Vessel Stability Research Articles

Changing the frequency of heеling test for small fishing vessels during their operation

Loss of stability of the vessel belongs to the category one of the most dangerous disasters, several ships perish each year from capsizing around the world, and in some years the number is measured in tens. Therefore, the ships should carry out constant of monitoring of the main parameters of stability. The displacement and height of the center of gravity above the main plane a of light ship increase during operation. This growth is due to repairs, modernization, bringing the vessel into compliance with the new requirements of the IMO Conventions, and improvements in working and living conditions. An analysis of the records of the ships MRTK of the Baltica type heeling test showed that their displacement increased by 0,5-14,8 tones and that the increase in height of the center of gravity above the main plane was about 5,47 centimeters, and a maximum increment has reached of 15 centimeters. Such changes in the characteristics of a light ship may result in a disruption of the vessel's stability in operational load cases. Calculations of changes in displacement and height of the center of gravity above the main plane of light ship for Baltika type MRTK and Obolon type SRTM (333 design) under the worst-case load in terms of stability were made in the article. Analysis of the plotted graphs changes static stability curve for MRTK Baltika type showed, that during 10 years of operation, maximum metacentric arm decreased by 0,05 m, and change of height of the center of gravity above the main plane of the light ship made 0,1 m. For the SRTM Obolon type the maximum shoulder of the dynamic stability curve decreased by 0,038 m and the change in the height of the center of gravity above the main plane for the light ship 0,05 m. All this suggests that a heeling test for small craft should be carried out more frequently than every 10 years.

Release of STK24/25 suppression on MEKK3 signaling in endothelial cells confers cerebral cavernous malformation.

Loss-of-function mutations in cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) genes and gain-of-function mutation in the MAP3K3 gene encoding MEKK3 cause CCM. Deficiency of CCM proteins leads to the activation of MEKK3-KLF2/4 signaling, but it is not clear how this occurs. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the CCM3 interacting kinases STK24/25 in endothelial cells causes defects in vascular patterning during development as well as CCM lesion formation during postnatal life. While permanent deletion of STK24/25 in endothelial cells caused developmental defects of the vascular system, inducible postnatal deletion of STK24/25 impaired angiogenesis in the retina and brain. More importantly, deletion of STK24/25 in neonatal mice led to the development of severe CCM lesions. At the molecular level, a hybrid protein consisting of the STK kinase domain and the MEKK3 interacting domain of CCM2 rescued the vascular phenotype caused by the loss of ccm gene function in zebrafish. Our study suggests that CCM2/3 proteins act as adapters to allow recruitment of STK24/25 to limit the constitutive MEKK3 activity, thus contributing to vessel stability. Loss of STK24/25 causes MEKK3 activation, leading to CCM lesion formation.

Flow-dependent shear stress affects the biological properties of pericyte-like cells isolated from human dental pulp

BackgroundHuman dental pulp stem cells represent a mesenchymal stem cell niche localized in the perivascular area of dental pulp and are characterized by low immunogenicity and immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory properties. Pericytes, mural cells surrounding the endothelium of small vessels, regulate numerous functions including vessel growth, stabilization and permeability. It is well established that pericytes have a tight cross talk with endothelial cells in neoangiogenesis and vessel stabilization, which are regulated by different factors, i.e., microenvironment and flow-dependent shear stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a pulsatile unidirectional flow in the presence or not of an inflammatory microenvironment on the biological properties of pericyte-like cells isolated from human dental pulp (hDPSCs).MethodsHuman DPSCs were cultured under both static and dynamic conditions with or without pre-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Pulsatile unidirectional flow shear stress was generated by using a specific peristaltic pump. The angiogenic potential and inflammatory properties of hDPSCs were evaluated through reverse phase protein microarrays (RPPA), confocal immunofluorescence and western blot analyses.ResultsOur data showed that hDPSCs expressed the typical endothelial markers, which were up-regulated after endothelial induction, and were able to form tube-like structures. RPPA analyses revealed that these properties were modulated when a pulsatile unidirectional flow shear stress was applied to hDPSCs. Stem cells also revealed a downregulation of the immune-modulatory molecule PD-L1, in parallel with an up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory molecule NF-kB. Immune-modulatory properties of hDPSCs were also reduced after culture under flow-dependent shear stress and exposure to an inflammatory microenvironment. This evidence was strengthened by the detection of up-regulated levels of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the application of a pulsatile unidirectional flow shear stress induced a modulation of immunomodulatory/inflammatory properties of dental pulp pericyte-like cells.

