Cell System Research Articles

Enhanced solid-electrolyte interface efficiency for practically viable hydrogen-air fuel cell systems

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) provide an appealing sustainable energy system, with the solid-electrolyte membrane playing a crucial role in its overall performance. Currently, sulfonated poly(1,4-phenylene ether-ether sulfone) (SPEES), an aromatic hydrocarbon polymer, has garnered considerable attention as an alternative to Nafion polymers. However, the long-term durability and stability of SPEES present a significant challenge. In this context, we introduce a potential solution in the form of an additive, specifically a core–shell-based amine-functionalized iron titanate (A–Fe2TiO5), which holds promise for improving the lifetime, proton conductivity, and power density of SPEES in PEMFCs. The modified SPEES/A–Fe2TiO5 composite membranes exhibited notable characteristics, including high water uptake, enhanced thermomechanical stability, and oxidative stability. Notably, the SPEES membrane loaded with 1.2 wt% of A–Fe2TiO5 demonstrates a maximum proton conductivity of 155 mS cm−1, a twofold increase compared to the SPEES membrane, at 80 °C under 100% relative humidity (RH). Furthermore, the 1.2 wt% of A–Fe2TiO5/SPEES composite membranes exhibited a maximum power density of 397.37 mW cm−2 and a current density of 1148 mA cm−2 at 60 °C under 100% RH, with an open-circuit voltage decay of 0.05 mV/h during 103 h of continuous operation. This study offers significant insights into the development and understanding of innovative SPEES nanocomposite membranes for PEMFC applications.

Modeling and experimental research on adjustable ejector in fuel cell gas circulation system

Fuel cells can be made to operate under a variety of conditions by implementing adjustable ejectors in their anode gas circulation systems. Based on a quasi-two-dimensional model and considering factors such as friction and variable area effects, a theoretical model of ejectors with needles was established to predict their primary and secondary flow rates. Theoretical calculations were used to analyze the variations in internal parameters and flow losses along the ejector, explain the reasons and laws behind the effect of needle position on ejector performance, and explore the control mechanism of different needle shapes on ejector flow rates. Finally, flow control experiments were conducted on three types of adjustable needle shapes–oblique straight, quadratic, and parabolic–to validate the precision of the adjustable ejector theoretical model and the controls of different shapes on the ejector flow rates. The research indicates that the relative errors of the quasi-two-dimensional model in predicting primary and secondary flow rates are within ± 5 % and + 20 % to −5%, respectively. Both the primary and secondary flow rates were impacted by the needle position variation, though the impact on the secondary flow was weaker. The parabolic shape was optimal for the linear control of primary flow rates, followed by the oblique straight shape. The quadratic shape was the weakest, although the quadratic-shaped needle had a wider range of flow rate control. Modeling and experimental research on the adjustable ejector contributes to understanding the influence of the needle on the ejector performance under different working conditions, broadening the application range of the ejector, and providing a basis for flow control in the fuel cell system

LP-52 In vitro percutaneous absorption of dehydroacetic acid and benzoic acid, preservative cosmetic ingredients, from mini-pig skin using the Franz diffusion cell system

LP-52 In vitro percutaneous absorption of dehydroacetic acid and benzoic acid, preservative cosmetic ingredients, from mini-pig skin using the Franz diffusion cell system

Investigation on the radiative characteristics of ZnO-SiO2 nanofluids in spectral splitting photovoltaic/thermal systems

The application of nanofluid spectral splitting technology in photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems has attracted more attention. In this study, zinc oxide and silica nanoparticles were selected to prepare ZnO-SiO2-H2O mixed nanofluids with different concentrations to investigate the radiative characteristics and their effect on PV/T system. An experimental system was established to measure nanofluids transmission properties in 0.36–2.5 μm, and the radiation characteristics were further analyzed using Mie scattering theoretical model. Besides, thermodynamic model was established to investigate the influence of mixed nanofluids on PV/T system performance. Results indicate that Mie theory can predict the radiative properties of mixed nanofluids well. The ZnO-SiO2-H2O nanofluids have better filtering performance than that of ZnO-H2O nanofluids under same particle concentration. When the mass ratio of ZnO/SiO2 is 0.01 %/0.05 %, the filtering efficiency of the nanofluid achieves 46.18 %. Increasing the concentration of SiO2 can regulate the transmittance of the ZnO-SiO2-H2O nanofluids and improve the PV/T system efficiency by 5 %. Based on ZnO nanofluids, the addition of SiO2 further optimizes PV/T system performance, increasing the system merit function (MF) value The nanofluid spectral splitting PV/T system for Si cells with a ZnO/SiO2 mass ratio of 0.003 %/0.056 % can reach a MF value of 1.342.

