bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underwater Object Classification in SAS Images Based on a Deformable Residual Network and Transfer Learning
Authors: Gong Wenjing , Tian Jie , Liu Jiyuan , Li Baoqi
Published: January 2023

To solve the problem of low classification accuracy caused by differences in object types, shapes, and scales in SAS images, an object classification method based on a deformable residual network and transfer learning is proposed. First, a lightweight deformable convolution module DSDCN was designed by adding offsets to a traditional convolution, to adapt to objects with different shapes in SAS images, and the depthwise separable convolution was used to optimize the module. Second, a deformable residual network was designed with the DSDCN, which combined the traditional depth features with deformable features for object representation and improved the robustness of the model. Furthermore, the network was trained by the transfer learning method to save training time and prevent model overfitting. The model was trained and validated on the acquired SAS images. Compared with other existing state-of-the art models, the classification accuracy in this study improved by an average of 6.83% and had an advantage in the amount of computation, which is 108 M. On the deformation dataset, this method improved the accuracy, recall, and F1 scores by an average of 5.3%, 5.6%, and 5.8%, respectively. In the ablation experiments of the DSDCN module, the classification accuracy of the model with the addition of the DSDCN module improved by 5.18%. In addition, the training method of transfer learning also led to an improvement in model classification performance, reflected in the classification accuracy, which increased by 7.4%.
Integration of Real-Time Semantic Building Map Updating with Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL) for Robust Indoor Mobile Robot Localization
Authors: Peavy Matthew , Kim Pileun , Oyediran Hafiz , Kim Kyungki
Published: January 2023

A robot can accurately localize itself and navigate in an indoor environment based on information about the operating environment, often called a world or a map. While typical maps describe structural layouts of buildings, the accuracy of localization is significantly affected by non-structural building elements and common items, such as doors, appliances, and furniture. This study enhances the robustness and accuracy of indoor robot localization by dynamically updating the semantic building map with non-structural elements detected by sensors. We propose modified Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL), integrating object recognition and map updating into the traditional probabilistic localization. With the proposed approach, a robot can automatically correct errors caused by non-structural elements by updating a semantic building map reflecting the current state of the environment. Evaluations in kidnapped robot and traditional localization scenarios indicate that more accurate and robust pose estimation can be achieved with the map updating capability.
Demand Law of Fabric Weight on the Airflow Velocity of a Gas-Assisted Model
Authors: Zhu Yu , Zhai Jianzhou , Ni Hongjun , Wang Xingxing
Published: January 2023

This research takes as its basis the engineering requirement that the cloth conveyed by a cloth-feeding mechanism moves forward for a certain distance in a balanced and stable manner; therefore, a scheme for the air-assisted conveyance of fabric is designed. The traditional fabric-conveying mechanism occupies a large space, consumes a lot of energy, and the conveying is unstable, As a new type of conveying method, the technology of using a gas-assisted device to convey fabric has emerged rapidly due to its extensive application range, and the fact that it produces no pollution and zero emissions. By establishing the mathematical model of the balance between the upper and lower surfaces of conveyed fabric, the Creo flow analysis module is used to simulate and analyze the surface pressure distribution of conveyed fabric. The purpose is to analyze the influence of fabrics with different weights on the airflow velocity in the pipeline when the fabric is conveyed in a balanced state and to determine the layout scheme of the air supply pipeline, as well as the configuration law of the airflow velocity in the pipeline. The research results demonstrate that the constructed air-assisted conveying mechanism model is able to realize the smooth lifting and forward conveying of different fabrics, The fabric with a density of 60 g/cm² has been smoothly suspended and transported forward for 200 mm, and the regularity can be obtained by comparing the weight of 30–80 g/cm² different fabrics. As the weight of the fabric increases, the flow rate in each row of pipes and the total flow rate of the air compressor also show an upward trend, forming a certain linear law, providing a reference for the development of the next-generation home-textile kit, which has three-sided automatic sewing and an integrated cutting device.
The Use of the K-Sim Polaris Simulator in the Process of Automatic Assessment of Navigator Competence in the Aspect of Anticollision Activities
Authors: Juszkiewicz Wiesław , Żukowska Anna
Published: January 2023

Very high safety standards set for modern sea shipping are a big challenge both for the navigators themselves and training centers. Practical training, which gives the possibility to practice any typical and unusual sea situations, unexpected events and failures, rescue operations, or maneuvering in restricted areas, is very important. Full mission bridge simulators are widely used in this field. The aim of this conducted research was to verify the usefulness of a multitask navigation bridge simulator in the process of automatic evaluation of anticollision actions executed by a navigator. To achieve that, the available literature was analyzed, several simulations were carried out, and expert studies were performed. The simulations were carried out in the K-Sim Polaris simulator with the participation of students, deck officers, and captains. Expert research was carried out with a group of navigators with different professional experiences. This allowed for verification of the used evaluation criteria and their mutual relations. The results analysis concludes that properly programmed scenarios of testing navigator competence led to an objectivized assessment, which is its important element. However, the key is both the proper programming of the testing scenario as well as the correct selection of the criteria for the assessment itself. Therefore, during test scenario creation, it is necessary to use both the knowledge of experts and a multistage modification of the applied evaluation parameters.
A Note on an Epidemic Model with Cautionary Response in the Presence of Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Acotto Francesca , Venturino Ezio
Published: January 2023

