bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane adhesion junctions regulate airway smooth muscle phenotype and function
Authors: Zhang Wenwu , Wu Yidi , J. Gunst Susan
Published: February 2023

The local environment surrounding airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells has profound effects on the physiological and phenotypic properties of ASM tissues. ASM is continually subjected to the mechanical forces generated during breathing and to the constituents of its surrounding extracellular milieu. The smooth muscle cells within the airways continually modulate their properties to adapt to these changing environmental influences. Smooth muscle cells connect to the extracellular cell matrix (ECM) at membrane adhesion junctions that provide mechanical coupling between smooth muscle cells within the tissue. Membrane adhesion junctions also sense local environmental signals and transduce them to cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling pathways in the ASM cell. Adhesion junctions are composed of clusters of transmembrane integrin proteins that bind to ECM proteins outside the cell and to large multiprotein complexes in the submembranous cytoplasm. Physiological conditions and stimuli from the surrounding ECM are sensed by integrin proteins and transduced by submembranous adhesion complexes to signaling pathways to the cytoskeleton and nucleus. The transmission of information between the local environment of the cells and intracellular processes enables ASM cells to rapidly adapt their physiological properties to modulating influences in their extracellular environment: mechanical and physical forces that impinge on the cell, ECM constituents, local mediators, and metabolites. The structure and molecular organization of adhesion junction complexes and the actin cytoskeleton are dynamic and constantly changing in response to environmental influences. The ability of ASM to rapidly accommodate to the ever-changing conditions and fluctuating physical forces within its local environment is essential for its normal physiological function.
The human periconceptional maternal-embryonic space in health and disease
Authors: Moreno Inmaculada , Capalbo Antonio , Mas Aymara , Garrido-Gomez Tamara , Roson Beatriz , Poli Maurizio , Dimitriadis Eva , Santamaria Xavier , Vilella Felipe , Simon Carlos
Published: February 2023

Pregnancy is established during the periconceptional period as a continuum beginning with blastocyst attachment to the endometrial epithelial surface followed by embryo invasion and placenta formation. This period sets the foundation for the child and mother’s health during pregnancy. Emerging evidence indicates that prevention of downstream pathologies in both the embryo/newborn and pregnant mother may be possible at this stage. In this review, we discuss current advances in the periconceptional space, including the preimplantation human embryo and maternal endometrium. We also discuss the role of the maternal decidua, the periconceptional maternal-embryonic interface, the dialogue between these elements, and the importance of the endometrial microbiome in the implantation process and pregnancy. Finally, we discuss the myometrium in the periconceptional space and review its role in determining pregnancy health.
Generation of Stable Photovoltage in Nonstoichiometric CuBi2O4 Thin-Film Photocathodes
Authors: Woo Jaeyong , Lee Jongmin , Jun Jinsol , Kim Seungkyu , Jung Yoonsung , Oh Inhyeok , Lee Sanghan
Published: February 2023

We investigated the effects of stoichiometry on photovoltages and photocurrents in CuBi2O4 thin-film photocathodes grown by pulsed laser deposition under different oxygen partial pressures to manipulate their stoichiometry. While the X-ray diffraction patterns show crystalline phases in the CuBi2O4 thin films, it is found that the Cu/Bi ratio of the CuBi2O4 thin films varied from ~0.3 to ~0.5 which are analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The slightly off-stoichiometric CuBi2O4 thin-film photocathode with a Cu/Bi ratio of ~0.44 shows the highest photocurrent density in the CuBi2O4 thin films. More interestingly, the off-stoichiometric CuBi2O4 thin-film photocathode with a Cu/Bi ratio of ~0.44 exhibited a stable open-circuit voltage difference of ~0.2

V

RHE

without severe degradation over time. On the other hand, the photovoltage of the stoichiometric CuBi2O4 thin-film photocathode with a Cu/Bi ratio of ~0.5 gradually decreased as a function of time. Our results suggest that stoichiometry manipulation can be one of the promising strategies to achieve long-term stable Cu-based oxide photocathodes with the maintenance of a stable photovoltage.
Effects of Dietary Pediococcus acidilactici and Isomaltooligosaccharide on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Antioxidant Defense in Juvenile Common Carp
Authors: Maniat Milad , Salati Amir Parviz , Zanguee Nasim , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the synbiotic effects of Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) and isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) on the performance of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 360 fish (

