Search Results (87)

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels function as multimodal cation channels that integrate chemical and mechanical cues to regulate cellular signaling. Among them, TRPC3 and TRPC6 have been studied primarily in the context of cardiovascular and renal physiology, and their roles in other organ systems are now increasingly recognized. Although these channels are known to be activated downstream of phospholipase C (PLC) signaling, especially 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) production, their precise modes of activation under native physiological conditions remain incompletely understood. Recent structural and functional studies have greatly advanced our understanding of their primary activation by DAG. This review summarizes how decades of physiological analyses have revealed multiple modes of TRPC3 and TRPC6 channel activation beyond DAG gating, providing a broader perspective on their diverse regulatory mechanisms. This review also highlights recent progress in elucidating the channel properties, activation mechanisms, and the physiological as well as pathophysiological roles of TRPC3 and TRPC6 in cardiovascular contractility and remodeling, and discusses the remaining challenges that will lead to the establishment of TRPC3 and TRPC6 as validated therapeutic targets. Full article

Transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channels are promising drug targets for kidney, lung, and neurological diseases, making a detailed understanding of their regulation crucial to developing novel channel modulators with more precise modes of action. TRPC6 channels are commonly accepted as calcium-permeable, receptor-operated cation channels activated by diacylglycerol (DAG) downstream of phospholipase C (PLC) signaling. DAG, the endogenous activator of TRPC channels, also activates protein kinase C (PKC), which can phosphorylate TRPC6 and potentially modify its function. This study examined whether five putative PKC phosphorylation sites located in the C-terminus of TRPC6 affect channel gating. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and utilizing photopharmacology with photoswitchable TRPC6 activators (OptoBI-1 and OptoDArG), we analyzed the activation, inactivation, and deactivation kinetics. Pharmacological modulation of PKC activity and strategic mutation of the phosphorylation sites—either to prevent or mimic phosphorylation—altered the current kinetics as well as the normalized slope conductances that were used to quantify differences in the curve progression of current–voltage relations, even when maximally induced current density amplitudes were unchanged. Our findings reveal activator-specific differences in TRPC6 current kinetics associated with C-terminal amino acid exchanges and PKC-dependent signaling, suggesting that phosphorylation-related mechanisms may fine-tune channel activity. Full article

Intracellular emetic signals involved in the cannabinoid CB₁ receptor inverse agonist/antagonist SR141716A were investigated. SR141716A (20 mg/kg, i.p.)-evoked vomiting occurred via both the central and peripheral mechanisms. This was accompanied by robust emesis-associated increases in the following: (i) c-fos- and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3α/β (p-GSK-3αβ)-expression in the shrew’s dorsal vagal complex (DVC), (ii) phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (p-ERK_1/2) expression in both the DVC and jejunal enteric nervous system, and (iii) time-dependent upregulation of cAMP levels and phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (Akt), GSK-3α/β, ERK_1/2, and protein kinase C αβII (PKCαβII) in the brainstem. SR141716A-evoked emetic parameters were attenuated by diverse inhibitors of the following: PKA, ERK_1/2, GSK-3, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway, phospholipase C (PLC), PKC, Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), L-type Ca²⁺ channel (LTCC), store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), ryanodine receptor (RyRs), both 5-HT₃-, and D_2/3-receptor antagonists, and the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1R) agonist. SR141716A appears to evoke vomiting via inverse agonist activity involving emesis-associated kinases, including cAMP/PKA, ERK_1/2, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3, PLC/PKCαβII, and CaMKII, which depend upon Ca²⁺ mobilization linking extracellular Ca²⁺ entry via plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels (LTCC, SOCE, TRIPV1R) and intracellular Ca²⁺ release via IP3Rs and RyRs. The 5-HT₃, NK₁, and D_2/3 receptors also contribute to SR141716A-mediated vomiting. Full article

Power converters in the smart grid systems are essential to link renewable energy sources with all grid appliances and equipment. However, this raises the possibility of electromagnetic interference (EMI) between the smart grid elements. Hence, spread spectrum (SS) modulation techniques have been used to mitigate the EMI peaks generated from the power converters. Consequently, the performance of the nearby communication systems is affected under the presence of EMI, which is not covered in many situations. In this paper, the behavior of the G3 Power Line Communication (PLC) channel is evaluated in terms of the Shannon–Hartley equation in the presence of SS-modulated EMI from a buck converter. The SS-modulation technique used is the Random Carrier Frequency Modulation with Constant Duty cycle (RCFMFD). Moreover, The analysis is validated by experimental results obtained with a test setup reproducing the parasitic coupling between the PLC system and the power converter. Full article

