bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chrysosplenol D Triggers Apoptosis through Heme Oxygenase-1 and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Ju , Lin Chia-Chieh , Lo Yu-Sheng , Chuang Yi-Ching , Ho Hsin-Yu , Chen Mu-Kuan
Published: August 2021

Chrysosplenol D, a flavonol isolated from Artemisia annua L., can exert anticancer effects. This study investigated the anticancer property of chrysosplenol D and its underlying mechanism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We observed that chrysosplenol D reduced cell viability and caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The findings of annexin V/propidium iodide staining, chromatin condensation, and apoptotic-related protein expression revealed that chrysosplenol D regulated apoptosis in OSCC. Furthermore, chrysosplenol D altered the expression of the autophagy marker LC3 and other autophagy-related proteins. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were downregulated by chrysosplenol D, and the inhibition of these pathways significantly enhanced chrysosplenol D-induced cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activation. Moreover, the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was found to be critical for chrysosplenol D-induced apoptotic cell death. The analysis of clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets revealed that patients with head and neck cancer had lower HO-1 expression than did those with no head and neck cancer. The findings of the present study indicated that chrysosplenol D exerts anticancer effects on OSCC by suppressing the MAPK pathway and activating HO-1 expression.
Non-Participation in Breast Cancer Screening in Spain and Potential Application in the Present and Future: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Muñoz-Sanz Juan José , Jiménez-Palomares María , Garrido-Ardila Elisa María , Rodríguez-Mansilla Juan
Published: August 2021

Background: Currently, we are beginning to observe a stabilisation and even a decrease in breast cancer mortality in the world, which may be related, among other reasons, to breast cancer screening. Methods: The objective of this study was to analyse the different reasons why women do not participate in the Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme in Extremadura (Spain) and to discuss the results, offering possible tools to improve the screening programs. This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study. A questionnaire with 14 questions was carried out by telephone or mail. Results: A total of 3970 questionnaires were collected. However, only 2507 were valid. A total of 70.36% of young and educated women underwent mammographic controls. The type of women who did not attend the screening programme appointment corresponded to a woman of approximately 60 years of age, with no formal studies, married, with children, who does not work outside their home and who lived in the health area of Badajoz. Among the main reasons for not going to the appointment, 53.9% of the women surveyed indicated that they had check-ups with their gynaecologist, and this specialist referred them for a mammograph. These women were younger and have a higher level of education. Women with a lower educational level and older women did not have any mammography done and did not undergo screening. They indicated that they did not go to the appointment because they were afraid of having a mammography (44%) or because they did not receive the appointment in time (31.6%). A total of 26.9% of the women who did not attend the appointment for other reasons stated that they had problems in attending because they had a physical limitation (dependency). Conclusions: Women who did not participate in the breast cancer screening programme in Extremadura had low educational levels and were older women. Specifically, fear of having a mammogram was the main argument raised by these women. In addition, a small group stated that they did not consider mammography to be useful. At present and in the future, good quality screening programs must be carried out to contribute to the reduction in breast cancer mortality. Furthermore, enhancing the participation of women is essential to increase the attendance rate and, therefore, the success of the screening programmes.
Liquid Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Opportunities and Challenges for Immunotherapy
Authors: Maravelia Panagiota , Silva Daniela Nascimento , Rovesti Giulia , Chrobok Michael , Stål Per , Lu Yong-Chen , Pasetto Anna
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancer types worldwide. HCC is often diagnosed at a late stage when the therapeutic options are very limited. However, even at the earlier stages, the best treatment is liver transplantation, surgical resection or ablation. Surgical resection and ablation may carry a high risk of tumor recurrence. The recent introduction of immunotherapies resulted in clinical responses for a subgroup of patients, but there were still no effective predictive markers for response to immunotherapy or for recurrence after surgical therapy. The identification of biomarkers that could correlate and predict response or recurrence would require close monitoring of the patients throughout and after the completion of treatment. However, this would not be performed efficiently by repeated and invasive tissue biopsies. A better approach would be to use liquid biopsies including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating RNA (e.g., microRNAs), circulating tumor cells (CTC) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) (e.g., exosomes) for disease monitoring in a non-invasive manner. In this review, we discuss the currently available technology that can enable the use of liquid biopsy as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. Moreover, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of the clinical application of liquid biopsy for immunotherapy of HCC.
Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinomas: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Thouvenin Jonathan , Martínez Chanzá Nieves , Alhalabi Omar , Lang Hervé , Tannir Nizar M. , Barthélémy Philippe , Malouf Gabriel G.
Published: August 2021