Multilayered photo-bioanode for simultaneous conversion of CO2 and industrial refractory organics into bioelectricity in a microbial fuel cell system

CO2 and toxic wastewater were converted into bioelectricity through photo-bioanode in a microbial fuel cell (MFCs). Photo-bioanode provided multifunctional regions due to four distinct layers: the first layer integrates a Fe-doped graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst. In contrast, the second layer contains refractory organics (RO) degrading microbes. Sequentially, the third layer consists of CO2-consuming bacteria and the fourth layer accommodates exoelectrogens. The first layer not only generated plentiful electrons upon illumination but also quenched electrons from the inner layers, facilitating the degradation of RO. The second layer transformed RO into ions (NH4, NO3/NO2) and C6H12O6, sequentially transported into the third and fourth layers. Within the third layer, CO2-consuming bacteria utilized CO2 leaked from the exoelectrogenic layer, effectively curbing its accumulation in the fourth layer. Here, exoelectrogens employed ions and C6H12O6 as their energy source, producing an electricity output 1.4 times greater than the benchmark. This synergistic performance yielded a voltage of 2.5 V, a current of 2.8A, and a power yield of 1.98 W/organic loading rate (OLR). Thus, the unique layered structure of the photo-bioanode facilitated the self-development of distinct microbial communities, thereby formulating a multifunctional and highly dynamic system with zero-liquid discharge.

Cloning and expression of UbiA human gene using innovative methodologies for recombinant protein production in PUAST vector

Introduction: A systematic library of Gal4/UAS-regulated transgenes has proven to be a powerful genetic system for identifying genes and defining pathways in development. This system offers valuable insights that highlight the evolutionary conservation between animals and humans. Objectives: The objective of this study was to clone, express, and characterize the UbiA gene. The research presents a highly effective method for cloning genes, using the UbiA-pcDNA3 gene as a model for mammalian cloning. These genes were then integrated into the PUAST vector of Drosophila, an expression vector and eukaryotic cell system commonly used for producing recombinant proteins. Materials and Methods: UbiA was isolated from human cells, and complementary DNA was synthesized. An oligonucleotide primer pair was designed based on the UbiA gene sequence, incorporating XhoI and Xbal restriction sites at the 5´ end of the forward and reverse primers, respectively. The UbiA gene was then amplified by PCR, cloned into the pcDNA3 plasmid, and the resulting recombinant plasmid was sequenced. Subsequently, the gene was sub cloned into the PUAST vector and expressed in S2 cells as a eukaryotic cell system. Protein determination and verification were conducted through western blotting techniques. Results: Confirmation of UbiA gene cloning into the PUAST vector was achieved through colony-PCR and digestion by enzymes. Cloning and sub cloning techniques validated by enzymatic digestion, along with gene sequencing. The identity between cloned UbiA gene and the identical gene exhibited 99%. We revealed a singular band purified protein through western blotting with 60 kDa size. Conclusion: More protein synthesis of the UbiA gene can be achieved by using the eukaryotic expression system provided by the PUAST vector. This technique has been proven to be a suitable platform and can be instrumental in various applications such as therapeutics, pharmacology, and vaccine development.

Hepatitis B virus X protein differentially regulates the angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through p53-VEGF axis according to glucose levels

Introduction and ObjectivesBlood glucose fluctuates severely in the diabetes (DM) and tumor microenvironment. Our previous works have found Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) differentially regulated metastasis and apoptosis of hepatoma cells depending on glucose concentration. We here aimed to explore whether HBx played dual roles in the angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma varying on different glucose levels. Materials and MethodsWe collected conditioned medium from HBx-overexpressing cells cultured with two solubilities of glucose, and then applied to EA.hy926 cells. Alternatively, a co-culture cell system was established with hepatoma cells and EA.hy926 cells. We analyzed the angiogenesis of EA.hy926 cells with CCK8, wound-healing, transwell-migartion and tube formation experiment. ELISA was conducted to detect the secretion levels of angiogenesis-related factors. siRNAs were used to detect the P53-VEGF axis. ResultsHBx expressed in hepatoma cells suppressed VEGF secretion, and subsequently inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of EA.hy926 cells in a high glucose condition, while attenuating these in the lower glucose condition. Furthermore, the p53-VEGF axis was required for the dual role of HBx in angiogenesis. Additionally, HBx mainly regulated the nuclear p53. ConclusionsThese data suggest that the dual roles of HBx confer hepatoma cells to remain in a glucose-rich environment and escape from the glucose-low milieu through tumor vessels, promoting liver tumor progression overall. We exclusively revealed the dual role of HBx on the angiogenesis of liver tumors, which may shed new light on the mechanism and management strategy of HBV- and DM-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Oxygen-sensor-based 2-DOF PI air-flow controller of fuel cell system

