bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGFβ1 neutralization displays therapeutic efficacy through both an immunomodulatory and a non-immune tumor-intrinsic mechanism
Authors: Canè Stefania , Van Snick Jacques , Uyttenhove Catherine , Pilotte Luc , Van den Eynde Benoit J
Published: February 2021

Background

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is emerging as a promising target for cancer therapy, given its ability to promote progression of advanced tumors and to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. However, TGFβ also plays multiple roles in normal tissues, particularly during organogenesis, raising toxicity concerns about TGFβ blockade. Dose-limiting cardiovascular toxicity was observed, possibly due to the blockade of all three TGFβ isoforms. The dominant isoform in tumors is TGFβ1, while TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 seem to be more involved in cardiovascular development. Recent data indicated that selective targeting of TGFβ1 promoted the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD1 in transplanted preclinical tumor models, without cardiovascular toxicity.

Methods

To further explore the therapeutic potential of isoform-specific TGFβ blockade, we developed neutralizing mAbs targeting mature TGFβ1 or TGFβ3, and tested them, in parallel with anti-panTGFβ mAb 1D11, in two preclinical models: the transplanted colon cancer model CT26, and the autochthonous melanoma model TiRP.

Results

We observed that the blockade of TGFβ1, but not that of TGFβ3, increased the efficacy of a prophylactic cellular vaccine against colon cancer CT26. This effect was similar to pan-TGFβ blockade, and was associated with increased infiltration of activated CD8 T cells in the tumor, and reduced levels of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In contrast, in the autochthonous TiRP melanoma model, we observed therapeutic efficacy of the TGFβ1-specific mAb as a single agent, while the TGFβ3 mAb was inactive. In this model, the anti-tumor effect of TGFβ1 blockade was tumor intrinsic rather than immune mediated, as it was also observed in T-cell depleted mice. Mechanistically, TGFβ1 blockade increased mouse survival by delaying the phenotype switch, akin to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which transforms initially pigmented tumors into highly aggressive unpigmented tumors.

Conclusions

Our results confirm TGFβ1 as the relevant isoform to target for cancer therapy, not only in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, but also with other immunotherapies such as cancer vaccines. Moreover, TGFβ1 blockade can also act as a monotherapy, through a tumor-intrinsic effect blocking the EMT-like transition. Because human melanomas that resist therapy often express a gene signature that links TGFβ1 with EMT-related genes, these results support the clinical development of TGFβ1-specific mAbs in melanoma.
CXCL9-expressing tumor-associated macrophages: new players in the fight against cancer
Authors: Marcovecchio Paola Marie , Thomas Graham , Salek-Ardakani Shahram
Published: February 2021

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the main contributors to immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, however, TAM depletion strategies have yielded little clinical benefit. Here, we discuss the concept that TAMs are also key regulators of anti-PD(L)-1-mediated CD8 T cell-dependent immunity. Emerging data suggest that expression of the chemokine CXCL9 by TAMs regulates the recruitment and positioning of CXCR3-expressing stem-like CD8 T (Tstem) cells that underlie clinical responses to anti-PD(L)-1 treatment. We evaluate clinical and mechanistic studies that establish relationships between CXCL9-expressing TAMs, Tstemand antitumor immunity. Therapies that enhance anti-PD(L)-1 response rates must consider TAM CXCL9 expression. In this perspective, we discuss opportunities to enhance the frequency and function of CXCL9 expressing TAMs and draw on comparative analyzes from infectious disease models to highlight potential functions of these cells beyond Tstemrecruitment.
A review of endovascular treatment for medium vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Ospel Johanna Maria , Goyal Mayank
Published: February 2021

Medium-vessel occlusions (MeVOs), that is, occlusions of the M2/3 middle cerebral artery, A2/3 anterior cerebral artery, and P2/3 posterior cerebral artery segments, account for 25%–40% of all acute ischemic stroke cases. Clinical outcomes of MeVO stroke with intravenous thrombolysis, which is the current standard of care, are moderate at best. With improving imaging technologies and a growing literature, MeVOs are increasingly recognized as a target for endovascular treatment (EVT). For the time being, there is limited but promising evidence for the safety and efficacy of MeVO EVT, and many neurointerventionists are already routinely offering EVT for MeVO stroke, despite the lack of clear guideline recommendations. In this article, we review the evidence on endovascular treatment for MeVO stroke and summarize the available literature on current imaging strategies, commonly used EVT selection criteria, EVT techniques, and outcome assessment for MeVO stroke.
Sarcomere mutation negative hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is associated with ageing and obesity
Authors: de Feria Alejandro E , Kott Andrew E , Becker Jason R
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite advances in our understanding of the genetic causes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a large portion of this patient population do not carry sarcomere gene mutations when screened. It remains largely unknown why patients without sarcomere mutations develop asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of probands with HCM who underwent genetic testing to determine if clinical phenotypes were different depending on sarcomere mutation status. A medical history, three generation family history and clinical phenotyping were performed on 127 probands with HCM. Genetic screening was performed using clinically available HCM genetic testing panels.