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) represents a rare and aggressive malignancy arising from the renal pelvis or ureter. It can develop sporadically or have a hereditary origin, such as Lynch syndrome, caused by DNA mismatch repair deficiency, leading to microsatellite instability phenotype. According to molecular characterization studies, UTUC presents different mutational profiles as compared to urinary bladder urothelial carcinomas. In particular, it has been reported that UTUC harbored a higher level of FGFR3 alterations associated with a T-cell depleted immune microenvironment. The therapeutic landscape in urothelial carcinoma is rapidly evolving, with immune checkpoint inhibitors forming part of the standard of care. A greater understanding of the molecular alterations and immune microenvironment leads to the development of new treatment combinations and targeted therapy. This review summarizes the available evidence concerning the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the biological rationale underlying their use in high-grade UTUC.
Inference of Gene Regulatory Network Uncovers the Linkage between Circadian Clock and Crassulacean Acid Metabolism in Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi
Authors: Moseley Robert C. , Motta Francis , Tuskan Gerald A. , Haase Steven B. , Yang Xiaohan
Published: August 2021

The circadian clock drives time-specific gene expression, enabling biological processes to be temporally controlled. Plants that conduct crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis represent an interesting case of circadian regulation of gene expression as stomatal movement is temporally inverted relative to stomatal movement in C3 plants. The mechanisms behind how the circadian clock enabled physiological differences at the molecular level is not well understood. Recently, the rescheduling of gene expression was reported as a mechanism to explain how CAM evolved from C3. Therefore, we investigated whether core circadian clock genes in CAM plants were re-phased during evolution, or whether networks of phase-specific genes were simply re-wired to different core clock genes. We identified candidate core clock genes based on gene expression features and then applied the Local Edge Machine (LEM) algorithm to infer regulatory relationships between this new set of core candidates and known core clock genes in Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi. We further inferred stomata-related gene targets for known and candidate core clock genes and constructed a gene regulatory network for core clock and stomata-related genes. Our results provide new insight into the mechanism of circadian control of CAM-related genes in K. fedtschenkoi, facilitating the engineering of CAM machinery into non-CAM plants for sustainable crop production in water-limited environments.
A Novel Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Cancer-Specific Plectin Has Potent Antitumor Activity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Perez Samantha M. , Dimastromatteo Julien , Landen Charles N. , Kelly Kimberly A.
Published: August 2021

Cancer-specific plectin (CSP) is a pro-tumorigenic protein selectively expressed on the cell surface of major cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC). Despite its assessable localization, abundance, and functional significance, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting CSP remains unexplored. Here, we generated and investigated the anticancer effects of a novel CSP-targeting monoclonal antibody, 1H11, in OC models. Its therapeutic efficacy as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy was evaluated in vitro using two OC cell lines and in vivo by a subcutaneous ovarian cancer model. 1H11 demonstrated rapid internalization and high affinity and specificity for both human and murine CSP. Moreover, 1H11 induced significant and selective cytotoxicity (EC50 = 260 nM), G0/G1 arrest, and decreased OC cell migration. Mechanistically, these results are associated with increased ROS levels and reduced activation of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. In vivo, 1H11 decreased Ki67 expression, induced 65% tumor growth inhibition, and resulted in 30% tumor necrosis. Moreover, 1H11 increased chemosensitivity to cisplatin resulting in 60% greater tumor growth inhibition compared to cisplatin alone. Taken together, CSP-targeting with 1H11 exhibits potent anticancer activity against ovarian cancer and is deserving of future clinical development.
Deciphering the Role of Ion Channels in Early Defense Signaling against Herbivorous Insects
Authors: Gandhi Akanksha , Kariyat Rupesh , Harikishore Amaravadhi , Ayati Marzieh , Bhunia Anirban , Sahoo Nirakar
Published: August 2021

Plants and insect herbivores are in a relentless battle to outwit each other. Plants have evolved various strategies to detect herbivores and mount an effective defense system against them. These defenses include physical and structural barriers such as spines, trichomes, cuticle, or chemical compounds, including secondary metabolites such as phenolics and terpenes. Plants perceive herbivory by both mechanical and chemical means. Mechanical sensing can occur through the perception of insect biting, piercing, or chewing, while chemical signaling occurs through the perception of various herbivore-derived compounds such as oral secretions (OS) or regurgitant, insect excreta (frass), or oviposition fluids. Interestingly, ion channels or transporters are the first responders for the perception of these mechanical and chemical cues. These transmembrane pore proteins can play an important role in plant defense through the induction of early signaling components such as plasma transmembrane potential (Vm) fluctuation, intracellular calcium (Ca2+), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, followed by defense gene expression, and, ultimately, plant defense responses. In recent years, studies on early plant defense signaling in response to herbivory have been gaining momentum with the application of genetically encoded GFP-based sensors for real-time monitoring of early signaling events and genetic tools to manipulate ion channels involved in plant-herbivore interactions. In this review, we provide an update on recent developments and advances on early signaling events in plant-herbivore interactions, with an emphasis on the role of ion channels in early plant defense signaling.
Hispanic Parents’ Views of Family Physical Activity: Results from a Multisite Focus Group Investigation
Authors: Olvera Norma , Hammons Amber J. , Teran-Garcia Margarita , Plaza-Delestre Maria , Fiese Barbara
Published: August 2021

