bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of a giant unilocular vacuole via macropinocytosis-like process confers anoikis resistance
Authors: Kim Jeongsik , Kim Dahyun , Kim Dong-Kyun , Lee Sang-Hee , Jang Wonyul , Lim Dae-Sik
Published: April 2024

Cell survival in metazoans depends on cell attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) or to neighboring cells. Loss of such attachment triggers a type of programmed cell death known as anoikis, the acquisition of resistance to which is a key step in cancer development. The mechanisms underlying anoikis resistance remain unclear, however. The intracellular F-actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in sensing the loss of cell–ECM attachment, but how its disruption affects cell fate during such stress is not well understood. Here, we reveal a cell survival strategy characterized by the formation of a giant unilocular vacuole (GUVac) in the cytoplasm of the cells whose actin cytoskeleton is disrupted during loss of matrix attachment. Time-lapse imaging and electron microscopy showed that large vacuoles with a diameter of >500 nm accumulated early after inhibition of actin polymerization in cells in suspension culture, and that these vacuoles subsequently coalesced to form a GUVac. GUVac formation was found to result from a variation of a macropinocytosis-like process, characterized by the presence of inwardly curved membrane invaginations. This phenomenon relies on both F-actin depolymerization and the recruitment of septin proteins for micron-sized plasma membrane invagination. The vacuole fusion step during GUVac formation requires PI(3)P produced by VPS34 and PI3K-C2α on the surface of vacuoles. Furthermore, its induction after loss of matrix attachment conferred anoikis resistance. Our results thus show that the formation of a previously unrecognized organelle promotes cell survival in the face of altered actin and matrix environments.
Spatiotemporal recruitment of the ubiquitin-specific protease USP8 directs endosome maturation
Authors: Miao Yue , Du Yongtao , Wang Baolei , Liang Jingjing , Liang Yu , Dang Song , Liu Jiahao , Li Dong , He Kangmin , Ding Mei
Published: April 2024

The spatiotemporal transition of small GTPase Rab5 to Rab7 is crucial for early-to-late endosome maturation, yet the precise mechanism governing Rab5-to-Rab7 switching remains elusive. USP8, a ubiquitin-specific protease, plays a prominent role in the endosomal sorting of a wide range of transmembrane receptors and is a promising target in cancer therapy. Here, we identified that USP8 is recruited to Rab5-positive carriers by Rabex5, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rab5. The recruitment of USP8 dissociates Rabex5 from early endosomes (EEs) and meanwhile promotes the recruitment of the Rab7 GEF SAND-1/Mon1. In USP8-deficient cells, the level of active Rab5 is increased, while the Rab7 signal is decreased. As a result, enlarged EEs with abundant intraluminal vesicles accumulate and digestive lysosomes are rudimentary. Together, our results reveal an important and unexpected role of a deubiquitinating enzyme in endosome maturation.
The sperm hook as a functional adaptation for migration and self-organized behavior
Authors: Ryu Heungjin , Nam Kibum , Lee Byeong Eun , Jeong Yundon , Lee Seunghun , Kim Jeongmo , Hyun Young-Min , Kim Jae-Ick , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: April 2024

In most murine species, spermatozoa exhibit a falciform apical hook at the head end. The function of the sperm hook is not yet clearly understood. In this study, we investigate the role of the sperm hook in the migration of spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract in Mus musculus (C57BL/6), using a deep tissue imaging custom-built two-photon microscope. Through live reproductive tract imaging, we found evidence indicating that the sperm hook aids in the attachment of spermatozoa to the epithelium and facilitates interactions between spermatozoa and the epithelium during migration in the uterus and oviduct. We also observed synchronized sperm beating, which resulted from the spontaneous unidirectional rearrangement of spermatozoa in the uterus. Based on live imaging of spermatozoa-epithelium interaction dynamics, we propose that the sperm hook plays a crucial role in successful migration through the female reproductive tract by providing anchor-like mechanical support and facilitating interactions between spermatozoa and the female reproductive tract in the house mouse.
The sperm hook in house mice: a functional adaptation for migration and self-organised behaviour
Authors: Ryu Heungjin , Nam Kibum , Lee Byeong Eun , Jeong Yundon , Lee Seunghun , Kim Jeongmo , Hyun Young-Min , Kim Jae-Ick , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: April 2024