Oxygen starvation may occur when oxygen is not replenished quickly after a sudden increase of load in fuel-cell-powered vehicles, leading to permanent damage to the fuel cell membrane. To avoid this phenomenon, the oxygen excess ratio (OER) is usually estimated through observers as it cannot be measured directly. Since observers may suffer from model mismatches that lead to inaccurate OER estimation, a possible modification to the fuel cell system is proposed in this work by including an oxygen flow sensor at its exhaust. Yet the response of this sensor is slow, and to compensate for the slow response of the sensor, a novel two-degree-of-freedom PI controller and a state observer are designed to provide a robust, accurate, and quick estimation and control of the OER.

Towards maximum efficiency of an open-cathode PEM fuel cell system: A comparative experimental demonstration

Despite its high energy density and zero-carbon emissions, the path to large commercialization for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems faces challenges related to cost reduction, efficiency enhancement, and durability improvement. One key strategy to address these hurdles is the development of reliable control algorithms that ensure operation at the Maximum Efficiency Point (MEP) of PEMFC systems. This optimization is essential for achieving high efficiency, a crucial factor for PEMFC technology commercial viability. This work explores the experimental design, implementation, and evaluation of Maximum Efficiency Point Tracking (MEPT) control algorithms for a PEMFC system. The investigated methods span across five distinct categories: conventional, data-driven, metaheuristics, online model identification, and filter-based approaches. To assess these methods, a real-time small-scale PEMFC system test bench was built. The setup consists of 200 W open-cathode PEMFC, industrial step-up DC–DC converter, programmable load and a cost-effective measurement and monitoring unit. Merits and demerits of each method are then discussed based on different performance metrics such as tracking speed, hydrogen consumption and power stress. Comparative analysis of the results reveals that, while all the algorithms achieved a maximum electrical efficiency of about 48%, data-driven methods exhibited a superior trade-off between performance metrics. This ultimately leads to improved PEMFC durability.

Copper Toxicity in Acidic Phytoplankton: Impacts of Labile Cu Trafficking and Causes of Mitochondria Dysfunction.

Most studies on Cu toxicity relied on indirect physicochemical parameters to predict Cu toxicity resulting from adverse impacts. This study presents a systematic and intuitive picture of Cu toxicity induced by exogenous acidification in phytoplankton Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We first showed that acidification reduced the algal resistance to environmental Cu stress with a decreased growth rate and increased Cu bioaccumulation. To further investigate this phenomenon, we employed specific fluorescent probes to visualize the intracellular labile Cu pools in different algal cells. Our findings indicated that acidification disrupted the intracellular labile Cu trafficking, leading to a significant increase in labile Cu(I) pools. At the molecular level, Cu toxicity resulted in the inhibition of the Cu(I) import system and activation of the Cu(I) export system in acidic algal cells, likely a response to the imbalance in intracellular labile Cu trafficking. Subcellular analysis revealed that Cu toxicity induced extensive mitochondrial dysfunction and impacted the biogenesis and assembly of the respiratory chain complex in acidic algal cells. Concurrently, we proposed that the activation of polyP synthesis could potentially regulate disrupted intracellular labile Cu trafficking. Our study offers an intuitive, multilevel perspective on the origins and impacts of Cu toxicity in living organisms, providing valuable insights on metal toxicity.

