bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the treatment of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, a look towards the repositioning of drugs
Authors: Peña-Corona Sheila I. , Gutiérrez-Ruiz Stephany Celeste , Echeverria Ma de los Dolores Campos , Cortés Hernán , González-Del Carmen Manuel , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo
Published: November 2023

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses (ARCI) are a skin pathology due to genetic causes characterized by a variable degree of desquamation, accompanied by erythema. The degree of symptoms is variable, different altered genes are involved, and the symptoms drastically affect patients’ quality of life. Topical treatments are a first-choice strategy due to their ease of application and cost; however, enteral administration of retinoids offers greater efficacy, although with certain limitations. Despite the treatment alternatives, ARCI will persist throughout life, disabling people. Therefore, the search for new treatments always remains necessary. Especially repositioning drugs could be a short-term alternative to new affordable treatments for patients. Taking advantage of extensive knowledge of known drugs or biologics could ensure more accessible and possibly lower-cost treatments. This review briefly and concisely addresses possible repositioning strategies with drugs and biologics for ichthyosis.
Postponing the decay of entanglement and quantum coherence for maximally entangled mixed states under the action of correlated noise channels
Authors: Awasthi Natasha , Singh Ashutosh , Kumar Joshi Dheeraj
Published: November 2023

We investigate the dynamics of a maximally entangled mixed state (MEMS) under the action of correlated noise channels. The channel acts in a way that its successive uses are correlated. We have studied the MEMS properties, including quantum coherence and entanglement. For partially correlated channels, both the entanglement and coherence of MEMS are found to decay much slower than those of the memoryless channels. Moreover, we observe a freezing effect of coherence for phase damping as well as depolarizing channels and freezing of entanglement for phase-damping channels with perfect memory. For amplitude damping and depolarizing channels, memory helps in either delaying the sudden death of entanglement or slowing the decay rate of coherence. These observations suggest that memory channels perform better than memoryless channels in maintaining the integrity of quantum states and have utility in quantum information processing protocols.
Concept Evaluation for the Establishment of a Firm End-Stop Feeling in an Asymmetric Hydraulic Steering Unit
Authors: Olesen Emil N. , Andersen Torben O. , Pedersen Henrik C.
Published: November 2023

Danfoss Power Solutions Aps has a product line focusing on hydraulic steering units for heavy-duty machines. The focus of this paper is on the end-stop torque encountered by the operator for a new asymmetrical hydraulic steering unit, referred to as sSteer. This hydraulically asymmetric concept increases the steering responsiveness between the steering wheel input and the output. However, compared to traditional hydraulic steering units, the asymmetrical design has a drawback regarding the level of end-stop torque felt by the operator when reaching the left-side end stop. This paper investigates three different concepts for improving/increasing the end-stop torque, namely, including a bleed orifice, removing a set of suction valves, and a solution with pre-tensioned suction valves and tank line. During the investigations, these concepts were compared and benchmarked using experimental data to identify advantages and disadvantages. Based on the investigations, it is concluded that the concept with pre-tensioned suction valves and a pressurized tank line ensures the best compromise between the different design requirements and the establishment of a firm end-stop feeling for the operator.
Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Podophyllotoxin from Juniperus scopulorum Needles
Authors: Verret Catherine , Rakotondramavo Anja , Renouard Sullivan
Published: November 2023

Background—Podophyllotoxin, a polyphenolic compound with major applications in cancer treatment, is in short supply, as its source is now an endangered plant species. It is therefore essential to find another available plant that produces high levels of podophyllotoxin. Some Juniperus species are known to contain podophyllotoxin, more exactly within their needles, but are still unused in this regard. Objective—The aim is to develop an efficient green ultrasound-assisted extraction protocol for podophyllotoxin from commercially available Juniperus scopulorum varieties. Methodology—To highlight optimal extraction conditions, a single-factor experiment was performed to identify the parameters (extraction duration, frequency, temperature extraction, preliminary grinding, and plant material concentration) influencing extraction. A multifactorial approach using the Box–Behnken design was then applied to determine the exact optimal extraction conditions. Results—The conditions for extracting the maximum amount of podophyllotoxin consist of 51.5 min of extraction time, in ethanol at 69.3%, and at 58.8 °C. This is the highest podophyllotoxin extraction yield ever obtained from Juniperus scopulorum needles. Compared with the reference protocol for the extracting of podophyllotoxin from Juniperus, ultrasonic extraction is an eco-friendly protocol, safe for humans, and the podophyllotoxin extracted by this method has much greater stability, allowing its purification. The analyses also indicate a variation in the podophyllotoxin content of Juniperus scopulorum needles, (from 7.02 to 10.34 mg/g DW) depending on the variety and year of purchase. Conclusion—Extraction in ethanol at 69.3% and at 58.8 °C for 51.5 min allows the extraction of up to 10.34 mg podophyllotoxin/g from freeze-dried Juniperus scopulorum needles.
Oxidation of Zinc Microparticles by Microwave Plasma to Form Effective Solar-Sensitive Photocatalysts
Authors: Muslimov Arsen , Antipov Sergey , Gadzhiev Makhach , Ulyankina Anna , Krasnova Valeria , Lavrikov Alexander , Kanevsky Vladimir
Published: November 2023