In order to better understand the damage phenomenon and failure mechanism of planar lightwave circuit (PLC) optical splitters under force cycling, this paper established an online test experimental platform to study their optical and mechanical performance response under the action of force cycling. The research results show that under the action of force cyclic loading, the weakest area in the PLC optical splitter is the eight-channels output fiber array–PLC chip adhesively bonded joint; the moments of force cycle loading and unloading cause the insertion loss (IL) of the PLC optical splitter to fluctuate suddenly, especially at the moment of unloading. In addition, the research results show that under the action of force cyclic loading, the local deformation and damage behavior of the weak area can be reflected by the optical performance parameter indicators monitored in real time. This study helps to identify the location of weak areas of PLC optical splitters and understand their response behavior under force cyclic loads, which can provide a useful reference for subsequent measures to improve their long-term reliability. Full article

The transformation of low-voltage distribution grids toward decentralized, user-centric models has increased the need for advanced metering infrastructures capable of ensuring both visibility and control. This paper presents a self-diagnostic advanced metering solution based on power-line communication deployed in a segment of the Spanish distribution network. The proposed infrastructure leverages the existing power network as a shared-media communication channel, reducing capital expenditures while enhancing system observability. A methodology is introduced for integrating smart metering data with topological and operational analytics to improve network monitoring and energy management. This study details the proposed metering infrastructure, highlighting its role in enhancing distribution network resilience through asynchronous energy measurements, event-driven analytics, and dynamic grid management strategies. The self-diagnostic module enables the detection of non-technical losses, identification of congested areas, and monitoring of network assets. Furthermore, this paper discusses the regulatory and technological challenges associated with scaling metering solutions, particularly in the context of increasing distributed energy resource penetration and evolving European Union regulatory frameworks. The findings demonstrate that a well-integrated advanced metering infrastructure system significantly improves distribution network efficiency, enabling proactive congestion detection and advanced load management techniques. However, this study also emphasizes the limitations of PLC in high-noise environments and proposes enhancements such as hybrid communication approaches to improve reliability and real-time performance. The insights provided contribute to the ongoing evolution of metering infrastructure technologies, offering a path toward more efficient and resource-optimized smart grids. Full article

Power line communication (PLC) technology is investigated in this research. A PLC system model combining Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) technologies is proposed to enhance spectral efficiency, extend transmission distance, and improve signal quality. We construct detailed models for the system, signal, and noise. Future Channel State Information (CSI) is predicted using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network, and an improved simulated annealing algorithm is employed to optimize power allocation and relay positioning in the system. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the LSTM model in predicting CSI data in a NOMA communication system, demonstrating generally good performance despite some prediction errors. Simulation results show that this approach significantly enhances system performance, reduces power consumption, and meets constraints on system capacity, bit error rate (BER), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in complex PLC environments. Future research should focus on optimizing model parameters, expanding datasets, exploring alternative optimization algorithms, and testing the model in real-world scenarios to improve generalizability and practicality. In conclusion, the proposed multi-user PLC system provides an effective technical solution for future smart grid and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Full article

With the escalating threat posed by network intrusions, the development of efficient intrusion detection systems (IDSs) has become imperative. This study focuses on improving detection performance in programmable logic controller (PLC) network security while addressing challenges related to data imbalance and long-tail distributions. A dataset containing five types of attacks targeting programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in industrial control systems (ICS) was first constructed. To address class imbalance and challenges posed by complex network traffic, Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and Borderline-SMOTE were applied to oversample minority classes, thereby enhancing their diversity. This paper proposes a dual-channel feature extraction model that integrates a multi-scale one-dimensional convolutional neural network (MS1DCNN) and a Weight-Dropped Transformer (WDTransformer) for IDS. The MS1DCNN is designed to extract fine-grained temporal features from packet-level data, whereas the WDTransformer leverages self-attention mechanisms to capture long-range dependencies and incorporates regularization techniques to mitigate overfitting. To further enhance performance on long-tail distributions, a custom combined loss function was developed by integrating cross-entropy loss and focal loss to reduce misclassification in minority classes. Experimental validation on the constructed dataset demonstrated that the proposed model achieved an accuracy of 95.11% and an F1 score of 95.12%, significantly outperforming traditional machine learning and deep learning models. Full article

