bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DYRK Family of Kinases in Cancer: Molecular Functions and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Boni Jacopo , Rubio-Perez Carlota , López-Bigas Nuria , Fillat Cristina , de la Luna Susana
Published: July 2020

DYRK (dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinases) are an evolutionary conserved family of protein kinases with members from yeast to humans. In humans, DYRKs are pleiotropic factors that phosphorylate a broad set of proteins involved in many different cellular processes. These include factors that have been associated with all the hallmarks of cancer, from genomic instability to increased proliferation and resistance, programmed cell death, or signaling pathways whose dysfunction is relevant to tumor onset and progression. In accordance with an involvement of DYRK kinases in the regulation of tumorigenic processes, an increasing number of research studies have been published in recent years showing either alterations of DYRK gene expression in tumor samples and/or providing evidence of DYRK-dependent mechanisms that contribute to tumor initiation and/or progression. In the present article, we will review the current understanding of the role of DYRK family members in cancer initiation and progression, providing an overview of the small molecules that act as DYRK inhibitors and discussing the clinical implications and therapeutic opportunities currently available.
Circulating Exosomes Inhibit B Cell Proliferation and Activity
Authors: Schroeder Jan C. , Puntigam Lisa , Hofmann Linda , Jeske Sandra S. , Beccard Inga J. , Doescher Johannes , Laban Simon , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Brunner Cornelia , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole , Schuler Patrick J.
Published: July 2020

(1) Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by a distinctive suppression of the anti-tumor immunity, both locally in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the periphery. Tumor-derived exosomes mediate this immune suppression by directly suppressing T effector function and by inducing differentiation of regulatory T cells. However, little is known about the effects of exosomes on B cells. (2) Methods: Peripheral B cells from healthy donors and HNSCC patients were isolated and checkpoint receptor expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Circulating exosomes were isolated from the plasma of HNSCC patients (n = 21) and healthy individuals (n = 10) by mini size-exclusion chromatography. B cells from healthy individuals were co-cultured with isolated exosomes for up to 4 days. Proliferation, viability, surface expression of checkpoint receptors, and intracellular signaling were analyzed in B cells by flow cytometry. (3) Results: Expression of the checkpoint receptors PD-1 and LAG3 was increased on B cells from HNSCC patients. The protein concentration of circulating exosomes was increased in HNSCC patients as compared to healthy donors. Both exosomes from healthy individuals and HNSCC patients inhibited B cell proliferation and survival, in vitro. Surface expression of inhibitory and stimulatory checkpoint receptors on B cells was modulated in co-culture with exosomes. In addition, an inhibitory effect of exosomes on B cell receptor (BCR) signaling was demonstrated in B cells. (4) Conclusions: Plasma-derived exosomes show inhibitory effects on the function of healthy B cells. Interestingly, these inhibitory effects are similar between exosomes from healthy individuals and HNSCC patients, suggesting a physiological B cell inhibitory role of circulating exosomes.
Epithelioid Sarcoma—From Genetics to Clinical Practice
Authors: Czarnecka Anna M. , Sobczuk Pawel , Kostrzanowski Michal , Spalek Mateusz , Chojnacka Marzanna , Szumera-Cieckiewicz Anna , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: July 2020

Epithelioid sarcoma is a mesenchymal soft tissue sarcoma often arising in the extremities, usually in young adults with a pick of incidence at 35 years of age. Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is characterized by the loss of SMARCB1/INI1 (integrase interactor 1) or other proteins of the SWI/SNF complex. Two distinct types, proximal and distal, with varying biology and treatment outcomes, are distinguished. ES is known for aggressive behavior, including a high recurrence rate and regional lymph node metastases. An optimal long-term management strategy is still to be defined. The best treatment of localized ES is wide surgical resection. Neo-adjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy may be recommended, as it reduces the local recurrence rate. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should be considered in ES patients. Patients with metastatic ES have a poor prognosis with an expected median overall survival of about a year. Doxorubicin-based regimens are recommended for advanced ES. Tazemetostat, an EZH2 methyltransferase, has shown promising results in ES patients. Novel therapies, including immunotherapy, are still needed.
AcrIIA5 Suppresses Base Editors and Reduces Their Off-Target Effects
Authors: Liang Mingming , Sui Tingting , Liu Zhiquan , Chen Mao , Liu Hongmei , Shan Huanhuan , Lai Liangxue , Li Zhanjun
Published: July 2020

