Search

Neural stem/progenitor cells derived from olfactory neuroepithelium (hereafter olfactory neural stem/progenitor cells, ONSPCs) are emerging as a potential tool in the exploration of psychiatric disorders. The present study intended to assess whether ONSPCs could help discern individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) from non-schizophrenic (NS) subjects by exploring specific cellular and molecular features. ONSPCs were collected from 19 in-patients diagnosed with SZ and 31 NS individuals and propagated in basal medium. Mitochondrial ATP production, expression of β-catenin and cell proliferation, which are described to be altered in SZ, were examined in freshly isolated or newly thawed ONSPCs after a few culture passages. SZ-ONSPCs exhibited a lower mitochondrial ATP production and insensitivity to agents capable of positively or negatively affecting β-catenin expression with respect to NS-ONSPCs. As to proliferation, it declined in SZ-ONSPCs as the number of culture passages increased compared to a steady level of growth shown by NS-ONSPCs. The ease and safety of sample collection as well as the differences observed between NS- and SZ-ONSPCs, may lay the groundwork for a new approach to obtain biological material from a large number of living individuals and gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying SZ pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of sound wave technology on different plant species has revealed that variations in the Hz, sound pressure intensity, treatment time, and type of setup of the sound source significantly impact the plant performance. For example, a study conducted on cotton plants treated by Plant Acoustic Frequency Technology (PAFT) highlighted improvements across various growth parameters. In particular, the treated samples showed increases in the height, leaf area, and number of boll-bearing branches, as well as other plant anatomical parts. In other cases, such as in transgenic rice plants, GUS expression was upregulated or downregulated concerning the Hz employed. This paper presents a complete, rationalized and updated review of the literature on the effects of sound waves on the physiology and growth parameters of sound-treated plants. The application of sound wave technology to different plant species has revealed that variations in the Hz, sound pressure intensity, treatment duration, and type of setup of the sound source significantly impact the plant performance. A study conducted on cotton plants treated with Plant Acoustic Frequency Technology (PAFT) highlighted improvements across various growth metrics. In particular, the treated samples showed increases in the height, size of the fourth expanded leaf from the final one, count of branches carrying bolls, quantity of bolls, and weight of individual bolls. Another study showed how the impact of a 4 kHz sound stimulus positively promoted plant drought tolerance. In other cases, such as in transgenic rice plants, GUS expression was upregulated at 250 Hz but downregulated at 50 Hz. In the same way, sound frequencies have been found to enhance the osmotic potential, with the highest observed in samples treated with frequencies of 0.5 and 0.8 kHz compared to the control. Furthermore, a sound treatment with a frequency of 0.4 kHz and a sound pressure level (SPL) of 106 dB significantly increased the paddy rice germination index, as evidenced by an increase in the stem height and relative fresh weight. This paper presents a complete, rationalized and updated review of the literature on the effects of sound waves on the physiology and growth parameters of sound-treated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study observed how plants adjust leaf turnover rates and nutrient allocation at the organ level to counter O3 damage. Various O3 treatments (ambient concentration, 1.5 × AA, 2.0 × AA) and fertilization levels (N: 0 and 80 kg N ha−1 y−1; P: 0 and 80 kg N ha−1 y−1) were applied to an O3-sensitive poplar clone in a FACE experiment. The results revealed significant effects of both fertilization and O3 on nutrient content, with increases in foliar C and N (+5.8% and +34.2%) and root Ca and Mg (+46.3% and +70.2%). Accelerated leaf turnover rates due to O3 exposure were observed, indicating its significant role in this physiological parameter. O3 fumigation influenced the overall allocation of primary and secondary elements across plant organs. These findings underscore the ecological implications of altered element allocation in plant leaves in response to elevated O3 levels. An excess of ozone (O3) is currently stressing plant ecosystems and may negatively affect the nutrient use of plants. Plants may modify leaf turnover rates and nutrient allocation at the organ level to counteract O3 damage. We investigated leaf turnover rate and allocation of primary (C, N, P, K) and secondary macronutrients (Ca, S, Mg) under various O3 treatments (ambient concentration, AA, with a daily hourly average of 35 ppb; 1.5 × AA; 2.0 × AA) and fertilization levels (N: 0 and 80 kg N ha−1 y−1; P: 0 and 80 kg N ha−1 y−1) in an O3-sensitive poplar clone (Oxford: Populus maximowiczii Henry × P. berolinensis Dippel) in a Free-Air Controlled Exposure (FACE) experiment. The results indicated that both fertilization and O3 had a significant impact on the nutrient content. Specifically, fertilization and O3 increased foliar C and N contents (+5.8% and +34.2%, respectively) and root Ca and Mg contents (+46.3% and +70.2%, respectively). Plants are known to increase the content of certain elements to mitigate the damage caused by high levels of O3. The leaf turnover rate was accelerated as a result of increased O3 exposure, indicating that O3 plays a main role in influencing this physiological parameter. A PCA result showed that O3 fumigation affected the overall allocation of primary and secondary elements depending on the organ (leaves, stems, roots). As a conclusion, such different patterns of element allocation in plant leaves in response to elevated O3 levels can have significant ecological implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential role of the COVID-19 vaccine and infection to induce autoimmunity is currently underestimated despite the literature emphasizing arthralgia as a common adverse event. We aimed to study the impact of rheumatological complications post-COVID-19 (PC) and post-COVID-19 vaccine (PCV), comparing undifferentiated arthritis (UA) to Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Horton's Arteritis (PMR-HA) and isolated arthritis to UA with "connective-like" accompanying symptoms. We retrospectively included 109 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up, analyzing serum biomarkers, joint ultrasound (US), lung HRCT, DLCO, and HLA haplotypes. There were 87 UA patients showing increased gastrointestinal and lung involvement (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012), higher anti-spike protein IgG levels (p = 0.003), and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity (p = 0.003). Among them, 66 cases progressed to ACR-EULAR 2010 early arthritis after 3 months, whereas PMR-HA patients were more commonly PCV (81.8%, p = 0.008), demonstrating higher CRP (p = 0.007) and ESR (p = 0.006) levels, a lower rate of ANA positivity (p = 0.005), and a higher remission rate after six months (p = 0.050). In UA patients, the prevalent HLA was DRB1*11 and C*07 (36.8% and 42.1%). Serum calprotectin, interleukin-6, and C*07 (p = 0.021, 0.041, 0.018) seemed more specific for isolated UA. Conversely, "connective-like" arthritis showed poorer DLCO (p = 0.041) and more frequent US synovitis (p = 0.041). In conclusion, UA is a frequent common PC and PCV complication and may persist over time when compared to PMR-HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phosphorylation is one of the most crucial modifications of lipids and proteins, as it regulates virtually all cellular functions. Like other human diseases, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common leukemia in Western developed countries, exhibits deranged phosphorylation, which is induced by stimuli within specific tissues (e.g., lymph nodes), promoting enhanced proliferation and survival. Importantly, a growing body of evidence shows that reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered forms of oxygens generated from metabolism and peculiar enzyme complexes, and generally considered highly harmful due to their reactivity toward critical biomolecules (proteins, lipids, and DNA), act in concert with phosphorylation in supporting the malignant phenotype in CLL. This complex interplay is now providing insights into potential novel Achilles heels of intracellular signals for the development of innovative treatments which might synergize with the drugs currently in use that target the principal players in phosphorylation, namely kinases. Malignant cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are characterized by oxidative stress that is related to abundant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Lymphoid tissues have been shown to provide a protective microenvironment that antagonizes the effects of ROS, contributing to establishing redox homeostasis that supports the vitality of CLL cells. In the last few decades, a complex antioxidant machinery has been demonstrated to be activated in CLL cells, including the different superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms, the thioredoxin (Trx) system, and the enzyme cascade inducing glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis and recycling, to name a few. Their expression is known to be upregulated by the activation of specific transcription factors, which can be regulated by either oxidative stress or phosphorylation. These two latter aspects have mostly been explored separately, and only recently an increasing body of evidence has been providing reasonable inference that ROS and phosphorylation may cooperate in an interplay that contributes to the survival mechanisms of CLL cells. Here, we present an overview of how oxidative stress and phosphorylation-dependent signals are intertwined in CLL, focusing on transcription factors that regulate the balance between ROS production and scavenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Xylella II the CJEU was called upon to assess whether Italy had failed to meet the obligations stemming from the Plant Health Directive and Decision 2015/789/EU, aiming to inhibit the spread of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in Apulia (Southern Italy). In carrying out its review, the Court relied to a large extent on the scientific evidence submitted by the Commission. It found that the Member State had failed to properly remove infected plants and monitor the presence of the pathogen in the 20km strip dividing the infected zone from the buffer zone. However, the Court also confirmed that in proceedings brought under Article 258, the burden of proof lies on the Commission, which may not rely on any presumption to demonstrate the State's failure to meet EU law obligations. The Italian authorities are now expected to comply with the Court's ruling, as financial sanctions may be imposed at a later stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the topic of energy efficiency for railway application. A case study extrapolated from a real system was approached. An entire railway infrastructure, constituted by an alternating current (AC) primary grid, a direct current (DC) railway system and some AC/DC railway electrical substations (ESSs), was observed. The considered system was represented to study the operation of the railway infrastructure in terms of energy. A method, based on an AC/DC power flow approach, was formulated to calculate the efficiency in the use of electrical energy, during the motion of a fleet of trains. The method reports the solution vector (i.e. the AC and DC voltages and currents) as a function of the scheduling of the railway service. The results of the numerical simulations focused on the energy amounts at the ESS. The discussion gives evidence to the impact of alternative operating solutions in terms of energy efficiency strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the modelling of the 2 × 25 kV – 50 Hz high speed railway supply system. The proposed approach extends the traditional multi-conductor transmission line approach typically used for high speed railway systems, which is based on the assumption of overhead conductors. More specifically, this approach models the system by considering the presence of both overhead and buried conductors. Analytical formulations to calculate self and mutual line parameters are used. A numerical simulation allows evidencing the different results when the simplified and the detailed modelling approaches are adopted. A sensitivity analysis to point out the influence of the finitely conductive ground is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joined Cases C-78/16 and C-79/16, Giovanni Pesce (et al) v Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, [2016] EU:C:2016:428.In Xylella, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) was called upon to assess how far policymakers can go in conditions of scientific uncertainty, and whether EFSA opinions can be indirectly subject to judicial review, despite not being legally binding. In particular, the Xylella case highlights the relevance of EFSA’s scientific authority over the Commission: since EFSA opinions are not directly reviewable by the CJEU – as they constitute an intermediate stage of a more complex administrative procedure – the political and legal liabilities relating to EFSA assessments are entirely shifted onto the Commission, whose discretion is reviewable by the EU judiciary. In this regard, the Xylella case confirms how difficult the judicial review of precautionary measures can be. It shows once again that a full assessment of these measures is impossible, as scientific uncertainty restricts the grounds for judicial review to the manifest appropriateness of the contested measures and the availability of less onerous and equally effective measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant water resource management is one of the main future challenges to fight recent climatic changes. The knowledge of the plant water content could be indispensable for water saving strategies. Terahertz spectroscopic techniques are particularly promising as a non-invasive tool for measuring leaf water content, thanks to the high predominance of the water contribution to the total leaf absorption. Terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCL) are one of the most successful sources of THz radiation. Results: Here we present a new method which improves the precision of THz techniques by combining a transmission measurement performed using a THz QCL source, with simple pictures of leaves taken by an optical camera. As a proof of principle, we performed transmission measurements on six plants of Vitis vinifera L. (cv "Colorino"). We found a linear law which relates the leaf water mass to the product between the leaf optical depth in the THz and the projected area. Results are in optimal agreement with the proposed law, which reproduces the experimental data with 95% accuracy. Conclusions: This method may overcome the issues related to intra-variety heterogeneities and retrieve the leaf water mass in a fast, simple, and non-invasive way. In the future this technique could highlight different behaviours in preserving the water status during drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thorough knowledge of the leaf vascular network and its evolution is essential for understanding the fluid dynamics of water movement in leaves. Recent studies have shown how these networks can be involved in the performance of photosynthesis, which is linked to the density of the vascular network per unit of leaf area. The aim of this study is to highlight the correlation between leaf vein density (VD) and physiological parameters. The hypothesis proposed was tested on the leaves of the “Isabel Renaissance" (IR) rose cultivar. The main result concerned the VD, which was significantly correlated with the maximum leaf net photosynthetic rate (PN). This finding supports the hypothesis that the vascular system of IR leaves can be correlated with leaf photosynthesis performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion is an electrochemical process involving electrical currents. It consists of the destruction of a metal through its