Results

We found that probands with HCM with pathogenic sarcomere mutations were over three times more likely to have a family history of HCM (66% vs 17%, p<0.0001) and were diagnosed with HCM at a much younger age (32 vs 51 years old, p<0.0001). In contrast, probands with HCM without sarcomere mutations were significantly more obese (body surface area p=0.003, body mass index p=0.04 adjusted for age) and were more likely to present with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (p=0.0483).

Conclusion

Patients with sarcomere mutation negative HCM present at an older age and are more obese compared with patients with sarcomere mutation positive HCM. The role of ageing and obesity in asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy warrants further investigation.
Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block provides improved short-term analgesia compared with the femoral nerve block in hip fracture surgery: a single-center double-blinded randomized comparative trial
Authors: Lin D-Yin , Morrison Craig , Brown Brigid , Saies Alexander Andrew , Pawar Reshma , Vermeulen Marthinus , Anderson Stewart Robert , Lee Tsai Sheng , Doornberg Job , Kroon Hidde Maarten , Jaarsma Ruurd Lukas
Published: February 2021

Background

The femoral nerve block (FNB) may be used for analgesia in hip fracture surgery. The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a novel regional technique and may provide better pain reduction while preserving motor function, but these blocks have not been directly compared.

Methods

In a single-center double-blinded randomized comparative trial, patients presenting for hip fracture surgery received analgesia with either FNB or PENG block. The primary outcome measure was pain scores (Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 0 to 10). Secondary outcomes were postoperative quadriceps strength, opiate use, complications, length of hospital stay, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results

Sixty patients were randomized and equally allocated between groups. Baseline demographics were similar. Postoperatively in recovery (day 0), the PENG group experienced less pain compared with the FNB group. (In the PENG group, 63% experienced no pain, 27% mild pain, and 10% moderate to severe pain. In comparison, 30% of the FNB group reported no pain, 27% mild pain, and 36% moderate to severe pain; p=0.04). This was assessed using an 11-point Likert NRS. Quadriceps strength was better preserved in the PENG group in the recovery unit (assessed using Oxford muscle strength grading, 60% intact in the PENG group vs none intact in the FNB group; p<0.001) and on day 1 (90% intact vs 50%, respectively; p=0.004). There was no difference in other outcomes.

Conclusions

Patients receiving a PENG block for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia during hip fracture surgery experience less postoperative pain in the recovery room with no difference detected by postoperative day 1. Quadriceps strength was better preserved with the PENG block. Despite the short-term analgesic benefit and improved quadriceps strength, there were no differences detected in the quality of recovery.
Diverse organizations of actin and nuclei underpin the evolution of indeterminate growth in Chytridiomycota and Dikarya
Authors: Dee Jaclyn M. , Berbee Mary L.
Published: February 2021

Indeterminate growth, as in the hyphae of the “Humongous Fungus” of Michigan, requires sustained nuclear migration and cell wall remodeling. In this study, we compare actin organization and patterns of nuclear positioning among four distantly related, indeterminate species of phylum Chytridiomycota: Cladochytrium replicatum Karling (Cladochytriaceae), Physocladia obscura Sparrow (Chytriomycetaceae, Chytridiales), Nowakowskiella sp. J. Schröt. (Nowakowskiellaceae), and Polychytrium aggregatum Ajello (Polychytriales). We combined light microscopy, nuclear staining with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and actin staining with rhodamine phalloidin to analyze actin distribution and nuclear migration during somatic growth in the four Chytridiomycota species. Actin formed plaques, filaments, cables, and perinuclear shells in patterns that varied across the four species. All four species initiated indeterminate growth by extending branching, anucleate rhizomycelium, <1 µm in diameter. Nuclei, some elongated as if migrating, first appear in intercalary segments that widened to diameters >1 µm. After mitosis, an intercalary swelling in C. replicatum became septate and a single, distal nucleus migrated tipwards to a new swelling. In Physocladia obscura, swellings were aseptate and multinucleate, and several nuclei migrated tipwards into a new swelling. Nuclei migrated tipwards from irregularly cylindrical filaments in Nowakowskiella sp., and in Polychytrium aggregatum, from regular, hypha-like filaments. Thus, distantly related lineages of zoosporic fungi deploy ancestral morphogenetic machinery in differing patterns that result in convergent, indeterminate growth.
Integrability aspects and some abundant solutions for a new (4 + 1)-dimensional KdV-like equation
Authors: Han Peng-Fei , Bao Taogetusang
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we introduce a new (4 + 1)-dimensional KdV-like equation. By using the Bell Polynomial method, we obtain the bilinear form, bilinear Bäcklund transformation, Lax pair and infinite conservation laws. It is proved that the equation is completely integrable in Lax pair sense. Based on the Hirota bilinear method and the test function method, high-order lump solutions, high-order lump-kink type [Formula: see text]-soliton solutions, high-order lump-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] type soliton solutions, [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] type soliton solutions and [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] type soliton solutions [Formula: see text] for this equation are obtained with the help of symbolic computation. Via three-dimensional plots and contour plots with the help of Mathematics, analyses for the obtained solutions are presented, and their dynamic properties are discussed. Many dynamic models can be simulated by nonlinear evolution equations, and these graphical analyses are helpful to understand these models.
The enhanced photoelectric properties of ZnO-doped WSe2 thin film
Authors: Zhu Jingyi , Ding Xin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ma Xiying
Published: February 2021

