bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D printed ascending aortic simulators with physiological fidelity for surgical simulation
Authors: Alakhtar Ali , Emmott Alexander , Hart Cornelius , Mongrain Rosaire , Leask Richard L , Lachapelle Kevin
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Three-dimensional (3D) printed multimaterial ascending aortic simulators were created to evaluate the ability of polyjet technology to replicate the distensibility of human aortic tissue when perfused at physiological pressures.

Methods

Simulators were developed by computer-aided design and 3D printed with a Connex3 Objet500 printer. Two geometries were compared (straight tube and idealised aortic aneurysm) with two different material variants (TangoPlus pure elastic and TangoPlus with VeroWhite embedded fibres). Under physiological pressure, β Stiffness Index was calculated comparing stiffness between our simulators and human ascending aortas. The simulators’ material properties were verified by tensile testing to measure the stiffness and energy loss of the printed geometries and composition.

Results

The simulators’ geometry had no effect on measured β Stiffness Index (p>0.05); however, β Stiffness Index increased significantly in both geometries with the addition of embedded fibres (p<0.001). The simulators with rigid embedded fibres were significantly stiffer than average patient values (41.8±17.0, p<0.001); however, exhibited values that overlapped with the top quartile range of human tissue data suggesting embedding fibres can help replicate pathological human aortic tissue. Biaxial tensile testing showed that fiber-embedded models had significantly higher stiffness and energy loss as compared with models with only elastic material for both tubular and aneurysmal geometries (stiffness: p<0.001; energy loss: p<0.001). The geometry of the aortic simulator did not statistically affect the tensile tested stiffness or energy loss (stiffness: p=0.221; energy loss: p=0.713).

Conclusion

We developed dynamic ultrasound-compatible aortic simulators capable of reproducing distensibility of real aortas under physiological pressures. Using 3D printed composites, we are able to tune the stiffness of our simulators which allows us to better represent the stiffness variation seen in human tissue. These models are a step towards achieving better simulator fidelity and have the potential to be effective tools for surgical training.
Online single-session interventions for Kenyan adolescents: study protocol for a comparative effectiveness randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wasil Akash R , Osborn Tom Lee , Weisz John R , DeRubeis Robert J
Published: June 2021

Background

Mental health problems are the leading cause of disability among adolescents worldwide, yet access to treatment is limited. Brief digital interventions have been shown to improve youth mental health, but little is known about which digital interventions are most effective.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of two digital single-session interventions (Shamiri-Digital and Digital-CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy)) among Kenyan adolescents.

Methods

We will perform a school-based comparative effectiveness randomised controlled trial. Approximately 926 Kenyan adolescents will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Shamiri-Digital (focused on gratitude, growth mindsets and values), Digital-CBT (focused on behavioural activation, cognitive restructuring and problem solving) or a study-skills control condition (focused on note-taking and essay writing skills). The primary outcomes include depressive symptoms (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-8), anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener-7) and subjective well-being (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale). The secondary outcomes include acceptability, appropriateness, primary control and secondary control. Acceptability and appropriateness will be measured immediately post-intervention; other outcomes will be measured 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-intervention.

Results

We hypothesise that adolescents assigned to Shamiri-Digital and adolescents assigned to Digital-CBT will experience greater improvements (assessed via hierarchical linear models) than those assigned to the control group. We will also compare Shamiri-Digital with Digital-CBT, although we do not have a preplanned hypothesis.

Conclusions

Our findings will help us evaluate two digital single-session interventions with different theoretical foundations. If effective, such interventions could be disseminated to reduce the public health burden of common mental health problems.

Trial registration number

PACTR202011691886690.
A Force-Based Rectangular Cracked Element
Authors: Rezaiee-Pajand Mohammad , Gharaei-Moghaddam Nima
Published: June 2021

A rectangular plane element containing an internal open stable crack is formulated. Using the well-known local flexibility approach, the element flexibility matrix is derived by the addition of the supplementary flexibility caused by cracking to the intact element flexibility. For utilization of the force formulation method, the calculation of the strain energy release rate is a necessary parameter for computing the additional flexibility matrix due to crack. The developed cracked element can be used for static and vibration analysis of structures and also vibration-based crack detection. Some numerical examples evaluate the accuracy of the suggested formulation.
Maximum Physically Consistent Trajectories
Authors: Custers Bram , Kerkhof Mees Van De , Meulemans Wouter , Speckmann Bettina , Staals Frank
Published: June 2021