17.22
±
0.19

 g) were randomly divided into six groups with three replicates of 20 fish each. The trial continued for 8 weeks. The control group was fed only basal diet; PA was fed basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg (1010 CFU/kg) PA, IMO5 (5 g/kg IMO), IMO10 (10 g/kg IMO), PA-IMO5 (1 g/kg PA and 5 g/kg IMO), and PA-IMO10 (1 g/kg PA and 10 g/kg IMO). The results indicated that the diet containing 1 g/kg PA and 5 g/kg IMO significantly increased the fish growth performance and decreased the feed conversion ratio (

p
<
0.05

). Overall, blood biochemical parameters, serum (lysozyme, complements C3 and C4) and mucosal (protein, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme) immune responses, and antioxidant defense of fish also improved in the PA-IMO5 group (

p
<
0.05

). Therefore, a combination of 1 g/kg (1010 CFU/kg) PA and 5 g/kg IMO can be recommended as a beneficial synbiotic additive and immunostimulant in juvenile common carp.
Optimal Control Strategies of COVID-19 Dynamics Model
Authors: Keno Temesgen Duressa , Etana Hana Tariku
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we proposed the optimal control for the dynamics of COVID-19 with cost effectiveness strategies. First, we showed that model solution is positive, and bounded in a fixed domain. Besides, we used next-generation matrix to compute the basic reproduction number. If the basic reproduction number is less than one, then the disease-free equilibrium point is both locally and globally stable, respectively, via the help of Jacobian matrix and Lyapunov function, otherwise the endemic equilibrium occurs. The sensitivity analysis was determined with regard to all basic parameters. Then the model is fitted with COVID-19 infected cases reported from October 1, 2022 to October 30, 2022 in Ethiopia. The values of model parameters are then estimated from the data reported using the least-square method. Furthermore, using Pontryagin maximum principle, the model is extended to optimal control incorporating three control namely: personal protective, vaccination, and treatment of infected humans. Finally, based upon the numerical simulation of optimal controls and cost effectiveness analysis, the most optimal and less costly strategy to minimize the disease is combination of vaccination and treatment of infected.
To Investigate the Potential Mechanism of Huanglian Jiangtang Formula Lowering Blood Sugar in View of Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology
Authors: Li Fang xu , Zhou Ziting , Lu Cheng , Pang Guoming , Lu Zhigang
Published: February 2023

Objective. In view of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, to explore the targets as well as effect mechanism of the Huanglian Jiangtang formula (including Coptis chinensis, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, rhubarb wine, Cortex Moutan, Rehmannia glutinosa, and dried ginger) in the type II diabetes therapy. Methods. TCMSP and Batman database (DB) were used to retrieve the chemical components and action targets of drugs; GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, DrugBank, and other databases were applied to screen the disease targets. We used the UniProt DB to annotate the targets before building the drug‐compound‐target network with Cytoscape 3.9.1. We also exploited the String DB to construct the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network. In addition, the targets for the treatment of type II diabetes were searched in the DrugBank, OMIM, GeneCards, and TTD database; then, we utilized Venn to intersect the key targets for the therapy of type II diabetes and active ingredient targets to obtain common targets. Furthermore, we exploited the common targets using GO and KEGG enrichment analysis method. The common targets and core components were analyzed by molecular docking using the AutoDock software. Results. A total of 61 effective components of this compound were screened out; drugs and type II diabetes have 278 common targets; the PPI network screened core target proteins such as CDKN1A, CDK2, and E2F1 with the help of molecular docking technology; the three main compounds including quercetin, kaempferol, and gamma‐aminobutyric acid were obtained. Besides, the key target proteins had excellent binding properties with the main components. The signal pathways of six compound interventions in type II diabetes were mostly related to cancer, cocaine addiction, aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine, threonine metabolism, platinum drug resistance, and other pathways, according to the KEGG enrichment analysis method. Conclusion. In the treatment of diabetes, the Huanglian Jiangtang formula has sorts of properties especially in the aspects of composition, target, and pathway. Its molecular target and mechanism of action may be related to pathways in cancer, cocaine addiction, aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine, threonine metabolism, platinum drug resistance, and other pathways. This conclusion can provide theoretical support and science for further research.
KC-GCN: A Semi-Supervised Detection Model against Various Group Shilling Attacks in Recommender Systems
Authors: Cai Hongyun , Ren Jichao , Zhao Jing , Yuan Shilin , Meng Jie
Published: February 2023

Various detection methods have been proposed for defense against group shilling attacks in recommender systems; however, these methods cannot effectively detect attack groups generated based on adversarial attacks (e.g., GOAT) or mixed attack groups. In this study, we propose a two-stage method, called KC-GCN, which is based on

k

-cliques and graph convolutional networks. First, we construct a user relationship graph, generate suspicious candidate groups, and extract influential users by calculating the user nearest-neighbor similarity. We construct the user relationship graph by calculating the edge weight between any two users through analyzing their similarity over suspicious time intervals on each item. Second, we combine the extracted user initial embeddings and the structural features hidden in the user relationship graph to detect attackers. On the Netflix and sampled Amazon datasets, the detection results of KC-GCN surpass those of the state-of-the-art methods under different types of group shilling attacks. The F1-measure of KC-GCN can reach above 93% and 87% on these two datasets, respectively.
Remnant Cholesterol as an Independent Predictor of Periodontitis: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Peng Qian , Xiao Yiwen , Tian Zhiguo , Yang Yunwei , Deng Jiang , Lin Jie
Published: February 2023

