Search Results (90)

Plant small peptides are critical regulators of various biological processes, including development and stress responses. Polypeptides within the DUF3774 family, known as wound-induced polypeptides (WIPs), have been identified as key players in pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and defense mechanisms in Arabidopsis. In this study, the genome-wide identification of WIP genes in Glycine max was performed, followed by gene structure correction and validation using second-generation and full-length RNA sequencing data. A total of 31 GmWIP genes were identified and validated, mapped to chromosomes Gm06, Gm12, Gm13, and Gm06_scaffold_301. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these genes into five distinct clusters, with tandem duplication emerging as the primary mechanism for their expansion in the soybean genome. qRT-PCR analysis revealed dynamic and significant changes in GmWIP expression during soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infection in a susceptible soybean cultivar. Remarkably, 90% of the GmWIP genes were downregulated at the early stage of SCN infection (1 dpi), and further corroborated by the pGmWIPs::GUS reporter system. These findings suggest that GmWIP genes may act as regulators in the defense responses of susceptible soybean cultivars, providing a foundation for future functional studies. Full article

The electricity landscape is constantly evolving, with intermittent and distributed electricity supply causing increased variability and uncertainty. The growth in electric vehicles, and electrification on the demand side, further intensifies this issue. Managing the increasing volatility and uncertainty is of critical importance to secure and minimize costs for the energy supply. Smart neighborhoods offer a promising solution to locally manage the supply and demand of energy, which can ultimately lead to cost savings while addressing intermittency features. This study assesses the impact of different electric vehicle charging strategies on smart grid energy costs, specifically accounting for battery degradation due to cycle depths, state of charge, and uncertainties in charging demand and electricity prices. Employing a comprehensive evaluation framework, the research assesses the impacts of different charging strategies on operational costs and battery degradation. Multi-stage stochastic programming is applied to account for uncertainties in electricity prices and electric vehicle charging demand. The findings demonstrate that smart charging can significantly reduce expected energy costs, achieving a 10% cost decrease and reducing battery degradation by up to 30%. We observe that the additional cost reductions from allowing Vehicle-to-Grid supply compared to smart charging are small. Using the additional flexibility aggravates degradation, which reduces the total cost benefits. This means that most benefits are obtainable just by optimized the timing of the charging itself. Full article

This paper presents a preliminary proof-of-concept study of a novel approach to 3D millimeter-wave (MMW) imaging, demonstrating the first implementation of Glow Discharge Detectors (GDDs) in this domain. GDDs offer significant advantages over conventional MMW detectors like Schottky diodes or bolometers due to their cost-effectiveness, robustness to high-power MMW signals, and reliable operation under diverse environmental conditions. Based on weakly ionized plasma (WIP) technology, GDDs detect changes in discharge current upon MMW exposure, providing an affordable and durable alternative to traditional MMW imaging systems. The system operates within a subset of the W-band (101–109 GHz), utilizing a customized transmitter (Tx 272 from VDI Technologies), which operates at a frequency range proportional to the VCO supply voltage level. The Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) signal source is split into target and reference paths via a compact waveguide splitter, improving stability and reducing the complexity of the optical setup. Reflected signals are processed by the GDD, which functions as a heterodyne receiver, and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is used to extract range data. A 2D grid scanning mechanism, controlled by step motors, maps the surface of the object, while depth information is derived from FMCW frequency differentials to construct a complete 3D profile. This work demonstrates the potential of GDD-based 3D MMW imaging as a low-cost, efficient solution for security screening and industrial inspection. By addressing challenges in cost, scalability, and performance under high-power MMW signals, this approach represents a significant step forward in making MMW imaging technology more accessible, while highlighting the need for further development to achieve practical implementation. Full article

Growing global concerns over reducing carbon emissions in the electricity market have accelerated the integration of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, increasing variabilities and uncertainties across various nodes of power networks. System planners and operators recognize the importance of probabilistic bulk system reliability assessment methods capable of capturing the real-time behavior of components in the emerging systems. In this regard, the paper proposes a methodology for conducting bulk system reliability assessments of power system networks characterized by variable supply and demand profiles at different bulk power points. This paper implements a nodal negative load modeling method to integrate wind power generation in reliability assessment, capturing the cross-correlation between demand–supply variabilities at any node of the network. The multi-state load model employs the load cut-off strategy to reduce the number of demand scenarios, enhancing the computational efficiency. Moreover, the multi-state wind modeling approach considers the penetration levels, ensuring the impact of increasing penetration is appropriately captured. The methodology determines a list of a reduced set of scenarios for which consequence assessment needs to be conducted. The proposed framework and methods can readily be applied by power utilities, as these methods can be incorporated into most commercial software that uses an analytical approach for CSR assessment. The methodology is illustrated using the Roy Billinton Test System (RBTS) and can be effectively applied to other networks. Full article