We analyse a simple disease transmission model accounting for demographic features and an illness appearing in two forms, asymptomatic and symptomatic. Its main feature is the epidemic-induced fear of the population, for which contacts are reduced, responding to increasing symptomatic numbers. We find that in the presence of asymptomatic individuals, if the progression rate to symptomatic is high, protection measures may prevent the whole population becoming infected. The results also elucidate the importance of assessing transmission rates as quickly as possible.
Partial Residuated Implications Induced by Partial Triangular Norms and Partial Residuated Lattices
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Sheng Nan , Borzooei Rajab Ali
Published: January 2023

This paper reveals some relations between fuzzy logic and quantum logic on partial residuated implications (PRIs) induced by partial t-norms as well as proposes partial residuated monoids (PRMs) and partial residuated lattices (PRLs) by defining partial adjoint pairs. First of all, we introduce the connection between lattice effect algebra and partial t-norms according to the concept of partial t-norms given by Borzooei, together with the proof that partial operation in any commutative quasiresiduated lattice is partial t-norm. Then, we offer the general form of PRI and the definition of partial fuzzy implication (PFI), give the condition that partial residuated implication is a fuzzy implication, and prove that each PRI is a PFI. Next, we propose PRLs, study their basic characteristics, discuss the correspondence between PRLs and lattice effect algebras (LEAs), and point out the relationship between LEAs and residuated partial algebras. In addition, like the definition of partial t-norms, we provide the notions of partial triangular conorms (partial t-conorms) and corresponding partial co-residuated lattices (PcRLs). Lastly, based on partial residuated lattices, we define well partial residuated lattices (wPRLs), study the filter of well partial residuated lattices, and then construct quotient structure of PRMs.
Robust Consensus in a Class of Fractional-Order Multi-Agent Systems with Interval Uncertainties Using the Existence Condition of Hermitian Matrices
Authors: Riazat Mohammadreza , Azizi Aydin , Naderi Soorki Mojtaba , Koochakzadeh Abbasali
Published: January 2023

This study outlines the necessary and sufficient criteria for swarm stability asymptotically, meaning consensus in a class of fractional-order multi-agent systems (FOMAS) with interval uncertainties for both fractional orders 0 < α < 1 and 1 < α < 2. The constraints are determined by the graph topology, agent dynamics, and neighbor interactions. It is demonstrated that the fractional-order interval multi-agent system achieves consensus if and only if there are some Hermitian matrices that satisfy a particular kind of complex Lyapunov inequality for all of the system vertex matrices. This is done by using the existence condition of the Hermitian matrices in a Lyapunov inequality. To do this, at first it is shown under which conditions a multi-agent system with unstable agents can still achieve consensus. Then, using a lemma and a theory, the Lyapunov inequality regarding the negativity of the maximum eigenvalue of an augmented matrix of a FOMAS is used to find some Hermitian matrices by checking only a limited number of system vertex matrices. As a result, the necessary and sufficient conditions to reach consensus in a FOMAS in the presence of internal uncertainties are obtained according to the Lyapunov inequalities. Using the main theory of the current paper, instead of countless matrices, only a limited number of vertex matrices need to be used in Lyapunov inequalities to find some Hermitian matrices. As a confirmation of the notion, some instances from numerical simulation are also provided at the end of the paper.
Complete Study of an Original Power-Exponential Transformation Approach for Generalizing Probability Distributions
Authors: Shama Mustafa S. , El Ktaibi Farid , Al Abbasi Jamal N. , Chesneau Christophe , Afify Ahmed Z.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a flexible and general family of distributions based on an original power-exponential transformation approach. We call it the modified generalized-G (MGG) family. The elegance and significance of this family lie in the ability to modify the standard distributions by changing their functional forms without adding new parameters, by compounding two distributions, or by adding one or two shape parameters. The aim of this modification is to provide flexible shapes for the corresponding probability functions. In particular, the distributions of the MGG family can possess increasing, constant, decreasing, “unimodal”, or “bathtub-shaped“ hazard rate functions, which are ideal for fitting several real data sets encountered in applied fields. Some members of the MGG family are proposed for special distributions. Following that, the uniform distribution is chosen as a baseline distribution to yield the modified uniform (MU) distribution with the goal of efficiently modeling measures with bounded values. Some useful key properties of the MU distribution are determined. The estimation of the unknown parameters of the MU model is discussed using seven methods, and then, a simulation study is carried out to explore the performance of the estimates. The flexibility of this model is illustrated by the analysis of two real-life data sets. When compared to fair and well-known competitor models in contemporary literature, better-fitting results are obtained for the new model.
Do Repeated Sprints Affect the Biceps Femoris Long Head Architecture in Football Players with and without an Injury History?—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pimenta Ricardo , Antunes Hugo , Lopes Tomás , Veloso António
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) architecture between football players with (twelve) and without (twenty) history of BFlh injury before and after a repeated sprint task. Fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) were assessed at rest and in the active condition before and after the repeated sprint protocol. Athletes with previous BFlh injury showed shorter FL at rest (p = 0.014; η2p = 0.196) and active state (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.413), and greater PA at rest (p = 0.002; η2p = 0.307) and active state (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.368) before and after the task. Intra-individual comparisons showed that injured limbs have shorter FL at rest (p = 0.012; η2p = 0.519) and in the active state (p = 0.039; η2p = 0.332), and greater PA in passive (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.732) and active conditions (p = 0.018; η2p = 0.412), when compared with contralateral limbs. Injured players, at rest and in the active condition, display shorter BFlh FL and greater PA than contralateral and healthy controls after repeated sprints. Moreover, the BFlh of injured players presented a different architectural response to the protocol compared with the healthy controls.
Cannabidiol Rescues TNF-α-Inhibited Proliferation, Migration, and Osteogenic/Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Yu Lina , Zeng Liting , Zhang Zeyu , Zhu Guanxiong , Xu Zidan , Xia Junyi , Weng Jinlong , Li Jiang , Pathak Janak Lal
Published: January 2023