Objective. Numerus studies present that remnant cholesterol (RC) as a risk factor participates in the progression of multiple diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cholesterol and periodontitis in the US population to find a reliable lipid predictor for periodontitis. Materials and Methods. Clinical data was retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database between 2009 and 2014. The logistic regression was conducted to examine the corelationship between RC and various clinical features. Meanwhile, the dose-response relationship was measured through restricted cubic spline analysis. And the propensity score matching (PSM) was established to further investigate the potential relationship between RC and periodontitis. Results. A number of 4,829 eligible participants were included in this study. It was found that the increased RC is associated with the higher risk of periodontitis after adjusting the potential confounding factors with the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 1.403 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.171-1.681,

P
<
0.001

, univariate analysis) and 1.341 (95% CI: 1.105-1.629,

P
=
0.003

, multivariate analysis) in the highest grade. There were significant differences in the relationship between RC and various clinical features including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), race, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (all

P
<
0.001

). Besides, the calculated thresholds for predicting periodontitis were 19.99 (before propensity score matching (PSM)) and 20.91 (after PSM) mg/dL. Conclusions. In this study, RC was identified to be positively associated with the occurrence of periodontitis, which suggests that RC can be considered as a predictor for periodontitis.
Multistability and Its Control by the PWM Carrier Signal Modulation in a DC Electric Drive System
Authors: Kuznyetsov Oleksiy
Published: February 2023

Multistability is a universal nonlinear feature for many areas of physics and technology; for most applications, it is an undesired feature leading to uncertainty of the system’s functioning, and therefore, it should be controlled. We deal with the model of a multistable chopper‐fed DC electric drive and study the control of multistability by the periodic modulation of a PWM (pulse‐width modulation) carrier signal. The effect of utilizing sinusoidal modulation has been studied employing brute‐force bifurcation diagrams as well as those obtained by numerical continuation, symbolic analysis of periodic modes, and normal form approximation of border‐collision bifurcation. The result is formulated in terms of the acceptable amplitude of the modulation while the effect of phase shift is taken into account. As an alternative, a modified modulation in the form of the absolute value of the sine wave has been studied; the latter is characterized by a simpler bifurcation structure. Additionally, we propose an implementation of the adaptive control with the objective to drive the system away from a “nonnominal” mode. It has been demonstrated that such a transition should use smooth attenuation of the modulation signal to ensure the desired “nominal” operation of the system.
Research on Privacy Protection of Technology Service Transactions Based on Blockchain and Zero-Knowledge Proof
Authors: Zhu Jialin , Feng Wenlong , Zhong Wang , Huang Mengxing , Feng Siling
Published: February 2023

In view of the problem that the transaction privacy in the current blockchain technology service is easy to be leaked, a bulletproof alliance chain technology service transaction privacy protection mechanism is proposed. Firstly, this paper uses digital certificates as access mechanisms and stores them on the chain to ensure that the identity of technical service transactions is trusted. Secondly, the transaction data of the technical service user is hidden in the Pedersen commitment, and the Bulletproof is used to build the scope proof. Enable the verifier to conduct confidential verification of the legitimacy of the transaction without obtaining the sensitive information of the transaction, so as to ensure that the user’s transaction privacy is not disclosed. Finally, the security and privacy of the proposed privacy protection scheme are analyzed, and the comparison with other zero-knowledge proof schemes shows that the scheme has the advantages of strong privacy, scalability, and low storage cost.
Multipath Route Optimization with Multiple QoS Constraints Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set Theory
Authors: Ren Peng , Zhang Ran , Luo Shuhang
Published: February 2023

In wireless networks, a change in network state is unpredictable because of the movement of network nodes, which is not conducive to the stability of the network and poses an especially serious challenge to network routing technology. To adapt to the flexibility of business, consider the impact of environmental changes on the bottom layer of a network, and improve the utilization of network resources, this paper proposes a multipath routing decision strategy restricted by multiple QoS attributes based on an intuitionistic fuzzy set of entropy weights. Cross-layer technology is applied to minimally meet the QoS needs based on multipath routing to discover and maintain multiple transmission paths. Moreover, intuitionistic fuzzy set theory is utilized to reflect the performance indexes of these multiple paths through fuzzy normalization to create a multiparameter multipath routing decision matrix. The weight of each parameter is objectively computed according to information entropy theory. The performance ranking of the multiple paths is determined with the TOPSIS method. As reflected by the results, the TOPSIS decision method based on an intuitionistic fuzzy set of entropy weights effectively solves the optimization problem for multiple paths in mobile ad hoc networks restricted by multiple parameters, and the resulting network is suitable for sensitive network applications involving multiple businesses in mobile environments. According to the simulation results, the proposed routing scheme reduces average network delay by 17% and routing overhead by 21% when compared to the current routing protocols.
Tribological Behavior on Stir-Casted Metal Matrix Composites of Al8011 and Nano Boron Carbide Particles
Authors: Vinayaka N. , Christiyan K. G. Jaya , Shreepad Sarange , Padhi S. N. , Dambhare Sunil G. , Puse Ranjit kumar , Gayathri K. , Kolekar Aniket Bhanudas , Nagarajan S.
Published: February 2023

