bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching Frequency Determination of SiC-Inverter for High Efficiency Propulsion System of Railway Vehicle
Authors: Ryu Joon-Hyoung , Lee June-Hee , Lee June-Seok
Published: September 2020

This paper suggests the reasonable switching frequency determination method for achieving highest efficiency of the railway propulsion system consisting the silicon carbide (SiC) inverter and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The SiC power device allows increasing the switching frequency of the inverter because it has the small switching power loss. The total efficiency is taken into account for determining the switching frequency of SiC inverter in this paper. In the efficiency analysis of SiC inverter and PMSM, the PMSM drive control is considered with the hybrid switching method combined the synchronous PWM and asynchronous PWM. The result of the analysis shows the efficiency curve of propulsion system depending on the switching frequency. The switching frequency having the minimum power loss of propulsion system is selected based on the extracted power loss curve.
Energy Conservation Potential of Economizer Controls Using Optimal Outdoor Air Fraction Based on Field Study
Authors: Hong Goopyo , Kim Chul , Hong Jun
Published: September 2020

In commercial buildings, HVAC systems are becoming a primary driver of energy consumption, which already account for 45% of the total building energy consumption. In the previous literature, researchers have studied several energy conservation measures to reduce HVAC system energy consumption. One of the effective ways is an economizer in air-handling units. Therefore, this study quantified the impact of the outdoor air fraction by economizer control type in cooling system loads based on actual air-handling unit operation data in a hospital. The optimal outdoor air fraction and energy performance for economizer control types were calculated and analyzed. The result showed that economizer controls using optimal outdoor air fraction were up to 45% more efficient in cooling loads than existing HVAC operations in the hospital. The energy savings potential was 6–14% of the differential dry-bulb temperature control, 17–27% of the differential enthalpy control, 8–17% of the differential dry-bulb temperature and high-limit differential enthalpy control, and 16–27% of the differential enthalpy and high-limit differential dry-bulb temperature control compared to the no economizer control. The result of this study will contribute to providing a better understanding of economizer controls in the hospital when the building operates in hot-humid climate regions.
How Strategic Behavior of Natural Gas Exporters Can Affect the Sectors of Electricity, Heating, and Emission Trading during the European Energy Transition
Authors: Heidari Sina
Published: September 2020

The European demand for natural gas imports may change through the energy transition, which may affect natural gas exporters’ strategic behavior and consequently the natural gas prices. Changes in natural gas prices in turn influence the European energy sector in terms of gas consumption in the short-term and investments in the long-term. The present paper develops a large-scale partial equilibrium market model formulated as a mixed complementarity model (MCP) with conjectural variations. This model considers the global natural gas market and the European markets of electricity, heating, and emission trading in one equilibrium. We apply this model to investigate the long-term impact of market power by gas exporters on the mentioned energy-related markets on the horizon of 2050. The results of the study show that a decrease in the market power by gas exporters decreases natural gas prices, leading to cheaper electricity and CO2 prices in the mid-term. However, a very tight emission cap in 2050 can result in the reverse phenomenon.
Hybrid Fuel Cell—Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycle for CO2 Sequestration-Ready Combined Heat and Power
Authors: Ghotkar Rhushikesh , Stechel Ellen B. , Ermanoski Ivan , Milcarek Ryan J.
Published: September 2020

The low prices and its relatively low carbon intensity of natural gas have encouraged the coal replacement with natural gas power generation. Such a replacement reduces greenhouse gases and other emissions. To address the significant energy penalty of carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in gas turbine systems, a novel high efficiency concept is proposed and analyzed, which integrates a flame-assisted fuel cell (FFC) with a supercritical CO2 (sCO2) Brayton cycle air separation. The air separation enables the exhaust from the system to be CO2 sequestration-ready. The FFC provides the heat required for the sCO2 cycle. Heat rejected from the sCO2 cycle provides the heat required for adsorption-desorption pumping to isolate oxygen via air separation. The maximum electrical efficiency of the FFC sCO2 turbine hybrid (FFCTH) without being CO2 sequestration-ready is 60%, with the maximum penalty being 0.68% at a fuel-rich equivalence ratio (Φ) of 2.8, where Φ is proportional to fuel-air ratio. This electrical efficiency is higher than the standard sCO2 cycle by 6.85%. The maximum power-to-heat ratio of the sequestration-ready FFCTH is 233 at a Φ = 2.8. Even after including the air separation penalty, the electrical efficiency is higher than in previous studies.
Scalability of Low Carbon Energy Communities in Spain: An Empiric Approach from the Renewed Commons Paradigm
Authors: Atutxa Ekhi , Zubero Imanol , Calvo-Sotomayor Iñigo
Published: September 2020

