bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperbranched Polyborosiloxanes: Non‐traditional Luminescent Polymers with Red Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: He Yanyun , Feng Weixu , Qiao Yujie , Tian Zhixuan , Tang Ben Zhong , Yan Hongxia
Published: September 2023

Non‐traditional fluorescent polymers have attracted significant attention for their excellent biocompatibility and diverse applications. However, designing and preparing non‐traditional fluorescent polymers that simultaneously possess long emission wavelengths and long fluorescence lifetime remains challenging. In this study, a series of novel hyperbranched polyborosiloxanes (P1–P4) were synthesized. As the electron density increases on the monomer diol, the optimal emission wavelengths of the P1–P4 polymers gradually red‐shift to 510, 570, 575, and 640 nm, respectively. In particular, P4 not only exhibits red emission but also demonstrates delayed fluorescence with a lifetime of 9.73 μs and the lowest critical cluster concentration (1.76 mg/mL). The experimental results and theoretical calculations revealed that the synergistic effect of dual heteroatom‐induced electron delocalization and through‐space O⋅⋅⋅O and O⋅⋅⋅N interaction was the key factor contributing to the red‐light emission with delayed fluorescence. Additionally, these polymers showed excellent potential in dual‐information encryption. This study provides a universal design strategy for the development of unconventional fluorescent polymers with both delayed fluorescence and long‐wavelength emission.
The Development of Aldehyde Catalytic System
Authors: Chen Jinli , Yang Xiaoqun , Huang Yixian , Zheng Zhiguo , Li Tingting
Published: September 2023

Aldehyde catalysts have proven to be highly effective in facilitating and accelerating a wide range of challenging transformations in organic chemistry. This article is structured into three main sections, focusing on the utilization of aldehydes as organocatalysts, the aldehydes/transition metals catalytic systems, and photochemical initiators. Finally, we provide a concise summary of the advancements in this fascinating research field, offering our perspectives and insights.
Spearman‐like correlation measure adjusting for covariates in bivariate survival data
Authors: Eden Svetlana K. , Li Chun , Shepherd Bryan E.
Published: September 2023

We propose an extension of Spearman's correlation for censored continuous and discrete data that permits covariate adjustment. Previously proposed nonparametric and semiparametric Spearman's correlation estimators require either nonparametric estimation of the bivariate survival surface or parametric assumptions about the dependence structure. In practice, nonparametric estimation of the bivariate survival surface is difficult, and parametric assumptions about the correlation structure may not be satisfied. Therefore, we propose a method that requires neither and uses only the marginal survival distributions. Our method estimates the correlation of probability‐scale residuals, which has been shown to equal Spearman's correlation when there is no censoring. Because this method relies only on marginal distributions, it tends to be less variable than the previously suggested nonparametric estimators, and the confidence intervals are easily constructed. Although under censoring, it is biased for Spearman's correlation as our simulations show, it performs well under moderate censoring, with a smaller mean squared error than nonparametric approaches. We also extend it to partial (adjusted), conditional, and partial‐conditional correlation, which makes it particularly relevant for practical applications. We apply our method to estimate the correlation between time to viral failure and time to regimen change in a multisite cohort of persons living with HIV in Latin America.
Proportion and number of incident cancer deaths in coronary artery disease
Authors: Liu Jin , Chen Shiqun , Zhou Yang , Huang Haozhang , Li Qiang , Liang Yan , Dong Shaohong , Huang Xiaoyu , Chen Liling , Zheng Xueyan , Meng Ruilin , Jia Congzhuo , Chen Jiyan , Tan Ning , Liu Yong
Published: September 2023

Background

Globally, coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancer are the leading causes of death. Studies focusing on the proportion and spectrum of cancer mortality among CAD patients are lacking. We aim to characterize the proportion and spectrum of cancer‐specific mortality among patients with CAD.

Methods

We analyzed 93,797 hospitalized survivors with angiographically documented CAD between 2007 and 2020 (mean age: 62.8 ± 11.1 years, 24.7% female) from Cardiorenal ImprovemeNt II (CIN‐II) cohort.

Results

During the median follow‐up of 4.8 years (IQR: 2.6–7.5), 13,162 (14.0%) patients died after discharge. A total of 1223/7703 (15.8% of cause‐specific death) CAD patients died of cancer. The three most common types of cancer‐specific death were lung (36.1%), liver (13.3%), and colorectum cancer (12.8%). Furthermore, male (adjusted HR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.99–2.85) and older (≥60 vs. <60 years, adjusted HR 3.25, 95%CI 2.72–3.88) patients had a significantly increased cancer‐specific mortality.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that nearly one‐sixth of death is accounted for cancer among CAD patients within a median follow‐up of 4.8 years. Lung, liver, and colorectum cancer are top three cancer‐specific mortality. Further studies are needed to reduce cancer mortality for CAD patients, especially in older and male ones.