Trajectories are usually collected with physical sensors, which are prone to errors and cause outliers in the data. We aim to identify such outliers via the physical properties of the tracked entity, that is, we consider its physical possibility to visit combinations of measurements. We describe optimal algorithms to compute maximum subsequences of measurements that are consistent with (simplified) physics models. Our results are output-sensitive with respect to the number
k
of outliers in a trajectory of
n
measurements. Specifically, we describe an
O
(
n
log
n
log
2
k
)-time algorithm for 2D trajectories using a model with unbounded acceleration but bounded velocity, and an
O(nk)
-time algorithm for any model where consistency is “concatenable”: a consistent subsequence that ends where another begins together form a consistent sequence. We also consider acceleration-bounded models that are not concatenable. We show how to compute the maximum subsequence for such models in
O
(
n
k
2
log
k
) time, under appropriate realism conditions. Finally, we experimentally explore the performance of our algorithms on several large real-world sets of trajectories. Our experiments show that we are generally able to retain larger fractions of noisy trajectories than previous work and simpler greedy approaches. We also observe that the speed-bounded model may in practice approximate the acceleration-bounded model quite well, though we observed some variation between datasets.
The Impact of Stationarity, Regularity, and Context on the Predictability of Individual Human Mobility
Authors: Teixeira Douglas Do Couto , Viana Aline Carneiro , Almeida Jussara M. , Alvim Mrio S.
Published: June 2021

Predicting mobility-related behavior is an important yet challenging task. On the one hand, factors such as one’s routine or preferences for a few favorite locations may help in predicting their mobility. On the other hand, several contextual factors, such as variations in individual preferences, weather, traffic, or even a person’s social contacts, can affect mobility patterns and make its modeling significantly more challenging. A fundamental approach to study mobility-related behavior is to assess how
predictable
such behavior is, deriving theoretical limits on the accuracy that a prediction model can achieve given a specific dataset. This approach focuses on the inherent nature and fundamental patterns of human behavior captured in that dataset, filtering out factors that depend on the specificities of the prediction method adopted. However, the current state-of-the-art method to estimate predictability in human mobility suffers from two major limitations: low interpretability and hardness to incorporate external factors that are known to help mobility prediction (i.e., contextual information). In this article, we revisit this state-of-the-art method, aiming at tackling these limitations. Specifically, we conduct a thorough analysis of how this widely used method works by looking into two different metrics that are easier to understand and, at the same time, capture reasonably well the effects of the original technique. We evaluate these metrics in the context of two different mobility prediction tasks, notably, next cell and next distinct cell prediction, which have different degrees of difficulty. Additionally, we propose alternative strategies to incorporate different types of contextual information into the existing technique. Our evaluation of these strategies offer quantitative measures of the impact of adding context to the predictability estimate, revealing the challenges associated with doing so in practical scenarios.
Introduction to the Theme on Membrane Channels
Authors: von Heijne Gunnar
Published: June 2021

This volume of the Annual Review of Biochemistry contains three reviews on membrane channel proteins: the first by Szczot et al., titled The Form and Function of PIEZO2; the second by Ruprecht & Kunji, titled Structural Mechanism of Transport of Mitochondrial Carriers; and the third by McIlwain et al., titled Membrane Exporters of Fluoride Ion. These reviews provide nice illustrations of just how far evolution has been able to play with the basic helix-bundle architecture of integral membrane proteins to produce membrane channels and transporters of widely different functions.
Mechanisms of Selective Autophagy
Authors: Lamark Trond , Johansen Terje
Published: June 2021

Selective autophagy is the lysosomal degradation of specific intracellular components sequestered into autophagosomes, late endosomes, or lysosomes through the activity of selective autophagy receptors (SARs). SARs interact with autophagy-related (ATG)8 family proteins via sequence motifs called LC3-interacting region (LIR) motifs in vertebrates and Atg8-interacting motifs (AIMs) in yeast and plants. SARs can be divided into two broad groups: soluble or membrane bound. Cargo or substrate selection may be independent or dependent of ubiquitin labeling of the cargo. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of mammalian selective autophagy with a focus on the unifying principles employed in substrate recognition, interaction with the forming autophagosome via LIR-ATG8 interactions, and the recruitment of core autophagy components for efficient autophagosome formation on the substrate.
Currents: Enhancing the Materials Role in Environmental Technology and Sustainability
Authors: Brooman Eric W.
Published: June 2021

“Assessment of Linkages” was the theme of the second in a series of workshops organized by the Federation of Materials Societies (FMS), with assistance from The Interagency Environmental Materials Committee (EMAT), and sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Electrochemical Society (ECS) was represented at both workshops as an interested party. The latest workshop, held in December 1997, had as its focus an update and assessment of relevant activities in industry, government, and academe. Here are some highlights from the many thought-provoking presentations and discussions.
Voiding behavior in awake unrestrained untethered spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar control rats
Authors: Langdale Christopher L. , Degoski Danielle , Milliken Philip H. , Grill Warren M.
Published: June 2021

We characterized the long-term (20 wk) voiding, defecation, and consumption behavior of age-matched spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar rats without the influence of anesthesia or catheters. Spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibited bladder hypersensitiviy that persisted for the 20-wk duration and was unaffected by capsacin desensitization.
[Retracted] Distinct Molecular Subtypes of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with Rituximab‐CHOP Are Associated with Different Clinical Outcomes and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Yu Haifeng , Peng Shuailing , Han Shuiyun , Chen Xi , Lyu Qinghua , Lei Tao
Published: June 2021