Mouse sperm has a falciform apical hook at the head of the sperm. In this study, we investigated the function of the sperm hook while migrating through the female reproductive tract in
Mus musculus
(C57BL/6), using custom-built two-photon microscopy. Our observations indicate that sperm hook plays a probe-like role to facilitate sperm interaction with the epithelium during migration and an anchor-like role to secure onto the epithelia of the uterine and oviduct. We found no direct evidence of sperm trains being beneficial in their migration. While the sperm hook may be a key for sperm cooperative behaviour in other rodent species, our results suggest that in house mice, the sperm hook plays a role in sperm migration through female reproductive tract, but not for cooperative behaviour, except for synchronised sperm beating.
Vitamin D-associated genetic variants in the Brazilian population: Investigating potential instruments for Mendelian randomization
Authors: De Souza Silverio Caroline , Bonilla Carolina
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Vitamin D is required for bone and mineral metabolism and participates in the regulation of the immune response. It is also linked to several chronic diseases and conditions, usually in populations of European descent. Brazil presents a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency despite the widespread availability of sunlight in the country. Thus, it is important to investigate the role of vitamin D as a risk factor for disease and to establish causal relationships between vitamin D levels and health-related outcomes in the Brazilian population.Objective. To examine genetic variants identified as determinants of serum vitamin D in genome-wide association studies of European populations and check whether the same associations are present in Brazil. If so, these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be developed locally as proxies to use in genetically informed causal inference methods, such as Mendelian randomization.Materials and methods. We extracted SNPs associated with vitamin D from the genomewide association studies catalog. We did a literature search to select papers ascertaining these variants and vitamin D concentrations in Brazil.Results. GC was the gene with the strongest association with vitamin D levels, in agreement with existing findings in European populations. However, VDR was themost investigated gene, regardless of its non-existing association with vitamin D in the genomewide association studies.Conclusions. More research is needed to validate sound proxies for vitamin D levels in Brazil, for example, prioritizing GC rather than VDR.
Research on the prediction of English topic richness in the context of multimedia data
Authors: Jiao Jie , Aljuaid Hanan
Published: April 2024

With the evolution of the Internet and multimedia technologies, delving deep into multimedia data for predicting topic richness holds significant practical implications in public opinion monitoring and data discourse power competition. This study introduces an algorithm for predicting English topic richness based on the Transformer model, applied specifically to the Twitter platform. Initially, relevant data is organized and extracted following an analysis of Twitter’s characteristics. Subsequently, a feature fusion approach is employed to mine, extract, and construct features from Twitter blogs and users, encompassing blog features, topic features, and user features, which are amalgamated into multimodal features. Lastly, the combined features undergo training and learning using the Transformer model. Through experimentation on the Twitter topic richness dataset, our algorithm achieves an accuracy of 82.3%, affirming the efficacy and superior performance of the proposed approach.
Effects of soil pH on the growth, soil nutrient composition, and rhizosphere microbiome of Ageratina adenophora
Authors: Xia Yun , Feng Junna , Zhang Hongbo , Xiong Deyu , Kong Lingdong , Seviour Robert , Kong Yunhong
Published: April 2024

Ageratina adenophora is an invasive weed species found in many countries. Methods to control the spread of this weed have been largely unsuccessful. Soil pH is the most important soil factor affecting the availability of nutrients for plant and impacting its growth. Understanding the mechanisms of the influence of soil pH on the growth of A. adenophora may help to develop effective control measures. In this study, we artificially changed the soil pH in pot experiments for A. adenophora. We studied the effects of acidic (pH 5.5), weakly acidic (pH 6.5), neutral (pH 7.2), and alkaline (pH 9.0) soils on the growth, availability of soil nutrients, activity of antioxidant enzymes, levels of redox markers in the leaves, and the structure and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome. Soil with a pH 7.2 had a higher (47.8%) below-ground height versus soils of pH 5.5 at day 10; plant had a higher (11.3%) above-ground height in pH 7.2 soils than pH 9.0 soils at day 90; no differences in the fresh and dry weights of its above- and belowground parts, plant heights, and root lengths were observed in plants growing in acid, alkaline, or neutral pH soil were observed at day 180. Correspondingly, the antioxidant enzymes SOD (superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase), CAT (catalase) and redox markers GSH (glutathione) and MDA (malondialdehyde) were measured in the leaves. Significant differences existed in the activities of CAT and the levels of GSH between those growing in acidic and alkaline soils and those in neutral pH soil at day 90; however, only lower (36.8%) CAT activities in those grown at pH 5.5 than those grown at pH 7.2 were found at day 180. Similarly, significant differences in available P (16.89 vs 3.04 mg Kg−1) and total K (3.67 vs 0.96 mg Kg−1), total P (0.37 vs 0.25 g Kg−1) and total N (0.45 vs 1.09 g Kg−1) concentrations were found between the rhizosphere soils of A. adenophora grown at pH 9.0 and 7.2 at day 90; no such differences were seen at day 180. High throughput analyses of the 16S rRNA and ITS fragments showed that the rhizosphere microbiome diversity and composition under different soil pH conditions changed over 180 days. The rhizosphere microbiomes differed in diversity, phylum, and generic composition and population interactions under acid and alkaline conditions versus those grown in neutral soils. Soil pH had a greater impact on the diversity and composition of the prokaryotic rhizosphere communities than those of the fungal communities. A. adenophora responded successfully to pH stress by changing the diversity and composition of the rhizosphere microbiome to maintain a balanced nutrient supply to support its normal growth. The unusual pH tolerance of A. adenophora may be one crucial reason for its successful invasion. Our results suggest that attempts use soil pH to control its invasion by changing the soil pH (for example, using lime) will fail.
Cambio climático y crecimiento económico: ¿cambio o nivel?: análisis exploratorio con datos de panel a nivel condado para Estados Unidos
Authors:   , Castillo Fernández Sebastián Ignacio
Published: April 2024

