Search Results (51)

Background: Whether therapeutic albumin (ThHSA) can serve as a defense tool in Candida species (spp.) infections is still a matter of debate, although many physicians are in the habit of infusing ThHSA to restore the physiological concentration of endogenous human serum albumin (HSA). Given the need for innovative anti-Candida strategies, we assessed in vitro the role of ThHSA alone or in combination with voriconazole (VCZ) in combating Candida spp. growth and the role of bovine serum albumin (BSA)—used as a substitute for HSA—with two endogenous bovine antimicrobial peptides in combating C. albicans and other microbes. Results: The combination of ThHSA with VCZ enhanced the antifungal effect on C. albicans, sensitive C. tropicalis, sensitive C. glabrata, and C. lusitaniae. However, for resistant C. tropicalis, the combination of ThHSA with VCZ promoted yeast growth, and VCZ tended to suppress the antimicrobial effect of ThHSA on resistant C. glabrata. As to the possible transposition of ThHSA-type properties to BSA (as regards the growth inhibition of other pathogens), we tested combinations of BSA with two physiological chromogranin A-derived antimicrobial peptides (catestatin and cateslytin). BSA enhanced significantly the activity of catestatin (but not cateslytin) in combating C. albicans, A. fumigatus, and M. luteus, but was inactive against S. aureus and E. coli. Conclusions: Our experiments support the fact that albumins display intrinsic antimicrobial properties, with an unpredictable growth inhibitory effect on various microbes. ThHSA can thus be an adjunctive tool for more efficient care of some, though not all, infections. The interaction of BSA with catestatin and cateslytin is related to their structure, with BSA significantly enhancing the effect of catestatin but not that of cateslytin. Full article

With the increase in contamination by microbial agents (bacteria, viruses, etc.) in the fields of agri-food, healthcare, and environment, it is necessary to detect and quantify these biological elements present in complex fluids in a short time with high selectivity, high sensitivity, and, if possible, moderate cost. Acoustic wave biosensors, based on immuno-detection, appear to meet a certain number of these criteria. In this context, we are developing a generic antibody-based biointerface that can detect a wide range of pathogenic bacterial agents using a specific bioreceptor. Based on the silane–oxide chemistry, the process is transferable to any kind of surface that can be either oxidized in surface or activated with O₂-plasma, for instance. For this proof of concept, we have chosen to develop our biointerface on titanium and lithium niobate surfaces. The development of the biointerface consists of grafting antibodies via a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) composed of an aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and a linker (phenylene diisothiocyanate, PDITC). Two functionalization routes were tested for grafting APTES: in anhydrous toluene followed by a heating step at 110 °C or in chloroform at room temperature. The results obtained on titanium show comparable grafting efficiency between these two routes, allowing us to consider the transposition of the route at room temperature on lithium niobate. The latest route was chosen for fragile materials that do not require the heating steps necessary when using toluene for grafting aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Different surface characterization techniques were used, such as IR spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle (WCA), to verify the successful grafting of each layer. Biodetection experiments in static conditions were also carried out to demonstrate the specificity of pathogenic detection, testing an ideal medium with solely bacteria, with no other food sampling nutrients. This paper demonstrates the successful elaboration of a biointerface using APTES as the first anchoring layer, with chloroform as a mild solvent. The process is easily transferable to any kind of fragile surface. Moreover, following anti-L. monocytogenes antibodies, our biointerface shows a specificity of capture in static mode (at a concentration of 10⁷ CFU/mL for an incubation time of 4 h at 37 °C) of up to 98% compared to a species negative control (E. coli) and up to 85% in terms of strain specificity (L. innocua). Full article

Spectral models, due to their stability and efficiency, have become one of the most popular approaches for implementing numerical weather prediction systems. Given the complexity of these models, they often require the use of multi-node computing resources for parallel processing to meet the stringent real-time requirements. However, as the number of nodes increases, the efficiency of inter-node communication becomes a critical bottleneck. In the case of the Yin-He Global Spectral Model (YHGSM), developed by the National University of Defense Technology, communication overhead is very high during the Fourier transform section, which consists of the transform itself and the subsequent transposition from the z-μ decomposition to the z-m decomposition. To address this challenge, we introduce an optimized scheme that overlaps communication with computation. By grouping corresponding communication and computation tasks, this approach leverages non-blocking communication techniques within MPI, combined with the use of asynchronous communication progress threads. Our experimental results demonstrate that this scheme can reduce execution time by up to 30% compared to the non-overlapped version, thereby significantly hiding communication overhead and enhancing the efficiency of YHGSM. Full article

