1. Energy metabolism in IDH1 wild-type and IDH1-mutated glioblastoma stem cells : a novel target for therapy?Cornelis J. F. van Noorden, Vashendriya V. V. Hira, Amber J. van Dijck, Metka Novak, Barbara Breznik, Remco J. Molenaar, 2021, review article Abstract: Cancer is a redox disease. Low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are beneficial for cells and have anti-cancer effects. ROS are produced in the mitochondria during ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In the present review, we describe ATP production in primary brain tumors, glioblastoma, in relation to ROS production. Differentiated glioblastoma cells mainly use glycolysis for ATP production (aerobic glycolysis) without ROS production, whereas glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in hypoxic periarteriolar niches use OXPHOS for ATP and ROS production, which is modest because of the hypoxia and quiescence of GSCs. In a significant proportion of glioblastoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is mutated, causing metabolic rewiring, and all cancer cells use OXPHOS for ATP and ROS production. Systemic therapeutic inhibition of glycolysis is not an option as clinical trials have shown ineffectiveness or unwanted side effects. We argue that systemic therapeutic inhibition of OXPHOS is not an option either because the anti-cancer effects of ROS production in healthy cells is inhibited as well. Therefore, we advocate to remove GSCs out of their hypoxic niches by the inhibition of their binding to niches to enable their differentiation and thus increase their sensitivity to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Keywords: glioblastoma stem cells, IDH1-mutation, energy metabolism Published in DiRROS: 05.08.2024; Views: 89; Downloads: 120
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2. Synergetic boost of functional properties near critical end points in antiferroelectric systemsVida Jurečič, Lovro Fulanović, Jurij Koruza, Vid Bobnar, Nikola Novak, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The increase of the dielectric permittivity with an electric field and enhanced energy storage properties make antiferroelectrics very attractive for high-power electronic applications needed in emerging green energy technologies and neuromorphic computing platforms. Their exceptional functional properties are closely related to the electric field-induced antiferroelectric↔ferroelectric phase transition, which can be driven toward a critical end point by manipulation with an external electric field. The critical fluctuation of physical properties at the critical end point in ferroelectrics is a promising approach to improve their functional properties. Here, we demonstrate the existence of two critical end points in antiferroelectric ceramics with a ferroelectric-antiferroelectric-paraelectric phase sequence, using the model system Pb 0.99 Nb 0.02 [ ( Zr 0.57 Sn 0.43 ) 0.92 Ti 0.08 ] 0.98 O 3 . The critical fluctuation of the dielectric permittivity in the proximity of the antiferroelectric-to-paraelectric critical end point is responsible for the strong enhancement of the dielectric tunability (by a factor of > 2 ) measured at ≈ 395 K. The enhancement of the energy storage density at ≈ 370 K is related to the proximity of the ferroelectric-to-antiferroelectric critical end point. These findings open possibilities for material design and pave the way for the next generation of high-energy storage materials. Keywords: electronic applications, high-power electronic, green energy, electric field Published in DiRROS: 10.07.2024; Views: 152; Downloads: 105
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3. New insights in ATP synthesis as therapeutic target in cancer and angiogenic ocular diseasesCornelis J. F. van Noorden, Bahar Yetkin-Arik, Paola Serrano Martinez, Noëlle Bakker, Mathilda E. van Breest Smallenburg, Reinier O. Schlingemann, Ingeborg Klaassen, Bernarda Majc, Anamarija Habič, Urban Bogataj, Katrin S. Galun, Miloš Vittori, Mateja Erdani-Kreft, Metka Novak, Barbara Breznik, Vashendriya V. V. Hira, 2024, review article Abstract: Lactate and ATP formation by aerobic glycolysis, the Warburg effect, is considered a hallmark of cancer. During angiogenesis in non-cancerous tissue, proliferating stalk endothelial cells (ECs) also produce lactate and ATP by aerobic glycolysis. In fact, all proliferating cells, both non-cancer and cancer cells, need lactate for the biosynthesis of building blocks for cell growth and tissue expansion. Moreover, both non-proliferating cancer stem cells in tumors and leader tip ECs during angiogenesis rely on glycolysis for pyruvate production, which is used for ATP synthesis in mitochondria through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Therefore, aerobic glycolysis is not a specific hallmark of cancer but rather a hallmark of proliferating cells and limits its utility in cancer therapy. However, local treatment of angiogenic eye conditions with inhibitors of glycolysis may be a safe therapeutic option that warrants experimental investigation. Most types of cells in the eye such as photoreceptors and pericytes use OXPHOS for ATP production, whereas proliferating angiogenic stalk ECs rely on glycolysis for lactate and ATP production. Keywords: aerobic glycolysis, anaerobic glycolysis, angiogenesis, ATP synthesis, cancer cells, cancer stem cells, endothelial cells, energy metabolism, eye diseases, oxidative phosphorylation, pericytes, retina, Warburg effect Published in DiRROS: 18.06.2024; Views: 194; Downloads: 124
