the visco-plastic strain leads to the time-dependent failure of the rock. The thermal pre-treatment produces thermal cracks with their closure resulting in increased instantaneous elastic strains and instantaneous plastic strains. With increasing stress ratio, the steady-state creep rates increase slowly before the failure stress ratio but rise suddenly over the final stress ratio to failure. However, the pre-treatment temperature has no clear and apparent influence on steady creep strain rates. Rock specimens subject to higher pre-treatment temperatures exhibit higher permeabilities. The pre-existing cracks close under compression with a coplanar shear crack propagating from the starter-cracks and ultimately linking these formerly separate cracks. In addition, it is clear that the specimens pre-treated at higher temperatures accommodate greater damage.
Airtightness and Heat Energy Loss of Mid-Size Terraced Houses Built of Different Construction Materials
Authors: Paukštys Valdas , Cinelis Gintaris , Mockienė Jūratė , Daukšys Mindaugas
Published: October 2021

The European Union has adopted legislation aimed to increase the use of renewable energy and improve the effectiveness of conventional-form energy use. Additional structure insulation helps to decrease heat energy loss. Airtightness of the building envelope (building airtightness) is an additional factor that determines comfortable and energy-saving living environment. The conformity of heat energy loss with the object’s design energy class is one of the mandatory indicators used in the obligatory building energy performance certification procedure. Optionally, the objects to be certified are the entire buildings or separate units (flats). There is an issue of concern whether a flat assessed as a separate housing unit would meet the requirements of design energy class depending on the location of the unit in the building. The study is aimed to determine the change in heat loss of end units in terraced houses (townhouses) as a result of various factors, leading to uneven airtightness of the building envelope. The non-destructive assessment of building airtightness was implemented through the combined use of methods, namely Blower Door Test (around 200 measurements) and Infrared Thermography. The hollow clay unit masonry showed ca. 7–11% less airtightness than the sand–lime block masonry structure. The end units were up to 20% less airtight compared to the inside units.
Transaction Cost and Agency Perspectives on Eco-Certification of Existing Buildings: A Study of Hong Kong
Authors: Yau Yung , Hou Huiying (Cynthia) , Yip Ka Chi , Qian Queena Kun
Published: October 2021

Eco-certification schemes are usually launched with various incentives provided by local governments to facilitate green building development and building energy retrofits. A number of barriers to building energy retrofitting have been identified in previous literature, while the barriers to the eco-certification of existing buildings are under-researched. Drawing on a set of building data retrievable from the BEAM Society and other sources, we carried out an analysis and found the building energy retrofitting, as well as the certification process, were unwelcomed in multi-owned residential buildings. The identified shortfall is put forward from the perspectives of transaction cost theory and agency theory. The findings reveal that high transaction costs incurred during negotiations and coordination among a large number of co-owners within a typical apartment building can outweigh the benefits of retrofitting and eco-certification. Besides, the remuneration structure of third-party property management agents discourages agents from facilitating co-owners to initiate retrofitting. This study provides significant implications for policymakers to understand the concerns of building owners and managers over the decisions and the processes of both the building energy retrofits and eco-certification. The problems and barriers unveiled in this study will facilitate the refining of current energy efficiency policies and related incentives designs.
Analysis of Application of Plasma Ignition in Closed Vessel Tests
Authors: Trębiński Radosław , Leciejewski Zbigniew , Surma Zbigniew , Michalski Jakub
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the results of a comparative investigation into the effects of the ignition method on the ballistic properties of three types of propellants: a single-base propellant, a double-base propellant and a low vulnerability (LOVA) propellant, as determined via closed vessel tests (CVT). Conventional gunpowder ignition and plasma jet ignition methods were used. The influence of the ignition method on the values of the propellant characteristics obtained in CVT was analysed. It was found that the method of ignition has an influence on the values of propellant characteristics, determined in CVT. An analysis of the experimental form functions showed that plasma ignition is not a solution to the problems inherent to the process of determining the ballistic properties of propellants in which the burning process deviates from the geometric burning law.
A New Optimal Current Controller for a Three-Phase Shunt Active Power Filter Based on Karush–Kuhn–Tucker Conditions
Authors: Kołek Krzysztof , Firlit Andrzej
Published: October 2021

This paper presents an algorithm for finding the optimal control for a current controller that operates as a part of a control system of a shunt active power filter. The algorithm is based upon the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions for finding an optimal value where control signal is limited and constraints create a cube. The explicit solution of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker problem is presented and simplified calculations are given to lower calculation complexity. The presented Karush–Kuhn–Tucker algorithm is compared with a classical PI controller. It is given the algorithm for finding the optimal parameters of the PI controller and the behavior of the PI controller is compared with the presented algorithm. Attention has been paid to the saturation of controllers in commutation states of load currents, which has a negative impact on the final performance of the controllers and the controlled shunt active power filter. The paper also presents the software and hardware platforms applied to run the presented algorithms in real-time. For both controllers, the shunt active power filter response is shown using real experimental results. The results of the experiments prove better behavior regarding the presented algorithm, especially in the case of commutative load currents, where the output signals from other controllers become saturated.
Reliability and Energy Costs Analysis of a Rural Hybrid Microgrid Using Measured Data and Battery Dynamics: A Case Study in the Coast of Perú
Authors: Canziani Franco , Vargas Raúl , Castilla Miguel , Miret Jaume
Published: October 2021

Hybrid microgrids constitute a promising solution for filling the electricity access gap that currently exists in rural areas; however, there is still relatively little information about their reliability and costs based on measured data in real working conditions. This article analyzes data obtained from the operation of a 9 kW hybrid microgrid in the fishermen’s cove of Laguna Grande, Paracas, in the Ica region of Perú, which has been running for 5 years. This microgrid has been equipped with data acquisition systems that measure and register wind speed, solar radiation, temperatures, and all the relevant electric parameters. Battery dynamics considerations are used to determine the depth of discharge in a real-time operative situation. The collected data are used to optimize the design using the specialized software HOMER, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and costs as a possible system upgrade. This work aims to contribute to better understanding the behavior of hybrid rural microgrids using data collected under field conditions, analyzing their reliability, costs, and corresponding sensitivity to battery size as well as solar and wind installed power, as a complement to a majority of studies based on simulations.