Trail Registration

(ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05050877).
Sirtuins and autophagy in lipid metabolism
Authors: Sun Xuan , Yang Xiaoting , Gui Wanfei , Liu Songling , Gui Qingjun
Published: September 2023

Sirtuins are a family of NAD+‐dependent deacetylases that regulate some important biological processes, including lipid metabolism and autophagy, through their deacetylase function. Autophagy is a new discovery in the field of lipid metabolism, which may provide a new idea for the regulation of lipid metabolism. There are many tandem parts in the regulation process of lipid metabolism and autophagy of sirtuins protein family. This paper summarized these tandem parts and proposed the possibility of sirtuins regulating lipid autophagy, as well as the interaction and synergy between sirtuins protein family. Currently, some natural drugs have been reported to affect metabolism by regulating sirtuins, some of which regulate autophagy by targeting sirtuins.
Evaluating insecticide application timings against billbugs (Sphenophorus spp.) using a degree‐day model and calendar‐based approach in the Intermountain West
Authors: Van Dyke Adam , Wickwar Desireè , Dupuy Madeleine M. , Ramirez Ricardo A.
Published: September 2023

Recommendations for timing insecticides against billbugs have historically been based on adult activity and a corresponding degree‐day (DD) model that is optimized for the eastern United States. A DD model was recently developed for billbugs in Utah and Idaho that refines predictions of adult activity based on the phenology of species that inhabit the Intermountain West (IMW) region. However, timings still follow eastern US recommendations and have not been verified with field applications in the IMW. We evaluated the synthetic insecticides Merit 75 WP and Acelepryn 1.67 SC and the bioinsecticides Grandevo and Venerate for controlling larvae when using the eastern recommended treatment thresholds of 30% and 50% adult activity (adults collected in pitfall traps) based on the Utah–Idaho model for two years. Applications of insecticides at these adult emergence thresholds provided >75% control of billbug larvae preventively and curatively in Utah, confirming these are appropriate action thresholds to use in the Utah–Idaho model to time insecticides. Insecticides applied at various calendar dates around these recommended timings, but typical for a professional applicator in Utah based on site history and weather, were assigned model‐calculated DD for testing in the Utah–Idaho model. Instances where a professional applicator treated within model‐predicted timings resulted in larval reductions, further validating that the model parameters are good recommendations for the region and should be adopted. Additionally, several calendar‐based applications made earlier or later than optimal timings based on model predictions were effective, suggesting that applicators have flexibility for timing applications when targeting larvae.
The Field of Main Group Lewis Acids and Lewis Superacids: Important Basics and Recent Developments
Authors: Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: September 2023

New developments in the field of Lewis acidity are highlighted, with the focus of novel Lewis acids and Lewis superacids of group 2, 13, 14, and 15 elements. Several important basics, illustrated by modern examples (classification of Donor‐Acceptor (DA) complexes, amphoteric nature of any compound in terms of DA interactions, reorganization energies of main group Lewis acids and the role of the energies of frontier orbitals) are presented and discussed. It is emphasized that the Lewis acidity phenomena are general and play vital role in different areas of chemistry: from weak “atomophilic” interactions to the complexes of Lewis superacids.
Electrochemical Activation‐Induced Structural Transformation in Ni(OH)2/Ti3C2Tx/NF Systems with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Chuming , Dai Lu , Zhao Yiming , Li Shuang , Wu Yapan , Wu Xueqian , Zhang Gaixia , Sun Shuhui , Li Dongsheng
Published: September 2023

Exploring a novel strategy for large‐scale production of battery‐type Ni(OH)2‐based composites, with excellent capacitive performance, is still greatly challenging. Herein, we developed a facile and cost‐effective strategy to in situ grow a layer of Ni(OH)2/Ti3C2Tx composite on the nickel foam (NF) collector, where Ti3C2Tx is not only a conductive component, but also a catalyst that accelerates the oxidation of NF to Ni(OH)2. Detailed analysis reveals that the crystallinity, morphology, and electronic structure of the integrated electrode can be tuned via the electrochemical activation, which is beneficial for improving electrical conductivity and redox activity. As expected, the integrated electrode shows a specific capacity of 1.09 C cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 after three custom activation cycles and maintains 92.4% of the initial capacity after 1500 cycles. Moreover, a hybrid supercapacitor composed of Ni(OH)2/Ti3C2Tx/NF cathode and activated carbon anode provides an energy density of 0.1 mWh cm−2 at a power density of 0.97 mW cm−2, and excellent cycling stability with about 110% capacity retention rate after 5000 cycles. This work would afford an economical and convenient method to steer commercial Ni foam into advanced Ni(OH)2‐based composite materials as binder‐free electrodes for hybrid supercapacitors.
Simulation‐based characterization of the variability of earthquake risk to buildings in the near‐field
Authors: Miah Mamun , McCallen David , Pitarka Arben , Petrone Floriana
Published: September 2023

