bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastric cancer‐derived exosomes facilitate pulmonary metastasis by activating ERK‐mediated immunosuppressive macrophage polarization
Authors: Gu Juan , Chu Xu , Huo Yujia , Liu Chaoyi , Chen Qingge , Hu Shengnan , Pei Yanyan , Ding Pu , Pang Sen , Wang Ming 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) with pulmonary metastasis is one of the deadliest diseases in the world; however, the underlying pathological mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets remain to be elucidated. As exosomes play indispensable roles in the formation of premetastatic niches (PMN) and cancer metastasis. Therefore, investigating the underlying mechanisms of exosome‐mediated pulmonary metastasis of GC may shed new light on identifying novel therapeutic targets for GC treatment. GC‐derived exosomes were isolated from the conditioned medium of mouse forestomach carcinoma (MFC) cell line. The effects of MFC‐derived exosomes on pulmonary macrophage polarization were analyzed by reverse‐ transcription polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Expression of PD‐L1 and other proteins was evaluated by Western blot. Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) were analyzed by microarray. GC‐derived exosomes (GC‐exo) accumulated in high numbers in the lungs and were ingested by macrophages. The extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway was activated by GC‐exo, inducing macrophage immunosuppressive‐phenotype differentiation and increased PD‐L1 expression. miRNA‐sequencing identified 130 enriched miRNAs in GC‐exo. Among the enriched miRNAs, miR‐92a‐3p plays a major role in activating ERK signaling via inhibition of PTEN expression. In addition, inhibiting ERK signaling with PD98059 significantly reduced the expression of PD‐L1 in macrophages and, therefore, reversed the immunosuppressive PMN and inhibited the colonization of GC cells in the lungs. This study identified a novel mechanism of GC‐exo mediated PD‐L1 expression in lung macrophages that facilitates lung PMN formation and GC pulmonary metastasis, which also provided a potential therapeutic target for GC with pulmonary metastasis treatment.
Narrow beam breast CT: proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Ghazi Peymon , Fu Guanhao , Ghazi Tara , Kazanzides Peter , Iordachita Iulian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn breast CT, scattered photons form a large portion of the acquired signal, adversely impacting image quality throughout the frequency response of the imaging system. Prior studies provided evidence for a new image acquisition design, dubbed Narrow Beam Breast CT (NB‐bCT), in preventing scatter acquisition.PurposeHere, we report the design, implementation, and initial characterization of the first NB‐bCT prototype.MethodsThe imaging system's apparatus is composed of two primary assemblies: a dynamic Fluence Modulator (collimator) and a photon‐counting line detector. The design of the assemblies enables them to operate in lockstep during image acquisition, converting sourced x‐rays into a moving narrow beam. During a projection, this narrow beam sweeps the entire fan angle coverage of the imaging system. The assemblies are each comprised of a metal housing, a sensory system, and a robotic system. A controller unit handles their relative movements. To study the impact of fluence modulation on the signal received in the detector, three physical breast phantoms, representative of small, average, and large size breasts, were developed and imaged, and acquired projections analyzed. The scatter acquisition in each projection as a function of breast phantom size was investigated. The imaging system's spatial resolution at the center and periphery of the field of view was measured.ResultsMinimal acquisition of scattered rays occurs during image acquisition with NB‐bCT; results in minimal scatter to primary ratios in small, average, and large breast phantoms imaged were 0.05, 0.07, and 0.9, respectively. System spatial resolution of 5.2 lp/mm at 10% max MTF and 2.9 lp/mm at 50% max MTF at the center of the field of view was achieved, with minimal loss with the shift toward the corner (5.0 lp/mm at 10% max MTF and 2.5 lp/mm at 50% max MTF).ConclusionThe disclosed development, implementation, and characterization of a physical NB‐bCT prototype system demonstrates a new method of CT‐based image acquisition that yields high spatial resolution while minimizing scatter‐components in acquired projections. This methodology holds promise for high‐resolution CT‐imaging applications in which reduction of scatter contamination is desirable.
