bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workload Simulation and Comfort Evaluation of Workover Rig Driller
Authors: Xu Jianbo , Ji Ting , Yu Jing , Huang Liang
Published: March 2024

Considering that the method of evaluating comfort by subjective feeling isn’t precise enough, and there are few studies on the comfort of the wo-rkover rig operation, taking the XJ70 workover rig as an example, comprehen-sively considering the impact of operating time and operating cabin layout para-meters, the digital model of the human body sitting posture of Chinese adult males with typical percentiles is established in the AMS biomechanics software, the model of brake handle and seat is imported, and the inverse dynamics simu-lation of the brake handle operation is performed; Taking the muscle activity of relevant muscle groups as the evaluation index, the influence and mapping rela-tionship of sitting height and backrest inclination on the muscle groups during the brake handle operation are studied. The handling comfort evaluation model based on the muscle loads is built, which provides a new way for the evaluation of comfort and has a certain guiding significance for selecting comfortable operating posture and optimizing the adjustable range of seat.
A High-loss Power Line Theft Detection Method Based on Segmented Dynamic Time Warping Distance
Authors: Yang Jing , Wei Meifang , Huang Di
Published: March 2024

Most of the existing electricity theft detection approach of distribution lines identifies anomaly users with large volume of electricity usage data. Since users’ electricity usage data and loss of associated distribution lines are highly correlated, this could be analysed to identify the dishonest user of electricity theft. A segmented dynamic time bending distance based electricity theft detection approach of high-loss line is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the heuristic segmentation algorithm is used to transform the time series of electricity usage of each user and line loss to implement feature extraction and data reduction. Thereafter, dynamic time bending distance is employed to find out the user whose electricity usage is most similar to that of the line loss. The user whose electricity consumption has most similarity to that of line loss with the same fluctuation direction is assigned as the suspected user of electricity theft. Numerical simulation of real world metering data of high-loss lines suggest that the proposed approach has better accuracy and lower false positive rate as compared to the comparison method.
The practical study of steel-wood composite column in light and low-carbon building
Authors: Xiao Meng , Yang Jianyu , Zhao Wei
Published: March 2024

Steel improves the safety performance of buildings, but also greatly increases the carbon emissions of buildings, which is not conducive to environmental development. Based on the consideration of reducing building carbon emissions, this study proposes to replace the pure steel load-bearing column in the low-rise building with a new load-bearing column in the form of steel-wood combination, and establishes a theoretical and numerical model to explore its reasonable combination size to verify the safety of the structure in practical applications. And the carbon emission assessment and analysis of the whole life cycle. It is found that the steel and wood structure can replace the pure steel structure of the corresponding size in the low-rise building, which greatly reduces the carbon emissions of the building while achieving structural safety.
Automatic Fault Detection Method of Rotating Machinery Bearing Based on Complexity Analysis
Authors: Ying Feili , Jie Xu
Published: March 2024

In order to improve the working condition stability of rotating machinery bearings, an automatic fault detection method of rotating machinery bearings based on complexity analysis is proposed. The parameters of rotating machinery bearings are detected by using discrete sensor detection method, and the fault characteristics of rotating machinery bearings are extracted by fault type parameter extraction method. The complexity of rotating machinery bearings is detected by wavelet transform and fuzzy logic analysis. Considering the load mutation, noise disturbance, control strategy and other factors of rotating machinery bearings, the fault diagnosis and feature analysis model of rotating machinery bearings is established. The clustering and feature detection of rotating machinery bearings’ fault types are realized by the method of discrete complexity fusion clustering. Based on adaptive feedback compensation and parameter estimation, the output diagnostic error is taken as the fault detection index parameter, and the feature estimation in normal state and fault state is realized by harmonic level detection, so as to realize automatic fault detection of rotating machinery bearings. The simulation results show that this method has high accuracy and small deviation in fault detection of rotating machinery bearings, which improves the ability of automatic fault diagnosis.
An Efficient Off-grid Express Cabinet Based on Wind-solar Hybrid Power Generation System
Authors: Gu Xiaosong , Qu Jiayi , Yuan Yongzhe , Li Le
Published: March 2024

In order to effectively solve the shortcomings of traditional express cabinets such as limited service places and seasonal power supply obstacles, this paper studies an off-grid express cabinet using wind-solar complementary principle, which is mainly composed of near-ground and low-speed wind power generation device, solar photovoltaic battery pack, controller, battery pack and DC load. The double-axis tracking solar panels or fixed photovoltaic panels can be used for different regions. At the same time, it can be combined with a near-ground and low-speed wind power generation device to provide a stable power supply for the express cabinets. By programming the control, the power generated by wind-solar hybrid power generation is provided to the load as a priority. The remaining electric energy is stored in the battery pack. The system effectively overcomes the disadvantages of limited-service locations and unstable power supply caused by seasonal barriers in traditional express cabinets. It has the advantages of energy-saving, environmental protection, short payback period, and wide range of supply.
Optimization Method of RTOS System Delay Scheduling Based on Multi-Core Processor
Authors: Zhao Wanfang , Zhao Yan
Published: March 2024

