bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rejection of Sinusoidal Disturbances With Unknown Slowly Time-Varying Frequencies for Linear Time-Varying Systems
Authors: Stewart Jacob , Ioannou Petros A.
Published: February 2024

Recently, a class of adaptive schemes has been developed for rejecting sinusoidal output disturbances with unknown frequencies, phases, and amplitudes. These adaptive schemes require an accurate model of the affected system's dynamics to function, and the controller performance degrades as the modeling error increases. While linear time-invariant (LTI) dynamics can adequately model the dynamics of some systems, a time-varying model of the system dynamics is more appropriate in certain scenarios. This paper proposes a robust adaptive scheme for rejecting disturbances that affect the output of a system described by a known linear time-varying model. The disturbances are described by an unknown number of sinusoidal terms with unknown time-varying frequencies. Analysis is done in ideal case where the disturbance frequencies are perfectly known to provide conditions guaranteeing the existence of a controller and a corresponding set of parameters which reject the disturbance. Analysis is then done in the more realistic adaptive scenario where the disturbance frequencies are unknown, and a robust adaptive scheme for selecting controller parameters which reject the disturbance is proposed. Performance of the controller with respect to the speed of variation in the plant model parameters is assessed via simulation.
Bioinspired Fluid Dynamic Designs of Vertical-Axis Turbines: State-of-the-Art Review and the Way Forward
Authors: Rathod Umang H. , Saha Ujjwal K. , Kulkarni Vinayak
Published: February 2024

With the increasing popularity of vertical axis turbines (VATs), researchers are now focusing on their performance improvement. Instead of adopting conventional means of performance improvements such as augmentation techniques and exhaustive parametric design optimization, the bio-inspired turbine designs have become a center of attraction, especially during the last decade. This review article attempts to compile the bio-inspired designs belonging to the VATs. Bio-inspired designs implemented in Savonius, Darrieus, Nautilus, and Seed-inspired turbines are elaborated besides giving a detailed explanation of the corresponding bio-organism and natural phenomenon. How the working principles of bio-organisms emulated in the form of fluid dynamic design are explained thoroughly in this paper. The bio-inspired designs for VATs are then classified pragmatically for the future designs. Research gaps are highlighted for the aspiring researchers, and this is followed by the important strategies and allied challenges.
Investigation of the Influence of Flow Pattern on the Internal Corrosion in Horizontal–Vertical Downward Pipe With Oil–Water Flow
Authors: Li Yan , Su Guoqing , Wang Qianlin , Tao Zhansheng , Zhang Jianwen
Published: February 2024

In the petroleum and petrochemical industries, oil–water flow is widespread inside the pipes. The existence of water often results in internal corrosion in the horizontal–vertical downward pipe when water contacts the pipe wall. Surface wetting behavior and wall shear stress (WSS) are two important factors affecting corrosion procedure, which are governed by the flow patterns. With the propose to mitigate corrosion, focus shall be concentrated on the impact of flow pattern toward corrosion. In this work, the flow regime with oil–water flow in the horizontal–vertical pipe is investigated by computational fluid dynamics simulations. The cases with different mixture velocity (0.1 m/s–2.2 m/s) and different water cut (3%–40%) are investigated. The key discovery in this paper is that five types of flow patterns can be identified based on the multiphase flow in the horizontal–vertical pipe, which is rarely reported in recent work. According to the results of the surface wetting status and wall shear stress distribution, the severe corrosion area is predicted and classified into five types. The inside wall of elbows and the outside wall of vertical pipes are the area's most susceptible to corrosion, and the results are well in line with the on-site data.
An examination of the performance of molecular dynamics force fields: Silicon and silicon dioxide reactive ion etching
Authors: Shim Seungbo , Vella Joseph R. , Draney Jack S. , Na Donghyeon , Graves David B.
Published: February 2024