Through the implementation of low carbon-based energy systems and participatory modes of governance, there are countless collective initiatives progressing towards a sustainable and resilient energy model. Local alternatives necessarily have to be able to scale in order to address global challenges. From the renewed paradigm of the commons, this empirical research provides a precise picture of the present scalability of these (self) transformative initiatives in Spain. Based on the identification and qualitative analysis of 18 of them via semi-structured in-depth interviews, the article explores their upper and lower limits; the importance of power distribution and citizen participation; the relational dimension of the scale; the upscaling forms and the role of public institutions. On the basis of the results obtained, the article finally presents recommendations aimed at strengthening this scalability of the energy commons.
Photovoltaics- and Battery-Based Power Network as Sustainable Source of Electric Power
Authors: Paniyil Prahaladh , Powar Vishwas , Singh Rajendra , Hennigan Benjamin , Lule Pamela , Allison Matthew , Kimsey John , Carambia Anthony , Patel Dhruval , Carrillo Daniel , Shriber Zachary , Bazer Truman , Farnum James , Jadhav Kushal , Pumputis Dalton
Published: September 2020

With the rise in the utilization of free fuel energy sources, namely solar and wind, across the globe, it has become necessary to study and implement models of a sustainable power network. This paper focuses on the design of a conceptual power network based on photovoltaics (PV) for power generation and lithium-ion batteries for storage. The power system showcases the various metrics that are involved in a grid-tied PV- and battery-based power network. It also encompasses the various design parameters and sizing considerations to design and conceptualize such a power network. The model focuses on the importance of the conservation of power by avoiding wastage of generated power through inverter sizing and design considerations. Finally, an economic and feasibility analysis is carried out to showcase the economic viability of the PV- and battery-based power network in today’s alternating current (AC)-based grid.
A Combined Multi-Level Perspective and Agent-Based Modeling in Low-Carbon Transition Analysis
Authors: Wu Xifeng , Zhao Sijia , Shen Yue , Madani Hatef , Chen Yu
Published: September 2020

Low-carbon transitions are long-term complex processes that are driven by multiple factors. To provide a theoretical and practical framework of this process, we argue that the combination of the multi-level perspective (MLP) and agent-based modeling (ABM) enables us to reach a deeper and detailed analysis of low-carbon transitions. As an extensively applied theoretical form, MLP conceptualizes low-carbon transitions as a nonlinear process and allows a system to be analyzed and organized into multiple dimensions (landscape, regime, and niche). However, MLP cannot explain the many details of complex transitions, whereas ABM can estimate the influence of interacting behaviors in a complex system. Therefore, the main advantages of the combined approach for the analysis of low-carbon transition are verified: the MLP can contribute to the overall design of ABM, and ABM can provide a dynamic, continuous, and quantitative description of the MLP. To construct this combination framework, this paper offers a guiding principle that combines the two perspectives under a low-carbon transitional background to create an integrated strategy using three procedures: defining the common concepts, their interaction, and their combination. Through the proposed framework, the goal of this work was to reach a better understanding of social system evolution from the present high-carbon state to a low-carbon state under the pressure of ambitious climate goals, providing specific policy recommendations.
Analysis of the Advanced Turbine System Program on Innovation in Natural Gas Technology
Authors: Stevens Kelly A.
Published: September 2020

This study evaluates the impact of a U.S. government-sponsored research program on advanced natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) innovations in the 1990s. From 1992–2000, the U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) partnered with turbine manufacturers General Electric (GE) and Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation (SWPC) in a cost-sharing partnership called the Advanced Turbine System program to promote efficiency innovations for NGCC technology. Using data from the European Patent Office’s worldwide patent database (PATSTAT), this study evaluates advanced turbine technology innovations by the program participants and their competitors. Using a negative binomial model, this approach shows GE increased the relative quantity of their patents towards the end of the program and afterwards, indicating the program led to more advanced NGCC innovations for GE. SWPC, on the other hand, had higher patent citations for patents filed during the DOE program relative to competitors, indicating SWPC had higher-quality advanced NGCC innovations due to new partnerships from the U.S. DOE program. However, this analysis reveals there was not a lack of this activity taking place before the program started, and that the overall impact of the program appears small based on the patent analysis.
Policies Drive Sub-National Forest Transitions in Vietnam
Authors: Trædal Leif Tore , Angelsen Arild
Published: September 2020