The aluminum metal matrix composites were broadly exploited in the applications of automotive, aerospace, and other defense with functionally graded materials-related application. Above applications definitely required excellent mechanical characteristics. Therefore, in this way, the major attempt was made on the nano-based composites with aluminum alloy utilization. In this research, aluminum alloy AA8011 and the ceramic-based reinforcement particles of nano boron carbide (B4C) were selected for producing the metal matrix composites by the liquefying process or stir casting route. The weight percentage of nano boron carbide particles having 15 wt% was subjected to add into the aluminum alloy during the stir casting process. Then, processed nano boron carbide and AA8011 specimens were prepared to conduct tribological behaviors with various processing conditions like sliding velocity, setting wear temperature, and applied load by the tribometer setup. The scanning electron microscope was employed to examine the processed composites samples and worn-out surface samples. Finally, the multiobjective optimization was used to measure the individual performances of the tribological parameters by the gray relational technique.
Numerical Analysis of a TCR Adaptive to Different Tree Diameters for Unstructured Forest Environment: A TCR of Variable Diameter with Different Tree Diameters
Authors: Wu Zhe , Wang Xigui , Zhang Zhiqin
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes the optimal design and simulation analysis of a robot for tree-climbing, which has the ability to climb up the tree trunk to adapt to different tree diameter changes. In an unstructured forest environment, considering that the Tree-Climbing Robot (TCR) may collide with branches, reducing the success rate of tree climbing, the mechanical structure and movement strategy to avoid branches are predesigned. The presented TCR mimics several design principles that have been adapted to arboreal animals, including claw-hand grasping and climbing gait movements, and is optimally designed to achieve high manoeuvrability on irregularly shaped trees. Based on the D-H parameterization method, the kinematics model of the TCR is developed and its kinematic equations are solved. The accuracy of the kinematic equations is verified by MATLAB, and the reachable area of the working space of the manipulator of the TCR is determined. Using ADAMS to analyse the kinematics and dynamics of the climbing process of the TCR, the rationality of the gait planning of the robot is verified, and the time-varying characteristic curves of each physical quantity of each structural joint are derived and further simulated through numerical analysis, the results of which will profoundly validate the technical feasibility and design innovation of this presented TCR.
The Effect of the Number of Right-Turn and Left-Turn Lanes on the Performance of Undersaturated Signalized Intersections
Authors: Rahmani Omid , Abdollahzadeh Nasiri Amir Saman , Aghayan Iman
Published: February 2023

Vehicle traffic flow channelizing can significantly contribute to fewer collisions and smooth traffic flow in isolated signalized intersection design. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of changes in the number of right-turn lanes with splitter islands and left-turn storage bays for different volume approaches on intersection performance. This study aims to provide an accurate analysis to estimate the effect of such changes on signalized intersections, which can improve intersection performance. Furthermore, the delay parameter derived from HCM2016 and simulation was evaluated for different scenarios. For this purpose, simulation was performed using Synchro software. In this study, a symmetrical, 90-degree, undersaturated (volume per capacity lower than 1, V/C < 1), and four-leg intersection were considered according to AASHTO Green Book 2018 suggestions. HCM2016 results indicated the delay parameter was less sensitive to the undersaturated condition than the right-turn volume variation for both single and dual-lane bays. However, the simulation results indicated that the delay parameter was not constant, depending on the number of right-turn lanes and volumes. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in delay parameters between the single and dual left-turn lanes for both simulation and HCM cases estimated 77.4% and 59.7%, respectively. Overall, this study can provide a vision for traffic engineers to modify the geometry of the four-leg signalized intersections, if the right-turn or left-turn demand volume of an undersaturated signalized intersection is larger than the through approach.
Changes in Nutritional Status of Cancer Patients Undergoing Proton Radiation Therapy Based on Real-World Data
Authors: Wang Menglin , Zhu Yue , Ju Yinghui , Long Tengfei , Jin Lingtai , Zhang Jin , Zhao Yangyu , Wang Honglian , Wu Rui
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim. Patients with cancer are at high risk of malnutrition. Radiation is critical for tumor control but may also exacerbate malnutrition. Proton radiotherapy is a technological advanced radiotherapy which has advantage over conventional radiotherapy in the reduction of toxicity and the improvement of clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of proton radiotherapy on the nutritional status of cancer patients. Methods. Observational study on 47 adult hospitalized cancer patients including 27 males and 20 females who received proton beam radiotherapy during December 2021 and August 2022. Nutritional assessments, 24 h dietary survey, handgrip strength (HGS) test, anthropometrical measurements, and hematological parameters were conducted or collected at the beginning and the completion of treatment. Results. The rate of nutritional risk and malnutrition among the total of 47 enrolled patients was 4.3% and 12.8% at the onset of proton radiation and raised up to 6.4% and 27.7% at the end of the treatment. 42.6% of patients experienced weight loss during the proton radiotherapy, and 1 of them had weight loss over 5%, and in general, the average body weight was stable over radiotherapy. The changes in patients’ 24 h dietary intakes, HGS, and anthropometrical parameters, including triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), midupper arm circumference (MUAC), and midupper arm muscle circumference (MAMC), were statistically insignificant over the treatment (all

p

values > 0.05). The changes in patients’ hematological parameters, including total protein (TP) and serum albumin (ALB), were not statistically significant over the treatment (all