Recent advancements in high performance computing platforms and computational workflow for regional‐scale simulations are enabling unprecedented modeling of fault‐to‐structure earthquake processes. Regional simulations resolving ground motions at frequencies relevant to engineered systems are becoming computationally viable and provide a new capability to improve understanding of the geographical distribution and intensity of risk to buildings and critical infrastructure. As computational capabilities advance, it is essential to move beyond illustrative single rupture realizations for scenario earthquake events towards the development of a full suite of rupture realizations that appropriately characterize the range of risk to building systems. The work described in this article investigates the application of a suite of fault rupture realizations with the objective of assessing near‐fault, site‐specific seismic demand variability for building structures. A representative high‐performance regional‐scale computational model is utilized to execute ground motion and building response simulations based on 18 kinematic rupture realizations of an M7 strike‐slip scenario earthquake. The fault rupture models for the scenario earthquake are created by systematically perturbing the hypocenter location and stochastically generating rupture parameters (slip, rise time, rake angle) to represent a breadth of ground motion intensities resulting from the spatial and temporal variabilities of an earthquake rupture process. The resulting seismic demand variability for three‐story (short period) and forty‐story (long period) steel moment‐resisting frame buildings is characterized in terms of the median and distribution of peak inter‐story drift ratio for a range of near‐fault sites. The full suite of 18 fault rupture realizations and approximately 280,000 nonlinear dynamic building simulations indicate that the three‐story building undergoes higher median seismic demand and significantly greater variability of demand at a given site than the forty‐story building, which has important implications for the level of certainty in predicting building performance during an earthquake. The simulations performed provide deeper insight into the relationship between fault rupture parameterization and building response, which is essential information for developing a representative suite of rupture realizations for specific earthquake scenarios.
Denoising task‐related fMRI: Balancing noise reduction against signal loss
Authors: Hoeppli M. E. , Garenfeld M. A. , Mortensen C. K. , Nahman‐Averbuch H. , King C. D. , Coghill R. C.
Published: September 2023

Preprocessing fMRI data requires striking a fine balance between conserving signals of interest and removing noise. Typical steps of preprocessing include motion correction, slice timing correction, spatial smoothing, and high‐pass filtering. However, these standard steps do not remove many sources of noise. Thus, noise‐reduction techniques, for example, CompCor, FIX, and ICA‐AROMA have been developed to further improve the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from the data. The ability of these techniques to minimize noise while conserving signals of interest has been tested almost exclusively in resting‐state fMRI and, only rarely, in task‐related fMRI. Application of noise‐reduction techniques to task‐related fMRI is particularly important given that such procedures have been shown to reduce false positive rates. Little remains known about the impact of these techniques on the retention of signal in tasks that may be associated with systemic physiological changes. In this paper, we compared two ICA‐based, that is FIX and ICA‐AROMA, two CompCor‐based noise‐reduction techniques, that is aCompCor, and tCompCor, and standard preprocessing using a large (n = 101) fMRI dataset including noxious heat and non‐noxious auditory stimulation. Results show that preprocessing using FIX performs optimally for data obtained using noxious heat, conserving more signals than CompCor‐based techniques and ICA‐AROMA, while removing only slightly less noise. Similarly, for data obtained during non‐noxious auditory stimulation, FIX noise‐reduction technique before analysis with a covariate of interest outperforms the other techniques. These results indicate that FIX might be the most appropriate technique to achieve the balance between conserving signals of interest and removing noise during task‐related fMRI.
Dendritic cells infected with recombinant adenoviral vector encoding mouse fibroblast activation protein‐α and human livin α exert an antitumor effect against Lewis lung carcinoma in mice
Authors: Ye Zaiting , Pan Jiongwei , Yin Zhangyong , Wang Shuanghu , Li Yuling , Cai Xiaoping , Zheng Hao , Cao Zhuo
Published: September 2023

Background

Fibroblast activation protein‐α (FAP) and livin α are considered as cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor‐specific targets, respectively, for immunogenic tumor vaccines. This study is designed to decipher the antitumor effect of double‐gene modified dendritic cells (DCs) on Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC).

Methods

By encoding mouse FAP cDNA and human livin α (i.e., hlivin α) cDNA into recombinant adenoviral vector (rAd), rAd‐FAP, rAd‐hlivin α, and rAd‐FAP/hlivin α were constructed, which were then transduced into mouse DCs. LLC‐bearinig mice were immunized with the infected DCs (5 × 105 cells/mouse), followed by calculation of tumor volume and survival rate. The identification of CAFs from mouse LLC as well as the determination on expressions of FAP and livin α, was accomplished by western blot. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay was harnessed to assess the effect of the infected DCs on inducing splenic lymphocytes to lyse CAFs.

Results

DCs were successfully transduced with rAd‐FAP/hlivin α in vitro. FAP was highly expressed in CAFs. CAFs were positive for α‐SMA and negative for CD45 and CD31. Livin α level was upregulated in mouse LLC. Immunization with rAd‐FAP/hlivin α‐transduced DCs suppressed LLC volume and improved the survival of tumor‐bearing mice. Immunization with rAd‐FAP/hlivin α‐transduced DCs enhanced the cytotoxic effect of splenic lymphocytes on LLC tumor‐derived CAFs.