Vietnam has seemingly been able to shortcut the forest transition (FT) by quickly moving to the reforestation phase. Provincial-level forest cover and socio-economic trends are, however, not necessarily compatible with a standard FT framework. This article compares forest cover change and associated policy reforms in two provinces. Bac Kan is one of the poorest provinces in Vietnam, and has, after years of deforestation and forest degradation, expanded its forest cover during the past two decades. In contrast, Lam Dong province has higher GDP and population density, but has had high deforestation linked to expansion of perennial crops. This is contrary to what could be expected from a conventional FT hypothesis. Land use dynamics in Vietnam is heavily driven by its historical heritage related to the independence from French rule and heavy state-control and collectivization, and its more recent shift to “market-led socialism” (doi moi), involving export promotion, decentralization and land tenure reforms. The Vietnam experience shows that policies can trump the typical FT patterns linked to general development trends and structural changes, and that the typical FT-trajectory is not unavoidable. Yet, these policies have not primarily been guided by forest concerns, but should be viewed as a side effect of the doi moi policies pursuing economic growth and of the devolution of rights and decision-making.
Using Continuous Forest Inventory Data for Control of Wood Production and Use in Large Areas: A Case Study in Lithuania
Authors: Kuliešis Andrius , Kasperavičius Albertas , Kulbokas Gintaras , Kuliešis Andrius A. , Pivoriūnas Aidas , Aleinikovas Marius , Šilinskas Benas , Škėma Mindaugas , Beniušienė Lina
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives: Significant progress in developing European national forest inventory (NFI) systems could ensure accurate evaluations of gross annual increment (GAI) and its components by employing direct measurements. However, the use of NFI data is insufficient for increasing the efficiency of forest management and the use of wood, as well as for meeting sustainable forestry needs. Specification of forest characteristics, such as GAI and its components, identification of the main factors that impact forest growth, accumulation of wood, and natural losses are among the key elements promoting the productivity of forest stands and possibilities of rational use of wood in large forest areas. The aims of this research were (a) to validate the quality of forest statistics provided by a standwise forest inventory (SFI) and (b) to reveal the potential benefits of rational wood use at the country level through the analysis of forest management results, which are based on GAI, including its components derived from the NFI. Materials and Methods: SFI and NFI data from 1998–2017 were collected from 5600 permanent sample plots and used to evaluate the main forest characteristics. Potential wood use was estimated based on the assumption that 50–70% of the total GAI is accumulated for final forest use. Results: Mean growing stock volume (GSV) is underestimated by 7–14% on average in the course of SFI. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the yield changes in forest stands, detection of factors negatively affecting yield and its accumulation, and regulation of these processes by silviculture measures could increase potential forest use in Lithuania. Conclusions: Implementation of sample-based NFI resulted in an improvement of forest characteristics and led to an increase in GSV and GAI. Continuously gathered data on GAI and its components are a prerequisite for efficient forest management and control of the use of wood.
Effect of Postharvest Application of Aloe Vera Gel on Shelf Life, Activities of Anti-Oxidative Enzymes, and Quality of ‘Gola’ Guava Fruit
Authors: Rehman Muhammad Adil , Asi Muhammad Rafique , Hameed Amjad , Bourquin Leslie D.
Published: September 2020

Guava is an important climacteric fruits in terms of taste and aroma, which contains various vital nutrients such as minerals, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenols. At ambient conditions, it exhibits a short shelf life, which makes it difficult for marketing and subsequent storage. Therefore, it is necessary to develop procedures to extend its shelf life and conserve quality. For this purpose, an aloe vera (AV) gel coating was assessed for its potential to enhance the shelf life of guava fruits. Guava fruits coated with AV gels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80%, v/v) were evaluated for postharvest shelf life extension, changes in quality attributes, anti-oxidative activities, and flavonoid content when stored at ambient conditions (23 ± 2 °C and 70–75% relative humidity) for 12 days. The AV gel-treated fruits showed reduced increments in total sugar, malondialdehyde, and total carotene contents compared to untreated controls. AV gel-treated fruits exhibited higher contents of ascorbic acid, flavonoids (quercetin and rutin), and total phenolics in comparison to control fruits. Moreover, AV gel-treated fruits displayed greater activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, along with higher antioxidant capacity and higher levels of total soluble solids, than untreated fruits. These results demonstrate that AV gel coating, especially at high concentrations, can be considered an eco-friendly and non-chemical substitute treatment for maintaining the postharvest quality of guava fruit.
High-Throughput Genetic Testing in ALS: The Challenging Path of Variant Classification Considering the ACMG Guidelines
Authors: Lattante Serena , Marangi Giuseppe , Doronzio Paolo Niccolò , Conte Amelia , Bisogni Giulia , Zollino Marcella , Sabatelli Mario
Published: September 2020

The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and screening of big patient cohorts with familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) led to the identification of a significant number of genetic variants, which are sometimes difficult to interpret. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) provided guidelines to help molecular geneticists and pathologists to interpret variants found in laboratory testing. We assessed the application of the ACMG criteria to ALS-related variants, combining data from literature with our experience. We analyzed a cohort of 498 ALS patients using massive parallel sequencing of ALS-associated genes and identified 280 variants with a minor allele frequency < 1%. Examining all variants using the ACMG criteria, thus considering the type of variant, inheritance, familial segregation, and possible functional studies, we classified 20 variants as “pathogenic”. In conclusion, ALS’s genetic complexity, such as oligogenic inheritance, presence of genes acting as risk factors, and reduced penetrance, needs to be considered when interpreting variants. The goal of this work is to provide helpful suggestions to geneticists and clinicians dealing with ALS.
Parallelized Latent Dirichlet Allocation Provides a Novel Interpretability of Mutation Signatures in Cancer Genomes
Authors: Matsutani Taro , Hamada Michiaki
Published: September 2020