interaction with the environment. The phenomenon is observed in underground and buried structures, where aging can be strongly influenced by electrical currents flowing in the Earth. Methods of protection (i.e., “cathodic protection”) are related to the use of sacrificial anodes or more sophisticated systems, which impose a negative voltage to the metal structures to be protected. The corrosion phenomenon can be relevant also in electric power system applications. Underground or undersea electrical cables need to be protected as a consequence of stray currents flowing in the soil. This paper studies the problem of cathodic protection design for high-voltage transmission cables in undersea applications. The aim is to propose a design procedure which can be implemented by nonexpert electrical designers. A practical approach, which characterizes the distribution of the voltage on the outer layer of power cables, is formalized on the basis of common simplified assumptions. Numerical simulations give evidence to the formulation according to the features of environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Natural (iso)flavonoids have been recently reported to inhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and induce vasorelaxation, albeit the results described in the literature are discordant. The cGMP-selective isoform PDE-5A, in particular, represents the target of sildenafil and its analogues in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary hypertension by promoting relaxation in vascular smooth muscle through the activation of the NO/cGMP pathway. We undertook this study to verify if osajin and pomiferin, two natural prenylated isoflavones and major constituents of Maclura pomifera extracts previously investigated for their anticancer, antibacterial and antidiabetic properties, show inhibitory activity on PDE-5A. These two isoflavones were isolated from the plant extracts and then synthetically modified to obtain a set of semi-synthetic derivatives with slight and focused modifications on the natural scaffold. The compounds were at first screened against PDE-5A in vitro and, based on the encouraging results, further tested for their relaxant effect on isolated rat artery rings. Computational docking studies were also carried out to explore the mode of interaction with the target protein. The obtained data were compared to the behaviour of the well-known PDE-5A inhibitor sildenafil. Our results demonstrate that semi-synthetic derivatives of osajin and pomiferin show an inhibitory effect on the isolated enzyme that, for some of the compounds, is accompanied by a vasorelaxant activity. Based on our findings, we propose the here described isoflavones as potential lead compounds for the development, starting from natural scaffolds, of a new class of PDE-5A inhibitors with vasorelaxant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant protein kinase activities, and the consequent dramatic increase of Ser/Thr and -Tyr phosphorylation, promote the deregulation of the survival pathways in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is crucial to the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. In this study, we show that the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), one of the major Ser/Thr phosphatase, is in an inhibited form because of the synergistic contribution of 2 events, the interaction with its physiological inhibitor SET and the phosphorylation of Y307 of the catalytic subunit of PP2A. The latter event is mediated by Lyn, a Src family kinase previously found to be overexpressed, delocalized and constitutively active in CLL cells. This Lyn/PP2A axis accounts for the persistent high level of phosphorylation of the phosphatase's targets and represents a key connection linking phosphotyrosine- and phosphoserine/threonine-mediated oncogenic signals. The data herein presented show that the disruption of the SET/PP2A complex by a novel FTY720-analogue (MP07-66) devoid of immunosuppressive effects leads to the reactivation of PP2A, which in turn triggers apoptosis of CLL cells. When used in combination with SFK inhibitors, the action of MP07-66 is synergistically amplified, providing a new option in the therapeutic strategy for CLL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyn, a member of the group of tyrosine kinases named the Src family kinases (SFKs), is overexpressed, associated with an aberrant multiprotein complex and constitutively active in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells, resulting in a high level of tyrosine phosphorylation and contributing to their resistance to apoptosis. By using biochemical and bioinformatics tools, we identified procaspase-8 (procasp8), the caspase-8 zymogen, as a cytosolic target for Lyn in B-CLL cells, the phosphorylation of which at Tyr380 promotes the formation of an inactive procasp8 homodimer. This complex remains segregated in the cytosol and appears to be crucial in mediating the antiapoptotic function of Lyn in this disease. The significance of the Lyn-procasp8 axis in impairing apoptosis in B-CLL cells was further confirmed by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of procasp8, which drastically reduced the apoptosis induced by the SFK inhibitors PP2 and dasatinib. Our data highlight that Lyn's dysregulated expression, activity, and localization in B-CLLs support resistance to cell demise by inhibiting an early player of apoptotic signaling, and potentially broaden the perspectives of developing new strategies for the treatment of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver regeneration (LR) is a compensatory growth that occurs in response to resection or injury of the liver aimed at restoring the liver mass and maintaining body homeostasis. The activation of intracellular signaling pathways due to extracellular stimuli mainly reflects a highly coordinated spatial and temporal organization of phosphotyrosine-based signals generated by the concerted action of three basic functional modules, namely protein tyrosine kinases, protein tyrosine phosphatases, and the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain. In this review, we have selected a set of signaling proteins downstream of activated cytokine and growth factor receptors that highlight the multifaceted aspects of tyrosine phosphorylation with their impact on the course of LR. Besides being a process of remarkable biological interest, LR has recently emerged as a model for dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying diverse pathophysiological states, offering new perspectives in primarily, but not only, managing life-threatening liver diseases. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2\,\times\,25-kV 50 Hz traction power system was analyzed and modeled in the time domain in order to simulate short-circuit conditions and to attain a practical method to identify the short circuit behavior of the traction system. In particular, due to the difficulty in assessing the track-line parameters which mainly depend on changing environmental conditions, the possibility of neglecting the capacitive parameters was analyzed. A complete model of the 2\,\times\,25-kV 50 Hz traction power system was developed and validated through comparison with the results of referenced models and experimental tests performed on real systems. Simulations, addressed to reduce the short-circuit modeling complexity, demonstrate that neglecting the capacitive effects between conductors and to ground does not affect the calculation accuracy for standard analyses. The obtained results show that the proposed model can be remarkably useful for the traction system design as well as for investigating the effects of short-circuit conditions on other circuits, such as telecom circuits, power-supply equipment, and signaling track circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A method for combining data stored in an RFID microchip implanted inside grapevine plants and a GPS system is described. GIS software was used to register geographic coordinates of detected points, and to develop a specific database in which information useful for the positioning phase are stored. The final product is a digital map accessible via mobile or desktop systems that represents the “virtual vineyard”. In this