Electricity and hydrogen fuel generation based on wind, solar energies and alkaline fuel cell: A hybrid IWGAN–AVOA approach

Addressing the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, this paper proposes a novel hybrid energy system integrating wind, alkaline fuel cells and solar energies. This paper introduces a pioneering hybrid energy system designed to produce electricity and hydrogen fuel through the integration of wind, solar energies, and an alkaline fuel cell. The proposed approach, coined as IWGAN–AVOA technique, synergizes the improved Wasserstein generative adversarial network (IWGAN) and the African vultures optimization algorithm (AVOA). The primary aim is to delineate a distinctive energy cycle reliant on renewable sources, featuring a Stirling engine, electrolyzer, alkaline fuel cell, wind turbine, and solar photovoltaic system, with the objective of generating hydrogen fuel and energy. The AVOA enhances fuel cell capabilities, simulates optimal system component sizes, and rectifies erroneous configurations based on geographical specifics. By validating the efficacy of IWGAN, the study achieves optimal configurations for device capacities and enhances power flow efficiency. Comparative analyses reveals that the IWGAN–AVOA approach surpasses existing techniques, like particle swarm optimization (PSO), wild horse optimizer (WHO), and heap based optimizer (HBO), with a remarkable efficiency rate of 98%, outperforming current methods. The last figure illustrates the effectiveness comparison, showcasing efficiencies of 62%, 79%, and 85% for HBO, PSO, and WHO, respectively, against the superior 98% efficiency achieved by the IWGAN–AVOA approach, affirming its superiority in energy system optimization.

Renewable fuel-powered micro-gas turbine and hydrogen fuel cell systems: Exploring scenarios of technology, control, and operation

Two technology options, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and a recuperated micro-gas turbine (MGT) consisting of equipment with variable efficiencies and a controllable bypass valve, are modeled numerically. The validated simulations are studied under multiple scenarios, including technology, control, and operation. Under the technology scenario, the PEM fuel cell depicts higher net heat energy (1390.5 kW) with an overall efficiency of 93.27 %, significantly reducing thermal dissipation compared to the MGT, which has a low heat-to-power ratio (0.69) with the same hydrogen combustion rate (0.018 kg s−1). Following the fuel scenario, at 40 %-part load and 100 % bypass valve position, the highest net power (137.08 kW) and heat generation (635.07 kW) are achieved when 0.009 kg s−1 of hydrogen is combusted in MGT, exceeding other fuel utilization. In addition, the heating control strategy determines the availability status of the proposed technologies. The observed operational trends indicate effective fulfillment of urban heating needs by hydrogen combustion during Winter and Fall. However, the utilization of biogas leads to significant functional limitations. Finally, the operating function of the PEM fuel cell under off-design conditions is evaluated, resulting in notable enhancements in energy outputs and hydrogen consumption when considering the combination of control parameters compared to their individual evaluations.

Correlation between Photoluminescence Features and Enhanced Performance in Formamidinium Lead Triiodide Quantum Dot Solar Cells by Replacement of Octadecene

In this study, an innovative approach is developed for fabricating formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) quantum dots (QDs) by substitution of octadecene (ODE). The results showcase the formation of superior‐quality FAPbI3 QD films, boasting enhanced photoluminescence (PL) and transport properties. Specifically, ODE has been replaced with octene (OCE), a shorter linear alpha olefin. Comparisons are drawn between the novel synthesis method and the conventional ODE‐based QD films, scrutinizing their optical properties and applicability in QD solar cells. The outcomes highlight distinctions in temperature‐dependent PL emission characteristics, revealing an unprecedented absolute PL QY of up to 84%, a notable improvement from the 70% achieved with ODE, along with enhanced transport properties. Furthermore, the performance of both systems in QD solar cells is evaluated for two values of layer thickness, 100 and 200 nm, to investigate the transport properties at the device level. The results exhibit a remarkable improvement from 200% to 150% in average power conversion efficiency (PCE) and consistently higher values for open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current density for the OCE‐based solar cell compared to an ODE‐based counterpart for both thickness values, reaching a striking 6.7% PCE for the best‐performing device despite the nonideal conditions.

Piezo channels modulate human lung fibroblast function.