Objective. Our purpose was to characterize distinct molecular subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with rituximab‐CHOP (R‐CHOP). Methods. Two gene expression datasets of R‐CHOP‐treated DLBCL patients were downloaded from GSE10846 (n = 233, training set) and GSE31312 (n = 470, validation set) datasets. Cluster analysis was presented via the ConsensusClusterPlus package in R. Using the limma package, differential expression analysis was utilized to identify feature genes. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was presented to compare the differences in the prognosis between distinct molecular subtypes. Correlation between molecular subtypes and clinical features was analyzed. Based on the sets of highly expressed genes, biological functions were explored by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Several feature genes were validated in the molecular subtypes via qRT‐PCR and western blot. Results. DLBCL samples were clustered into two molecular subtypes. Samples in subtype I displayed poorer overall survival time in the training set (p < 0.0001). Consistently, patients in subtype I had shorter overall survival (p = 0.0041) and progression‐free survival time (p < 0.0001) than those in subtype II. Older age, higher stage, and higher international prognostic index (IPI) were found in subtype I. In subtype I, T cell activation, lymphocyte activation, and immune response were distinctly enriched, while cell adhesion, migration, and motility were significantly enriched in subtype II. T cell exhaustion‐related genes including TIM3 (p < 0.001), PD‐L1 (p < 0.0001), LAG3 (p < 0.0001), CD160 (p < 0.001), and CD244 (p < 0.001) were significantly highly expressed in subtype I than subtype II. Conclusion. Two molecular subtypes were constructed in DLBCL, which were characterized by different clinical outcomes and molecular mechanisms. Our findings may offer a novel insight into risk stratification and prognosis prediction for DLBCL patients.
A Missense POU4F3 Variant Associated with Autosomal Dominant Midfrequency Hearing Loss Alters Subnuclear Localization and Transcriptional Capabilities
Authors: Bai Dan , Zhang Xudong , Li Yu , Ni Jing , Lan Kai
Published: June 2021

Background. The pathogenic variant, POU class 4 transcription factor 3 (POU4F3), is reported to cause autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL). Previously, we have examined a four‐generation midfrequency sensorineural hearing loss (MFSNHL) family (no. 6126) and established POU4F3 c.602T>C (p.Leu201Pro) as a potential disease‐causing variant. Objectives. We explored the structural and functional alterations that the c.602T>C (p.Leu201Pro) variant enforces on the POU4F3 protein. Methods. We utilized wild‐type (WT) and mutant (MUT) POU4F3 c.602T>C plasmid incorporation into HeLa cells to assess functional changes, by immunofluorescence and luciferase assays. To predict protein structural alterations in the MUT versus WT POU4F3, we also generated 3D structures to compare both types of POU4F3 proteins. Results. The WT POU4F3 is ubiquitously present in the nucleus, whereas the MUT form of POU4F3 exhibits a more restricted nuclear presence. This finding is different from other publications, which report a cytoplasmic localization of the MUT POU4F3. We also demonstrated that, as opposed to WT POU4F3, the MUT POU4F3 had 40% reduced luciferase activity. Conclusions. The reduced nuclear presence, combined with reduced transcriptional activity, suggests that the POU4F3 c.602T>C variant alters cellular activity and may contribute to the pathogenicity of POU4F3‐related hearing loss. It, also, provides more evidence of the pathophysiological characteristics of MFSNHL.
Novel ZAP-70-Related Immunodeficiency Presenting with Epstein–Barr Virus Lymphoproliferative Disorder and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Forster Moriah , Moran Timothy , Beaven Anne , Voorhees Timothy
Published: June 2021

Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP-70) plays an integral role in the T-cell antigenic receptor complex. A deficiency of this kinase leads to a phenotype of severe combined immunodeficiency, while hypomorphic mutations of the kinase lead to more mild immunodeficiency phenotypes. We present a case of a 21-year-old patient with lymphadenopathy who was found to have Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) and the development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). On further workup, the patient was ultimately found to have a homozygous intrionic mutation in ZAP-70. This is a novel ZAP-70 mutation (c.1623 + 5G > A) associated with combined immunodeficiency and an EBV-positive LPD. A primary immunodeficiency is important to consider in a young, otherwise healthy patient presenting with an EBV-positive LPD.
Overexpression of Long Noncoding RNA H19 Downregulates miR‐140‐5p and Activates PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway to Promote Invasion, Migration and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Xu Hao , Ding Yuan , Yang Xiangying
Published: June 2021