Esta tesis examina un tema crítico en el desarrollo económico y la sostenibilidad ambiental, evaluando cómo el clima y sus variaciones impactan el crecimiento económico. Mediante un análisis exploratorio con datos de panel a nivel de condados en Estados Unidos, investiga si los efectos del cambio climático en la economía dependen de cambios en niveles de variables climáticas o en la variación misma, ofreciendo una perspectiva innovadora sobre esta relación y subrayando la importancia de entender la naturaleza específica de estas influencias. Esta tesis es relevante para los formuladores de políticas y académicos interesados en el desarrollo sostenible y la economía ambiental, y sirve como un llamado a la acción para una comprensión más profunda de cómo el cambio climático puede remodelar nuestras economías y sociedades. Apunta a un área de estudio emergente y vital en el contexto del cambio climático, invitando a los lectores a considerar cómo los cambios ambientales globales pueden tener impactos locales significativos y diferenciados.Las conclusiones de la tesis revelan que los efectos del cambio climático en el crecimiento económico son variables entre distintas industrias. Se enfatiza la necesidad de enfoques de análisis más precisos y la adaptación sectorial, reconociendo las diferencias únicas en sensibilidad y capacidad de respuesta de cada industria.
Ensamblaje-En-Voz: prácticas vocales expandidas en las Artes Escénicas
Authors:   , Aros Sánchez Luis
Published: April 2024

Esta investigación comprende el estudio creativo de una práctica vocal expandida y sus correlaciones con las artes escénicas. Adscrito a la práctica artística como investigación, este proyecto propone un dispositivo conceptual denominado Ensamblaje-En-Voz como matriz epistémica-creativa desde donde levantar procesos de creación y estudio de lo vocal. Para esto, se ha propuesto un entendimiento de la voz como un fenómeno absoluto (De Vries, 2006) que no necesita – necesariamente – del cuerpo humano para su producción y expansión en el espacio. En este orden, esta investigación aborda la relación de la voz con el cuerpo mediante una concepción dilatada de este último, que incluye a toda materia – orgánica e inorgánica – como una vitalidad vibrante (Bennett, 2022), la cual ha sido nominada bajo la idea de cuerpo-materia. Ante este marco, esta tesis pone en tensión y cuestionamiento la idea de agencia vocal como una proyección moral y ética del ser humano. Frente a esto, se plantea que la voz despliega su agencia por medio de la escucha y su capacidad de afectar a todos los cuerpos-materias. Hecho que pone atención en qué o quién recepciona su sonar, por sobre qué o quién lo produce. Esta tesis incorpora, desarrolla y propone, un tramado de conceptos y operaciones práctico-teóricas / teórico-prácticas a partir de ideas sobre Resonancia (Rosa, 2019), Ensamblaje (De Landa, 2021), Materias Vibrantes (Bennett, 2022) y Comunidades Sensoriales (Domínguez, 2021). Asimismo, sugiere que la voz mediante la conjunción & se asocia a otros campos de estudio en el objetivo de ampliar su rango de examinación creativa y epistémica. Por medio de este tejido, este proyecto sugiere que la voz vectoriza y conecta a los diversos cuerpos-materias que conforman un Ensamblaje-En-Voz mediante su ciclo de hospedaje, vibración, difracción y expansión. Lo anterior es ejemplificado y llevado a la práctica mediante la creación de dos obras, cuyo campo de operaciones performativas resultó ser el terreno desde donde se puso en acción y confrontación el tejido antes descrito. La primera, Vox Populi, memoria sonora de Ovalle, piensa la correlación voz & comunidad, mediante el desanudamiento de la idea de voz colectiva y resonancia (Rosa, 2019) en un aparato audiovisual. El segundo, En coro te hablamos porque nadie puede hablar ya por sí mismo, se pregunta por los usos y aplicaciones de la voz en la escena teatral, cuestionando a este último como plataforma de (re)presentación, traslado y tensión de las correlaciones: voz & cuerpo / voz & medialidad. Por último, los componentes que conforman este trabajo son, por una parte, las obras antes mencionadas, las cuales se pueden escuchar y ver en los links que se presentan en este documento. Y, por otra parte, mi voz difractada a través de este ejercicio de escritura, que intenta construir puentes y aproximaciones hacia los procesos de pensamiento creativo, dados en el devenir de los ensayos y sesiones de trabajo a lo largo de estos años.
Estimación de la exposición a la contaminación atmosférica del transporte en ciudades chilenas: contribuciones por emisión de tubo de escape y polvo de calle en suspensión
Authors:   , Standen Benítez Francisca
Published: April 2024

Una de las principales fuentes de material particulado en la atmósfera es el transporte. Los sitios con tráfico cercano son responsables de la mayoría de las superaciones de los valores de PM10 que se registran en ciudades. De esta fuente, se pueden distinguir dos aportes: exhaust emissions, provenientes del tubo de escape, y non-exhaust emissons, es decir, todo lo que no se deriva del tubo de escape y proviene principalmente del polvo de calle en resuspensión. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue cuantificar el aporte del sector transporte: tubo de escape escape y polvo de calle, a las concentraciones ambientales de material particulado (MP10 y MP2.5) en ocho ciudades chilenas con diferentes condiciones climáticas (Calama, Viña del Mar, Santiago, Curicó, Talca, Concepción, Osorno y Coyhaique). Para lograr esto, se utilizó una metodología de agrupamiento difuso de las concentraciones ambientales de MP10 y MP2.5 de estaciones de monitoreo para así aislar aporte del sector transporte; y mediante un balance de masas a ambas fracciones de tamaño se determinó cuatro aportes: MP2.5ex (MP2.5 de tubo de escape), MP10ex (MP10 de tubo de escape), MP2.5nex (MP2.5 de polvo de calle), MP10nex (MP10 de polvo de calle). La contribución de estos aportes a la atmosfera cambia a lo largo del país principalmente por su variabilidad climática. Esto se puede ver en los resultados, donde en las ciudades ubicadas entre el norte y centro de Chile predomina el polvo de calle en el MP10. En la zona centro existe un aporte similar entre polvo de calle y tubo de escape. Mientras que, en las ciudades más al sur predomina el aporte del tubo de escape. En términos generales, estas contribuciones han disminuido con el paso de los años, gracias a la influencia de programas de limpieza y aspirado de calles en algunas ciudades, así como el reforzamiento de normas de emisión a nivel nacional.
Climate and land use change effect over hydrologic signatures
Authors:   , Henríquez Dole Lenín Esaú
Published: April 2024