Conclusion

Injection with rAd‐FAP/hlivin α‐transduced DCs promotes immune‐enhanced tumor microenvironment by decreasing CAFs and suppresses tumor growth in LLC mouse models.
Food‐specific IgA levels in esophageal biopsies are not sufficiently high to predict food triggers in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Abramson Lior , Smeekens Johanna M. , Kulis Michael D. , Dellon Evan S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune‐mediated disease, characterized by Th2‐type inflammation linked to specific foods. No currently available allergy tests reliably identify food triggers in EoE, leading to empiric dietary elimination strategies. Recently, milk‐ and wheat‐specific IgA in esophageal brushings were linked to clinical food triggers. In this study, we aimed to determine whether food‐specific IgA from esophageal biopsies is associated with known food triggers.

Methods

A prior cohort of 21 patients (median age 39 years) with confirmed EoE underwent empirical elimination diets and subsequent reintroduction of foods to determine triggers. Archived baseline biopsies were used to quantify levels of peanut‐, milk‐, soy‐, egg‐, wheat‐specific and total IgA by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Overall, 13 patients (62%) responded to the dietary elimination as determined by histology (<15 eos/hpf), with milk and egg being the most common triggers. Biopsies had varying amounts of total IgA, while food‐specific IgA was only detectable in 48 of 105 (46%) samples. Food‐specific IgA was normalized to total IgA for each sample and stratified by whether a food was a known trigger. For all foods tested, there were no significant differences in IgA between positive and negative triggers.

Conclusions

Food‐specific IgA in esophageal biopsies was not associated with previously identified food triggers in this cohort. Future studies comparing food‐specific IgA in esophageal brushings, mucous scrapings, and biopsies from patients with known triggers will be critical to determining whether food‐specific IgA may serve as a biomarker for identification of EoE triggers.
Death receptor 3 is involved in preeclampsia through regulating placental trophoblast cell physiology by inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Yin Cheng , Wang Jiahui , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xinping , Zhao Wei , Shen Yanxiang , Liu Shi , Liu Su
Published: September 2023

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy related disease that affects about 5% of pregnancies. Death receptor 3 (DR3) expression is significantly elevated in both placental tissue and plasma of PE patients. However, whether DR3 was involved in trophoblasts in pathogenesis of PE are not well elucidated.

Objective

Our research was designed to illustrate the biological roles of DR3 in placental trophoblasts, as well as explain its relevant mechanisms.

Methods

HTR‐8/SVneo cells viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed using MTT, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Levels of DR3, PI3K, and AKT in HTR‐8/SVneo cells were analyzed via reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Western blot analysis was utilized to assess DR3, p‐PI3K, p‐AKT, PI3K, and AKT protein expression.

Results

Upregulation of DR3 obviously inhibited HTR‐8/SVneo cells viability, migration, and invasion, as well as promoted HTR‐8/SVneo cells apoptosis, as opposed to the control‐plasmid group. We also found that DR3‐plasmid enhanced cleaved‐caspase3 expression, reduced p‐PI3K and p‐AKT protein expression, and p‐PI3K/PI3K or p‐AKT/AKT ratio in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Importantly, IGF‐1, a PI3K/AKT signaling pathway agonist, partially reversed the effects of DR3‐plasmid on the cell viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and PI3K/AKT signal pathway in HTR‐8/SVneo cells.

Conclusion

DR3 was involved in PE through regulating placental trophoblast cell physiology via PI3K/AKT pathway, which might be a promising therapeutic target for PE therapy.
Second curettage versus conventional chemotherapy in avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and reducing the number of chemotherapy courses for patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Peng , Yu Yan , Du Minmin , Xu Junbi , Lu Weiguo
Published: September 2023

Background

Chemotherapy is the recommended treatment for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Second curettage had been advocated to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy and to reduce the courses of chemotherapy; however, consensus has not been reached as there are arguments claiming its inability of inducing complete regression.

Objectives

The present study was performed to clarify the effectiveness of second curettage for avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and lowering the number of chemotherapy courses in patients with post‐molar GTN.

Search Strategy

Seven predominant electronic databases were searched, including four English databases and three Chinese databases, from the inception of each database until January 31, 2023.

Selection Criteria

Studies were included if they were: (1) human, (2) explicitly indicated exposure to second curettage, (3) explicitly indicated control to conventional chemotherapy, (4) explicitly indicated the participants were patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), and (5) compared the outcome of interest as the number of the course of chemotherapy.

Data Collection and Analysis

Two authors extracted and analyzed the data independently. Disagreements were reconciled by reviewing the full text by a third author. The data of study location, data collection, study design, number of participants, intervention strategy, control strategy, the follow‐up period, outcome, adverse events were analyzed.

Main Results

With regard to avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy, the overall pooled effect size of the second curettage group had a significant advantage over the conventional chemotherapy group with an OR of 0.02 (95% CI: 0.00–0.06). Meanwhile, for reducing the number of chemotherapy courses, the overall pooled effect size of the second curettage group had significant advantage over the conventional chemotherapy group with a mean difference of −2.11 (95% CI: −3.72 to −0.51).