In order to improve the task execution efficiency of multi-core processor, this paper studies the system delay scheduling optimization method of real-time operating system based on multi-core processor. Firstly, the core structure analysis model of multi-core processor data fusion and data acquisition in RTOS system is established, and then the task information flow of delay scheduling in RTOS system is constructed by using the correlation dimension feature fusion method. Based on the power domain non orthogonal multiple access control method, the data fusion state factor of multi-core processor is calculated for the initial scheduling node, and multi-core processor is used to control load balancing in the delay balancing scheduling process of RTOS system, The delay scheduling and balance control of real-time operating system are realized by multi-core processor. Simulation results show that the algorithm has low bit error rate and low task overhead in RTOS system, and can improve the task execution efficiency of multi-core processor.
Study on NOx emission estimation method of chain furnace based on EDMS model
Authors: Song Haijiang , Yue Yanxing , Liu Zhijian
Published: March 2024

In order to overcome the problems of low estimation accuracy and large relative error of traditional NOx emission estimation methods, a new NOx emission estimation method of chain furnace based on EDMS model is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the overall structure of the chain furnace is analyzed, and the EDMS model is used to count the NOx emission data of the chain furnace. Secondly, SVM model is used to train the emission sample data obtained from the above statistics. Finally, the NOx emission estimation objective function of chain furnace is constructed to complete the emission estimation. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional emission estimation methods, the estimation accuracy of this method is higher, and the relative error of estimation can be reduced.
A Computer Aided Wiring Scheme for Intelligent Building
Authors: Ying Pengcheng
Published: March 2024

To optimize the construction process of intelligent building, a new idea of computer-aided design of generic cabling system is proposed. In this paper, the design principle of generic cabling based on Auto CAD is studied. We expound the optimization theory of hierarchical star topology, and discuss the specific method to realize the shortest total length of the network. Then the overall process of computer-aided routing for intelligent buildings is provided, and the routing distribution algorithm of structured routing is also optimized. In the empirical analysis, it is tested by construction cases and the results show that this method can select the best scheme in the possible wiring route from the building group wiring subsystem. The building group wiring room to each building equipment room is optimized, which greatly improves the design efficiency of engineers and technicians and shortens the design cycle.
High Precision Vehicle Location Method Based on Multi-sensor Fusion in the Urban Complex Environment
Authors: Li Guiyan , Zhuang Lingyan
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a high-precision vehicle positioning method is proposed, which can achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy in a complex environment. Based on the information of multiple sensors (GNSS, Lidar, and IMU), the multi-sensor fusion framework is used to fuse the positioning measurements from different sources with Kalman filter, which achieves high-precision positioning in the case of GNSS disconnection, the accuracy and robustness of the positioning system are significantly improved, and the effectiveness of the method is verified. The average RMS accuracy of 0.07m is realized, which meets the requirements of high-precision positioning for autonomous vehicles.
Development of SyntheticTest System for Thyristor Voltage Monitoring of Converter Valve
Authors: Bi Yanhe , Liu Kun , Yang Huilei , Qiu Wenlong
Published: March 2024

Thyristor voltage monitoring is one core equipment for a light-controlled converter valve, and its performance directly affects the reliability, stability, and efficiency of the whole power system. However, the field test equipment for thyristor voltage monitoring is limited by import, which is disadvantageous to the operation and maintenance of the converter valve. Thus, developing a synthetic test system for thyristor voltage monitoring is particularly urgent. The synthetic test system for thyristor voltage monitoring is developed based on the operational principle of thyristor voltage monitoring and the technical standard IEC 60700-1, which is subsequently applied to the thyristor valve test. The simulation and test demonstrate this synthetic test system’s reasonability, meeting the need for engineering applications.
Effect of Welding Process Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of TIG and MIG Welds in HSS X65 Pipe-A Review
Authors: Lawal S L , Afolalu S A
Published: March 2024

The study focused on the importance of the different welding parameters on the mechanical behavior of High Strength Steel (HSS) X65 steel pipes by reviewing the advantages of parameter optimization for the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) - Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding processes. The parameters considered in the study include welding speed, welding current, welding voltage and gas flowrate of the welding. The effects of improper selection and parameter optimizations were highlighted and illustrated using different metallurgical and mechanical instances. The outcome of the study indicates that adequate parameter optimization aids in obtaining good weld quality with adequate mechanical and microstructural properties. Furthermore, it helps in the determination of variation in hardness in the heat affected zone as well as the base metal. Thus, this study provides insight to welding engineers on the importance of parameter optimization in the welding of steel pipe.
Stress-induced microautophagy is coordinated with lysosome biogenesis and regulated by PIKfyve
Authors: Klein Alison D. , Petruzzi Kayla L. , Lee Chan , Overholtzer Michael
Published: March 2024