Objective. The abnormal expression of LncRNA H19 and miR‐140‐5p has been linked to ovarian cancer (OC). Whether H19 directly regulates miR‐140‐5p in ovarian cancer cells has been unclear. In this study, we deeply explored the relationship between H19 and miR‐140‐5p in ovarian cancer and the mechanism of action in regulating OC progression. Methods. A total of 66 patients with OC admitted to the hospital from June 2017 to June 2019 were selected as the research group (RG), and meanwhile, 60 cases of healthy subjects were selected as the control group (CG). In addition, OC cells and normal ovarian epithelial cells were used to detect H19 and miR‐140‐5p expression levels and to analyze the effect of H19 on OC cells. The activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and downstream proteins were analyzed by western blot. Results. H19 was highly expressed while miR‐140‐5p was lowly expressed in OC patients and cell lines (P < 0.050). The proliferation, invasion, migration ability, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OC cells were reduced after inhibiting H19 expression, and the apoptosis rate was increased. Transfection of cells with miR‐140‐5p mimics brought opposite effects. Online prediction and dual‐luciferase reporter (DLR) confirmed that H19 directly binds miR‐140‐5p. Western blot assay indicated overexpression activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in OC cells. Moreover, overexpression promoted tumor growth in nude mice and was suppressed by PI3K inhibitor. Conclusion. LncRNA H19 downregulation of miR‐140‐5p to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and promote the proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT of OC.
Resveratrol Alleviates 27‐Hydroxycholesterol‐Induced Senescence in Nerve Cells and Affects Zebrafish Locomotor Behavior via Activation of SIRT1‐Mediated STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Liu Jiao , Jiao Kailin , Zhou Qian , Yang Jun , Yang Keke , Hu Chunyan , Zhou Ming , Li Zhong
Published: June 2021

The oxysterol 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27HC) is the first identified endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which like endogenous estrogen 17β‐estradiol (E2) induces the proliferation of estrogen receptor‐ (ER‐) positive breast cancer cells in vitro. However, 27HC differs from E2 in that it shows adverse effects in the nervous system. Our previous study confirmed that 27HC could induce neural senescence by activating phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription, which E2 could not. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether STAT3 acetylation was involved in 27HC‐induced neural senescence. Microglia (BV2 cells) and rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) were used in vitro to explore the effect of resveratrol (REV) on 27HC‐induced neural senescence. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) staining was performed using an SA‐β‐Gal Staining Kit in cells and zebrafish larvae. Zebrafish were used in vivo to assess the effect of 27HC on locomotor behavior and aging. We found that 27HC could induce senescence in neural cells, and REV, which has been employed as a Sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) agonist, could attenuate 27HC‐induced senescence by inhibiting STAT3 signaling via SIRT1. Moreover, in the zebrafish model, REV attenuated 27HC‐induced locomotor behavior disorder and aging in the spinal cord of zebrafish larvae, which was also associated with the activation of SIRT1‐mediated STAT3 signaling. Our findings unveiled a novel mechanism by which REV alleviates 27HC‐induced senescence in neural cells and affects zebrafish locomotor behavior by activating SIRT1‐mediated STAT3 signaling.
Relationship of Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio with Carotid Plaque Vulnerability and Occurrence of Vulnerable Carotid Plaque in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Li Xin , Li Jing , Wu Guode
Published: June 2021

Background. Carotid plaque is an undefined risk factor in ischemic stroke and is driven by inflammation. Mounting evidence suggests that neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is crucial not only for cerebrovascular events but also in atherosclerosis progression. Here, we aimed to explore the association between the admission NLR and carotid plaque vulnerability as well as the occurrence of vulnerable carotid plaque detected by carotid ultrasonography in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) among Chinese. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study composed of 588 patients with AIS and 309 healthy controls free of carotid plaque in the Department of Neurology in The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from March 2014 to February 2015. All patients were classified as nonplaque, stable plaque, and vulnerable plaque groups on the basis of carotid ultrasonography results. The baseline information was collected and compared among the four different groups. The correlation between variables and carotid plaque vulnerability was tested by Spearman linear correlation analysis. To identify the independent predictors for vulnerable carotid plaque, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results. The comparisons of age, sex proportion, history of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, the levels of HDL‐C, Lp(a), BMI, SBP, DBP, Fib, CRP, leukocyte, and NLR among the four groups showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05); in particular, the NLR was significantly higher in the vulnerable plaque group as compared to the control (P = 0.043), nonplaque (P = 0.022), and stable plaque groups (P = 0.015). The Spearman correlation analysis presented a positive correlation between carotid plaque vulnerability and age (r = 0.302; P < 0.001), SBP (r = 0.163; P < 0.001), and NLR (r = 0.087; P = 0.034), while the lymphocyte was negatively related to the carotid plaque vulnerability (r = −0.089; P = 0.030). The multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors revealed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.042; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.025‐1.060; P < 0.001), male gender (OR, 2.005; 95% CI, 1.394‐2.884; P < 0.001), diabetes (OR, 1.481; 95% CI, 1.021‐2.149; P = 0.039), SBP (OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.003‐1.021; P = 0.010), and NLR (OR, 1.098; 95% CI, 1.018‐1.184; P = 0.015) are independent predictors of vulnerable carotid plaque in patients with AIS. Conclusion. The admission NLR is a novel and meaningful biomarker that can be used in predicting carotid plaque vulnerability and the presence of vulnerable carotid plaque assessed by carotid ultrasonography in patients with AIS among Chinese.
Resource Caching and Task Migration Strategy of Small Cellular Networks under Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Liang Runfu , Wang Gaocai , Hu Jintian
Published: June 2021