Conclusion

The second curettage group had a significant advantage over the conventional chemotherapy group in avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and reducing the number of chemotherapy courses. Further larger multi‐center randomized controlled trials should be conducted to confirm our results and to clarify the optimal patients' group for second curettage in patients with post‐molar GTN.
A case of marked rectal stenosis due to Douglas’ pouch metastasis of renal pelvic carcinoma successfully treated with salvage enfortumab vedotin: correlation between serum KL‐6 levels and tumor response
Authors: Akatsuka Jun , Kimura Go , Katsu Akifumi , Hasegawa Hiroya , Mikami Hikaru , Yanagi Masato , Endo Yuki , Takeda Hayato , Toyama Yuka , Kondo Yukihiro
Published: September 2023

Introduction

We report a rare case of marked rectal stenosis due to Douglas' pouch metastasis of renal pelvic urothelial carcinoma successfully treated with enfortumab vedotin.

Case presentation

A 77‐year‐old female presented with difficulty in defecation and abdominal distension. She had received two courses of cisplatin plus gemcitabine followed by four courses of maintenance avelumab for postoperative lymph node metastasis of renal pelvic urothelial carcinoma. KL‐6 levels were elevated, and a computed tomography scan revealed an irregularly shaped large mass occupying Douglas' pouch, with marked rectal stenosis. Metastatic urothelial carcinoma was pathologically diagnosed, and enfortumab vedotin was initiated after colostomy. After 12 courses of enfortumab vedotin, metastatic lesions showed marked shrinkage and KL‐6 levels decreased.

Conclusion

Enfortumab vedotin elicited a remarkable response in treating rectal stenosis due to metastasis of renal pelvic urothelial carcinoma in Douglas' pouch. Furthermore, serum KL‐6 levels were correlated with the severity of metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
Respiratory Tract Penetration of Quinolone Antimicrobials: A Case in Study
Authors: Ritrovato Charles A. , Deeter Robert G.
Published: September 2023

Antimicrobial lung penetration is thought to be predictive of efficacy in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections. Lung penetration studies are commonly conducted with new antimicrobial agents to elucidate their potential utility in treating such infections. Although some very useful information may emerge, these studies are complicated by technical difficulties, theoretical assumptions, and numerous intricacies. Many studies describing quinolone penetration into saliva, sputum, bronchial secretions, and lung tissue have been published. In general, quinolone concentrations in lung tissue are 1.5–4 times the serum levels, whereas those in sputum and bronchial secretion are equal to or less than serum, and penetration into saliva is even less. The failure rate predicted from saliva, sputum, and bronchial secretion penetration and marginal in vitro activity of quinolones against streptococci does not consistently correlate with clinical efficacy data. In light of such conflicting data and the high lung tissue penetration of quinolones, the relevance of saliva, sputum, and bronchial secretion studies should be reevaluated. The utility of investigational quinolones in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections can be determined only by well‐designed clinical trials.
Ultrastructure of Adult and Juvenile Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) Sertoli Cells In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: RUNE G. M. , PRETZER D. , de SOUZA P. , BOLLMANN U. , MERKER H.‐J.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: The morphologic differentiation of Sertoli cells isolated from adult and juvenile marmosets and cultured on different extracellular matrices was evaluated by light and electron microscopy and compared to cells in vivo. Both cell types could be maintained in culture for at least 6 days. The degree of cellular differentiation, shape, ultrastructural appearance, and polarity seemed to benefit from laminin‐coated substrata, compared with collagen‐, fibronectin‐, serum‐, and heparan sulfate‐coated substrata. With the former two substrates, a difference in behavior between juvenile and adult cells was evident. Whereas juvenile cells displayed a lesser degree of differentiation, adult cells exhibited identical morphologic characteristics in culture and in vivo. Cyclicity of morphologic features was not found, neither in vivo nor in vitro. The results indicate that: (1) laminin plays a unique role for marmoset Sertoli cell differentiation in vitro compared with other extracellular components; (2) a greater similarity between cells in vivo and in vitro is evident with adult Sertoli cells; and (3) the adult marmoset monkey could provide a primate model for mature Sertoli cells in culture, since there is a close similarity to human adult Sertoli cells in vitro and in vivo.
Selenium Supplementation Enhances the Element Concentration in Blood and Seminal Fluid But Does Not Change the Spermatozoal Quality Characteristics in Subfertile Men
Authors: IWANIER KRZYSZTOF , ZACHARA BRONISLAW A.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity in blood components and seminal fluid and on spermatozoal quality characteristics in subfertile men. Thirty‐three men were supplemented for 12 weeks with 200 μg Se/day in the form of yeast‐rich Se (group I, n = 16) or sodium selenite (group II, n = 17).

Blood samples and sperm were collected at the start of the study and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks following Se supplementation. Se concentration in whole blood and plasma and GSH‐Px activity in red cells and plasma increased significantly during the study, but in the group supplemented with yeast‐Se the effect was more pronounced. Se concentration in seminal fluid also increased in both groups, but the effect of yeast‐Se was markedly higher than that of selenite. In both groups statistically significant correlations were found between Se concentration in plasma and seminal fluid. GSH‐Px activity in seminal fluid In the yeast‐Se group increased significantly and reached a plateau after 2 weeks, whereas in the selenite group the activity did not change throughout the whole study period. Weak correlations between Se concentrations and GSH‐Px activities in seminal fluid were seen, but only in the yeast‐Se group were the relations statistically significant. The subjects in both groups showed no response in sperm count, motility, and morphology.