Lysosome turnover and biogenesis are induced in response to treatment of cells with agents that cause membrane rupture, but whether other stress conditions engage similar homeostatic mechanisms is not well understood. Recently we described a form of selective turnover of lysosomes that is induced by metabolic stress or by treatment of cells with ionophores or lysosomotropic agents, involving the formation of intraluminal vesicles within intact organelles through microautophagy. Selective turnover involves noncanonical autophagy and the lipidation of LC3 onto lysosomal membranes, as well as the autophagy gene-dependent formation of intraluminal vesicles. Here, we find a form of microautophagy induction that requires activity of the lipid kinase PIKfyve and is associated with the nuclear translocation of TFEB, a known mediator of lysosome biogenesis. We show that LC3 undergoes turnover during this process, and that PIKfyve is required for the formation of intraluminal vesicles and LC3 turnover, but not for LC3 lipidation onto lysosomal membranes, demonstrating that microautophagy is regulated by PIKfyve downstream of noncanonical autophagy. We further show that TFEB activation requires noncanonical autophagy but not PIKfyve, distinguishing the regulation of biogenesis from microautophagy occurring in response to agents that induce lysosomal stress.
The Unfinished Campaign for Equal Pay in the UK
Authors: Milner Susan
Published: March 2024

This chapter traces the development of equal-pay legislation since the report of the Women and Work Commission (WWC) in 2006, focusing on the adoption of the Equality Act 2010 and its implementation. Campaign organizations and the equality agency (the Equality and Human Rights Commission) have called for simplification of the tribunal procedure for individual redress, the possibility of generic (collective) claims, and ways of making comparisons between men and women employees easier, through greater transparency. They also advocate measures requiring employers to demonstrate actions to address any disparities identified. A range of measures have been adopted to increase transparency through employer reporting, including full equal-pay reviews where evidence of discrimination is found by tribunals. However, political will on the part of government is needed to strengthen legislation further to increase transparency and to encourage action as well as information.
Promoting Self-Protective Health Behaviors in Dentistry
Authors: McCaul Kevin D. , Bakdash M. Bashar , Geboy Michael J. , Gerbert Barbara , Tedesco Lisa A.
Published: March 2024

In this article, we review recent health promotion research in dentistry. The research is divided into four conceptually distinct categories: (a) how to change individual patient behavior using one-to-one approaches, (b) how to influence the dental behaviors of individuals using community-wide approaches, (c) how to persuade practitioners to encourage their patients to adopt self-protective behaviors, and (d) why practitioners might change their own self-protective behaviors. We conclude by describing needed research into basic processes in self-regulation, relapse prevention, persuasion, decision-making, and illness appraisal and coping.
Physical Activity and Management of Arthritis
Authors: Minor Marian A.
Published: March 2024

Physical inactivity contributes to illness and dysfunction. The major reason for activity limitation in persons over 65 is arthritis. In this age group, 23% report moderate to severe arthritis and 12% report limitation of activity due to arthritis. Arthritis restricts activity both directly and indirectly. Effects of the disease process, consequences of therapy, and fear of recurring pain and disability are powerful forces that encourage prolonged inactivity. The tendency to become less active with age is often compounded by arthritis. Interest in conditioning exercise for persons with a variety of chronic diseases grows as relationships between fitness and disease are identified and the benefits of regular physical activity are studied. Research shows that persons with arthritis are significantly less fit than their peers. Research reported since 1974 indicates that many persons with arthritis can benefit significantly from aerobic exercise without disease exacerbation or joint damage. Unnecessary or prolonged inactivity may compound disability which traditionally has been attributed to arthritis. A scientific basis for the inclusion of conditioning exercise and maintenance of physical fitness in the comprehensive management of arthritis is emerging.
Physical Activity and Health Enhancement in Older Adults: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: King Abby C.
Published: March 2024

The predicted growth of the elderly population in the U.S. and other Western nations requires an increase in efforts to prevent the illness, disability, and dependence that currently accompany aging in these countries. Regular physical activity represents an important health practice recognized as essential for disease prevention and health enhancement in the general population that may have particular relevance for older adults. The aims of the mini-series on physical activity and health in older adults are to provide a review of current efforts being undertaken in six areas of importance to the elderly population, and to delineate future directions in each area. The first three articles in the mini-series focus on exercise-related areas relevant to the general older population: the importance of skeletal muscle strength to physical function; the effects of exercise on psychological well-being and cognitive functioning; and the evaluation of the broader concept of quality-of-life as applied in this area. Two other reviews focus on physical activity and arthritis, and the relationship between physical activity and the prevention and treatment of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. The final article explores the potential reasons for the large amount of sedentary behavior currently found among older women.
Epidemiologic Studies of Chronic Pain: A Dynamic-Ecologic Perspective
Authors: Dworkin Samuel F. , Von Korff Michael R. , LeResche Linda
Published: March 2024