Understanding parental views regarding family physical activity is essential to the development of family-focused physical activity interventions. Using a qualitative methodology with thematic analysis and a socio-demographic questionnaire, this study aimed to examine Mexican American and Puerto Rican parental views on child and family physical activity. Sixty-one parents (56 mothers, five fathers) from four sites (California, Illinois, Texas, and Puerto Rico) each participated in a single one-hour focus group session, which included an average of five parents. The findings of this study indicated that parents perceived themselves and their families to be physically active, while some parents believed their children were getting enough physical activity at school and afterschool programs. Walking, bicycling, and playing soccer were the most common physical activities that parents reported engaging in as a family. In addition, some parents shared their preference for exercising without their children. Time constraints along with unsafe neighborhood streets and parks were identified as the major barriers to being physically active as a family. Mothers reported that fathers’ involvement in physical activity and combining a healthy diet with exercise were useful strategies for physical activity promotion. This study provides valuable information regarding Hispanic parental views concerning family physical activity relevant to the design of culturally family-based physical activity interventions for this population.
Numerical Approximation of Microorganisms Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Induced by a Wavy Fluctuating Spinning Disc
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Saeed Anwar , Gul Taza , Ali Ishtiaq , Kumam Wiyada , Kumam Poom
Published: August 2021

The analysis explored a numerical simulation of microorganisms, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ferric oxide water-based hybrid nanofluid flow induced by a wavy fluctuating spinning disc with energy propagation. In the presence of CNTs and magnetic nanoparticulates, the nanofluid is synthesized. The exceptional tensile strength, flexibility, and electrical and thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes and iron nanoparticles have been extensively reported. The motive of the proposed analysis is to optimize thermal energy conveyance efficiency for a spectrum of industrial and biomedical applications. The phenomena have been expressed as a system of partial differential equations (PDEs) which contain the momentum, energy, concentration, and motile microorganism equations. The modeled equations have been diminished to the dimensionless system of nonlinear ODEs through a similarity framework. The Matlab built-in package boundary value solver has been utilized to solve the obtained system of ODEs. The findings are compared to the PCM technique for validity purposes. The results are illustrated graphically and discussed. The layout of a rotating disc has a positive effect on energy transition and velocity profile. The irregular rotating surface increases energy progression up to 15% relative to a smooth surface. The accumulation of nanocomposites (CNTs and magnetic nanoparticles) significantly enhanced the thermal capabilities of the liquid medium. When operating with a low distribution, it is more impactful.
Crystal Structure, Vibrational, Spectroscopic and Thermochemical Properties of Double Sulfate Crystalline Hydrate [CsEu(H2O)3(SO4)2]·H2O and Its Thermal Dehydration Product CsEu(SO4)2
Authors: Denisenko Yuriy G. , Molokeev Maxim S. , Oreshonkov Aleksandr S. , Krylov Alexander S. , Aleksandrovsky Aleksandr S. , Azarapin Nikita O. , Andreev Oleg V. , Razumkova Illaria A. , Atuchin Victor V.
Published: August 2021

Crystalline hydrate of double cesium europium sulfate [CsEu(H2O)3(SO4)2]·H2O was synthesized by the crystallization from an aqueous solution containing equimolar amounts of 1Cs+:1Eu3+:2SO42− ions. Anhydrous salt CsEu(SO4)2 was formed as a result of the thermal dehydration of the crystallohydrate. The unusual effects observed during the thermal dehydration were attributed to the specific coordination of water molecules in the [CsEu(H2O)3(SO4)2]·H2O structure. The crystal structure of [CsEu(H2O)3(SO4)2]·H2O was determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and the crystal structure of CsEu(SO4)2 was obtained by the Rietveld method. [CsEu(H2O)3(SO4)2]·H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c (a = 6.5574(1) Å, b = 19.0733(3) Å, c = 8.8364(2) Å, β = 93.931(1)°, V = 1102.58(3) Å3). The anhydrous sulfate CsEu(SO4)2 formed as a result of the thermal destruction crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c (a = 14.327(1) Å, b = 5.3838(4) Å, c = 9.5104(6) Å, β = 101.979(3) °, V = 717.58(9) Å3). The vibration properties of the compounds are fully consistent with the structural models and are mainly determined by the deformation of non-rigid structural elements, such as H2O and SO42−. As shown by the diffused reflection spectra measurements and DFT calculations, the structural transformation from [CsEu(H2O)3(SO4)2]·H2O to CsEu(SO4)2 induced a significant band gap reduction. A noticeable difference of the luminescence spectra between cesium europium sulfate and cesium europium sulfate hydrate is detected and explained by the variation of the extent of local symmetry violation at the crystallographic sites occupied by Eu3+ ions, namely, by the increase in inversion asymmetry in [CsEu(H2O)3(SO4)2]·H2O and the increase in mirror asymmetry in CsEu(SO4)2. The chemical shift of the 5D0 energy level in cesium europium sulfate hydrate, with respect to cesium europium sulfate, is associated with the presence of H2O molecules in the vicinity of Eu3+ ion.
Humidity Sensing and Photodetection Based on Tin Disulfide Nanosheets
Authors: Lin Der-Yuh , Hsu Hung-Pin , Hu Han-Sheng , Yang Yu-Cheng , Lin Chia-Feng , Zhou Wei
Published: August 2021