In conclusion, we can ascertain that the supplementation of subfertile men with yeast‐rich Se showed a more pronounced effect on Se concentrations and GSH‐Px activities in blood components and seminal fluid than selenite did. Se supplementation did not improve the spermatozoal quality characteristics of sperm count, motility and, morphology.
Temporal Appearance of Antisperm Antibodies during Sexual Maturation of Rats after Obstruction of the Vas Deferens
Authors: FLICKINGER CHARLES J. , HERR JOHN C. , BARAN MAUREEN L. , HOWARDS STUART S.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: The appearance of serum antisperm antibodies was studied during the maturation of rats in which the vas deferens was obstructed prepubertally. Vasa deferentia were ligated and divided bilaterally in 10‐day‐ old Lewis rats, while control animals received a sham operation at the same age. At ages between 14 and 128 days, blood samples were assayed for antisperm antibodies using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. There were no differences between obstructed and sham‐operated groups in mean antisperm antibodies from 14 through 56 days. However, in 91‐ and 128‐day‐ old rats mean antisperm antibody levels were much higher in obstructed than in control animals. This rise in antisperm antibodies occurred several weeks after the development of spermatids in the testes between 23 and 46 days. The presence of elevated antisperm antibodies in obstructed animals followed temporally the appearance of sperm throughout the lumen of the entire epididymis and the formation of spermatic granulomas. The results in this model suggest that consideration be given to repair of injured or obstructed vas deferens prior to puberty to forestall development of antisperm antibodies, as well as the formation of spermatic granulomas.
Gene Expression in the Aging Brown Norway Rat Epididymis
Authors: VIGER ROBERT S. , ROBAIRE BERNARD
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: The mammalian epididymis is the site where spermatozoa are matured and then stored. Though many studies have described epididymal functions and their regulation, little is known about how aging affects this tissue. The Brown Norway rat, which does not show the many age‐related pathologies common to other rat strains, was used as a model to study aging of the epididymis. The present study was designed to determine the effect of aging on the mRNA levels for selected markers of epididymal function. Brown Norway rats ranging in age from 6 to 30 months were examined at 6‐month intervals; epididymides were sectioned into caput‐corpus and cauda regions. Relative mRNA concentrations were assessed using Northern blot analysis and specific cDNA5 for the rat 5areductase isozymes, types 1 and 2; proenkephalin; the androgen receptor; epididymal proteins B/C and D/E; and sulfated glycoprotein‐2 (SGP‐2, clusterin). Northern blots were quantitated by densitometric scanning. In the caput‐corpus epididymidis, 5α‐reductase type 1 and type 2 mRNA levels decreased significantly by 43% and 33%, respectively, between 6 and 12 months and by 64% and 40%, respectively, between 6 and 30 months. No significant change, however was found in the expression of the 5α‐reductase mRNAs in the cauda epididymidis. Interestingly, proenkephalin mRNA was only detected in the caput‐corpus epididymidis of 6‐month‐old rats. In marked contrast to the 5a‐reductase isozymes and proenkephalin, no significant age‐related changes were observed in the mRNA levels for the androgen receptor, protein B/C, or protein D/E. No age‐related changes in mRNA expression for SGP‐2 occurred in the caput‐corpus epididymidis. however, in the cauda epididymidis, SGP‐2 mRNA levels rose by twofold between 6 and 18 months and then decreased sharply by 75% between 18 and 30 months. We conclude that as the epididymis ages, the expression of genes for certain specific markers of epididymal function is affected in a region‐specific manner. Further, the decrease in the concentrations of the mRNA5 for the 5α‐reductase isozymes and proenkephalin in the epididymis between 6 and 12 months is thus far the earliest marker for aging in the male reproductive tract of the Brown Norway rat.
Enhanced Pharmacological Testing in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: VRUGGINK PETER A. , DIEMONT WILLEM L. , DEBRUYNE FRANS M. J. , MEULEMAN ERIC J. H.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT:This study was designed to evaluate the practical use of the combination of a low‐dose intracavemous injection test (ICI) and visual erotic stimulation (VES) in the assessment of patients with erectile dysfunction. Additionally, a postinvestigation questionnaire (PIQ) was used to rate the erection following the investigation when the patient had left the office. It was hypothesized that the combination (ICIVES) and the PIQ would yield a higher erectile response rate than ICI or VES alone and would minimize the occurrence of prolonged erection.

Of the 90 patients studied, 17 (19%) showed adequate erections to VES, 10 (11%) to ICI, and 60 (67%) to ICIVES. Of the 30 non‐responders, 7 (23%) reported adequate erections on the PIQ. Overall, in 75% of the patients adequate erections were achieved. No prolonged erections were encountered.