The CRISPR/nCas9-based cytosine base editors (CBEs) and adenine base editors (ABEs) are capable of catalyzing C•G to T•A or A•T to G•C conversions, respectively, and have become new, powerful tools for achieving precise genetic changes in a wide range of organisms. These base editors hold great promise for correcting pathogenic mutations and for being used for therapeutic applications. However, the recognition of cognate DNA sequences near their target sites can cause severe off-target effects that greatly limit their clinical applications, and this is an urgent problem that needs to be resolved for base editing systems. The recently discovered phage-derived proteins, anti-CRISPRs, which can suppress the natural CRISPR nuclease activity, may be able to ameliorate the off-target effects of base editing systems. Here, we confirm for the first time that AcrIIA2, AcrIIA4, and AcrIIA5 efficiently inhibit base editing systems in human cells. In particular, AcrIIA5 has a significant inhibitory effect on all base editing variant systems tested in our study. We further show that the off-target effects of BE3 and ABE7.10 were significantly reduced in AcrIIA5 treated cells. This study suggests that AcrIIA5 should be widely used for the precise control of base editing and to thoroughly “shut off” nuclease activity of both CBE and ABE systems.
The Impact of ALS-Associated Genes hnRNPA1, MATR3, VCP and UBQLN2 on the Severity of TDP-43 Aggregation
Authors: Bajc Česnik Ana , Motaln Helena , Rogelj Boris
Published: July 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cytoplasmic inclusions of RNA-binding protein TDP-43. Despite decades of research and identification of more than 50 genes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the cause of TDP-43 translocation from the nucleus and its aggregation in the cytoplasm still remains unknown. Our study addressed the impact of selected ALS-associated genes on TDP-43 aggregation behavior in wild-type and aggregation prone TDP-43 in vitro cell models. These were developed by deleting TDP-43 nuclear localization signal and stepwise shortening its low-complexity region. The SH-SY5Y cells were co-transfected with the constructs of aggregation-prone TDP-43 and wild-type or mutant ALS-associated genes hnRNPA1, MATR3, VCP or UBQLN2. The investigated genes displayed a unique impact on TDP-43 aggregation, generating distinct types of cytoplasmic inclusions, similar to those already described as resembling prion strains, which could represent the basis for neurodegenerative disease heterogeneity.
Nuclear Accumulation of LAP1:TRF2 Complex during DNA Damage Response Uncovers a Novel Role for LAP1
Authors: Pereira Cátia D. , Martins Filipa , Santos Mariana , Müeller Thorsten , da Cruz e Silva Odete A. B. , Rebelo Sandra
Published: July 2020

Lamina-associated polypeptide 1 (LAP1) is a nuclear envelope (NE) protein whose function remains poorly characterized. In a recent LAP1 protein interactome study, a putative regulatory role in the DNA damage response (DDR) has emerged and telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2), a protein intimately associated with this signaling pathway, was among the list of LAP1 interactors. To gain insights into LAP1′s physiological properties, the interaction with TRF2 in human cells exposed to DNA-damaging agents was investigated. The direct LAP1:TRF2 binding was validated in vitro by blot overlay and in vivo by co-immunoprecipitation after hydrogen peroxide and bleomycin treatments. The regulation of this protein interaction by LAP1 phosphorylation was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry following okadaic acid exposure. The involvement of LAP1 and TRF2 in the DDR was confirmed by their increased nuclear protein levels after bleomycin treatment, evaluated by immunoblotting, as well as by their co-localization with DDR factors at the NE and within the nucleoplasm, assessed by immunocytochemistry. Effectively, we showed that the LAP1:TRF2 complex is established during a cellular response against DNA damage. This work proposes a novel functional role for LAP1 in the DDR, revealing a potential biological mechanism that may be disrupted in LAP1-associated pathologies.
Symmetry Breaking during Cell Movement in the Context of Excitability, Kinetic Fine-Tuning and Memory of Pseudopod Formation
Authors: van Haastert Peter J.M.
Published: July 2020

The path of moving eukaryotic cells depends on the kinetics and direction of extending pseudopods. Amoeboid cells constantly change their shape with pseudopods extending in different directions. Detailed analysis has revealed that time, place and direction of pseudopod extension are not random, but highly ordered with strong prevalence for only one extending pseudopod, with defined life-times, and with reoccurring events in time and space indicative of memory. Important components are Ras activation and the formation of branched F-actin in the extending pseudopod and inhibition of pseudopod formation in the contractile cortex of parallel F-actin/myosin. In biology, order very often comes with symmetry. In this essay, I discuss cell movement and the dynamics of pseudopod extension from the perspective of symmetry and symmetry changes of Ras activation and the formation of branched F-actin in the extending pseudopod. Combining symmetry of Ras activation with kinetics and memory of pseudopod extension results in a refined model of amoeboid movement that appears to be largely conserved in the fast moving Dictyostelium and neutrophils, the slow moving mesenchymal stem cells and the fungus B.d. chytrid.
Effects of Substrate Rotation Speed on Structure and Adhesion Properties of CrN/CrAlSiN Multilayer Coatings Prepared Using High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Tang Jian-Fu , Huang Chun-Hong , Lin Ching-Yen , Yang Fu-Chi , Chang Chi-Lung
Published: July 2020