Three perspectives of epidemiology—population, developmental and ecological—are integrated by the biobehavioral model of chronic pain, providing a rationale and schema for epidemiologic pain research. This model suggests that physiologic, psychologic, and social factors interact in different ways at different stages in the development of pain and pain dysfunction, resulting in large variability in pain experience and behaviors for the same persons across time. One implication of the model is that augmentation of pain perception, appraisal and behavior, and changes in pain mechanisms as chronic pain develops may, in part, explain responses disproportionate to the extent of noxious stimulation and tissue damage. This review focuses on epidemiologic and relevant clinical studies of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain to consider potential contributions of epidemiology to chronic pain research. The findings reviewed in this article suggest that no single factor in isolation—pathophysiologic, psychologic, or social—will adequately explain chronic pain status. Variability in the expression of pain across time and the interaction of biologic, psychologic, and social factors in the development of pain and pain dysfunction require dynamic and multilevel ecologic concepts. Critical issues for future epidemiologic research in chronic pain and associated dysfunction are identified.
Breast Self-Examination Skill and Frequency: A Review
Authors: Mayer Joni A. , Solomon Laura J.
Published: March 2024

For breast self-examination (BSE) to reach its potential as a screening method, it must be performed skillfully and regularly. In this review, we discuss both measurement and intervention issues relevant to BSE skill and adherence, including: (a) appropriate criteria for determining BSE skill, (b) training approaches for generalizing BSE skill, (c) potential problems with self-reported BSE frequency, and (d) interventions for encouraging long-term BSE frequency. Recommendations for future research on the specific topic areas are made.
Behavioral Medicine on the World Scene: Toward the Year 2000
Authors: Weiss Stephen M.
Published: March 2024

By establishing the goal of health for all by the year 2000, the World Health Organization has challenged health researchers and workers around the world to extend their skills toward those less fortunate. Internationally, this translates into addressing the pressing health problems of the developing world.

As the impacts of behavioral medicine theory, research, and application are now making headway in the developed world, we must consider how these concepts might also support effective strategies to address the developing world's health concerns.
Daily Recording and Ambulatory Monitoring Methodologies in Behavioral Medicine
Authors: Suls Jerry , Martin René E.
Published: March 2024

In situ monitoring methods, which yield extensive information about daily moods, events, symptoms, and physiologic processes, are particularly valuable for researchers in behavioral medicine. The history of daily experience monitoring reflects developments from several related fields. Recent technological advances have encouraged the application of such methods to the study of pathophysiologic states. A classification system for in situ methods, including examples, is provided, along with suggestions regarding the appropriate application of each method for behavioral medicine.
Mental and Physical Triggers of Silent Myocardial Ischemia: Ambulatory Studies Using Self-Monitoring Diary Methodology
Authors: Krantz David S. , Gabbay Frances H. , Hedges Susan M. , Leach Sharon G. , Gottdiener John S. , Rozanski Alan
Published: March 2024

The ability to monitor the electrocardiogram (ECG) during daily life, together with refinements in self-monitoring diary techniques have increased scientific understanding of the effects of physical and mental stress on the heart. During daily life, myocardial ischemia—an important functional measure of the activity of coronary disease—occurs frequently in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients during a wide variety of activities and exhibits characteristic features: it is more frequently asymptomatic or silent; it is triggered at relatively low heart rate elevations compared to controlled exercise testing; and it exhibits a circa-dian rhythm, being more likely in the morning. This article reviews recent ambulatory monitoring studies employing structured diaries, suggesting that behavioral factors, including mental stress, may contribute to these features of out-of-hospital ischemia. Mental stress is shown to be a potent trigger of daily-life ischemia, and silent versus symptomatic episodes have a different profile of physical and mental triggers. Daily activity cycles also appear to contribute to the morning increase in ischemia. Methodological issues in ambulatory ECG/diary studies are considered, especially concerning the reliability and validity of diary reports and problems associated with the analysis of data involving many repeated observations on large numbers of subjects.
Coronary Heart Disease in Women: Personality and Stress-Induced Biological Responses
Authors: Dimsdale Joel E.
Published: March 2024

Studies of reactivity to stressors have generally focused only on men. Women may react to stressors with a different adrenergic and hormonal response, however one cannot be sure that this reflects biological differences or differences in task interpretation across the sexes. Men appear to respond to behavioral stressors with a greater increase in systolic blood pressure (BP). Hemodynamic reactivity (i.e. heart rate and BP) is probably not altered by phase of menstrual cycle. Hormonal and receptor responses to stressors may well be influenced by phase of menstrual cycle; the luteal phase of the cycle may be a time of greater adrenergic responsiveness.

