bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissection of the MKK3 Functions in Human Cancer: A Double-Edged Sword?
Authors: Piastra Valentina , Pranteda Angelina , Bossi Gianluca
Published: January 2022

The role played by MKK3 in human cancer is controversial. MKK3 is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase that activates in response to a variety of stimuli. Phosphorylates, specifically the p38MAPK family proteins, contribute to the regulation of a plethora of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, and cell migration. Genes in carcinogenesis are classified as oncogenes and tumor suppressors; however, a clear distinction is not always easily made as it depends on the cell context and tissue specificity. The aim of this study is the examination of the potential contribution of MKK3 in cancer through a systematic analysis of the recent literature. The overall results reveal a complex scenario of MKK3′s involvement in cancer. The oncogenic functions of MKK3 were univocally documented in several solid tumors, such as colorectal, prostate cancer, and melanoma, while its tumor-suppressing functions were described in glioblastoma and gastric cancer. Furthermore, a dual role of MKK3 as an oncogene as well as tumor a suppressor has been described in breast, cervical, ovarian, liver, esophageal, and lung cancer. However, overall, more evidence points to its role as an oncogene in these diseases. This review indicates that the oncogenic and tumor-suppressing roles of MKK3 are strictly dependent on the tumor type and further suggests that MKK3 could represent an efficient putative molecular target that requires contextualization within a specific tumor type in order to adequately evaluate its potential effectiveness in designing novel anticancer therapies.
Targeting Glioblastoma via Selective Alteration of Mitochondrial Redox State
Authors: Sumiyoshi Akira , Shibata Sayaka , Zhelev Zhivko , Miller Thomas , Lazarova Dessislava , Aoki Ichio , Obata Takayuki , Higashi Tatsuya , Bakalova Rumiana
Published: January 2022

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive brain tumors, characterized by a pronounced redox imbalance, expressed in a high oxidative capacity of cancer cells due to their elevated glycolytic and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. The assessment and modulation of the redox state of glioblastoma are crucial factors that can provide highly specific targeting and treatment. Our study describes a pharmacological strategy for targeting glioblastoma using a redox-active combination drug. The experiments were conducted in vivo on glioblastoma mice (intracranial model) and in vitro on cell lines (cancer and normal) treated with the redox cycling pair menadione/ascorbate (M/A). The following parameters were analyzed in vivo using MRI or ex vivo on tissue and blood specimens: tumor growth, survival, cerebral perfusion, cellular density, tissue redox state, expression of tumor-associated NADH oxidase (tNOX) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). Dose-dependent effects of M/A on cell viability, mitochondrial functionality, and redox homeostasis were evaluated in vitro. M/A treatment suppressed tumor growth and significantly increased survival without adverse side effects. This was accompanied by increased oxidative stress, decreased reducing capacity, and decreased cellular density in the tumor only, as well as increased cerebral perfusion and down-regulation of tNOX and TGF-β1. M/A induced selective cytotoxicity and overproduction of mitochondrial superoxide in isolated glioblastoma cells, but not in normal microglial cells. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the over-reduced state of cancer cells and impairment of their “pro-oncogenic” functionality, assessed by dose-dependent decreases in: NADH, NAD+, succinate, glutathione, cellular reducing capacity, mitochondrial potential, steady-state ATP, and tNOX expression. The safety of M/A on normal cells was compromised by treatment with cerivastatin, a non-specific prenyltransferase inhibitor. In conclusion, M/A differentiates glioblastoma cells and tissues from normal cells and tissues by redox targeting, causing severe oxidative stress only in the tumor. The mechanism is complex and most likely involves prenylation of menadione in normal cells, but not in cancer cells, modulation of the immune response, a decrease in drug resistance, and a potential role in sensitizing glioblastoma to conventional chemotherapy.
CDK7 Predicts Worse Outcome in Head and Neck Squamous-Cell Cancer
Authors: Jagomast Tobias , Idel Christian , Klapper Luise , Kuppler Patrick , Offermann Anne , Dreyer Eva , Bruchhage Karl-Ludwig , Ribbat-Idel Julika , Perner Sven
Published: January 2022