We investigated the effects of substrate rotation speed on the structural and mechanical properties of CrN/CrAlSiN multilayer coatings produced using high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) on silicon and high-speed steel (HSS) substrates. Structural analysis and characterization of the multilayer coatings were performed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The thickness of the bi-layer film depended on the substrate rotation speed, as follows: 12 (1.5 rpm), 9.5 (2 rpm), 6 (3 rpm), 4 (4 rpm), and 3.2 nm (5 rpm). The results revealed that the hardness and coating–substrate adhesion strength increased inversely with the thickness of the bi-layer. TEM analysis revealed smaller columnar structures in thinner CrN/CrAlSiN multilayer coatings. The highest results for hardness (20.1 GPa), elastic modulus (336 GPa), and adhesion strength (77 N) were obtained at a substrate rotation speed of 5 rpm. We also investigated the adhesion properties of the multilayer structures and formulated a hypothesis to explain adhesion strength.
Laser-Induced Forward Transfer: A Method for Printing Functional Inks
Authors: Fernández-Pradas J. Marcos , Serra Pere
Published: July 2020

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a direct-writing technique based in the action of a laser to print a small fraction of material from a thin donor layer onto a receiving substrate. Solid donor films have been used since its origins, but the same principle of operation works for ink liquid films, too. LIFT is a nozzle-free printing technique that has almost no restrictions in the particle size and the viscosity of the ink to be printed. Thus, LIFT is a versatile technique capable for printing any functional material with which an ink can be formulated. Although its principle of operation is valid for solid and liquid layers, in this review we put the focus in the LIFT works performed with inks or liquid suspensions. The main elements of a LIFT experimental setup are described before explaining the mechanisms of ink ejection. Then, the printing outcomes are related with the ejection mechanisms and the parameters that control their characteristics. Finally, the main achievements of the technique for printing biomolecules, cells, and materials for printed electronic applications are presented.
Multicolor Emission and Photophysical Properties of Proton-Responsive Cyclometallated Iridium(III) Complex in Transparent Cation-Exchange Membrane
Authors: Kamebuchi Hajime , Fujimura Yu , Yoshioka Taiho , Okazawa Atsushi , Tadokoro Makoto , Kojima Norimichi
Published: July 2020

A transparent film allowing tunable multicolor emission based on a composite of an organometallic compound and a cation-exchange membrane has been developed, in which the cyclometallated iridium(III) complex [IrIII(4Py-ppy)3] (=tris[2-(2-pyridinyl-κN)-4-(4-pyridinyl)phenyl-κC]iridium) (1) with pH-dependent emission wavelengths has been incorporated into Nafion by cation exchange. Soaking Nafion in the solution of 1 for 24 h and exposed to buffers at pH 2, 4, and 10 resulted in maximum emission wavelengths of 587, 560, and 503 nm, respectively. The photophysical properties of 1@Nafion were also enhanced, as its maximum emission wavelength was more blue-shifted than those of 602, 564, and 503 nm in the solutions. The emission quantum yields (Φ) and lifetimes (τ) of 1@Nafion prepared under an acidic condition were up to Φ = 1.8% and τ = 0.11, 0.92 μs, which are considerably higher than the corresponding solutions of Φ = 0.5% and τ = 0.02, 0.18 μs. This is attributed to the fact that 1 is surrounded by the polymer chains of Nafion and immobilized in a relatively rigid medium, which hinders non-radiative deactivation such as thermal relaxation.
Characterization of PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Expression in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Nishimura Shunji , Akagi Masao
Published: July 2020

Recent data have suggested that PD-1 and PD-L1 are involved in osteosarcoma (OS) pathogenesis; however, their contributions are not well-established. Here, the PD-1/PD-L1 expression was evaluated in (OS) cases. Preoperative needle biopsy specimens were obtained from 16 patients with OS. Immunostaining for CD4, CD8, PD-1, and PD-L1 was performed on pathological specimens. Clinical parameters, including age, tumor size, preoperative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, standardized uptake value (SUV)-max level, and survival rate, were compared between PD-1/PD-L1-positive and -negative groups. CD4-, CD8-, PD-1-, and PD-L1-positive rates among all specimens were 75%, 75%, 18.7%, and 62.5%, respectively. The rates of co-expression of CD4 and CD8 with PD-L1 were 56.2% and 50%, respectively. Tumors were significantly larger in PD-L1-negative cases than in PD-L1-positive cases. Age, size and ALP and SUV-max levels did not differ significantly between PD-1/PD-L1-positive and -negative cases. The 3-year survival rates did not differ significantly between PD-1-positive and -negative cases or between PD-L1-positive and -negative cases. However, the occurrence of cancer-related events, including recurrence, metastasis, and death was associated with the PD-1-negative and PD-L1-positive status. The PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint is likely involved in the immune microenvironment in OS and may be involved in the occurrence of cancer-related events.
Incidental Severe Fatty Degeneration of the Erector Spinae in a Patient with L5–S1 Disc Extrusion Diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy R2 Dysferin-Related
Authors: Kim Du Hwan , Jang Dae-Hyun , Jang Ja-Hyun
Published: July 2020