Tin disulfide has substantial importance for two-dimensional material-based optoelectronics and sensors due to its unique optoelectrical properties. In this report, we fabricate SnS2 nanosheets using the low-pressure thermal sulfurization process, whose crystal structure and surface morphology are confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements. From photoconductivity measurement and photocurrent mapping, we observe smaller electrode spacing of SnS2 thin films can enhance photodetection. Then, by the H2O2 oxidation processing, we transform SnS2 to SnO2 to detect humidity. The measured response and recovery time can be optimized to 5.6 and 1.0 s, respectively, shorter than those of commercial DHT11 humidity sensor of 32 and 34 s. At suitable bias, humidity sensor can detect human respiration properly at room temperature. Our results show that SnS2 nanosheets exhibit reasonable performance for emergent photodetector applications and humidity sensing.
Dielectric Anomaly and Charge Fluctuations in the Non-Magnetic Dimer Mott Insulator λ-(BEDT-STF)2GaCl4
Authors: Iakutkina Olga , Rosslhuber Roland , Kawamoto Atsushi , Dressel Martin
Published: August 2021

The dimer Mott insulator λ-(BEDT-STF)2GaCl4 undergoes no magnetic order down to the lowest temperatures, suggesting the formation of a novel quantum disordered state. Our frequency and temperature-dependent investigations of the dielectric response reveal a relaxor-like behavior below T≈100 K for all three axes, similar to other spin liquid candidates. Optical measurement of the charge-sensitive vibrational mode ν27(b1u) identifies a charge disproportionation Δρ≈0.04e on the dimer that exists up to room temperature and originates from inequivalent molecules in the weakly coupled dimers. The linewidth of the charge sensitive mode is broader than that of typical organic conductors, supporting the existence of a disordered electronic state.
Quality of End-of-Life Care for People with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Ontario: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Goldie Catherine L. , Nguyen Paul , Robinson Andrew G. , Goldie Craig E. , Kircher Colleen E. , Hanna Timothy P.
Published: August 2021

Ensuring high quality end of life (EOL) care is necessary for people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), given its high incidence, mortality and symptom burden. Aggressive EOL care can adversely affect the quality of life of NSCLC patients without providing meaningful oncologic benefit. Objectives: (1) To describe EOL health services quality indicators and timing of palliative care consultation provided to patients dying of NSCLC. (2) To examine associations between aggressive and supportive care and patient, disease and treatment characteristics. Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study describes those who died of NSCLC in Ontario, Canada from 2009–2017. Socio-demographic, patient, disease and treatment characteristics as well as EOL health service quality and use of palliative care consultation were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression models examined factors associated with receiving aggressive or supportive care. Results: Aggressive care quality indicators were present in 50.3% and supportive care indicators in 60.3% of the cohort (N = 37,203). Aggressive care indicators decreased between 2009 and 2017 (57.4% to 45.3%) and increased for supportive care (54.2% to 67.5%). Benchmarks were not met by 2017 in 3 of 4 cases. Male sex and greater comorbidity were associated with more aggressive EOL care and less supportive care. Older age was negatively associated and rurality positively associated with aggressive care. No palliative care consultation occurred in 56.0%. Conclusions: While improvements in the use of supportive rather than aggressive care were noted, established Canadian benchmarks were not met. Moreover, there is variation in EOL quality between groups and use of earlier palliative care must improve.
Investigation of Cyber-Security and Cyber-Crimes in Oil and Gas Sectors Using the Innovative Structures of Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Relations
Authors: Jan Naeem , Nasir Abdul , Alhilal Mohsin , Khan Sami , Pamucar Dragan , Alothaim Abdulrahman
Published: August 2021

Recently, there has been enormous development due to advancements in technology. Industries and enterprises are moving towards a digital system, and the oil and gas industries are no exception. There are several threats and risks in digital systems, which are controlled through cyber-security. For the first time in the theory of fuzzy sets, this research analyzes the relationships between cyber-security and cyber-crimes in the oil and gas sectors. The novel concepts of complex intuitionistic fuzzy relations (CIFRs) are introduced. Moreover, the types of CIFRs are defined and their properties are discussed. In addition, an application is presented that uses the Hasse diagram to make a decision regarding the most suitable cyber-security techniques to implement in an industry. Furthermore, the omnipotence of the proposed methods is explained by a comparative study.
A Deep Neural Network Method for Arterial Blood Flow Profile Reconstruction
Authors: Yang Dan , Wang Yuchen , Xu Bin , Wang Xu , Liu Yanjun , Cheng Tonglei
Published: August 2021