p

values >0.05), and the level of hemoglobin (HGB) at the end of treatment was higher than that at the onset (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated that proton radiotherapy might have a lighter effect on the nutritional status of cancer patients.
Repurposing Dihydroartemisinin to Combat Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Shi Shanwei , Luo Huigen , Ji Yuna , Ouyang Huiya , Wang Zheng , Wang Xinchen , Hu Renjie , Wang Lihong , Wang Yun , Xia Juan , Cheng Bin , Bao Baicheng , Li Xin , Liao Guiqing , Xu Baoshan
Published: February 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with aggressive locoregional invasion, has a high rate of early recurrences and poor prognosis. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), as a derivative of artemisinin, has been found to exert potent antitumor activity. Recent studies reported that DHA suppresses OSCC cell growth and viability through the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial calcium uniporter. However, the mechanism underlying the action of DHA on OSCCs remains elusive. In the study, we observed that 159 genes were remarkably misregulated in primary OSCC tumors associated with DHA-inhibited pathways, supporting that OSCCs are susceptible to DHA treatment. Herein, our study showed that DHA exhibited promising effects to suppress OSCC cell growth and survival, and single-cell colony formation. Interestingly, the combination of DHA and cisplatin (CDDP) significantly reduced the toxicity of CDDP treatment alone on human normal oral cells (NOK). Moreover, DHA remarkably impaired mitochondrial structure and function, and triggered DNA damage and ROS generation, and activation of mitophagy. In addition, DHA induced leakage of cytochrome C and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria, elevated Bax/cleaved-caspase 3 expression levels and compromised Bcl2 protein expression. In the OSCC tumor-xenograft mice model, DHA remarkably suppressed tumor growth and induced apoptosis of OSCCs in vivo. Intriguingly, a selective mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 could significantly reinforce the anticancer activity of DHA treatment. DHA and Mdivi-1 can synergistically suppress OSCC cell proliferation and survival. These data uncover a previously unappreciated contribution of the mitochondria-associated pathway to the antitumor activity of DHA on OSCCs. Our study shed light on a new aspect of a DHA-based therapeutic strategy to combat OSCC tumors.
Quiescent Ovarian Cancer Cells Secrete Follistatin to Induce Chemotherapy Resistance in Surrounding Cells in Response to Chemotherapy
Authors: Cole Alexander J. , Panesso-Gómez Santiago , Shah Jaynish S. , Ebai Tonge , Jiang Qi , Gumusoglu-Acar Ece , Bello Maya G. , Vlad Anda , Modugno Francesmary , Edwards Robert P. , Buckanovich Ronald J.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

We recently reported that the transcription factor NFATC4, in response to chemotherapy, drives cellular quiescence to increase ovarian cancer chemoresistance. The goal of this work was to better understand the mechanisms of NFATC4-driven ovarian cancer chemoresistance.

Experimental Design:

We used RNA sequencing to identify NFATC4-mediated differential gene expression. CRISPR-Cas9 and FST (follistatin)-neutralizing antibodies were used to assess impact of loss of FST function on cell proliferation and chemoresistance. ELISA was used to quantify FST induction in patient samples and in vitro in response to chemotherapy.

Results:

We found that NFATC4 upregulates FST mRNA and protein expression predominantly in quiescent cells and FST is further upregulated following chemotherapy treatment. FST acts in at least a paracrine manner to induce a p-ATF2–dependent quiescent phenotype and chemoresistance in non-quiescent cells. Consistent with this, CRISPR knockout (KO) of FST in ovarian cancer cells or antibody-mediated neutralization of FST sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy treatment. Similarly, CRISPR KO of FST in tumors increased chemotherapy-mediated tumor eradication in an otherwise chemotherapy-resistant tumor model. Suggesting a role for FST in chemoresistance in patients, FST protein in the abdominal fluid of patients with ovarian cancer significantly increases within 24 hours of chemotherapy exposure. FST levels decline to baseline levels in patients no longer receiving chemotherapy with no evidence of disease. Furthermore, elevated FST expression in patient tumors is correlated with poor progression-free, post–progression-free, and overall survival.

Conclusions:

FST is a novel therapeutic target to improve ovarian cancer response to chemotherapy and potentially reduce recurrence rates.
Preparing for Reality: A Randomized Trial on Immersive Virtual Reality for Bronchoscopy Training
Authors: Andersen Annarita Ghosh , Rahmoui Laila , Dalsgaard Tor-Salve , Svendsen Morten Bo Søndergaard , Clementsen Paul Frost , Konge Lars , Bjerrum Flemming
Published: February 2023