The photoelectric properties of ZnO-doped WSe2 thin films created on Si substrates by a thermal evaporation method were investigated. The effects of ZnO on the surface morphology, structure, photoluminescence, light absorption characteristics and electrical properties of WSe2 thin films were analyzed. It is found that the nucleation density and the crystallinity of the ZnO-doped WSe2 nanowires are higher than without doping, and the electron mobility of the doped sample is about 1.4 times that of the undoped sample. Also, doping improved the light absorption and photoluminescence efficiency. Additionally, the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curve of the ZnO-doped WSe2/Si heterojunction gradually changes from a rectification characteristic to a linear dependence, and the photocurrent increases by about four times when the light power increases from 0 to 25 mW/cm2. Moreover, the heterojunction has a very high sensitivity to operating temperature; the current significantly increases as the temperature increases to [Formula: see text]. With high absorptivity and photoluminescence efficiency, and sensitivity to light and temperature, ZnO-doped WSe2 film is promising for use in optoelectronic devices.
Broadband ventilated metamaterial silencer for high reflection based on Fano-like interference
Authors: Jiang Quanyuan , Wang Xiaopeng , Xi Yanhui , Huang Weikang , Chen Tianning
Published: February 2021

Conventional sound shielding structures is difficult to meet the requirements of low-to-middle frequency broadband sound insulation and free ventilation. In this paper, we propose a ventilated metamaterial silencer based on Fano-like interference, which can achieve the sound transmission loss (STL) of more than 10 dB in the range of 516–970 Hz with subwavelength thickness (0.11 [Formula: see text]) while remains an opening area ratio of 23%. The designed silencer is composed of a large central orifice and four surrounding coiling channels, making the sound waves passing through the two areas generate Fano-like asymmetric transmission spectrum and form efficient reflection to insulate sound coming from various directions. The parametric studies are also carried out to investigate the tunable acoustic performance. Experiment measurement matches well with the simulation results. In the future, the proposed silencer may have potential applications in practical environments requiring broadband sound insulation and free air flows.
An Approach of Defining Domain Constraints for Domain-Specific Modeling Language
Authors: Jiang Tao , Zhou Weihong
Published: February 2021

Many Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSML) cannot formally define their semantics, leading to difficulties in identifying user-defined domain constraints. In this study, we propose a user-defined mechanism of domain constraints based on the formalization of structural semantics of DSML. First, we formally define concepts and decision methods of consistency and validity of domain constraints. Subsequently, we establish concepts and reasoning methods of domain-based model consistency. Thus, several domain constraint instances are defined and different models instances’ consistency are reasoned based on formalization of software architecture domain metamodel to illustrate our approach. Finally, our formal definition mechanism of domain constraint is added to our automatic translator for formalizing DSML and its models to automatically reason about domain constraints built based on DSML.
PHOTOCATALYTIC TiO2FILMS SYNTHESIZED BY REACTIVE CHEMICAL SPRAYING
Authors: BARBANA NESRINE , BEN YOUSSEF ADEL
Published: February 2021