As computing-intensive mobile applications become increasingly diversified, mobile devices’ computing power is hard to keep up with demand. Mobile devices migrate tasks to the Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) platform and improve the performance of task processing through reasonable allocation and caching of resources on the platform. Small cellular networks (SCN) have excellent short-distance communication capabilities, and the combination of MEC and SCN is a promising research direction. This paper focuses on minimizing energy consumption for task migration in small cellular networks and proposes a task migration energy optimization strategy with resource caching by combining optimal stopping theory with migration decision-making. Firstly, the process of device finding the MEC platform with the required task processing resources is formulated as the optimal stopping problem. Secondly, we prove an optimal stopping rule’s existence, obtain the optimal processing energy consumption threshold, and compare it with the device energy consumption. Finally, the platform with the best energy consumption is selected to process the task. In the simulation experiment, the optimization strategy has lower average migration energy consumption and higher average data execution energy efficiency and average distance execution energy efficiency, which improves task migration performance by 10% ∼ 60%.
Identification of Macrophage Polarization‐Related Genes as Biomarkers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Bioinformatics Analyses
Authors: Zhao Yalin , Li Meihua , Yang Yanxia , Wu Tao , Huang Qingyuan , Wu Qinghua , Ren Chaofeng
Published: June 2021

Objectives. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by lung inflammation and remodeling. Macrophage polarization is associated with inflammation and tissue remodeling, as well as immunity. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the diagnostic value and regulatory mechanism of macrophage polarization‐related genes for COPD by bioinformatics analysis and to provide a new theoretical basis for experimental research. Methods. The raw gene expression profile dataset (GSE124180) was collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Next, a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to screen macrophage polarization‐related genes. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the COPD and normal samples were generated using DESeq2 v3.11 and overlapped with the macrophage polarization‐related genes. Moreover, functional annotations of overlapped genes were conducted by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) Bioinformatics Resource. The immune‐related genes were selected, and their correlation with the differential immune cells was analyzed by Pearson. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to verify the diagnostic value of genes. Results. A total of 4922 coexpressed genes related to macrophage polarization were overlapped with the 203 DEGs between the COPD and normal samples, obtaining 25 genes related to COPD and macrophage polarization. GEM, S100B, and GZMA of them participated in the immune response, which were considered the candidate biomarkers. GEM and S100B were significantly correlated with marker genes of B cells which had a significant difference between the COPD and normal samples. Moreover, GEM was highly associated with the genes in the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and calcium signaling pathway based on a Pearson correlation analysis of the candidate genes and the genes in the B cell receptor signaling pathway. PPI network analysis also indicated that GEM might participate in the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. The ROC curve showed that GEM possessed an excellent accuracy in distinguishing COPD from normal samples. Conclusions. The data provide a transcriptome‐based evidence that GEM is related to COPD and macrophage polarization likely contributes to COPD diagnosis. At the same time, it is hoped that in‐depth functional mining can provide new ideas for exploring the COPD pathogenesis.
A Distributed Model Predictive Control for Multiple Mobile Robots with the Model Uncertainty
Authors: Shang Wei , Zhu Hanzong , Pan Yurong , Li Xiuhong , Zhang Daode
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a distributed predictive control with the model uncertainty which uses the data-driven strategy and robust theory (data-driven RDMPC) is proposed for the formation control of multiple mobile robots. The robust performance objective minimization is applied to replace the quadratic performance objective minimization to establish the optimization problem, where the model uncertainty is considered in the distributed system. The control policy is derived by applying the data-driven strategy, and the future predictive value is obtained by employing the linear law in the historical data. Lyapunov theory is referred to analyze the stability of the mobile robot formation system. The effectiveness of the proposed method is proved by a set of simulation experiments.
Nonsingular Global Fixed‐Time Stabilization for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhou Zhangyong , Tang Junjun
Published: June 2021

Since existing results about fixed‐time stabilization are only applied to strict feedback systems, this paper investigates the nonsingular fixed‐time stabilization of more general high‐order nonlinear systems. Based on a novel concept named coordinate mapping of time domain, a control method is first proposed to transform the nonsingular fixed‐time convergence problem into the finite‐time convergence problem of a transformed time‐varying system. By extending the existing, adding a power integrator technique into the considered time‐varying system, a periodic controller is constructed to stabilize the original system in fixed time. The results of simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimization of Mix Proportions for Novel Dry Stack Interlocking Concrete Blocks Using ANN
Authors: Prakash A Krishna , Helena H Jane , Oluwaseun Awoyera Paul
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes novel concrete interlocking blocks made of fly ash and GGBS which are an alternative for the conventional concrete blocks. The artificial neural network (ANN) technique is used to estimate the mechanical strength of interlocking blocks and is verified with experimental investigation. The ANN model is based on the Levenberg–Marquardt principle which is executed using MATLAB. The inputs are given in the percentage ratio of cement: fly ash: crushed stone aggregate (FA): coarse aggregate (CA) for the process of learning, testing, and validation. The selected model is subjected to several trials in terms of mean square error, containing 4 input, 2 sets of 10 hidden layers, and one output components. In this study, a total of 2600 blocks of different mixes were tested as per IS 2185‐1 (2005) to assess 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days’ strength. The experimental investigations were carried out in two phases. In the first phase, experimental investigations to identify the optimum mix proportions of cement, aggregate, fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag to achieve desired compressive strength was carried out. In the second phase, the identified mix proportions were analysed using ANN to predict the compressive strength of interlocking blocks. The results indicate that the proposed ANN model developed to determine the mechanical strength and cost of interlocking blocks has excellent prediction ability.
Inverse Boundary Value Problem for the Magnetohydrodynamics Equations
Authors: He Lianhua , Tan Zhong
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we consider the stationary magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations in a bounded domain of