digital representation, each grapevine plant marked by RFID can be selected, viewed and edited. Free-to-use software was implemented for use by consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major producers of collagen in the liver and their conversion from resting cells to a proliferating, contractile and fibrogenic phenotype (‘activation’) is a critical step, leading to liver fibrosis characterized by deposition of excessive extracellular matrix. Cytokines, growth factors, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), lipid peroxides and their products deriving from hepatocytes, Kupffer cells and other cells converge on HSC and influence their activation. This review focuses on glutathione and thioredoxin pathways, with particular emphasis on their role in HSC. These two systems have been shown to act in the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide, control of thiol redox balance and regulation of signalling pathways. Particular attention is paid to mitochondria and NADPH oxidase. Detailed knowledge of specific signalling, redox conditions and apoptotic processes will be of help in devising proper pharmacological treatments for liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pagano M, Clynes MA, Masada N, Ciruela A, Ayling U, Wachten S, Cooper DM. Insights into the residence in lipid rafts of adenylyl cyclase AC8 and its regulation by capacitative calcium entry. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 296: C607-C619, 2009. First published January 21, 2009; doi: 10.1 152/ajpcell.00488.2008.-Adenylyl cyclases (AC5) are a family of critically important signaling molecules that are regulated by multiple pathways. Adenylyl cyclase 8 (AC8) is a Ca[sup2+] stimulated isoform that displays a selective regulation by capacitative Ca[sup2+] entry (CCE), the process whereby the entry of Ca[sup2+] into cells is triggered by the emptying of intracellular stores. This selectivity was believed to be achieved through the localization of AC8 in lipid raft microdomains, along with components of the CCE apparatus. In the present study, we show that an intact leucine zipper motif is required for the efficient N-linked glycosylation of AC8, and that this N-linked glycosylation is important to target AC8 into lipid rafts. Disruption of the leucine zipper by site-directed mutagenesis results in the elimination of N-glycosylated forms and their exclusion from lipid rafts. Mutants of AC8 that cannot be N-glycosylated are not demonstrably associated with rafts, although they can still be regulated by CCE; however, raft integrity is required for the regulation of these mutants. These findings suggest that raft localized proteins in addition to AC8 are needed to mediate its regulation by CCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deletion of F508 in the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1) of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR) is the commonest cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). Functional interactions between CFTR and CK2, a highly pleiotropic protein kinase, have been recently described which are perturbed by the F508 deletion. Here we show that both NBD1 wild type and NBD1 ΔF508 are phosphorylated in vitro by CK2 catalytic ct-subunit but not by CK2 holoenzyme unless polylysine is added. MS analysis reveals that, in both NBD1 wild type and ΔF508, the phosphorylated residues are S422 and S670, while phosphorylation of S511 could not be detected. Accordingly, peptides encompassing the 500-518 sequence of CFTR are not phosphorylated by CK2; rather they inhibit CK2α catalytic activity in a manner which is not competitive with respect to the specific CK2 peptide substrate. In contrast, 500-518 peptides promote the phosphorylation of NBD1 by CK2 holoenzyme overcoming inhibition by the β-subunit. Such a stimulatory efficacy of the CFTR 500-518 peptide is dramatically enhanced by deletion of F508 and is abolished by deletion of the II507 doublet. Kinetics of NBD1 phosphorylation by CK2 holoenzyme, but not by CK2α, display a sigmoid shape denoting a positive cooperativity which is dramatically enhanced by the addition of the ΔF508 CFTR peptide. SPR analysis shows that NBD1 ΔF508 interacts more tightly than NBD1 wt with the α-subunit of CK2 and that CFTR peptides which are able to trigger NBD1 phosphorylation by CK2 holoenzyme also perturb the interaction between the α- and the β-subunits of CK2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Gs and Gi pathways interact to control the levels of intracellular cAMP. Although coincident signaling through Gs and Gi-coupled receptors can attenuate Gs-stimulated cAMP levels, it is not known if prior activation of the Gi pathway can affect signaling by Gs-coupled receptors. We have found that activated Gαo/i interact with RGS20, a GTPase activating protein for members of the Gαο/i family. Interaction between Gαo/i and RGS20 results in decreased cellular levels of RGS20. This decrease was induced by activated Gαo and Gαi2 but not by Gαq, Gαi1 or Gαi3. The Gαo/i-induced decrease in RGS20 can be blocked by proteasomal inhibitors lactacystin or MG132. Activated Gαo stimulates the ubiquitination of RGS20. The serotonin-1A receptor that couples to Go/i reduces the levels of RGS20 and this effect is blocked by lactacystin, suggesting that Go/i promotes the degradation of RGS20. Expression of RGS20 attenuates the inhibition of β-adrenergic receptor-induced cAMP levels mediated by the serotonin-1A receptor. Prior activation of the serotonin-1A receptor results in loss of the RGS20-mediated attenuation, and the loss of attenuation is blocked when lactacystin is included during the prior treatment. These observations suggest that Go/i-coupled receptors, by stimulating the degradation of RGS20, can regulate how subsequent activation of the Gs and Gi pathways controls cellular cAMP levels, thus allowing for signal integration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the performance of a hybrid ultracapacitor and battery power source for onboard applications is examined. First, the behavior of the system is shown by means of a nonlinear analytical model, which is solved using a double time scale procedure; then, the performances of the source is experimentally validated through an 80-V prototype. In light of the interaction between the battery and ultaracapacitor during the provision of a pulsing load, issues related to power peak, internal loss, and lifecycle are discussed. The aim of this paper is to define the design criteria for battery and ultracapacitor integration in compact and light systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have previously demonstrated that the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (Cki) Sic1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is phosphorylated in vitro by the CK2 kinase on Ser201 residue. Moreover, we have collected evidence showing that Sic1 is functionally and structurally related to mammalian Cki p27Kip1 and binds to the mammalian Cdk2/cyclin A complex with a similar mode of inhibition. In this paper, we use SPR analysis to investigate the binding of Sic1 to the catatytic and regulatory subunits of CK2. Evidence is presented showing that phosphorylation of Sic1 at the CK2 consensus site QES201EDEED increases the binding of a Sic1-derived peptide to the Cdk2/cyclin A complex, a functional homologue of the yeast Cdk1/Clb5,6. Moreover, Sic1 fully phosphorylated in vitro on Ser201 by CK2 is shown to be a stronger inhibitor of the Cdk/cyclin complexes than the unphosphorylated protein. Taken together, these data disclose the possibility that CK2 plays a role in the regulation of Sic1 activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The adenylate cyclase (AC)/cyclic AMP (cAMP)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway controls many biological phenomena. The ubiquitin/proteasome system, controlling the levels of many proteins, modulates important cellular processes such as cell cycle and cell growth. Here we describe a novel mechanism for AC regulation by proteasome pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of proteasome function in human osteosarcoma U2OS cells results in up-regulation of AC activity, increase of levels of α subunit of heterotrimeric stimulatory