It is concluded that the combination of a low‐dose ICI and VES, and the application of a postinvestigation questionnaire, is a powerful and safe test to select patients for autoinjection therapy.
The Effects of Antifreeze Peptide III (AFP) and Insulin Transferrin Selenium (ITS) on Cryopreservation of Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Spermatozoa
Authors: YOUNIS ABDELMONEEM I. , ROOKS BETH , KHAN SABA , GOULD KENNETH G.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: We investigated the effects of antifreeze peptides (AFP) and insulin transferrin selenium (ITS) on the motility and membrane integrity of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) spermatozoa after chilling (0–5°C) and thawing. The effects of three thawing procedures, in the presence or absence of AFP and ITS, on sperm motility and on the status of the plasma membrane and acrosome were also examined. During chilling, AFP and ITS seem mildly cytotoxic, as the progressive motility and velocity (curvilinear and straight line) declined significantly at AFP concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μg/ml and at ITS concentrations of 1 and 10 μg/ml. However, at a concentration of 100 μg/ml, ITS was able to protect sperm during shortterm hypothermic storage. Addition of AFP or ITS at 100 μg/ml to test egg yolk—glycerol extender during freezing significantly (P < 0.05) increased postthaw motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity. The mean (±SE) motility recovery rate in‐creased from 28.9 ± 3.9%, for the untreated control, to 59.2 ± 5.8% and 67.8 ± 7.4%, for ITS and AFP, respectively. The effects of the thawing procedure were influenced by the presence of AFP during the freezing cycle. An improved motility recovery rate of 67 ± 4.2% was obtained when chimpanzee sperm frozen in test egg yolk—glycerol extender supplemented with AFP were thawed rapidly at 37°C, compared to 47 ± 5.2% and 44 ± 8.2% for slow (23°C) and ultrarapid (75°C) thawing, respectively. The motility recovery after thawing of ITS‐treated semen at 23°C, 37°C, or 75°C was not significantly different. Semen frozen without AFP or ITS and thawed at 75°C was seriously (P < 0.05) damaged. This study provides evidence that AFP‐ or ITS‐supplemented semen extender improves postthaw sperm motility in the chimpanzee.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (NCOSE) METRICS WORKING GROUP A STATUS REPORT
Authors: Ross Myron J.
Published: September 2023

This paper reports on the status of the work to date and future plans of the NCOSE Systems Engineering Metrics Working Group.
FIRST PRINCIPLES: SYSTEMS AND THEIR ANALYSIS
Authors: Woods Thomas W.
Published: September 2023

This paper is intended to challenge systems professionals to think about systems — not at the process level but at the foundational level: first principles. System principles at the concept level, and what we understand about them, determine what we practice at the process level – that is, how we define “systems engineering.” When Kant, Kepler, Newton, Einstein, and the others were deriving The Natural Laws, where was the comparable basic work in the natural order of things: systems? Is our profession one of simply employing some fairly good empirical procedures? Is there a legitimate place for a “First Law of Systems” along side The First Law of Thermodynamics? Who would do this research? Who would fund it? Is now the time? Why should we care?
EMERGING CONCEPTS: A LOOK‐AHEAD TO ENGINEERING'S FUTURE
Authors: Masselle Eric L. , Rhodes Donna H.
Published: September 2023

Like pieces in an unfinished jigsaw puzzle, emerging concepts in the workplace can give us a glimpse of what systems engineering will look like in the future. This paper introduces a number of highly interconnected concepts that are emerging in the areas of process, technology, education, metrics, and paradigm shifts. To ensure continued growth in years ahead, it is essential that we use these new concepts as building blocks to architect a systems engineering vision highly suited to the workplace of tomorrow.
MECHANIZED MECHANISMS
Authors: Masselle Eric L. , Rhodes Donna H.
Published: September 2023

Every progressive corporation has a set of process mechanisms in place for accomplishing its business ends. In the engineering industry most elements of these process mechanisms remain manually intensive. However, just as mechanization transformed manufacturing, so too will mechanization of manually intensive tasks advance the state of engineering. This paper will focus on the new area of process enactment technology. Process enactment, which we view as mechanized mechanisms, is the automation of those time and resource consuming elements of a process that do not require the unique capabilities of the human intellect. Process enactment technology automates task management and support for the team, and controls schedule, team member tasks and interaction, and the movement, storage, and processing of all data.
Descriptions of Systems Engineering Methodologies and Comparison of Information Representations
Authors: Oliver David W.
Published: September 2023

This paper applies the principles of Model Based Systems Engineering,(Oliver 1992a), (Oliver 1992b), to the systems engineering process itself. This results in layering the process description so that it is tailorable and supports aerospace or commercial methodologies. A core set of engineering steps is defined using a behavioral or conceptual model. Existing methodologies can be described and compared by selecting the core steps they use and the sequences, concurrencies, and iterations of the core steps selected.