Arterial stenosis will reduce the blood flow to various organs or tissues, causing cardiovascular diseases. Although there are mature diagnostic techniques in clinical practice, they are not suitable for early cardiovascular disease prediction and monitoring due to their high cost and complex operation. In this paper, we studied the electromagnetic effect of arterial blood flow and proposed a method based on the deep neural network for arterial blood flow profile reconstruction. The potential difference and weight matrix are used as inputs to the method, and its output is an estimate of the internal blood flow velocity distribution for arterial blood flow profile reconstruction. Firstly, the weight matrix is input into the convolutional auto-encode (CAE) network to extract its features. Then, the weight matrix features and potential difference are combined to obtain the features of the blood velocity distribution. Finally, the velocity features are reconstructed into blood flow velocity distribution by a convolution neural network (CNN). All data sets are obtained from a model of the carotid artery with different rates of stenosis in a uniform magnetic field by COMSOL. The results show that the average root mean square error of the reconstruction results obtained by the proposed method is 0.0333, and the average correlation coefficient is 0.9721, which is better than the corresponding indicators of the Tikhonov, back propagation (BP) and CNN methods. The simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve high accuracy in blood flow profile reconstruction and is of great significance for the early diagnosis of arterial stenosis and other vessel diseases.
A New Approach to the Modeling of Anisotropic Media with the Transmission Line Matrix Method
Authors: Portí Jorge A. , Salinas Alfonso , Navarro Enrique A. , Rodríguez-Camacho Jesús , Fornieles Jesús , Toledo-Redondo Sergio
Published: August 2021

A reformulation of the Transmission Line Matrix (TLM) method is presented to model non-dispersive anisotropic media. Two TLM-based solutions to solve this problem can already be found in the literature, each one with an interesting feature. One can be considered a more conceptual approach, close to the TLM fundamentals, which identifies each TLM in Maxwell’s equations with a specific line. But this simplicity is achieved at the expense of an increase in the memory storage requirements of a general situation. The second existing solution is a more powerful and general formulation that avoids this increase in memory storage. However, it is based on signal processing techniques and considerably deviates from the original TLM method, which may complicate its dissemination in the scientific community. The reformulation presented in this work exploits the benefits of both methods. On the one hand, it maintains the direct and conceptual approach of the original TLM, which may help to better understand it, allowing for its future use and improvement by other authors. On the other hand, the proposal includes an optimized treatment of the signals stored at the stub lines in order to limit the requirement of memory storage to only one accumulative term per field component, as in the original TLM versions used for isotropic media. The good behavior of the proposed algorithm when applied to anisotropic media is shown by its application to different situations involving diagonal and off-diagonal tensor properties.
Performance Analysis of Intelligent Reflecting Surface-Assisted Multi-Users Communication Networks
Authors: Mustaghfirin Muhamad , Singh Keshav , Biswas Sudip , Huang Wan-Jen
Published: August 2021

An intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is an array that consists of a large number of passive reflecting elements. Such a device possesses the potential to extend the coverage of transmission in future communication networks by overcoming the effects of non line-of-sight propagation. Accordingly, to present the case for utilizing IRS panels in future wireless networks, in this paper, we analyze a multi-user downlink network aided by IRS. In particular, by using a realistic 5G channel model, we compare the performance of the IRS-aided network with a decode and forward (DF) relay-aided scenario and a network without IRS or relay. Our analysis revealed the following: (i) At best, communication aided by a DF relay with perfect channel state information (CSI) could match the performance of the IRS-aided network with imperfect CSI when the channel estimation error was high and the number of users was large. (ii) IRS-aided communication outright outperformed the DF relay case when the transmit power was high or the number of users in the network was low. (iii) Increasing the number of elements in an IRS translated to greater quality of service for the users. (iv) IRS-aided communication showed better energy efficiency compared with the other two scenarios for higher quality of service requirements.
Parameter Optimization of Double LCC MCRWPT System Based on ZVS
Authors: Feng Guowen , Liu Zhizhen , Hou Yanjin , Luo Xueqing , Sun Shuyao , Ding Ran , Yu Aiguo
Published: August 2021

At present, magnetically coupled resonance wireless power transfer (MCRWPT) is the main technology used in electric vehicle wireless power transfer (WPT) due to its advantages of high transmission power and high efficiency. The resonant compensation circuit of the system generally adopts the double LCC (DLCC) structure, which has many capacitor and inductor components. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the circuit parameters to improve the transmission performance of the system. In this study, the DLCC compensation circuit was modeled and analyzed to lay the foundation for parameter optimization. Secondly, the size parameters of the energy transmitting and receiving coil were determined, and the influence of the change of the primary and secondary compensation inductance on the circuit element stress and output performance was analyzed to determine the optimal compensation inductance value. Thirdly, the realization condition of zero voltage switching (ZVS) was analyzed, the relationship between the input impedance angle of the compensation circuit and the component parameter value was obtained, and a parameter optimization control strategy for realizing ZVS was proposed. Finally, through simulation and experiment, it was concluded that under different power levels, the efficiency of the parameter optimization strategy proposed in this study is as high as 91.86%, increasing by about 1%. Therefore, the research undertaken in this study can promote the development of WPT technology and has certain practical significance.
Optimal Variable Renewable Energy Generation Schedules Considering Market Prices and System Operational Constraints
Authors: Imcharoenkul Veeraya , Chaitusaney Surachai
Published: August 2021