GTP-binding proteins (αs) and, remarkably, also in preventing of β-adrenergic receptor-mediated down-regulation of αs protein levels. Accumulation of αs protein is also accompanied by the appearance of polyubiquitinated αs species. Our results: (1) identify αs protein as a novel proteasome substrate in mammalian cells; (2) indicate that proteasome might play a physiological role in controlling AC/cAMP mediated pathways by modulating the levels of Gαs protein; (3) suggest a role for the proteasome also in controlling αs-mediated signaling pathways other than those affecting AC complex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ATP site-directed inhibitors that can target individual kinases are powerful tools for use in signal transduction research, all the more so in the case of a pleiotropic, constitutively active protein kinase such as CK2, which is not turned on in response to specific stimuli. By screening a library of more than 200 derivatives of natural polyphenolic compounds, we have identified 16 molecules which inhibit CK2 with IC50 values of ≤1 μM. They belong to the classes of anthraquinones (six compounds), xanthenones (two compounds), fluorenones (one compound), and coumarins (seven compounds), and their inhibitory potency correlates with the presence of nitro, amino, or halogen substituents at specific positions. Three of the most potent inhibitors, MNX (1,8-dihydroxy-4-nitroxanthen-9-one), NBC (8-hydroxy-4-methyl-9-nitrobenzo[g]chromen-2-one), and DBC (3,8-dibromo-7-hydroxy-4-methylchromen-2-one), whose IC50 values range between 0.13 and 0.36 μM, are quite specific toward CK2 within a panel of 33 protein kinases tested. Treatment of Jurkat cells with these compounds promotes inhibition of endogenous CK2 and induction of apoptosis. A correlation is observed between their efficacy as CK2 inhibitors (as judged from IC50 values) and their capacity to induce cell death (DC50 values). Mutations of the unique CK2α residues Val66 and/or Ile174 to alanine have a detrimental effect on inhibition by these compounds with 16-67-fold increases in IC50 values. The combined usage of these reagents can be exploited to gain information about cellular functions mediated by CK2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinase CK2 is a highly pleiotropic enzyme whose high constitutive activity is suspected to be instrumental to the enhancement of the tumour phenotype and to the propagation of infectious diseases. Here we describe a novel compound, 2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole (DMAT), which is superior to the commonly used specific CK2 inhibitor 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB) in several respects. DMAT displays the lowest Ki value ever reported for a CK2 inhibitor (40nM); it is cell permeable and its efficacy on cultured cells, both in terms of endogenous CK2 inhibition and induction of apoptosis, is several fold higher than that of TBB. The selectivity of DMAT assayed on a panel of >30 protein kinases is comparable to that of TBB, with the additional advantage of being ineffective on protein kinase CK1 up to 200μM. These properties make DMAT the first choice CK2 inhibitor for in vivo studies available to date. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of novel polyhalogenated benzimidazoles have been prepared by exhaustive bromination of a variety of 2-substituted benzimidazoles. The efficacy of both new compounds and a number of their previously described cognates as inhibitors of casein kinases CK1, CK2 and G-CK was investigated. The type of N-1 alkyl substituent as well as introduction of a polyfluoroalkyl moiety at position 2 did not markedly influence the inhibitory efficacy toward CK2 of the respective 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzimidazole derivatives which conversely were almost ineffective toward CK1 and G-CK. However, 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzimidazoles substituted at position 2 with either chlorine, bromine or sulfur atom, while manifesting a still considerable inhibitory activity against CK2 (IC50 in the 0.49–0.93 μM range) proved to be potentially powerful inhibitors also against CK1 (IC50 in the 18.4–2.2 μM range). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Water availability is a major limiting factor in plant productivity and plays a key role in plant species distribution over a given area. New technologies, such as terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz-QCLs) have proven to be non-invasive, effective, and accurate tools for measuring and monitoring leaf water content. This study explores the feasibility of using an advanced THz-QCL device for measuring the absolute leaf water content in Corylus avellana L., Laurus nobilis L., Ostrya carpinifolia Scop., Quercus ilex L., Quercus suber L., and Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Sangiovese). A recently proposed, simple spectroscopic technique was used, consisting in determining the transmission of the THz light beam through the leaf combined with a photographic measurement of the leaf area. A significant correlation was found between the product of the leaf optical depth (τ) and the leaf surface area (LA) with the leaf water mass (Mw) for all the studied species (Pearson's r test, p ≤ 0.05). In all cases, the best fit regression line, in the graphs of τLA as a function of Mw, displayed R2 values always greater than 0.85. The method proposed can be combined with water stress indices of plants in order to gain a better understanding of the leaf water management processes or to indirectly monitor the kinetics of leaf invasion by pathogenic bacteria, possibly leading to the development of specific models to study and fight them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrified railway systems are the current focus of energy efficiency studies due to the increasing constraints of environmental sustainability policies. Railway System Operators (RSOs), also encouraged by market deregulation, are thus examining how to update infrastructures and vehicles and/or apply new operating strategies. Given the intrinsic relation between railway systems and their primary feeding grid, each measure applied to a railway system impacts directly on the power grid which supplies the system. Against this background, this paper aims to ascertain the impact of an energy efficiency strategy applied by the RSO system on its primary grid. The energy-efficient strategy is identified as to preserve timetable stability and service quality in a passenger-oriented perspective. Moreover, a method to model the interaction between the systems in terms of power flow exchanges is proposed. The model is used to verify how an eco-driving technique applied to a metro system affects the state variables of the distribution grid. In particular, the primary grid, the traction power substations and the railway system are modelled according to real data. The case study is the Metro Line 1 operating in the city of Naples (Italy). The numerical simulations are carried out with a two-step procedure: first, the power requirements of the rolling stock as a function of the imposed operating service are calculated by OpenTrack® software; the state variables of the distribution grid are then evaluated by means of the power flow approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, in the railway sector there is considerable interest in studying the best ways of exploiting train braking energy, in order to achieve a reduction in energy costs and better stabilisation of grid voltage. Among the various on-board or wayside measures proposed, one of the most promising solutions is based on using wayside energy storage systems (WESSs). A WESS is a storage installation which can be integrated into mass transit systems in urban areas as well as into long-distance railway lines. It can operate as a smart storage system able to provide relevant benefits in terms of recovering surplus regeneration braking energy, voltage stabilisation, reduction of peak power demand. For these purposes, an effective and flexible simulator is essential to provide all the elements needed to focus and compare feasible configurations and operations. This study examines the problem of introducing the WESS technology in real railway