Connecting dots: multiple perspectives on socio-technical transition and social practices

This Crossing Boundary hosts contributions accounting for experiences and theoretical perspectives which may look distant for how they address the socio-technical transition in the energy field but, we believe, when put in conversation, help common questions and tentative answers come to the fore. Giorgio Osti, Paul Upham, Paula Maria Bagel and Paula Castro have been engaged in reflecting on their respective disciplines in relation to socio-technical transitions. Recalling and valorising the STS basis of MLP and SPT in connection with other disciplinary approaches may contribute to enrich on one side STS debates and on the other empirical research on socio-technical transition in a historical juncture where such an endeavour looks definitely urgent.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Expression Pattern and Biological Significance of the lncRNA ST3GAL6-AS1 in Multiple Myeloma

The biological impact of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple myeloma (MM) is becoming an important aspect of investigation, which may contribute to the understanding of the complex pathobiology of the disease whilst also providing novel potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we investigated the expression pattern and the biological significance of the lncRNA ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3 sialyltransferase 6 antisense RNA 1 (ST3GAL6-AS1) in MM. We documented a high ST3GAL6-AS1 expression level in MM compared to normal plasma cells (PCs) or other hematological malignancies. Transcriptome analyses of MM PCs from patients included in the CoMMpass database indicated a potential involvement of ST3GAL6-AS1 in MAPK signaling and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathways. ST3GAL6-AS1 silencing by LNA-gapmeR antisense oligonucleotides inhibits cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in MM cell line. Notably, ST3GAL6-AS1 silencing in vitro displayed the down-regulation of the MAPK pathway and protein ubiquitination. These data suggest that ST3GAL6-AS1 deregulation may play a pathogenetic role in MM by affecting both proliferation pathways and circuits fundamental for PC survival. However, ST3GAL6-AS1 expression levels seem not to be significantly associated with clinical outcome and its targeting appears to exert antagonistic effects with proteasome inhibitors used in MM. These findings strongly urge the need for further studies investigating the relevance of ST3GAL6-AS1 in MM

Application of next-generation sequencing for the genomic characterization of patients with smoldering myeloma

Genomic analysis could contribute to a better understanding of the biological determinants of the evolution of multiple myeloma (MM) precursor disease and an improved definition of high-risk patients. To assess the feasibility and value of next-generation sequencing approaches in an asymptomatic setting, we performed a targeted gene mutation analysis and a genome-wide assessment of copy number alterations (CNAs) by ultra-low-pass whole genome sequencing (ULP-WGS) in six patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and 25 patients with smoldering MM (SMM). Our comprehensive genomic characterization highlighted heterogeneous but substantial values of the tumor fraction, especially in SMM; a rather high degree of genomic complexity, in terms of both mutations and CNAs, and inter-patient variability; a higher incidence of gene mutations and CNAs in SMM, confirming ongoing evolution; intraclonal heterogeneity; and instances of convergent evolution. ULP-WGS of these patients proved effective in revealing the marked genome-wide level of their CNAs, most of which are not routinely investigated. Finally, the analysis of our small SMM cohort suggested that chr(8p) deletions, the DNA tumor fraction, and the number of alterations may have clinical relevance in the progression to overt MM. Although validation in larger series is mandatory, these findings highlight the promising impact of genomic approaches in the clinical management of SMM

Expression pattern and biological significance of the lncRNA ST3GAL6-AS1 in multiple myeloma

The biological impact of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple myeloma (MM) is becoming an important aspect of investigation, which may contribute to the understanding of the complex pathobiology of the disease whilst also providing novel potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we investigated the expression pattern and the biological significance of the lncRNA ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3 sialyltransferase 6 antisense RNA 1 (ST3GAL6-AS1) in MM. We documented a high ST3GAL6-AS1 expression level in MM compared to normal plasma cells (PCs) or other hematological malignancies. Transcriptome analyses of MM PCs from patients included in the CoMMpass database indicated a potential involvement of ST3GAL6-AS1 in MAPK signaling and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathways. ST3GAL6-AS1 silencing by LNA-gapmeR antisense oligonucleotides inhibits cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in MM cell line. Notably, ST3GAL6-AS1 silencing in vitro displayed the down-regulation of the MAPK pathway and protein ubiquitination. These data suggest that ST3GAL6-AS1 deregulation may play a pathogenetic role in MM by affecting both proliferation pathways and circuits fundamental for PC survival. However, ST3GAL6-AS1 expression levels seem not to be significantly associated with clinical outcome and its targeting appears to exert antagonistic effects with proteasome inhibitors used in MM. These findings strongly urge the need for further studies investigating the relevance of ST3GAL6-AS1 in MM

QUADRANGULOSIDE, A CYCLOARTANE TRITERPENE GLYCOSIDE FROM PASSIFLORA-QUADRANGULARIS

Quadranguloside, a new cyclopropane triterpene glycoside was isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Passiflora quadrangularis. Its structure has been established as 9,19-cyclolanost-24Z-en-3\u3b2,21,26-triol-3,26-di-O-gentiobioside on the basis of hydrolysis and spectral evidence

Application of molecular modelling to natural products: a biogenetic study of (+)-spathulenol and (+)-allospathulenol

A conformational analysis of (+)-spathulenol and its related stereoisomers was performed using the semiempirical program MNDO. The obtained theoretical results were tested by checking the agreement of a selected calculated property (3J(H-H)) With the experimental value. The theoretical values of the vicinal coupling constants were calculated for all possible stereoisomers of spathulenol, including the ones not yet isolated, to allow their identification as natural and/or synthetic products. A biogenetic study was then undertaken using both the ''saddle'' technique, as implemented in the AMPAC package, and the coordinate reaction method. According to the results obtained, both spathulenol and allospathulenol should originate from two different conformations of a germacradiene precursor with both double bonds in the E configuration

SAPONINS FROM ALBIZZIA-LUCIDA

Three main saponins were isolated from the seeds of Albizzia lucida. Their structures were established by spectral analyses and chemical and enzymatic transformations as 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1 --> 2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1 --> 6)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 2)]beta-D-glucopyranosyl echinocystic acid; 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1 --> 6)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl echinocystic acid and 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --> 2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl (1 --> 6)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl echinocystic acid, characterized as its methyl ester

A COBALT-PHOSPHINE COMPLEX AS MEDIATOR IN THE FORMATION OF CARBON-CARBON BONDS

The tetrakis(trimethylphosphine)cobalt(0) complex, [Co{P(CH3)3}4], in either stoichiometric or catalytic amounts, was shown to be an efficient mediator for a one-pot Reformatsky-type reaction between activated halogen derivatives (esters, amides, lactones) and carbonyl compounds (aldehydes, ketones) to produce a variety of alcohols

Data Analytics and Machine Learning for very large Oil&Gas Projects

This paper outlines a comprehensive study aiming to develop tailored risk reduction models for large-scale engineering projects, with a focus on FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading) design. The study evaluates critical factors related to piping and fitting in FPSO projects, proposing mitigation strategies. Starting with historical project data analysis, preprocessing involves data cleaning and preparation. Employing Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, the study advances to data transformation and interactive visualization. The complexity of crude oil systems requires advanced analytics, and Machine Learning clusters high-velocity data, enhancing project management with data-driven insights. The research deepens understanding of FPSO risk factors, offering practical strategies. The fusion of traditional methods with advanced analytics presents a novel approach to offshore engineering challenges