HNSCC is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the prognosis is still poor. Here, we investigated the prognostic implications of CDK7 and pMED1. Both proteins affect transcription, and their expression is altered throughout different tumor entities. pMED1 is phosphorylated by CDK7. Importantly, CDK7 and MED1 have been ascribed prognostic implications by various studies. However, their prognostic value in head and neck squamous-cell cancer (HNSCC) remains elusive. We applied immunohistochemical staining of CDK7 and pMED1 on our large and clinically well-characterized HNSCC tissue cohort comprising 419 patients. Software-aided quantification of staining intensity was performed as a measure of protein expression. The following results were linked to the clinicopathological features of our cohort and correlated in different tissue types (primary tumor, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, recurrence). Upregulation CDK7 was associated with worse 5-year overall survival as well as disease-free survival in HNSCC while being independent of other known prognostic factors such as p16-status. Also, CDK7 expression was significantly elevated in immune cell infiltrated tumors. In HNSCC CDK7 might serve as a novel prognostic marker to indicate the prognosis of patients. Furthermore, in vitro studies proved the feasibility of CDK7 inhibition with attenuating effects on cell proliferation underlining its remarkable translational potential for future therapeutic regimes.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Wastes in Water
Authors: López-Ramón María Victoria , Rivera-Utrilla José , Sánchez-Polo Manuel
Published: January 2022

Over recent years, public concerns have arisen about environmental pollution by so-called emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) in water sources and factory effluents, because of their potentially adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems [...]
Assessment of FDA-Approved Drugs as a Therapeutic Approach for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1 Using Patient-Specific iPSC-Based Model Systems
Authors: Völkner Christin , Pantoom Supansa , Liedtke Maik , Lukas Jan , Hermann Andreas , Frech Moritz J.
Published: January 2022

Niemann-Pick type C1 (NP-C1) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene. Mutations of NPC1 can result in a misfolded protein that is subsequently marked for proteasomal degradation. Such loss-of-function mutations lead to cholesterol accumulation in late endosomes and lysosomes. Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are described to protect misfolded proteins from proteasomal degradation and are being discussed as a treatment strategy for NP-C1. Here, we used a combinatorial approach of high-throughput in silico screening of FDA-approved drugs and in vitro biochemical assays to identify potential PCs. The effects of the hit compounds identified by molecular docking were compared in vitro with 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), which is known to act as a PC for NP-C1. We analyzed cholesterol accumulation, NPC1 protein content, and lysosomal localization in patient-specific fibroblasts, as well as in neural differentiated and hepatocyte-like cells derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). One compound, namely abiraterone acetate, showed comparable results to 25-HC and restored NPC1 protein level, corrected the intracellular localization of NPC1, and consequently decreased cholesterol accumulation in NPC1-mutated fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neural differentiated and hepatocyte-like cells. The discovered PC altered not only the pathophysiological phenotype of cells carrying the I1061T mutation— known to be responsive to treatment with PCs—but an effect was also observed in cells carrying other NPC1 missense mutations. Therefore, we hypothesize that the PCs studied here may serve as an effective treatment strategy for a large group of NP-C1 patients.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Tang Shengjie , Qin Chao , Hu Haiyang , Liu Tao , He Yiwei , Guo Haiyang , Yan Hang , Zhang Jun , Tang Shoujun , Zhou Haining
Published: January 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the most common types of malignances worldwide and the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Current treatment for NSCLC is based on surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, with poor therapeutic effectiveness. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have applied in NSCLC treatment. A large number of experimental studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors are safer and more effective than traditional therapeutic modalities and have allowed for the development of better guidance in the clinical treatment of advanced NSCLC patients. In this review, we describe clinical trials using ICI immunotherapies for NSCLC treatment, the available data on clinical efficacy, and the emerging evidence regarding biomarkers.
Drosophila melanogaster: A Model System to Study Distinct Genetic Programs in Myoblast Fusion
Authors: Rout Pratiti , Preußner Mathieu , Önel Susanne Filiz
Published: January 2022

Muscle fibers are multinucleated cells that arise during embryogenesis through the fusion of mononucleated myoblasts. Myoblast fusion is a lifelong process that is crucial for the growth and regeneration of muscles. Understanding the molecular mechanism of myoblast fusion may open the way for novel therapies in muscle wasting and weakness. Recent reports in Drosophila and mammals have provided new mechanistic insights into myoblast fusion. In Drosophila, muscle formation occurs twice: during embryogenesis and metamorphosis. A fundamental feature is the formation of a cell–cell communication structure that brings the apposing membranes into close proximity and recruits possible fusogenic proteins. However, genetic studies suggest that myoblast fusion in Drosophila is not a uniform process. The complexity of the players involved in myoblast fusion can be modulated depending on the type of muscle that is formed. In this review, we introduce the different types of multinucleated muscles that form during Drosophila development and provide an overview in advances that have been made to understand the mechanism of myoblast fusion. Finally, we will discuss conceptual frameworks in cell–cell fusion in Drosophila and mammals.
Saliva Metabolomics in Dry Mouth Patients with Head and Neck Cancer or Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Hynne Håvard , Sandås Elise Mørk , Elgstøen Katja Benedikte Prestø , Rootwelt Helge , Utheim Tor P. , Galtung Hilde Kanli , Jensen Janicke Liaaen
Published: January 2022