Bend‐insensitive fiber optic ultrasonic tracking probe for cardiovascular interventions
Authors: Mathews Sunish J. , Little Callum , Zhang Edward , Beard Paul , Mastracci Tara , Rakhit Roby , Desjardins Adrien E. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is widely used to guide medical device placement in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. However, visualization of the device tip with TEE can be challenging. Ultrasonic tracking, enabled by an integrated fiber optic ultrasound sensor (FOUS) that receives transmissions from the TEE probe, is very well suited to improving device localization in this context. The problem addressed in this study is that tight deflections of devices such as a steerable guide catheter can result in bending of the FOUS beyond its specifications and a corresponding loss of ultrasound sensitivity.PurposeA bend‐insensitive FOUS was developed, and its utility with ultrasonic tracking of a steerable tip during TEE‐based image guidance was demonstrated.MethodsFiberoptic ultrasound sensors were fabricated using both standard and bend insensitive single mode fibers and subjected to static bending at the distal end. The interference transfer function and ultrasound sensitivities were compared for both types of FOUS. The bend‐insensitive FOUS was integrated within a steerable guide catheter, which served as an exemplar device; the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of tracking signals from the catheter tip with a straight and a fully deflected distal end were measured in a cardiac ultrasound phantom for over 100 frames.ResultsWith tight bending at the distal end (bend radius < 10 mm), the standard FOUS experienced a complete loss of US sensitivity due to high attenuation in the fiber, whereas the bend‐insensitive FOUS had largely unchanged performance, with a SNR of 47.7 for straight fiber and a SNR of 36.8 at a bend radius of 3.0 mm. When integrated into the steerable guide catheter, the mean SNRs of the ultrasonic tracking signals recorded with the catheter in a cardiac phantom were similar for straight and fully deflected distal ends: 195 and 163.ConclusionThe FOUS fabricated from bend‐insensitive fiber overcomes the bend restrictions associated with the FOUS fabricated from standard single mode fiber, thereby enabling its use in ultrasonic tracking in a wide range of cardiovascular devices.
Is Postextubation Dysphagia Underestimated in the Era of COVID‐19? A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Chung‐Wei , Chiang Ting‐Yi , Chen Wen‐Ching , Chiu Li‐Wen , Su Yung‐Chung , Lin Hsin‐Ching , Chang Chun‐Tuan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the incidence rate of postextubation dysphagia (PED) in patients with COVID‐19, as well as relative factors potentially influencing the clinical course of dysphagia.Data SourcesSix databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science were searched with no restriction on the language.Review MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were extracted and cross‐examined among 3 of the authors. The random‐effects model was adopted for the statistical synthesis. The percentage and 95% confidence interval (CI) were adopted as the effect measurements of the PED incidence rate. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and metaregression were also performed to identify the heterogeneity among the studies.ResultsA total of 594 patients were enrolled and analyzed from the 10 eligible studies. The weighted incidence of PED in patients with COVID‐19 was 66.5% (95% CI: 49.7%‐79.9%). Age was the potential factor influencing the incidence rate after heterogeneity was adjusted by the metaregression analysis.ConclusionCompared to the current evidence reporting only 41% of the non‐COVID patients experienced PED, our study further disclosed that a higher 66.5% of COVID‐19 patients suffered from PED, which deserves global physicians' attention. With the association between COVID‐19 and dysphagia having been more clearly understood, future clinicians are suggested to identify intubated patients' risk factors earlier to strengthen PED care programs in the era of COVID‐19.