The presented work studies the processes of synthesis of ZnO microstructures using atmospheric-pressure microwave nitrogen plasma and investigates their photocatalytic activity in the processes of degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin when irradiated with sunlight. The work proposes an effective method for formation of photosensitive ZnO powders. Due to the features of plasma treatment in the open atmosphere of zinc metal microparticles, ZnO structures are formed with sizes from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers with various micromorphologies. The lattice parameters of ZnO structures are characteristic of a hexagonal unit with a = 3.258 Å and c = 5.21 Å, volume 47.95 Å3. The size of the crystallites is 48 nm. The plasma treatment was performed by means of a 2.45-GHz plasmatron at a power input of 1 kW in nitrogen flow at a rate of 1–10 L/min. Zn microparticles were injected into the microwave plasma at a mass rate of 20 g/min. High photoactivity was demonstrated (rate constants 0.036 min−1 and 0.051 min−1) of synthesized ZnO structures during photo-degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol and ciprofloxacin, respectively, when exposed to solar radiation. Photo-active structures of ZnO synthesized using microwave plasma can find application in processes of mineralization of toxic organic compounds. Structures of ZnO synthesized using microwave plasma can find application in processes of mineralization of toxic organic compounds, and also in scintillation detectors, phosphors.
Study of the Reasonable Acquisition Frequency Evaluation Method of Midspan Deflection of Medium- and Small-Span Beam Bridges
Authors: Tan Zhengjun , Wu Haijun , Tang Qingcui
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to further promote and apply the structural monitoring system to medium and small bridges, given the relative delays in scientific research, technical specifications, and engineering practice for the safety monitoring of small and medium-span girder bridges, as well as the relative simplicity of the structural system of these bridges, their well-defined forces, and the relatively large proportion of live load responses during operation. These concepts are proposed based on the evaluation method of live loading (As therefore, this paper suggests the notion of sensor acquisition frequency and appropriate acquisition frequency based on the live load assessment method and the fundamental reliability theory). Based on the time-history curve depicting the midspan deflection response of the vehicle-bridge coupling system, the frequency domain analysis reveals that the power spectrum at −3 dB corresponds to the response cutoff frequency. Significantly, the cutoff frequency mentioned is double the acquisition frequency considered suitable for the study. Based on the definition of a quasi-static response, it can be deduced that the velocity of a load does not exert any influence on the quasi-static response of a bridge structure. As a result, the derivation of the components related to the midspan deflection of a bridge’s quasi-static response is presented, together with a recommended set of methodological guidelines for the extraction of finite elements. This study introduces a novel approach for determining the cutoff frequency of the structural response by utilizing the characteristics of amplitude spectrum estimation and power spectrum estimation in frequency domain analysis. The cutoff frequency of the signal is determined by analyzing the amplitude-frequency curve of the power spectrum. Subsequently, the probability density function of the original time-history curve data is estimated based on the amplitude spectrum. Finally, reliability analysis is conducted by calculating the ratio of the amplitude spectrum area of the signal obtained through a reasonable acquisition frequency to the area of the amplitude spectrum function of the original signal. This analysis verifies the reliability of the proposed method for determining the midspan deflection acquisition frequency.
Multi-AUV Control Method Based on Inverse Optimal Control of Integrated Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm
Authors: Shao Gang , Wan Lei , Xu Huixi
Published: November 2023

Under complex underwater conditions, multiple AUVs work in one area and they need to cooperate for complicated missions. In this study, a design method was applied for multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that are distributed in an area and suddenly receive a command. Using this method, the AUVs work according to their own state and reach the target while avoiding obstacles automatically in the process of collection. A new optimal control method is proposed that achieves the consensus of multiple AUVs as well as offering obstacle avoidance capability with minimal control effort. A non-quadratic obstacle avoidance cost function was constructed from the perspective of inverse optimal control. The distributed analytic optimal control law depends only on the local information that can be generated by the communication topology, which guarantees the proposed behavior, so that the control law does not require information from all AUVs. A simulation and an experiment were performed to verify the consensus and obstacle avoidance effect.
Melt-Spinning Mesophase Pitch-Based Graphite Fibers as Anode Materials for High-Rate Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Jianlin , Wang Qian , Zhang Jianhui
Published: November 2023