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4. Additive manufacturing multi-material components of SAF 2507 duplex steel and 15-5 PH martensitic stainless steelMartina Koukolíková, Pavel Podaný, Sylwia Rzepa, Michal Brázda, Aleksandra Kocijan, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The study reports the successful deposition of 15–5 precipitation-hardened (PH) martensitic steel on SAF 2507 duplex stainless steel (and vice versa) to form functionally graded materials (FGMs) using powder-based, directed-energy-deposition (DED) technology. The evolution of the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the 15–5 PH/SAF 2507 functionally graded material in the as-built state were investigated systematically. The results proved that the microstructural transition zone (MTZ) is formed above the fusion line due to the dilution effect of both steels. The phase composition of the MTZ consists of ferrite and, in comparison to the base materials, an increased amount of austenite. The interface has the lowest hardness owing to the formation of a significant proportion of the austenitic phase. However, the tensile mechanical properties were not affected by the interface as failure occurred in both SAF 2507 and at the interface regions. The research presents a promising application of FGMs in a horizontal configuration to form a high - quality, metallurgical joint between heterogeneous materials. This study introduces a novel approach by additive manufacturing (AM) of heterogeneous multi-materials, merging the favorable properties of duplex SAF 2507 and martensitic 15-5 PH stainless steels through superior metallurgical bonding. The combination of SAF 2507 and 15-5 PH in a functionally graded material has not been previously explored, as the existing studies deal with the duplex stainless steels SAF 2507 and either martensitic stainless-steel 15-5 PH deposited separately by laser powder-bed-fusion (L-PBF) or DED methods. This research pioneers the investigation of these materials in tandem, paving the way for the development of novel FGMs with optimized properties for specific applications. The resulting FGM exhibits exceptional corrosion resistance and high strength, making it highly versatile for applications in diverse industries such as offshore oil and gas production, aerospace, aviation, and chemical processing equipment. Keywords: directed energy deposition, functionally graded materials, miniaturized specimen testing methods, SAF 2507, 15-5 PH Published in DiRROS: 04.04.2024; Views: 278; Downloads: 113
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5. Influence of geology, hydrogeology, and climate on ground source heat pump distribution in Slovenia and selected European countriesSimona Adrinek, Mitja Janža, Rao Martand Singh, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Shallow geothermal energy (SGE) is a renewable energy that could contribute to the decarbonatization of the heating and cooling sector. SGE is predominantly harnessed through ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. The choice of which type of GSHP system depends on various factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of GSHP systems and fostering their implementation. In this paper, we have analysed the spatial distribution of GSHPs in Slovenia. We identified 1073 groundwater and 1122 ground-coupled heat pump systems with a total heat pump capacity of almost 30 MW. We quantitatively assessed the influence of geological, hydrogeological, and climate conditions on their spatial distribution. Using the χ2 test and information value method, we identified hydrogeological conditions as the most influential factor for the GSHP systems’ spatial distribution. We also performed the spatial analysis of geological and hydrogeological data in 22 European countries, including Slovenia. We collected the reported numbers of installed GSHP units in 2020 and were able to distinguish the shares of groundwater and ground-coupled heat pump systems for 12 of these countries. The analysis showed that ground-coupled heat pumps predominate in most countries, even if the natural conditions are favourable for groundwater heat pumps. Keywords: shallow geothermal energy, renewable heating and cooling, ground-source heat pump, spatial distribution, natural condition Published in DiRROS: 19.03.2024; Views: 316; Downloads: 148
