bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone Methyltransferase G9a-Promoted Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Targeted by Liver-Specific Hsa-miR-122
Authors: Yuan Lan-Ting , Lee Wei-Jiunn , Yang Yi-Chieh , Chen Bo-Rong , Yang Ching-Yao , Chen Min-Wei , Chen Ji-Qing , Hsiao Michael , Chien Ming-Hsien , Hua Kuo-Tai
Published: May 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers, which is the second most lethal tumor worldwide. Epigenetic deregulation is a common trait observed in HCC. Recently, increasing evidence suggested that the G9a histone methyltransferase might be a novel regulator of HCC development. However, several HCC cell lines were recently noted to have HeLa cell contamination or to have been derived from non-hepatocellular origin, suggesting that functional validation of G9a in proper HCC models is still required. Herein, we first confirmed that higher G9a messenger RNA and protein expression levels were correlated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and our recruited HCC cohort. In an in vitro functional evaluation of HCC cells, HCC36 (hepatitis B virus-positive (HBV+) and Mahlavu (HBV−)) cells showed that G9a participated in promoting cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration/invasion abilities. Moreover, orthotopic inoculation of G9a-depleted Mahlavu cells in NOD-SCID mice also resulted in a significantly decreased tumor burden compared to the control group. Furthermore, after surveying microRNA (miRNA; miR) prediction databases, we identified the liver-specific miR-122 as a G9a-targeting miRNA. In various HCC cell lines, we observed that miR-122 expression levels tended to be inversely correlated to G9a expression levels. In clinical HCC specimens, a significant inverse correlation of miR-122 and G9a mRNA expression levels was also observed. Functionally, the colony formation and invasive ability were attenuated in miR-122-overexpressing HCC cells. HCC patients with low miR-122 and high G9a expression levels had the worst OS and DFS rates compared to others. Together, our results confirmed the importance of altered G9a expression during HCC progression and discovered that a novel liver-specific miR-122-G9a regulatory axis exists.
MicroRNAs as Epigenetic Determinants of Treatment Response and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Doldi Valentina , El Bezawy Rihan , Zaffaroni Nadia
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common tumor in men worldwide, and the fifth leading cause of male cancer-related deaths in western countries. PC is a very heterogeneous disease, meaning that optimal clinical management of individual patients is challenging. Depending on disease grade and stage, patients can be followed in active surveillance protocols or undergo surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. Although therapeutic advancements exist in both radiatiotherapy and chemotherapy, in a considerable proportion of patients, the treatment remains unsuccessful, mainly due to tumor poor responsiveness and/or recurrence and metastasis. microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs that epigenetically regulate gene expression, are essential actors in multiple tumor-related processes, including apoptosis, cell growth and proliferation, autophagy, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. Given that these processes are deeply involved in cell response to anti-cancer treatments, miRNAs have been considered as key determinants of tumor treatment response. In this review, we provide an overview on main PCa-related miRNAs and describe the biological mechanisms by which specific miRNAs concur to determine PCa response to radiation and drug therapy. Additionally, we illustrate whether miRNAs can be considered novel therapeutic targets or tools on the basis of the consequences of their expression modulation in PCa experimental models.
Glycolysis on F-18 FDG PET/CT Is Superior to Amino Acid Metabolism on C-11 Methionine PET/CT in Identifying Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma at Staging
Authors: Lee Suk-Hyun , Park Jee-Soo , Kim Hyunjeong , Kim Dongwoo , Lee Seung-Hwan , Ham Won-Sik , Han Woong-Kyu , Choi Young-Deuk , Yun Mijin
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the value of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to predict high-Fuhrman grade and advanced-stage tumours in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Forty patients with RCC underwent F-18 FDG and C-11 methionine PET/CT between September 2016 and September 2018. They were classified into limited (stages I and II, n = 15) or advanced stages (stages III and IV, n = 25) according to pathological staging. Logistic regressions were used to predict the advanced stage using various parameters, including maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) and metabolic tumour volume (MTV). Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to predict high-grade tumours (Fuhrman 3 and 4). On univariate analysis, tumour size, SUVmax and MTV of F-18 FDG and C-11 methionine, and Fuhrman grades were significant predictors for the advanced stage. On multivariate analysis, F-18 FDG MTV > 21.3 cm3 was the most significant predictor (p < 0.001). The area under the curve for predicting high-grade tumours was 0.830 for F-18 FDG (p < 0.001) and 0.726 for C-11 methionine PET/CT (p = 0.014). In conclusion, glycolysis on F-18 FDG PET/CT and amino acid metabolism on C-11 methionine PET/CT were variable but increased in high-grade RCCs. Increased MTV on F-18 FDG PET/CT is a powerful predictor of advanced-stage tumours.
ALT Positivity in Human Cancers: Prevalence and Clinical Insights
Authors: MacKenzie Danny , Watters Andrea K. , To Julie T. , Young Melody W. , Muratori Jonathan , Wilkoff Marni H. , Abraham Rita G. , Plummer Maria M. , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2021