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type R2 dysferin-related (LGMD R2 dysferin-related), a phenotype of dysferlinopathy, usually begins with pelvic girdle weakness. A 35-year-old male presented with right leg pain for 2 weeks without a previous history of limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showed disc extrusion at L5–S1 and incidental severe fatty degeneration of the lumbar erector spinae. Physical examination demonstrated no definite limb weakness. Serum creatine kinase levels were elevated. Genetic testing using a targeted gene-sequencing panel identified compound heterozygous variants NM_003494.3(DYSF) c.[1284+2T>C]; [5303G>A]. Computed tomography revealed fatty degeneration of lower-limb muscles, which was mild in the adductor muscles and severe in the gluteus minimus. Immunohistochemistry staining of the vastus lateralis showed under-expression of dysferlin. This patient was diagnosed with LGMD R2 dysferin-related. Thus, unusual fatty degeneration of the lumbar paraspinalis can be a manifestation of dysferlinopathy.
BIRC5/Survivin Expression as a Non-Invasive Biomarker of Endometriosis
Authors: Filipchiuk Carolina , Laganà Antonio Simone , Beteli Rubia , Ponce Tatiana Guida , Christofolini Denise Maria , Martins Trevisan Camila , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Barbosa Caio Parente , Bianco Bianca
Published: July 2020

The etiology of endometriosis is highly complex, and although it is a benign disease, it has several biological behaviors similar to malignant lesions, including cell invasion, neo-angiogenesis, and decreased apoptosis. Survivin is a protein encoded by the BIRC5 gene that plays a role in cell division by inhibiting apoptosis and regulating the process of mitosis in embryonic and cancer cells. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the expression of BIRC5 in samples of peripheral blood of women with and without endometriosis. This study comprised of 40 women with endometriosis and 10 healthy women as controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected in the three phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular, ovulatory, and luteal). The expression of the BIRC5 gene was evaluated by RT-qPCR using the TaqMan methodology. The BIRC5 expression was significantly higher in all phases of the menstrual cycle in women with endometriosis, regardless of the disease stage. The accuracy of BIRC5 expression in the peripheral blood for the diagnosis endometriosis presented AUC of 0.887 (p < 0.001), with 97.2% of sensitivity and specificity of 65.5% considering the overall endometriosis group. Regarding the minimal/mild endometriosis group, the AUC presented a value of 0.925 (p < 0.001), with 100% of sensitivity and 79.3% of specificity, whereas in the moderate/severe endometriosis group the AUC was 0.868 (p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 65.5%. These findings suggest that the expression of BIRC5 may be a potential noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Randomness, Informational Entropy, and Volatility Interdependencies among the Major World Markets: The Role of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lahmiri Salim , Bekiros Stelios
Published: July 2020

The main purpose of our paper is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on randomness in volatility series of world major markets and to examine its effect on their interconnections. The data set includes equity (Bitcoin and Standard and Poor’s 500), precious metals (Gold and Silver), and energy markets (West Texas Instruments, Brent, and Gas). The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model is applied to the return series. The wavelet packet Shannon entropy is calculated from the estimated volatility series to assess randomness. Hierarchical clustering is employed to examine interconnections between volatilities. We found that (i) randomness in volatility of the S&P500 and in the volatility of precious metals were the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, while (ii) randomness in energy markets was less affected by the pandemic than equity and precious metal markets. Additionally, (iii) we showed an apparent emergence of three volatility clusters: precious metals (Gold and Silver), energy (Brent and Gas), and Bitcoin and WTI, and (iv) the S&P500 volatility represents a unique cluster, while (v) the S&P500 market volatility was not connected to the volatility of Bitcoin, energy, and precious metal markets before the pandemic. Moreover, (vi) the S&P500 market volatility became connected to volatility in energy markets and volatility in Bitcoin during the pandemic, and (vii) the volatility in precious metals is less connected to volatility in energy markets and to volatility in Bitcoin market during the pandemic. It is concluded that (i) investors may diversify their portfolios across single constituents of clusters, (ii) investing in energy markets during the pandemic period is appealing because of lower randomness in their respective volatilities, and that (iii) constructing a diversified portfolio would not be challenging as clustering structures are fairly stable across periods.
High Precision Sparse Reconstruction Scheme for Multiple Radar Mainlobe Jammings
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Zhu Daiyin , Zhang Jindong
Published: July 2020

Radar mainlobe jamming has attracted considerable attention in the field of electronic countermeasures. When the direction of arrival (DOA) of jamming is close to that of the target, the conventional antijamming methods are ineffective. Generally, mainlobe antijamming method based on blind source separation (BSS) can deteriorate the target direction estimation. Thus in this paper, a high precision sparse reconstruction scheme for multiple radar mainlobe jammings is proposed that does not suffer from failure or performance degradation inherent in the traditional method. First, the mainlobe jamming signal and desired signal components are extracted by using the joint approximation diagonalization of eigenmatrices (JADE) method. Then, oblique projection with sparse Bayesian learning (OP-SBL) method is employed to reconstruct the target with high precision. The proposed method is capable of suppressing at most three radar mainlobe jammers adaptively and also obtain DOA estimation error less than 0.1°. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Smart Grid System for Reducing Energy Consumption and Energy Cost in Buildings in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Guerhardt Flavio , Silva Thadeu Alfredo Farias , Gamarra Felix Martin Carbajal , Ribeiro Júnior Silvestre Eduardo Rocha , Llanos Segundo Alberto Vásquez , Quispe Ada Patricia Barturén , Vieira Junior Milton , Tambourgi Elias Basile , Santana José Carlos Curvelo , Maria Vanalle Rosangela
Published: July 2020