Nuclear actin polymerization was reported to control different nuclear processes, but its regulation is poorly understood. Here, we show that N-WASP can trigger the formation of nuclear N-WASP/F-actin nodules. While a cancer hotspot mutant of N-WASP lacking the VCA domain (V418fs) had a dominant negative function on nuclear F-actin, an even shorter truncation mutant found in melanoma (R128*) strongly promoted nuclear actin polymerization. Nuclear localization of N-WASP was not regulated by the cell cycle and increasing nuclear F-actin formation by N-WASP had no obvious influence on replication. However, nuclear N-WASP/F-actin nodules colocalized partially with RNA Pol II clusters. N-WASP-dependent actin polymerization promoted the maturation of RNA Pol II clusters, with the short truncation mutant R128* unexpectedly showing the strongest effect. Nuclear N-WASP nodules including V418fs colocalized with WIP and cortactin. Importantly, cortactin binding was essential but not sufficient for F-actin formation, while WIP binding was required for actin polymerization by R128*. These data reveal a cortactin-dependent role for N-WASP in the regulation of nuclear F-actin and indicate contrasting nuclear effects for N-WASP mutants found in cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) represents a rare B-cell lymphoma subtype with rather high relapse rates. Somatic mutations in the PPM1D gene were shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who received CD19 CAR-T-cell therapy with tisa-cel, which may also apply to mantle cell lymphoma receiving brexu-cel CAR-T-cells. Methods: In this study, we determined the prevalence of PPM1D mutations in peripheral blood cells of MCL patients before CAR-T-cell infusion and analyzed the impact of low-frequency PPM1D mutations on efficacy and safety aspects of brexu-cel CAR-T-cell treatment in the first 16 r/r MCL patients enrolled at Inselspital Bern. Results: The prevalence of low-frequency PPM1D gene mutations was 25%, with variant allele frequencies (VAF) of 0.011 to 0.099. Clinical response was analyzed in the PPM1D mutated (PPM1Dmut) vs. PPM1D wild-type (PPM1Dwt) groups with median progression-free survival of 1 versus 32 months (p = 0.07) and median overall survival of 1.5 vs. 27 months (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggest that low-frequency PPM1D gene mutations in peripheral blood cells may predict inferior outcomes in patients with mantle cell lymphoma treated with CAR-T-cell therapy. Full article

Rubus idaeus is one of the primary cultivated species of raspberries, renowned for its appealing color, distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits. WIP proteins, which contain three conserved amino acids (W: Tryptophan, I: Isoleucine, P: Proline) and four zinc finger motifs in a highly conserved C-terminal region, are members of the A1d subgroup of C2H2 zinc finger proteins. Drought is one of the main limiting factors of plant growth and development, which restricts the cultivation and utilization of raspberry in northwest China. In this study, to obtain candidate genes for drought resistance, we identified key related genes, RiWIPs, from R. idaeus and analyzed their bioinformation and tissue stress response expression to drought. We found that there are three RiWIPs in R. idaeus and they are located on chromosomes 3, 4 and 6 of R. idaeus, respectively. The open reading frames (ORFs) of the RiWIPs ranged from 870 to 1056 bp in length, encoding 289 to 372 amino acid residues. The proteins were highly conserved and feature diverse conserved motifs. The promoters of the RiWIPs contained abundant cis-elements related to growth, development and stress response. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that the RiWIPs were expressed in the leaves, stems and roots of both drought-susceptible and drought-tolerant cultivars, except for RiWIP2, which was only expressed in the roots of the drought-tolerant one. Under drought stress, the transcriptional activity of the RiWIPs was increased to different degrees with specificity in the leaves, stems and roots. Our study demonstrated the role of WIP genes in raspberry drought response and provided a marker gene, RiWIP2, for drought resistance and candidate genes for subsequent drought-resistant breeding of R. idaeus. Full article