Strategies to promote dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) functions including proliferation, migration, pro-angiogenic effects, and odontogenic/osteogenic differentiation are in urgent need to restore pulpitis-damaged dentin/pulp regeneration and DPSCs-based bone tissue engineering applications. Cannabidiol (CBD), an active component of Cannabis sativa has shown anti-inflammation, chemotactic, anti-microbial, and tissue regenerative potentials. Based on these facts, this study aimed to analyze the effect of CBD on DPSCs proliferation, migration, and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation in basal and inflammatory conditions. Highly pure DPSCs with characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were successfully isolated, as indicated by the results of flowcytometry and multi-lineage (osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic) differentiation potentials. Among the concentration tested (0.1–12.5 µM), CBD (2.5 μM) showed the highest anabolic effect on the proliferation and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Pro-angiogenic growth factor VEGF mRNA expression was robustly higher in CBD-treated DPSCs. CBD also prompted the migration of DPSCs and CBD receptor CB1 and CB2 expression in DPSCs. TNF-α inhibited the viability, migration, and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and CBD reversed these effects. CBD alleviated the TNF-α-upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in DPSCs. In conclusion, our results indicate the possible application of CBD on DPSCs-based dentin/pulp and bone regeneration.
Bioinformatics Prediction and Experimental Validation Identify a Novel Cuproptosis-Related Gene Signature in Human Synovial Inflammation during Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Chen Ziyi , Hua Yinghui
Published: January 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the one of most common joint diseases worldwide. Cuproptosis, which had been discovered lately, is a novel form of cell death induced by copper. Our purpose is to study the relationship between cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and inflammatory microenvironments in patients with OA and identify characteristic cuproptosis-related biomarkers. First, the combinatory analysis of OA transcriptome data from five datasets identified differentially expressed CRGs associated with OA. Then, we applied single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to evaluate immune-cell infiltration and immune-function levels in OA patients and normal controls, respectively. Hub CRGs for OA were mined based on the random forest (RF) model, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on them. In total, four differentially expressed CRGs were identified through bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by RT-qPCR. FDX1 and LIPT1 were expressed at a high level in OA, while DBT and DLST were expressed higher in the normal group. In total, 10 CRGs were found to be significantly correlated with immune landscape. Four hub CRGs were subsequently obtained by the RF analysis as potential biomarkers for OA. We constructed an OA predictive model based on these four CRGs (DBT, DLST, FDX1, and LIPT1).
Energy Dissipation in the Human Red Cell Membrane
Authors: Fischer Thomas M.
Published: January 2023

The membrane of the human red cell consists of a lipid bilayer and a so-called membrane skeleton attached on the cytoplasmic side of the bilayer. Upon the deformation of red cells, energy is dissipated in their cytoplasm and their membrane. As to the membrane, three contributions can be distinguished: (i) A two-dimensional shear deformation with the membrane viscosity as the frictional parameter; (ii) A motion of the membrane skeleton relative to the bilayer; (iii) A relative motion of the two monolayers of the bilayer. The frictional parameter in contributions (ii) and (iii) is a frictional coefficient specific for the respective contribution. This perspective describes the history up to recent advances in the knowledge of these contributions. It reviews the mechanisms of energy dissipation on a molecular scale and suggests new ones, particularly for the first contribution. It proposes a parametric fitting expected to shed light on the discrepant values found for the membrane viscosity by different experimental approaches. It proposes strategies that could allow the determination of the frictional coefficients pertaining to the second and the third contribution. It highlights the consequences characteristic times have on the state of the red cell membrane in circulation as well as on the adaptation of computer models to the red cell history in an in vitro experiment.
Diversity and Potential Multifunctionality of Archaeal CetZ Tubulin-like Cytoskeletal Proteins
Authors: Brown Hannah J. , Duggin Iain G.
Published: January 2023