Lithium-ion batteries have rapidly become the most widely used energy storage devices in mobile electronic equipment, electric vehicles, power grid energy storage devices and other applications. Due to their outstanding stability and high conductivity, carbon materials are among the most preferred anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, mesophase pitch-based graphite fibers (GFs) were successfully prepared through melt-spinning, thermo-oxidative stabilization, carbonization and graphitization and used as anode materials. The radial fiber structure can lower the activation energy and minimize the distance of the Li+ diffusion, while the highly conductive cross-linked network within the fibers benefits the speed up charge transmission. Thus, the as-synthesized graphite fibers demonstrate superior rate capability and cycle stability. GFs exhibit a capacity retention rate of 97.94% and reversible capacity of 327.8 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C, which is higher than that of natural graphite anode materials (85.66% and 289.7 mA h g−1, respectively). Moreover, the as-synthesized graphite fibers deliver a capacity retention of 64.7% at a high rate of 5 C, which is considerably higher than that of natural graphite (19.7%).
The Effects of Unilateral Labyrinthectomy on Monoamine Neurotransmitters in the Medial Vestibular Nucleus of Rats
Authors: Wang Jun , Tian E , Zhang Yuejin , Guo Zhaoqi , Chen Jingyu , Kong Weijia , Lu Yisheng , Zhang Sulin
Published: November 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) on monoamine neurotransmitters in the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) of rats. Methods: Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were utilized for the vestibular impaired animal model through UL. The success of the model establishment and the recovery process were evaluated using vestibular behavioral tests, including spontaneous nystagmus, postural asymmetry, and balance beam test. Additionally, the expression levels of c-Fos protein in the MVN were assessed by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, changes in the expression levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and histamine in the MVN, were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at different time points after UL (4 h, 8 h, 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, and 7 days). Results: Compared to the sham control group, the UL group exhibited the most pronounced vestibular impairment symptoms at 4 h post-UL, which significantly decreased at 4 days and almost fully recovered by 7 days. Immunofluorescence results showed a notable upregulation of c-Fos expression in the MVN subsequent to the UL-4 h, serving as a reliable indicator of heightened neuronal activity. In comparison with the sham group, HPLC analysis showed that the levels of 5-HT and NE in the ipsilesional MVN of the UL group were significantly elevated within 4 days after UL, and peaked on 1 day and 2 days, respectively. DA showed an increasing trend at different time points up to 7 days post-UL, while histamine levels significantly increased only at 1 day post-UL. Conclusions: UL-induced dynamic changes in monoamine neurotransmitters during the early compensation period in the rat MVN may be associated with the regulation of the central vestibular compensation mechanism by the MVN.
Sperm Mitochondrial Content and Mitochondrial DNA to Nuclear DNA Ratio Are Associated with Body Mass Index and Progressive Motility
Authors: Moustakli Efthalia , Zikopoulos Athanasios , Skentou Charikleia , Bouba Ioanna , Tsirka Georgia , Stavros Sofoklis , Vrachnis Dionysios , Vrachnis Nikolaos , Potiris Anastasios , Georgiou Ioannis , Zachariou Athanasios
Published: November 2023

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a risk factor in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. According to the energy requirements, oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain work together to produce ATP in sufficient quantities in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. Abnormal mitochondrial activity causes fat accumulation and insulin resistance as cells require a balance between the production of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the mitochondria and the dissipation of the proton gradient to reduce damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims to explore the relationship between the mitochondrial content of sperm and the ratio of mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA in relation to body mass index (BMI) and how it may affect the progressive motility of sperm cell. Understanding the relationships between these important variables will help us better understand the possible mechanisms that could connect sperm motility and quality to BMI, as well as further our understanding of male fertility and reproductive health. Methods: Data were collected from 100 men who underwent IVF/ICSI at the University Hospital of Ioannina’s IVF Unit in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. The body mass index (BMI) of the males tested was used to classify them as normal weight; overweight; and obese. Evaluations included sperm morphology; sperm count; sperm motility; and participant history. Results: In the group of men with normal BMI, both BMI and progressive motility displayed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with mitochondrial DNA content, relative mitochondrial DNA copy number, and the mtDNA/nDNA ratio. Similar to this, there was a positive association between BMI and motility in the groups of men who were overweight and obese, as well as between the expression of mitochondrial DNA and the mtDNA/nDNA ratio, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). There was not a statistically significant difference observed in the association between the relative mtDNA copy number and BMI or motility for the overweight group. Finally, the relative mtDNA copy number in the obese group was only associated with motility (p = 0.034) and not with BMI (p = 0.24). Conclusions: We found that in all three groups, BMI and progressive motility exhibited comparable relationships with mitochondrial DNA expression and the mtDNA/nDNA ratio. However, only in the normal group and in the obese group, the relative mitochondrial DNA copy number showed a positive association with BMI and progressive motility.
Unraveling the Mechanisms of Sensitivity to Anti-FGF Therapies in Imatinib-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Lacking Secondary KIT Mutations
Authors: Boichuk Sergei , Dunaev Pavel , Skripova Vera , Galembikova Aigul , Bikinieva Firyuza , Shagimardanova Elena , Gazizova Guzel , Deviatiiarov Ruslan , Valeeva Elena , Mikheeva Ekaterina , Vasilyeva Maria , Kopnin Pavel , Strelnikov Vladimir , Kiyamova Ramziya
Published: November 2023