Background: Bronchoscopy is an essential procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases. However, the literature suggests that distractions affect the quality of bronchoscopy and affect inexperienced doctors more than experienced. Objectives: The objective of the study was as follows: does simulation-based bronchoscopy training with immersive virtual reality (iVR) improve the doctors’ ability to handle distractions and thereby increase the quality, measured in procedure time, structured progression score, diagnostic completeness (%), and hand motor movements of a diagnostic bronchoscopy in a simulated scenario. Exploratory outcomes were heart rate variability and a cognitive load questionnaire (Surg-TLX). Methods: Participants were randomized. The intervention group practiced in an iVR environment with a head-mounted display (HMD) while using the bronchoscopy simulator, while the control group trained without the HMD. Both groups were tested in the iVR environment using a scenario with distractions. Results: 34 participants completed the trial. The intervention group scored significantly higher in diagnostic completeness (100 i.q.r. 100–100 vs. 94 i.q.r. 89–100, p value = 0.03) and structured progress (16 i.q.r. 15–18 vs. 12 i.q.r. 11–15, p value 0.03) but not in procedure time (367 s standard deviation [SD] 149 vs. 445 s SD 219, p value = 0.06) or hand motor movements (−1.02 i.q.r. −1.03–[−1.02] versus −0.98 i.q.r. −1.02–[–0.98], p value = 0.27). The control group had a tendency toward a lower heart rate variability (5.76 i.q.r. 3.77–9.06 vs. 4.12 i.q.r. 2.68–6.27, p = 0.25). There was no significant difference in total Surg-TLX points between the two groups. Conclusion: iVR simulation training increases the quality of diagnostic bronchoscopy in a simulated scenario with distractions compared with conventional simulation-based training.
Interpretação intermodal em conferência multilíngue: de língua estrangeira para língua de sinais
Authors: Santiago Vânia de Aquino Albres , Turcato Eda María Vera
Published: February 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever a atividade de interpretação simultânea intermodal no contexto de conferências e eventos multilíngues, tendo como língua de partida uma língua estrangeira vocal/oral (língua C) e língua de chegada a língua de sinais do país do intérprete (língua B). A base teórico-metodológica é a Análise Dialógica do Discurso (ADD). Realizamos entrevista com dois intérpretes de línguas de sinais que atuam de Língua C para Língua B, um intérprete brasileiro e outro argentino. Apresentamos discussões sobre o tema do bilinguismo/multilinguismo e sobre esforços para a interpretação simultânea nesse contexto. Consideramos a necessidade de estudos específicos sobre a atuação de intérpretes de línguas de sinais em situações multilíngues, em especial para embasar a formação profissional.
Proliferation and Maturation: Janus and the Art of Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Singh Bhairab N. , Yucel Dogacan , Garay Bayardo I. , Tolkacheva Elena G. , Kyba Michael , Perlingeiro Rita C.R. , van Berlo Jop H. , Ogle Brenda M.
Published: February 2023

During cardiac development and morphogenesis, cardiac progenitor cells differentiate into cardiomyocytes that expand in number and size to generate the fully formed heart. Much is known about the factors that regulate initial differentiation of cardiomyocytes, and there is ongoing research to identify how these fetal and immature cardiomyocytes develop into fully functioning, mature cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that maturation limits proliferation and conversely proliferation occurs rarely in cardiomyocytes of the adult myocardium. We term this oppositional interplay the proliferation-maturation dichotomy. Here we review the factors that are involved in this interplay and discuss how a better understanding of the proliferation-maturation dichotomy could advance the utility of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes for modeling in 3-dimensional engineered cardiac tissues to obtain truly adult-level function.
Vascular Smooth Muscle TRPV4 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Family Member 4) Channels Regulate Vasoconstriction and Blood Pressure in Obesity
Authors: Zhu Yifei , Chu Yuan , Wang Sheng , Tang Junjian , Li Hu , Feng Lei , Yu Fan , Ma Xin
Published: February 2023

Background:

Vascular endothelium and smooth muscle work together to keep the balance of vasomotor tone and jointly maintain vascular homeostasis. Ca
2+
-permeable ion channel TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid family member 4) in endothelial cells regulates endothelium-dependent vasodilation and contraction in various states. However, how vascular smooth muscle cell TRPV4 (TRPV4
SMC
) contributes to vascular function and blood pressure regulation in physiological and pathologically obese condition has not been fully studied.

Methods:

We generated smooth muscle TRPV4-deficient mice and developed diet-induced obese mice model and analyzed the role of TRPV4
SMC
in intracellular Ca
2+
([Ca
2+
]
i
) regulation and vasoconstriction. Vasomotor changes of mouse mesenteric artery were measured by wire, and pressure myography. [Ca
2+
]
i
were measured by fluo-4 staining. Blood pressure was recorded by telemetric device.

Results:

Vascular TRPV4
SMC
played different roles in regulating vasomotor tone than endothelial TRPV4 due to their different features of [Ca
2+
]
i
regulation. Loss of TRPV4
SMC
attenuated U46619- and phenylephrine-induced contraction, suggesting its involvement in regulating vascular contractility. Mesenteric arteries from obese mice showed SMC hyperplasia, suggesting an increased level of TRPV4
SMC
. Loss of TRPV4
SMC
did not influence the development of obesity but protected mice from obesity-induced vasoconstriction and hypertension. In arteries deficient in SMC TRPV4, SMCs F-actin polymerization and RhoA dephosphorylation were attenuated under contractile stimuli. Moreover, SMC-dependent vasoconstriction was inhibited in human resistance arteries with TRPV4 inhibitor application.