Agua y territorio están íntimamente vinculados. Algunos fenómenos relacionados con el uso del suelo, como la expansión urbana o de la agricultura, pueden causar cambios en el régimen hídrico. Claramente, la gestión integrada de los recursos hídricos y la planificación territorial están conectadas. Sin embargo, sus vínculos no siempre son directos. En esta investigación, proponemos la modelación como técnica para conectar el territorio y el agua, históricamente y en el futuro, especialmente si se hace de manera espacialmente explícita, integrada (multidisciplinaria) y a diferentes escalas. Los escenarios de uso del suelo, junto con los escenarios de cambio climático, han demostrado proporcionar conocimientos valiosos para la evaluación de impactos de la planificación del territorio bajo condiciones climáticas futuras. Además, las condiciones políticas obtenidas de la planificación estratégica del uso del suelo se integraron en la modelación, y se compararon con las tendencias. Las métricas del paisaje, derivadas de estos escenarios de uso del suelo, se han utilizado para la evaluación de dichas configuraciones del paisaje (por ejemplo, fragmentación urbana) y se han validado por la comunidad. Adicionalmente, estas métricas del paisaje se han relacionado con las huellas hidrológicas, lo que demuestra que existe una relación y que puede medirse; en otras palabras, a partir de un mapa del paisaje se pueden estimar los efectos en el régimen hidrológico. Finalmente, dado que la mayoría del agua disponible se usa en agricultura, los escenarios de uso del suelo se introdujeron en un modelo de gestión del agua agrícola para la evaluación de los escenarios de cambio climático en áreas de riego. Aunque la protección de la conversión de las áreas de riego en áreas urbanas puede parecer beneficiosa, bajo estos escenarios futuros la demanda no satisfecha aumenta y la fiabilidad del sistema disminuye debido al aumento de la superficie regada, la temperatura y la disminución de la precipitación o agua disponible. Esto abre un nuevo campo de investigación en el que los gestores del agua pueden trabajar juntos con los planificadores territoriales para evaluar los efectos de la configuración del territorio sobre la hidrología.
Ensamblajes ontológicos en los ecosistemas digitales del capitalismo informacional: aproximaciones al cripto-cuerpo desde la narrativa argentina reciente
Authors:   , Jiménez Barrera Joaquín
Published: April 2024

La presente tesis estudia las aperturas y tensiones suscitadas por los ecosistemas digitales en su encuentro con las ontologías humanas por medio de un análisis de tres novelas argentinas recientes de ciencia ficción: El juego de los mundos (2019) de César Aira, Las constelaciones oscuras (2015) de Pola Oloixarac y Sinfín (2020) de Martín Caparrós. Se propone que en estas obras la subjetividad humana –entendida, desde la tradición aristotélica, como ontológicamente centrada y orgánica– se somete a un proceso de codificación informática en donde los cuerpos se imbrican con las interfaces digitales, lo que trae como consecuencia la articulación de un complejo ensamblaje en conjunción con los sistemas de vigilancia propios del capitalismo informacional. Este ensamblaje es interpretado desde el concepto de ‘cripto-cuerpo’, perspectiva que aborda los procesos de codificación de las corporalidades humanas a los espacios virtuales y permite pensar las trayectorias, encriptaciones y desajustes de los cuerpos orgánicos a los nodos digitales de la red
A importância da tecnologia para o crescimento da agricultura familiar no município de Custódia – PE
Authors: Silva Tarciso Freitas , Souza Naiane Beatriz da Silva , Lira Raquele Mendes de , Nascimento Antônio Henrique Cardoso do , Leal Edimir Xavier Ferraz , Alves Paloma da Silva , Cavalcante Priscyla Raquel dos Santos , Carvalho Jakelyne Monair Vieira de , Carvalho Diego Tenório de , Xavier Jéssica da Silva
Published: April 2024