Mutation signatures are defined as the distribution of specific mutations such as activity of AID/APOBEC family proteins. Previous studies have reported numerous signatures, using matrix factorization methods for mutation catalogs. Different mutation signatures are active in different tumor types; hence, signature activity varies greatly among tumor types and becomes sparse. Because of this, many previous methods require dividing mutation catalogs for each tumor type. Here, we propose parallelized latent Dirichlet allocation (PLDA), a novel Bayesian model to simultaneously predict mutation signatures with all mutation catalogs. PLDA is an extended model of latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), which is one of the methods used for signature prediction. It has parallelized hyperparameters of Dirichlet distributions for LDA, and they represent the sparsity of signature activities for each tumor type, thus facilitating simultaneous analyses. First, we conducted a simulation experiment to compare PLDA with previous methods (including SigProfiler and SignatureAnalyzer) using artificial data and confirmed that PLDA could predict signature structures as accurately as previous methods without searching for the optimal hyperparameters. Next, we applied PLDA to PCAWG (Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes) mutation catalogs and obtained a signature set different from the one predicted by SigProfiler. Further, we have shown that the mutation spectrum represented by the predicted signature with PLDA provides a novel interpretability through post-analyses.
PML Regulates the Epidermal Differentiation Complex and Skin Morphogenesis during Mouse Embryogenesis
Authors: Połeć Anna , Rowe Alexander D. , Blicher Pernille , Suganthan Rajikala , Bjørås Magnar , Bøe Stig Ove
Published: September 2020

The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is an essential component of nuclear compartments called PML bodies. This protein participates in several cellular processes, including growth control, senescence, apoptosis, and differentiation. Previous studies have suggested that PML regulates gene expression at a subset of loci through a function in chromatin remodeling. Here we have studied global gene expression patterns in mouse embryonic skin derived from Pml depleted and wild type mouse embryos. Differential gene expression analysis at different developmental stages revealed a key role of PML in regulating genes involved in epidermal stratification. In particular, we observed dysregulation of the late cornified envelope gene cluster, which is a sub-region of the epidermal differentiation complex. In agreement with these data, PML body numbers are elevated in basal keratinocytes during embryogenesis, and we observed reduced epidermal thickness and defective hair follicle development in PML depleted mouse embryos.
Correlates of Meeting the Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Guidelines for the Early Years among Belgian Preschool Children: The ToyBox-Study
Authors: De Craemer Marieke , Verbestel Vera , Cardon Greet , Androutsos Odysseas , Manios Yannis , Chastin Sebastien
Published: September 2020

Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep guidelines for preschool children were already established and integrated into the 24 h movement behavior guidelines in 2017. The aim of the current study was to investigate correlates of meeting or not meeting the physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep guidelines in Belgian preschool children. In total, 595 preschool children (53.3% boys, 46.7% girls, mean age: 4.2 years) provided complete data for the three behaviors and potentially associated correlates. Physical activity was objectively measured with accelerometers. Screen time, sleep duration, and correlates were reported by parents with the use of a questionnaire. Backward logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with meeting all guidelines for weekdays and weekend days. In the final model, older preschoolers (OR = 1.89), having a normal weight compared to being underweight (OR = 0.30), having parents that do not watch a lot of television (OR = 0.99), and having a father that attained higher education (OR = 1.91) were associated with meeting all guidelines on weekdays. For weekend days, a significant association was found for attending a sports club (OR = 1.08). Overall, only a few factors were associated with meeting the guidelines. A more comprehensive measurement of preschool children’s potential correlates of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep is warranted.
Is It High Time to Increase Elite Soccer Substitutions Permanently?
Authors: Mota Gustavo R. , Santos Izabela Aparecida dos , Arriel Rhaí André , Marocolo Moacir
Published: September 2020