Titanium tetrachloride was used to synthesize titanium dioxide emulsion by the hydrolysis process. The semiconductor was deposited on raw unglazed ceramic and silicon substrate by the reactive chemical spraying process. The experimental conditions were chosen to ensure film adhesion. Obtained films were calcined at different temperatures ranging from 600∘C to 680∘C and characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, optical measurement, contact angle measurement, and scratch test. The photocatalytic test was carried out under UV irradiation using an azo dye. The silicon substrate allowed to show the film structure. The AFM observation indicated that film roughness increased from 12[Formula: see text]nm to 32[Formula: see text]nm. Roughness growth corresponds to a large active surface and enhanced photocatalyst activity. During the photocatalyst test under UV irradiation, the sample calcined at 660∘C shows the best result with a degradation efficiency of 140[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. The same sample was characterized by hydrophilic behavior and adhesion strength.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Viscoelastic Smart Sandwich Plates Through the use of Fractional Derivative Zener Model
Authors: Amanieh Hamid Reza Talebi , Roknizadeh Seyed Alireza Seyed , Reza Arash
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the nonlinear vibrational behavior of a sandwich plate with embedded viscoelastic material is studied through the use of constitutive equations with fractional derivatives. The studied sandwich structure is consisted of a viscoelastic core that is located between the faces of functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic (FG-MEE). In order to determine the frequency-dependent feature of the viscoelastic layer, four-parameter fractional derivative model is utilized. The material properties of FG-MEE face sheets have been distributed considering the power law scheme along the thickness. In addition, for derivation of the governing equations on the sandwich plate, first-order shear deformation plate theory along with von Karman-type of kinematic nonlinearity are implemented. The derived partial differential equations (PDEs) have been transformed to the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through the Galerkin method. After that, the nonlinear vibration equations for the sandwich plate have been solved by multiple time scale perturbation technique. Moreover, for evaluating the effect of different parameters such as electric and magnetic fields, fractional order, the ratio of the core-to-face thickness and the power low index on the nonlinear vibration characteristics of sandwich plates with FG-MEE face sheets, the parametric analysis has been performed. The obtained results revealed the enhanced nonlinear natural frequency through an increment in the fractional order. Furthermore, the prominent influence of fractional order on the nonlinear frequency of sandwich plate was declared at the negative electric potential and positive magnetic potential.
Extraction of Multiple Diseases in Apple Leaf Using Machine Learning
Authors: Singh Swati , Gupta Sheifali , Tanta Ankush , Gupta Rupesh
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a novel algorithm of segmentation of diseased part in apple leaf images. In agriculture-based image processing, leaf diseases segmentation is the main processing task for region of interest extraction. It is also extremely important to segment the plant leaf from the background in case on live images. Automated segmentation of plant leaves from the background is a common challenge in the processing of plant images. Although numerous methods have been proposed, still it is tough to segment the diseased part of the leaf from the live leaf images accurately by one particular method. In the proposed work, leaves of apple having different background have been segmented. Firstly, the leaves have been enhanced by using Brightness-Preserving Dynamic Fuzzy Histogram Equalization technique and then the extraction of diseased apple leaf part is done using a novel extraction algorithm. Real-time plant leaf database is used to validate the proposed approach. The results of the proposed novel methodology give better results when compared to existing segmentation algorithms. From the segmented apple leaves, color and texture features are extracted which are further classified as marsonina coronaria or apple scab using different machine learning classifiers. Best accuracy of 96.4% is achieved using K nearest neighbor classifier.
A Novel Spherical Fuzzy Bi-Objective Linear Assignment Method and Its Application to Insurance Options Selection
Authors: Seyfi-Shishavan Seyed Amin , Kutlu Gündoğdu Fatma , Donyatalab Yaser , Farrokhizadeh Elmira , Kahraman Cengiz
Published: February 2021

Spherical fuzzy sets are the latest extension of the ordinary fuzzy sets. The main characteristic of the spherical fuzzy sets is satisfying the condition that the squared sum of the membership, nonmembership, and hesitancy degrees must be at least zero and at most one. In this research, by extending the classical linear assignment method to bi-objective linear assignment and integrating it with cosine similarity measure, we presented a novel beneficial method for solving multiple criteria group decision-making problems in the spherical fuzzy environment. A new concept for weighting the criteria, which is composed of positive and negative impacts (weights), is introduced. The proposed bi-objective model tries to maximize positive impacts and minimize the negative impacts simultaneously. In order to solve the bi-objective linear assignment model, [Formula: see text]-constraint method is applied. Therefore, a trade-off solution is formed between maximizing positive impacts and minimizing negative impacts. The applicability and validity of the proposed method are shown through an insurance options selection problem. To test the reliability and validity of the proposed method, comparative and sensitivity analysis are performed.
Multi-IMF Sample Entropy Features with Machine Learning for Surface Texture Recognition Based on Robot Tactile Perception
Authors: Shao Shiliang , Wang Ting , Su Yun , Yao Chen , Song Chunhe , Ju Zhaojie
Published: February 2021

Discrimination of surface textures using tactile sensors has attracted increasing attention. Intelligent robotics with the ability to recognize and discriminate the surface textures of grasped objects are crucial. In this paper, a novel method for surface texture classification based on tactile signals is proposed. For the proposed method, first, the tactile signals of each channel (X, Y, Z, and S) are decomposed based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Then, the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are obtained. Second, based on the multiple IMFs, the sample entropy is calculated for each IMF. Therefore, the multi-IMF sample entropy (MISE) features are obtained. Last but not least, based on the two public datasets, a variety of machine learning algorithms are used to recognize different textures. The results show that the SVM classification method, with the proposed MISE features, achieves the highest classification accuracy. Undeniably, the MISE features with the SVM method, proposed in this paper, provide a novel idea for the recognition of surface texture based on tactile perception.
Disentangled Item Representation for Recommender Systems
Authors: Cui Zeyu , Yu Feng , Wu Shu , Liu Qiang , Wang Liang
Published: February 2021