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of plasma-surface interactions were performed of physical sputtering and reactive ion etching (RIE), with predictions based on several force fields. In this paper, we focus mainly on SiO2 but include some results for Si substrates as well. We compare predictions from these MD simulations to experimental studies of SiO2 physical sputtering (by Ar+ ions), RIE of Si, and RIE of SiO2 (both using F atoms and Ar+ ions). MD results using different published force fields are compared to reported yields from published vacuum beam experiments. The near-surface depth profiles predicted using different force fields are compared. One motivation for the present study is to document the nature and magnitude of differences in the predictions for selected systems and conditions of practical interest.
The Day-by-Day Periodization Strategies of a Giro d’Italia Podium Finisher
Authors: Gallo Gabriele , Mateo-March Manuel , Fuk Andrea , Faelli Emanuela , Ruggeri Piero , Codella Roberto , Filipas Luca
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the day-by-day training and racing characteristics in preparation for the Giro d’Italia of 1 world-class road cyclist who achieved a place on the podium in the final general classification of the Giro d’Italia. Methods: Day-by-day power meter training and racing data of 1 study subject (road cyclist; age 25 y; relative maximum oxygen consumption 81 mL·min−1·kg−1; relative 20-min record power output 6.6 W·kg−1) covering the 152 days leading up to the podium in the Giro d’Italia final general classification were retrospectively analyzed. Daily load, daily volume, and intensity distribution were considered. Results: During training a pattern alternating “hard days” versus “easy days” was observed, as significant amounts of medium or high intensity, or load, were not performed for more than 2 consecutive days This pattern was achieved combining high volume (>4 h) with a significant amount of medium and high intensity within the same training sessions. During training, when training load and intensity increased, the density of “easy days” augmented. In 1-week stage races and the Giro d’Italia, 3 to 8 consecutive days with significant amounts of medium and high intensity were performed. A high number of training sessions with small amounts of medium- and high-intensity volume was observed: 38 days accumulating 3 to 10 minutes at medium intensity and 29 days spending 1 to 9 minutes at high intensity. Conclusion: These data provide novel insights about the day-by-day periodization strategies leading to a top 3 in the Giro d’Italia general classification.
Dynamical interplay between superconductivity and pseudogap in cuprates as revealed by terahertz third-harmonic generation spectroscopy
Authors: Yuan Jiayu , Shi Liyu , Yue Li , Li Bohan , Wang Zixiao , Xu Shuxiang , Xu Tiequan , Wang Yue , Gan Zizhao , Chen Fucong , Lin Zefeng , Wang Xu , Jin Kui , Wang Xinbo , Luo Jianlin , Zhang Sijie , Wu Qiong , Liu Qiaomei , Hu Tianchen , Li Rongsheng , Zhou Xinyu , Wu Dong , Dong Tao , Wang Nanlin
Published: February 2024

We report on nonlinear terahertz third-harmonic generation (THG) measurements on YBa2Cu3O6+xthin films. Different from conventional superconductors, the THG signal starts to appear in the normal state, which is consistent with the crossover temperatureT* of pseudogap over broad doping levels. Upon lowering the temperature, the THG signal shows an anomaly just belowTcin the optimally doped sample. Notably, we observe a beat pattern directly in the measured real-time waveform of the THG signal. We elaborate that the Higgs mode, which develops belowTc, couples to the mode already developed belowT*, resulting in an energy level splitting. However, this coupling effect is not evident in underdoped samples. We explore different potential explanations for the observed phenomena. Our research offers valuable insight into the interplay between superconductivity and pseudogap.
Progressive accumulation of hyperinflammatory NKG2D
low
NK cells in early childhood severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ochayon David E. , DeVore Stanley B. , Chang Wan-Chi , Krishnamurthy Durga , Seelamneni Harsha , Grashel Brittany , Spagna Daniel , Andorf Sandra , Martin Lisa J. , Biagini Jocelyn M. , Waggoner Stephen N. , Khurana Hershey Gurjit K.
Published: February 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often precedes the development of food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. The prevailing paradigm holds that a reduced frequency and function of natural killer (NK) cell contributes to AD pathogenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms and contributions of NK cells to allergic comorbidities remain ill-defined. Here, analysis of circulating NK cells in a longitudinal early life cohort of children with AD revealed a progressive accumulation of NK cells with low expression of the activating receptor NKG2D, which was linked to more severe AD and sensitivity to allergens. This was most notable in children co-sensitized to food and aeroallergens, a risk factor for development of asthma. Individual-level longitudinal analysis in a subset of children revealed coincident reduction of NKG2D on NK cells with acquired or persistent sensitization, and this was associated with impaired skin barrier function assessed by transepidermal water loss. Low expression of NKG2D on NK cells was paradoxically associated with depressed cytolytic function but exaggerated release of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor–α. These observations provide important insights into a potential mechanism underlying the development of allergic comorbidity in early life in children with AD, which involves altered NK cell functional responses, and define an endotype of severe AD.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells are resistant to human cytomegalovirus infection primarily at the attachment level due to the reduced expression of cell-surface heparan sulfate
Authors: Kawasaki Hideya , Hariyama Takahiko , Kosugi Isao , Meguro Shiori , Iwata Futoshi , Shimizu Kosuke , Magata Yasuhiro , Iwashita Toshihide
Published: February 2024

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a type of herpes virus, is the predominant cause of congenital anomalies due to intrauterine infections in humans. Adverse outcomes related to intrauterine infections with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vary widely, depending on factors such as fetal infection timing, infection route, and viral virulence. The precise mechanism underlying HCMV susceptibility remains unclear. In this study, we compared the susceptibility of neonatal human dermal fibroblast cells (NHDFCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from NHDFCs, which are genetically identical to HCMV, using immunostaining, microarray,
in situ
hybridization, quantitative PCR, and scanning electron microscopy. These cells were previously used to compare CMV susceptibility, but the underlying mechanisms were not fully elucidated. HCMV susceptibility of hiPSCs was significantly lower in the earliest phase. No shared gene ontologies were observed immediately post-infection between the two cell types using microarray analysis. Early-stage expression of HCMV antigens and the HCMV genome was minimal in immunostaining and in
in situ
hybridization in hiPSCs. This strongly suggests that HCMV does not readily bind to hiPSC surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy performed using the NanoSuit method confirmed the scarcity of HCMV particles on hiPSC surfaces. The zeta potential and charge mapping of the charged surface in NHDFCs and hiPSCs exhibited minimal differences when assessed using zeta potential analyzer and scanning ion conductance microscopy; however, the expression of heparan sulfate (HS) was significantly lower in hiPSCs compared with that in NHDFCs. Thus, HS expression could be a primary determinant of HCMV resistance in hiPSCs at the attachment level.