We showed previously that inhibition of KIT signaling in GISTs activates FGFR-signaling pathway rendering cancer cells resistant to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (RTKi) imatinib mesylate (IM) (Gleevec) despite of absence of secondary KIT mutations and thereby illustrating a rationale for the combined (e.g., KIT- and FGFR-targeted) therapies. We show here that long-term culture of IM-resistant GISTs (GIST-R1) with IM substantially down-regulates KIT expression and induces activation of the FGFR-signaling cascade, evidenced by increased expression of total and phosphorylated forms of FGFR1 and 2, FGF-2, and FRS-2, the well-known adaptor protein of the FGF-signaling cascade. This resulted in activation of both AKT- and MAPK-signaling pathways shown on mRNA and protein levels, and rendered cancer cells highly sensitive to pan-FGFR-inhibitors (BGJ 398, AZD 4547, and TAS-120). Indeed, we observed a significant decrease of IC50 values for BGJ 398 in the GIST subclone (GIST-R2) derived from GIST-R1 cells continuously treated with IM for up to 12 months. An increased sensitivity of GIST-R2 cells to FGFR inhibition was also revealed on the xenograft models, illustrating a substantial (>70%) decrease in tumor size in BGJ 398-treated animals when treated with this pan-FGFR inhibitor. Similarly, an increased intra-tumoral apoptosis as detected by immunohistochemical (IHC)-staining for cleaved caspase-3 on day 5 of the treatment was found. As expected, both BGJ 398 and IM used alone lacked the pro-apoptotic and growth-inhibitory activities on GIST-R1 xenografts, thereby revealing their resistance to these TKis when used alone. Important, the knockdown of FGFR2, and, in much less content, FGF-2, abrogated BGJ 398′s activity against GIST-R2 cells both in vitro and in vivo, thereby illustrating the FGF-2/FGFR2-signaling axis in IM-resistant GISTs as a primary molecular target for this RTKi. Collectively, our data illustrates that continuous inhibition of KIT signaling in IM-resistant GISTs lacking secondary KIT mutations induced clonal heterogeneity of GISTs and resulted in accumulation of cancer cells with overexpressed FGF-2 and FGFR1/2, thereby leading to activation of FGFR-signaling. This in turn rendered these cells extremely sensitive to the pan-FGFR inhibitors used in combination with IM, or even alone, and suggests a rationale to re-evaluate the effectiveness of FGFR-inhibitors in order to improve the second-line therapeutic strategies for selected subgroups of GIST patients (e.g., IM-resistant GISTs lacking secondary KIT mutations and exhibiting the activation of the FGFR-signaling pathway).
Standardization of Molecular MRD Levels in AML Using an Integral Vector Bearing ABL and the Mutation of Interest
Authors: Nachmias Boaz , Krichevsky Svetlana , Gatt Moshe E. , Gross Even-Zohar Noa , Shaulov Adir , Haran Arnon , Aumann Shlomzion , Vainstein Vladimir
Published: November 2023

Quantitative PCR for specific mutation is being increasingly used in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) to assess Measurable Residual Disease (MRD), allowing for more tailored clinical decisions. To date, standardized molecular MRD is limited to typical NPM1 mutations and core binding factor translocations, with clear prognostic and clinical implications. The monitoring of other identified mutations lacks standardization, limiting its use and incorporation in clinical trials. To overcome this problem, we designed a plasmid bearing both the sequence of the mutation of interest and the ABL reference gene. This allows the use of commercial standards for ABL to determine the MRD response in copy number. We provide technical aspects of this approach as well as our experience with 19 patients with atypical NPM1, RUNX1 and IDH1/2 mutations. In all cases, we demonstrate a correlation between response and copy number. We further demonstrate how copy number monitoring can modulate the clinical management. Taken together, we provide proof of concept of a novel yet simple tool, which allows in-house MRD monitoring for identified mutations, with ABL-based commercial standards. This approach would facilitate large multi-center studies assessing the clinical relevance of selected MRD monitoring.
Co-Cultivation and Matching of Early- and Late-Maturing Pearl Millet Varieties to Sowing Windows Can Enhance Climate-Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Sub-Saharan Agroecosystems
Authors: Awala Simon Kamwele , Hove Kudakwashe , Valombola Johanna Shekupe , Nafuka Helena Nalitende , Simasiku Evans Kamwi , Chataika Barthlomew , Horn Lydia Ndinelao , Angombe Simon , Akundabweni Levi S. M. , Mwandemele Osmund D.
Published: November 2023