The National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) of Brazil, in a bid to encourage energy-conscious energy consumption, has proposed a new sustainable energy tariff modality (the White Tariff) based on off-peak usage. This study aims to compare and contrast situations in which the White Tariff alone is used, and where it is combined with power generation from a generator set or a photovoltaic cell energy system to reduce energy costs. Furthermore, economic, environmental, and social advantages are outlined in the project summaries. Interviews and documentary analyses were conducted in a technology park that uses only the White Tariff and in condominiums that combine the White Tariff with a generator set or a photovoltaic cell system. The data generated was fed into the database of the Horosazonal software to obtain an overview of these companies. Results show that the company adopting the White Tariff alone achieved 19% and US$14,684 in annual savings. However, when the White Tariff is combined with a generator set, the smart grid project proved to be more efficient over time as it obtained an annual benefit of US$35,832 and 62.38% savings. In contrast, the smart grid project combining a photovoltaic cell energy system with the White Tariff achieved an annual benefit of US$52,712, with 68.31% savings and was 1.3 to 5.3 times more profitable than other projects, demonstrating that it was the best smart grip project studied. Furthermore, opting for the White Tariff produced advantages such as a reduction in energy consumption expenses, contributing to a reduction in power outages and blackouts, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and boosting the company image within society. This study shows that energy-conscious consumption combined with the use of renewable energy sources is environmentally and economically advantageous and can provide future generations with a healthier environment in which people can make use of natural resources in a sustainable manner that is sustainable for planet earth.
Dynamic Inspection Interval Determination for Efficient Distribution Grid Asset-Management
Authors: Neugebauer Thorben , Wolgast Thomas , Nieße Astrid
Published: July 2020

Asset-management accounts for a significant share of grid operators’ influenceable costs, which are under high economic pressure due to deregulation. In asset-management, visual inspections are the main measure to determine asset conditions. In the context of digitalization, we propose a concept to acquire additional information about the condition of distribution substations and to derive flexible inspection intervals from this information, in contrast to fixed intervals that are common in scientific literature and practice. Thus, knowledge about the substations increases, inspection intervals can be expanded dynamically, and significant cost savings are possible, which we demonstrate by the example of a German distribution grid operator.
Development and Results from Application of PCM-Based Storage Tanks in a Solar Thermal Comfort System of an Institutional Building—A Case Study
Authors: Batlles F. Javier , Gil Bartosz , Ushak Svetlana , Kasperski Jacek , Luján Marcos , Maldonado Diana , Nemś Magdalena , Nemś Artur , Puertas Antonio M. , Romero-Cano Manuel S. , Rosiek Sabina , Grageda Mario
Published: July 2020

An important element of a solar installation is the storage tank. When properly selected and operated, it can bring numerous benefits. The presented research relates to a project that is implemented at the Solar Energy Research Center of the University of Almeria in Spain. In order to improve the operation of the solar cooling and heating system of the Center, it was upgraded with two newly designed storage tanks filled with phase change materials (PCM). As a result of design works, commercial material S10 was selected for the accumulation of cold, and S46 for the accumulation of heat, in an amount of 85% and 15%, respectively. The article presents in detail the process of selecting the PCM material, designing the installation, experimental research, and exergy analysis. Individual tasks were carried out by research groups cooperating under the PCMSOL EUROPEAN PROJECT. Results of tests conducted on the constructed installation indicate that daily energy saving when using a solar chiller with PCM tanks amounts to 40% during the cooling season.
Analysis of the Combined Ice Storage (PCM) Heating System Installation with Special Kind of Solar Absorber in an Older House
Authors: Sivák Peter , Tauš Peter , Rybár Radim , Beer Martin , Šimková Zuzana , Baník František , Zhironkin Sergey , Čitbajová Jana
Published: July 2020