IMPORTANCE

Numerous factors such as attachment, virus particle entry, transcription, and virus particle egress can affect viral susceptibility. Since 1984, pluripotent cells are known to be CMV resistant; however, the exact mechanism underlying this resistance remains elusive. Some researchers suggest inhibition in the initial phase of HCMV binding, while others have suggested the possibility of a sufficient amount of HCMV entering the cells to establish latency. This study demonstrates that HCMV particles rarely attach to the surfaces of hiPSCs. This is not due to limitations in the electrostatic interactions between the surface of hiPSCs and HCMV particles, but due to HS expression. Therefore, HS expression should be recognized as a key factor in determining the susceptibility of HCMV in congenital infection
in vitro
and
in vivo
. In the future, drugs targeting HS may become crucial for the treatment of congenital CMV infections. Thus, further research in this area is warranted.
Damage to medical complexes in the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war: a geospatial analysis
Authors: Poole Danielle N , Andersen Daniel , Raymond Nathaniel A , Grace Rob , Smith Trevor , Khoshnood Kaveh , Mowafi Hani
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Medical facilities are civilian objects specially protected during armed conflict by international humanitarian law (IHL). These protections are customarily applied regardless of the conflict, parties or contexts involved. Attacks on medical care have characterised the bombardment campaign of the Gaza Strip beginning 7 October 2023. This study presents evidence regarding patterns of damage to medical complexes relative to all other buildings in the first month of this conflict.

Methods

This is an observational pre/post-study of damage to buildings during the first month of the Israel Defence Force bombardment of Gaza from 7 October to 7 November 2023. Open-source polygons for the Gaza Strip were spatially joined with building damage assessments from satellite imagery analysis. Medical facilities were included in the analysis if they were cross-referenced by a minimum of two datasets. Logistic regression was used to test for statistically significant differences in the proportions of damaged medical complexes and other buildings.

Results

A total of 167 292 unique buildings were identified, including 106 cross-referenced medical complexes. Approximately 9% of non-medical buildings and medical complexes alike sustained damage during the first month of the bombardment. No difference in the odds of damage was detected between medical complexes and all other buildings (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.45-1.76; p>0.74).

Conclusion

There is a lack of evidence of differential damage to medical and non-medical complexes during the first month of the bombing campaign. This finding raises concerns about combatants’ application of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, suggesting the importance of further investigation.
Ethical argument for establishing good manufacturing practice for phage therapy in the UK
Authors: Suleman Mehrunisha , Clark Jason R , Bull Susan , Jones Joshua D
Published: February 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an increasing threat to patient care and population health and there is a growing need for novel therapies to tackle AMR. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a re-emerging antimicrobial strategy with the potential to transform how bacterial infections are treated in patients and populations. Currently, in the UK, phages can be used as unlicensed medicinal products on a ‘named-patient’ basis. We make an ethical case for why it is crucially important for the UK to invest in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for both ongoing unlicensed and future licensed phage therapy. Access to phages produced to GMP (GMP phages) will ensure effective patient care and better outcomes as well as health systems benefits. The UK also has the potential to become a global leader in the timely and cost-efficient manufacturing and supply of a therapy that meets internationally recognised standards.
Airway smooth muscle and long-term clinical efficacy following bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma
Authors: Wijsman Pieta C , Goorsenberg Annika W M , d’Hooghe Julia N S , ten Hacken Nick H T , J T H Roelofs Joris , Mauad Thais , Weersink Els J M , Shah Pallav , Annema Jouke T , Bonta Peter I
Published: February 2024

The mechanism of action of bronchial thermoplasty (BT) treatment for patients with severe asthma is incompletely understood. This study investigated the 2.5-year impact of BT on airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass and clinical parameters by paired data analysis in 22 patients. Our findings demonstrate the persistence of ASM mass reduction of >50% after 2.5 years. Furthermore, sustained improvement in asthma control, quality of life and exacerbation rates was found, which is in line with previous reports. An association was found between the remaining ASM and both the exacerbation rate (r=0.61, p=0.04 for desmin, r=0.85, p<0.01 for alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA)) and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s predicted percentage (r=−0.69, p=0.03 for desmin, r=−0.58, p=0.08 for alpha SMA). This study provides new insight into the long-term impact of BT.
Understanding the chromosomal evolution in cuckoos (Aves, Cuculiformes): a journey through unusual rearrangements
Authors: Kretschmer Rafael , Santos de Souza Marcelo , Gunski Ricardo José , del Valle Garnero Analía , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena , Zefa Edison , Toma Gustavo Akira , Cioffi Marcelo de Bello , Herculano Corrêa de Oliveira Edivaldo , O'Connor Rebecca E. , Griffin Darren K.
Published: February 2024