The maximization of output from variable renewable energy (VRE) sources considering system operational constraints (SOCs) is a traditional method for maximizing VRE generators’ profits. However, in wholesale electricity markets, VRE participation tends to reduce marginal prices (MP) because of its low marginal costs. This circumstance, called the “merit-order effect” (MOE), reduces the generators’ profits. Thus, the traditional method is possibly no longer the best and only method to maximize the generators’ profits. Moreover, the VRE support schemes also affect MP, making MOE more severe. VRE curtailment can relieve MOE, but VRE output must be decreased, thereby reducing the generators’ profits. This paper proposes a method to find the optimal VRE generation schedules that maximize VRE generators’ profits while considering the trade-off among the VRE output, MP, and SOCs. The method combines the merit-order model and the unit-commitment model solved by the optimization tools in MATLAB. Thailand’s electrical system was the test system. The result shows that VRE generators’ profits from the proposed method are significantly higher than from the traditional method when the system has high wind penetration, and the generators have no support scheme. Curtailing approximately 7–10% of wind output can increase the average MP by 23.6–30%.
Estimation of Shallow Sulphur Deposit Resources Based on Reflection Seismic Studies and Well Logging
Authors: Cichostępski Kamil , Dec Jerzy
Published: August 2021

In this article we present a novel method for the estimation of sulphur deposit resources based on high-resolution shallow reflection seismic survey and well logging. The study area was sited in the northern part of the Carpathian Foredeep (SE Poland), where sulphur ore occurs in carbonate rocks at a depth of about 120 m, with a thickness of approximately 25 m. The results of many years of seismic monitoring performed in the area of the sulphur deposit allowed us to determine the quantitative relationships between the amplitude of the seismic signal reflected from the top of the deposit and its petrophysical parameters such as porosity and sulphur content. The method of evaluating sulphur deposit is based on extensive statistics concerning the reservoir properties obtained from borehole data. We also discuss a methodology for conducting field acquisition and processing of seismic data in the aspect of mapping the actual amplitudes of the signal reflected from the top of a deposit. The results of estimating the abundance of carbonate sulphur deposits are presented based on the example of a seismic cross-section from the Osiek sulphur mine. Obtained results allow indicating the most prospective zones suitable for exploitation.
A Review of Small–Medium Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Technologies and Their Role within the 100% Renewable Energy Systems Scenario
Authors: De Souza Ronelly , Casisi Melchiorre , Micheli Diego , Reini Mauro
Published: August 2021

The energy transition towards a scenario with 100% renewable energy sources (RES) for the energy system is starting to unfold its effects and is increasingly accepted. In such a scenario, a predominant role will be played by large photovoltaic and wind power plants. At the same time, the electrification of energy consumption is expected to develop further, with the ever-increasing diffusion of electric transport, heat pumps, and power-to-gas technologies. The not completely predictable nature of the RES is their well-known drawback, and it will require the use of energy storage technologies, in particular large-scale power-to-chemical conversion and chemical-to-power re-conversion, in view of the energy transition. Nonetheless, there is a lack in the literature regarding an analysis of the potential role of small–medium CCHP technologies in such a scenario. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to address what could be the role of the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and/or Combined Cooling Heat and Power (CCHP) technologies fed by waste heat within the mentioned scenario. First, in this paper, a review of small–medium scale CHP technologies is performed, which may be fed by low temperature waste heat sources. Then, a review of the 100% RE scenario studied by researchers from the Lappeenranta University of Technology (through the so-called “LUT model”) is conducted to identify potential low temperature waste heat sources that could feed small–medium CHP technologies. Second, some possible interactions between those mentioned waste heat sources and the reviewed CHP technologies are presented through the crossing data collected from both sides. The results demonstrate that the most suitable waste heat sources for the selected CHP technologies are those related to gas turbines (heat recovery steam generator), steam turbines, and internal combustion engines. A preliminary economic analysis was also performed, which showed that the potential annual savings per unit of installed kW of the considered CHP technologies could reach EUR 255.00 and EUR 207.00 when related to power and heat production, respectively. Finally, the perspectives about the carbon footprint of the CHP/CCHP integration within the 100% renewable energy scenario were discussed.
Development and Experimental Validation of an Adaptive, Piston-Damage-Based Combustion Control System for SI Engines: Part 2—Implementation of Adaptive Strategies
Authors: Brusa Alessandro , Cavina Nicolò , Rojo Nahuel , Mecagni Jacopo , Corti Enrico , Moro Davide , Cucchi Matteo , Silvestri Nicola
Published: August 2021