Rules determine how team sport matches occur. Match-induced fatigue is specific to each sport, and may be associated with injury incidence. For example, the injury rate in soccer is distinctly higher during matches than in training sessions. Understanding the differences between team sports rules might be useful for enhancing rules (e.g., safer sport). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of the rule-induced physical demands between soccer, futsal, basketball, and handball, focusing on substitution rules. Data from the elite team sports’ rules (e.g., absolute and relative court dimensions; the number of players, substitutions allowed, total game time, time-outs) were collected, including the changes due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in soccer substitutions, and comparisons were performed. The data showed that soccer has higher rule-induced physical demands: e.g., substantially lower substitution rate, higher dimensions in absolute (eight to fifteen times), and relative (four to eight times) values. Simulations also showed that soccer has extremely large differences, even considering COVID-19 substitution changes (from three to up to five). We conclude that elite soccer has remarkably higher overall rule-induced physical demands than elite futsal, basketball and handball, and increasing soccer substitutions permanently (e.g., unlimited) might mitigate overall soccer demands.
Rasch Analysis of the Korean Parenting Stress Index Short Form (K-PSI-SF) in Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Park Eun-Young , Chae Soojung
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric characteristics of the Korean Parenting Stress Index Short Form (K-PSI-SF) for mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) by using a Rasch analysis. The participants were 114 mothers of children with CP whose ages ranged from 2.79 to 11.90 years. The K-PSI-SF consists of 36 items, with a 5-point Likert scale grading along three subscales (Parent Distress, Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction, and Difficult Child). The response data were analyzed, and we determined the item fitness and item difficulty, rating scale fit, and separation index. The results show that two items did not have the required fitness. After these two items were deleted, the means of the 34 items in two of the subscales were statistically different from those of the original 36 items. Our analysis of the item difficulty identified the need to add easier question items. The 5-point Likert scale used in the questionnaire was found to be appropriate. This significance of this study is that it suggested the need to modify item fitness and difficulty level, as it identified the psychometric characteristics of the K-PSI-SF through a Rasch analysis based on the item response theory.
Mechanisms of Deamidation of Asparagine Residues and Effects of Main-Chain Conformation on Activation Energy
Authors: Kato Koichi , Nakayoshi Tomoki , Kurimoto Eiji , Oda Akifumi
Published: September 2020

Deamidation of asparagine (Asn) residues is a nonenzymatic post-translational modification of proteins. Asn deamidation is associated with pathogenesis of age-related diseases and hypofunction of monoclonal antibodies. Deamidation rate is known to be affected by the residue following Asn on the carboxyl side and by secondary structure. Information about main-chain conformation of Asn residues is necessary to accurately predict deamidation rate. In this study, the effect of main-chain conformation of Asn residues on deamidation rate was computationally investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum chemical calculations. The results of MD simulations for γS-crystallin suggested that frequently deamidated Asn residues have common main-chain conformations on the N-terminal side. Based on the simulated structure, initial structures for the quantum chemical calculations were constructed and optimized geometries were obtained using the B3LYP density functional method. Structures that were frequently deamidated had a lower activation energy barrier than that of the little deamidated structure. We also showed that dihydrogen phosphate and bicarbonate ions are important catalysts for deamidation of Asn residues.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Adaptive Response Related to Environmental Stress
Authors: Rossnerova Andrea , Izzotti Alberto , Pulliero Alessandra , Bast Aalt , Rattan S. I. S. , Rossner Pavel
Published: September 2020

The exposure of living organisms to environmental stress triggers defensive responses resulting in the activation of protective processes. Whenever the exposure occurs at low doses, defensive effects overwhelm the adverse effects of the exposure; this adaptive situation is referred to as “hormesis”. Environmental, physical, and nutritional hormetins lead to the stimulation and strengthening of the maintenance and repair systems in cells and tissues. Exercise, heat, and irradiation are examples of physical hormetins, which activate heat shock-, DNA repair-, and anti-oxidative-stress responses. The health promoting effect of many bio-actives in fruits and vegetables can be seen as the effect of mildly toxic compounds triggering this adaptive stimulus. Numerous studies indicate that living organisms possess the ability to adapt to adverse environmental conditions, as exemplified by the fact that DNA damage and gene expression profiling in populations living in the environment with high levels of air pollution do not correspond to the concentrations of pollutants. The molecular mechanisms of the hormetic response include modulation of (a) transcription factor Nrf2 activating the synthesis of glutathione and the subsequent protection of the cell; (b) DNA methylation; and (c) microRNA. These findings provide evidence that hormesis is a toxicological event, occurring at low exposure doses to environmental stressors, having the benefit for the maintenance of a healthy status.
New Insights into the Mechanisms of Pyroptosis and Implications for Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lin Jinwen , Cheng Ao , Cheng Kai , Deng Qingwei , Zhang Shouzan , Lan Zehao , Wang Weidong , Chen Jianghua
Published: September 2020