The etiology of dry mouth conditions is multi-faceted. Patients radiated after head and neck cancer (HNC) and those with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) share many of the same symptoms despite different causes. With the aim of better understanding the pathophysiology and biochemical processes behind dry mouth with different etiologies, we investigated the metabolic profile of 10 HNC patients, 9 pSS patients and 10 healthy controls using high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) metabolomics. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed different metabolic profiles when comparing all subjects included in the study. Both patient groups showed higher ratios of several pyrimidine nucleotides and nucleosides when compared to controls. This finding may indicate that purinergic signaling plays a role in dry mouth conditions. Moreover, significantly increased levels of DL-3-aminoisobutyric acid were found in HNC patients when compared to controls, and a similar tendency was observed in the pSS patients. Furthermore, a dysregulation in amino acid metabolism was observed in both patient groups. In conclusion, metabolomics analysis showed separate metabolic profiles for HNC and pSS patients as compared to controls that could be useful in diagnostics and for elucidating the different pathophysiologies. The demonstrated dysregulation of pyrimidine nucleotides and levels of metabolites derived from amino acids in the patient groups should be studied further.
LEAP-2 Counteracts Ghrelin-Induced Food Intake in a Nutrient, Growth Hormone and Age Independent Manner
Authors: Lugilde Javier , Casado Sabela , Beiroa Daniel , Cuñarro Juan , Garcia-Lavandeira Montserrat , Álvarez Clara V. , Nogueiras Rubén , Diéguez Carlos , Tovar Sulay
Published: January 2022

Data gleaned recently shows that ghrelin, a stomach derived peptide, and liver-expressed-antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) play opposite roles on food intake. However, the data available with LEAP-2 in relation to in vivo studies are still very scanty and some key questions regarding the interplay among ghrelin and LEAP-2 remain to be answered. In this work, using rats and mice, we study fasting-induced food intake as well as testing the effect of diet exposure, e.g., standard diet and high fat diet, in terms of ghrelin-induced food intake. The anorexigenic effect of LEAP-2 on fasting induced food intake appears to be dependent on energy stores, being more evident in ob/ob than in wild type mice and also in animals exposed to high fat diet. On the other hand, LEAP-2 administration markedly inhibited ghrelin-induced food intake in lean, obese (ob/ob and DIO) mice, aged rats and GH-deficient dwarf rats. In contrast, the inhibitory effect on glucose levels can only be observed in some specific experimental models indicating that the mechanisms involved are likely to be quite different. Taken together from these data, LEAP-2 emerged as a potential candidate to be therapeutically useful in obesity.
Clinical Outcome of Discordant Empirical Therapy and Risk Factors Associated to Treatment Failure in Children Hospitalized for Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Autore Giovanni , Neglia Cosimo , Di Costanzo Margherita , Ceccoli Martina , Vergine Gianluca , La Scola Claudio , Malaventura Cristina , Falcioni Alice , Iacono Alessandra , Crisafi Antonella , Iughetti Lorenzo , Conte Maria Luisa , Pierantoni Luca , Gatti Claudia , Biasucci Giacomo , Esposito Susanna ,   UTI-Ped-ER Study Group
Published: January 2022

With the spread of antibiotic resistance in pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs), more patients are likely to be started empirically on antibiotics to which pathogens are later found to be resistant (discordant therapy). However, in-vivo effectiveness may be different from in-vitro susceptibility. Aims of this study were to describe clinical outcomes of discordant empirical treatments in pediatric UTIs and to investigate risk factors associated to treatment failure. This observational, retrospective study was conducted on children hospitalized for febrile UTIs with positive urine culture and started on discordant empirical therapy. Failure rates of discordant treatments and associated risk factors were investigated. A total of 142/1600 (8.9%) patients were treated with inadequate empirical antibiotics. Clinical failure was observed in 67/142 (47.2%) patients, with no fatal events. Higher failure rates were observed for combinations of penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitors (57.1%). Significant risk factors for failure of discordant treatment were history of recurrent UTIs (95% CI: 1.13–9.98, OR: 3.23, p < 0.05), recent use of antibiotics (95% CI: 1.46–21.82, OR: 5.02, p < 0.01), infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (95% CI: 1.85–62.10, OR: 7.30, p < 0.05), and empirical treatment with combinations of penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitors (95% CI: 0.94–4.03, OR: 1.94, p = 0.05). This study showed that discordant empirical treatments may still be effective in more than half of pediatric UTIs. Clinical effectiveness varies between different discordant antibiotics in pediatric UTIs, and patients presenting risk factors for treatment failure may need a differentiated empirical approach.
In-Depth Rheological Characterization of Tungsten Sol-Gel Inks for Inkjet Printing
Authors: Opara Krašovec Urša , Vidmar Tjaša , Klanjšek Gunde Marta , Cerc Korošec Romana , Slemenik Perše Lidija
Published: January 2022