Nos últimos anos, o camponês se deparou com a necessidade de não apenas produzir para seu próprio consumo, mas gerar renda, articulando diferentes atividades e, se tornando assim, um agricultor. A agricultura familiar consiste no gerenciamento da propriedade de maneira compartilhada pela família, e a principal fonte de renda é a atividade agropecuária. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho consiste em um estudo de caso realizado com produtores locais do município de Custódia-PE objetivando analisar algumas unidades produtivas de agricultura familiar, considerando seus sistemas de produção e quais tecnologias são usadas para viabilizar seus custos e manter sua produção com qualidade e sustentabilidade. A pesquisa abordou uma revisão bibliográfica do tipo narrativa e um estudo de campo com aplicação de questionário. Observou-se que aqueles que utilizam alguma tecnologia na produção, obtém maior produtividade. Foi verificado também, que há falta de conhecimento dos produtores para a utilização de tecnologias, para buscar técnicas mais inovadoras e utilizá-las no processo de gestão da sua propriedade. Destarte, fica claro que vai muito além do que apenas adquirir o uso da tecnologia, são necessárias redes de apoio que forneçam informações, oportunidades e conhecimentos, para levar até o produtor rural o aprendizado de filtrar e processar a melhor forma de aplicar o conhecimento gerado em meio a sua realidade.
Optimizing the Simulation of Conveyor Systems through Digital Shadow Integration to Increase Assembly Efficiency
Authors:   Department of Industrial Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies with a seat in Prešov, Bayerova 1, 080 01 Prešov, Slovak Republic, Husár Jozef , Hrehova Stella , Trojanowski Piotr , Brillinger Markus
Published: April 2024

In today's highly competitive industrial environment, continuous improvement of efficiency and optimization of processes is crucial. This paper presents an approach to the optimization of conveyor systems that uses the concept of a digital shadow. A digital shadow, as an exact digital replica of a physical conveyor system, enables detailed simulation and analysis of real operational data, providing a basis for in-depth analysis and identification of areas for improvement. The aim of this approach is not only to improve the understanding of the dynamics and performance of existing conveyor systems, but also to increase the overall efficiency through predictive simulations and optimization algorithms. In this work, we demonstrate how the integration of a digital shadow into the simulation process can contribute to a better reaction to changes in the production environment, to the reduction of downtime and to the optimization of production flows. Our methodology combines data collection / analysis, and enables the creation of accurate and flexible models of conveyor systems. These models are then used in simulations that help identify optimal settings for different production scenarios and predict potential problems before they occur. The results of applying our approach on a test laboratory line show a significant improvement in efficiency and a reduction in operating costs. This study provides important insights and practical guidelines for engineers and production managers focused on the use of digital shadow to increase the efficiency of conveyor systems. It also contributes to the development of intelligent production technologies in the era of Industry 4.0.
Simulation Based Study Of Ground Mobile Robots For Inspection And Control Of The Bridge Assembly Process
Authors:   Dept. of Mechanical, Chem. and Materials Eng., University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy, Rea Pierluigi , Ottaviano Erika , Figuli Lucia
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, the inspection of bridges poses a significant challenge for safeguarding critical infrastructures. Recent advancements have seen the integration of robots to replace human personnel in hazardous tasks. These robots, whether operating autonomously or through tele-operation, play a crucial role in monitoring structures and infrastructure, ensuring secure access to areas such as manholes on decks and box girder bridges. Specifically designed for environments deemed dangerous, difficult, or inaccessible to humans, ground mobile robots equipped with appropriate sensors are increasingly deployed for inspection purposes. This paper addresses simulation tests conducted by a hybrid mobile robot. Its compact design and maneuverability enable it to navigate through obstacles, making it suitable for inspecting railway or highway bridge decks as well as confined spaces within box girder bridges. The study includes a survey of existing bridges highlighting key issues to be addressed and presents simulation results for the hybrid rover, which has been developed and equipped with sensors tailored to fulfill inspection tasks within a selected case study.
Development of a Basic CAM Processor for a Collaborative Robot for Workshop Automation
Authors:   Faculty of Mechanics and Technology, Rzeszow University of Technology, Kwiatkowskiego 4, Stalowa Wola, Poland, Chmielowiec Andrzej , Łysiak Karol , Viliš Jindřich
Published: April 2024

The article presents an algorithm for constructing a tool path for a collaborative robot. This topic is significant due to the increasing popularity and prevalence of collaborative robots, alongside the lack of software for rapid path generation based on CAD models. Since the dynamics and control of a collaborative robot significantly differ from industrial robots and CNC machines, it is necessary to apply an approach that considers the limitations of the cobot. Beyond the tool path construction algorithm itself, the article presents the results of experiments carried out on an actual robot using a programmed CAM processor.
Estimation of Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Potential: A Proposed Solution to Water Scarcity in Shrigonda Town, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Deokar Bapu D.
Published: April 2024

The burning issue in cities will be water scarcity in the coming years. The world population in cities has increased from 29.6 percent to 56.2 percent and is predicted to reach 68.4 percent by 2050. Therefore, this study has attempted to find a solution to tackle the urban water scarcity issue. Recently, rainwater harvesting has emerged as a sustainable and effective system for water conservation in urban areas. Hence, the ward-wise rooftop area was calculated and the rooftop rainwater harvesting potential was estimated by applying the Gould & Nissen, formula for Shrigonda Town. The result reveals that the total water demand in the water stress period was 41,34,41,010 litres while the total rainwater harvesting potential was 39,07,42,128 litres, which means about 94.51 % of the total demand will be met after the rooftop rainwater harvesting system is installed. The study concludes that rooftop rainwater harvesting is considered a sustainable and best alternative tool to tackle urban water scarcity.
Comparative Assessment of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery With Laparoscopic Wedge Resection for the Treatment of Gastric Submucosal Tumors
Authors: Enomoto Masaya , Iwasaki Kenichi , Barroga Edward , Sakurai Toru , Yamada Erika , Miyoshi Kenta , Shimoda Yota , Mazaki Junichi , Hoshino Akihiro , Hayashi Yutaka , Ishizaki Tetsuo , Yamada Tesshi , Nagakawa Yuichi
Published: April 2024