Pyroptosis is one special type of lytic programmed cell death, featured in cell swelling, rupture, secretion of cell contents and remarkable proinflammation effect. In the process of pyroptosis, danger signalling and cellular events are detected by inflammasome, activating caspases and cleaving Gasdermin D (GSDMD), along with the secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β. Pyroptosis can be divided into canonical pathway and non-canonical pathway, and NLRP3 inflammasome is the most important initiator. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious microvascular complications in diabetes. Current evidence reported the stimulatory role of hyperglycaemia-induced cellular stress in renal cell pyroptosis, and different signalling pathways have been shown to regulate pyroptosis initiation. Additionally, the inflammation and cellular injury caused by pyroptosis are tightly implicated in DKD progression, aggravating renal fibrosis, glomerular sclerosis and tubular injury. Some registered hypoglycaemia agents exert suppressive activity in pyroptosis regulation pathway. Latest studies also reported some potential approaches to target the pyroptosis pathway, which effectively inhibits renal cell pyroptosis and alleviates DKD in in vivo or in vitro models. Therefore, comprehensively compiling the information associated with pyroptosis regulation in DKD is the main aim of this review, and we try to provide new insights for researchers to dig out more potential therapies of DKD.
Human Fibroblasts In Vitro Exposed to 2.45 GHz Continuous and Pulsed Wave Signals: Evaluation of Biological Effects with a Multimethodological Approach
Authors: Regalbuto Elisa , Anselmo Anna , De Sanctis Stefania , Franchini Valeria , Lista Florigio , Benvenuto Monica , Bei Roberto , Masuelli Laura , D’Inzeo Guglielmo , Paffi Alessandra , Trodella Eugenio , Sgura Antonella
Published: September 2020

The increasing exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), especially from wireless communication devices, raises questions about their possible adverse health effects. So far, several in vitro studies evaluating RF-EMF genotoxic and cytotoxic non-thermal effects have reported contradictory results that could be mainly due to inadequate experimental design and lack of well-characterized exposure systems and conditions. Moreover, a topic poorly investigated is related to signal modulation induced by electromagnetic fields. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of the potential non-thermal biological effects induced by 2.45 GHz exposures through a characterized exposure system and a multimethodological approach. Human fibroblasts were exposed to continuous (CW) and pulsed (PW) signals for 2 h in a wire patch cell-based exposure system at the specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.7 W/kg. The evaluation of the potential biological effects was carried out through a multimethodological approach, including classical biological markers (genotoxic, cell cycle, and ultrastructural) and the evaluation of gene expression profile through the powerful high-throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach. Our results suggest that 2.45 GHz radiofrequency fields did not induce significant biological effects at a cellular or molecular level for the evaluated exposure parameters and conditions.
Electroconvulsive Shock Does Not Impair the Reconsolidation of Cued and Contextual Pavlovian Threat Memory
Authors: Elahi Hajira , Hong Veronica , Ploski Jonathan E.
Published: September 2020

Existing memories, when retrieved under certain circumstances, can undergo modification through the protein synthesis-dependent process of reconsolidation. Disruption of this process can lead to the weakening of a memory trace, an approach which is being examined as a potential treatment for disorders characterized by pathological memories, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The success of this approach relies upon the ability to robustly attenuate reconsolidation; however, the available literature brings into question the reliability of the various drugs used to achieve such a blockade. The identification of a drug or intervention that can reliably disrupt reconsolidation without requiring intracranial access for administration would be extremely useful. Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) delivered after memory retrieval has been demonstrated in some studies to disrupt memory reconsolidation; however, there exists a paucity of literature characterizing its effects on Pavlovian fear memory. Considering this, we chose to examine ECS as an inexpensive and facile means to impair reconsolidation in rats. Here we show that electroconvulsive seizure induction, when administered after memory retrieval, (immediately, after 30 min, or after 1 h), does not impair the reconsolidation of cued or contextual Pavlovian fear memories. On the contrary, ECS administration immediately after extinction training may modestly impair the consolidation of fear extinction memory.
Constitutive Activation and Inactivation of Mutations Inducing Cell Surface Loss of Receptor and Impairing of Signal Transduction of Agonist-Stimulated Eel Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor
Authors: Byambaragchaa Munkhzaya , Kim Jeong-Soo , Park Hong-Kyu , Kim Dae-Jung , Hong Sun-Mee , Kang Myung-Hwa , Min Kwan-Sik
Published: September 2020

In the present study, we investigated the signal transduction of mutants of the eel follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (eelFSHR). Specifically, we examined the constitutively activating mutant D540G in the third intracellular loop, and four inactivating mutants (A193V, N195I, R546C, and A548V). To directly assess functional effects, we conducted site-directed mutagenesis to generate mutant receptors. We measured cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation via homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells and investigated cell surface receptor loss using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. The cells expressing eelFSHR-D540G exhibited a 23-fold increase in the basal cAMP response without agonist treatment. The cells expressing A193V, N195I, and A548V mutants had completely impaired signal transduction, whereas those expressing the R546C mutant exhibited little increase in cAMP responsiveness and a small increase in signal transduction. Cell surface receptor loss in the cells expressing inactivating mutants A193V, R546C, and A548V was clearly slower than in the cell expressing the wild-type eelFSHR. However, cell surface receptor loss in the cells expressing inactivating mutant N195I decreased in a similar manner to that of the cells expressing the wild-type eelFSHR or the activating mutant D540G, despite the completely impaired cAMP response. These results provide important information regarding the structure–function relationships of G protein-coupled receptors during signal transduction.
Monoterpenes and Their Derivatives—Recent Development in Biological and Medical Applications
Authors: Zielińska-Błajet Mariola , Feder-Kubis Joanna
Published: September 2020