The inkjet printing of the functional materials prepared by the sol-gel route is gaining the attention for the production of the variety of the applications not limited to the printed boards, displays, smart labels, smart packaging, sensors and solar cells. However, due to the gelation process associated with the changes from Newtonian to non-Newtonian fluid the inkjet printing of the sol-gel inks is extremely complex. In this study we reveal in-depth rheological characterization of the WO3 sols in which we simulate the conditions of the inkjet printing process at different temperature of the cartridge (20–60 °C) by analyzing the structural and rheological changes taking place during the gelation of the tungsten oxide (WO3) ink. The results provide the information on the stability of the sol and a better insight on the effects of the temperature on the gelation time. Moreover, the information on the temperature and the time window at which the inkjet printing of the sol-gel inks could be performed without clogging were obtained. The WO3 ink was stable in a beaker and exhibited Newtonian flow behavior at room temperature over 3 weeks, while the gelation time decreased exponentially with increasing temperature down to 0.55 h at 60 °C.
Bayesian Instability of Optical Imaging: Ill Conditioning of Inverse Linear and Nonlinear Radiative Transfer Equation in the Fluid Regime
Authors: Li Qin , Newton Kit , Wang Li
Published: January 2022

For the inverse problem in physical models, one measures the solution and infers the model parameters using information from the collected data. Oftentimes, these data are inadequate and render the inverse problem ill-posed. We study the ill-posedness in the context of optical imaging, which is a medical imaging technique that uses light to probe (bio-)tissue structure. Depending on the intensity of the light, the forward problem can be described by different types of equations. High-energy light scatters very little, and one uses the radiative transfer equation (RTE) as the model; low-energy light scatters frequently, so the diffusion equation (DE) suffices to be a good approximation. A multiscale approximation links the hyperbolic-type RTE with the parabolic-type DE. The inverse problems for the two equations have a multiscale passage as well, so one expects that as the energy of the photons diminishes, the inverse problem changes from well- to ill-posed. We study this stability deterioration using the Bayesian inference. In particular, we use the Kullback–Leibler divergence between the prior distribution and the posterior distribution based on the RTE to prove that the information gain from the measurement vanishes as the energy of the photons decreases, so that the inverse problem is ill-posed in the diffusive regime. In the linearized setting, we also show that the mean square error of the posterior distribution increases as we approach the diffusive regime.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Disintegration Resistance of Microbially Solidified Granite Residual Soil
Authors: Liang Shihua , Xiao Xueli , Fang Caixing , Feng Deluan , Wang Yuxin
Published: January 2022

Microbially induced calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation (MICP) is an emerging soil-treatment method. To explore the effect of this technology on granite residual soil, this study investigated the effects of the mechanical properties and disintegration resistance of microbially cured granite residual soil under different moisture contents by conducting direct shear and disintegration tests. The curing mechanism was also discussed and analyzed. Results showed that MICP can be used as reinforcement for granite residual soil. Compared with those of untreated granite residual soil, the internal friction angle of MICP-treated granite residual soil increased by 10% under a moisture content of 30%, while its cohesion increased by 218%. The disintegration rate of the MICP-treated granite residual soil stabilized after a maintenance time of 5 days under different water contents. Therefore, we provide the explanation that the improvement of the shear strength and disintegration resistance of granite residual soil is due to CaCO3 precipitation and the surface coating.
Editorial: Advanced Research in Halogen Bonding
Authors: Rosokha Sergiy V. , Gurbanov Atash V.
Published: January 2022

The Special Issue on “Advanced Research in Halogen Bonding” is a collection of 17 original articles reporting the results of theoretical and experimental studies that provide new insights into this fascinating intermolecular interaction [...]
Ammonia Mono Hydrate IV: An Attempted Structure Solution
Authors: Massani Bernhard , Pruteanu Ciprian G. , Conway Lewis J. , Robinson Victor N. , Hermann Andreas , Loveday John S.
Published: January 2022