Extant Chinese studies have documented that transposing characters within two-character words (e.g., 西装 suit) yields greater parafoveal preview benefits for target words compared to replacing the characters with unrelated ones (e.g., 型间 a nonword), i.e., the Chinese character transposition effect. This effect has been interpreted as evidence for flexible positional encoding in parafoveal processing, whereby readers tolerate character order disruptions. Alternatively, it has been attributed to morpheme-to-word activation. The present study aims to further clarify the mechanism of the transposition effect. We manipulated four preview conditions of target words in a sentence, identical, semantic, transposed semantic, and control preview, using an eye tracker to record eye movements. Experiment 1 employed reversible word pairs (e.g., 领带 tie-带领 lead) as semantical and transposed previews for targets (e.g., 西装suit). Experiment 2 used non-reversible word pairs (e.g., 衬衫 shirt-衫衬 a nonword). The results revealed comparable processing for both the semantic and transposed semantic preview conditions. Critically, the transposed semantic preview yielded a processing advantage over the unrelated preview. These findings demonstrated that Chinese readers efficiently extract semantic information from the parafoveal region even when character order is disrupted, indicating flexible character position encoding. Full article

The neuronal progenitor NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma cell line proliferates indefinitely in vitro and is capable of directed differentiation into cholinergic neurons. The cell line is a robust model for investigating neuronal differentiation and function in vitro. The lineage-specific transcription factor-mediated differentiation of pluripotent stem cell lines (PSCs) leads to more rapid, efficient, and functional neurons. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that transcription factors could also drive the fate of an immortalised cell line. We first established a stable NG108-15 cell line, by piggyBac (pBac) transposition, that conditionally expresses neurogenin-2 (Ngn2), a common transcription factor for specifying neuronal fate. Following doxycycline-induction of Ngn2, we observed more rapid and efficient differentiation, and improved neurite outgrowth and viability compared with the WT cell line. Moreover, when co-cultured with C2C12 mouse myotubes, the modified NG108-15 cells resulted in significantly larger acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregates, suggesting enhanced neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation. These findings describe a novel methodology for differentiating NG108-15 cells more efficiently, to enhance the usefulness of the cell line as a motor neuron model. Full article

With applications in computer networks, robotics, genetics, data center network optimization, cryptocurrency exchange, transportation and logistics, cloud computing, and social network analysis, the problem of sorting permutations on transposition trees under various operations is highly relevant. The goal of the problem is to sort or rearrange the markers in a predetermined order by swapping them out at the vertices of a tree in the fewest possible swaps. Only certain classes of transposition trees, like path, star, and broom, have computationally efficient algorithms for sorting permutations. In this paper, we examine the so-called $n-broom$ transposition trees. A single broom or simply a $broom$ is a spanning tree formed by joining the center of the star graph with one end of the path graph. A generalized version of a broom known as an $n-broom$ is created by joining the ends of n brooms to one vertex, known as the $n-broom$ center. By using the idea of clear path markers, we present a novel algorithm for sorting permutations on an $n-broom$ for $n>2$ that reduces to a novel $2-broom$ algorithm and that further reduces to two instances of a $1-broom$ algorithm. Our single-broom algorithm is similar to that of Kawahara et al.; however, our proof of optimality for the same is simpler. Full article

This study investigates the performance of isotropic and anisotropic diffuse models to estimate the total solar energy received on flat-plate collectors fixed on dual-axis trackers. These estimations are applied at twelve sites selected in both hemispheres with different terrain and environmental conditions. The diffuse (or transposition) models used in this study are the isotropic Liu-Jordan (L&J), Koronakis (KOR), Badescu (BAD), and Tian (TIA), and the anisotropic Hay (HAY), Reindl (REI), Klucher (KLU), Skartveit and Olseth (S&O), and Steven and Unsworth (S&U). These models were chosen because of their simplicity in the calculations and minimum number of input values. The results show that a single transposition model is not efficient for all sites; therefore, the most appropriate models are selected for each site under all, clear, intermediate, and overcast conditions in skies. On the other hand, an increase in the ground albedo in the vicinity of the solar installation can increase the annual inclined solar availability on a two-axis tracker by at least 9% on average. Further, a linear dependence of the annual inclined solar energy on the variation of the ground albedo was found. Also, a linear relationship exists between the annual diffuse-fraction and cloud-modification factor values at the 12 sites. Full article