Monoterpenes, comprising hydrocarbons, are the largest class of plant secondary metabolites and are commonly found in essential oils. Monoterpenes and their derivatives are key ingredients in the design and production of new biologically active compounds. This review focuses on selected aliphatic, monocyclic, and bicyclic monoterpenes like geraniol, thymol, myrtenal, pinene, camphor, borneol, and their modified structures. The compounds in question play a pivotal role in biological and medical applications. The review also discusses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antiviral, anticancer, antituberculosis, and antioxidant biological activities exhibited by monoterpenes and their derivatives. Particular attention is paid to the link between biological activity and the effect of structural modification of monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, as well as the introduction of various functionalized moieties into the molecules in question.
Left Ventricular Noncompaction Is More Prevalent in Ventricular Septal Defect Than Other Congenital Heart Defects: A Morphological Study
Authors: Marques Laís Costa , Liguori Gabriel Romero , Amarante Souza Ana Carolina Amarante , Aiello Vera Demarchi
Published: September 2020

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a condition characterized by prominent ventricular trabeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses and has been described as a possible substrate for arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and heart failure. Herein, we explored the prevalence of LVNC morphology among hearts with congenital heart defects (CHD). We examined 259 postnatal hearts with one of the following CHD: isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD); isolated atrial septal defect (ASD); atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD); transposition of the great arteries (TGA); isomerism of the atrial appendages (ISOM); Ebstein’s malformation (EB); Tetralogy of Fallot (TF). Eleven hearts from children who died of non-cardiovascular causes were used as controls. The thickness of the compacted and non-compacted left ventricular myocardial wall was determined and the specimens classified as presenting or not LVNC morphology according to three criteria, as proposed by Chin, Jenni, and Petersen. Normal hearts did not present LVNC, but the CHD group presented different percentages of LVNC in at least one diagnostic criterium. The prevalence of LVNC was respectively, according to Chin’s, Jenni´s and Petersen´s methods: for VSD—54.2%, 35.4%, and 12.5%; ASD—8.3%, 8.3%, and 8.3%; AVSD—2.9%, 2.9%, and 0.0%; TGA—22.6%, 17%, and 5.7%; ISOM—7.1%, 7.1%, and 7.1%; EB—28.6%, 9.5%, and 0.0%; TF—5.9%. 2.9%, and 2.9%. VSD hearts showed a significantly greater risk of presenting LVNC when compared to controls (Chin and Jenni criteria). No other CHD presented similar risk. Current results show some agreement with previous studies, such as LVNC morphology being more prevalent in VSDs. Nonetheless, this is a morphological study and cannot be correlated with symptoms or severity of the CHD.
Comprehensive Lifestyle-Modification in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis–A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Langhorst Jost , Schöls Margarita , Cinar Zehra , Eilert Ronja , Kofink Kerstin , Paul Anna , Zempel Christina , Elsenbruch Sigrid , Lauche Romy , Ahmed Mohamed , Haller Dirk , Cramer Holger , Dobos Gustav , Koch Anna K.
Published: September 2020

Patients with ulcerative colitis suffer from impaired health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Comprehensive lifestyle-modification might increase HrQoL and decrease disease activity. Ninety-seven patients in clinical remission with impaired HrQoL were randomly assigned to a 10 week comprehensive lifestyle-modification program (LSM; n = 47; 50.28 ± 11.90 years) or control (n = 50; 45.54 ± 12.49 years) that received a single workshop of intense training in naturopathic self-help strategies. Primary outcome was HrQoL (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire; IBDQ) at week 12. Secondary outcomes included IBDQ subscales; generic HrQoL; disease activity and microbiome. Both groups showed improvement in HrQoL from baseline to post-treatment at week 12. The IBDQ sum score showed no significant group difference (p = 0.251). If patients attended more than 50% of the training sessions, a significant group effect (p = 0.034) was evident in favor of LSM. In addition, the SF-36 mental component summary (p = 0.002) was significantly different between the groups in favor of LSM. Disease activity microbiome and adverse events did not differ. Both a single workshop and a 10-week comprehensive lifestyle-modification program can improve HrQoL in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission with no apparent effects on clinical disease activity. A treatment difference was observed when examining a subsample of patients who attended ≥ 50% of sessions.
Essentials of Insulinoma Localization with Selective Arterial Calcium Stimulation and Hepatic Venous Sampling
Authors: Zhao Ken , Patel Nihal , Kulkarni Kopal , Gross Jonathan S. , Taslakian Bedros
Published: September 2020