Tubulin superfamily (TSF) proteins are widespread, and are known for their multifaceted roles as cytoskeletal proteins underpinning many basic cellular functions, including morphogenesis, division, and motility. In eukaryotes, tubulin assembles into microtubules, a major component of the dynamic cytoskeletal network of fibres, whereas the bacterial homolog FtsZ assembles the division ring at midcell. The functions of the lesser-known archaeal TSF proteins are beginning to be identified and show surprising diversity, including homologs of tubulin and FtsZ as well as a third archaea-specific family, CetZ, implicated in the regulation of cell shape and possibly other unknown functions. In this study, we define sequence and structural characteristics of the CetZ family and CetZ1 and CetZ2 subfamilies, identify CetZ groups and diversity amongst archaea, and identify potential functional relationships through analysis of the genomic neighbourhoods of cetZ genes. We identified at least three subfamilies of orthologous CetZ proteins in the archaeal class Halobacteria, including CetZ1 and CetZ2 as well as a novel uncharacterized subfamily. CetZ1 and CetZ2 were correlated to one another as well as to cell shape and motility phenotypes across diverse Halobacteria. Among other known CetZ clusters in orders Archaeoglobales, Methanomicrobiales, Methanosarcinales, and Thermococcales, an additional uncharacterized group from Archaeoglobales and Methanomicrobiales is affiliated strongly with Halobacteria CetZs, suggesting that they originated via horizontal transfer. Subgroups of Halobacteria CetZ2 and Thermococcales CetZ genes were found adjacent to different type IV pili regulons, suggesting potential utilization of CetZs by type IV systems. More broadly conserved cetZ gene neighbourhoods include nucleotide and cofactor biosynthesis (e.g., F420) and predicted cell surface sugar epimerase genes. These findings imply that CetZ subfamilies are involved in multiple functions linked to the cell surface, biosynthesis, and motility.
Combining STAT3-Targeting Agents with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in NSCLC
Authors: Papavassiliou Kostas A. , Marinos Georgios , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: January 2023

Despite recent therapeutic advances, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor (TF) with multiple tumor-promoting effects in NSCLC, including proliferation, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, immunosuppression, and drug resistance. Recent studies suggest that STAT3 activation contributes to resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, STAT3 represents an attractive target whose pharmacological modulation in NSCLC may assist in enhancing the efficacy of or overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the biological mechanisms through which STAT3 inhibition synergizes with or overcomes resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and highlight the therapeutic strategy of using drugs that target STAT3 as potential combination partners for immune checkpoint inhibitors in the management of NSCLC patients.
Predicting Microenvironment in CXCR4- and FAP-Positive Solid Tumors—A Pan-Cancer Machine Learning Workflow for Theranostic Target Structures
Authors: Marquardt André , Hartrampf Philipp , Kollmannsberger Philip , Solimando Antonio G. , Meierjohann Svenja , Kübler Hubert , Bargou Ralf , Schilling Bastian , Serfling Sebastian E. , Buck Andreas , Werner Rudolf A. , Lapa Constantin , Krebs Markus
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) and Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha (FAP) are promising theranostic targets. However, it is unclear whether CXCR4 and FAP positivity mark distinct microenvironments, especially in solid tumors. (2) Methods: Using Random Forest (RF) analysis, we searched for entity-independent mRNA and microRNA signatures related to CXCR4 and FAP overexpression in our pan-cancer cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database—representing n = 9242 specimens from 29 tumor entities. CXCR4- and FAP-positive samples were assessed via StringDB cluster analysis, EnrichR, Metascape, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Findings were validated via correlation analyses in n = 1541 tumor samples. TIMER2.0 analyzed the association of CXCR4 / FAP expression and infiltration levels of immune-related cells. (3) Results: We identified entity-independent CXCR4 and FAP gene signatures representative for the majority of solid cancers. While CXCR4 positivity marked an immune-related microenvironment, FAP overexpression highlighted an angiogenesis-associated niche. TIMER2.0 analysis confirmed characteristic infiltration levels of CD8+ cells for CXCR4-positive tumors and endothelial cells for FAP-positive tumors. (4) Conclusions: CXCR4- and FAP-directed PET imaging could provide a non-invasive decision aid for entity-agnostic treatment of microenvironment in solid malignancies. Moreover, this machine learning workflow can easily be transferred towards other theranostic targets.
WT1 Trio Peptide-Based Cancer Vaccine for Rare Cancers Expressing Shared Target WT1
Authors: Oji Yusuke , Kagawa Naoki , Arita Hideyuki , Naka Norifumi , Hamada Ken-ichiro , Outani Hidetatsu , Shintani Yasushi , Takeda Yoshito , Morii Eiichi , Shimazu Kenzo , Suzuki Motoyuki , Nishida Sumiyuki , Nakata Jun , Tsuboi Akihiro , Iwai Miki , Hayashi Sae , Imanishi Rin , Ikejima Sayaka , Kanegae Mizuki , Iwamoto Masahiro , Ikeda Mayu , Yagi Kento , Shimokado Haruka , Nakajima Hiroko , Hasegawa Kana , Morimoto Soyoko , Fujiki Fumihiro , Nagahara Akira , Tanemura Atsushi , Ueda Yutaka , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Ohmi Masato , Ishida Takayuki , Fujimoto Manabu , Nonomura Norio , Kimura Tadashi , Inohara Hidenori , Okada Seiji , Kishima Haruhiko , Hosen Naoki , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Oka Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Haruo
Published: January 2023