Solar photovoltaic power plants typically consist of rows of solar panels, where the accurate estimation of solar irradiance on inclined surfaces significantly impacts energy generation. Existing practices often only account for the first row, neglecting shading from subsequent rows. In this work, ten transposition models were assessed against experimental data and a transposition model for inner rows was developed and validated. The developed model incorporates view factors and direct and circumsolar irradiances shading from adjacent rows, significantly improving global tilted irradiance (GTI) estimates. This model was validated against one-minute observations recorded between 14 April and 1 June 2022, at Évora, Portugal (38.5306, −8.0112) resulting in values of mean bias error (MBE) and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of −12.9 W/m² and 76.8 W/m², respectively, which represent an improvement of 368.3 W/m² in the MBE of GTI estimations compared to the best-performing transposition model for the first row. The proposed model was also evaluated in an operational forecast setting where corrected forecasts of direct and diffuse irradiance (0 to 72 h ahead) were used as inputs, resulting in an MBE and RMSE of −33.6 W/m² and 169.7 W/m², respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the developed model to enhance solar energy forecasting accuracy and operational algorithms’ efficiency and robustness. Full article

The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans is known to efficiently and accurately reassemble its genome after hundreds of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Only at very large amounts of radiation-induced DSBs is this accuracy affected in the wild-type D. radiodurans, causing rearrangements in its genome structure. However, changes in its genome structure may also be possible during the propagation and storage of cell cultures. We investigate this possibility by listing structural differences between three completely sequenced genomes of D. radiodurans strains with a recent common ancestor—the type strain stored and sequenced in two different laboratories (of the ATCC 13939 lineage) and the first sequenced strain historically used as the reference (ATCC BAA-816). We detected a number of structural differences and found the most likely mechanisms behind them: (i) transposition/copy number change in mobile interspersed repeats—insertion sequences and small non-coding repeats, (ii) variable number of monomers within tandem repeats, (iii) deletions between long direct DNA repeats, and (iv) deletions between short (4–10 bp) direct DNA repeats. The most surprising finding was the deletions between short repeats because it indicates the utilization of a less accurate DSB repair mechanism in conditions in which a more accurate one should be both available and preferred. The detected structural differences, as well as SNPs and short indels, while being important footprints of deinococcal DNA metabolism and repair, are also a valuable resource for researchers using these D. radiodurans strains. Full article

In recent years, 3D cell culture systems have emerged as sophisticated in vitro models, providing valuable insights into human physiology and diseases. The transition from traditional 2D to advanced 3D cultures has introduced novel obstacles, complicating the characterization and analysis of these models. While the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay has long been a standard readout for viability and cytotoxicity assessments in 2D cultures, its applicability in long-term 3D cultures is hindered by inappropriate normalization and low LDH stability over time. In response to these challenges, we propose an optimization of LDH assays, including a crucial normalization step based on total protein quantification and a storage method using an LDH preservation buffer. We applied it to compare unexposed cerebral organoids with organoids exposed to a toxic dose of valproic acid, and showed efficient normalization of cellular viability as well as enhanced LDH stability within the buffer. Importantly, normalized LDH activity results obtained were independent of organoid dimension and cell density. This refined LDH assay, tailored to address 3D culture constraints, allows for the transposition of this routine test from 2D to 3D cultures. Full article

In the context of sustainable development, revitalising the coal sector is a key challenge. This article examines how five innovative technologies can transform abandoned or in-use coal mines into sustainable energy centres. From solar thermal to compressed air energy storage, these solutions offer a path to a more sustainable future while addressing the decline in coal production. This approach not only promotes energy efficiency but also contributes to the mitigation of environmental impacts, thus consolidating the transition to a more responsible energy model. Thus, in this document, the reader can find the explanation of why we have opted for these technologies and not other existing ones. In addition, the economic, environmental and technical feasibility of the different technologies is analysed. Finally, real cases of the successful application of these technologies will be presented once they have gone beyond the project idea phase, and the reasons why we are calling for their transposition to the coal industry in the search for its revitalisation will be explained. Full article

Until very recently, the major use, for gene therapy, specifically of linear or circular DNA, such as plasmids, was as ancillary products for viral vectors’ production or as a genetic template for mRNA production. Thanks to targeted and more efficient physical or chemical delivery techniques and to the refinement of their structure, non-viral plasmid DNA are now under intensive consideration as pharmaceutical drugs. Plasmids traditionally carry an antibiotic resistance gene for providing the selection pressure necessary for maintenance in a bacterial host. Nearly a dozen different antibiotic-free gene vectors have now been developed and are currently assessed in preclinical assays and phase I/II clinical trials. Their reduced size leads to increased transfection efficiency and prolonged transgene expression. In addition, associating non-viral gene vectors and DNA transposons, which mediate transgene integration into the host genome, circumvents plasmid dilution in dividing eukaryotic cells which generate a loss of the therapeutic gene. Combining these novel molecular tools allowed a significantly higher yield of genetically engineered T and Natural Killer cells for adoptive immunotherapies due to a reduced cytotoxicity and increased transposition rate. This review describes the main progresses accomplished for safer, more efficient and cost-effective gene and cell therapies using non-viral approaches and antibiotic-free gene vectors. Full article