Molecularly imprinted two‐dimensional photonic crystal hydrogel sensor for the detection of gatifloxacin
Authors: Zhao Lingli , Liu Genqi , Zheng Bingqing , Wang Gang , Wang Yue , Liu Lisha , Sun Chenxin , Ma Xiaoyan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUsing polystyrene two‐dimensional photonic crystal as template, gatifloxacin (GTFX) as imprinting molecule, methanol as solvent, acrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate as crosslinking agent and 2,2‐diethyloxyacetophenone as initiator, after UV initiation polymerization the GTFX molecularly imprinted two‐dimensional photonic crystal hydrogel (GTFX‐MIPCH) sensor was prepared. The response performance of the hydrogel was investigated by measuring the diameter change of the Debye ring. The experimental results showed that the prepared GTFX‐MIPCH has a sensitive response to GTFX. When the concentration of GTFX increases from 0 to 1 × 10−4 mol L−1, the diameter of the Debye ring decreases by 8.50 mm, the corresponding particle spacing increases by 29.1 nm, and the color of the sensor changes from purple to orange. Also there was a linear relationship between the change of particle spacing (Δd) and the logarithm of GTFX concentration (lg c) in the range 10−12–10−6 mol L−1. It is noteworthy that the limit of detection of GTFX‐MIPCH is as low as 10−14 mol L−1. In addition, in a solution of GTFX analogues enrofloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, the change of particle spacing of the GTFX‐MIPCH sensor is 13.3, 11.6, 11.1 and 10.3 nm respectively, indicating that GTFX‐MIPCH has good specific recognition ability for GTFX. Moreover, GTFX‐MIPCH shows good reusability and can also be used for the detection of GTFX in water samples. This GTFX‐MIPCH can achieve a visual detection effect on GTFX through the Debye ring and color change. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Prevalence of genotoxic bacteria in men undergoing biopsy for prostate cancer
Authors: Lee John , Wickes Brian L. , Fu Jianmin , Brockman Nohelli E. , Garg Harshit , Jobin Christian , Johson‐Pais Teresa , Leach Robin , Lai Zhao , Liss Michael A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundNew evidence suggests that bacteria‐produced DNA toxins may have a role in the development or progression of prostate cancer. To determine the prevalence of these genes in a noninfection (i.e., colonized) state, we screened urine specimens in men before undergoing a biopsy for prostate cancer detection.MethodsWe developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction using three of the most described bacterial genotoxin gene primers: Colibactin (polyketone synthase [pks] gene island: clbN and clbB), cytotoxic necrotizing factor (cnf1) toxin, and cytolethal distending toxin B (cdtB) represented gene islands. After calibration on Escherichia coli samples of known genotypes, we used a training and validation cohort. We performed multiplex testing on a training cohort of previously collected urine from 45 men undergoing prostate biopsy. For the validation cohort, we utilized baseline urine samples from a previous randomized clinical trial (n = 263) with known prostate cancer outcomes.ResultsThe prevalence of four common bacterial genotoxin genes detected in the urine before prostate biopsy for prostate cancer is 8% (25/311). The prevalence of pks island (clbN and clbB), cnf1, and cdt toxin genes are 6.1%, 2.4%, and 1.7%, respectively. We found no association between urinary genotoxins and prostate cancer (p = 0.83). We did identify a higher proportion of low‐grade cancer (92% vs. 44%) in those men positive for urinary genotoxin and higher‐grade cancer in those genotoxin negative (8% vs. 56%, p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe prevalence of urinary genotoxins is low and does not correspond to a prostate cancer diagnosis. The urine was taken at one point in time and does not rule out the possibility of previous exposure.
A multiaxial probabilistic fatigue life prediction method for nickel‐based single crystal turbine blade considering mean stress correction
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Huang Hong‐Zhong , Zhang Xuelian , Zhang Kejia 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGas turbine blades normally operate under high‐temperatures, extreme pressure, and high‐speed conditions, which leads to complex failure mechanisms and difficulties in fatigue life assessment. Moreover, due to the randomness of manufacturing errors, working loads, and material properties, the low cycle fatigue (LCF) life normally presents unavoidable stochastic behavior. Therefore, accurate and efficient fatigue life prediction is critical for the design of gas turbine blades. Accordingly, this paper analyzes the effects of mean stress, anisotropy, and uncertainties on the LCF life of nickel‐based single‐crystal turbine blades. The modified Hill yield criterion is employed to deal with the anisotropic damage characteristics of nickel‐based single‐crystal superalloy (NSCS) under a multiaxial stress state. Meanwhile, the effects of the temperature and crystal orientation are introduced into the walker mean stress correction term. A multiaxial LCF life prediction model is developed based on the energy criterion‐based fatigue life estimation method. Moreover, multi‐source uncertainties originating from rotation speeds, material properties, and temperature are analyzed and quantified. Comparison between the predicted and tested life indicates that the proposed method produces good accuracy and robustness, which can provide a reference for the reliability design of NSCS turbine blades.