The mixed homonuclear and heteronuclear hydrogen bonds in ammonia hydrates have been of interest for several decades. In this manuscript, a neutron powder diffraction study is presented to investigate the structure of ammonia monohydrate IV at 170 K at an elevated pressure of 3–5 GPa. The most plausible structure that accounts for all features in the experimental pattern was found in the P21/c space group and has the lattice parameters a=5.487(3) Å, b=19.068(4) Å, c=5.989(3) Å, and β=99.537(16) deg. While the data quality limits discussion to a proton-ordered structure, the structure presented here sheds light on an important part of the ammonia–water phase diagram.
Synthesis and DFT Investigation of New Low-Melting Supramolecular Schiff Base Ionic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Mohammady Sayed Z. , Aldhayan Daifallah M. , El-Tahawy Mohsen M. T. , Alazmid Mohammed T. , El Kilany Yeldez , Zakaria Mohamed A. , Abu Al-Ola Khulood A. , Hagar Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Supramolecular, low-melting (near or below 0.0 °C) ionic liquid crystals with two rings of Schiff bases were prepared and studied. The Schiff bases were synthesized using 4-substituted aniline derivatives and 4-pyridine carbaldehyde and then mixed in equimolar amounts with linear 1-bromoalkanes of different chain lengths, namely C6, C8, and C14. The mesomorphic behavior and thermal properties of the compounds were determined by polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Only the ionic liquids analogous with 1-bromotetradecane exhibit mesomorphic behavior. All, except the smectic A (SmA) monomorphic fluorine-substituted complex, show dimorphic enantiotropic mesophases, namely SmA followed by nematic (N) mesophases depending on the temperature rise. The DSC and POM results for the induced mesophases were then treated with density functional theory calculations (DFT). The results showed that both the polarity of the polar groups and the length of the alkyl groups strongly influence the mesomorphic properties of the ionic liquids.
Simulation of Ultrasound RF Signals Backscattered from a 3D Model of Pulsating Artery Surrounded by Tissue
Authors: Makūnaitė Monika , Jurkonis Rytis , Lukoševičius Arūnas , Baranauskas Mindaugas
Published: January 2022

Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. The motion of arterial tissues during the cardiac cycle is important as a mechanical deformation representing vessel elasticity and is related to arterial stiffness. In addition, arterial pulsation is the main source of endogenous tissue micro-motions currently being studied for tissue elastography. Methods based on artery motion detection are not applied in clinical practice these days, because they must be carefully investigated in silico and in vitro before wide usage in vivo. The purpose of this paper is to propose a dynamic 3D artery model capable of reproducing the biomechanical behavior of human blood vessels surrounded by elastic tissue for endogenous deformation elastography developments and feasibility studies. The framework is based on a 3D model of a pulsating artery surrounded by tissue and simulation of linear scanning by Field II software to generate realistic dynamic RF signals and B-mode ultrasound image sequential data. The model is defined by a spatial distribution of motions, having patient-specific slopes of radial and longitudinal motion components of the artery wall and surrounding tissues. It allows for simulating the quantified mechanical micro-motions in the volume of the model. Acceptable simulation errors calculated between modeled motion patterns and those estimated from simulated RF signals and B-scan images show that this approach is suitable for the development and validation of elastography algorithms based on motion detection.
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: An Update
Authors: Ruaro Barbara , Baratella Elisa , Caforio Gaetano , Confalonieri Paola , Wade Barbara , Marrocchio Cristina , Geri Pietro , Pozzan Riccardo , Andrisano Alessia Giovanna , Cova Maria Assunta , Cortale Maurizio , Confalonieri Marco , Salton Francesco
Published: January 2022

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare disease observed in a small proportion of patients after acute pulmonary embolism (PE). CTEPH has a high morbidity and mortality rate, related to the PH severity, and a poor prognosis, which mirrors the right ventricular dysfunction involvement. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) reduces pulmonary vascular resistance, making it the treatment of choice and should be offered to operable CTEPH patients, as significant symptomatic and prognostic improvement has been observed. Moreover, these patients may also benefit from the advances made in surgical techniques and pulmonary hypertension-specific medication. However, not all patients are eligible for PEA surgery, as some have either distal pulmonary vascular obstruction and/or significant comorbidities. Therefore, surgical candidates should be carefully selected by an interprofessional team in expert centers. This review aims at making an overview of the risk factors and latest developments in diagnostic tools and treatment options for CTEPH.
Exploration of Exosomal miRNAs from Serum and Synovial Fluid in Arthritis Patients
Authors: Xie Yingying , Chen Wenwen , Zhao Mengqian , Xu Yuhai , Yu Hao , Qin Jianhua , Li Hongjing
Published: January 2022