Item representations in recommendation systems are expected to reveal the properties of items. Collaborative recommender methods usually represent an item as one single latent vector. Nowadays the e-commercial platforms provide various kinds of attribute information for items (e.g., category, price, and style of clothing). Utilizing this attribute information for better item representations is popular in recent years. Some studies use the given attribute information as side information, which is concatenated with the item latent vector to augment representations. However, the mixed item representations fail to fully exploit the rich attribute information or provide explanation in recommender systems. To this end, we propose a fine-grained Disentangled Item Representation (DIR) for recommender systems in this article, where the items are represented as several separated attribute vectors instead of a single latent vector. In this way, the items are represented at the attribute level, which can provide fine-grained information of items in recommendation. We introduce a learning strategy, LearnDIR, which can allocate the corresponding attribute vectors to items. We show how DIR can be applied to two typical models, Matrix Factorization (MF) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). Experimental results on two real-world datasets show that the models developed under the framework of DIR are effective and efficient. Even using fewer parameters, the proposed model can outperform the state-of-the-art methods, especially in the cold-start situation. In addition, we make visualizations to show that our proposition can provide explanation for users in real-world applications.
Dielectric Modulated Enhancement Mode N-Polar GaN MIS-HEMT Biosensor for Label Free Detection
Authors: Hemaja V. , Panda D. K.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, an n-polar GaN MIS-HEMT based biosensor is proposed for label-free detection of various bio-molecules such as uricase, streptavidin, protein, and ChOx. Numerous reports exist on the experimental demonstration of underlap MOSFET-based biosensors but the concept has never been previously utilized in n-polar GaN MIS-HEMT based sensors. This work focuses on the characterization and sensitivity analysis of n-polar GaN HEMT based biosensor using Silvaco TCAD. For the bio-species immobilization, an open cavity is formed underneath the gate by etching away the gate and the gate insulator material from the middle of the channel region to form an underlap area. The immobilization of analytes in the underlap region leads to variation in electrostatic properties of device such as drain current, channel potential, and threshold voltage which can be used as sensing metrics. It is observed that there is a significant increase in drain current and output conductance with the addition of different biomolecules in the nanocavity. A maximum shift in threshold voltage is observed when uricase is put in the nanocavity due to its low dielectric constant. The effect of the position of biomolecules inside the cavity on sensitivity is also studied.
Photoluminescence Spectra Changes and Thermal Stability Improvement for Ba1.98Mg1−xAl2xSi2−xO7:0.02Eu2+Green Phosphor with Al–Al replacing Si–Mg
Authors: Wang Qing-Yang , Yang Zi-Han , Li Jiang-Tao , Wang Ting-Wei , Tu Ying-Ying , Wang Chun-Hao , Lu Fa-Chun
Published: February 2021

Series of Ba1.98Mg1−xAl2xSi2−xO7:0.02Eu2+phosphors were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. Ba1.98Mg1−xAl2xSi2−xO7:0.02Eu2+shows efficient green emission under the near ultra violet light excitation. As Al-Al replacing Mg-Si, the changes of the structure and the morphology, the variations of the photoluminescence spectra and lifetime, and the evolutions of the thermal stability were investigated and discussed. With Mg-Si replacement by Al-Al, the crystal field splitting strength of the 5d electron of Eu2+increases, which causes the red shift of the emission band. The photoluminescence intensity and lifetime of Eu2+is decreased. The physical mechanisms for the variations of the photoluminescence intensity and lifetime were discussed. The thermal stability can be evidently improved with Al-Al replacing Mg-Si in the host structure. The forbidden band width has been calculated with the measurements of the reflection spectra, which is extended firstly and then narrowed. The extended forbidden band width limits the Eu2+5d electron self-ionization from the splitting levels to the conduction band, which is resulted in the improvement of the thermal stabilities. These results show Al-Al replacing Si-Mg can be a suitable route for the photoluminescence tune for Ba2MgSi2O7:Eu2+phosphors.
Pygo1 regulates pathological cardiac hypertrophy via a β-catenin-dependent mechanism
Authors: Lin Li , Xu Wei , Li Yongqing , Zhu Ping , Yuan Wuzhou , Liu Ming , Shi Yan , Chen Yu , Liang Jifeng , Chen Jimei , Yang Boyu , Cai Wanwan , Wen Yao , Zhu Xiaolan , Peng Xiyang , Zhou Zuoqiong , Mo Xiaoyang , Wan Yongqi , Yuan Haiyun , Li Fang , Ye Xiangli , Jiang Zhigang , Wang Yuequn , Zhuang Jian , Fan Xiongwei , Wu Xiushan
Published: February 2021

The role of Pygo1 in mammalian cardiac disease remains unelucidated. In this study, we found that Pygo1 is associated with human pathological hypertrophy. Cardiac-specific overexpression of Pygo1 in mice spontaneously led to cardiac hypertrophy, accompanied by declined cardiac function, increased heart weight/body weight and heart weight/tibial length ratios, and increased cell size. Meanwhile, cardiac function was improved when expression of Pygo1 interfered in hypertrophy-model mice. Our study is the first to present in vivo evidence demonstrating that Pygo1 regulates pathological cardiac hypertrophy in a canonical Wnt/β-catenin-dependent manner, which may provide new clues for a tissue-specific clinical treatment targeting this pathway.
Role of t-tubule remodeling on mechanisms of abnormal calcium release during heart failure development in canine ventricle
Authors: Yamakawa Sean , Wu Daniel , Dasgupta Mona , Pedamallu Havisha , Gupta Binita , Modi Rishi , Mufti Maryam , O’Callaghan Caitlin , Frisk Michael , Louch William E. , Arora Rishi , Shiferaw Yohannes , Burrell Amy , Ryan Juliet , Nelson Lauren , Chow Madeleine , Shah Sanjiv J. , Aistrup Gary , Zhou Junlan , Marszalec William , Wasserstrom J. Andrew
Published: February 2021