ℝ

d

 

d
=
2
,
3

with viscosity and magnetic diffusing. By the linearization technique, we prove that the uniqueness of viscosity function and magnetic diffusing function in the MHD equations is determined from the knowledge of the Cauchy data measured on the boundary.
Estimation of Wheelset Natural Vibration Characteristics Based on Transfer Matrix Method with Various Elastic Beam Models
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Liu Hongjun , Wu Qing
Published: June 2021

The elastic vibration of the wheelset is a potential factor inducing wheel‐rail defects. It is important to understand the natural vibration characteristics of the flexible wheelset for slowing down the defect growth. To estimate the elastic free vibration of the railway wheelset with the multidiameter axle, the transfer matrix method (TMM) is applied. The transfer matrices of four types of elastic beam models are derived including the Euler–Bernoulli beam, Timoshenko beam, elastic beam without mass and shearing stiffness, and massless elastic beam with shearing stiffness. For each type, the simplified model and detailed models of the flexible wheelset are developed. Both bending and torsional modes are compared with that of the finite element (FE) model. For the wheelset bending modes, if the wheel axle is modelled as the Euler–Bernoulli beam and Timoshenko beam, the natural frequencies can be reflected accurately, especially for the latter one. Due to the lower solving accuracy, the massless beam models are not applicable for the analysis of natural characteristics of the wheelset. The increase of the dividing segment number of the flexible axle is helpful to improve the modal solving accuracy, while the computation effort is almost kept in the same level. For the torsional vibration mode, it mainly depends on the axle torsional stiffness and wheel inertia rather than axle torsional inertia.
CREB3 Transactivates lncRNA ZFAS1 to Promote Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis by Modulating miR-373-3p/MMP3 Regulatory Axis
Authors: Wang Gang , Le Yuan , Wei Liping , Cheng Lian
Published: June 2021

The incidence rate of thyroid carcinoma ranks ninth among human malignancies, and it accounts for the most frequent malignancy in endocrine-related tumors. This study aimed to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1 in the metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and the potential molecular mechanisms. Both ZFAS1 and MMP3 were highly expressed in thyroid carcinoma and PTC cell, as measured by the q-PCR and TCGA database. In addition, ZFAS1 induced TPC-1 metastasis through inducing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Besides, ZFAS1 knockdown by siRNA induced miR-373-3p expression and reduced MMP3 expression, as quantified by q-PCR and Western blotting. According to the luciferase assay, both ZFAS1 and MMP3 were classified as the direct targets of miR-373-3p. However, MMP3 itself did not affect ZFAS1. Using the online prediction tool, CREB3 was predicted as the transcription factor (TF) of ZFAS1 that contained two binding sites on its promoter region, and CREB3 was positively correlated with ZFAS1 in thyroid carcinoma cohorts. Results from the dual-luciferase assay and ChIP-qPCR indicated that both the two binding sites were essential for the transcription of ZFAS1. In conclusion, CREB3 activated lncRNA ZFAS1 at the transcriptional level to promote PTC metastasis by modulating miR-373-3p/MMP3.
Multiomic Analysis of Lung Tumors Defines Pathways Activated in Neuroendocrine Transformation
Authors: Quintanal-Villalonga Alvaro , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Zhan Yingqian A. , Hasan Maysun M. , Chavan Shweta S. , Meng Fanli , Uddin Fathema , Manoj Parvathy , Donoghue Mark T.A. , Won Helen H. , Chan Joseph M. , Ciampricotti Metamia , Chow Andrew , Offin Michael , Chang Jason C. , Ray-Kirton Jordana , Tischfield Sam E. , Egger Jacklynn , Bhanot Umesh K. , Linkov Irina , Asher Marina , Sinha Sonali , Silber Joachim , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. , Roehrl Michael H. , Hollmann Travis J. , Yu Helena A. , Qiu Juan , de Stanchina Elisa , Baine Marina K. , Rekhtman Natasha , Poirier John T. , Loomis Brian , Koche Richard P. , Rudin Charles M. , Sen Triparna
Published: June 2021