The energy storage field is nowadays a highly ranking topic. This research deals with the installation and analysis of the ice storage system which combines heat pump, solar absorber, and ice storage tank (phase change material—PCM). This system uses a special kind of solar absorber – header pipes (HDP), which have no thermal isolation compared to the common solar absorber. Thanks to that the HDP, pipes can absorb thermal energy not only from the sun but also from the environment. The rain or snow also affects heat exchange. All that is provided by one technical device. The system can store thermal energy gained from the solar absorber into the ice storage tank for future usage. Research works with data from the real operation, for a period of the year covering all working phases/modes of the system. The analysis of the data led to the identification of several specific modes of the system, especially from the processes taking place in the PCM storage tank during its charging and discharging at various time stages of operation of the whole system. The installation and analysis of the ice storage system probably took place for the first time in Slovakia and Slovak Republic’s conditions. Besides, this system was not installed on a new low-energy house, but on an older family house with thermal insulation. The aim of this installation was also to demonstrate the usability of the ice storage system in an older house and potentially reduce the homeowner’s fees thanks to new technology with higher efficiency. We managed to comprehensively analyze and describe the operation of this system, which also appears to be highly efficient even in a family house with a lower energy certificate, than today’s new low-energy buildings. The results showed a significant efficiency difference in favor of the ice storage system compared to conventional heating systems. The total analysis time was 1616 h and the total efficiency of this heating system—the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) was 4.4. Compared to the average SCOP 3.0 of conventional heating systems for new low-energy houses, the total efficiency increased by 46.6%. These results could therefore be considered as beneficial, especially if we take into account that this system was installed on an approximately 40-year-old family house. The analyzed ice storage system is still working today. The main goals of this paper were to describe the heat pump’s duty cycle with ice storage (PCM) based on real-life data and bring a detailed description of the heat transfer medium behavior at various phases of storing/utilizing heat in the vertical ice storage’s profile for increasing efficiency.
Common-Mode Reduction SVPWM for Three-Phase Motor Fed by Two-Level Voltage Source Inverter
Authors: Zheng Jian , Lyu Mingcheng , Li Shengqing , Luo Qiwu , Huang Keyuan
Published: July 2020

Aiming at the problem of large magnitude and high frequency of common-mode voltage (CMV) when space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) is used in a three-phase motor fed by a two-level voltage source inverter, a common-mode reduction SVPWM (CMRSVPWM) is studied. In this method, six new sectors are obtained by rotating six sectors of conventional SVPWM by 30°. In odd-numbered sectors, only three non-zero vectors with odd subscripts are used for synthesis, while in even-numbered sectors, only three non-zero vectors with even subscripts are used for synthesis. The actuation durations of three non-zero vectors in each switching period in each sector are given. Simulation and experimental results show that, compared with the conventional SVPWM, the CMV magnitude of CMRSVPWM is reduced by 66.67% and the CMV frequency of CMRSVPWM is reduced from the original switching frequency to the triple fundamental frequency. At the same time, the current, torque and speed of the motor are still good.
Effects of Overdischarge Rate on Thermal Runaway of NCM811 Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Dong , Zheng Lili , Li Xichao , Du Guangchao , Zhang Zhichao , Feng Yan , Jia Longzhou , Dai Zuoqiang
Published: July 2020

Overdischarge often occurs during the use of battery packs, owing to cell inconsistency in the pack. In this study, the overdischarge behavior of 2.9 Ah cylindrical NCM811 [Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2] batteries in an adiabatic environment was investigated. A higher overdischarge rate resulted in a faster temperature increase in the batteries. Moreover, the following temperatures increased: Tu, at which the voltage decreased to 0 V; Ti, at which the current decreased to 0 A; and the maximum temperature during the battery overdischarge (Tm). The following times decreased: tu, when the voltage decreased from 3 to 0 V, and ti, when the current decreased to 0 A. The discharge capacity of the batteries was 3.06–3.14 Ah, and the maximum discharge depth of the batteries was 105.51–108.27%. Additionally, the characteristic overdischarge behavior of the batteries in a high-temperature environment (55 °C) was investigated. At high temperatures, the safety during overdischarging decreased, and the amount of energy released during the overdischarge phase and short-circuiting decreased significantly. Shallow overdischarging did not significantly affect the battery capacity recovery. None of the overdischarging cases caused fires, explosions, or thermal runaway in the batteries. The NCM811 batteries achieved good safety performance under overdischarge conditions: hence, they are valuable references for battery safety research.
A New Clonal Propagation Protocol Develops Quality Root Systems in Chestnut
Authors: Fernandes Patrícia , Tedesco Sara , Vieira da Silva Inês , Santos Carmen , Machado Helena , Lourenço Costa Rita
Published: July 2020

There is, at the present time, a great demand for chestnut rootstocks with improved resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands in the nurseries. New genotypes are emerging from European chestnut breeding programs and the production of thriving plants to restore old orchards with low yields due to a high incidence of diseases, namely root rot, is necessary. Micropropagation is a useful technique for clonal propagation. Nevertheless, in vitro culture propagation is genotype-dependent. Consequently, the existing protocols may demonstrate poor reproducibility and low efficacy. Thus, the need to contribute to the development of new micropropagation protocols suitable for large production of emerging genotypes. As a contribution to fill this gap, a three-step protocol was developed by using new combinations of Murashige & Skoog, Woody Plant, and adapted modified Melin-Norkrans media in different stages of the propagation process. About 90% of shoots were rooted, and after three months of acclimatization, 85% of these plants survived and were capable of continuous growth in the field. Currently, this protocol is being used in the production of several hybrid genotypes (with improved resistance to P. cinnamomi), selected from our ongoing breeding program and also in Castanea sativa Mill. and Castanea crenata Siebold and Zucc. species.
Dietary Supplement and Food Contaminations and Their Implications for Doping Controls
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Thomas Andreas , Geyer Hans , Mareck Ute , Thevis Mario
Published: July 2020