Three-dimensional analysis of t-tubule density showed t-tubule disruption throughout the whole myocyte in failing dog ventricle. A double-linear relationship between Ca2+ release and t-tubule density displays a steeper slope at t-tubule densities below a threshold value (∼1.5%) above which there is little effect on Ca2+ release (T-tubule reserve). T-tubule loss increases incidence of triggered Ca2+ waves. Chemically induced t-tubule disruption suggests that t-tubule loss alone is a critical component of abnormal Ca2+ cycling in heart failure.
Enhanced Biofilm Eradication and Reduced Cytotoxicity of a Novel Polygalacturonic and Caprylic Acid Wound Ointment Compared with Common Antiseptic Ointments
Authors: Gerges Bahgat Z. , Rosenblatt Joel , Truong Y-Lan , Reitzel Ruth A. , Hachem Ray , Raad Issam I.
Published: February 2021

Antiseptic wound ointments are widely used to treat dermal wounds that are microbially contaminated. Polygalacturonic acid (PG)+caprylic acid (CAP) is a novel combination that has been shown to eradicate biofilms. We developed a novel PG+CAP ointment and compared the biofilm eradication capability and cytotoxicity of PG+CAP with that of commercially available antiseptic wound ointments. We used a well‐established biofilm model to quantitatively assess the eradication of organisms following exposure to the wound ointments for 2 hours. PG+CAP ointment completely eradicated Candida albicans, multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, whereas MediHoney, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), and benzalkonium chloride (BZK) ointments failed to eradicate all biofilms within 2 hours. We assessed cytotoxicity by exposing L‐929 fibroblasts to extracts of each ointment; Trypan blue exclusion was used to assess cell viability, and Alamar blue conversion was used to assess metabolic function. After exposure to PG+CAP and MediHoney, fibroblast viability was 96.23% and 95.23%, respectively (Trypan blue), and was comparable to untreated cells (98.77%). PHMB and BZK showed reduced viability (83.25% and 77.83%, respectively, p < 0.05). Metabolic activity results followed a similar pattern. Cytotoxicity of PG+CAP ointment towards erythrocytes was comparable to saline. PG+CAP ointment seems to be safe and can rapidly eradicate microbial biofilm; thus, PG+CAP ointment merits further in vivo testing as a potential antimicrobial wound ointment.
Motor Function Assessment of Upper Limb in Stroke Patients
Authors: Pan Bingyu , Huang Zhen , Jin Tingting , Wu Jiankang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Shen Yanfei
Published: February 2021

Background. Quantitative assessment of motor function is extremely important for poststroke patients as it can be used to develop personalized treatment strategies. This study aimed to propose an evaluation method for upper limb motor function in stroke patients. Methods. Thirty-four stroke survivors and twenty-five age-matched healthy volunteers as the control group were recruited for this study. Inertial sensor data and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were collected from the upper limb during voluntary upward reaching. Five features included max shoulder joint angle, peak and average speeds, torso balance calculated from inertial sensor data, and muscle synergy similarity extracted from sEMG data by the nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm. Meanwhile, the Fugl–Meyer score of each patient was graded by professional rehabilitation therapist. Results. Statistically significant differences were observed among severe, mild-to-moderate, and control group of five features (p ≤ 0.001). The features varied as the level of upper limb motor function changes since these features significantly correlated with the Fugl–Meyer assessment scale (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, the Bland–Altman method was conducted and showed high consistency between the evaluation method of five features and Fugl–Meyer scale. Therefore, the five features proposed in this paper can quantitatively evaluate the motor function of stroke patients which is very useful in the rehabilitation process.
Fabrication of SiC@Cu/Cu Composites with the Addition of SiC@Cu Powder by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Yunlong Zhang , Wenbo Li , Ming Hu , Hongyong Yi , Wei Zhou , Peiling Ding , Lili Tang
Published: February 2021

In view of the surface engineering application of electrical contact materials, SiC ceramic particles were introduced into copper matrix composites by the hot-press sintering method for the sake of enhancing the service life of copper matrix electrical contact materials. Magnetron sputtering technology was exploited to form the continuous copper film on the β-SiC powders in order to improve interface wettability between SiC powder and copper matrix. The SiC@Cu powders were treated by magnetron sputtering technology. Then, dynamic deposit behavior was described according to SEM results. The phase constitution, fracture morphology, relative density, porosity, Vickers hardness, and coefficient of thermal expansion of SiC@Cu/Cu composites with different SiC@Cu addition were analyzed in detail. The results showed that SiC@Cu powders with higher fraction in the SiC@Cu/Cu composites would decrease relative density and increase porosity, so it resulted in improvement of Vickers hardness. The addition of SiC@Cu decreased CTE values of the SiC@Cu/Cu composite, especially at high-level fraction SiC@Cu powder.
Micro-CT Evaluation of Four Root Canal Obturation Techniques
Authors: Kalantar Motamedi Mahmood Reza , Mortaheb Amin , Zare Jahromi Maryam , Gilbert Brett E.
Published: February 2021