In order to clarify the magnetic-thermal-force changing rule of high-frequency transformers under different winding arrangements, this paper tests the magnetization and loss characteristics of nanocrystalline materials at different temperatures, and based on the magnetization and loss data, establishes a magnetic-thermal-force coupling calculation model of 15 kVA, 5 kHz nanocrystalline high-frequency transformers, and calculates and analyzes the magnetic flux density, loss and temperature rise distributions of high-frequency transformers with three different winding arrangements under no-load and short-circuit conditions, respectively. Through comparative analysis, it was found that under no-load conditions, the cross-transposition of winding has less influence on the magnetic flux of the high-frequency transformer core, but it can reduce the iron-core loss and transformer temperature rise. The cross-transposition of winding under short-circuit conditions can significantly reduce the leakage magnetic field strength of high-frequency transformers; complete cross-transposition weakens the high-frequency transformer losses and temperature rise better than partial cross-transposition. According to the winding current density and core leakage field distribution under short-circuit conditions, we calculated and analyzed the distribution of its the axial and radial electromagnetic forces. The results show that the axial electromagnetic force causes the winding to be squeezed from both ends to the middle, the radial electromagnetic force causes the primary winding to shrink inward and the secondary winding to expand outward, so cross-transposition can greatly reduce electromagnetic force and weakening the deformation of the winding. Therefore, high-frequency transformers of winding cross-transposed should be used in actual projects to reduce transformer temperature rise and improve efficiency and security. This research has theoretical significance for the multi-physical field coupling of high-frequency transformers and its structural design. Full article

Multi-circuit, multi-voltage overhead lines (MMOLs) are becoming a favorable solution in the perspective of ensuring the efficient transmission of electrical energy and limitations relating to the expansion of the transmission network. The main part of this manuscript contains a method that minimizes the effects of risks on the operation of the power system due to asymmetrical MMOLs, with particular emphasis on the circuit with the lowest-rated voltage. The selected set of criteria includes elements such as the determination of the neutral point displacement voltage in the network with the lowest-rated voltage (zero voltage, U₀), selected voltage quality factors, and short-circuit analyses to examine the impact of differences between the use of accurate and simplified mathematical models on the calculation of short-circuit currents. Methods to minimize the effects of MMOL geometric asymmetry have been proposed using simple technical steps, such as selecting the appropriate pole silhouette (indication of the methodology for identifying such supporting structures), changing the way of supplying individual circuits, or using partial transposition in the circuit with the lowest-rated voltage. The proposed methods are verified by analyzing a case study of the development of the transmission network in Poland. Full article

Transposons are nature’s gene delivery vehicles that can be harnessed for experimental and therapeutic purposes. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon shows efficient transposition and long-term transgene expression in human cells, and is currently under clinical development for gene therapy. SB transposition occurs into the human genome in a random manner, which carries a risk of potential genotoxic effects associated with transposon integration. Here, we evaluated an experimental strategy to manipulate SB’s target site distribution by preferentially compartmentalizing the SB transposase to the nucleolus, which contains repetitive ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. We generated a fusion protein composed of the nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (B23) and the SB100X transposase, which was found to retain almost full transposition activity as compared to unfused transposase and to be predominantly localized to nucleoli in transfected human cells. Analysis of transposon integration sites generated by B23-SB100X revealed a significant enrichment into the p-arms of chromosomes containing nucleolus organizing regions (NORs), with preferential integration into the p13 and p11.2 cytobands directly neighboring the NORs. This bias in the integration pattern was accompanied by an enrichment of insertions into nucleolus-associated chromatin domains (NADs) at the periphery of nucleolar DNA and into lamina-associated domains (LADs). Finally, sub-nuclear targeting of the transposase resulted in preferential integration into chromosomal domains associated with the Upstream Binding Transcription Factor (UBTF) that plays a critical role in the transcription of 47S rDNA gene repeats of the NORs by RNA Pol I. Future modifications of this technology may allow the development of methods for specific gene insertion for precision genetic engineering. Full article