Insulinomas are the most common functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Most insulinomas can be localized non-invasively with cross-sectional and nuclear imaging. Selective arterial calcium stimulation and hepatic venous sampling is an effective and safe minimally-invasive procedure for insulinoma localization that may be utilized when non-invasive techniques are inconclusive. The procedure’s technical success and proper interpretation of its results is dependent on the interventional radiologist’s knowledge of normal and variant pancreatic arterial perfusion. Accurate pre-operative localization aids in successful surgical resection. Technical and anatomic considerations of insulinoma localization with selective arterial calcium stimulation and hepatic venous sampling are reviewed.
Conjunctival Injection Reduction in Patients with Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis Due to Synergic Effect of Bovine Enteric-Coated Lactoferrin in 0.1% Tacrolimus Ophthalmic Suspension
Authors: Fujishima Hiroshi , Okada Naoko , Matsumoto Kenji , Shimizu Eisuke , Fukuda Shinji , Tomita Masaru
Published: September 2020

Lactoferrin (LF), a multifunctional glycoprotein found in mammalian milk, is reported to have immunoregulatory effects. The present study aimed to evaluate whether enteric-coated LF (eLF) could improve symptoms in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled single-center trial comprised Japanese patients (n = 20; aged 22–60 years) with AKC. Patients treated with 0.1% tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension (TALYMUS®) were administered eLF (400 mg/d of bovine LF) or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Conjunctival injection was examined, papillae formation in the palpebral conjunctiva was evaluated, and corneal fluorescein score, itchy sensation in end-point itching scale, and serum allergic parameters were assessed. Conjunctival injection was significantly reduced in the LF group than in the placebo group (p = 0.0017, Mann–Whitney U-test). Papillae formation in the palpebral conjunctiva showed a statistical decrease in the LF group than in the placebo group (p = 0.010, unpaired T-test). LF combined with TALYMUS® could be a promising treatment strategy to mitigate AKC.
Common Extensor Complex Is a Predictor to Determine the Stability in Simple Posterolateral Elbow Dislocation: Analysis of MR Images of Stable vs. Unstable Dislocation
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Kim Beom-Soo , Yi Jaehyuck , Lee Hoseok , Kim Du-Han
Published: September 2020

Simple posterolateral elbow dislocations (SPLED) may be treated nonoperatively using closed reduction, followed by controlled mobilization. However, the extent of soft tissue injuries might affect the choice of treatment, rehabilitation approach, and prognosis. The purpose of this study is to compare the characteristics of soft tissue injuries between patients with unstable and stable SPLED using MRI findings. Thirty MRIs of elbows with SPLED (unstable group (n = 15); stable group (n = 15)) were randomly reviewed by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Soft tissue injuries were characterized as an intact, partial tear or complete tear for the: medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex, common flexor complex, lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex, common extensor complex, anterior capsule, and posterior capsule. Moderate to substantial interobserver reliability and substantial to perfect intraobserver reliability were observed for medial and lateral complexes in SPLED. The proportion of soft-tissue injuries of the common extensor complex were significantly different between the unstable (four partial tears and 11 complete tears) and stable groups (11 partial tears and four complete tears). In conclusion, based on MRI findings, the degree of common extensor complex injuries may be a predictor of stability and help inform treatment decisions for SPLED.
Association of Plasma Heat Shock Protein 70 with Disease Severity, Smoking and Lung Function of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Hlapčić Iva , Hulina-Tomašković Andrea , Grdić Rajković Marija , Popović-Grle Sanja , Vukić Dugac Andrea , Rumora Lada
Published: September 2020

Extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHsp70) might modulate immune responses in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to explore eHsp70 concentration in stable COPD, its association with disease severity and smoking status as well as its diagnostic performance in COPD assessment. Plasma samples were collected from 137 COPD patients and 95 healthy individuals, and concentration of eHsp70 was assessed by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Enzo Life Science, Farmingdale, NY, USA). COPD patients were subdivided regarding airflow obstruction severity and symptoms severity according to the Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) guidelines. eHsp70 concentration increased in COPD patients when compared to controls and increased with the severity of airflow limitation as well as symptoms burden and exacerbation history. eHsp70 concentration did not differ among COPD patients based on smoking status, yet it increased in healthy smokers compared to healthy nonsmokers. In addition, eHsp70 negatively correlated with lung function parameters forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC), and positively with COPD multicomponent indices BODCAT (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, CAT score), BODEx (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, previous exacerbations), CODEx (Charlson’s comorbidity index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, previous exacerbations) and DOSE (dyspnea, airflow obstruction, smoking status, previous exacerbations) With great predictive value (OR = 7.63) obtained from univariate logistic regression, eHsp70 correctly classified 76% of cases. eHsp70 is associated with COPD prediction and disease severity and might have the potential for becoming an additional biomarker in COPD assessment.