Background

The most commonly performed surgical resection technique for gastric submucosal tumors (gSMTs) is laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR). Notably, laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) is a surgical procedure that combines laparoscopic gastric resection with an endoscopic submucosal dissection for the local resection of gastric tumors, which provides appropriate and minimal surgical resection margins.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients with gSMT who underwent surgical resection at our department between January 2004 and January 2023 were retrospectively assessed. LWR and LECS were performed in 61 and 18 patients, respectively. Clinicopathological features and short-term surgical outcomes were assessed between the 2 groups. A 2:1 propensity score matching was performed to mitigate the effects of selection biases. Regardless of the surgical procedure, all the patients underwent curative resection with negative margins.

Results

The LWR and LECS groups included 24 and 12 patients, respectively. The mean operative duration was significantly shorter in the LWR group than in the LECS group (LWR, 131.1 minutes; LECS, 195.2 minutes; P < 0.05). The mean ratio of tumor diameter to resected specimen diameter was significantly higher in the LECS group than in the LWR group (LWR, 60.3%; LECS, 78.9%; P < 0.05). The mean ratio of tumor area to resected specimen area was significantly higher in the LECS group than in the LWR group (LWR, 44.7%; LECS, 66.3%; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

LECS was performed safely with a minimal and optimal safety margin compared with LWR. The findings suggest that LECS can be a feasible option for the treatment of gSMTs.
Substituent Effects on the Electrophilic Activity of Nitroarenes in Reactions with Carbanions
Authors: Błażej Sylwia , Mąkosza Mieczysław
Published: December 2008

The effect on electrophilic activity of substituents located para, ortho, and meta to the nitro group of nitrobenzenes was determined by using vicarious nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen (VNS) with the carbanion of chloromethyl phenyl sulfone (1) as the model process. Values for the relative activities of substituted nitroarenes are given relative to nitrobenzene, which was taken as the standard. This process was chosen as a model reaction because it meets key criteria, such as the wide range of substituents that can be present on the nitrobenzene ring, a low sensitivity to steric hindrance, and in particular the possibility of ensuring conditions in which the overall relative rates of reaction in competitive experiments are equal to the relative rates of nucleophilic addition. The values of relative rates of addition, which were taken to be a measure of electrophilic activity, were determined by competitive experiments in which pairs of nitroarenes competed for the VNS reaction with carbanion of 1. A comprehensive set of data for effects of substituents on the electrophilic activity of nitroarenes is presented for the first time.
Transmetalation Reactions from Fischer Carbene Complexes to Late Transition Metals: A DFT Study
Authors: Fernández Israel , Mancheño María J. , Vicente Rubén , López Luis A. , Sierra Miguel A.
Published: December 2008

Transmetalation reactions from chromium(0) Fischer carbene complexes to late‐transition‐metal complexes (palladium(0), copper(I), and rhodium(I)) have been studied computationally by density functional theory. The computational data were compared with the available experimental data. In this study, the different reaction pathways involving the different metal atoms have been compared with each other in terms of their activation barriers and reaction energies. Although the reaction profiles for the transmetalation reactions to palladium and copper are quite similar, the computed energy values indicate that the process involving palladium as catalyst is more favorable than that involving copper. In contrast to these transformations, which occur via triangular heterobimetallic species, the transmetalation reaction to rhodium leads to a new heterobimetallic species in which a carbonyl ligand is also transferred from the Fischer carbene to the rhodium catalyst. Moreover, the structure and bonding situation of the so far elusive heterobimetallic complexes are briefly discussed.
Proper analysis of secondary phenotype data in case‐control association studies
Authors: Lin D. Y. , Zeng D.
Published: December 2008

Case‐control association studies often collect extensive information on secondary phenotypes, which are quantitative or qualitative traits other than the case‐control status. Exploring secondary phenotypes can yield valuable insights into biological pathways and identify genetic variants influencing phenotypes of direct interest. All publications on secondary phenotypes have used standard statistical methods, such as least‐squares regression for quantitative traits. Because of unequal selection probabilities between cases and controls, the case‐control sample is not a random sample from the general population. As a result, standard statistical analysis of secondary phenotype data can be extremely misleading. Although one may avoid the sampling bias by analyzing cases and controls separately or by including the case‐control status as a covariate in the model, the associations between a secondary phenotype and a genetic variant in the case and control groups can be quite different from the association in the general population. In this article, we present novel statistical methods that properly reflect the case‐control sampling in the analysis of secondary phenotype data. The new methods provide unbiased estimation of genetic effects and accurate control of false‐positive rates while maximizing statistical power. We demonstrate the pitfalls of the standard methods and the advantages of the new methods both analytically and numerically. The relevant software is available at our website. Genet. Epidemiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The limits of fine‐scale mapping
Authors: Smith Lucian P. , Kuhner Mary K.
Published: December 2008