Hydrofoil-like legs help stream mayfly larvae to stay on the ground
Authors: Ditsche Petra , Hoffmann Florian , Kaehlert Sarah , Kesel Antonia , Gorb Stanislav 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAdaptations to flow have already been in the focus of early stream research, but till today morphological adaptations of stream insects are hardly understood. While most previous stream research focused on drag, the effects of lift on ground-living stream insects have been often overlooked. Stream mayfly larvaeEcdyonurussp. graze on algae on top of the stones and therefore inhabit current exposed places in streams. They have a dorso-ventrally flattened body shape, which is known to reduce drag. However, this body shape enhances lift too, increasing the danger for the animal of getting detached from the substrate. Using microscopic techniques, 3D-printing, and drag and lift measurements in a wind tunnel, our experiments show that the widened femora ofEcdyonurussp. can generate negative lift, contributing to counterbalance the (positive) lift of the overall body shape. The larvae can actively regulate the amount of lift by adjusting the femur’s tilt or optimizing the distance to the ground. This shows that morphological adaptations of benthic stream insects can be very elaborate and can reach far beyond adaptations of the overall body shape. In the presented case,Ecdyonurussp. takes advantage of the flow to overcome the flow’s challenges.
Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in postmortem lung, kidney, and liver samples, revealing cellular targets involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis
Authors: Falcón-Cama Viviana , Montero-González Teresita , Acosta-Medina Emilio F. , Guillen-Nieto Gerardo , Berlanga-Acosta Jorge , Fernández-Ortega Celia , Alfonso-Falcón Anabel , Gilva-Rodríguez Nathalie , López-Nocedo Lilianne , Cremata-García Daina , Matos-Terrero Mariuska , Pentón-Rol Giselle , Valdés Iris , Oramas-Díaz Leonardo , Suarez-Batista Anamarys , Noa-Romero Enrique , Cruz-Sui Otto , Sánchez Daisy , Borrego-Díaz Amanda I. , Valdés-Carreras Juan E. , Vizcaino Ananayla , Suárez-Alba José , Valdés-Véliz Rodolfo , Bergado Gretchen , González Miguel A. , Hernandez Tays , Alvarez-Arzola Rydell , Ramírez-Suárez Anna C. , Casillas-Casanova Dionne , Lemos-Pérez Gilda , Blanco-Águila Omar R. , Díaz Angelina , González Yorexis , Bequet-Romero Mónica , Marín-Prida Javier , Hernández-Perera Julio C. , del Rosario-Cruz Leticia , Marin-Díaz Alina P. , González-Bravo Maritza , Borrajero Israel , Acosta-Rivero Nelson 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThere is an urgent need to understand severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-host interactions involved in virus spread and pathogenesis, which might contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets. In this study, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in postmortem lung, kidney, and liver samples of patients who died with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its relationship with host factors involved in virus spread and pathogenesis, using microscopy-based methods. The cases analyzed showed advanced stages of diffuse acute alveolar damage and fibrosis. We identified the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (NC) in a variety of cells, colocalizing with mitochondrial proteins, lipid droplets (LDs), and key host proteins that have been implicated in inflammation, tissue repair, and the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle (vimentin, NLRP3, fibronectin, LC3B, DDX3X, and PPARγ), pointing to vimentin and LDs as platforms involved not only in the viral life cycle but also in inflammation and pathogenesis. SARS-CoV-2 isolated from a patient´s nasal swab was grown in cell culture and used to infect hamsters. Target cells identified in human tissue samples included lung epithelial and endothelial cells; lipogenic fibroblast-like cells (FLCs) showing features of lipofibroblasts such as activated PPARγ signaling and LDs; lung FLCs expressing fibronectin and vimentin and macrophages, both with evidence of NLRP3- and IL1β-induced responses; regulatory cells expressing immune-checkpoint proteins involved in lung repair responses and contributing to inflammatory responses in the lung; CD34+ liver endothelial cells and hepatocytes expressing vimentin; renal interstitial cells; and the juxtaglomerular apparatus. This suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may directly interfere with critical lung, renal, and liver functions involved in COVID-19-pathogenesis.