Type A behavior and various aspects of hostility have been studied extensively as possible coronary-prone behaviors in men. However, there are very few large-scale prospective studies of such variables in women. Depressed mood has also been recognized as a potential cardiovascular risk factor, although it has received less attention than either Type A or hostility. Studies on men have reported that depression is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk even decades later, suggesting that the depression is not merely a prodrome of underlying cardiac disease. Such studies have generally not been performed on women, despite the fact that women have twice the rate of depression as men.
Temporal Stability of Ambulatory Cardiovascular Monitoring
Authors: Ward Marcia M. , Turner J. Rick , Johnston Derek W.
Published: March 2024

The existing literature on the temporal stability of cardiovascular ambulatory monitoring data is reviewed. These studies generally show adequate reproducibility across time for blood pressure mean levels. However, the existing data on the reproducibility of blood pressure variability suggest that conventional estimates of 24-hour variability, such as standard deviation, may be very unstable from one monitoring day to the next. Several approaches are suggested for improving the estimate of variability in ambulatory data. Preliminary attempts using these approaches suggest, in contrast to earlier findings, that the temporal stability of ambulatory variability may also be quite good. More studies are recommended that use newer monitors, report heart rate data, employ multiple analytic strategies, and investigate the role of activity and behavior in the temporal stability of ambulatory levels and variability.
Reducing Breast Cancer Risk through Changes in Diet and Alcohol Intake: from Clinic to Community
Authors: Glanz Karen
Published: March 2024

This article reviews and summarizes evidence regarding the association of dietary factors, including alcohol intake, with breast cancer risk and survival, and reviews investigations of strategies for dietary behavior change for breast cancer prevention. Although the evidence remains inconclusive, several nutritional factors have often been found to be associated with breast cancer incidence and survival: total fat intake, saturated fat intake, obesity, and moderate to heavy alcohol consumption. Fiber, fruits and vegetables, vitamins A and C, and soy products may also have protective effects, though they have been less well researched. Clear evidence exists from clinical trials that intensive educational and behavioral interventions can be effective for promoting lower-fat diets. Clinical interventions and community-based interventions using combinations of educational and environmental strategies have achieved significant, though smaller, changes across large populations. Research needs include investigating influences on the maintenance of dietary change, examining the role of readiness to adopt new eating patterns, and continuous refinement of measurement tools. Because dietary changes that may reduce breast cancer risk meet general preventive guidelines, behavioral scientists should maximize the opportunities to learn more about promoting healthful diets for cancer prevention.
Circ_0104652 Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of ox-LDL-Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Stabilizing ADAMTS7 and HMGB1
Authors: Bian Bo , Chen Heye , Teng Tianming , Huang Jinyong , Yu Xuefang
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS) stands as the primary contributor to cardiovascular disease, a pervasive global health concern. Extensive research has underscored the pivotal role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cardiovascular disease development. However, the specific functions of numerous circRNAs in AS remain poorly understood.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of circ_0104652 in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Loss-of-function experiments were subsequently employed to assess the impact of circ_0104652 on ox-LDL-induced VSMCs.

RESULTS

Silencing circ_0104652 was found to impede the proliferation and migration while promoting the apoptosis of ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs. Mechanistic assays unveiled that circ_0104652 stabilized ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 7 (ADAMTS7) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) by recruiting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) protein. Rescue assays further confirmed that circ_0104652 exerted its influence on ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation through modulation of ADAMTS7 and HMGB1.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidates the role of the circ_0104652/EIF4A3/ADAMTS7/HMGB1 axis in ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs, providing valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms involved.
A 16-Year Analysis of Aesthetic Surgery Volume and Its Association With US Economic Performance
Authors: Bay Caroline C , Wirth Peter J , Shaffrey Ellen C , Thornton Sarah M , Rao Venkat K
Published: March 2024

Historically, demand for plastic surgery has been associated with the performance of the US economy. This study evaluates the relationship between economic performance indicators and the popularity and profitability of aesthetic surgery from 2006 to 2022, considering several recessions and the rise of social media. The data were collected from the Aesthetic Society's (AS) Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from 2006 to 2022. Procedures analyzed included the most performed cosmetic surgeries, as well as neuromodulator injections and dermal fillers. Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze the strength of association between 8 financial indicators and case volumes and expenditures for each procedure. From 2006 to 2020, ASPS data demonstrated gross domestic product (GDP) per capita year-over-year (YOY) change that was positively correlated with case volume and expenditures across 13 out of the 24 different procedure metrics (54.2%). From 2006 to 2016, AS data were positively correlated with the YOY change of theNational Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), Standard and Poor's 500, and Dow Jones in 12 of the 24 variables (50%). This was followed by GDP YOY change, with positive correlations to 11 variables (45.8%). YOY changes of consumer-level finances and inflation indicators were less frequently associated among both datasets.In conclusion, our study shows that aesthetic plastic surgery procedures and expenditures correlate with GDP. Although aesthetic surgery demand may be difficult to anticipate, this study elucidates several factors plastic surgeons may use as a bellwether for their practices.