Lineage plasticity is implicated in treatment resistance in multiple cancers. In lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) amenable to targeted therapy, transformation to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recognized resistance mechanism. Defining molecular mechanisms of neuroendocrine (NE) transformation in lung cancer has been limited by a paucity of pre/posttransformation clinical samples. Detailed genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and protein characterization of combined LUAD/SCLC tumors, as well as pre/posttransformation samples, supports that NE transformation is primarily driven by transcriptional reprogramming rather than mutational events. We identify genomic contexts in which NE transformation is favored, including frequent loss of the 3p chromosome arm. We observed enhanced expression of genes involved in the PRC2 complex and PI3K/AKT and NOTCH pathways. Pharmacologic inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway delayed tumor growth and NE transformation in an EGFR-mutant patient-derived xenograft model. Our findings define a novel landscape of potential drivers and therapeutic vulnerabilities of NE transformation in lung cancer.

Significance:

The difficulty in collection of transformation samples has precluded the performance of molecular analyses, and thus little is known about the lineage plasticity mechanisms leading to LUAD-to-SCLC transformation. Here, we describe biological pathways dysregulated upon transformation and identify potential predictors and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of NE transformation in the lung.

See related commentary by Meador and Lovly, p. 2962.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2945
Control Beliefs among People with Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Halse Ingeborg , Bjørkløf Guro Hanevold , Engedal Knut , Selbæk Geir , Barca Maria Lage
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Dementia diseases are still incurable, and in order to assist in living well with the disease, researchers are increasing their attention to the value of control beliefs. Control beliefs are associated with coping and psychological well-being; however, knowledge on how they relate to well-being outcomes in people with dementia is limited. This review aimed to synthesize knowledge about control beliefs in this group to guide future interventions and research. Method: A systematic search of 6 databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, AgeLine, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) with broad search terms related to dementia, control, and coping was conducted. Studies that investigated people with a confirmed dementia diagnosis and that used a questionnaire to measure control beliefs quantitatively were included. Results: Eighteen studies were identified, examining self-efficacy, personal control/mastery, or locus of control. The studies varied in aim and design, with fair to good methodological quality. However, 10 studies included <50 participants with dementia, leaving findings unreliable due to low power. Participants with dementia in the mild to moderate stages were included, with average age in the seventies. Except for one validation study, the control belief questionnaires had not been validated for people with dementia. Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge about control beliefs among people with dementia, due to few and low-powered studies. Although we cannot conclude regarding control beliefs, our findings support the feasibility of quantitative research on control beliefs among people with dementia and we recommend that they be included in this type of research.
АКАДЕМІЧНЕ ПИСЬМО: СТРУКТУРА І ЗАВДАННЯ
Authors: Вихрущ А. В.
Published: June 2021

При вирішенні актуальних питань методики викладання важливо чітко визначити головні пріоритети, оскільки існує загроза хаотичного нагромадження інформації, що ускладнить вирішення головних завдань. У статті аналізуються особливості вивчення академічного письма в медичних університетах, узагальнюються перспективні напрямки підвищення допрофесійної підготовки студентів, удосконалення системи науково-методичного забезпечення навчального процесу. Академічне письмо розглядається як процес створення і оприлюднення наукового тексту. Підкреслено, що написання наукового  тексту передбачає насамперед вибір теми дослідження, доведення актуальності, новизни, значимості результатів, відповідної структури і належних методів. Оприлюднення результатів передбачає раціональне використання можливостей сучасних інформаційних технологій, а також безпосереднє ознайомлення наукової спільноти з новими фактами. Виокремлено також перспективні форми і методи навчального процесу.
Um órfão na epidemia - conto de Eliyahu Meidanek
Authors: Steinberg Gabriel
Published: June 2021

Este texto apresenta a tradução do conto O Órfão, do escritor em língua hebraica Eliyahu Meidanek.
Histórias extraordinárias nas narrativas Setsuwa do século XII
Authors: Yoshida Luiza Nana
Published: June 2021

Na literatura clássica japonesa, existe um gênero narrativo, setsuwa, que denominaremos “narrativa setsuwa”, por não haver termo correspondente em nossa língua. Setsuwa são narrativas breves, reunidas em coletâneas denominadas setsuwashû (coletânea de narrativas setsuwa). Nihon Ryôiki (Relatos Milagrosos do Japão) é considerada a primeira coletânea de narrativas setsuwa e foi organizada, por volta de 822, por um monge budista chamado Keikai.
Arquivo histórico: Madenataran
Authors: Costa Chake Ekizian
Published: June 2021

O artigo remete a Madenataran (que significa em armênio biblioteca) e focaliza este acervo composto de manuscritos, iluminuras, miniaturas armênias e algumas estrangeiras. Acrescenta ainda informações sobre a história, exposição e possibilidade de consulta do mesmo.
Ressurgimento da língua hebraica e suas implicações culturais
Authors: Langer Eliana Rosa
Published: June 2021