No standard treatment has been established for most rare cancers. Here, we report a clinical trial of a biweekly WT1 tri-peptide-based vaccine for recurrent or advanced rare cancers. Due to the insufficient number of patients available for a traditional clinical trial, the trial was designed for rare cancers expressing shared target molecule WT1. The recruitment criteria included WT1-expressing tumors as well as HLA-A*24:02 or 02:01. The primary endpoints were immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (Ab) production against the WT1-235 cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin reactions to targeted WT1 CTL epitopes. The secondary endpoints were safety and clinical efficacy. Forty-five patients received WT1 Trio, and 25 (55.6%) completed the 3-month protocol treatment. WT1-235 IgG Ab was positive in 88.0% of patients treated with WT1 Trio at 3 months, significantly higher than 62.5% of the weekly WT1-235 CTL peptide vaccine. The DTH positivity rate in WT1 Trio was 62.9%, which was not significantly different from 60.7% in the WT1-235 CTL peptide vaccine. The WT1 Trio safety was confirmed without severe treatment-related adverse events, except grade 3 myasthenia gravis-like symptoms observed in a patient with thymic cancer. Fifteen (33.3%) patients achieved stable disease after 3 months of treatment. In conclusion, the biweekly WT1 Trio vaccine containing the WT1-332 helper T lymphocyte peptide induced more robust immune responses targeting WT1 than the weekly WT1-235 CTL peptide vaccine. Therefore, WT1-targeted immunotherapy may be a potential therapeutic strategy for rare cancers.
Morphologic Severity of Atypia Is Predictive of Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Santore Lee Ann , Novotny Samantha , Tseng Robert , Patel Mit , Albano Denise , Dhamija Ankit , Tannous Henry , Nemesure Barbara , Shroyer Kenneth R. , Bilfinger Thomas
Published: January 2023

In cytologic analysis of lung nodules, specimens classified as atypia cannot be definitively diagnosed as benign or malignant. Atypia patients are typically subject to additional procedures to obtain repeat samples, thus delaying diagnosis. We evaluate morphologic categories predictive of lung cancer in atypia patients. This retrospective study stratified patients evaluated for primary lung nodules based on cytologic diagnoses. Atypia patients were further stratified based on the most severe verbiage used to describe the atypical cytology. Logistic regressions and receiver operator characteristic curves were performed. Of 129 patients with cytologic atypia, 62.8% later had cytologically or histologically confirmed lung cancer and 37.2% had benign respiratory processes. Atypia severity significantly predicted final diagnosis even while controlling for pack years and modified Herder score (p = 0.012). Pack years, atypia severity, and modified Herder score predicted final diagnosis independently and while adjusting for covariates (all p < 0.001). This model generated a significantly improved area under the curve compared to pack years, atypia severity, and modified Herder score (all p < 0.001) alone. Patients with severe atypia may benefit from repeat sampling for cytologic confirmation within one month due to high likelihood of malignancy, while those with milder atypia may be followed clinically.
Review of the Delivery Kinetics of Thermosensitive Liposomes
Authors: Haemmerich Dieter , Ramajayam Krishna K. , Newton Danforth A.
Published: January 2023

Thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) are triggered nanoparticles that release the encapsulated drug in response to hyperthermia. Combined with localized hyperthermia, TSL enabled loco-regional drug delivery to tumors with reduced systemic toxicities. More recent TSL formulations are based on intravascular triggered release, where drug release occurs within the microvasculature. Thus, this delivery strategy does not require enhanced permeability and retention (EPR). Compared to traditional nanoparticle drug delivery systems based on EPR with passive or active tumor targeting (typically <5%ID/g tumor), TSL can achieve superior tumor drug uptake (>10%ID/g tumor). Numerous TSL formulations have been combined with various drugs and hyperthermia devices in preclinical and clinical studies over the last four decades. Here, we review how the properties of TSL dictate delivery and discuss the advantages of rapid drug release from TSL. We show the benefits of selecting a drug with rapid extraction by tissue, and with quick cellular uptake. Furthermore, the optimal characteristics of hyperthermia devices are reviewed, and impact of tumor biology and cancer cell characteristics are discussed. Thus, this review provides guidelines on how to improve drug delivery with TSL by optimizing the combination of TSL, drug, and hyperthermia method. Many of the concepts discussed are applicable to a variety of other triggered drug delivery systems.
Arachidin-1, a Prenylated Stilbenoid from Peanut, Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Paclitaxel in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Mohammadhosseinpour Sepideh , Weaver Alexx , Sudhakaran Meenakshi , Ho Linh-Chi , Le Tra , Doseff Andrea I. , Medina-Bolivar Fabricio
Published: January 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer. Investigating alternative therapies to increase survival rates for this disease is essential. To this end, the cytotoxic effects of the prenylated stilbenoids arachidin-1 (A-1) and arachidin-3 (A-3), and non-prenylated resveratrol (RES) were evaluated in human TNBC cell lines as potential adjuvants for paclitaxel (Pac). A-1, alone or in combination with Pac, showed the highest cytotoxicity in TNBC cells. Apoptosis was further evaluated by measuring key apoptosis marker proteins, cell cycle arrest, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of A-1 combined with Pac was also evaluated in a 3D spheroid TNBC model. The results showed that A-1 decreased the Pac IC50 approximately 2-fold in TNBC cells. The synergistic combination of A-1 and Pac arrested cells in G2/M phase and activated p53 expression. In addition, the combined treatment increased intracellular ROS generation and induced apoptosis. Importantly, the combination of A-1 with Pac inhibited TNBC spheroid growth. Our results demonstrated that A-1 in combination with Pac inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis through mitochondrial oxidative stress, and reduced TNBC spheroid growth. These findings underscore the impactful effects of the prenylated stilbenoid A-1 as a novel adjuvant for Pac chemotherapy in TNBC treatment.
Schlafen 12 Slows TNBC Tumor Growth, Induces Luminal Markers, and Predicts Favorable Survival
Authors: Singhal Sandeep K. , Al-Marsoummi Sarmad , Vomhof-DeKrey Emilie E. , Lauckner Bo , Beyer Trysten , Basson Marc D.
Published: January 2023