When a novel genetic trait arises in a population, it introduces a signal in the haplotype distribution of that population. Through recombination that signal's history becomes differentiated from the DNA distant to it, but remains similar to the DNA close by. Fine‐scale mapping techniques rely on this differentiation to pinpoint trait loci. In this study, we analyzed the differentiation itself to better understand how much information is available to these techniques. Simulated alleles on known recombinant coalescent trees show the upper limit for fine‐scale mapping. Varying characteristics of the population being studied increase or decrease this limit. The initial uncertainty in map position has the most direct influence on the final precision of the estimate, with wider initial areas resulting in wider final estimates, though the increase is sigmoidal rather than linear. The Θ of the trait (4Nμ) is also important, with lower values for Θ resulting in greater precision of trait placement up to a point—the increase is sigmoidal as Θ decreases. Collecting data from more individuals can increase precision, though only logarithmically with the total number of individuals, so that each added individual contributes less to the final precision. However, a case/control analysis has the potential to greatly increase the effective number of individuals, as the bulk of the information lies in the differential between affected and unaffected genotypes. If haplotypes are unknown due to incomplete penetrance, much information is lost, with more information lost the less indicative phenotype is of the underlying genotype. Genet. Epidemiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p53 dependent cell‐cycle arrest triggered by chemotherapy in xenografted breast tumors
Authors: Varna Mariana , Lehmann‐Che Jacqueline , Turpin Elisabeth , Marangoni Elizabetha , El‐Bouchtaoui Morad , Jeanne Marion , Grigoriu Carmen , Ratajczak Philippe , Leboeuf Christophe , Plassa Louis‐François , Ferreira Irmine , Poupon Marie‐France , Janin Anne , de Thé Hugues , Bertheau Philippe
Published: December 2008

The major long‐term prognostic factor for breast cancer patients treated by first‐line chemotherapy is response to treatment. We have previously shown that complete responses to high doses epirubicin‐cyclophosphamide were observed only in human tumors bearing a TP53 mutation. Three xenografted human breast tumors, 2 of them with a TP53 mutation and one of them without, were studied for their immediate response to this drug association. Cell cycle, cellular senescence and cell death were characterized and quantified on tissue section before and after treatment. The TP53 wild‐type tumor showed a strong early induction of senescence‐like phenotype with overexpression of SA‐β‐gal and p21CIP1. In contrast both TP53 mutated tumors showed no sign of cell cycle arrest or senescence. Conversely, abnormal mitoses strongly increased, only in TP53 mutated tumors. Thus, in these in vivo models, epirubicin‐cyclophosphamide treatment induces senescence‐like features in TP53 wild‐type tumor, likely accounting for cell cycle arrest and subsequent resistance to treatment. Conversely in TP53 mutated tumors, chemotherapy induces mitotic catastrophe and tumor death, accounting for complete response to this association exclusively in patients with TP53 mutated tumors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PEGylation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor for preserved biological activity and enhanced spinal cord distribution
Authors: Soderquist Ryan G. , Milligan Erin D. , Sloane Evan M. , Harrison Jacqueline A. , Douvas Klarika K. , Potter Joseph M. , Hughes Travis S. , Chavez Raymond A. , Johnson Kirk , Watkins Linda R. , Mahoney Melissa J.
Published: December 2008

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was covalently attached to polyethylene glycol (PEG) in order to enhance delivery to the spinal cord via the cerebrospinal fluid (intrathecal administration). By varying reaction conditions, mixtures of BDNF covalently attached to one (primary), two (secondary), three (tertiary), or more (higher order) PEG molecules were produced. The biological activity of each resulting conjugate mixture was assessed with the goal of identifying a relationship between the number of PEG molecules attached to BDNF and biological activity. A high degree ofin vitrobiological activity was maintained in mixtures enriched in primary and secondary conjugate products, while a substantial reduction in biological activity was observed in mixtures with tertiary and higher order conjugates. When a biologically active mixture of PEG‐BDNF was administered intrathecally, it displayed a significantly improved half‐life in the cerebrospinal fluid and an enhanced penetration into spinal cord tissue relative to native BDNF. Results from these studies suggest a PEGylation strategy that preserves the biological activity of the protein while also improving the half‐life of the proteinin vivo. Furthermore, PEGylation may be a promising approach for enhancing intrathecal delivery of therapeutic proteins with potential for treating disease and injury in the spinal cord. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Superlubricious surface mimicking articular cartilage by grafting poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) on orthopaedic metal bearings
Authors: Kyomoto Masayuki , Moro Toru , Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Miyaji Fumiaki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Takatori Yoshio , Nakamura Kozo , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: December 2008