Placental capillary pericytes release excess extracellular vesicles under hypoxic conditions inducing a pro-angiogenic profile in term pregnancy

Pericytes are multifunctional cells wrapped around capillary endothelia, essential for vascular health, development, and blood flow regulation, although their role in human placental chorionic villi has not been fully explored. The second half of normal pregnancy is characterized by a progressive decline in placental and fetal oxygen levels which, by term, comprises a substantial degree of hypoxia. We hypothesized this hypoxia would stimulate pericyte regulation of chorionic villous capillary function. This study's objective was to investigate the role of hypoxia on normal term placental pericytes (PLVP) and their signaling to endothelial cells. First, we confirmed fetoplacental hypoxia at term by a new analysis of umbilical arterial blood oxygen tension of 3,010 healthy singleton neonates sampled at caesarean section and before labor. We then measured the release of cytokines, chemokines, and small extracellular vesicles (PLVPsv), from PLVP cultured at 20%, 8% and 1% O2. As O2 levels decreased, secreted cytokines and chemokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], and small extracellular vesicle markers, (Alix, Syntenin and CD9) increased significantly in the culture supernatants. When primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured with PLVPsv, polygon formation, number, and tube formation length was significantly increased compared to cells not treated with PLVPsv, indicating PLVPsv stimulated angiogenesis. We conclude that adding PLVPsv stimulates angiogenesis and vessel stabilization on neighboring endothelial cells in response to hypoxia in term pregnancy compared to no addition of PLVPsv. Our finding that PLVP can release angiogenic molecules via extracellular vesicles in response to hypoxia may apply to other organ systems.

Field test of two mobile apps for commercial fishing safety: Feedback from fishing vessel captains.

Unique hazards make commercial fishing a hazardous occupation. Effective safety measures exist, but numerous barriers hinder their adoption. Two mobile apps aim to make performing crucial safety practices easier: the Small Craft Motion Program (SCraMP), which provides vessel stability information, and FVdrills, which provides checklists for running safety drills. The purpose of this study was to obtain feedback from commercial fishing captains who tested SCraMP or FVdrills for its usefulness during typical fishing operations. A convenience sample of commercial fishing captains with iOS devices tested either FVdrills or SCraMP. After one month, participants provided feedback via online questionnaire. The main outcome variables were self-reported app use and perceived usefulness of the app. Thirty-two participants who were asked to try FVdrills (n = 16) or SCraMP (n = 16) completed follow-up questionnaires. Twelve participants in the FVdrills group (75.0%) reported using the app. Of these 12, eight (66.7%) rated FVdrills "Very" or "Extremely" useful, and 11 (91.7%) agreed that FVdrills is "easy to use." Nine participants in the SCraMP group (56.3%) reported using the app. Of these nine, only one participant (11.1%) rated SCraMP "Very" or "Extremely" useful and only two (22.2%) agreed that SCraMP is "Easy to use." Commercial fishing captains who already own a smartphone or tablet may be willing to try a new mobile app addressing safety issues related to their work. App developers and safety professionals should conduct multiple rounds of formative evaluation, field-testing, and refinement to optimize ease of use and usefulness.

BEYOND THE ENDOTHELIUM: THE ROLE OF MURAL CELLS IN VASCULAR BIOLOGY: In vitro systems to study endothelial/pericyte cell interactions.