The Schlafen 12 (SLFN12) protein regulates triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) growth, differentiation, and proliferation. SLFN12 mRNA expression strongly correlates with TNBC patient survival. We sought to explore SLFN12 overexpression effects on in vivo human TNBC tumor xenograft growth and performed RNA-seq on xenografts to investigate related SLFN12 pathways. Stable SLFN12 overexpression reduced tumorigenesis, increased tumor latency, and reduced tumor volume. RNA-seq showed that SLFN12 overexpressing xenografts had higher luminal markers levels, suggesting that TNBC cells switched from an undifferentiated basal phenotype to a more differentiated, less aggressive luminal phenotype. SLFN12-overexpressing xenografts increased less aggressive BC markers, HER2 receptors ERBB2 and EGFR expression, which are not detectable by immunostaining in TNBC. Two cancer progression pathways, the NAD signaling pathway and the superpathway of cholesterol biosynthesis, were downregulated with SLFN12 overexpression. RNA-seq identified gene signatures associated with SLFN12 overexpression. Higher gene signature levels indicated good survival when tested on four independent BC datasets. These signatures behaved differently in African Americans than in Caucasian Americans, indicating a possible biological difference between these races that could contribute to the worse survival observed in African Americans with BC. These results suggest an increased SLFN12 expression modulates TNBC aggressiveness through a gene signature that could offer new treatment targets.
Role of HIPEC after Complete Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) in Peritoneal Recurrence of Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (OC): The Aim for Standardization at Two Reference Centers for CRS
Authors: Acs Miklos , Gerken Michael , Schmitt Vanessa , Piso Pompiliu , Königsrainer Alfred , Baransi Saher , Yurttas Can , Häusler Sebastian , Horvath Philipp
Published: January 2023

Background: This bicentric study evaluated cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer patients. Methods: The data of 88 patients with the first peritoneal recurrence of platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent CRS and HIPEC from a prospective HIPEC registry were retrospectively investigated. Endpoints were feasibility, chemotherapeutic compound, time of exposure, complications, and overall survival. Results: The median follow-up was 4.7 years (95%-CI 4.6–5.5). The median age was 55.8 years (IQR: 50.3–66.2). Eighty-four patients (95.5%) had high-grade serous histology. The median peritoneal cancer index was 12.0 (IQR: 7.0–20.5). Sixty-five patients (73.9%) had complete cytoreduction (CCR 0). Thirty-eight patients (43.2%) received HIPEC for 60 min, and fifty patients (56.8%) for 90 min. Eighteen patients (20.5%) had grade III to IV complications. One patient (1.1%) died perioperatively. The overall median survival was 43.1 months (95%-CI 34.1–52.2), and the 5-year survival rate was 39.7%. Only 90 min HIPEC and cisplatin were associated with survival. Conclusion: In well-selected patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, survival may correlate with complete CRS and 90 min cisplatin-based HIPEC. We confirmed the results of primary OC studies; therefore, this combination should be used for further analysis in the recurrent situation.
The Impact of Surgical Experience in VATS Lobectomy on Conversion and Patient Quality of Life: Results from a Comprehensive National Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgical Database
Authors: Bertolaccini Luca , Fornaro Giulia , Ciani Oriana , Prisciandaro Elena , Crisci Roberto , Tarricone Rosanna , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Although unexpected conversion during Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy is up to 23%, the effects on postoperative outcomes remain debatable. This retrospective study aimed: (i) to identify potential preoperative risk factors of VATS conversion to standard thoracotomy; (ii) to assess the impact of surgical experience in VATS lobectomy on conversion rate and patient health-related quality of life. Methods: We extracted detailed information on VATS lobectomy procedures performed consecutively (2014–2019). Predictors of conversion were assessed with univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. To assess the impact of VATS lobectomy experience, observations were divided according to surgeons’ experiences with VATS lobectomy. The impact of VATS lobectomy experience on conversion and occurrence of postoperative complications was evaluated using logistic regressions. The impact of VATS lobectomy experience on EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) scores at discharge was assessed using Tobit regressions. Results: A total of 11,772 patients underwent planned VATS for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with 1074 (9.1%) requiring conversion to thoracotomy. The independent predictors at multivariable analysis were: FEV1% (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–0.99, p = 0.007), clinical nodal involvement (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.08–1.90, p = 0.014). Experienced surgeons performed 4079 (34.7%) interventions. Experience in VATS lobectomy did not show a relevant impact on the risk of open surgery conversion (p = 0.13) and postoperative complications (p = 0.10), whereas it showed a significant positive impact (p = 0.012) on EQ-5D scores at discharge. Conclusions: Clinical nodal involvement was confirmed as the most critical predictor of conversion. Greater experience in VATS lobectomy did not decrease conversion rate and postoperative complications but was positively associated with postoperative patient quality of life.
Tolerability, Safety and Efficacy of a Specific Rehabilitation Treatment Protocol for Axillary Web Syndrome: An Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Borg Margherita Beatrice , Mittino Laura , Battaglia Marco , Loro Alberto , Lanzotti Laura , Invernizzi Marco , Baricich Alessio
Published: January 2023

Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a highly prevalent surgical complication affecting BC survivors. It presents as a subcutaneous cording that limits the upper limb range of motion (ROM) and causes pain. Its etiology is still debated, and its treatment is not well defined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of our specific AWS rehabilitative treatment protocol. We conducted an observational retrospective study on a cohort of 92 AWS patients referred to the oncological outpatient service of a university hospital. We collected data from medical records before (T0) and after (T1) the treatment. The studied protocol was composed of 60-min sessions, carried out 3 times/week by specialized physiotherapists, until the clinical resolution of AWS. We found that a mean of 8.74 ± 2.12 rehabilitative sessions were needed, and only one patient stopped early. At T1, shoulder ROM was complete in both abduction and flexion in 98% of patients; AWS was no longer detectable in 64% of them, and pain significantly decreased compared to T0. In conclusion, our protocol proved to be safe, well-tolerated and seemed to be effective in treating AWS.
Influence of Reinforcing Efficiency of Clay on the Mechanical Properties of Poly(butylene terephthalate) Nanocomposite
Authors: Colombo Maria A. S. , Díaz Francisco R. V. , Kodali Deepa , Rangari Vijaya , Güven Olgun , Moura Esperidiana A. B.
Published: January 2023

In contrast to traditional fillers, clay, in particular, natural smectite clay, represents an environmentally significant alternative to improve the properties of polymers. Compared to conventional nanofillers, smectite clay can effectively enhance the physical and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites with a relatively small amount of addition (<5 wt%). The present study focuses on investigating the reinforcing efficiency of different amounts (up to 5 wt%) of a natural Brazilian smectite clay modified (MBClay) on the mechanical properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nanocomposites and also evaluates the correlation between MBClay addition and the mechanical and thermal behaviors of the PBT/MBClay nanocomposites. Natural Brazilian clay modified by the addition of quaternary salt and sodium carbonate (MBClay) was infused into the PBT polymer by melt extrusion using a twin-screw extruder. It was found that the best properties for PBT were obtained at 3.7 wt% of modified BClay. Tensile strength at break exhibited increased by about 60%, flexural strength increased by 24%, and flexural modulus increased by 17%. In addition, an increase in the crystallinity percentage of PBT/BClay nanocomposite was confirmed by DSC and XRD analysis, and a gain of about 45% in HDT was successfully achieved due to the incorporation of 3.7 wt% of MBClay.
Compositional Analysis of SiOC(H) Powders: A Comparison of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Combustion Analysis
Authors: Leonel Gerson J. , Guo Xin , Singh Gurpreet , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: January 2023

Accurate chemical analysis of small samples of fine powders in the Si–O–C–H system is challenging. We present a comparison of analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and combustion analysis, validating XPS as an accurate and simple methodology for Si, C, and O analysis to give bulk and not just surface compositions. The XPS analyses are supported by showing consistency in thermochemical calculations of heats of formation based on high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. However, because XPS is not suitable for quantitation of hydrogen, it must be combined with other techniques for samples with substantial H content.
Synthesis, Structural, Magnetic and Computational Studies of a One-Dimensional Ferromagnetic Cu(II) Chain Assembled from a New Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Worrell Anne , Delle Monache Gabriele , Turnbull Mark M. , Rawson Jeremy M. , Stamatatos Theocharis C. , Pilkington Melanie
Published: January 2023