This work focuses on the implementation of innovative adaptive strategies and a closed-loop chain in a piston-damage-based combustion controller. In the previous paper (Part 1), implemented models and the open loop algorithm are described and validated by reproducing some vehicle maneuvers at the engine test cell. Such controller is further improved by implementing self-learning algorithms based on the analytical formulations of knock and the combustion model, to update the fuel Research Octane Number (RON) and the relationship between the combustion phase and the spark timing in real-time. These strategies are based on the availability of an on-board indicating system for the estimation of both the knock intensity and the combustion phase index. The equations used to develop the adaptive strategies are described in detail. A closed-loop chain is then added, and the complete controller is finally implemented in a Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) device. The controller is validated with specific tests defined to verify the robustness and the accuracy of the adaptive strategies. Results of the online validation process are presented in the last part of the paper and the accuracy of the complete controller is finally demonstrated. Indeed, error between the cyclic and the target combustion phase index is within the range ±0.5 Crank Angle degrees (°CA), while the error between the measured and the calculated maximum in-cylinder pressure is included in the range ±5 bar, even when fuel RON or spark advance map is changing.
Quercus rotundifolia Bark as a Source of Polar Extracts: Structural and Chemical Characterization
Authors: Sousa Vicelina , Ferreira Joana P. A. , Miranda Isabel , Quilhó Teresa , Pereira Helena
Published: August 2021

Quercus rotundifolia bark was studied regarding anatomical, chemical, and antioxidant properties from trees in two sites in southern Portugal and are here reported for the first time. The general structure and anatomy of Q. rotundifolia bark showed a rhytidome with sequential undulated and anastomosed periderms with a small proportion of cork, while the phloem included broad rays with strong cell sclerification, groups of sclereids with embed large prismatic crystals, and abundant druses in parenchyma cells. The mean chemical composition was 15.5% ash, 1.6% dichloromethane extractives, 6.4% ethanol and 9.3% water extractives, 3.0% suberin, 30.5% total lignin, and 33.8% carbohydrates. Carbohydrates included mainly glucose (50.7% of total monomers) and xylose (23.8%), with uronic (3.0%) and acetic acids (1.0%). Suberin was mainly composed of ω-hydroxyacids (48.0% of all compounds) and α,ω-diacids (19.5%). The main compounds found in the lipophilic extracts were triterpenes (43.6%–56.2% of all compounds) and alkanoic acids (32.7%–41.7%). Phenolic content was high especially in the ethanol extracts, ranging from 219.5–572.9 mg GAE/g extract and comprising 162.5–247.5 CE/g extract of flavonoids and 41.2–294.1 CE/g extract of condensed tannins. The extracts revealed very good antioxidant properties with IC50 values of 4.4 µg ethanol extract/mL and 4.7 µg water extract/mL. Similar anatomical, chemical, and antioxidant characteristics were found in the bark from both sites. The high phenolic content and excellent antioxidant characteristics of polar extracts showed holm oak barks to be a promising natural source of antioxidants with possible use in industry and pharmaceutical/medical areas.
Effects of Salts on Structural, Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Low-Methoxyl Pectin/Sodium Caseinate Complex
Authors: Fan Shengyu , Fang Fang , Lei Ailing , Zheng Jiong , Zhang Fusheng
Published: August 2021

The addition of salts is an effective way to improve the properties of polysaccharide/protein complexes for use in foods. However, there is no comparative study on the effects of different ions on the complex system of low methoxyl pectin (LMP)/ sodium caseinate (CAS) complex. The effects of different concentrations of three salt ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+) on the physicochemical and rheological properties of the LMP/CAS complex were determined in this study, and the structure of LMP/CAS complex was characterized. The results showed that the addition of these three salt ions affected zeta potential, particle size, and turbidity of the LMP/CAS complex, and lead the LMP/CAS complex to form a more regular and uniform network structure, which helped improve its stability, solubility, and rheological properties. The particle size and turbidity value of the complex achieved with Ca2+ were higher than those obtained using Na+ and K+. Moreover, the secondary structure of the proteins in the complex changed to adding high concentrations of Ca2+. Our study provides valuable information for the application of the LMP/CAS complex in the food industry.
Influence of Marination with Aromatic Herbs and Cold Pressed Oils on Black Angus Beef Meat
Authors: Vişan Vasile-Gheorghe , Chiş Maria Simona , Păucean Adriana , Mureșan Vlad , Pușcaș Andreea , Stan Laura , Vodnar Dan Cristian , Dulf Francisc Vasile , Țibulcă Dorin , Vlaic Bogdan Alin , Rusu Iulian Eugen , Kadar Csaba Balasz , Vlaic Augustin
Published: August 2021

Beef aging is one of the most common methods used for improving its qualities. The main goal of the present study was to analyse the influence of different cold pressed oils and aromatic herbs during marination process on the nutritional, textural, and sensory attributes of the final grilled sirloin samples. In order to fulfil this goal, methods like GC-MS, HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS, HLPC-RID were performed to quantify fatty acids, phenolic acids, and organic acids, respectively. Textural and sensory analysis were performed with CT 3 Texture Analyser and hedonic test. The results showed high improvement of the meat grilled samples regarding the content of phenolic acids, and textural and sensory characteristics. Pearson values indicate strong positive correlations between raw and grilled samples regarding their content in phenolic acids. Hardness, chewiness, gumminess decreased during marination, meanwhile, resilience, and cohesiveness increased. Sensory analysis highlighted that meat samples marinated with olive oil and rosemary for 120 h reached the highest hedonic score among the tested samples.
Candidate Genes and Pathways Associated with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome—Where Are We?
Authors: Levy Amanda M. , Paschou Peristera , Tümer Zeynep
Published: August 2021