Many exciting advances in cancer-related telomere biology have been made in the past decade. Of these recent advances, great progress has also been made with respect to the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway. Along with a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of this unique telomere maintenance pathway, many studies have also evaluated ALT activity in various cancer subtypes. We first briefly review and assess a variety of commonly used ALT biomarkers. Then, we provide both an update on ALT-positive (ALT+) tumor prevalence as well as a systematic clinical assessment of the presently studied ALT+ malignancies. Additionally, we discuss the pathogenetic alterations in ALT+ cancers, for example, the mutation status of ATRX and DAXX, and their correlations with the activation of the ALT pathway. Finally, we highlight important ALT+ clinical associations within each cancer subtype and subdivisions within, as well as their prognoses. We hope this alternative perspective will allow scientists, clinicians, and drug developers to have greater insight into the ALT cancers so that together, we may develop more efficacious treatments and improved management strategies to meet the urgent needs of cancer patients.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Is It T Time?
Authors: Ben Khoud Meriem Ben , Ingegnere Tiziano , Quesnel Bruno , Mitra Suman , Brinster Carine
Published: May 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease driven by impaired differentiation of hematopoietic primitive cells toward myeloid lineages (monocytes, granulocytes, red blood cells, platelets), leading to expansion and accumulation of “stem” and/or “progenitor”-like or differentiated leukemic cells in the bone marrow and blood. AML progression alters the bone marrow microenvironment and inhibits hematopoiesis’ proper functioning, causing sustained cytopenia and immunodeficiency. This review describes how the AML microenvironment influences lymphoid lineages, particularly T lymphocytes that originate from the thymus and orchestrate adaptive immune response. We focus on the elderly population, which is mainly affected by this pathology. We discuss how a permissive AML microenvironment can alter and even worsen the thymic function, T cells’ peripheral homeostasis, phenotype, and functions. Based on the recent findings on the mechanisms supporting that AML induces quantitative and qualitative changes in T cells, we suggest and summarize current immunotherapeutic strategies and challenges to overcome these anomalies to improve the anti-leukemic immune response and the clinical outcome of patients.
Mutation Profile of Aggressive Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma with Comparison of TCGA Data
Authors: Choi Yun Mi , Lim Jinyeong , Jeon Min Ji , Lee Yu-Mi , Sung Tae-Yon , Hong Eun-Gyoung , Lee Ji-Young , Jang Se Jin , Kim Won Gu , Song Dong Eun , Chun Sung-Min
Published: May 2021

In pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), germline or somatic mutations in one of the known susceptibility genes are identified in up to 60% patients. However, the peculiar genetic events that drive the aggressive behavior including metastasis in PPGL are poorly understood. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing analysis to characterize the mutation profile in fifteen aggressive PPGL patients and compared accessible data of aggressive PPGLs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) with findings of our cohort. A total of 115 germline and 34 somatic variants were identified with a median 0.58 per megabase tumor mutation burden in our cohort. The most frequent mutation was SDHB germline mutation (27%) and the second frequent mutations were somatic mutations for SETD2, NF1, and HRAS (13%, respectively). Patients were subtyped into three categories based on the kind of mutated genes: pseudohypoxia (n = 5), kinase (n = 5), and unknown (n = 5) group. In copy number variation analysis, deletion of chromosome arm 1p harboring SDHB gene was the most frequently observed. In our cohort, SDHB mutation and pseudohypoxia subtype were significantly associated with poor overall survival. In conclusion, subtyping of mutation profile can be helpful in aggressive PPGL patients with heterogeneous prognosis to make relevant follow-up plan and achieve proper treatment.
Waste Animal Bones as Catalysts for Biodiesel Production; A Mini Review
Authors: Hussain Fayaz , Alshahrani Saad , Abbas Muhammad Mujtaba , Khan Haris Mahmood , Jamil Asif , Yaqoob Haseeb , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Imran Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Munir Mamoona
Published: May 2021

Slaughterhouse waste is considered to be an emerging issue because of its disposal cost. As an alternative, it would be a great prospect for the bioeconomy society to explore new usages of these leftover materials. As per food safety rules mentioned by EU legislation, all bone waste generated by slaughterhouses ought to be disposed of by rendering. The huge quantity of worldwide bone waste generation (130 billion kilograms per annum) is an environmental burden if not properly managed. The waste animal bones can be efficiently employed as a heterogeneous catalyst to produce biodiesel. This mini review summarized the recent literature reported for biodiesel generation using waste animal bones derived heterogeneous catalyst. It discusses the sources of bone waste, catalyst preparation methods, particularly calcination and its effects, and important characteristics of bones derived catalyst. It suggests that catalysts extracted from waste animal bones have suitable catalytic activity in transesterification of different oil sources to generate a good quality biodiesel.
Ionic Liquid-Derived Carbon-Supported Metal Electrocatalysts as Anodes in Direct Borohydride-Peroxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Milikić Jadranka , Oliveira Raisa C. P. , Tapia Andres , Santos Diogo M. F. , Zdolšek Nikola , Trtić-Petrović Tatjana , Vraneš Milan , Šljukić Biljana
Published: May 2021