An information model, design model, is defined for each core step. From these models the possible representations of information are listed for each core engineering step. The graphic or text representations of existing methodologies can be mapped onto the information models to compare methodologies or to examine a methodology for redundancy or completeness. The design models are a basis for an information standard or a meta‐model for information exchange among tools, or for the selection of tools or notation.
Cost Effectiveness Enhancement Initiative For The Space Shuttle Contract
Authors: Akhavi Mina , Antony Patrick , Davidoff Larry , Robitaille Richard
Published: September 2023

This paper will describe the partnership agreement with our NASA Customer and the process improvement techniques utilized to reduce the cost of performing integration tasks during a downturn of the business environment. It will cover a period of two years (FY91 & FY92). It will provide insight on the people's attitudes at the beginning of the initiative and where they are today. Lessons learned during this period will also be delineated which could be used to help others in starting up a similar program.

A specific case study on establishment of metrics for a Shuttle Integration analysis operation will be presented and will include techniques and tools utilized to facilitate the people performing the task.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis with Two Reliability Models: A Systems Engineering Approach
Authors: Chan Tony , Suzuki John
Published: September 2023

Although product development specialists typically consider product costs in a specific portion of a project, they often ignore the full costs associated with the entire life cycle, which includes maintenance and disposal. One of the key aspects of systems engineering is an integrated, full life cycle orientation to product development. When one considers the value of a system using a systems engineering approach, one needs to consider both the technical characteristics of the system as well as the system cost. The financial aspect of the system is one of several key constraints in the design phase of the systems engineering process. Life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, used as an evaluation tool, helps identify the preferred design approach.
HIGH‐LEVEL SOFTWARE SYNTHESIS
Authors: Brackett John W. , Pyster Arthur B.
Published: September 2023

High‐Level Software Synthesis (HLSS) is an advanced model‐based, product‐line‐oriented software development process being developed by the Software Productivity Consortium (Consortium). The HLSS process is based upon thorough requirements‐ and design‐level validation through the use of models that can predict important properties of the software to be built. The HLSS process is designed to enable an organization to produce members of an embedded system product line at reduced cost, with higher quality, and more rapidly than conventional software production methods.
INSIGHT ‐ AN OBJECT‐ORIENTED MODELING TOOL
Authors: Rudmik Andres , Rohde Sharon
Published: September 2023

This paper describes a new approach to system modeling and analysis predicated on the construction and execution of object‐oriented models of systems. Our approach uses constraints to describe a system's response behavior to stimuli, it incorporates a solver to execute the model, and it provides a tailorable user interface that allows one to define the modeling symbology. An advantage of object‐oriented system modeling, execution and analysis is an increased ability to handle complexity.

A prototype of this tool has been developed and applied to different system engineering problems. Applications include modeling of a system engineering method, modeling the Viking Lander Guidance and Control Systems for the Descent Phase on Mars, and an executable simulation of a spacecraft landing on the moon.
Requirements: Going From User Needs to Detailed Performance Parameters
Authors: Might Robert J.
Published: September 2023

The requirement development process for a system starts when a user need is first mentioned. Requirement analysis starts when someone tries to interpret this attempted communication. After that the process that leads from user needs to specific performance parameters of an actual system is described by some as “chaotic.” Current methods isolate several user needs at a time, then a few point solutions are studied to determine which one is most cost effective. This paper addresses how this process should be performed for the class of problems where there are many user needs, many possible solutions (i.e. systems), and each solution has some potential for satisfying multiple user needs. The objective is to determine what combination of performance characteristics for each potential system provides the greatest marginal contribution to the entire set of user needs.
DESIGNING REQUIREMENTS FOR VERIFIABILITY
Authors: Gerson Amy C. R.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to describe recent requirements verification experiences and offer hindsights on designing requirements for verifiability. With the advent of concurrent engineering and multi‐disciplinary product development teams, hardware designers must “design for manufacturability.” Systems Engineers must “design for verifiability,” keeping in mind the ultimate purpose of requirements and specifications: verifying that the end product exhibits the intended properties. Composite case examples are drawn from various programs in the space systems domain to illustrate the concepts of perceptiveness, observability, verification methods, environmental factors, safety, etc. Epistemological concepts of sufficient proof, validity of evidence, and degree of rigor are invoked in the interest of philosophical consistency, cost savings, and quality improvement. Specific case examples center on tasks such as the following: Verifying that the power subsystem will support vehicle loads for a specified time; verifying that the vehicle will survive in a contingency mode for a specified time, and verifying proper operation, integration, and installation of a backup attitude control subsystem. Tradeoffs are discussed between requirements design and the resulting impacts on analysis and test processes. Techniques are discussed for bounding the verification task, prioritizing effort, ensuring discipline (traceability), and breaking down high‐level requirements into verifiable portions.
APPLYING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING STANDARDS TO EARLY STAGES OF THE SYSTEM LIFE CYCLE
Authors: Uhrig Jerome L.
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes some process refinements of the initial stages of the system life cycle: Pre‐Concept and Concept Exploration and Definition. They are suggested in the interests of improving the clarity and coherence of these necessarily loosely defined activities. Further structuring is offered both between major stages, in the form of a review specifically suited to early conceptual work, and minor reviews within stages to more effectively demark the three major submodes: requirements analysis, functional analysis and allocation, and synthesis. It is suggested that an appropriate, commonly accepted process would be preferable to the ad hoc approaches that are now the usual rule.