A narrative review with an overall aim of indicating the current state of knowledge and the relevance concerning food and supplement contamination and/or adulteration with doping agents and the respective implications for sports drug testing is presented. The identification of a doping agent (or its metabolite) in sports drug testing samples constitutes a violation of the anti-doping rules defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Reasons for such Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) include the intentional misuse of performance-enhancing/banned drugs; however, also the scenario of inadvertent administrations of doping agents was proven in the past, caused by, amongst others, the ingestion of contaminated dietary supplements, drugs, or food. Even though controversial positions concerning the effectiveness of dietary supplements in healthy subjects exist, they are frequently used by athletes, anticipating positive effects on health, recovery, and performance. However, most supplement users are unaware of the fact that the administration of such products can be associated with unforeseeable health risks and AAFs in sports. In particular anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and stimulants have been frequently found as undeclared ingredients of dietary supplements, either as a result of cross-contaminations due to substandard manufacturing practices and missing quality controls or an intentional admixture to increase the effectiveness of the preparations. Cross-contaminations were also found to affect therapeutic drug preparations. While the sensitivity of assays employed to test pharmaceuticals for impurities is in accordance with good manufacturing practice guidelines allowing to exclude any physiological effects, minute trace amounts of contaminating compounds can still result in positive doping tests. In addition, food was found to be a potential source of unintentional doping, the most prominent example being meat tainted with the anabolic agent clenbuterol. The athletes’ compliance with anti-doping rules is frequently tested by routine doping controls. Different measures including offers of topical information and education of the athletes as well as the maintenance of databases summarizing low- or high-risk supplements are important cornerstones in preventing unintentional anti-doping rule violations. Further, the collection of additional analytical data has been shown to allow for supporting result management processes.
Integrating Point Process Models, Evolutionary Ecology and Traditional Knowledge Improves Landscape Archaeology—A Case from Southwest Madagascar
Authors: Davis Dylan S. , DiNapoli Robert J. , Douglass Kristina
Published: July 2020

Landscape archaeology has a long history of using predictive models to improve our knowledge of extant archaeological features around the world. Important advancements in spatial statistics, however, have been slow to enter archaeological predictive modeling. Point process models (PPMs), in particular, offer a powerful solution to explicitly model both first- and second-order properties of a point pattern. Here, we use PPMs to refine a recently developed remote sensing-based predictive algorithm applied to the archaeological record of Madagascar’s southwestern coast. This initial remote sensing model resulted in an 80% true positive rate, rapidly expanding our understanding of the archaeological record of this region. Despite the model’s success rate, it yielded a substantial number (~20%) of false positive results. In this paper, we develop a series of PPMs to improve the accuracy of this model in predicting the location of archaeological deposits in southwest Madagascar. We illustrate how PPMs, traditional ecological knowledge, remote sensing, and fieldwork can be used iteratively to improve the accuracy of predictive models and enhance interpretations of the archaeological record. We use an explicit behavioral ecology theoretical framework to formulate and test hypotheses utilizing spatial modeling methods. Our modeling process can be replicated by archaeologists around the world to assist in fieldwork logistics and planning.
Compositional Variations of Titanite: A Possible New Tool for Cyprus-Type Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposit Prospecting
Authors: B. Kiss Gabriella , Zaccarini Federica
Published: July 2020

Titanite in submarine mafic magmatic rocks of Neotethyan origin was studied to reveal its possible use as an indicator mineral of modern Cyprus-type VMS deposits. Four ore deposit bearing (mineralized) and eight barren (unmineralized) Triassic–Jurassic locations from the Apennines, displaced fragments of the Dinarides, as well as the Dinarides and Hellenides were studied in order to gain representative results. Preliminary SEM-EDS and more detailed EPMA analyses were performed to characterize compositional variations of titanite from basalt, dolerite and gabbro. The obtained results show compositional differences according to the mode of formation. Titanite from VMS mineralized zones shows a composition close to stoichiometric values, and thus can be distinguished based on Ti content (Ti (apfu) ≥ 0.85). Due to Fe + Al substitution on Ti site, the Fe + Al vs. Ti binary plot seems to be the most discriminant for distinguishing mineralized and unmineralized locations. However, Fe vs. Al, Al vs. Mn and Si vs. Ca + Mn discrimination diagrams can also be used. Hence, compositional variations of titanite may be a possible new tool for prospection of concealed Cyprus-type deposits in the Neotethyan realm.
Play Therapy as an Intervention in Hospitalized Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Godino-Iáñez María José , Martos-Cabrera María Begoña , Suleiman-Martos Nora , Gómez-Urquiza José Luis , Vargas-Román Keyla , Membrive-Jiménez María José , Albendín-García Luis
Published: July 2020