Three different carbon-supported metal (gold, platinum, nickel) nanoparticle (M/c-IL) electrocatalysts are prepared by template-free carbonization of the corresponding ionic liquids, namely [Hmim][AuCl4], [Hmim]2[PtCl4], and [C16mim]2[NiCl4], as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical investigation of borohydride oxidation reaction (BOR) at the three electrocatalysts by cyclic voltammetry reveals different behavior for each material. BOR is found to be a first-order reaction at the three electrocatalysts, with an apparent activation energy of 10.6 and 13.8 kJ mol−1 for Pt/c-IL and Au/c-IL electrocatalysts, respectively. A number of exchanged electrons of 5.0, 2.4, and 2.0 is obtained for BOR at Pt/c-IL, Au/c-IL, and Ni/c-IL electrodes, respectively. Direct borohydride-peroxide fuel cell (DBPFC) tests done at temperatures in the 25–65 °C range show ca. four times higher power density when using a Pt/c-IL anode than with an Au/c-IL anode. Peak power densities of 40.6 and 120.5 mW cm−2 are achieved at 25 and 65 °C, respectively, for DBPFC with a Pt/c-IL anode electrocatalyst.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome for Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis: A New Therapy to Treat the Long-Term Lung Sequelae?
Authors: Bari Elia , Ferrarotti Ilaria , Saracino Laura , Perteghella Sara , Torre Maria Luisa , Richeldi Luca , Corsico Angelo Guido
Published: May 2021

To date, more than 100 million people worldwide have recovered from COVID-19. Unfortunately, although the virus is eradicated in such patients, fibrotic irreversible interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis, PF) is clinically evident. Given the vast numbers of individuals affected, it is urgent to design a strategy to prevent a second wave of late mortality associated with COVID-19 PF as a long-term consequence of such a devastating pandemic. Available antifibrotic therapies, namely nintedanib and pirfenidone, might have a role in attenuating profibrotic pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infection but are not economically sustainable by national health systems and have critical adverse effects. It is our opinion that the mesenchymal stem cell secretome could offer a new therapeutic approach in treating COVID-19 fibrotic lungs through its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic factors.
Overexpression of Transcripts Coding for Renin-b but Not for Renin-a Reduce Oxidative Stress and Increase Cardiomyoblast Survival under Starvation Conditions
Authors: Wanka Heike , Lutze Philipp , Albers Alexander , Golchert Janine , Staar Doreen , Peters Jörg
Published: May 2021

A stimulated renin-angiotensin system is known to promote oxidative stress, apoptosis, necrosis and fibrosis. Renin transcripts (renin-b; renin-c) encoding a cytosolic renin isoform have been discovered that may in contrast to the commonly known secretory renin (renin-a) exert protective effects Here, we analyzed the effect of renin-a and renin-b overexpression in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts on apoptosis and necrosis as well as on potential mechanisms involved in cell death processes. To mimic ischemic conditions, cells were exposed to glucose starvation, anoxia or combined oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) for 24 h. Under OGD, control cells exhibited markedly increased necrotic and apoptotic cell death accompanied by enhanced ROS accumulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased ATP levels. The effects of OGD on necrosis were exaggerated in renin-a cells, but markedly diminished in renin-b cells. However, with respect to apoptosis, the effects of OGD were almost completely abolished in renin-b cells but interestingly also moderately diminished in renin-a cells. Under glucose depletion we found opposing responses between renin-a and renin-b cells; while the rate of necrosis and apoptosis was aggravated in renin-a cells, it was attenuated in renin-b cells. Based on our results, strategies targeting the regulation of cytosolic renin-b as well as the identification of pathways involved in the protective effects of renin-b may be helpful to improve the treatment of ischemia-relevant diseases.
Regulation of the Phosphoinositide Code by Phosphorylation of Membrane Readers
Authors: Kervin Troy A. , Overduin Michael
Published: May 2021