Level of Evidence: 5
Metabolic pathways of glucose and fructose: II Spatiotemporal expression of genes involved in synthesis and transport of lactate in ovine conceptuses
Authors: Moses Robyn M , Stenhouse Claire , Halloran Katherine M , Sah Nirvay , Newton Makenzie G , Hoskins Emily C , Washburn Shannon E , Johnson Gregory A , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W
Published: March 2024

Lactate, an abundant molecule in fetal fluids and blood of mammalian species, is often overlooked as a metabolic waste product generated during pregnancy. Most of the glucose and fructose consumed by ovine conceptuses is converted to lactate, but proteins involved in lactate metabolism and transport have not been investigated. This study characterized total lactate produced by ovine conceptuses throughout gestation, as well as expression of mRNAs and proteins involved in lactate metabolism. Lactate increased in abundance in the uterine lumen during the preimplantation period and was more abundant than pyruvate. The abundance of lactate in allantoic and amniotic fluids increased with advancing days of gestation and most abundant on Day 125 of pregnancy (P < 0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase subunits A (converts pyruvate to lactate) and B (converts lactate to pyruvate) were expressed by conceptuses throughout gestation. Lactate is transported via monocarboxylic acid transporters SLC16A1 and SLC16A3, both of which were expressed by the conceptus throughout gestation. Additionally, the interplacentomal chorioallantois from Day 126 expressed SLC16A1 and SLC16A3 and transported lactate across the tissue. Hydrocarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1), a receptor for lactate, was localized to the uterine luminal and superficial glandular epithelia of pregnant ewes throughout gestation and conceptus trophectoderm during the peri-implantation period of gestation. These results provide novel insights into the spatiotemporal profiles of enzymes, transporters, and receptor for lactate by ovine conceptuses throughout pregnancy.
Estimating the size of a closed population by modeling latent and observed heterogeneity
Authors: Bartolucci Francesco , Forcina Antonio
Published: March 2024

The paper extends the empirical likelihood (EL) approach of Liu et al. to a new and very flexible family of latent class models for capture-recapture data also allowing for serial dependence on previous capture history, conditionally on latent type and covariates. The EL approach allows to estimate the overall population size directly rather than by adding estimates conditional to covariate configurations. A Fisher-scoring algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation is proposed and a more efficient alternative to the traditional EL approach for estimating the non-parametric component is introduced; this allows us to show that the mapping between the non-parametric distribution of the covariates and the probabilities of being never captured is one-to-one and strictly increasing. Asymptotic results are outlined, and a procedure for constructing profile likelihood confidence intervals for the population size is presented. Two examples based on real data are used to illustrate the proposed approach and a simulation study indicates that, when estimating the overall undercount, the method proposed here is substantially more efficient than the one based on conditional maximum likelihood estimation, especially when the sample size is not sufficiently large.
Structure-activity studies of the indole alkaloid tumor promoter teleocidins
Authors: Irie Kazuhiro , Hagiwara Nobuyuki , Tokuda Harukuni , Koshimizu Koichi
Published: March 2024

New teleocidin derivatives with various substituents at positions 2, 5 and 7 of the indole ring were prepared from (—)-indolactam V, which is the fundamental structure of teleocidins and has a tumor-promoting activity, to examine the contribution of the alkyl substituents of teleocidins to the activity. Their possible tumor-promoting activities in vivo were evaluated by Epstein—Barr virus early antigen-inducing activity and inhibition of specific binding of [3H]TPA to a mouse epidermal particulate fraction. These two biological activities correlated well for each derivative. Large substituents at positions 2 and 5 remarkably lowered the activities, indicating that the structural requirements for the activities of these domains are especially strict. To investigate in detail the contribution of position 2 of (—)-indolactam V to the activities, new microbial metabolites, (—)-2-oxy-indolactam V, and blastmycetin B and C, were also tested. These compounds proved to be inactive, suggesting that the double bond at position 2 plays an important role for the activities. Substituents at position 7 generally enhanced the activities and even blastmycetin A, which is a dimer of (—)-indolactam V, showed high activities. The effects of the substituents on binding ability to the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate receptor were analyzed quantitatively using physicochemical substituent parameters and regression analysis. The results exhibited the fact that hydrophobicity of the substituents plays a critical role for receptor binding, and supported the hypothesis that the monoterpenoid moiety of teleocidins is involved in the non-specific hydrophobic interaction with phospholipids in cell membrane.
A Phase 2 Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Reactogenicity, and Immunogenicity of Different Prime-Boost Vaccination Schedules of 2013 and 2017 A(H7N9) Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccines Administered With and Without AS03 Adjuvant in Healthy US Adults
Authors: Rostad Christina A , Atmar Robert L , Walter Emmanuel B , Frey Sharon , Meier Jeffery L , Sherman Amy C , Lai Lilin , Tsong Rachel , Kao Carol M , Raabe Vanessa , El Sahly Hana M , Keitel Wendy A , Whitaker Jennifer A , Smith Michael J , Schmader Kenneth E , Swamy Geeta K , Abate Getahun , Winokur Patricia , Buchanan Wendy , Cross Kaitlyn , Wegel Ashley , Xu Yongxian , Yildirim Inci , Kamidani Satoshi , Rouphael Nadine , Roberts Paul C , Mulligan Mark J , Anderson Evan J
Published: March 2024