The Cuculiformes are a family of over 150 species that live in a range of habitats, such as forests, savannas, and deserts. Here, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) probes (75 from chicken and 14 from zebra finch macrochromosomes 1–10 +ZW and for microchromosomes 11–28 (except 16)) were used to investigate chromosome homologies between chicken and the squirrel cuckoo ( Piaya cayana). In addition, repetitive DNA probes were applied to characterize the chromosome organization and to explore the role of these sequences in the karyotype evolution of P. cayana. We also applied BAC probes for chicken chromosome 17 and Z to the guira cuckoo ( Guira guira) to test whether this species has an unusual Robertsonian translocation between a microchromosome and the Z chromosome, recently described in the smooth-billed ani ( Crotophaga ani). Our results revealed extensive chromosome reorganization with inter- and intrachromosomal rearrangements in P. cayana, including a conspicuous chromosome size and heterochromatin polymorphism on chromosome pair 20. Furthermore, we confirmed that the Z-autosome Robertsonian translocation found in C. ani is also found in G. guira, not P. cayana. These findings suggest that this translocation occurred prior to the divergence between C. ani and G. guira, but after the divergence with P. cayana.
A Survey of Ethereum Smart Contract Security: Attacks and Detection
Authors: Jiao Tengyun , Xu Zhiyu , Qi Minfeng , Wen Sheng , Xiang Yang , Nan Gary
Published: February 2024

A smart contract is a computerised transaction agreement that carries out predefined terms without human involvement or third-party intermediaries. It serves as a trust intermediary in several industries, including finance, insurance, and supply chain management, in the blockchain 2.0 era. With the increasing interest in smart contracts, security has become a serious problem. Examining typical vulnerability types and vulnerability detection methodologies is of special importance. In this research, a comprehensive evaluation of common smart contract security vulnerabilities is conducted, and a three-tier threat model is then provided to classify the vulnerabilities. In addition, we examine fourteen existing smart contract analysis tools for finding vulnerabilities and classify them according to the main technique they apply. This article is designed to serve as a reference for people who wish to analyse deployed code and enhance existing detection techniques. At the conclusion, open issues and future research paths regarding smart contract vulnerability detection are presented.
D4: Dynamic, Decentralized, Distributed, Delegation-Based Network Control and Its Applications to Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Kaul Anuj , Obraczka Katia , Fontes Ramon , Turletti Thierry
Published: February 2024

Connected autonomous vehicles technology is expected to be an important component of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). With the help of artificial intelligence, cognitive methods, software-hardware and sensor platforms, several relevant industry standards are being developed to enable connected vehicles. One significant challenge raised by connected vehicles is how the underlying communication infrastructure will be able to efficiently support them. In this article, we propose the Dynamic, Decentralized, Distributed, Delegation-based (D4) network control plane architecture, which aims at providing adequate communication support for connected vehicles. To our knowledge, D4 is the first framework to support on-demand network control decentralization. At its core, D4’s flexible network control delegation framework allows network control to be dynamically distributed on demand to address quality-of-service requirements of different connected vehicle services and applications. We demonstrate the benefits of D4 through a proof-of-concept prototype running on a fully reproducible emulation platform. Experimental results using a variety of real-world scenarios demonstrate that D4 delivers lower latency with minimal additional overhead. We also showcase the benefits of D4 when compared to traditional vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) approaches.
FairGAT: Fairness-Aware Graph Attention Networks
Authors: Kose O. Deniz , Shen Yanning
Published: February 2024

Graphs can facilitate modeling various complex systems such as gene networks and power grids as well as analyzing the underlying relations within them. Learning over graphs has recently attracted increasing attention, particularly graph neural network (GNN)–based solutions, among which graph attention networks (GATs) have become one of the most widely utilized neural network structures for graph-based tasks. Although it is shown that the use of graph structures in learning results in the amplification of algorithmic bias, the influence of the attention design in GATs on algorithmic bias has not been investigated. Motivated by this, the present study first carries out a theoretical analysis in order to demonstrate the sources of algorithmic bias in GAT-based learning for node classification. Then, a novel algorithm, FairGAT, which leverages a fairness-aware attention design, is developed based on the theoretical findings. Experimental results on real-world networks demonstrate that FairGAT improves group fairness measures while also providing comparable utility to the fairness-aware baselines for node classification and link prediction.
Applying Cinematic Virtual Reality with Adaptability to Indigenous Storytelling
Authors: Tong Lingwei , Lindeman Robert W. , Lukosch Heide , Clifford Rory , Regenbrecht Holger
Published: February 2024

Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR) is a style of narrative-based Virtual Reality (VR) experience built on filmed or computer-generated 360-degree videos. Since CVR is becoming more popular and widely accessible, researchers and practitioners have been trying to address challenges such as the conflict between the viewer’s freedom of choice and the creator’s control over where to look, or the risk of missing key story elements due to such freedom. As part of the solution, CVR creators employ attention-guiding cues, introduce viewer interaction, and combine these two techniques into all-encompassing CVR production frameworks. However, there are very few CVR projects that embrace the various differences in the backgrounds, preferences, and expectations of each individual viewer. Further to this, they do not consider the content creator/owners’ perspective when presenting and digitizing stories from the real world, especially when considering viewer’s connection to the cultural significance contained. In this article, a case study is presented to explore the use of
adaptability to viewer situations
and the
coherence to Māori
(the indigenous people of New Zealand)
storytelling contexts
in CVR experiences. In the case study, we began with co-design sessions with storytellers from Te Rau Aroha Marae (an active Māori cultural heritage site in the deep south of New Zealand), about appropriate features to collect from visitors to a virtual
storytelling event
, then co-built personas as representative tools. 360-degree videos of pūrākau (stories) were then captured and presented via an adaptable VR system. Evaluations were conducted with the storytellers to validate the system and to collect reflections and opinions on both the use of CVR in Māori storytelling and the cultural appropriateness of CVR with adaptability. We conclude this article with a discussion of possible improvements for future CVR frameworks.
The Safety Filter: A Unified View of Safety-Critical Control in Autonomous Systems
Authors: Hsu Kai-Chieh , Hu Haimin , Fisac Jaime F.
Published: February 2024

Recent years have seen significant progress in the realm of robot autonomy, accompanied by the expanding reach of robotic technologies. However, the emergence of new deployment domains brings unprecedented challenges in ensuring safe operation of these systems, which remains as crucial as ever. While traditional model-based safe control methods struggle with generalizability and scalability, emerging data-driven approaches tend to lack well-understood guarantees, which can result in unpredictable catastrophic failures. Successful deployment of the next generation of autonomous robots will require integrating the strengths of both paradigms. This article provides a review of safety filter approaches, highlighting important connections between existing techniques and proposing a unified technical framework to understand, compare, and combine them. The new unified view exposes a shared modular structure across a range of seemingly disparate safety filter classes and naturally suggests directions for future progress toward more scalable synthesis, robust monitoring, and efficient intervention.
Transcellular Barriers to Glucose Delivery in the Body
Authors: Klip Amira , De Bock Katrien , Bilan Philip J. , Richter Erik A.
Published: February 2024

Glucose is the universal fuel of most mammalian cells, and it is largely replenished through dietary intake. Glucose availability to tissues is paramount for the maintenance of homeostatic energetics and, hence, supply should match demand by the consuming organs. In its journey through the body, glucose encounters cellular barriers for transit at the levels of the absorbing intestinal epithelial wall, the renal epithelium mediating glucose reabsorption, and the tight capillary endothelia (especially in the brain). Glucose transiting through these cellular barriers must escape degradation to ensure optimal glucose delivery to the bloodstream or tissues. The liver, which stores glycogen and generates glucose de novo, must similarly be able to release it intact to the circulation. We present the most up-to-date knowledge on glucose handling by the gut, liver, brain endothelium, and kidney, and discuss underlying molecular mechanisms and open questions. Diseases associated with defects in glucose delivery and homeostasis are also briefly addressed. We propose that the universal problem of sparing glucose from catabolism in favor of translocation across the barriers posed by epithelia and endothelia is resolved through common mechanisms involving glucose transfer to the endoplasmic reticulum, from where glucose exits the cells via unconventional cellular mechanisms.
The P4’ Peptide‐Carrying Bacillus subtilis in Cottonseed Meal Improves the Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis Innate Immunity, Redox Defense, and Growth Performance
Authors: He Chao-Fan , Xiong Wei , Li Xiang-Fei , Jiang Guang-Zhen , Zhang Ling , Liu Zi-Shang , Liu Wen-Bin
Published: February 2024

This study developed a recombinant Bacillus subtilis to carry the LGSPDVIVIR peptide (cmP4) isolated from the hydrolyzed products of cottonseed meal with excellent antioxidant and immune‐enhancing properties in vitro. It was carried as a tandem of five cmP4 peptides (cmP4’) to be stably expressed on a large scale. Then, its effectiveness was evaluated in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) based on growth performance, redox defense, and innate immunity. A total of 280 crabs (mean body weight: 41.40 ± 0.14) were randomly assigned to seven diets including a control one (without B. subtilis) and six experimental ones with different doses (107,108, and 109 CFU/kg) of unmodified and recombinant B. subtilis, respectively, for 12 weeks. Each diet was tested in four tanks of crabs (10/tank). In terms of bacterial dosages, the final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), hemolymph and hepatopancreatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lysosome (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and hepatopancreatic transcriptions of cat, mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (mtmnsod), thioredoxin‐1 (trx1), and prophenoloxidase (propo) all increased significantly with increasing B. subtilis dosages, while hemolymph and hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the transcriptions of toll like receptors (tlrs), NF‐κB‐like transcription factor (relish), and lipopolysaccharide‐induced TNF‐α factor (litaf) all decreased remarkably. In terms of bacterial species, the recombinant B. subtilis group obtained significantly high values of FW, WG, hemolymph, and hepatopancreatic activities of SOD, CAT, LZM, ACP, and AKP, and the transcriptions of mtmnsod, peroxiredoxin 6 (prx6), and propo compared with the unmodified B. subtilis, while opposite results were noted in hemolymph and hepatopancreatic MDA content and the transcriptions of tlrs, relish, and litaf. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with 109 CFU/kg of recombinant B. subtilis can improve the growth performance, redox defense, and nonspecific immunity of E. sinensis.
A Robust Regenerative-Braking Control of Induction Motors for EVs Applications
Authors: Youssef Omar E. M. , Hussien Mohamed G. , El-Wahab Hassan Abd
Published: February 2024