In semi-arid regions, climate change has affected crop growing season length and sowing time, potentially causing low yield of the rainfed staple crop pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and food insecurity among smallholder farmers. In this study, we used 1994–2023 rainfall data from Namibia’s semi-arid North-Central Region (NCR), receiving November–April summer rainfall, to analyze rainfall patterns and trends and their implications on the growing season to propose climate adaptation options for the region. The results revealed high annual and monthly rainfall variabilities, with nonsignificant negative trends for November–February rainfalls, implying a shortening growing season. Furthermore, we determined the effects of sowing date on grain yields of the early-maturing Okashana-2 and local landrace Kantana pearl millet varieties and the optimal sowing window for the region, using data from a two-year split-plot field experiment conducted at the University of Namibia—Ogongo Campus, NCR, during the rainy season. Cubic polynomial regression models were applied to grain-yield data sets to predict grain production for any sowing date between January and March. Both varieties produced the highest grain yields under January sowings, with Kantana exhibiting a higher yield potential than Okashana-2. Kantana, sown by 14 January, had a yield advantage of up to 36% over Okashana-2, but its yield gradually reduced with delays in sowing. Okashana-2 exhibited higher yield stability across January sowings, surpassing Kantana’s yields by up to 9.4% following the 14 January sowing. We determined the pearl millet optimal sowing window for the NCR to be from 1–7 and 1–21 January for Kantana and Okashana-2, respectively. These results suggest that co-cultivation of early and late pearl millet varieties and growing early-maturing varieties under delayed seasons could stabilize grain production in northern Namibia and enhance farmers’ climate adaptation. Policymakers for semi-arid agricultural regions could utilize this information to adjust local seed systems and extension strategies.
Lower Incisor—Pg: A New Cephalometric Parameter to Evaluate the Anterior Limit of Dentition
Authors: Galdi Marzio , Di Spirito Federica , Amato Alessandra , Cannatà Davide , Rongo Roberto , Martina Stefano
Published: November 2023

Background: This present retrospective study aimed to introduce Lower Incisor—Pg and to assess how this new parameter varies with the skeletal sagittal and vertical relationships. Methods: A total of 1256 cephalometric analyses were performed using lateral cephalometric radiographs of a sample of subjects divided according to SN^Go-Gn, ANPg^, and IMPA measurements. The differences in Lower Incisor—Pg between the groups were assessed through ANOVA tests and posthoc analyses, while Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess the correlations between the measurements. Results: The mesofacial growth pattern (61.0%) was more common than dolichofacial (30.0%) and brachyfacial (8.6%) ones in the sampled population. Regarding skeletal sagittal relationships, Class I was more frequent (70.9%) than Class II (19.3%) and Class III (9.8%). The mean value of the Lower Incisor—Pg was 3.2 ± 4.0 mm. Linear regression showed that the β coefficient was 0.45 and 0.36 for ANPg^ and SnGoGn^, respectively. Conclusions: Lower Incisor—Pg is a linear cephalometric measurement to evaluate the lower incisor sagittal position. For each degree of increase in ANPg^ and SNGoGn^, the Lower Incisor—Pg increased 0.45 mm and 0.36 mm, respectively.
Physical Layer Security for L-Band Digital Aeronautical Communication System with Interference Mitigation
Authors: Qian Lei , Xu Henghao , Wang Lei , Wang Di , Liu Xin , Shi Boya
Published: November 2023

As one of the main candidates for future civil aviation communications systems, the L-band digital aeronautical communication system (L-DACS) is expected to achieve secure and reliable transmission. Due to the broadcasting nature of air–ground wireless links, the L-DACS has the risk of being intercepted by malicious eavesdroppers, which negatively affects aviation communication security. In addition, because the spectrum of the L-DACS overlaps with the aviation distance measuring equipment (DME), the pulse interference caused by the DME signal may lead to the wireless link being more fragile and susceptible to wiretapping. In this paper, with a focus on enhancing wireless transmission security, we propose a comprehensive physical layer security (PLS) method for the L-DACS. The key to the proposed PLS method is restraining the transmission of the eavesdropper by injecting artificial noise into the transmitted signal while improving the transmission of the legitimate receiver through the adoption of pulse interference mitigation. First, to characterize the L-DACS in the secure scene, we derive the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the legitimate receiver and any potential eavesdropper by constructing equivalent noise. Next, from the perspective of the information theory, we derive the closed form of the secrecy capacity of the L-DACS by employing the proposed PLS methods with three kinds of nonlinear interference mitigation: including ideal pulse blanking, peak threshold-based pulse blanking, and peak threshold-based pulse clipping. Finally, we compare and analyze different ways to enhance the secrecy capacity of the proposed PLS method using various interference mitigation methods.
Wave Power Prediction Based on Seasonal and Trend Decomposition Using Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing and Dual-Channel Seq2Seq Model
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Wang Jin , Tao Tao , Zhang Ziyun , Chen Siyi , Yi Yang , Han Shuang , Liu Yongqian
Published: November 2023

Wave energy has emerged as a focal point in marine renewable energy research. Accurate prediction of wave power plays a pivotal role in enhancing power supply reliability. This paper introduces an innovative wave power prediction method that combines seasonal–trend decomposition using LOESS (STL) with a dual-channel Seq2Seq model. The decomposition model addresses the issue of component redundancy in current input decomposition methods, thereby uncovering key components. The prediction model improves upon the limitations of current prediction models that directly concatenate multiple features, allowing for a more detailed consideration of both trend and periodic features. The proposed approach begins by decomposing the power sequence based on tidal periods and optimal correlation criteria, effectively extracting both trend and periodic features. Subsequently, a dual-channel Seq2Seq model is constructed. The first channel employs temporal pattern attention to capture the trend and stochastic fluctuation information, while the second channel utilizes multi-head self-attention to further enhance the extraction of periodic components. Model validation is performed using data from two ocean buoys, each with a five-year dataset. The proposed model achieves an average 2.45% reduction in RMSE compared to the state-of-the-art method. Both the decomposition and prediction components of the model contribute to this increase in accuracy.
The Significance of Cathepsin B in Mediating Radiation Resistance in Colon Carcinoma Cell Line (Caco-2)
Authors: Abdelaziz Ramadan F. , Hussein Ahmed M. , Kotob Mohamed H. , Weiss Christina , Chelminski Krzysztof , Studenik Christian R. , Aufy Mohammed
Published: November 2023