The vasculature is crucial for tissue development and survival, and the stability of blood vessels to perform these functions relies on the interplay between endothelial cells (ECs) and mural cells. Pericytes are a subtype of mural cells found in the microvasculature that extend their processes to wrap around the endothelial monolayer. Pericytes are recruited during vessel growth through the excretion of soluble factors from ECs where they stabilize angiogenic sprouts and induce maturation of the resident cells. Alterations in these interactions between ECs and pericytes are associated with aberrant vessel growth and disrupted vasculature function characteristic of numerous diseases. Therefore, deeper understanding of the cross-talk between these cell types has numerous implications for understanding morphogenesis and elucidating disease mechanisms. In this review, we highlight recent advances and current trends studying the interactions between ECs and pericytes in vitro. We begin by analyzing three-dimensional hydrogel platforms that mimic the tissue extracellular matrix to investigate signaling pathways and altered vascular function in disease-specific cells. We next examine how microfluidic vasculature-on-a-chip platforms have elucidated the interplay of these vascular cells during angiogenesis and vascular network formation under controlled physiochemical cues and interstitial flow. Additionally, studies have utilized microvessels to measure the effect of shear stress on barrier function through the control of luminal flow and the impact of inflammation on these vascular cell interactions. Finally, we briefly highlight self-assembling human blood vessel organoids, an emerging high-throughput platform to study ECs and pericyte interactions.

Image-based crosstalk analysis of cell–cell interactions during sprouting angiogenesis using blood-vessel-on-a-chip

BackgroundSprouting angiogenesis is an important mechanism for morphogenetic phenomena, including organ development, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. In regenerative medicine, therapeutic angiogenesis is a clinical solution for recovery from ischemic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been clinically used given their pro-angiogenic effects. MSCs are reported to promote angiogenesis by differentiating into pericytes or other vascular cells or through cell–cell communication using multiple protein–protein interactions. However, how MSCs physically contact and move around ECs to keep the sprouting angiogenesis active remains unknown.MethodsWe proposed a novel framework of EC–MSC crosstalk analysis using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and MSCs obtained from mice subcutaneous adipose tissue on a 3D in vitro model, microvessel-on-a-chip, which allows cell-to-tissue level study. The microvessels were fabricated and cultured for 10 days in a collagen matrix where MSCs were embedded.ResultsImmunofluorescence imaging using a confocal laser microscope showed that MSCs smoothed the surface of the microvessel and elongated the angiogenic sprouts by binding to the microvessel’s specific microstructures. Additionally, three-dimensional modeling of HUVEC–MSC intersections revealed that MSCs were selectively located around protrusions or roots of angiogenic sprouts, whose surface curvature was excessively low or high, respectively.ConclusionsThe combination of our microvessel-on-a-chip system for 3D co-culture and image-based crosstalk analysis demonstrated that MSCs are selectively localized to concave–convex surfaces on scaffold structures and that they are responsible for the activation and stabilization of capillary vessels.

Approach for Measuring a Ship to Shore Crane Actual Wheel Load

Knowing the real crane deadweight, center of gravity (COG) and wheel loads instead of nominal ones is crucial for many reasons. One of the reasons relates to the checking the quay strength where the crane is going to be installed and it should be based on the crane maximum real wheel loads. Another example could be the crane transportation by sea on the deck of the vessel (Starykov & Van Hoorn, 2017). In this case predicting the precise value of the crane deadweight and its COG plays a key role in accurate calculation of the vessel stability, acceleration calculation from the ship motions and the vessel’s deck strength. This paper demonstrates a new approach to finding the crane wheel load and in the result the deadweight and COG position. This method does not need special arrangement and uses combination of strain gauge measurements and Finite Element (FE) analysis only. The application of the method is demonstrated on example of the ship loader for which the possibility of capacity increase has been assessed.

The Ratio of Storage Volume to Cubic Number for Rampus Nets at The Karangantu Archipelago Fishery Port-Banten

The Banten Province Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service plans to standardize the hold volume for fishing vessels in its management area. The management plan is still challenging to implement because there is no information about the vessel storage volume. In addition, small fishing vessel fishers still store their catch in boxes made of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP). That box is often placed on the deck floor, causing decreased vessel stability. The size of the available storage volume on the vessel must be ideal, so it needs to be compared with the cubic number. This research aims to determine the optimal storage volume to cubic number ratio for rampus net vessels with the best stability conditions. The sampling technique used was accidental sampling with a total sample of 10% from 72 fishing vessels. Data processing used mathematical calculations and stability simulation with the GZ program. Analysis of the data used is descriptive analysis. The results showed that the optimal ratio of storage volume to cubic number for vessels with sizes 3-5 GT ranged from 5.03 - 8.55%. That ratio was a storage condition designed inside the hull construction, and the catch is directly put into the store without using the FRP box. From the stability point of view, condition 3 is the best for the quality of fishing vessel’s stability. This due to the lowest value of KG in condition 3 comparing to other conditions.