The genetic code that dictates how nucleic acids are translated into proteins is well known, however, the code through which proteins recognize membranes remains mysterious. In eukaryotes, this code is mediated by hundreds of membrane readers that recognize unique phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs), which demark organelles to initiate localized trafficking and signaling events. The only superfamily which specifically detects all seven PIPs are the Phox homology (PX) domains. Here, we reveal that throughout evolution, these readers are universally regulated by the phosphorylation of their PIP binding surfaces based on our analysis of existing and modelled protein structures and phosphoproteomic databases. These PIP-stops control the selective targeting of proteins to organelles and are shown to be key determinants of high-fidelity PIP recognition. The protein kinases responsible include prominent cancer targets, underscoring the critical role of regulated membrane readership.
Immunomodulatory Expression of Cathelicidins Peptides in Pulp Inflammation and Regeneration: An Update
Authors: Nireeksha  , Varma Sudhir Rama , Damdoum Marah , Alsaegh Mohammed Amjed , Hegde Mithra N. , Kumari Suchetha N. , Ramamurthy Srinivasan , Narayanan Jayaraj , Imran Eisha , Shabbir Juzer , Khurshid Zohaib
Published: May 2021

The role of inflammatory mediators in dental pulp is unique. The local environment of pulp responds to any changes in the physiology that are highly fundamental, like odontoblast cell differentiation and other secretory activity. The aim of this review is to assess the role of cathelicidins based on their capacity to heal wounds, their immunomodulatory potential, and their ability to stimulate cytokine production and stimulate immune-inflammatory response in pulp and periapex. Accessible electronic databases were searched to find studies reporting the role of cathelicidins in pulpal inflammation and regeneration published between September 2010 and September 2020. The search was performed using the following databases: Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO and PubMed. The electronic search was performed using the combination of keywords “cathelicidins” and “dental pulp inflammation”. On the basis of previous studies, it can be inferred that LL-37 plays an important role in odontoblastic cell differentiation and stimulation of antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, based on these outcomes, it can be concluded that LL-37 plays an important role in reparative dentin formation and provides signaling for defense by activating the innate immune system.
Uncommon Presentation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Mimicking Metastatic Lung Cancer
Authors: Urbanska Edyta Maria , Elversang Johanna , Colville-Ebeling Bonnie , Löfgren Johan Olof , Nelveg-Kristensen Karl Emil , Szpirt Wladimir M.
Published: May 2021

Diagnosis of anomalous intrathoracic lesions may be challenging and require a multidisciplinary approach. We present a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) clinically and radiologically mimicking metastatic lung cancer with a bilateral pulmonary mass, mediastinal and cervical lymph node involvement, and pleural effusion. Surgical biopsy of the thoracic lesion revealed necrotic granulomatous inflammation, and the final diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by kidney biopsy and biochemical parameters. This case illustrates how comprehensive diagnosis secures timely and relevant treatment. Systemic vasculitis may be one of the key differential diagnoses in patients with multiorgan involvement, especially with pattern-mimicking lung cancer.
Xenon Plasma Focused Ion Beam Milling for Obtaining Soft X-ray Transparent Samples
Authors: Mayr Sina , Finizio Simone , Reuteler Joakim , Stutz Stefan , Dubs Carsten , Weigand Markus , Hrabec Aleš , Raabe Jörg , Wintz Sebastian
Published: May 2021

We employ xenon (Xe) plasma focused ion beam (PFIB) milling to obtain soft X-ray transparent windows out of bulk samples. The use of a Xe PFIB allows for the milling of thin windows (several 100 nm thick) with areas of the order of 100 µm × 100 µm into bulk substrates. In addition, we present an approach to empirically determine the transmission level of such windows during fabrication by correlating their electron and soft X-ray transparencies. We perform scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) imaging on a sample obtained by Xe PFIB milling to demonstrate the conceptual feasibility of the technique. Our thinning approach provides a fast and simplified method for facilitating soft X-ray transmission measurements of epitaxial samples and it can be applied to a variety of different sample systems and substrates that are otherwise not accessible.
A Study of Interfacial Electronic Structure at the CuPc/CsPbI2Br Interface
Authors: Tang Zengguang , Zhang Liujiang , Su Zhenhuang , Wang Zhen , Chen Li , Wang Chenyue , Xiao Guoping , Gao Xingyu
Published: May 2021

In this article, CsPbI2Br perovskite thin films were spin-coated on FTO, on which CuPc was deposited by thermal evaporation. The electronic structure at the CsPbI2Br/CuPc interface was examined during the CuPc deposition by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurements. No downward band bending was resolved at the CsPbI2Br side, whereas there is ~0.23 eV upward band bending as well as a dipole of ~0.08 eV identified at the molecular side. Although the hole injection barrier as indicated by the energy gap from CsPbI2Br valance band maximum (VBM) to CuPc highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) was estimated to be ~0.26 eV, favoring hole extraction from CsPbI2Br to CuPc, the electron blocking barrier of ~0.04 eV as indicated by the offset between CsPbI2Br conduction band minimum (CBM) and CuPc lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is too small to efficiently block electron transfer. Therefore, the present experimental study implies that CuPc may not be a promising hole transport material for high-performance solar cells using CsPbI2Br as active layer.
Psychosocial Distress in Adult Patients Awaiting Cancer Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Forner David , Murnaghan Sarah , Porter Geoffrey , Mason Ross J. , Hong Paul , Taylor S. Mark , Bentley James , Hirsch Gregory , Noel Christopher W. , Rigby Matthew H. , Corsten Martin , Trites Jonathan R. , Taylor Victoria , Kendell Cynthia , Jorgensen Margaret , Urquhart Robin
Published: May 2021