Cathepsins (Caths) are lysosomal proteases that participate in various physiological and pathological processes. Accumulating evidence suggests that caths play a multifaceted role in cancer progression and radiotherapy resistance responses. Their proteolytic activity influences the tumor’s response to radiation by affecting oxygenation, nutrient availability, and immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. Cathepsin-mediated DNA repair mechanisms can promote radioresistance in cancer cells, limiting the efficacy of radiotherapy. Additionally, caths have been associated with the activation of prosurvival signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and NF-κB, which can confer resistance to radiation-induced cell death. However, the effectiveness of radiotherapy can be limited by intrinsic or acquired resistance mechanisms in cancer cells. In this study, the regulation and expression of cathepsin B (cath B) in the colon carcinoma cell line (caco-2) before and after exposure to radiation were investigated. Cells were exposed to escalating ionizing radiation doses (2 Gy, 4 Gy, 6 Gy, 8 Gy, and 10 Gy). Analysis of protein expression, in vitro labeling using activity-based probes DCG04, and cath B pull-down revealed a radiation-induced up-regulation of cathepsin B in a dose-independent manner. Proteolytic inhibition of cathepsin B by cathepsin B specific inhibitor CA074 has increased the cytotoxic effect and cell death due to ionizing irradiation treatment in caco-2 cells. Similar results were also obtained after cathepsin B knockout by CRISPR CAS9. Furthermore, upon exposure to radiation treatment, the inhibition of cath B led to a significant upregulation in the expression of the proapoptotic protein BAX, while it induced a significant reduction in the expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2. These results showed that cathepsin B could contribute to ionizing radiation resistance, and the abolishment of cathepsin B, either by inhibition of its proteolytic activity or expression, has increased the caco-2 cells susceptibility to ionizing irradiation.
Potential Roles and Future Perspectives of Chitinase 3-like 1 in Macrophage Polarization and the Development of Diseases
Authors: Zhao Hailong , Huang Mingdong , Jiang Longguang
Published: November 2023

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), a chitinase-like protein family member, is a secreted glycoprotein that mediates macrophage polarization, inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and carcinogenesis. Abnormal CHI3L1 expression has been associated with multiple metabolic and neurological disorders, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Aberrant CHI3L1 expression is also reportedly associated with tumor migration and metastasis, as well as contributions to immune escape, playing important roles in tumor progression. However, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of CHI3L1 in the development of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer remain unclear. Understanding the polarization relationship between CHI3L1 and macrophages is crucial for disease progression. Recent research has uncovered the complex mechanisms of CHI3L1 in different diseases, highlighting its close association with macrophage functional polarization. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the various disease types and summarize the relationship between macrophages and CHI3L1. Furthermore, this article also provides a brief overview of the various mechanisms and inhibitors employed to inhibit CHI3L1 and disrupt its interaction with receptors. These endeavors highlight the pivotal roles of CHI3L1 and suggest therapeutic approaches targeting CHI3L1 in the development of metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers.
Membrane-Bound Transcription Factor ZmNAC074 Positively Regulates Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Qian Yexiong , Xi Yan , Xia Lingxue , Qiu Ziling , Liu Li , Ma Hui
Published: November 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated crops for humans, making a vital contribution to human nutrition and health. However, in recent years, due to the influence of external adverse environments, the yield and quality of maize have been seriously affected. NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) transcription factors (TFs) are important plant-unique TFs, which are crucial for regulating the abiotic stress response of plants. Therefore, it is of great biological significance to explore the underlying regulatory function of plant NAC TFs under various abiotic stresses. In this study, wild-type and ZmNAC074-overexpressed transgenic Arabidopsis were used as experimental materials to dissect the stress-resistant function of ZmNAC074 in transgenic Arabidopsis at phenotypic, physiological and molecular levels. The analyses of seed germination rate, survival rate, phenotype, the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline and other physiological indexes induced by distinct abiotic stress conditions showed that overexpression of ZmNAC074 could confer the enhanced resistance of salt, drought, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in transgenic Arabidopsis, indicating that ZmNAC074 plays an important regulatory role in plant response to abiotic stress, which provides an important theoretical foundation for further uncovering the molecular regulation mechanism of ZmNAC074 under abiotic stresses.
Toxicological Profiling and Long-Term Effects of Bare, PEGylated- and Galacto-Oligosaccharide-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Barguilla Irene , Candela-Noguera Vicente , Oliver Patrick , Annangi Balasubramanyam , Díez Paula , Aznar Elena , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Marcos Ricard , Hernández Alba , Marcos María Dolores
Published: November 2023