Conclusions:

Our data identify TRPV4
SMC
as a regulator of vascular contraction in both physiological states and pathologically obese mice. TRPV4
SMC
contributes to the ontogeny of vasoconstriction and hypertension induced by TRPV4
SMC
over-expression in obese mice mesenteric artery.
Phased Quantitative Analysis Model of Grid Investment Scale Based on Logistic Function
Authors: Wang Hailong , Feng Yongjun , Li Panpan , Huang Xinlei , Li Mingxia , Pei Yongji
Published: February 2023

In order to reduce the cost of power grid transformation, a phased quantitative analysis model of power grid investment scale based on logistic function is proposed. The traditional logistic function is optimized by adding random variables, and the characteristic points are obtained
by multi-stage derivation. Combined with the power grid operation performance index and S-curve fitting of logistic function, the investment scale stage of power grid is divided. Taking the minimum variance of the comprehensive evaluation margin of power grid performance as the optimization
objective of the phased quantitative analysis model of power grid investment scale, the investment scale stage of the power grid is realized under the set constraints Qualitative and quantitative analysis. The experimental results show that the model can allocate the investment amount of different
levels of power grid according to the comprehensive performance of the power grid, and the highest fitting degree with the actual planning investment amount can reach 99.70%, which can realize the reasonable investment of all levels of power grid.
Optimisation of Temperature Control Parameters Based on Plate Heat Exchanger
Authors: Tao Wen-Qing , Zhao Yang , Chi Yao-Dan , Hua Di , An Run-Ze
Published: February 2023

Plate heat exchanger temperature control has strong coupling and disturbance instability in the control process. To solve these problems, first, a decoupling controller based on state feedback was designed. The parameters are then optimised using a genetic algorithm to suppress external
disturbances using an active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC). The trackability and system stability of the built extended state observer (ESO) are analysed. The stabilisation of the system under bounded input conditions is achieved by adjusting the non-linear state error feedback control
law coefficients in the ADRC. The simulation results show that the genetic algorithm optimised parameter controller based on state feedback decoupling enables complete decoupling of the temperature control, and the ESO has good tracking performance with better immunity to disturbances.
Optimal Allocation of Energy Storage Capacity of High-Permeability Photovoltaic Power Generation System Based on Elastic Neural Network
Authors: Yang Xuan , Sun Ke , Wang Junhai , Yin Jianbing , Fang Xiang , Wang Gang
Published: February 2023

The energy storage capacity configuration of high permeability photovoltaic power generation system is unreasonable and the cost is high. Taking the constant capacity of hybrid energy storage system (Hess) composed of high permeability wind frame and super capacitor as the standard,
in order to ensure smooth and stable output of photovoltaic power equipment, this paper adopts the power suppression method based on empirical mode decomposition to decompose the original power into high and low frequency components, and uses super capacitor and energy storage battery to stabilize
the high and low frequency components, Reduce output power fluctuation; Taking the minimum energy storage cost as the objective function, the optimal allocation of system energy storage capacity is realized by the recursive algorithm of elastic neural network. The experimental results show
that when the supercapacitor capacity and photovoltaic electric field energy storage cell capacity are 0.262 mw· h and 2.889 mw· h respectively, the minimum cost is 16987 yuan, and the smoothness index is less than 5%; Compared with before the optimal configuration, the output
power of the photovoltaic power generation system after the optimal configuration is smoother, the power peak valley difference is lower, and the loss can be reduced.
Adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+ from Municipal Wastewater by Intercalation Polymerization Modified Kaolin
Authors: Jin Hong , Wu Yali , Li Yanzhong
Published: February 2023

Adsorption method has attracted extensive attention in heavy metal wastewater treatment due to its low cost, abundant sources, and simple operation. Kaolin is utilized as raw material, waterborne polyurethane is utilized as dispersion medium, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is utilized
as intercalation agent, to prepare intercalation polymerization modified kaolin material (KBEP). It is then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG), and other methods. The polymer is utilized
for static adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+, and the kinetic analysis of the adsorption process is carried out. The results show that the layer spacing of kaolin increases substantially (from 0.69 nm to 0.81 nm) after modification. When the content of kaolin is less than 1.7%,
kaolin exists in intercalation or stripping state in waterborne polyurethane matrix. When the content of kaolin is higher than 1.7%, kaolin can exist in the form of agglomeration with waterborne polyurethane matrix. Compared with pure polyurethane, the composite’s thermal stability is
improved, and the maximum thermal weight loss of the hard section is increased by 50 °C. When kaolin content is 2.5%, the temperature of the hardness and the fastest thermal decomposition rate of the soft section increases by 30 °C and 26 °C, respectively. The adsorption test reveals
that the Cu2+ elimination rate reaches 93.7% when the addition amount of the prepared material reaches 1.5 g/L. When the addition amount of the prepared material reaches 0.6 g/L, the Pb2+ elimination rate reaches 95.8%. With the increase of the dosage of kaolin composite,
the adsorbability of the polymer to the two metal ions decreases gradually. Kinetic experiments show that the adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+ is in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic (PSOK) equation. The adsorbability of Cu2+ and Pb2+ is 75.3
mg/g and 268.6 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption way is mainly chemical adsorption.
Influence of Polymer Properties on Sports Equipment Performance from the Perspective of Composite Materials
Authors: Li Zhengchang , Wang Feng
Published: February 2023