Arthritis is caused by inflammation, infection, degeneration, trauma, or other factors that affect approximately 250 million people all over the world. Early diagnosis and prediction are essential for treatment. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles that participate in the process of joint disease. Serum is the mainly used sources in the study of arthritis-related exosomes, while whether serum exosomes can reflect the contents of synovial fluid exosomes is still unknown. In this work, we separated exosomes from serum and the synovial fluid of osteoarthritis patients and compared their miRNA expression utilizing miRNA sequencing. The results revealed that 31 upregulated and 33 downregulated miRNAs were found in synovial fluid compared to serum. Transcriptome analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly associated with intercellular processes and metabolic pathways. Our results show that serum-derived exosomes cannot fully represent the exosomes of synovial fluid, which may be helpful for the study of joint diseases and the discovery of early diagnostic biomarkers of arthritis.
Human Transcriptome Array Analysis Identifies CDR2 as a Novel Suppressed Gene for Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Huang Ying-Hsien , Chen Kuang-Den , Kuo Kuang-Che , Guo Mindy Ming-Huey , Chang Ling-Sai , Yang Ya-Ling , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: January 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a febrile childhood vasculitis that involves the coronary arteries. Most previous studies have focused on the genes activated in the acute phase of KD. However, in this study, we focused on suppressed genes in the acute stage of KD and identified novel targets with clinical significance and potential prognostic value for KD patients. We enrolled 18 patients with KD, 18 healthy controls (HC), and 18 febrile controls (FC) for human transcriptome array analysis. Another 19 healthy controls, 20 febrile controls, and 31 patients with KD were recruited for RT-PCR validation of target mRNA expressions. The results of Human Transcriptome Array (HTA) 2.0 showed 461 genes that were significantly higher in KD and then normalized after IVIG, as well as 99 suppressed genes in KD. Furthermore, we identified the four genes in KD with the most downregulation, including BCL11B, DUSP2, DDX24, and CDR2, as well as the upregulation of their expression following IVIG administration. The mRNA expression of CDR2 by qRT-PCR was the most compatible with the pattern of the HTA2.0 results. Furthermore, we found higher DDX24 mRNA expression in KD patients with CAL when compared to those without CAL 3 weeks after IVIG administration. In summary, activated gene expression represented a majority in the immune response of KD. In this study, we identified CDR2 as a novel suppressed gene for Kawasaki disease via human transcriptome array analysis and DDX24 associated with CAL formation, which may contribute to further understanding of CAL pathogenesis in KD.
Transversal Competences and Employability: The Impacts of Distance Learning University According to Graduates’ Follow-Up
Authors: Abrantes Pedro , Silva Ana Paula , Backstrom Bárbara , Neves Cláudia , Falé Isabel , Jacquinet Marc , Ramos Maria do Rosário , Magano Olga , Henriques Susana
Published: January 2022

Since higher education qualifications and digital transition are considered key factors for economic development and individual opportunities, distance learning has been presented as a solution to improve the labor force’s skills and employability. However, such links were seldom studied systematically in specific contexts, and doubts exist regarding online programs. Based on the results of three successive follow-up surveys to the graduates of the Portuguese distance learning public university (Universidade Aberta), from 2011 to 2018 (n = 1358), our article examines the graduates’ perception of acquired transversal competences, in relation to employability and social mobility gains. The statistical analysis points out a positive perception of transversal competences development, especially analytical capacity, autonomy, and communication, although some concerns were raised regarding digital skills, teamwork, job search skills, and social capital. The impacts on employability and socioeconomic mobility are positive for most students, but variable according to analyzed competences, and tend to occur mostly through internal mobility rather than through job search skills or entrepreneurship. Although exploratory, such findings allow some final considerations regarding the effective ability of higher education distance learning to enhance economic growth and employability, through transversal competences, as well as to sketch some suggestions to improve such ability.
Rapid and Easy Assessment of Friction and Load-Bearing Capacity in Thin Coatings
Authors: Vilhena Luís , Ferreira Fábio , Oliveira João Carlos , Ramalho Amílcar
Published: January 2022

The present research paper aims to evaluate the tribological behavior of coatings in applications where high wear resistance and low friction are required, commonly used in refurbishment of various items of industrial equipment. Twelve tribological pairs made of six different coatings, corresponding to three different coating families, have been studied: TiSiN, Cr, and DLC (diamond-like carbon). The coatings were produced using a technique called high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). To perform the tribological tests, two methods were used to measure friction, namely energy dissipation in vibratory systems and sliding indentation. The first technique is based on the evaluation of free vibration movement with damping of a mass–spring system induced by a mechanical impulse where the contact between the vibrating device and the sample to be analyzed acts as an additional energy dissipation. At the same time, friction is determined through the inverse analysis by comparing the experimental vibratory movement with the analytical equation of the movement. The determination of the load-bearing capacity of the various coatings has been evaluated using sliding indentation tests against spherical bodies using a constant sliding speed and increasing normal loads. The results obtained in both tests allow to verify a relationship between the friction coefficients of the studied tribological pairs: µDLC < µTiSiN < µCr. This relationship does not occur in the case of the vibration test with the 100Cr6 counter-body.
Progress on Second-Generation High-Temperature Superconductor Tape Targeting Resistive Fault Current Limiter Application
Authors: Zhu Jiamin , Chen Sikan , Jin Zhijian
Published: January 2022