EVs suffer from short driving range because of limited capacity of the battery. An advantage of EVs over internal-combustion vehicles is the ability of regenerative braking (RB). By this advantage, EVs can develop energy by RB which can be stored in the battery for later use to increase the driving range of EVs. There are different motors that can be used in EVs, and the control during RB mode is dedicated for certain motor types. However, the previous studies for EV-based IM drives consider the motor-speed control without considering its RB. This paper proposes a robust control of induction motor (IM) during RB mode of EVs. The proposed control system is simple and depends only on mathematical calculations. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness and accuracy of the suggested control strategy with a good dynamic behavior under different operating conditions. Also, the results assure the robustness of control capabilities under parameters uncertainties during the RB mode of EV-based IM drives.
Suppression of Migration and Invasion by 4-Carbomethoxyl-10-Epigyrosanoldie E from the Cultured Soft Coral Sinularia sandensis through the MAPKs Pathway on Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Fang Rou-Yi , Liu Yueh-Wen , Goan Yih-Gang , Lin Jen-Jie , Su Jui-Hsin , Wu Wen-Tung , Wu Yu-Jen
Published: February 2024

The primary reason for cancer-related fatalities is metastasis. The compound 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E, derived from the Sinularia sandensis soft coral species grown in cultures, exhibits properties that counteract inflammation. Moreover, it has been observed to trigger both apoptosis and autophagy within cancerous cells. This research focuses on examining the inhibitory impact of 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E on the migration and invasion processes in Cal-27 and Ca9-22 oral cancer cell lines. To assess how this compound affects cell migration and invasion, the Boyden chamber assay was employed. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was utilized to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In a dose-dependent manner, 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E notably decreased the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, along with urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), in both Cal-27 and Ca9-22 cell lines. Conversely, it elevated the concentrations of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2. In addition, the treatment with this compound led to the inhibition of phosphorylation in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It also curtailed the expression of several key proteins including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein kinase C (PKC), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Rac, Ras, Rho A, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7). Furthermore, the expression levels of IQ-domain GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were significantly reduced by the compound. The ability of 4-carbomethoxyl-10-epigyrosanoldie E to inhibit the migration and invasion of Cal-27 and Ca9-22 oral cancer cells was observed to be dose dependent. This inhibitory effect is primarily attributed to the suppression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, as well as the downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.
Myoglobin Cast Nephropathy Diagnosed on Renal Biopsy in a Patient Treated for Malarial Infection
Authors: Varadarajan Ramya , Patel Ashmi , Salah Haneen , Sutaria Neil , Barrios Roberto , Truong Luan , Gaber Lillian , El-Zaatari Ziad M.
Published: February 2024

Myoglobin cast nephropathy occurs in cases of acute renal injury in which large amounts of myoglobin accumulate in the renal tubules, presenting as muscle pain, reddish-brown urine, and elevated creatine kinase levels. Our case describes a 60-year-old male who came to the emergency department with fevers, mild abdominal pain, and constitutional symptoms one day after returning to the United States from a trip to Nigeria. Initial workup demonstrated an acute kidney injury and elevated aminotransferase levels and the patient was started onatovaquone-proguanil for possible malaria given a recent diagnosis in Nigeria. Two days later, the patient was found to have rhabdomyolysis, resulting in a renal biopsy that showed myoglobin cast nephropathy. Previous literature has suggested mechanisms for the development of rhabdomyolysis in malarial infection, including inflammatory processes, direct effect of parasite accumulation, and drug-induced toxicity. Our case further implicates antimalarial therapy as a cause of rhabdomyolysis and increases awareness of myoglobin cast nephropathy as a potential complication of malaria.
COG6-CDG: Two Novel Variants and Milder Phenotype in a Chinese Patient
Authors: Zhang Xue-Yuan , Zhang Jing , Lu Yi
Published: February 2024

Here, we present a Han Chinese pediatric girl highly suspected of congenial disorder of glycosylation type IIL (CDG2L; OMIM#614576). Her clinical symptoms include transferase abnormal, liver cirrhosis, hemogram, coagulopathy, growth retardation, intellectual disability, frequent infections, and enamel hypoplasia. Trio-genome sequencing identified in COG6 a paternal variant c.1672C>T (p.Gln558Ter) and a maternal variant c.153+392A>G (p.?). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using mRNA isolated from peripheral blood confirmed the pathogenicity of both variants. The paternal variant resulted in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The maternal variant generated two aberrant COG6 transcripts with 154 bp overlap and was predicted to result in a frameshift at the same position, leading to generation of a premature termination codon. They might result in synthesis of a truncated form of COG6. Thus, the patient was genetically diagnosed.
Differences in Smoking Behavior by Nativity, Race/Ethnicity, and Education among Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Authors: Uong Stephen P. , Torres Jacqueline M. , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Morey Brittany N. , Caan Bette J. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Kroenke Candyce H.
Published: February 2024

Background:

We evaluated smoking differences across nativity and race/ethnicity among women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Methods:

In our Northern Californian pooled population of 5,653 [670 Asian, 690 Hispanic, and 4,300 non-Hispanic White (White)] women diagnosed with breast cancer, we evaluated smoking differences across nativity, race/ethnicity, and acculturation and effect modification of nativity by race/ethnicity and education.