A new asymmetrically substituted ONOO Schiff base ligand N-(2′-hydroxy-1′-naphthylidene)-3-amino-2-naphthoic acid (nancH2) was prepared from the condensation of 2–hydroxy–1–naphthaldehyde and 3–amino–2–naphthoic acid. nancH2 reacts with Cu2(O2CMe)4·2H2O in the presence of Gd(O2CMe)3·6H2O to afford a uniform one-dimensional homometallic chain, [CuII(nanc)]n (1). The structure of 1 was elucidated via single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed that the Cu(II) ions adopt distorted square planar geometries and are coordinated in a tridentate manner by an [ONO] donor set from one nanc2− ligand and an O− of a bridging carboxylate group from a second ligand. The bridging carboxylato group of the nanc2− ligand adopts a syn, anti-η1:η1:μ conformation linking neighboring Cu(II) ions, forming a 1D chain. The magnetic susceptibility of 1 follows Curie–Weiss law in the range 45–300 K (C = 0.474(1) emu K mol-1, θ = +7.9(3) K), consistent with ferromagnetic interactions between S = ½ Cu(II) ions with g = 2.248. Subsequently, the data fit well to the 1D quantum Heisenberg ferromagnetic (QHFM) chain model with g = 2.271, and J = +12.3 K. DFT calculations, implementing the broken symmetry approach, were also carried out on a model dimeric unit extracted from the polymeric chain structure. The calculated exchange coupling via the carboxylate bridge (J = +13.8 K) is consistent with the observed ferromagnetic exchange between neighbouring Cu(II) centres.
Hybrid Inverter-Based Fully Differential Operational Transconductance Amplifiers
Authors: Rodovalho Luís Henrique , Toledo Pedro , Mir Farzad , Ebrahimi Farshad
Published: January 2023

Inverter-based Operational Transconductance Amplifiers (OTAs) are versatile and friendly scalable analog circuit blocks. Especially for the new CMOS technological nodes, several recent applications have been extensively using them, ranging from Analog Front End (AFE) to analog-to-digital converters (ADC). This work tracks down the current advances in inverter-based OTAs design, comparing their basic fully differential structures, such as Nauta (N), Barthelemy (B), Vieru (V) and Mafredini (M) ones, and, in addition, mixing them up to propose new fully differential single-ended and two-stage hybrid versions. The new herein-proposed fully differential hybrid OTAs are the composition of Barthelemy/Nauta (B/N), Barthelemy/Manfredini (B/M), Nauta/Vieru (N/V), and Manfredini/Vieru (M/V) OTAs. All OTAs were designed using the same Global Foundries 180 nm open-source PDK and their performances are compared for post-layout simulations.
Magnolia kobus Extract Inhibits Periodontitis-Inducing Mediators in Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide-Activated RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Lee Hae-Jin , Lee So-Jung , Lee Sung-Kwon , Choi Bong-Keun , Lee Dong-Ryung
Published: January 2023

Periodontitis, a disease caused by inflammation of oral bacteria, contributes to the loss of alveolar bone and destruction of connective tissues. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative bacterium, is known to possess important pathogenic factors for periodontal disease. In this study, we investigated the anti-periodontitis effects of Magnolia kobus extract (MKE) and magnolin as a component of Magnolia kobus (MK) in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Effects of MKE and magnolin on the mechanism of RAW 264.7 cellular inflammation were determined by analyzing nitric oxide (NO) production and Western blot protein expression (n = 3). MKE/magnolin inhibited NO production without affecting cell survival. MKE/magnolin treatment inhibited LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs such as MMP-1, 3, 8, 9, and 13), and protein levels of inflammatory mediators (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and mPGES-1). MKE/magnolin also suppressed NF-κB activation by inhibiting the TLR4 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that MKE has a therapeutic effect on inflammatory periodontal disease caused by oral bacterium P. gingivalis and that magnolin is a major functional component in the anti-inflammatory effect of MKE.
Capacitated Waste Collection Problem Solution Using an Open-Source Tool
Authors: Silva Adriano Santos , Alves Filipe , Diaz de Tuesta José Luis , Rocha Ana Maria A. C. , Pereira Ana I. , Silva Adrián M. T. , Gomes Helder T.
Published: January 2023

Population in cities is growing worldwide, which puts the systems that offer basic services to citizens under pressure. Among these systems, the Municipal Solid Waste Management System (MSWMS) is also affected. Waste collection and transportation is the first task in an MSWMS, carried out traditionally in most cases. This approach leads to inefficient resource and time expense since routes are prescheduled or defined upon drivers’ choices. The waste collection is recognized as an NP-hard problem that can be modeled as a Capacitated Waste Collection Problem (CWCP). Despite the good quality of works currently available in the literature, the execution time of algorithms is often forgotten, and faster algorithms are required to increase the feasibility of the solutions found. In this paper, we show the performance of the open-source Google OR-Tools to solve the CWCP in Bragança, Portugal (inland city). The three metaheuristics available in this tool were able to reduce significantly the cost associated with waste collection in less than 2 s of execution time. The result obtained in this work proves the applicability of the OR-Tools to be explored for waste collection problems considering bigger systems. Furthermore, the fast response can be useful for developing new platforms for dynamic vehicle routing problems that represent scenarios closer to the real one. We anticipate the proven efficacy of OR-Tools to solve CWCP as the starting point of developments toward applying optimization algorithms to solve real and dynamic problems.