Introduction

A surge of human influenza A(H7N9) cases began in 2016 in China from an antigenically distinct lineage. Data are needed about the safety and immunogenicity of 2013 and 2017 A(H7N9) inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) and the effects of AS03 adjuvant, prime-boost interval, and priming effects of 2013 and 2017 A(H7N9) IIVs.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 180), ages 19–50 years, were enrolled into this partially blinded, randomized, multicenter phase 2 clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 vaccination groups evaluating homologous versus heterologous prime-boost strategies with 2 different boost intervals (21 vs 120 days) and 2 dosages (3.75 or 15 μg of hemagglutinin) administered with or without AS03 adjuvant. Reactogenicity, safety, and immunogenicity measured by hemagglutination inhibition and neutralizing antibody titers were assessed.

Results

Two doses of A(H7N9) IIV were well tolerated, and no safety issues were identified. Although most participants had injection site and systemic reactogenicity, these symptoms were mostly mild to moderate in severity; injection site reactogenicity was greater in vaccination groups receiving adjuvant. Immune responses were greater after an adjuvanted second dose, and with a longer interval between prime and boost. The highest hemagglutination inhibition geometric mean titer (95% confidence interval) observed against the 2017 A(H7N9) strain was 133.4 (83.6–212.6) among participants who received homologous, adjuvanted 3.75 µg + AS03/2017 doses with delayed boost interval.

Conclusions

Administering AS03 adjuvant with the second H7N9 IIV dose and extending the boost interval to 4 months resulted in higher peak antibody responses. These observations can broadly inform strategic approaches for pandemic preparedness. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03589807.
Lumasiran treatment in pediatric patients with PH1: real-world data within a compassionate use program in Italy
Authors: Taroni Francesca , Peruzzi Licia , Longo Germana , Becherucci Francesca , Malgieri Gabriele , D'Alessandro Maria Michela , Montini Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Background

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare, severe genetic disorder, characterized by increased urinary excretion of calcium oxalate, which is responsible for kidney damage and systemic clinical manifestations. Since the year 2020, a new molecule, lumasiran, based on RNA interference (RNAi) technology, has been added to the traditional therapeutic approach. The aim of this analysis was to define the baseline characteristics of a PH1 pediatric population treated with lumasiran in a compassionate-use program setting, and to evaluate the medium-term efficacy of this drug in the routine clinical setting.

Methods

A retrospective observational analysis was conducted in nine pediatric patients (male:female 5:4; median age at lumasiran start 1.9 years, range 0–14.1). Data concerning oxalate concentration in plasma and urine, kidney stones events, ultrasound and kidney function were collected during the study period (follow-up, mean ± standard deviation: 15.3 ± 5 months).

Results

In this analysis, a reduction in the urinary oxalate to creatinine ratio (reduction range within the sixth month of treatment from 25.8% to 69.6%, median 51.2%) as well as plasma oxalate concentration under the limit of supersaturation of oxalate in all the patients. Only one patient presented new stone events; kidney ultrasonographic findings related to nephrocalcinosis remained stable in eight out of nine patients. Glomerular filtration rate remained stable during treatment. No adverse events related to lumasiran were noted.

Conclusion

Data from this analysis support the efficacy and safety of lumasiran in a pediatric clinical setting, especially if administrated in early life.
Psychopathological characteristics in patients with arginine vasopressin deficiency (central diabetes insipidus) and primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls
Authors: Atila Cihan , Beck Julia , Refardt Julie , Erlic Zoran , Drummond Juliana B , Sailer Clara O , Liechti Matthias E , Rocha Beatriz Santana Soares , Beuschlein Felix , Winzeler Bettina , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: March 2024

Objective

Distinguishing arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D; central diabetes insipidus) from primary polydipsia (PP), commonly referred to as psychogenic polydipsia, is challenging. Psychopathologic findings, commonly used for PP diagnosis in clinical practice, are rarely evaluated in AVP-D patients, and no comparative data between the two conditions currently exist.

Design

Data from two studies involving 82 participants [39 AVP-D, 28 PP, and 15 healthy controls (HC)].

Methods

Psychological evaluations were conducted using standardized questionnaires measuring anxiety [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)], alexithymia [Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)], depressive symptoms (Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and overall mental health [Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)]. Higher STAI, TAS-20, and BDI-II scores suggest elevated anxiety, alexithymia, and depression, while higher SF-36 scores signify better overall mental health.

Results

Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP showed higher levels of anxiety (HC 28 points [24–31] vs AVP-D 36 points [31–45]; vs PP 38 points [33–46], P < .01), alexithymia (HC 30 points [29–37] vs AVP-D 43 points [35–54]; vs PP 46 points [37–55], P < .01), and depression (HC 1 point [0–2] vs AVP-D 7 points [4–14]; vs PP 7 points [3–13], P < .01). Levels of anxiety, alexithymia, and depression showed no difference between both patient groups (P = .58, P = .90, P = .50, respectively). Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP reported similarly reduced self-reported overall mental health scores (HC 84 [68–88] vs AVP-D 60 [52–80], P = .05; vs PP 60 [47–74], P < .01).