Results:

Foreign-born women currently smoked less than US-born women [odds ratio (OR) = 0.46, 95% confidence limit (CL): 0.29–0.72]. Hispanic (OR = 0.50; 95% CL: 0.32–0.78) women currently smoked less than White women. Among those who ever smoked (n = 2,557), foreign-born women smoked 5.23 fewer pack-years (PY) than US-born women (95% CL: −2.75 to −7.70). Furthermore, Asian (−4.60, 95% CL: −0.81 to −8.39) and Hispanic (−6.79, 95% CL: −4.14 to −9.43) women smoked fewer PY than White women. Associations were generally suggestive of greater smoking with greater acculturation (immigration age, US years, survey language). Finally, associations for nativity differed by education but not race/ethnicity, with a higher likelihood of smoking in US-born women only among those with less than a bachelor's degree (OR = 2.84, 95% CL: 2.15–3.77; current smoking: P = 0.01, PY: P = 0.05).

Conclusions:

Asian and Hispanic (vs. White) and foreign-born (vs. US-born) breast cancer survivors reported fewer smoking behaviors. Smoking differences across nativity and education were driven by higher rates of smoking in US-born women with lower educational attainment.

Impact:

Smoking behavioral patterns were similar among breast cancer survivors and the general population, informing potential smoking interventions.
Complicações hepatobiliares em pacientes com covid-19: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Lima Manuela Izidio de , Fonseca Neto Olival Cirilo Lucena da
Published: February 2024

Introdução: Durante o curso clínico do COVID-19, observou-se que a lesão hepática ocorre em uma proporção significativa de pacientes, principalmente naqueles com doença grave ou crítica. Objetivos: Sintetizar as informações disponíveis que abrangem os mecanismos das lesões hepatobiliares induzidas pelo COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura na base de dados PubMed e BVS usando os descritores: “Doenças Hepatobiliares”, “COVID-19”, “Gastrointestinal”, “Fisiopatologia” e “Fígado”. Para aprimoramento da busca foram utilizados os operadores booleanos “AND” e “OR”, e selecionados artigos de relevância para o tema. Inicialmente, foram selecionados 193 artigos, dos últimos 10 anos, em português e/ou inglês. Após análise, 18 artigos corresponderam ao objetivo proposto. Resultados: A disfunção hepática foi observada em 14 a 53% dos pacientes com COVID-19, principalmente naqueles com doença grave. Isso acontece em razão do mecanismo postulado de entrada viral através dos receptores da enzima conversora de angiotensina 2 que estão abundantemente presentes não apenas nas células alveolares tipo 2, mas também no trato gastrointestinal, endotélio vascular e colangiócitos do fígado. O envolvimento hepático no COVID-19 está relacionado com lesão direta por SARS-CoV-2 ao fígado, reação inflamatória sistêmica, lesão hepática por hipóxia, isquemia e reperfusão, agravamento das lesões hepáticas devido a associação das doenças hepáticas preexistentes com a COVID-19 e lesão hepática induzida por drogas. Conclusões: Alterações da função hepática, sobretudo na hipoalbuminemia, elevação de GGT e aminotransferase, são frequentes em pacientes com doença por COVID-19. Inclusive, os pacientes com doença grave, têm maior probabilidade de apresentar esses distúrbios da função hepática.
Controle da carga externa de treinamento em ginastas infantis em período competitivo
Authors: Freitas Elisângela Gamarano de , Carrara Paulo Daniel Sabino , Debien Paula Barreiros , Silva Cristiano Diniz , Bara Filho Maurício
Published: February 2024