O ressurgimento da língua hebraica foi um fenômeno interessante ocorrido com um idioma depois do mesmo ter-se exilado de seu país de origem juntamente com o povo que o falava. O hebraico permaneceu silencioso durante um período muito longo, porém não se extinguiu. A volta do referido idioma como língua nacional dos judeus, teve implicações culturais, sem as quais tal fato não teria ocorrido. O hebraico falado atualmente, é resultado de um grandioso trabalho executado por um grupo de pessoas que ao reimplantar o hebraico cuidou para que o idioma partisse das fontes escritas. Este artigo procura relatar um pouco deste trabalho
Lea Rudnitzki
Authors: Guinsburg Jacó
Published: June 2021

O texto que segue põe em circulação dois poemas de Lea Ridnitzki, nascida na Lituânia, em 1916, e morta, vitimada pelo nazismo, em 1943. A poeta destacou-se em organizações de resistência, testemunhando, em seu livro Através da Névoa, a certeza do extermínio iminente dos judeus que a atingiu bem como a quase todos os seus leitores da época. A escritora escre- via em ídiche e é a partir desse idioma que foram feitas as duas traduções.
A multiculturalidade otomana. Imigrantes, judeus do Império Otomano no Brasil
Authors: Mizrahi Rachel
Published: June 2021

A convocação obrigatória para o serviço militar, o desemprego, a pobreza e outros motivos gerados no fim da Primeira Guerra Mundial levaram a que sefaradim e judeus-orientais emigrassem para a América. Embora o Brasil não fosse o local de preferência, algumas famílias desses imigrantes se instalaram em São Paulo e no Rio de Janeiro. Nessas cidades, sefaradim e judeus-orientais organizaram-se em comunidades com características distintas dos judeus de outras origens, que também emigraram no mesmo período. Estudos comparativos entre esses imigrantes nos levaram a considerações interessantes e pouco aprofundadas por aqueles que se dedicam aos estudos da imigração judaica no Brasil. Os dirigentes dessas primeiras comunidades do Oriente Médio no Brasil recepcionaram em suas sinagogas os imigrantes, seus conterrâneos, que chegaram a partir da década de 50 do século XX.
Nas tramas das noites
Authors: Codenhoto Christiane Damien
Published: June 2021

Este artigo apresenta uma abordagem geral sobre o percurso do livro As mil e uma noites, desde sua origem controversa e seus manuscritos até suas traduções e recepção no mundo ocidental.
Abstract 1: Atherosclerosis Regression is Dependent Upon Newly Recruited Ly6c
high
Circulating Monocytes and Their STAT6-Mediated M2 Polarization
Authors: Rahman Karishma , Vengrenyuk Yuliya , Girgis Natasha , Rotllan Vila Noemi , Liu Jianhua , Moore Kathryn J , Loke P'ng , Fisher Edward A
Published: June 2021

Inflammatory M1 macrophages (Mø) are a hallmark of progressing atherosclerotic lesions. Reversal of dyslipidemia reduces Mø burden in plaques, a process termed regression. In addition to significant Mø loss, we have shown that regressing plaque Møs are characterized by an M2 phenotype normally associated with activation by type 2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13. However the origin of these M2 Møs remain unknown. We report here that M2 Møs derive from circulating monocytes, rather than a switch from M1 to M2 in situ. Using an aortic transplant model, we show that plaques transplanted from hyperlipidemic
Apoe
-/-
mice into normolipidemic CD68-GFP reporter mice contained approximately 60% GFP+ CD11b+ F4/80+ (recipient origin) Møs 5 days post-surgery, indicating monocyte recruitment is active in regressing plaques. To determine the origin of M2 Møs in regressing plaques, arches from hyperlipidemic

Apoe
-/-

mice (baseline) were transplanted into normolipidemic
Ccr2
-/-
(
chemokine receptor necessary for Ly6c
high
Mø recruitment to inflammatory sites),
Ccr5
-/-
(chemokine receptor necessary for Ly6c
lo
Mø recruitment), as well as WT and
Apoe

-/-

control mice. Immunostaining of plaques 5 days post-transplant showed that WT and
Ccr5
-/-
mice had a 57% reduction (p<0.01) in total CD68+ Mø area and a 2.5 fold increase in M2 Mø (Arginase-1 and Mannose Receptor+) area (p <0.01) compared to baseline, whereas plaques from

Ccr2
-/-

mice failed to regress, as there was no change in total Mø or M2 Mø area compared to baseline. These data indicate that recruitment of inflammatory Ly6c
high
circulating monocytes is required for plaque regression and M2 Mø enrichment. To determine whether M2 Mø polarization of newly recruited monocytes is regulated by the canonical STAT6 signaling pathway via IL-4 and IL-13, a similar approach was taken. Notably, arches from hyperlipidemic

Apoe
-/-

mice transplanted into normolipidemic

Stat6
-/-

or

Il-4
-/-

mice showed no significant reduction in total Mø or M2 Mø area compared to baseline. Collectively, our studies indicate that

recruitment of Ly6c
high
monocytes into plaques and their differentiation into M2

Mø via the IL-4-STAT6 pathway are required for plaque regression.