infrastructure. It proposes a method based on a simulator of the WESS system integrated into the infrastructure and carries out the results of dynamic simulations referring to real operating data of the system and vehicles. The results highlight the performance of the WESS in terms of energy and power exchange, also discussing economic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall growth of electrical energy consumption and the spread of distributed generation pose severe problems to system planners and operators, mainly due to the difficulties in expanding and upgrading electrical distribution systems. These problems can be partially overcome through the smart operation of power system components. In particular, under the new smart grid paradigm, lines and transformers could be loaded beyond their nameplate rating in favorable thermal conditions, without loss of rated life or breakdown. This paper deals with the loading of oil-immersed distribution transformers, and it proposes a probabilistic approach based on the monitoring of electrical and environmental conditions. The approach consists in forecasting the predictive distribution of the transformer dynamic rating, and then in forecasting the transformer allowable current. The probabilistic approach takes into account the unavoidable uncertainties involved in the thermal modeling of the transformer; indeed, it selects the allowable current through an index that takes into account both the probability of the allowable current to be higher than the predicted dynamic rating and the corresponding expected load curtailment. Numerical applications are performed on real data to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study focuses on the topic of energy efficiency for railway application. A case study extrapolated from a real system was approached. An entire railway infrastructure, constituted by an alternating current (AC) primary grid, a direct current (DC) railway system and some AC/DC railway electrical substations (ESSs), was observed. The considered system was represented to study the operation of the railway infrastructure in terms of energy. A method, based on an AC/DC power flow approach, was formulated to calculate the efficiency in the use of electrical energy, during the motion of a fleet of trains. The method reports the solution vector (i.e. the AC and DC voltages and currents) as a function of the scheduling of the railway service. The results of the numerical simulations focused on the energy amounts at the ESS. The discussion gives evidence to the impact of alternative operating solutions in terms of energy efficiency strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work introduces a user-friendly, fast and effective tool for the automated geochemical mapping of igneous rocks, to provide a geospatial representation of petrological parameters through the application of either deterministic or stochastic interpolation techniques. The geostatistical approach allows mapping to be extended to areas where igneous rocks are hidden under sedimentary cover, also introducing an estimate of the interpolation reliability. This new GIS-based automated procedure, which is mostly constructed with the ArcGIS® Model-Builder as a graphical code designer, can generate three main types of outputs: 1) interpolation maps of major and trace elements, isotopic compositions, and derived parameters, to provide valuable geospatial information regarding the genetic and structural relationships between magmatic bodies; 2) lithological maps, that are based on the geostatistical interpolation of major element data and mirror the main geochemical classification diagrams of plutonic rocks; and 3) interpolation checking maps, which provide an estimate of the geostatistical interpolability for one specific parameter at a time. This last output is expressed in the form of an empirical index (Stochastic Interpolation Index), which highlights the randomness level of a specific value distribution. This automated lithological mapping function is an entirely new tool based on five original python scripts, which makes it possible to interpolate on a georeferenced map the compositions deriving from the most used geochemical classification diagrams. This new tool package is presented here by using a portion of the Serre Batholith in central Calabria (southern Italy), to illustrate the potential of this method to open new research perspectives in igneous petrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, in the railway sector there is considerable interest in studying the best ways of exploiting train braking energy, in order to achieve a reduction in energy costs and better stabilisation of grid voltage. Among the various on‐board or wayside measures proposed, one of the most promising solutions is based on using wayside energy storage systems (WESSs). A WESS is a storage installation which can be integrated into mass transit systems in urban areas as well as into long‐distance railway lines. It can operate as a smart storage system able to provide relevant benefits in terms of recovering surplus regeneration braking energy, voltage stabilisation, reduction of peak power demand. For these purposes, an effective and flexible simulator is essential to provide all the elements needed to focus and compare feasible configurations and operations. This study examines the problem of introducing the WESS technology in real railway infrastructure. It proposes a method based on a simulator of the WESS system integrated into the infrastructure and carries out the results of dynamic simulations referring to real operating data of the system and vehicles. The results highlight the performance of the WESS in terms of energy and power exchange, also discussing economic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver regeneration (LR) is a compensatory growth that occurs in response to resection or injury of the liver aimed at restoring the liver mass and maintaining body homeostasis. The activation of intracellular signaling pathways due to extracellular stimuli mainly reflects a highly coordinated spatial and temporal organization of phosphotyrosine-based signals generated by the concerted action of three basic functional modules, namely protein tyrosine kinases, protein tyrosine phosphatases, and the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain. In this review, we have selected a set of signaling proteins downstream of activated cytokine and growth factor receptors that highlight the multifaceted aspects of tyrosine phosphorylation with their impact on the course of LR. Besides being a process of remarkable biological interest, LR has recently emerged as a model for dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying diverse pathophysiological states, offering new perspectives in primarily, but not only, managing life-threatening liver diseases. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, in partial discharges (PD) diagnostics tests carried out in a laboratory, harmonic content in a voltage waveform is ignored. However, during the operation of variable-frequency drives (VFD)-fed electric motors, the distorted voltage waveform is produced due to the addition of harmonics components in the sinusoidal voltage waveform. The distortion level increases when the VFD is operated at a lower speed ratio. The additional spectral components in the applied voltage waveform can have a significant impact on the PD behavior in the insulation of the electric motor. Therefore, during online PD monitoring, overlooking the harmonic regime in the applied voltage may lead to a false interpretation of PD data. This article investigates the influence of voltage harmonics distortion produced during the variable-speed operation of VFD on PD characteristics. For this purpose, online PD measurements have been carried out by performing a series of experiments on eight VFD-fed motors under variable operating conditions. The PD severity at different harmonic compositions is experimentally investigated by determining various PD characteristic parameters including PD inception voltage, accumulated apparent charge, average discharge current, discharge power, and quadratic rate. Also, two terms Gaussian models have been mathematically developed using 288 data