The resistive superconducting fault current limiter is well known for its simple structure and outstanding current-limiting effect, and it is broadly applied in power grid systems. The second-generation high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tape, of higher structural strength and greater room-temperature resistance, is well suited for application in resistive superconducting fault current limiters. The quenching caused by overcurrent in the HTS tape is a complexed coupling effect of several physical factors. The tape structure and properties directly impact the ultimate HTS tape’s quench performance. In this study, various SS316-laminated HTS tapes, of different critical currents, room-temperature resistances, and masses, were prepared. The pulse impact parameters of the various tape samples were measured using the RLC high-current impact test platform. By analyzing the resultant data, a quantitative assessment methodology to measure a tape’s tolerance toward impact was developed. The dependence of the HTS tape’s tolerance toward impact on its critical current, room-temperature resistance, and mass was studied. This provides numerical guidance on HTS material selection for resistive superconducting fault current limiters.
Energy Efficient Distance Computing: Application to K-Means Clustering
Authors: Shim Yong , Choi Seong-Wook , Yang Myeong-Gyu , Chung Keun-Yong , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: January 2022

Distance computation between two input vectors is a widely used computing unit in several pattern recognition, signal processing and neuromorphic applications. However, the implementation of such a functionality in conventional CMOS design requires expensive hardware and involves significant power consumption. Even power-efficient current-mode analog designs have proved to be slower and vulnerable to variations. In this paper, we propose an approximate mixed-signal design for the distance computing core by noting the fact that a vast majority of the signal processing applications involving this operation are resilient to small approximations in the distance computation. The proposed mixed-signal design is able to interface with external digital CMOS logic and simultaneously exhibit fast operating speeds. Another important feature of the proposed design is that the computing core is able to compute two variants of the distance metric, namely the (i) Euclidean distance squared (L22 norm) and (ii) Manhattan distance (L1 norm). The performance of the proposed design was evaluated on a standard K-means clustering algorithm on the “Iris flower dataset”. The results indicate a throughput of 6 ns per classification and ∼2.3× lower energy consumption in comparison to a synthesized digital CMOS design in commercial 45 nm CMOS technology.
Cooperative Beam Association and Power Allocation in UD-LEO Satellite Communication Networks: A Spectrum Sharing Manner
Authors: Tong Jianfei , Wang Cheng , Zhao Xiaoyan , Cui Gaofeng , Wang Weidong
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the ultra-dense low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication (UD-LSC) networks such as SpaceX and OneWeb are under rapid development to provide worldwide and broadband services. However, the deployment of thousands of LEO satellites into space leads to the shortage of the orbital and the frequency resources. Spectrum sharing between geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems and LEO satellite systems seems to be a promising way to alleviate the problem of restricted spectrum resources. In this paper, a joint cooperative beam association and power allocation scheme for the UD-LSC network to share the same spectrum with a GEO satellite system is considered. By exploiting the cooperative transmission between multiple LEO satellites, we first propose a many-to-many match game-based beam association (MGBA) algorithm to obtain a stable matching between LEO satellites and beam cells, and then, we propose a successive convex approximation (SCA)-based power allocation (SPA) algorithm to iteratively acquire the sub-optimal power allocation matrix. Simulation results show that the proposed MGBA-SPA scheme outperforms other contrast schemes from the perspective of communication satisfaction, and it realizes the balance between the traffic request and the provided capacity of each ground beam cell.
The Impact of Overlap Period on the Stability of Current-Controlled Alternate Arm Converter Based on dq Frame Impedance Analysis
Authors: Jiang Shan , Arraño-Vargas Felipe , Shen Zhiwei , Konstantinou Georgios
Published: January 2022

As a variant modular converter configuration, the alternate arm converter (AAC) is well-suited for high-voltage power transmission and large-scale integration of renewables. In contrast to conventional multilevel converters, the director switches in the arms of AAC lead to the introduction of an overlap period, during which circuiting current can flow through the two arms in the same phase. Thus, fixed or variable overlap period control can be implemented in AAC systems so as to dynamically balance stored arm energy. However, the control of overlap period is linked to instability issues that might impede the safe operation of AAC systems, which are yet to be reported. In this paper, the stability of an AAC system is demonstrated based on measured grid and converter impedance, in conjunction with impedance-based stability criterion in the dq frame. The interaction between harmonic sources at AC and DC sides of the AAC system is analyzed to determine resonant frequencies in the AC current when any potential resonance is identified in the dq frame. Novel results with respect to the impact of overlap period on the system stability are obtained by depicting and comparing the Eigenloci in the polar plot, which are validated by real-time simulations.
Indoor Positioning System Based on Bluetooth Low Energy Technology and a Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Bencak Primož , Hercog Darko , Lerher Tone
Published: January 2022