Purpose. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the quality of four root canal obturation techniques using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods. A total of 36 mandibular first premolars with mostly round canals were decoronated, then instrumented up to a size F3 rotary file, and dressed with an epoxy resin-based sealer. Subsequently, they were divided into 4 different groups (

n
=
9

) based on the method of obturation: lateral condensation using 0.02 tapered master cone (LC2), lateral condensation using 0.04 tapered master cone (LC4), matched single-cone technique (MS), and matched single cone-mediated ultrasonic activation (MSUA). All the teeth were scanned using micro-CT (resolution of 19 μm), and the percentage volume of voids was calculated. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey test were used to analyze the data (

α
=
0.05

). Results. The total percentage volume of voids was significantly lower in the MSUA group compared to all other groups (

P
<
0.05

). The total percentage volume of voids was significantly lower in the MS group compared to the LC4 (

P
<
0.001

) and LC2 (

P
<
0.001

) groups. However, there was no significant difference between the LC2 and LC4 groups (

P
<
0.65

). Conclusions. MSUA, significantly, showed the least root canal filling voids amongst all the obturation techniques studied. MSUA can be considered an effective method for the filling of the round root canals. In general, lateral condensation using either 0.02 or 0.04 tapered master cones had significantly the highest volume percentage of voids amongst the experimental groups.
Efficiency of Stem Cell (SC) Differentiation into Insulin-Producing Cells for Treating Diabetes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Nemati Marzieh , Ranjbar Omrani GolamHossein , Ebrahimi Bahareh , Alizadeh Aliakbar
Published: February 2021

Over the recent years, the use of stem cells has provided a new opportunity to treat various disorders including diabetes. Stem cells are unspecialized cells with a capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into more specialized cell types. Many factors contribute to the differentiation of SCs and thus play an important role in regulating the fate of stem cells. Accordingly, a wide range of protocols has been used to differentiate SCs to insulin-producing cells but the effectiveness of SC differentiation varies. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the results obtained from different studies on SC differentiation for higher efficacy to treat diabetes. This search was done in PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus using keywords “insulin-producing cell (IPC),” “pancreatic B cell,” “insulin-secreting cell,” “stem cell,” “progenitor cells,” “mother cell,” and “colony-forming unit.” Among more than 3646 papers, 32 studies were considered eligible for more evaluations. The obtained results indicated that most of the studies were performed on the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from different tissues as compared with other types of SCs. Different evaluations of in vitro studies as well as animal models supported their role in the recovery of diabetes. In the present review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in increasing the efficiency of SC differentiation using different materials, but despite the promising results of this systematic review, further studies are needed to assess the efficiency and safety of transplantation of these cells in diabetes recovery.
The Weibull Generalized Exponential Distribution with Censored Sample: Estimation and Application on Real Data
Authors: Almongy Hisham M. , Almetwally Ehab M. , Alharbi Randa , Alnagar Dalia , Hafez E. H. , Mohie El-Din Marwa M.
Published: February 2021

This paper is concerned with the estimation of the Weibull generalized exponential distribution (WGED) parameters based on the adaptive Type‐II progressive (ATIIP) censored sample. Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), maximum product spacing (MPS), and Bayesian estimation based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods have been determined to find the best estimation method. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to compare the three methods of estimation based on the ATIIP‐censored sample, and also, we made a bootstrap confidence interval estimation. We will analyze data related to the distribution about single carbon fiber and electrical data as real data cases to show how the schemes work in practice.
Fusing Node Embeddings and Incomplete Attributes by Complement‐Based Concatenation
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wu Yuexin , Bao Yang , Yu Jing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: February 2021

Network embedding that learns representations of network nodes plays a critical role in network analysis, since it enables many downstream learning tasks. Although various network embedding methods have been proposed, they are mainly designed for a single network scenario. This paper considers a “multiple network” scenario by studying the problem of fusing the node embeddings and incomplete attributes from two different networks. To address this problem, we propose to complement the incomplete attributes, so as to conduct data fusion via concatenation. Specifically, we first propose a simple inductive method, in which attributes are defined as a parametric function of the given node embedding vectors. We then propose its transductive variant by adaptively learning an adjacency graph to approximate the original network structure. Additionally, we also provide a light version of this transductive variant. Experimental results on four datasets demonstrate the superiority of our methods.
Energy Balanced Source Location Privacy Scheme Using Multibranch Path in WSNs for IoT
Authors: Wang Huijiao , Wu Lin , Zhao Qing , Wei Yongzhuang , Jiang Hua
Published: February 2021