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are amongst the most used nanoparticles in biomedicine. However, the potentially toxic effects of MSNs have not yet been fully evaluated, being a controversial matter in research. In this study, bare MSNs, PEGylated MSNs (MSNs-PEG), and galacto-oligosaccharide-functionalized MSNs (MSNs-GAL) are synthesized and characterized to assess their genotoxicity and transforming ability on human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells in short- (48 h) and long-term (8 weeks) exposure scenarios. Initial short-term treatments show a dose-dependent increase in genotoxicity for MSNs-PEG-treated cells but not oxidative DNA damage for MSNs, MSNs-PEG, or for MSNs-GAL. In addition, after 8 weeks of continuous exposure, neither induced genotoxic nor oxidative DNA is observed. Nevertheless, long-term treatment with MSNs-PEG and MSNs-GAL, but not bare MSNs, induces cell transformation features, as evidenced by the cell’s enhanced ability to grow independently of anchorage, to migrate, and to invade. Further, the secretome from cells treated with MSNs and MSNs-GAL, but not MSNs-PEG, shows certain tumor-promoting abilities, increasing the number and size of HeLa cell colonies formed in the indirect soft-agar assay. These results show that MSNs, specifically the functionalized ones, provoke some measurable adverse effects linked to tumorigenesis. These effects are in the order of other nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes or cerium dioxide nanoparticles, but they are lower than those provoked by some approved drugs, such as doxorubicin or dexamethasone.
Accuracy of a Dual-Sensor Heat-Flux (DHF) Non-Invasive Core Temperature Sensor in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Zeiner Sebastian , Zadrazil Markus , Willschke Harald , Wiegele Marion , Marhofer Peter , Hammerle Fabian Peter , Laxar Daniel , Gleiss Andreas , Kimberger Oliver
Published: November 2023

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for the perioperative management of pediatric patients, and non-invasive thermometry is necessary when invasive methods are infeasible. A prospective observational study was conducted on 57 patients undergoing elective surgery. Temperatures were measured using a dual-sensor heat-flux (DHF) thermometer (Tcore™) and a rectal temperature probe (TRec), and the agreement between the two measurements was assessed. The DHF measurements showed a bias of +0.413 °C compared with those of the TRec. The limits of agreement were broader than the pre-defined ±0.5 °C range (−0.741 °C and +1.567 °C). Although the DHF sensors tended to overestimate the core temperature compared to the rectal measurements, an error grid analysis demonstrated that 95.81% of the DHF measurements would not have led to a wrong clinical decision, e.g., warming or cooling when not necessary. In conclusion, the low number of measurements that would have led to incorrect decisions suggests that the DHF sensor can be considered an option for continuous temperature measurement when more invasive methods are infeasible.
Characteristics and Treatment Strategies for Basicervical and Transcervical Shear Fractures of the Femoral Neck
Authors: Kijima Hiroaki , Yamada Shin , Kawano Tetsuya , Komatsu Motoharu , Iwamoto Yosuke , Konishi Natsuo , Kubota Hitoshi , Tazawa Hiroshi , Tani Takayuki , Suzuki Norio , Kamo Keiji , Sasaki Ken , Fujii Masashi , Nagahata Itsuki , Miura Takanori , Igarashi Shun , Miyakoshi Naohisa
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to define basicervical and transcervical shear fractures using area classification and to determine the optimal osteosynthesis implants for them. The clinical outcomes of 1042 proximal femur fractures were investigated. A model of the proximal femur of a healthy adult was created from computed tomography images, and basicervical and transcervical shear fractures were established in the model. Osteosynthesis models were created using a short femoral nail with a single lag screw or two lag screws and a long femoral nail with a single lag screw or two lag screws. The minimum principal strains of the fracture surfaces were compared when the maximum loads during walking were applied to these models using finite element analysis software. Basicervical fractures accounted for 0.96% of all proximal femur fractures, 67% of which were treated with osteosynthesis; the failure rate was 0%. Transcervical shear fractures accounted for 9.6% of all proximal femur fractures, 24% of which were treated with osteosynthesis; the failure rate was 13%. Finite element analysis showed that transcervical shear fracture has high instability. To perform osteosynthesis, multiple screw insertions into the femoral head and careful postoperative management are required; joint replacement should be considered to achieve early mobility.
Immediate Postoperative COVID-19 Infection after Lung Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Case Series
Authors: Donohue Jack K. , Hyzny Eric J. , Clifford Sarah , Chan Ernest G. , Coster Jenalee Nicole , Furukawa Masashi , Sanchez Pablo G.
Published: November 2023