Warehousing is one of the most important activities in the supply chain, enabling competitive advantage. Effective management of warehousing processes is, therefore, crucial for achieving minimal costs, maximum efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are the first steps towards organizing these processes; however, due to the human factor involved, information on products, vehicles and workers may be missing, corrupt, or misleading. In this paper, a cost-effective Indoor Positioning System (IPS) based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology is presented for use in Intralogistics that works automatically, and therefore minimizes the possibility of acquiring incorrect data. The proposed IPS solution is intended to be used for supervising order-picker movements, movement of packages between workstations, and tracking other mobile devices in a manually operated warehouse. Only data that are accurate, reliable and represent the actual state of the system, are useful for detailed material flow analysis and optimization in Intralogistics. Using the developed solution, IPS technology is leveraged to enhance the manually operated warehouse operational efficiency in Intralogistics. Due to the hardware independence, the developed software solution can be used with virtually any BLE supported beacons and receivers. The results of IPS testing in laboratory/office settings show that up to 98% of passings are detected successfully with time delays between approach and detection of less than 0.5 s.
Grid and PV Fed Uninterruptible Induction Motor Drive Implementation and Measurements
Authors: Boros Ruben Rafael , Bodnár István
Published: January 2022

Motors powered directly from solar panels are becoming more and more popular in pump applications. However, solar panels can be the source of operational issues due to varying irradiance, ambient temperature, weather. This paper shows how it is worth expanding a solar induction motor drive to provide an uninterrupted flow of electricity to the motor. In addition, the main components of the uninterruptible induction motor drive are presented, including the LLC (inductor-inductor-capacitor) converter, the three-phase inverter, and the three-phase rectifier. LLC converters that can increase the voltage from 25–40 V to 330 V cannot be bought directly from manufacturers. Therefore, a custom LLC converter was made for the research. It was necessary to build a custom converter to avoid the use of solar panel strings. This way, solar panels connected in parallel can be used. A low-voltage (25–40 V) supply was implemented from the solar side, while the induction motor requires 230 V AC three-phase voltage in delta connection. For this reason, a voltage boost is required from the low voltage side. The grid feeds the universal DC link through the three-phase rectifier. This allows the motor to consume varying amounts of electricity from the grid or the solar panel. The study also presents in detail the LLC converter that performs the voltage boost. Measuring the entire motor drive, switching transients and efficiencies can be observed at different input voltages for different supplies as well as loads.
Analysis of an Energy Management System of a Small Plant Connected to the Rural Power System
Authors: Wlas Miroslaw , Galla Stanislaw , Kouzou Abdellah , Kolodziejek Piotr
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the analysis of an energy management system (EMS) implemented to fulfill the requirements of a microgrid (MG) power supply owned by a small industrial company and connected to the rural power system. The main goal of this system is to ensure connection with the existing rural power system in terms of energy exchange, as well as to perform islanding mode operation of the microgrid based on the energy demand of the company. Power generated in the implemented microgrid is based on a hybrid system supported by renewable energy sources and an energy storage system. The aim of the developed energy management system implemented in this MG power system is to enable the microgrid to operate according to scheduled diagrams related to different load events. The presented investigation, analysis, and assessment of the implemented energy management system are based on the on-site measurements and observations of the long-term operation of the microgrid concerning the hybrid renewable energy-based generation system and the company energy demand, which is useful from perspective of the predicted deficiency of electrical energy in Poland, both for customers and transmission system operators. Furthermore, the observed drawbacks and failures of the implemented EMS and the MG are pointed out and discussed to overcome and minimize these disadvantages, and to improve the operational reliability of the whole system.
Optimization of Permanent Magnet Parameters in Axial Flux Rotary Converter for HEV Drive
Authors: Havel Ales , Sobek Martin , Stepanec Libor , Strossa Jan
Published: January 2022

This paper focuses on the development and optimization of a special hybrid electric vehicle arrangement known as a four-quadrant rotary converter. The introduction summarizes the main advantages and disadvantages of existing topologies in radial and axial flux arrangements. Based on previous experience, we developed a novel axial flux arrangement that eliminates the problems and disadvantages associated with existing radial flux solutions. In addition, this paper evaluates and subsequently describes the optimization of permanent magnet parameters in an axial flux rotary converter unit. A number of 3D finite element method optimizations were performed to find the optimal mass distribution of permanent magnets on the frontal area of the outer rotor in the axial flux rotary converter unit. The optimization involved the permanent magnets’ material, shape, and thickness in order to achieve maximal efficiency of the entire unit while leaving its nominal output power and speed unaffected. The results show an increase in the overall theoretical efficiency of the outer rotor unit from 90.2% to 94.4% following the optimization.