This review paper focuses on the application of neural networks in semiconductor packaging, particularly examining how the Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) model predicts the work-in-process (WIP) arrival rates at various stages of semiconductor packaging processes. Our study demonstrates that BPNN models effectively forecast WIP quantities at each processing step, aiding production planners in optimizing machine allocation and thus reducing product manufacturing cycles. This paper further explores the potential applications of neural networks in enhancing production efficiency, forecasting capabilities, and process optimization within the semiconductor industry. We discuss the integration of real-time data from manufacturing systems with neural network models to enable more accurate and dynamic production planning. Looking ahead, this paper outlines prospective advancements in neural network applications for semiconductor packaging, emphasizing their role in addressing the challenges of rapidly changing market demands and technological innovations. This review not only underscores the practical implementations of neural networks but also highlights future directions for leveraging these technologies to maintain competitiveness in the fast-evolving semiconductor industry. Full article

Multiple myeloma (MM) first-line treatment algorithms include immuno-chemotherapy (ICT) induction, high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) consolidation, followed by lenalidomide maintenance. After these initial therapies, most patients suffer a disease relapse and require subsequent treatment lines including ICT, additional HDCT and ASCT, or novel immunotherapies. The presence of somatic mutations in peripheral blood cells has been associated with adverse outcomes in a variety of hematological malignancies. Nonsense and frameshift mutations in the PPM1D gene, a frequent driver alteration in clonal hematopoiesis (CH), lead to the gain-of-function of Wip1 phosphatase, which may impair the p53-dependent G1 checkpoint and promote cell proliferation. Here, we determined the presence of PPM1D gene mutations in peripheral blood cells of 75 subsequent myeloma patients in remission after first or second HDCT/ASCT. The prevalence of truncating PPM1D gene mutations emerged at 1.3% after first HDCT/ASCT, and 7.3% after second HDCT/ASCT, with variant allele frequencies (VAF) of 0.01 to 0.05. Clinical outcomes were inferior in the PPM1D-mutated (PPM1Dmut) subset with median progression-free survival (PFS) of 15 vs. 37 months (p = 0.0002) and median overall survival (OS) of 36 vs. 156 months (p = 0.001) for the PPM1Dmut and PPM1Dwt population, respectively. Our data suggest that the occurrence of PPM1D gene mutations in peripheral blood cells correlates with inferior outcomes after ASCT in patients with multiple myeloma. Full article

In the quest for a sustainable future, energy-intensive industries (EIIs) stand at the forefront of Europe’s decarbonisation mission. Despite their significant emissions footprint, the path to comprehensive decarbonisation remains elusive at EU and national levels. This study scrutinises key sectors such as non-ferrous metals, steel, cement, lime, chemicals, fertilisers, ceramics, and glass. It maps out their current environmental impact and potential for mitigation through innovative strategies. The analysis spans across Spain, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands, highlighting sector-specific ecosystems and the technological breakthroughs shaping them. It addresses the urgency for the industry-wide adoption of electrification, the utilisation of green hydrogen, biomass, bio-based or synthetic fuels, and the deployment of carbon capture utilisation and storage to ensure a smooth transition. Investment decisions in EIIs will depend on predictable economic and regulatory landscapes. This analysis discusses the risks associated with continued investment in high-emission technologies, which may lead to premature decommissioning and significant economic repercussions. It presents a dichotomy: invest in climate-neutral technologies now or face the closure and offshoring of operations later, with consequences for employment. This open discussion concludes that while the technology for near-complete climate neutrality in EIIs exists and is rapidly advancing, the higher costs compared to conventional methods pose a significant barrier. Without the ability to pass these costs to consumers, the adoption of such technologies is stifled. Therefore, it calls for decisive political commitment to support the industry’s transition, ensuring a greener, more resilient future for Europe’s industrial backbone. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) is used in many fields, including entertainment, education, training, and healthcare, because it allows users to experience challenging and dangerous situations that may be impossible in real life. Advances in head-mounted display technology have enhanced visual immersion, offering content that closely resembles reality. However, several factors can reduce VR immersion, particularly issues with the interactions in the virtual world, such as locomotion. Additionally, the development of locomotion technology is occurring at a moderate pace. Continuous research is being conducted using hardware such as treadmills, and motion tracking using depth cameras, but they are costly and space-intensive. This paper presents a walk-in-place (WIP) algorithm that uses Mocopi, a low-cost motion-capture device, to track user movements in real time. Additionally, its feasibility for VR applications was evaluated by comparing its performance with that of a treadmill using the absolute trajectory error metric and survey data collected from human participants. The proposed WIP algorithm with low-cost Mocopi exhibited performance similar to that of the high-cost treadmill, with significantly positive results for spatial awareness. This study is expected to contribute to solving the issue of spatial constraints when experiencing infinite virtual spaces. Full article