Source location privacy, one of the core contents of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) security, has a significant impact on extensive application of WSNs. In this paper, a novel location privacy protection routing scheme called Energy Balanced Branch Tree (EBBT) is proposed by using multibranch and fake sources. This scheme has three phases. In the first place, the data of the source are randomly sent to a certain intermediate node. Then, a minimum hop routing (MHR) from the intermediate node to the base station is formed. Then, branch paths with fake sources are generated dynamically from some nodes on the MHR path. Finally, a tree‐shaped structure from real source nodes and fake source nodes to the base station is achieved. In difference to the previous schemes, the location of the real source in the EBBT scheme does not affect the location and the number of fake sources. During the formation of the tree‐shaped multibranch paths, the residual energy of nodes is considered sufficiently, and the control of the direction of each branch path is also involved. The influence of the number and length of branches on the network lifetime and network security is also investigated. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has the advantages of long network security period and lifetime, as well as high path diversity. Our simulation further illustrates that the EBBT scheme has favorable privacy of the source location without changing the network lifetime.
Statistical Assessment of Simplified CPTU-Based Hydraulic Conductivity Curves
Authors: Zhang Mingfei , Tong Liyuan
Published: February 2021

Classical theoretical approaches to evaluate CPTU-based hydraulic conductivity gave the expression of a bilinear relation defined by

K

D

-

B

q

Q

t

, for undrained and drained soils. In fact, a dividing line may be selected with a certain degree of subjectivity, and several undrained/drained points occur in opposite sites, which may make us doubt the necessity of two intersecting lines to distinguish the undrained and drained soils. And a uniform and relatively simple curve including an arc, parabola, or ellipse correlation may be more suitable and accessible from a practical point of view. A database in the Yangtze Delta region has been collated to assess the three curves compared with the bilinear line. With the graphical and statistical analyses, the results indicate that the arc, parabola, and ellipse simplified curves could give better performance than the bilinear line. Through the statistical analyses and the number of variables, the overall best curve was the ellipse with only two variables, which is expected to improve the application scope and simplicity of hydraulic conductivity.
Vision Positioning-Based Estimation Method and Its Simulation Studies on State of Underwater Manipulator
Authors: Wang Junli , Wang Shitong , Leng Wenhao
Published: February 2021

Work class remote operated vehicles (ROVs) are generally equipped with underwater manipulators and are widely used in underwater intervention and maintenance tasks. As the load of underwater operation is relatively heavy, most commercial underwater manipulators are hydraulically actuated and are not equipped with any sensor for joint angles to keep their architectures compact. Therefore, the automatic control methods widely used in industrial robots cannot be simply applied to underwater manipulators. In this paper, an estimation method on joint angles of manipulator is presented, in which several markers are arranged on the arm links and positioned from the corresponding cameras; consequently, the joint angles of the manipulator are estimated. The simulation results show that under typical optical vision positioning error (RMS: 5 mm), the positioning error of the end effector can be estimated as about 10 mm (RMS), which means that the proposed estimation method is feasible for the state estimation for automatic control of underwater manipulators.
Rational Design, Synthesis, In Vitro, and In Silico Studies of Dihydropyrimidinone Derivatives as β-Glucuronidase Inhibitors
Authors: Karimian Somaye , Moghdani Yasaman , Khoshneviszadeh Mahsima , Pirhadi Somayeh , Iraji Aida , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi
Published: February 2021

In the current study, a series of dihydropyrimidinone derivatives were rationally designed as β-glucuronidase inhibitors. These designed compounds were successfully synthesized and characterized through various spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and EI-MS. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) of synthesized derivatives to inhibit β-glucuronidase was also established. In vitro biological evaluations revealed that 4i as the most potent compound in this series has an IC50 value of 31.52 ± 2.54 μM compared to the standard D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 = 41.32 ± 1.82 µM). Also, molecular docking and dynamics studies of the most potent compound are performed to evaluate interactions between the active compound and binding site.
The Role of Fibular Fixation in Distal Tibia-Fibula Fractures: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Chengxin , Li Zhizhuo , Wang Qiwei , Shi Lijun , Gao Fuqiang , Sun Wei
Published: February 2021

Objectives. The necessity of fibular fixation in distal tibia-fibula fractures remains controversial. This study aimed to assess its impact on radiographic outcomes as well as rates of nonunion and infection. Methods. A systematic search of the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library was performed to identify studies comparing the outcomes of reduction and internal fixation of the tibia with or without fibular fixation. Radiographic outcomes included malalignment and malrotation of the tibial shaft. Data regarding varus/valgus angulation, anterior/posterior angulation, internal/external rotation deformity, and the rates of nonunion and infection were extracted and then polled. A meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model for heterogeneity. Results. Additional fibular fixation was statistically associated with a decreased rate of rotation deformity (OR = 0.13; 95% CI 0.02–0.82,p=0.03). However, there was no difference in the rate of malreduction between the trial group and the control group (OR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.27–2.74,p=0.80). There was also no difference in radiographic outcomes of varus-valgus deformity rate (OR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.03–1.00,p=0.05) or anterior-posterior deformity rate (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.02–36.91,p=0.89) between the two groups. Meanwhile, statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the nonunion rate (OR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.37–1.02,p=0.06) or the infection rate (OR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.18–3.67,p=0.78) between the two groups. Conclusions. Additional fibular fixation does not appear to reduce the rate of varus-valgus deformity, anterior-posterior deformity, or malreduction. Meanwhile, it does not appear to impair the union process or increase the odds of infection. However, additional fibular fixation was associated with decreased odds of rotation deformity compared to controls.