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental and -psychiatric tic-disorder of complex etiology which is often comorbid with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Twin and family studies of GTS individuals have shown a high level of heritability suggesting, that genetic risk factors play an important role in disease etiology. However, the identification of major GTS susceptibility genes has been challenging, presumably due to the complex interplay between several genetic factors and environmental influences, low penetrance of each individual factor, genetic diversity in populations, and the presence of comorbid disorders. To understand the genetic components of GTS etiopathology, we conducted an extensive review of the literature, compiling the candidate susceptibility genes identified through various genetic approaches. Even though several strong candidate genes have hitherto been identified, none of these have turned out to be major susceptibility genes yet.
Male-Biased gga-miR-2954 Regulates Myoblast Proliferation and Differentiation of Chicken Embryos by Targeting YY1
Authors: Dong Xiuxue , Cheng Yu , Qiao Lingyun , Wang Xin , Zeng Cuiping , Feng Yanping
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have shown that gga-miR-2954 was highly expressed in the gonads and other tissues of male chickens, including muscle tissue. Yin Yang1 (YY1), which has functions in mammalian skeletal muscle development, was predicted to be a target gene of gga-miR-2954. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether gga-miR-2954 plays a role in skeletal muscle development by targeting YY1, and evaluate its function in the sexual dimorphism development of chicken muscle. Here, all the temporal and spatial expression profiles in chicken embryonic muscles showed that gga-miR-2954 is highly expressed in males and mainly localized in cytoplasm. Gga-miR-2954 exhibited upregulated expression of in vitro myoblast differentiation stages. Next, through the overexpression and loss-of-function experiments performed in chicken primary myoblasts, we found that gga-miR-2954 inhibited myoblast proliferation but promoted differentiation. During myogenesis, gga-miR-2954 could suppress the expression of YY1, which promoted myoblast proliferation and inhibited the process of myoblast cell differentiation into multinucleated myotubes. Overall, these findings reveal a novel role of gga-miR-2954 in skeletal muscle development through its function of the myoblast proliferation and differentiation by suppressing the expression of YY1. Moreover, gga-miR-2954 may contribute to the sex difference in chicken muscle development.
Genome-Wide SNPs Detect Hybridisation of Marsupial Gliders (Petaurus breviceps breviceps × Petaurus norfolcensis) in the Wild
Authors: Knipler Monica L. , Dowton Mark , Mikac Katarina Maryann
Published: August 2021

Petaurus breviceps and Petaurus norfolcensis have produced hybrids in captivity, however there are no reported cases of Petaurus hybridisation in the wild. This study uses morphological data, mitochondrial DNA, and nuclear genome-wide SNP markers to confirm P. breviceps breviceps × P. norfolcensis hybridisation within their natural range on the central coast of New South Wales, Australia. Morphological data identified a potential hybrid that was confirmed with next-generation sequencing technology and 10,111 genome-wide SNPs. Both STRUCTURE and NewHybrid analyses identified the hybrid as a P. norfolcensis backcross, which suggests an initial F1 hybrid was fertile. The mitochondrial DNA matched that of a P. b. breviceps, indicating that a P. b. breviceps female initially mated with a P. norfolcensis male to produce a fertile female offspring. Our study is an important example of how genome-wide SNPs can be used to identify hybrids where the distribution of congeners overlaps. Hybridisation between congeners is likely to become more frequent as climate changes and habitats fragment, resulting in increased interactions and competition for resources and mates.
MED12 Mutation in Two Families with X-Linked Ohdo Syndrome
Authors: Rocchetti Luca , Evangelista Eloisa , De Falco Luigia , Savarese Giovanni , Savarese Pasquale , Ruggiero Raffaella , D’Amore Luigi , Sensi Alberto , Fico Antonio
Published: August 2021

X-linked intellectual deficiency (XLID) is a widely heterogeneous group of genetic disorders that involves more than 100 genes. The mediator of RNA polymerase II subunit 12 (MED12) is involved in the regulation of the majority of RNA polymerase II-dependent genes and has been shown to cause several forms of XLID, including Opitz-Kaveggia syndrome also known as FG syndrome (MIM #305450), Lujan-Fryns syndrome (MIM #309520) and the X-linked Ohdo syndrome (MIM #300895). Here, we report on two first cousins with X-linked Ohdo syndrome with a missense mutation in MED12 gene, identified through whole exome sequencing. The probands had facial features typical of X-linked Ohdo syndrome, including blepharophimosis, ptosis, a round face with a characteristic nose and a narrow mouth. Nextera DNA Exome kit (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) was used for exome capture. The variant identified was a c.887G > A substitution in exon 7 of the MED12 gene leading to the substitution of a glutamine for a highly conserved arginine (p. Arg296Gln). Although the variant described has been previously reported in the literature, our study contributes to the expanding phenotypic spectrum of MED12-related disorders and above all, it demonstrates the phenotypic variability among different affected patients despite harboring identical mutations.