In this paper, an improved 100 CMM regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is implemented for low-emission combustion. The existing RTO system is a cylindrical drum structure that cyclically introduces and discharges VOC gas into and from the rotating disk, and which achieves excellent energy efficiency with a heat recovery rate of more than 95%. However, the drive shaft designed under the RTO combustion chamber increases wear around the rotating shaft due to the load of the combustion chamber and there is a problem that the untreated gas is simultaneously released through the outlet due to the channeling phenomenon of the combustion chamber and the drive shaft. In addition, the combustion chamber, used at a high temperature of 800 °C, may cause serious problems such as rotation stop or explosion due to pollutants, dust accumulation, and thermal expansion in the chamber. Particularly when treating VOCs harmful gasses, RTO performance may be degraded due to the burner’s non-uniform temperature control and unstable combustion function. To solve this problem, first, the design of the combustion chamber rotating plate driving device is improved. Second, when treating high concentration VOC gas, the design of combustion chamber considers a temperature increase of up to 920 °C or more. For this, the diameter of the gas burner is 125 mm and the outlet dimension is set to 650 mm × 650 mm to effectively discharge high-temperature waste heat. Third, the heat storage material in the combustion chamber is composed of a ceramic block with a thickness of 250 mm, and the outer diameter and height of the combustion chamber are set to, 2530 mm and 1875 mm, respectively, to optimize gas residence time and heat insulation thickness. Fourth, we supplement safe operation by applying the trip control algorithm of the programmable logic controller (PLC) panel for failure prediction of RTO and the Edge-IoT-based intelligent algorithm for this. Finally, we evaluate the economic performance of 100 CMM RTO by conducting empirical experiments to analyze changes in VOCs removal efficiency, nitrogen oxide emission concentration, and total hydrocarbon (THC) concentration through 10 CMM design and implementation. Full article

This paper addresses the critical needs of the aviation industry in advancing towards More Electric Aircraft (MEA) by leveraging power line communication (PLC) technology, which merges data and power transmission to offer substantial reductions in aircraft system weight and cost. We introduce pioneering algorithms for channel division and subchannel allocation within Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based airborne PLC networks, aimed at optimizing network performance in key areas such as throughput, average delay, and fairness. The proposed channel division algorithm dynamically adjusts the count of subchannels to maximize Channel Division Gain (CDG), responding adeptly to fluctuations in network conditions and node density. Concurrently, the subchannel allocation algorithm employs a novel metric, the Subchannel Preference Score (SPS), which factors in both the signal quality and the current occupancy levels of each subchannel to determine their optimal allocation among nodes. This method ensures efficient resource utilization and maintains consistent network performance. Extensive simulations, conducted using the OMNeT++ simulator, have demonstrated that our adaptive algorithms significantly outperform existing methods, providing higher throughput, reduced delays, and improved fairness across the network. These advancements represent a significant leap in MAC protocol design for airborne PLC systems. The outcomes suggest that our algorithms offer a robust and adaptable solution, aligning with the rigorous demands of modern avionics and paving the way for the future integration of MEA technologies. Full article

In the envisioned 6G internet of things (IoT), visible light communication (VLC) has emerged as one promising candidate to mitigate the frequency spectrum crisis. However, when working as the access point, VLC has to be connected with the backbone network via other wire communication solutions. Typically, power line communication (PLC) is viewed as an excellent match to VLC, which is capable of providing both a power supply and backbone network connection. Generally, the integration of PLC and VLC is taken into consideration for the above hybrid system for channel characteristics analysis. However, almost all current works focus on hybrid PLC and VLC, based on a conventional Lambertian optical beam configuration, and fail to address the applications of hybrid PLC and VLC based on distinct optical beam configurations. To address this issue, in this paper, the channel characteristics of hybrid PLC and VLC, based on distinct optical beam configurations, are explored and illustrated. Numerical results show that, for a central position of the receiver, compared with an achievable rate of about 194 Mbps for hybrid PLC and VLC with a baseline Lambertian optical beam configuration, the counterparts of a hybrid channel based on Rebel and NSPW optical beams are about 173.4 Mbps and 222.4 Mbps. Moreover, the effect of azimuth rotation is constructed and estimated for hybrid PLC and VLC, adopting a typical rotating asymmetric beam configuration. Full article