Aseptic loosening of the artificial hip joint with osteolysis due to the wear particles from polyethylene cup has remained as a serious issue. To reduce this wear and develop a novel artificial hip joint system, we produced a superlubricious metal‐bearing material: for this, we grafted a 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer onto the surface of a cobalt–chromium–molybdenum (Co‐Cr‐Mo) alloy. For ensuring long‐term benefit retention of poly(MPC) on the Co‐Cr‐Mo alloy for application as a novel artificial hip joint system, several issues must be considered: strong bonding between poly(MPC) and Co‐Cr‐Mo surface, high mobility of free end groups of the poly(MPC) layer, and high density of the introduced poly(MPC). Considering these issues, we introduced a 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPSi) intermediate layer and a photoinduced graft polymerization technique to create a strong covalent bond between the Co‐Cr‐Mo substrate and the poly(MPC) chain via the MPSi layer. The thickness and density of the poly(MPC) layer on the surface increased with the MPC concentration and photoirradiation time. The grafted poly(MPC) layer successfully provided super‐lubricity to the Co‐Cr‐Mo surface. The poly(MPC)‐grafted crosslinked polyethylene/poly(MPC)‐grafted Co‐Cr‐Mo or cartilage/poly(MPC)‐grafted Co‐Cr‐Mo bearing interface mimicking natural joints showed an extremely low friction coefficient of 0.01, which is as low as that of natural cartilage interface. A superlubricious metal‐bearing surface would enable the development of a novel biocompatible artificial hip joint system‐artificial femoral head for partial hemiarthroplasty and metal‐on‐polymer/metal type for total hip arthroplasty. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Strong alkalinization in the anterior midgut of larval yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti): involvement of luminal Na+/K+‐ATPase
Authors: Onken Horst , Patel Malay , Javoroncov Margarita , Izeirovski Sejmir , Moffett Stacia B. , Moffett David F.
Published: December 2008

Recently, Na+/K+‐ATPase has been detected in the luminal membrane of the anterior midgut of larval yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) with immunohistochemical techniques. In this study, the possible involvement of this ATPase in strong alkalinization was investigated on the level of whole larvae, isolated and perfused midgut preparations and on the molecular level of the Na+/K+‐ATPase protein. Ouabain (5 mM) did not inhibit the capability of intact larval mosquitoes to alkalinize their anterior midgut. Also in isolated and perfused midgut preparations the perfusion of the lumen with ouabain (5 mM) did not result in a significant change of the transepithelial voltage or the capacity of luminal alkalinization. Na+/K+‐ATPase activity was completely abolished when KCl was substituted with choline chloride, suggesting that the enzyme cannot act as an ATP‐driven Na+/H+‐exchanger. Altogether the results of the present investigation indicate that apical Na+/K+‐ATPase is not of direct importance for strong luminal alkalinization in the anterior midgut of larval yellow fever mosquitoes. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:155–161, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐scale response to landscape structure in Primula vulgaris Huds.: does hedgerow network connectedness ensure connectivity through gene flow?
Authors: Campagne Pascal , Affre Laurence , Baumel Alex , Roche Philip , Tatoni Thierry
Published: December 2008

Variation in pollen flow, mating performances, and seed dispersal were examined using direct and indirect approaches in contrasted hedgerow networks (i.e., dense vs. sparse) of the distylous Primula vulgaris. Seed dispersal reached negligible distances, and no difference was observed between the two hedgerow networks. On the contrary, pollen flow through Bombylius sp. activity was impeded in the dense hedgerow network. Furthermore, P. vulgaris was found to be partially self‐compatible in our study site. The lower pollen flow in the dense hedgerow network, and especially in small populations, is likely to have unusually favoured self‐compatibility and hence selfing in P. vulgaris short‐style morph. In addition, the inbreeding depression values recorded were higher in the dense hedgerow network. Our results suggested that a dense hedgerow network does not necessarily ensure connectivity in Primula vulgaris in terms of gene flow. This study provides evidence for considering landscape structure in the microevolutionary processes.
The Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled Renamed The Hospital for Special Surgery 1940; The War Years 1941–1945
Authors: Levine David B.
Published: December 2008

In 1939, the 75th anniversary program marking the founding of the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled (R & C), the oldest orthopaedic hospital in the nation, was held at the hospital site in New York City. Dr. Philip D. Wilson, Surgeon-in-Chief since 1935, used this event to mark the return of the hospital to its leadership role in the country. When the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled first opened its doors on May 1, 1863, the name of the hospital was not unusual; it described the type of patients treated. In 1940, the Board of Managers with guidance from Dr. Wilson changed the name to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). In 1941, with Britain engaged in a European war, Dr. Wilson felt there was a need for the Americans to support the British. He personally organized the American Hospital in Britain, a privately funded voluntary unit, to help care for the wounded. After the United States actually entered World War II in December 1941, HSS quickly organized support at all levels with a significant number of professional and auxiliary staff, eventually enlisting in the military. Even with such staff turnover, the hospital continued to function under Dr. Wilson's leadership. After the war ended in 1945, Wilson forged ahead to further restore HSS as a leader in musculoskeletal medicine and surgery.
Non-Malignant Fibrosing Tumors in the Pediatric Hand: A Clinicopathologic Case Review
Authors: Netscher David T. , Baumholtz Michael A. , Popek Edwina , Schneider Adam M.
Published: December 2008

Non-malignant fibrosing tumors in the pediatric hand or juvenile fibromatoses are clinically challenging because of their relatively infrequent occurrence and because of the variety of names associated with these diseases. We conducted a review of a personal case series of pediatric patients with these tumors and discuss here the more common histologic types and clinical characteristics of the disease spectrum in the context of the available published literature. All histologic samples were reviewed by a single pathologist. Infantile myofibromatosis, fibrous hamartoma of infancy, juvenile aponeurotic fibromatosis, palmar fibromatosis (Dupuytren's type), infantile digital fibromatosis (Reye's tumor), fibroma of the tendon sheath, and melorheostosis represent the encountered lesions.