Bronchial airways and lung parenchyma undergo both static and dynamic stretch in response to normal breathing as well as in the context of insults such as mechanical ventilation (MV) or in diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which lead to airway remodeling involving increased extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Here, the role of fibroblasts is critical, but the relationship between stretch- and fibroblast-induced ECM remodeling under these conditions is not well-explored. Piezo (PZ) channels play a role in mechanotransduction in many cell and organ systems, but their role in mechanical stretch-induced airway remodeling is not known. To explore this, we exposed human lung fibroblasts to 10% static stretch on a background of 5% oscillations for 48 h, with no static stretch considered controls. Collagen I, fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Piezo 1 (PZ1) expression was determined in the presence or absence of Yoda1 (PZ1 agonist) or GsMTx4 (PZ1 inhibitor). Collagen I, fibronectin, and α-SMA expression was increased by stretch and Yoda1, whereas pretreatment with GsMTx4 or knockdown of PZ1 by siRNA blunted this effect. Acute stretch in the presence and absence of Yoda1 demonstrated activation of the ERK pathway but not Smad. Measurement of [Ca2+]i responses to histamine showed significantly greater responses following stretch, effects that were blunted by knockdown of PZ1. Our findings identify an essential role for PZ1 in mechanical stretch-induced production of ECM mediated by ERK phosphorylation and Ca2+ influx in lung fibroblasts. Targeting PZ channels in fibroblasts may constitute a novel approach to ameliorate airway remodeling by decreasing ECM deposition.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The lung is an inherently mechanosensitive organ that can respond to mechanical forces in adaptive or maladaptive ways, including via remodeling resulting in increased fibrosis. We explored the mechanisms that link mechanical forces to remodeling using human lung fibroblasts. We found that mechanosensitive Piezo channels increase with stretch and mediate extracellular matrix formation and the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition that occurs with stretch. Our data highlight the importance of Piezo channels in lung mechanotransduction toward remodeling.

Technical, economic and environmental assessment and optimization of four hybrid renewable energy models for rural electrification

This work investigates the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of four solar – wind off grid hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) models to provide electrification for Okorobo-Ile town in Andoni Local Government Area of River State, Nigeria using the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables (HOMER) software. In particular, investigation of the possible inclusion of a fuel cell (FC) system is performed. The four considered models are: pv/wind/battery (PWB); pv/wind/battery/gen-set (PWBG), pv/wind/fuel-cell (PWF) and pv/wind/battery/fuel-cell (PWBF). The best cost-effective configuration among the set of systems were examined for the electricity requirement of 677.75 kWh/day primary load with 99.1 kW peak load. Results obtained showed that the net present cost (NPC) are $615,664.95, $679,348.17, $778,834.22 and $3,534,850.54 respectively for the PWB, PWBG, PWBF and PWF. The cost of energy (COE) was lowest for the PWB with a value of $$0.158 and highest for the PWF with a value of $0.964. The renewable options—PWBF and PWF have higher long-term costs but offer cleaner emissions. In contrast, options with the Diesel-Powered Generator is cost-effective but has a high environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. These emissions include 3,758 kg/yr CO2, 23.7 kg/yr CO and a total of 32.67 kg/yr of unburned hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Based on the results, a stand - alone HRES that consist of 166 kW PV panels, 3 wind turbines 29 batteries and 123 kW converter is found to be the best configuration for the village, as it leads to minimum net present cost (NPC) and COE. The PWB system offers the best choice for the community by balancing financial considerations with sustainability which is crucial when making energy system choices. Results also show that while hydrogen, FC system and the electrolyzer can be used together with or without batteries, inclusion of the FC system resulted in the high NPC due to their high cost of investment.

ST2 + T-Regulatory Cells in Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis after Ischemic Kidney Injury.

Inflammation is a major cause of kidney injury. The Interleukin (IL)-1 family cytokine IL-33 is released from damaged cells and modulates the immune response through its receptor ST2 expressed on many cell types, including regulatory T-cells (Tregs). While a proinflammatory role of IL-33 has been proposed, exogenous IL-33 expanded Tregs and suppressed renal inflammation. However, the contribution of endogenous IL-33/ST2 for the role of Tregs in the resolution of kidney injury has not been investigated. We used murine renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and kidney organoids to delineate the role of the ST2 and amphiregulin (AREG) specifically in Treg cells using targeted deletion. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on flow-sorted Tregs from spleen and CD4 T-cells from post-ischemic kidneys respectively. The protective role of ST2-sufficient Tregs was analyzed using a novel co-culture system of syngeneic kidney organoids and Treg cells under hypoxic conditions. Bulk RNA-sequencing of splenic and single-cell-RNA-sequencing of kidney T-cells showed that ST2+ Tregs are enriched for genes related to Treg proliferation and function. Genes for reparative factors such as AREG were also enriched in ST2+ Tregs. Treg-specific deletion of ST2 or AREG exacerbated kidney injury and fibrosis in the unilateral ischemia reperfusion injury model. In co-culture studies, WT but not ST2-deficient Tregs preserved the hypoxia-induced loss of kidney-organoid viability, which was restored by AREG supplementation. Our study identified the role of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in Tregs for resolution of kidney injury. The transcriptome of ST2+ Tregs was enriched for reparative factors including AREG. Lack of ST2 or AREG in Tregs worsened kidney injury. Tregs protected kidney organoids from hypoxia in ST2 and AREG-dependent manner. Thus Treg-based approaches could be of benefit for resolution of renal injury.

Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 2 (Cox4i2) promotes hypoxia-induced reduction of the electron transport system in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 2 (Cox4i2) promotes hypoxia-induced reduction of the electron transport system in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Maternal Soluble Programmed Death Ligand-1 (sPD-L1) and T-regulatory Cells (Tregs) Alteration in Preeclampsia: A Cross-Sectional Study From Eastern India.

Background Studies have shown that aberrant reactions of the immune system play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The immune checkpoint molecules programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) system and the T-regulatory cells (Tregs) system are decisive in the regulation of immune responses and can be the target molecules in preeclampsia. In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) in the serum of preeclampsia cases and correlate it with Tregs and inflammatory markers to have an insight into the link between these immunomodulatory molecules in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Materials and methods Ten normal fertile women, 20 trimester-matched normal pregnancy cases, and 20 preeclampsia cases were enrolled in the study. Serum sPD-L1, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was estimated using a clinical biochemistry autoanalyzer. Tregs were evaluated using flow cytometry. Results and discussion The immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 inversely correlated with Tregs in preeclampsia cases. Associated inflammation was seen by raised IL-6 and hsCRP. The breakdown of immunological tolerance is mainly caused by the dysregulating the Tregs/Th17 balance, which leads to conditions of autoimmunity and chronic inflammatory disorders. PD-L1 can be the link between this immunological misbalance. Conclusion Our study, showing an increase in sPD-L1 and TGF and a decrease in Tregs with an increase in inflammatory markers like IL-6 and hsCRP levels in preeclampsia, has potential implications for early diagnosis and management of the condition. PD-L1 and Tregs can be target molecules for early management of preeclampsia.

A High-Speed, High-Temperature, Micro-Cantilever Steam Turbine for Hot Syngas Compression in Small-Scale Combined Heat and Power

Abstract Coupling a biomass gasifier with a solid oxide fuel cell system through a high-temperature syngas compressor holds great promise to achieve low-emission, small-scale combined heat and power, since it reduces the number of heat exchangers and increases the system efficiency. However, due to the demanding operating conditions (high temperatures, toxic and explosive gases), electrical motors are not suitable to drive the syngas compressor. Therefore, a high-speed, small-scale cantilever steam turbine that can valorize the system?s waste heat to power the compression is designed and developed. An iterative process involving preliminary design, meanline analysis, commercial tools, and in-house codes is used for the design. The design is then numerically analyzed using computational fluid dynamics. The 2.8 kW cantilever steam turbine with a tip diameter of 21 mm runs up to 210 krpm at temperatures of 525°C while being supported on dynamic steam-lubricated bearings. A low-reaction, full-admission design has been chosen to lower the steam consumption, the axial forces, and the turbine backface leakage. The turbine rotor is made of Ti6Al4V and coated for structural integrity and to withstand high temperatures. Despite the small scale of this design, the results obtained from the established correlations based on large-scale turbines yield a remarkable concordance with the results from the numerical analysis, in particular for the isentropic expansion efficiency prediction.

Lectin-Based Fluorescent Comparison of Glycan Profile-FDA Validation to Expedite Approval of Biosimilars.

Glycan profile comparisons are one of the most tedious analytical exercises for establishing compliance with recombinant therapeutic protein batches. Based on its intensive research, the FDA has confirmed that lectin array binding with fluorescent monitoring is the fastest and most reliable method for profile comparisons. Using a database of over 150 biological products expressed in nine diverse mammalian cell systems, the FDA immobilized 74 lectins to study their binding using fluorescently labeled glycoproteins. The FDA identified nine distinct lectins from a custom-designed lectin microarray: rPhoSL, rOTH3, RCA120, rMan2, MAL_I, rPSL1a, PHAE, rMOA, and PHALs, which detect core fucose, terminal GlcNAc, terminal β-galactose, high mannose, α-2,3-linked sialic acids, α-2,6-linked sialic acids, bisecting GlcNAc, terminal α-galactose, and triantennary structures, respectively. This method can be used for screening and routine testing and to monitor batch-to-batch variability of therapeutic proteins, including establishing analytical similarity as a crucial part of biosimilar development.