There are some important advantages presented by metal specimens coated with WIP-C1 (Ni/CrC)-type materials. However, given the coating methods and the stress under dynamic loads, there are issues that need to be taken into account, particularly in terms of the behavior at the interface between the two materials. Using standardized cylindrical 1018 steel specimens uniformly coated with WIP-C1 (Ni/CrC) by cold spraying, this study investigated the fatigue behavior of the specimen as a whole, focusing on the interface areas of the two materials. The fatigue life diagram is given, to a large extent, by the behavior of the base material. As a result, in this work, we have focused not so much on the fatigue behavior of the assembly as on the integrity of the coating material and the defects, failures, etc., that may occur at the interface after a certain number of cycles. The applied load was cyclic fatigue through alternating–symmetric cycles. Scanning optical microscopy was used to observe plastic deformations and crack propagation during the breakage process. It was found that both the base material zone and the cover material zone presented good performance when the maximum stresses were at low values. A fatigue durability curve was also plotted, showing a conventional appearance for a metallic material, slightly influenced by the destruction of the base material interface. At higher maximum stress and, consequently, to large strains, a series of destructions at the interface of the two materials, of different types, were observed and will be highlighted in the paper. Full article

As one of the most salt-tolerant grasses, characterizing salt-tolerance genes of Zoysia matrella [L.] Merr. not only broaden the theoretical information of salt tolerance, but also provide new salt-resistant genetic resources for crop breeding. The salt-inducible protein disulfide isomerase (ZmPDI) of Zoysia matrella [L.] Merr. was proved to enhance salt tolerance in homologous overexpression transgenic plants. In order to evaluate its potential application in crops, we conducted the salt tolerance evaluation in heterologous overexpression transgenic rice (OX-ZmPDI), Wild-type (WT) rice, and LOC_Os11g09280 (OsPDI, homologous gene of ZmPDI in rice) knock-out rice generated by CRISPR-Cas9 system (CR-OsPDI). Our findings revealed that OX-ZmPDI rice was higher and exhibited longer main root length, more proline (Pro) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and higher peroxidase (POD) activity than WT control after salt treatment, while CR-OsPDI resulted in contrary phenotypes. These results indicated that ZmPDI can significantly enhance the salt tolerance in rice, whereas loss-of-function of OsPDI reduces the salt tolerance. To further investigate these differences at the molecular level, we collected roots from OX-ZmPDI transgenic, CR-OsPDI transgenic, and wild-type (WT) plants at 0 and 24 h after salt treatment for RNA-seq and data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteome sequencing. Combined analysis of the transcriptome and proteome revealed that ZmPDI has the potential to enhance the salt tolerance of rice by modulating the expression of laccase-6, zingipain-2, WIP3, FKBP65, AKR4C10, GBSSII, Pho1, and TRXf1. Those results provided new information for the molecular regulation mechanism by which ZmPDI improves salt tolerance, and prove the potential of ZmPDI for application in crop breeding. Full article

This article delves into sensitivity analysis within simulation models of real systems, focusing on the impact of variability in independent input factors (x) on dependent system outputs (y). It discusses linear and nonlinear regression to analyse and represent relationships between input factors and system responses. This study encompasses three sensitivity analysis areas: factor screening, local sensitivity analysis, and global sensitivity analysis, highlighting their roles in understanding the significance of factors in simulation models. The practical application of sensitivity analysis becomes clear through a case study in a manufacturing system. The case study utilises the Simio simulation system to investigate the impact of input factors on production lead time and work in process (WIP). The analysis uses regression to quantify the impact of seven factors, showcasing the most significant ones with tornado charts and emphasising the application of sensitivity analysis to optimise system responses. Full article

Additively manufactured fibre-reinforced polymers are gaining traction. After the development and optimisation of a novel fibre-deposition system in a laser sintering (LS) setup, polyamide 12 specimens were produced with and without glass fibres. In this study, the relation between the crystallinity, porosity, and mechanical properties of LS specimens with and without fibres is investigated. After testing as-built LS specimens, a detrimental effect of the fibres on the specimens’ performance was observed with a decrease in UTS of 6%. The degree of crystallinity remained the same; however, a porosity content of 2.6% was observed in specimens with fibres. These pores can have a negative influence on the bonding between the fibres and the matrix. To investigate the influence of the pores, warm isostatic pressing (WIP) was performed on LS specimens with and without fibres. The WIP process shows a positive influence on the specimens without fibres, resulting in an increase in UTS of 8.5%. The influence of the WIP process on specimens with fibres, however, is much less pronounced, with an increase in UTS of only 2%. Neither the crystallinity nor the porosity are the cause of the less-than-expected increase in UTS in LS specimens with fibres. A number of hypotheses and mitigation strategies are provided. Full article