Conclusion

This study reveals heightened anxiety, alexithymia, depression, and diminished overall mental health in patients with AVP-D and PP. The results emphasize the need for careful interpretation of psychopathological characteristics to differentiate between AVP-D and PP.
Relation between the relative abundance and collapse of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and microbial antagonism in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon
Authors: Underwood Jennifer C , Hall Natalie C , Mumford Adam C , Harvey Ronald W , Bliznik Paul A , Jeanis Kaitlyn M
Published: March 2024

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is the dominant filamentous cyanobacterium that develops into blooms in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, each year. During AFA bloom and collapse, ecosystem conditions for endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers deteriorate, thus motivating the need to identify processes that limit AFA abundance and decline. Here, we investigate the relations between AFA and other members of the microbial community (photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic bacteria and archaea), how those relations impact abundance and collapse of AFA, and the types of microbial conditions that suppress AFA. We found significant spatial variation in AFA relative abundance during the 2016 bloom period using 16S rRNA sequencing. The Pelican Marina site had the lowest AFA relative abundance, and this was coincident with increased relative abundance of Candidatus Sericytochromatia, Flavobacterium, and Rheinheimera, some of which are known AFA antagonists. The AFA collapse coincided with phosphorus limitation relative to nitrogen and the increased relative abundance of Cyanobium and Candidatus Sericytochromatia, which outcompete AFA when dissolved inorganic nitrogen is available. The data collected in this study indicate the importance of dissolved inorganic nitrogen combined with microbial community structure in suppressing AFA abundance.
Diagnostic accuracy of the IFN-γ release assay using RD1 immunodominant T-cell antigens for diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Mamishi Setareh , Pourakbari Babak , Hosseinpour Sadeghi Reihaneh , Marjani Majid , Mahmoudi Shima
Published: March 2024

The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) poses a significant challenge, with controversies surrounding the accuracy of IFN-γ release assays (IGRAs). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of RD1 immunodominant T-cell antigens, including ESAT-6, CFP-10, PE35, and PPE68 proteins, for immunodiagnosis of EPTB. Twenty-nine patients with EPTB were enrolled, and recombinant PE35, PPE68, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 proteins were evaluated in a 3-day Whole Blood Assay. IFN-γ levels were measured using a Human IFN-γ ELISA kit, and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test was performed. Predominantly, the patients were of Afghan (62%, n = 18) and Iranian (38%, n = 11) nationalities. Eighteen individuals tested positive for QFT-Plus, accounting for 62% of the cases. The positivity rate for IGRA, using each distinct recombinant protein (ESAT-6, PPE68, PE35, and CFP-10), was 72% (n = 21) for every protein tested. Specifically, among Afghan patients, the positivity rates for QFT-Plus and IGRA using ESAT-6, PPE68, PE35, and CFP-10 were 66.7%, 83.3%, 83.3%, 77.8%, and 88.9%, respectively. In contrast, among Iranian patients, the positivity rates for the same antigens were 54.5%, 54.5%, 54.5%, 63.6%, and 45.5%, respectively. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of IGRA testing utilizing various proteins as a valuable diagnostic tool for EPTB. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to these disparities and to optimize diagnostic strategies for EPTB in diverse populations.
A cytological F1 RNAi screen for defects in Drosophila melanogaster female meiosis
Authors: Gilliland William D , May Dennis P , Bowen Amelia O , Conger Kelly O , Elrad Doreen , Marciniak Marcin , Mashburn Sarah A , Presbitero Gabrielle , Welk Lucas F
Published: March 2024

Genetic screens for recessive alleles induce mutations, make the mutated chromosomes homozygous, and then assay those homozygotes for the phenotype of interest. When screening for genes required for female meiosis, the phenotype of interest has typically been nondisjunction from chromosome segregation errors. As this requires that mutant females be viable and fertile, any mutants that are lethal or sterile when homozygous cannot be recovered by this approach. To overcome these limitations, we have screened the VALIUM22 collection of RNAi constructs that target germline-expressing genes in a vector optimized for germline expression by driving RNAi with GAL4 under control of a germline-specific promoter (nanos or mat-alpha4). This allowed us to test genes that would be lethal if knocked down in all cells, and by examining unfertilized metaphase-arrested mature oocytes, we could identify defects in sterile females. After screening >1,450 lines of the collection for two different defects (chromosome congression and the hypoxic sequestration of Mps1-GFP to ooplasmic filaments), we obtained multiple hits for both phenotypes, identified novel meiotic phenotypes for genes that had been previously characterized in other processes, and identified the first phenotypes to be associated with several previously uncharacterized genes.