Cancer causes substantial emotional and psychosocial distress, which may be exacerbated by delays in treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased wait times for many patients with cancer. In this study, the psychosocial distress associated with waiting for cancer surgery during the pandemic was investigated. This cross-sectional, convergent mixed-methods study included patients with lower priority disease during the first wave of COVID-19 at an academic, tertiary care hospital in eastern Canada. Participants underwent semi-structured interviews and completed two questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Qualitative analysis was completed through a thematic analysis approach, with integration achieved through triangulation. Fourteen participants were recruited, with cancer sites including thyroid, kidney, breast, prostate, and a gynecological disorder. Increased anxiety symptoms were found in 36% of patients and depressive symptoms in 14%. Similarly, 64% of patients experienced moderate or high stress. Six key themes were identified, including uncertainty, life changes, coping strategies, communication, experience, and health services. Participants discussed substantial distress associated with lifestyle changes and uncertain treatment timelines. Participants identified quality communication with their healthcare team and individualized coping strategies as being partially protective against such symptoms. Delays in surgery for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extensive psychosocial distress. Patients may be able to mitigate these symptoms partially through various coping mechanisms and improved communication with their healthcare teams.
DNA Repair Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Urothelial Carcinoma in a Southeastern European Population
Authors: Samara Maria , Papathanassiou Maria , Mitrakas Lampros , Koukoulis George , Vlachostergios Panagiotis J. , Tzortzis Vassilios
Published: May 2021

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes may predispose to urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). This study focused on three specific SNPs in a population with high exposure to environmental carcinogens including tobacco and alcohol. A case-control study design was used to assess for presence of XPC PAT +/−, XRCC3 Thr241Met, and ERCC2 Lys751Gln DNA repair gene SNPs in peripheral blood from patients with UCB and healthy individuals. One hundred patients and equal number of healthy subjects were enrolled. The XPC PAT +/+ genotype was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of UCB (OR = 2.16; 95%CI: 1.14–4; p = 0.01). The −/+ and +/+ XPC PAT genotypes were more frequently present in patients with multiple versus single tumors (p = 0.01). No association was detected between ERCC2 Lys751Gln genotypes/alleles, and risk for developing UCB. Presence of the XRCC3 TT genotype (OR = 0.14; 95%CI:0.07–0.25; p < 0.01) and of the T allele overall (OR = 0.26; 95%CI:0.16–0.41; p < 0.01) conferred a protective effect against developing UCB. The XPC PAT −/+ and XRCC3 Thr241Met SNPs are associated with predisposition to UCB. The XPC PAT −/+ SNP is also an indicator of bladder tumor multiplicity, which might require a more individualized surveillance and treatment.
Development of New PCR Assay with SYBR Green I for Detection of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Ureaplasma sp. in Cell Cultures
Authors: Krzysztoń-Russjan Jolanta , Chudziak Jakub , Bednarek Małgorzata , Anuszewska Elżbieta Lidia
Published: May 2021

Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Ureaplasma sp. are atypical bacteria responsible for in vitro cell culture contaminations that can warp the results. These bacteria also cause human and animal infections and may lead to chronic diseases. In developed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in this study a quantitative PCR with SYBR Green I fluorochrome was applied to facilitate the Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Ureaplasma sp. DNA detection and identification. Screening Test-1 v.1 (triplex qPCR) allowed for the detection of 11 species. Test-1 v.2 (three single qPCRs) pre-identified three subgroups, allowing for the reduction of using single qPCRs in Test-2 for species identification. The range of both tests was consistent with pharmacopeial requirements for microbial quality control of mammal cells and included detection of M. arginini, M. orale, M. hyorhinis, M. fermentans, M. genitalium, M. hominis, M. pneumoniae, M. salivarium, M. pirum, A. laidlawii, and U. urealyticum. Limit of detection values varied between 125–300 and 50–100 number of copies per milliliter in Test-1 and Test-2, respectively. Test-1 and Test-2 showed fully concordant results, allowed for time-saving detection and/or identification of selected species from Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Ureaplasma in tested cell cultures.
Hepatitis C Micro-Elimination beyond Prison Walls: Navigator-Assisted Test-and-Treat Strategy for Subjects Serving Non-Custodial Sentences
Authors: Cabezas Joaquin , Llerena Susana , Mateo Miguel , Álvarez Rocío , Cobo Carmen , González Victoria , Martró Elisa , Cuadrado Antonio , Crespo Javier
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims: The Spanish prison population includes two groups: people in prison and those who are serving non-custodial sentences. The latter has not yet been studied. This study aims to describe this population and the results of a test-and-treat strategy for hepatitis C including a holistic health assessment. Method: This prospective study included all subjects serving non-custodial sentences at the Center for Social Integration. It was assisted by the medical team, a navigator, and a systematic screening of HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) performed by point-of-care tests. All cases with active infection are evaluated using telemedicine by a specialist to prescribe antiviral treatment. The navigator facilitates continuity for medical and social assistance. Results: The screening rate reached 92.8% (548/590). HCV seroprevalence and viraemia prevalence were 8% (44) and 2.9% (16), respectively. Regarding comorbidities: problems related to drug dependence were detected in 264 (48.2%), suspected serious mental disorder in 44 (8.3%), and previous stay in prison in 122 cases (22.2%). The navigator monitored 59 (15.2%) patients regarding HCV treatment or comorbidities. All patients (10/10) completing 12 weeks follow-up achieved sustained virological response. Conclusions: The population serving non-custodial sentences is a challenging group with a high prevalence of HCV infection. Micro-elimination programs using point of care diagnostic tests, telemedicine, and a navigator are necessary in this underserved vulnerable population.
New Equation for Predicting Pipe Friction Coefficients Using the Statistical Based Entropy Concepts
Authors: Choe Yeon-Woong , Sim Sang-Bo , Choo Yeon-Moon
Published: May 2021

In general, this new equation is significant for designing and operating a pipeline to predict flow discharge. In order to predict the flow discharge, accurate determination of the flow loss due to pipe friction is very important. However, existing pipe friction coefficient equations have difficulties in obtaining key variables or those only applicable to pipes with specific conditions. Thus, this study develops a new equation for predicting pipe friction coefficients using statistically based entropy concepts, which are currently being used in various fields. The parameters in the proposed equation can be easily obtained and are easy to estimate. Existing formulas for calculating pipe friction coefficient requires the friction head loss and Reynolds number. Unlike existing formulas, the proposed equation only requires pipe specifications, entropy value and average velocity. The developed equation can predict the friction coefficient by using the well-known entropy, the mean velocity and the pipe specifications. The comparison results with the Nikuradse’s experimental data show that the R2 and RMSE values were 0.998 and 0.000366 in smooth pipe, and 0.979 to 0.994 or 0.000399 to 0.000436 in rough pipe, and the discrepancy ratio analysis results show that the accuracy of both results in smooth and rough pipes is very close to zero. The proposed equation will enable the easier estimation of flow rates.
Conceptualising ‘Disaster Education’
Authors: Kitagawa Kaori
Published: May 2021

‘Disaster education’ has been studied in various disciplines such as disaster risk management and environmental studies. However, disaster education is a relatively ‘new enquiry’ in the field of education. Particularly, the literature that conceptualises ‘disaster education’ in education is minimal. This paper aims to fill this gap by synthesising existing disaster education literature linking them with educational concepts. The paper suggests three possible conceptualisations for disaster education. The first is based on a temporal distinction between education undertaken in usual times or unusual times. The second conceptualisation applies modes of learning and teaching: formal, non-formal and informal. Thirdly, establishing disaster education as a sub-discipline in the field of education is proposed: one sub-discipline is lifelong learning and the other is public pedagogy. Critiquing each method of conceptualisation, the paper argues for the suitability and usefulness of locating ‘disaster education’ within public pedagogy.
Spatial Components Guidelines in a Face-to-Face Seating Arrangement for Flexible Layout of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Kwon Ju Yeong , Ju Da Young
Published: May 2021

Fully autonomous vehicles are not yet available for consumers to experience; however, as experts predict they will be ready for the consumer market in the not-too-distant future, it is important to consider the spatial design of such vehicles. As the interior of a vehicle is a confined space, it is important to design a flexible layout in different aspects of the overall space. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationships among various elements related to the use of space in a face-to-face seating arrangement. Using mock-up, observational surveys, questionnaires, and the think-aloud research method within an ethnographic observation framework, we conducted experiments on three study participants who were aware of the changing concept of autonomous vehicles. One of the key findings of our analysis is that various activities and actions can occur in a face-to-face seating arrangement. It is important to recognize that face-to-face seating arrangements are not just to facilitate conversation but can be seen as an environment in which each passenger can conduct other in-vehicle activities individually. Based on these findings, we recommend that needs for activities be considered when designing spatial components in a face-to-face seating arrangement.
A Systematic Study on the Harmonic Overlap Effects for DC/AC Converters under Low Switching Frequency Modulation
Authors: Wang Ze , He Zhen , Gao Chao
Published: May 2021