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6. Characterisation of the microstructure and defects during the direct energy deposition of hybrid Ti6Al4V in a low-quality atmosphereSimon Malej, Črtomir Donik, Matej Balažic, Matija Bizjak, Marko Kač, Matjaž Godec, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: direct energy deposition, Ti6Al4V, protective atmosphere Published in DiRROS: 08.03.2024; Views: 304; Downloads: 151
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7. Reviewing the modeling aspects and practices of shallow geothermal energy systemsPaul Christodoulides, Ana Vieira, Stanislav Lenart, João Maranha, Gregor Vidmar, Rumen Popov, Aleksandar Georgiev, Lazaros Aresti, Georgios Florides, 2020, review article Abstract: Shallow geothermal energy systems (SGES) may take different forms and have recently taken considerable attention due to energy geo-structures (EGS) resulting from the integration of heat exchange elements in geotechnical structures. Still, there is a lack of systematic design guidelines of SGES. Hence, in order to contribute towards that direction, the current study aims at reviewing the available SGES modeling options along with their various aspects and practices. This is done by first presenting the main analytical and numerical models and methods related to the thermal behavior of SGES. Then, the most important supplementary factors affecting such modeling are discussed. These include: (i) the boundary conditions, in the form of temperature variation or heat flow, that majorly affect the predicted thermal behavior of SGES; (ii) the spatial dimensions that may be crucial when relaxing the infinite length assumption for short heat exchangers such as energy piles (EP); (iii) the determination of SGES parameters that may need employing specific techniques to overcome practical difficulties; (iv) a short-term vs. long-term analysis depending on the thermal storage characteristics of GHE of different sizes; (v) the influence of groundwater that can have a moderating effect on fluid temperatures in both heating and cooling modes. Subsequently, thermo-mechanical interactions modeling issues are addressed that may be crucial in EGS that exhibit a dual functioning of heat exchangers and structural elements. Finally, a quite lengthy overview of the main software tools related to thermal and thermo-hydro-mechanical analysis of SGES that may be useful for practical applications is given. A unified software package incorporating all related features of all SGES may be a future aim. Keywords: shalow geothermal energy systems, energy geo-structures, thermal analysis, thermo-hydro-mechanical, modelling, software tools Published in DiRROS: 05.03.2024; Views: 376; Downloads: 161
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8. Insights into microstructural evolution of tungsten-tungsten carbide plasma facing composite materials prepared by field assisted sintering techniqueAljaž Iveković, Matej Kocen, Petra Jenuš, Anže Abram, Črtomir Donik, Saša Novak, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: tungsten, tungsten carbide, interface, microstructure, fusion energy Published in DiRROS: 07.02.2024; Views: 336; Downloads: 184
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9. Flexible polymer connections for clt structuresBoris Azinović, Andreja Pondelak, Jaka Gašper Pečnik, Václav Sebera, 2020, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: This paper explores the possibility of using flexible polymer adhesives to dissipate energy in CLT buildings during earthquakes. In the first series of tests, pull-off tests of various polyurethane (PUR) adhesives were performed. The connection was tested in pull-pull configuration using monotonic, tension-only loading. The tests have shown that the adhesive can resist large deformations already in tension loading and with small thicknesses of the bond-line. Based on the pull-off test results, one adhesive has been selected for further testing. Monotonic lap-shear tests were performed with the selected adhesive and thick bond-line (3 mm and 6 mm). The results show, that the standard method for lap-shear testing (EN 205) needs to be adapted for thick glue-line. It was found that the strength of 3 mm glue-line is higher than 6mm one, which is in agreement with adhesion theory. The flexible PUR adhesives could potentially be used in CLT structures for anchoring the CLT wall with “flexible” glued-in rods or as a “flexible” vertical shear connection between the CLT walls. Such systems have a potential to dissipate energy in seismic areas. Keywords: CLT connections, flexible adhesive, polyurethane, energy dissipation, pull-off, lap-shear Published in DiRROS: 19.01.2024; Views: 368; Downloads: 190
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