Background: Hospitalization disrupts children’s lives and can produce feelings such as anxiety, fear, or pain. Playing is an important part of children’s lives. Thus, it is necessary to ensure holistic care during the process, including play therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of therapeutic play in hospitalized children. Methods: A systematic review was performed. The search was conducted in CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), CUIDEN, and PubMed (Medline). The search equation was “pediatric nurs* AND play therapy”. The search was performed in March 2020. Results: n = 14 studies were included in the review. The studies reveal that the application of therapeutic play in hospitalized children decreases postoperative pain, improves behavior and attitude, and reduces anxiety during the hospital stay. Conclusions: play therapy has a beneficial impact on the care of hospitalized children and should be implemented in pediatric units after assessing the resources and training needed for pediatric nurses.
Developing and Evaluating A One-Stop Patient-Centered Interprofessional Collaboration Platform in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Hung-Jung , Ko Yen-Ling , Liu Chung-Feng , Chen Chia-Jung , Lin Jing-Jia
Published: July 2020

(1) Background: Effective healthcare collaboration not only improves the outcomes of patients, but also provides benefits to healthcare providers. A patient-centered communication platform, a so-called “one-stop platform”, is necessary to promote interprofessional collaboration (IPC) for optimal patient care. (2) Methods: Chi Mei Medical Center developed a patient-centered computerized platform to fulfill interprofessional collaboration needs. The platform features a spiral-shaped integrated care area and a communication area that allows the medical team to access patients’ information including the medical care they received within seven days, and veritably shows whether the team members have read communication messages. After pilot adoption, an online survey was conducted. (3) Results: A one-stop IPC platform was implemented and promoted for patient care. The online survey revealed that medical team members have high positive appraisal of the platform. It also pointed out that resistance to change among the medical team still has a significant impact on behavioral intention. (4) Conclusions: The interprofessional collaboration platform was recognized by the medical teams of Chi Mei Medical Center as an effective and convenient tool for assisting clinical decision making. However, actions to reduce user resistance to change and encourage collaboration among team members still need to be continued. Shared decision making within physicians and patients will be valuable to develop in the platform in the future.
Synthetic Evaluation of China’s Regional Low-Carbon Economy Challenges by Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response Model
Authors: Pan Wenyan , Gulzar Muhammad Awais , Hassan Waseem
Published: July 2020

The “driver–pressure–state–impact–response” (DPSIR) model has recently become a popular approach to deal with environmental problems. The combination of DPSIR with analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a useful method to study low-carbon evaluation because the AHP model has a special advantage in multi-indexes evaluation. This paper constructs the low-carbon economy evaluation system and comprehensively evaluates the numerical value of low-carbon economic development of China’s 30 regions from 2000 to 2015 by using the AHP method. It shows that the numerical value of low-carbon economy of China’s 30 regions varies in terms of growth rate. The numerical value of east regional low-carbon economy shows a pattern that is gradually higher than that of the west region. The numerical value of low carbon economic development in the south region is higher than that of the north region by degrees. In addition, based on the model of coordination degree in 2015, the result indicated that the four subsystems have primary coordination in the east area and bare coordination in the central and west areas. It is indicated that the four sub-indexes should be developed at the same pace and promoting the development of a low-carbon economy in the mid-west areas is the key in China. Finally, we proposed that environmental regulations and policies should be formulated to improve coordination in various aspects and various departments. Calculating the degree of low-carbon economic coupling coordination may be helpful for policy makers to formulate effective policies and take actions in the future.
The Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill upon Lung Health—Mouse Model-Based RNA-Seq Analyses
Authors: Liu Yao-Zhong , Miller Charles A , Zhuang Yan , Mukhopadhyay Sudurika S , Saito Shigeki , Overton Edward B. , Morris Gilbert F
Published: July 2020

We used a transcriptomic approach to interrogate the effects of a saline-accommodated fraction from the Macondo 252 well (MC252) oil and Corexit dispersants on lung tissue. Wild-type C57BL/6 male and female mice were exposed on days 0, 7 and 13 by oropharyngeal aspiration to saline accommodated fractions (SAF) of crude oil from the Macondo (MC252) well, Corexit 9500, Corexit 9527, 9500+oil and 9527+oil or a saline solution as the vehicle control. These treatments did not cause overt toxicity, with the exception of the Corexit exposures which caused brief weight loss after the first exposure. On day 14, total RNA was isolated from the left lung for RNA-seq analyses. KEGG-pathway-based differential expression revealed that Corexit 9527 elicited the strongest changes involving the upregulation of 19 KEGG pathways (FDR < 0.10), followed by Corexit 9500 with the upregulation of seven pathways (FDR < 0.10). As an important signature, pathways related to a response to DNA damage (e.g., p53 signaling and mismatch repair) dominate those upregulated by Corexit 9527 and Corexit 9500. In addition, pro-inflammatory pathways (e.g., cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathways) were upregulated selectively in oil-treated male mice. Surprisingly, oil + dispersant combinations caused lesser effects than the individual treatments at the transcriptomic level. Overall, these findings support potential genotoxicity, inflammation and cell death due to dispersant or oil exposures. Similar exposures to lung tumor bearing K-RasLA1 mice provided evidence for tumor promotion by oil and Corexit dispersant treatments. Our mouse RNA-seq analyses may be relevant to the pulmonary health hazards of MC252 oil and dispersants experienced in exposed populations.