In most high power industrial applications, the low switching frequency modulations (LSFM) are usually implemented to reduce power loss and heat dissipation pressure. However, there are some unexpected influences caused by the low order harmonic sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM), such as the imbalanced submodule power in cascaded half-bridge inverter (CHB) and limited output power capability in H-bridge neutral-point-clamped (HNPC) converter. This paper starts by generalizing the basic characteristic of two-level SPWM, then deeply investigates the influences of low-frequency modulation on the operation of the circuits. They are classified into three mechanisms and generally named as harmonic overlap effect (HOE). The corresponding solutions to copy with the mechanisms are proposed and verified in some topologies through high-power simulations in simulations. In addition, a comprehensive summary of the influences and solutions of these effects on typical high power converters is drawn. The design rules of the modulation schemes for multilevel voltage source converters (VSCs) at low switching frequency are also proposed.
Impact of Hydropower on Air Pollution and Economic Growth in China
Authors: Li Chenggang , Lin Tao , Xu Zhenci
Published: May 2021

The development of renewable clean energy such as hydropower can not only ensure energy security, but also help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. This paper uses the annual data of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2017, and constructs a dynamic spatial Durbin model and a geographically weighted regression model to empirically test the dynamic impact of hydropower on haze pollution and economic growth at the national and provincial levels. The empirical results show that the promoting effect of hydropower on economic growth in Western China is less than that in Eastern China, which further aggravates the economic development gap between the eastern and western regions. In addition, the suppression effect of hydropower on the haze pollution in the western region is greater than that in the eastern region, where the haze pollution is serious. From the national level, hydropower can promote regional economic growth and inhibit haze pollution, and the spatial spillover effects of these two effects are greater than the local effects, and the long-term impact is greater than the short-term impact. The research conclusions of this paper will help China realize the sustainable development goals of energy saving and emission reduction.
Impact of Renewable Energy Sources on Power System Flexibility Requirements
Authors: Mladenov Valeri , Chobanov Vesselin , Georgiev Angel
Published: May 2021

A power system can be defined as flexible if it can within economic and technological boundaries respond quickly and adequately to variations in supply and demand. The ongoing penetration of variable and intermittent renewable energy sources (RES) like wind and solar imposes additional and more critical requirement on power system flexibility. In this paper we propose a method to quantify these requirements based on the comparison of seven demand side parameters describing the statistical properties of the net load and the residual load of the referred power system. Each one of these parameters reflects a separate requirement on the available conventional generation in hourly and daily time scales—ramp up and ramp-down capabilities, technological minimum of generation, daily variation of generation. The proposed approach can be used to predict the requirements for generation flexibility according to the expected scenario of RES penetration in the future development of energy power system. It has been applied and integrated from the Bulgarian Transmission System Operator (TSO) which name is the Bulgarian Electricity System Operator (ESO).
A New Filter Concept for High Pulse-Frequency 3-Phase AFE Motor Drives
Authors: Hoffmann Stefan , Bock Matthias , Hoene Eckart
Published: May 2021

The size of back-to-back converters with active front end is significantly determined by the size of the passive filter components. This paper presents a new complete EMC filter concept for this type of converter system that is effective on the input and the output. This involves filtering the main common mode interferences from the grid and motor sides with a single CM choke. Since only the difference of the generated common mode voltage-time areas of both converters is absorbed by this component, the size of the required filter can be greatly reduced compared to conventional filter concepts. The concept is validated on a grid feeding inverter that can be connected to the public distribution network with an output power of 63 kW. The size reduction is demonstrated by means of a design example on a system with the same power and electrical requirements. It is elaborated why, applying the new filter concept, the impedance of the DC link potentials to ground and other electrical potentials should be as high as possible and therefore associated parasitic capacitances should be minimized. From this requirement, rules for the design of the power modules of PFC and motor converters for the application of this filter concept are derived.
Research on the Evolution and Damage Mechanism of Normal Fault Based on Physical Simulation Experiments and Particle Image Velocimetry Technique
Authors: Peng Xianfeng , Deng Hucheng , He Jianhua , Chen Hongde , Zhang Yeyu
Published: May 2021

The formation and evolution of (normal) fault affect the formation and preservation of some reservoirs, such as fault-block reservoirs and faulted reservoirs. Strain energy is one of the parameters describing the strength of tectonic activity. Thus, the formation and evolution of normal fault can be studied by analyzing the variation of strain energy in strata. In this work, we used physical simulation to study the formation and evolution of normal fault from a strain energy perspective. Based on the similarity principle, we designed and conducted three repeated physical simulation experiments according to the normal fault in the Yanchang Formation of Jinhe oilfield, Ordos Basin, China, and obtained dip angle, fault displacement, and strain energy via the velocity profile recorded by high-resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). As a result, the strain energy is mainly released in the normal fault line zone, and can thus serve as channels for oil/gas migration and escape routes connecting to the earth’s surface, destroying the already formed oil/gas reservoirs. One might need to avoid drilling near the fault line. Besides, a significant amount of strain energy remaining in the hanging wall is the reason why the normal fault continues to evolve after the normal fault formation until the antithetic fault forms. Our findings provide important insights into the formation and evolution of normal fault from a strain energy perspective, which plays an important role in the oil/gas exploration, prediction of the shallow-source earthquake, and post-disaster reconstruction site selection.
Investigation Concerning the Excitation Loss of Synchronous Generators in a Stand-Alone Ship Power Plant
Authors: Tarnapowicz Dariusz , German-Galkin Sergey , Staude Marek
Published: May 2021