Frequent duets, rare choruses, and extremely rare solos: year-round singing behavior in Chubb’s Cisticola
Authors: Budka Michał , Piasecka Marta , Białas Joanna Teresa , Kokociński Patryk , Podkowa Paweł , Surmacki Adrian , Szymański Paweł , Sobczyńska Urszula , Osiejuk Tomasz Stanisław 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOur current understanding of the function of coordinated acoustic displays usually comes from studies conducted over a short period of the breeding season. However, the function of particular types of vocalizations may vary according to sex and context, and such displays can extend beyond the time of reproduction. To fully understand this phenomenon, analyses of year-round singing behavior are required. In the current study, we focused on a small, year-round territorial Afrotropical songbird, Chubb’s Cisticola (Cisticola chubbi). We analyzed the structure of songs during the breeding season as well as year-round changes in the proportion of solos, duets, and choruses to investigate the potential function(s) of each type of vocalization. We found that: (1) females produced whistling notes, while males generated trilling ones; (2) up to five individuals formed coordinated choruses, and (3) individuals were always near to each other during cooperative singing. Over the course of a year, the majority of syllables recorded were duets (82%), with rarer choruses (16%) and extremely rare solos (2%). Outside of the breeding season, males produced the most solos, while females produced more at the beginning of the breeding season. The proportion of choruses was highest at the end of breeding season. Frequent year-round production of duets and choruses strongly supports territory defense as the main function of joint singing, while the highest proportion of choruses at the end of the breeding season suggests that offspring take part in the chorus. To better understand cooperative singing, it is essential to extend our looking beyond the breeding season.
Cleaning, sculpting or preparing? Scientific knowledge in Caitlin Wylie’s preparing dinosaurs
Authors: Currie Adrian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCaitlin Wylie’s “Preparing Dinosaurs: the work behind the scenes” (MIT Press 2021) provides a rich ethnographic analysis of the work of fossil preparators. On her account, knowledge in vertebrate paleontology is mediated through a three-way division of labour between paleontologists, preparators and volunteers, each with their own role, expertise and responsibility. In this review, I develop her notion of ‘preparation as knowledge’, focusing in particular on the nature of objectivity in paleontological knowledge and on the middle-road she indicates between constructivist and realist approaches to epistemology.
Nash equilibrium as a tool for the Car Sequencing Problem 4.0
Authors: Bysko Sara , Krystek Jolanta , Świerniak Andrzej 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis paper introduces a new concept to solve car sequencing problem called the Car Sequencing Problem 4.0, focuses the paint shop. The problem of effective car sequencing in the paint shop is caused by the specifics of the production process itself and the structure of the production line. Sequencing of cars as required by the painting process is justified economically. The main goal is to minimize the number of costly changeovers of the painting guns because of color changes and to synchronize those with periodic cleanings, forced by technological requirements. For this purpose, a buffer located in the paint shop is applied. In this paper a game theoretic framework is presented to analyze the problem. Three games are introduced: Buffer Slot Assignment Game–Buffer-OutShuttle Game called the BSAG-BOSG, In–Out Shuttle Game and its modification called modified In–Out Shuttle Game. Based on the simulations performed the efficiency of the algorithms is verified using several datasets.