Because of their plentiful sources, excellent performance, straightforward molding process, and other benefits, polymer materials are widely used in sports building materials, sports equipment, sports apparel, and other fields. They can undoubtedly increase athletes’ comfort and
endurance while also significantly enhancing their performance in competitive sports. To test the change in the influence of polymer material performance on sports equipment performance from the perspective of composite materials and provide a reference point for the design and development
of polymer materials for sports equipment, this paper uses research on the influence of polymer material performance on sports equipment performance from the perspective of composite materials as an example. Composites made of carbon fiber and phenolic epoxy resin (CF/PER) were created using
a 2:1 ratio of PER to polyamide resin. A 5% addition of CF that had undergone various treatment conditions was added. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composite significantly increases after electropolymerization modification; at a concentration of 0.2 mol/L of aniline, the ILSS
increases from 10 MPa to 42 MPa, with a 223.08% increase. Conclusion This material can be applied outside of sports equipment as well.
Efficient Probabilistic Prediction and Uncertainty Quantification of Tropical Cyclone–Driven Storm Tides and Inundation
Authors: Pringle William J. , Burnett Zachary , Sargsyan Khachik , Moghimi Saeed , Myers Edward
Published: February 2023

This study proposes and assesses a methodology to obtain high-quality probabilistic predictions and uncertainty information of near-landfall tropical cyclone–driven (TC-driven) storm tide and inundation with limited time and resources. Forecasts of TC track, intensity, and size are perturbed according to quasi-random Korobov sequences of historical forecast errors with assumed Gaussian and uniform statistical distributions. These perturbations are run in an ensemble of hydrodynamic storm tide model simulations. The resulting set of maximum water surface elevations are dimensionality reduced using Karhunen–Loève expansions and then used as a training set to develop a polynomial chaos (PC) surrogate model from which global sensitivities and probabilistic predictions can be extracted. The maximum water surface elevation is extrapolated over dry points incorporating energy head loss with distance to properly train the surrogate for predicting inundation. We find that the surrogate constructed with third-order PCs using elastic net penalized regression with leave-one-out cross validation provides the most robust fit across training and test sets. Probabilistic predictions of maximum water surface elevation and inundation area by the surrogate model at 48-h lead time for three past U.S. landfalling hurricanes (Irma in 2017, Florence in 2018, and Laura in 2020) are found to be reliable when compared to best track hindcast simulation results, even when trained with as few as 19 samples. The maximum water surface elevation is most sensitive to perpendicular track-offset errors for all three storms. Laura is also highly sensitive to storm size and has the least reliable prediction.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a methodology that can be used to provide high-quality probabilistic predictions of hurricane-induced storm tide and inundation with limited time and resources. This is important for emergency management purposes during or after the landfall of hurricanes. Our results show that sampling forecast errors using quasi-random sequences combined with machine learning techniques that fit polynomial functions to the data are well suited to this task. The polynomial functions also have the benefit of producing exact sensitivity indices of storm tide and inundation to the forecasted hurricane properties such as path, intensity, and size, which can be used for uncertainty estimation. The code implementing the presented methodology is publicly available on GitHub.
Observational Constraints on the Submesoscale Sea Surface Height Variance of Balanced Motion
Authors: de Marez Charly , Callies Jörn , Haines Bruce , Rodriguez-Chavez Daniela , Wang Jinbo
Published: February 2023

A combination of in situ and remotely sensed observations are used to constrain the imprint of submesoscale turbulence in the sea surface height (SSH) field. The distribution of SSH variance across frequencies and wavenumbers is estimated by comparing an empirical model spectrum to two sets of observations. First, submesoscale SSH variance is constrained using a pair of GPS buoys spaced at about 10 km. From these data, one can estimate frequency spectra not only of SSH variance but also of the variance in the SSH difference between the buoys. The ratio between these two spectral estimates is sensitive to how much SSH variance is present in the submesoscale range and thus constrains the spectral roll-off of SSH variance in wavenumber space. Second, a combination of moored current meters and nadir altimetry is used to obtain an independent constraint. This constraint is enabled by geostrophy and the nonseparability of the wavenumber–frequency spectrum of SSH variance revealed by the GPS data. The frequency spectra of kinetic energy and SSH variance follow different power laws, and the difference constrains the spectral content in wavenumber space, allowing for a constraint without the need to actually resolve the submesoscales in space. In all four locations studied, spanning the midlatitude and subtropical ocean, these constraints indicate that the wavenumber spectral roll-off of submesoscale SSH variance is between about k−4 and k−5, where k is the wavenumber. These estimates are consistent with previous observations, model results, and theoretical predictions. They provide for a strong prior for the interpretation of upcoming high-resolution satellite data.