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are indispensable for current and future industrial development, especially in smart factories, smart home technology, automated production lines, and machinery manufacturing. This study presents the trends in PLC software and hardware development through a technology roadmap and offers relevant suggestions to help industries achieve sustainable development, enhance market competitiveness, and provide references for research. Through expert interviews and fuzzy Delphi analysis, this study points out that future PLC development needs to focus on editing interfaces, syntax, Central Processing Units, Memory Units, and Communication Modules. Specific recommendations include visualizing regional/global label settings and connection settings, adding Python, JAVA, LabVIEW, and Scratch syntax, improving instruction execution speed, expanding program and expansion capacities, and adopting dual-channel Ethernet and connections to external networks and wireless networks. Fuzzy hierarchical analysis shows that Communication Modules are the most important component, followed by Central Processing Units and syntax expansion, and, finally, program and expansion capacity enhancements. These suggestions aim to promote product innovation and social environment demand evaluation, enhance product competitiveness, and achieve sustainable development goals. Full article

Gi-coupled receptors, particularly cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), are considered perspective targets for treating brain pathologies, including epilepsy. However, the precise mechanism of the anticonvulsant effect of the CBR agonists remains unknown. We have found that WIN 55,212-2 (a CBR agonist) suppresses the synchronous oscillations of the intracellular concentration of Ca²⁺ ions (epileptiform activity) induced in the neurons of rat hippocampal neuron-glial cultures by bicuculline or NH₄Cl. As we have demonstrated, the WIN 55,212-2 effect is mediated by CB₁R receptors. The agonist suppresses Ca²⁺ inflow mediated by the voltage-gated calcium channels but does not alter the inflow mediated by NMDA, AMPA, and kainate receptors. We have also found that phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), and G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels (GIRK channels) are involved in the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory action of CB₁R activation against epileptiform activity. Thus, our results demonstrate that the antiepileptic action of CB₁R agonists is mediated by different intracellular signaling cascades, including non-canonical PLC/PKC-associated pathways. Full article

The homeostasis of cellular calcium is fundamental for many physiological processes, while the calcium levels remain inhomogeneous within cells. During the onset of asthma, epithelial and inflammatory cells secrete platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), inducing the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle (ASM) to the epidermal layer, narrowing the airway. The regulation of ASM cells by PDGF is closely related to the conduction of calcium signals. In this work, we generated subcellular-targeted FRET biosensors to investigate calcium regulation in the different compartments of ASM cells. A PDGF-induced cytoplasmic calcium [Ca²⁺]_C increase was attributed to both extracellular calcium influx and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium [Ca²⁺]_ER release, which was partially regulated by the PLC-IP₃R pathway. Interestingly, the removal of the extracellular calcium influx led to inhibited ER calcium release, likely through inhibitory effects on the calcium-dependent activation of the ER ryanodine receptor. The inhibition of the L-type calcium channel on the plasma membrane or the SERCA pump on the ER resulted in both reduced [Ca²⁺]_C and [Ca²⁺]_ER from PDGF stimulation, while IP₃R channel inhibition led to reduced [Ca²⁺]_C only. The inhibited SERCA pump caused an immediate [Ca²⁺]_C increase and [Ca²⁺]_ER decrease, indicating active calcium exchange between the cytosol and ER storage in resting cells. PDGF-induced calcium at the outer mitochondrial membrane sub-region showed a similar regulatory response to cytosolic calcium, not influenced by the inhibition of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel. Therefore, our work identifies calcium flow pathways among the extracellular medium, cell cytosol, and ER via regulatory calcium channels. Specifically, extracellular calcium flow has an essential function in fully activating ER calcium release. Full article

The implementation of power line communications (PLC) in smart electricity grids provides us with exciting opportunities for real-time cable monitoring. In particular, effective fault classification and estimation methods employing machine learning (ML) models have been proposed in the recent past. Often, the research works presenting PLC for ML-aided cable diagnostics are based on the study of synthetically generated channel data. In this work, we validate ML-aided diagnostics by integrating measured channels. Specifically, we consider the concatenation of clustering as a data pre-processing procedure and principal component analysis (PCA)-based dimension reduction for cable anomaly detection. Clustering and PCA are trained with measurement data when the PLC network is working under healthy conditions. A possible cable anomaly is then identified from the analysis of the PCA reconstruction error for a test sample. For the numerical evaluation of our scheme, we apply an experimental setup in which we introduce degradations to power cables. Our results show that the proposed anomaly detector is able to identify a cable degradation with high detection accuracy and low false alarm rate. Full article