The protection systems of ship generators enable them to eliminate potential failures that pose a significant threat to the safety of the crew and the use of the ship. However, due to the fact that marine classification societies do not require the protection of generators against the loss of excitation, such protection is only used sporadically. This article presents an LOE (loss of excitation) analysis of ship generators that operate in parallel. This analysis is supported by simulations and experimental research. The test results show that the positions of the operating points of each generator are interrelated, and changes in the excitation of one (damaged) generator cause automatic changes in the excitation, as well as changes in electromagnetic and energy processes, in the second (efficient) generator. An LOE in one generator causes a dangerous increase in armature currents in both generators. The results of this study prove that the lack of LOE protection at lower levels of excitement in one of the generators causes (by activating the required protection) the efficient generator to be switched off first. The main conclusion of this article is that the introduction of the use of security measures against LOE should be obligatory and legally required.
Sensitivity Analysis of Steel-Plate Concrete Containment against a Large Commercial Aircraft
Authors: Zhu Xiuyun , Li Jianbo , Lin Gao , Pan Rong , Li Liang
Published: May 2021

Due to the excellent impact resistant performance of steel-plate concrete (SC) structure compared with the conventional reinforced concrete (RC) structure, SC structure is preferred to be used in the design of external walls of nuclear island buildings for new nuclear power plants (NPPs). This study aims at evaluating the effect of material and geometric parameters of SC containment on its impact resistant performance, thus the numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis of SC containment subjected to malicious large commercial aircraft attack are conducted based on the force time-history analysis method. The results show that: (1) the impact resistant performance of full SC containment is better than that of half SC containment; (2) for relatively thin full SC containment, the impact response and concrete damage can be significantly reduced by the enhancing of concrete strength grade or the increasing of steel plate thickness; (3) for the thicker full SC containment, concrete strength grade has only a slight influence on the impact displacement response, and the increasing of steel plate thickness has no significant effect on mitigating the impact displacement response. However, the increasing of steel plate thickness can effectively reduce its plastic strain, and the decreasing of strength grade of steel plate may obviously increase its plastic strain; and (4) concrete thickness plays a decisive role on the improvement of impact resistance, which is more effective than the enhancing of concrete strength grade. Resultantly, this paper provides a reference and guidance for the design of SC structure external walls of nuclear island buildings against a large commercial aircraft.
Broadband Circuit-Oriented Electromagnetic Modeling for Power Electronics: 3-D PEEC Solver vs. RLCG-Solver
Authors: Kovacevic-Badstuebner Ivana , Romano Daniele , Antonini Giulio , Ekman Jonas , Grossner Ulrike
Published: May 2021

Broadband electromagnetic (EM) modeling increases in importance for virtual prototyping of advanced power electronics systems (PES), enabling a more accurate prediction of fast switching converter operation and its impact on energy conversion efficiency and EM interference. With the aim to predict and reduce an adverse impact of parasitics on the dynamic performance of fast switching power semiconductor devices, the circuit-oriented EM modeling based on the extraction of equivalent lumped R-L-C-G circuits is frequently selected over the Finite Element Method (FEM)-based EM modeling, mainly due to its lower computational complexity. With requirements for more accurate virtual prototyping of fast-switching PES, the modeling accuracy of the equivalent-RLCG-circuit-based EM modeling has to be re-evaluated. In the literature, the equivalent-RLCG-circuit-based EM techniques are frequently misinterpreted as the quasi-static (QS) 3-D Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) method, and the observed inaccuracies of modeling HF effects are attributed to the QS field assumption. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis on the differences between the QS 3-D PEEC-based and the equivalent-RLCG-circuit-based EM modeling for simulating the dynamics of fast switching power devices. Using two modeling examples of fast switching power MOSFETs, a 3-D PEEC solver developed in-house and the well-known equivalent-RLCG-circuit-based EM modeling tool, ANSYS Q3D, are compared to the full-wave 3-D FEM-based EM tool, ANSYS HFSS. It is shown that the QS 3-D PEEC method can model the fast switching transients more accurately than Q3D. Accordingly, the accuracy of equivalent-RLCG-circuit-based modeling approaches in the HF range is rather related to the approximations made on modeling electric-field induced effects than to the QS field assumption.