Background: With new variants challenging the effectiveness of preventive measures, we are beginning to recognize the reality that COVID-19 will continue to pose an endemic threat. The manifestations of COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients during index admission are poorly understood with very few cases reported in recent lung transplant recipients. Optimal management of immunosuppression and antiviral therapy in recent transplant recipients is challenging. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis identifying lung transplant recipients at our institution who contracted COVID-19 in the immediate postoperative period (within index admission). In addition, we performed a systematic review from January 2020 to August 2023 identifying all publications on the PUBMED database regarding COVID-19 infection in lung transplant recipients during index admission. Results: We report four cases of COVID-19 pneumonia in lung transplant recipients in the immediate postoperative period and we describe the clinical course, treatment options, and immunosuppression changes to manage this unique clinical problem. All patients made a full recovery and were eventually discharged home. Within our review of the literature, the most prevalent presenting symptoms were cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. Six (75%) patients decreased or held their antimetabolite. The two most common treatments were monoclonal antibodies (38%) and remdesivir (63%). Conclusion: Although previous literature demonstrates that COVID-19 can be deadly in recent lung transplant recipients, rapid treatment with anti-viral therapy/immunotherapy, deescalating immunosuppression, and treatment of respiratory decompensation with Decadron was effective in our patients.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement: Effects on Nutritional Status in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: de Felice Ilaria , Ridola Lorenzo , Riggio Oliviero , Faccioli Jessica , Nardelli Silvia , Gioia Stefania
Published: November 2023

Malnutrition is a tangible complication of cirrhosis with portal hypertension with a prevalence of up to 50%. In particular, sarcopenia and myosteatosis, defined as the alteration in muscle quantity and quality, have a negative impact on the main complications of liver disease and are associated with higher mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Recently, alterations in adipose tissue have also been described in cirrhotic patients and they seem to influence the course of liver disease. Several pieces of evidence indicate that a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), placed for the treatment of refractory portal hypertension, can lead to a modification of body composition consisting in the improvement of the skeletal muscle index, myosteatosis, and an increase in subcutaneous fat. These modifications of the nutritional status, even more pronounced in sarcopenic patients before TIPS, have been associated with an amelioration of cognitive impairment after TIPS as well as with an increase in the survival rate. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the effects of TIPS placement on nutritional status in cirrhosis focusing on its pathophysiological mechanisms and its relationship with liver-related outcomes.
Research on CLUFS and Its Application in Rapid Prediction of the Impact of Regulating Services Value in Construction Projects
Authors: Guo Chenyang , Han Baolong , Shu Chengji , Ding Shiyu , Wang Haoqi
Published: November 2023

With the development of human society and the acceleration of urbanization, the impact of construction projects on the ecological environment is increasingly attracting attention. Conducting an ecological environmental impact assessment of construction projects is crucial to protect the ecological environment and achieve sustainable development. To estimate how construction projects would affect the value of ecosystem services, this paper develops the China Land Use Feature Data Sets (CLUFS) and uses the Beijing “One Line Four Mines” project as an example. Research found that the project’s conservation and restoration zone and the landscape construction zone will significantly enhance the ecosystem regulation services value. The conservation and restoration zone will increase by 30% from the current 1.413 billion yuan per year to 1.836 billion yuan per year, and the landscape construction zone will increase by 69% from the current 400 million yuan per year to 676 million yuan per year. The tourism development zone, dominated by urban construction, will result in a decrease in ecosystem regulation services, from 19.26 million yuan per year to 17.60 million yuan per year by 9%. Overall, the “One Line Four Mines” project achieved a balance of ecological value and surplus. The method proposed in this paper for predicting the impact of ecosystem regulation services value on construction projects can be used to quickly evaluate the effects of different planning schemes on the ecosystem services value of land parcels to help urban planning decision-makers control the condition of land use. It can provide new indicators for the ecological environment department to incorporate ecological benefits into the evaluation system of planning schemes and new methods for evaluating the ecological protection effectiveness of projects.
Breeding Efficiency for Salt Tolerance in Alfalfa
Authors: Peel Michael D. , Anower M. Rokebul , Wu Yajun
Published: November 2023

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), one of the most extensively grown forage crops, is sensitive to saline soils. We measured the breeding efficiency for increased salt tolerance in alfalfa by comparing lines selected from BC79S, CS, and SII populations with their unselected parental means for forage mass and associated changes in stem length, leaf-to-stem ratio (LSR), number of nodes per stem, crude protein (CP) content, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. The overall forage mass in the non-salt-stressed test (9562 kg ha−1) was greater (p < 0.001) than under salt stress (5783 kg ha−1), with a 40% production advantage. In the non-salt-stressed test, the BC79S and CS lines averaged at a 4% lower production than their parents, while SII lines had on average a 9% greater production. Conversely, in the salt-stressed test, all lines showed a 20% overall greater seasonal production than their parents. Some selected lines produced more forage mass in both the non-stressed and salt-stressed tests than their parents. The stem length, LSR, node number, CP content, and NDF content of the selected lines varied with respect to non-stressed vs. stressed, but they tended not to differ greatly from their respective parental means under either non- or salt-stressed conditions. The selection protocol provided a universal increase in forage mass under salt-stressed field conditions of the selected lines. Furthermore, we identified lines with forage mass values greater than their parental means under non- and salt-stressed field conditions.