samples to quantify the variations in PD characteristic parameters against distortion parameters. The article proposes a framework for properly evaluating harmonics impact in PD for electric motors and correctly estimating stator insulation degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last recent years the implementation of PV (PhotoVoltaic) solar harvesting maximum power point tracking (MPPT) systems has been widely investigated to achieve self-powered and fully autonomous wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this context, this paper mainly aims to design an efficient and long-lived solar harvesting control system for sensor nodes. Specifically, a design approach of the overall solar harvesting control system, that is composed of PV source, controller, converter, and UltraCapacitor (UC), is provided in order to obtain the desired performance in terms of autonomy and efficiency. The methodology is based on the analytical derivation of system efficiency and takes into account design requirements. The approach is applied to the design of an harvesting control system supplying an off-the-shelf Texas Instruments eZ 430 − RF 4500 mote. The prototype is realized and used to experimentally validate the approach by mean of out-door four days test. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the methodology to assess the required performance in terms of efficiency (about 0.86) and autonomy (four days). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) power system performance depends on local irradiance conditions. PV systems are sometimes subject to partial shading, which may produce a nonideal characteristic curve, presenting true and local power maxima in the P-I curve. Traditional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms can converge to local maximum, which is not the true MPP. In order to solve the problem, this paper investigates the effects of nonuniform solar irradiance distribution on a PV source. An MPPT algorithm that is able to optimize the source instantaneous operating power under nonuniform irradiance is proposed. The ability of the algorithm and its increased performance with respect to traditional algorithms are evaluated by means of experimental tests performed on a real PV power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calmodulin is phosphorylated in vivo and in vitro by protein kinase CK2 in a manner that is unique among CK2 substrates for being inhibited by the regulatory β-subunit of the kinase and dramatically enhanced by polybasic peptides. Using synthetic fragments of calmodulin variably encompassing the CK2 phosphorylation sites here we show that individual phosphorylation of Thr79, Ser81, Ser101, and Thr117 is critically influenced by the size and composition of the peptides and that the C-terminal domain of calmodulin is implicated both in down-regulation of calmodulin phosphorylation by the β-subunit and in its abnormal responsiveness to polylysine. A far-Western blot analysis discloses polylysine-dependent interaction between calmodulin and the N-terminal domain of the β-subunit. We also show that phosphorylation of Ser81 hampers subsequent phosphorylation of Thr79 and by itself promotes the unfolding of the central helix, whose flexibility is instrumental to the interaction with calmodulin-dependent enzymes. Collectively taken, our data are consistent with a multifaceted regulation of calmodulin phosphorylation through the concerted action of distinct CaM domains, the catalytic and regulatory subunits of CK2, and polycationic effectors mimicking in vivo the effect of polylysine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ArcStereoNet is a new ArcGIS® based toolbox for stereographic projections that we implement here using Python 2.7 programming language. The reason to develop another stereographic projection package arises from the recent use of Python as an exclusive programming language within the ArcGIS® environment. This permits a more flexible approach for the development of tools with very intuitive GUIs, and also allows the user to take full advantage of all potential GIS mapping processes. The core of this new projections toolbox is based on the capability to easily apply and compare most of the commonly used statistical methods for cluster and girdle analysis of structural data. In addition to the well-known Fisher, K-means, and Bingham data elaborations, a completely new algorithm for cluster analysis and mean vector extraction (Mean Extractor from Azimuthal Data), was developed, thereby allowing a more reliable interpretation of any possible structural data distribution. Furthermore, as in any other GIS platform, users can always precisely correlate each single projected data point with the corresponding geographical/locality position, thereby merging or subdividing groups of structural stations with a simple selection procedure. ArcStereoNet also creates rose diagrams, which may be applied not only to fault/joint planes orientation data, but also for the analysis of 2D microstructural fabric parameters. These include geometrical datasets derived from the minimum bounding approach as applied to vectorized grains in thin sections. Finally, several customization settings ensure high-quality graphic outputs of plots, that also allow easy vector graphics post-processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The research work aimed to develop a robust sustained release biocompatible brinzolamide (BRZ)-loaded ocular inserts (MeltSerts) using hot-melt extrusion technology with enhanced solubility for glaucoma management. A 32 rotatable central composite design was employed for the optimization of the MeltSerts to achieve sustained release. The effect of two independent factors was examined: Metolose® SR 90SH-100000SR (HPMC, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) and Kolliphor® P 407 (Poloxamer 407, P407). The drug release (DR) of BRZ at 0.5 h and 8 h were adopted as dependent responses. The factorial analysis resulted in an optimum composition of 50.00 % w/w of HPMC and 15.00 % w/w of P407 which gave % DR of 9.11 at 0.5 h and 69.10 at 8 h. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulations were performed to elucidate various interactions between BRZ, and other formulation components and it was observed that BRZ showed maximum interactions with HPC and HPMC with an occupancy of 92.82 and 52.87 %, respectively. Additionally, molecular docking studies were performed to understand the interactions between BRZ and mucoadhesive polymers with ocular mucin (MUC-1). The results indicated a docking score of only −5.368 for BRZ alone, whereas a significantly higher docking score was observed for the optimized Meltserts −6.977, suggesting enhanced retention time of the optimized MeltSerts. SEM images displayed irregular surfaces, while EDS analysis validated uniform BRZ distribution in the optimized formulation. The results of the ocular irritancy studies both ex vivo and in vivo demonstrated that MeltSerts are safe for ocular use. The results indicate that the developed MeltSerts Technology has the potential to manufacture ocular inserts with cost-effectiveness, one-step processability, and enhanced product quality. Nonetheless, it also offers a once-daily regimen, consequently decreasing the dosing frequency, preservative exposure, and ultimately better glaucoma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent improvements in shipboard systems focus on the use of new technological systems and the adoption of innovative operating strategies for both increasing energy efficiency and reduce gas emissions. In such a context, this article studies a ship power system, where an energy storage system and a tailored energy management system are applied. It focuses on a detailed model of the on-board power system and points out a scenario of analysis larger than those usually adopted in the literature. The model is carried out with reference to DC, AC and hybrid AC/DC power grid architectures, by means of a power flow approach. The strategy of the energy management system optimally controls the on-board power system integrated with a battery storage device. The strategy aims to minimizes fuel consumption of the prime movers, while satisfying time-varying load demand under different