Os objetivos deste estudo foram caracterizar a distribuição das métricas de carga externa de treinamento na ginástica artística feminina; e verificar se há correlação entre as métricas e os resultados competitivos. Participaram do estudo sete ginastas, com 11,3±0,4 anos de idade. Foram monitorados três microciclos anteriores ao Campeonato Brasileiro da categoria infantil e dois microciclos após o campeonato. A carga externa de treinamento foi acessada diariamente e representada pelo quantitativo de elementos executados nas sessões de treino em cinco dimensões (quatro aparelhos e total). Foram efetuados o teste de Friedman entre as métricas de carga externa de treinamento e os microciclos, e regressões lineares entre as métricas de carga externa de treinamento e a classificação na competição. O quantitativo semanal de elementos variou conforme o aparelho, com reduções significativas da equipe da fase pré para a fase pós-campeonato (p=0,04). As regressões apontaram trivial a moderada correlação (R2=0,01 a R2=0,43) entre o quantitativo de elementos e os resultados competitivos. Nesse sentido, os treinadores devem: estar atentos ao controle contínuo das cargas de treino; refletir sobre a individualização das cargas externas de treinamento; e balancear as quantidades ideais de repetições com os resultados reais em competição, de modo a proporcionar a longevidade da carreira das jovens ginastas.
A iniciação esportiva de atletas da Seleção Brasileira de Ginástica Artística Masculina (2013-2021)
Authors: Vargas Pauline Iglesias , Souza Maria Thereza Oliveira , Capraro André Mendes
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar os aspectos da iniciação esportiva de atletas brasileiros de ginástica artística masculina (GAM) que competiram em Campeonatos Mundiais e Jogos Olímpicos, entre os anos de 2013-2021. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com cinco ginastas brasileiros. A História Oral temática foi empregada para a apreensão das fontes orais e o documento escrito foi categorizado em: outras vivências esportivas; idade de início na modalidade; local de nascimento; encaminhamento; e, infraestrutura. Os resultados evidenciaram o papel do profissional de educação física em apresentar o esporte, despertar o interesse, e identificar e encaminhar talentos esportivos. A idade de início na modalidade não se mostrou relevante em todas as trajetórias analisadas. Os atletas são da região Sudeste. Os locais de formação foram clubes/associações esportivas que ofereciam a aparelhagem básica de GAM. As seletivas eram realizadas a partir de observação dos técnicos, baseadas na própria experiência. Conclui-se que há necessidade de valorização dos treinadores, bem como de manutenção de estruturas de treinamento em regiões brasileiras que tradicionalmente formam atletas.
Comparação do estado de humor em atletas de Ginástica Artística Feminina pré e pós-competição
Authors: Cerqueira Laura Lírio Resende , Dias Gabrielle Batista , Fortunato Stayce Moreira , Guimarães Júlia Araújo , Aleixo Ivana Montandon Soares , Goulart Karine Naves de Oliveira
Published: February 2024

A Ginástica Artística Feminina (GAF) é uma modalidade que na sua prerrogativa competitiva tem no alto rendimento muita exigência, o que pode gerar alterações no estado de humor em atletas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o estado de humor em atletas de GAF antes e após competições. Participaram da pesquisa um total de 61 atletas de GAF, com idade entre 8 e 14 anos e com mais de um ano de experiência na modalidade. Os dados foram coletados em competições realizadas em 2022 e 2023: Campeonato Escolar (n=52), Campeonato Estadual (n=2), Torneio Estadual (n=15) e Torneio Nacional (n=8). Os dados foram analisados em conjunto, com a participação de atletas em mais de um evento esportivo. As atletas responderam a Escala de Humor de Brunel no dia anterior à competição (pré) e no máximo uma hora após competirem (pós). O distúrbio total de humor (DTH) foi calculado pela soma dos fatores negativos (depressão, confusão, raiva, fadiga e tensão), subtraindo o escore do fator positivo (vigor). O teste de Wilcoxon demonstrou aumento significativo da fadiga (p=0,001), da depressão (p=0,005) e da raiva (p=0,021) no pós comparado ao pré-competição, enquanto o vigor reduziu significativamente (p=0,009). O DTH também foi significativamente maior (p=0,007) no pós-competição comparado ao pré. A análise de valores individuais detectou, para atletas específicas, escores de depressão e raiva muito acima da média do grupo. Esses resultados demonstram a importância do monitoramento do estado de humor em atletas de GAF durante competições para que os treinadores possam desenvolver intervenções específicas às alterações emocionais de cada atleta.
Diretivas antecipadas de vontade: aspectos éticos e sua aplicação ao Direito Brasileiro
Authors: Martins Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e , Feitosa Lucíola Galvão Gondim Corrêa , Mendes Gillian Santana de Carvalho , Lima Alexandre Augusto Batista , Mendes Filho José Augusto Carvalho , Amorim Fernanda Cláudia Miranda , Andrade Marília Martins Soares de
Published: February 2024

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever aspectos éticos e a aplicação das diretivas antecipadas de vontade ao direito brasileiro. Tratou-se de revisão integrativa baseada em 23 de 47 artigos elegíveis, selecionados após leitura e análise de trabalhos localizados nas bases de dados Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciELO, Lilacs e Google Acadêmico. A busca foi realizada utilizando combinação dos descritores “diretivas antecipadas”, “doente terminal”, “testamento vital”, “ética”, “aspectos éticos”, “aspectos legais” e “direito brasileiro”, além dos termos correspondentes em inglês. Embora tenham por finalidade assegurar o respeito à autonomia e à autodeterminação do paciente, as diretivas antecipadas de vontade causam controvérsias em razão de implicações éticas, jurídicas e religiosas. Há dilemas morais e jurídicos relacionados com a possibilidade de o doente dispor de seu corpo e de sua vida, ainda que em situação de intenso sofrimento e perda de bem-estar e qualidade de vida pela terminalidade de vida. A admissibilidade desse instituto jurídico no cenário brasileiro é necessária tanto pelo imperativo de adequação e harmonia internacional quanto pelo estado da arte da ciência médica e de aspectos da morte digna como novo parâmetro ético.