operating scenarios. The procedure, tested on actual operative conditions of a supply vessel, shows feasibility and effectiveness of the power flow approach, giving evidence to the reduction of fuel consumption, while the correct operation of the power system is guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoglycoprotein secreted into the extracellular matrix upon liver injury, acting as a cytokine stimulates the deposition of fibrillary collagen in liver fibrogenesis. In livers of mice subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) and in cultured activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), we show that OPN, besides being overexpressed, is substantially phosphorylated by family with sequence similarity 20, member C (Fam20C), formerly known as Golgi casein kinase (G‐CK), which is exclusively resident in the Golgi apparatus. In both experimental models, Fam20C becomes overactive when associated with a 500‐kDa multiprotein complex, as compared with the negligible activity in livers of sham‐operated rats and in quiescent HSCs. Fam20C knockdown not only confirmed the role of Fam20C itself in OPN phosphorylation, but also revealed that phosphorylation was essential for OPN secretion. However, OPN acts as a fibrogenic factor independently of its phosphorylation state, as demonstrated by the increased expression of Collagen‐I by HSCs incubated with either a phosphorylated or nonphosphorylated form of recombinant OPN. Collectively, our results confirm that OPN promotes liver fibrosis and highlight Fam20C as a novel factor driving this process by favoring OPN secretion from HSCs, opening new avenues for deciphering yet unidentified mechanisms underlying liver fibrogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated alterations of olfactory neuroepithelium (ONE) as a biomarker of schizophrenia, and none its association with cognitive functioning. Fresh ONE cells from twelve patients with schizophrenia and thirteen healthy controls were collected by nasal brushing, cultured in proper media and passed twelve times. Markers of cell proliferation (BrdU incorporation, Cyclin-D1 and p21 protein level) were quantified.Cognitive function was measured using Brief Neuropsychological Examination-2. Primary outcome: proliferation of ONE cells from schizophrenic patients at passage 3. Secondary outcome: association between alteration of cell proliferation and cognitive function. Fresh ONE cells from patients showed a faster cell proliferation than those from healthy controls at passage 3. An opposite trend was observed at passage 9, ONE cells of patients with schizophrenia showing slower cell proliferation as compared to healthy controls. In schizophrenia, overall cognitive function (Spearman's rho -0.657, p < 0.01), verbal memory – immediate recall, with interference at 10 s and 30 s (Spearman's rho from -0.676 to 0.697, all p < 0.01) were inversely associated with cell proliferation at passage 3. Fresh ONE cells collected by nasal brushing might eventually represent a tool for diagnosing schizophrenia based upon markers of cell proliferation, which can be easily implemented as single-layer culture. Cell proliferation at passage 3 can be regarded as a promising proxy of cognitive functioning in schizophrenia. Future studies should replicate these findings, and may assess whether ONE alterations are there before onset of psychosis, serving as an early sign in patients with at risk mental state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific literature is paying particular attention to Ultra-Fast Charging Stations (UFCSs) that can make charging times of Electric Vehicles (EVs) comparable with the refuelling time of internal combustion engine vehicles. In this context, scheduling charging algorithms to manage the available resources deserve significant attention. This paper proposes an online scheduling algorithm for UFCSs equipped with Battery Energy Storage Systems. The charging profile is obtained by considering the power and energetic constraints related to both infrastructure and EVs. The constraints are assessed according to the efficiency of the infrastructure, for which a power losses estimation approach was proposed and then detailed for the UFCS realized at our department. Even, the dependence of the maximum EV charging rate on the State of Charge (SoC) is considered. These aspects are usually neglected. Thus, starting from the measurements of the maximum charging rate for two commercial EVs, numerical simulations were performed using the proposed algorithm according to two different scheduling policies, i.e., the not-preemptive 'First Come Best Served' and the preemptive 'Round Robin SoC'. The numerical results highlight the difference between the two policies regarding the allocation of resources among vehicles and how the SoC of the BESS affects the overall charging profiles. • Scheduling algorithm for the recharge of electrical vehicles • Charging station efficiency affecting the scheduling • Maximum power rate characteristic of electrical vehicles affecting the scheduling • Constrained optimization problem to determine charging power profile [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents research which shows that the first surge of a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 instantly killed some people in the town of Herculanuem. Discovery of human skeletons from residents who had taken refuge in boat chambers along the beach; How the victims' postures indicate instantaneous death from thermally induced fulminant shock, rather than suffocation; Description of the skeletons.

Photovoltaic technology allows to directly convert solar energy into electrical energy with clear advantages: no environmental impact during operation, reliability and durability of the systems, reduced operating costs and maintenance, ability to both supply remote customers and simply connect to the electrical network. This paper evaluates the performance of two photovoltaic systems: one fixed and one equipped with a sun tracker. The objective of this research is to analyze the increase of daily produced energy by using the sun tracking system. The analysis accounts also the energy consumption of the sun tracker. An analytical approach is proposed. To validate the results through experimental tests, two alternative low power PV systems were built. Each system consists of a PV source, a MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) power converter and a 12 V–40 A h electrochemical battery, which is used as electric load. The sun tracker system evidenced an important growth of power production during morning and evening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to adapt tracking implants in grapevine to production practices, four rootstocks belonging to two common Vitis hybrids [ V . berlandieri × V . riparia (420 A, Kober 5BB, SO4) and V . berlandieri × V . rupestris (1103 Paulsen)] were tagged with radio frequency tags using the available methods: direct drilling of the pith from the distal cut of the rootstock or a “U” cut performed laterally on the rootstock below the grafting point. Tests were also combined with hot water treatments against phytoplasmas or applied to one-year-old grafted rootlings ready for transplantation in the vineyard to reduce tagging costs. In addition, novel health-compliant methodologies for ultra-high frequency (UHF) tagging were evaluated. To assess the effects of tag implantation in rootstocks, plant viability, functional vascular tissue area and tag reliability were calculated, as well as the effects of phytopathogenic fungi on wounds produced by tagging. The tagging procedure did not cause significant effects on viability and functional vascular tissue area. Tag reliability was set at more than 96%. Fungal infections caused less than 1% of infected vascular tissue area and tagging methods could be integrated with hot water treatments against phytoplasmas. Tracking implants were applied successfully to one-year-old rootlings that were ready for transplantation, even if tag reliability decreased. Novel semi-internal implants of UHF tags did not cause concerns about plant health but tags were exposed to environmental stress or fortuitous damage during farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]