Myeloid cell subpopulations compensate each other for Ccr2-deficiency in glioblastoma.

Glioblastomas are high-grade brain tumours that are characterised by the accumulation of brain-resident microglia and peripheral macrophages. Recruitment of these myeloid cells can be facilitated by CCR2/CCL2 signalling. Besides the well-known CCR2+ macrophages, we have identified microglia expressing CCR2 in glioma tissues. Thus, we investigated how Ccr2-deficiency of one of the myeloid cell populations affects the other population and tumour biology. We generated four chimeric groups to analyse single and combined Ccr2-deficiency of microglia and macrophages. On day 21 after tumour cell implantation (GL261), we conducted flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Tumour volume and metabolism were determined by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, in vitro studies were performed with primary microglia and bone marrow-derived macrophages. We demonstrated reduced infiltration of macrophages and microglia depending on the lack of Ccr2. However, the total number of myeloid cells remained constant except for the animals with dual Ccr2-knockout. Both microglia and macrophages with Ccr2-deficiency showed impaired expression of proinflammatory molecules and altered phagocytic activity. Despite the altered immunologic phenotype caused by Ccr2-deficiency, glioma progression and metabolism were hardly affected. Alterations were detected solely in apoptosis and proliferation of tumours from animals with specific Ccr2-deficient microglia, whereas vessel stability was increased in mice with Ccr2-knockout in both cell populations. These results indicate that microglia and macrophages provide a homoeostatic balance within glioma tissue and compensate for the lack of the corresponding counterpart. Moreover, we identified that the CCR2/CCL2 axis is involved in the immunologic function of microglia and macrophages beyond its relevance for migration.

6 Iodo-delta lactone inhibits angiogenesis in human HT29 colon adenocarcinoma xenograft.

IntroductionSeveral studies have shown the antiproliferative effect of iodine and 5‑hydroxy-6 iodo-eicosatrienoic delta lactone (IL-δ) on diverse tissues. It was demonstrated that molecular iodine (I2) and IL-δ, but not iodide (I−), exerts anti-neoplastic actions in different cancers. The underlying mechanism through which IL-δ inhibits tumor growth remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of IL-δ on tumor growth and angiogenesis in human HT29 colorectal cancer xenografts. Methodology and ResultsHT29 cells were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of nude mice and IL-δ was i.p. injected at a dose of 15 μg three days a week. IL-δ treatment in HT29 xenografts showed time-dependent inhibition of tumor growth, decrease of mitosis and PCNA expression (p < 0.05), increase of P27 expression and Caspase 3 activity after 18 days of treatment (p < 0.05). To assess tumor Microvessel Densities (MVD), CD31 staining by immunohistochemistry was analyzed. IL-δ treatment decreased MVD by 17% and 30% after 18 and 30 days respectively (p < 0.05), as well as it decreased VEGF and VEGF-R2 expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, our findings demonstrated that IL-δ increased VEGF-R1 and Ang-1 mRNA levels (p < 0.01). ConclusionThe antitumor efficacy of IL-δ in vivo involves inhibition of cell proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis. IL-δ has also anti-angiogenic effect associated with VEGF and VEGF-R2 downregulation followed by Ang-1 and VEGF-R1 increased expression. High levels of Ang-1 would contribute to mature vessel stabilization and maintenance while VEGF-R1 increase would produce anti-proliferative effect on endothelial cells.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Pathological and Therapeutic Roles of Pericytes in Atherosclerosis.

Pericytes are multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells playing an active role in angiogenesis, vessel stabilisation, maturation, remodelling, blood flow regulation and are able to trans-differentiate into other cells of the mesenchymal lineage. In this review, we summarised recent data demonstrating that pericytes play a key role in the pathogenesis and development of atherosclerosis (AS). Pericytes are involved in lipid accumulation, inflammation, growth, and vascularization of the atherosclerotic plaque. Decreased pericyte coverage, endothelial and pericyte dysfunction is associated with intraplaque angiogenesis and haemorrhage, calcification and cholesterol clefts deposition. At the same time, pericytes can be used as a novel therapeutic target to promote vessel maturity and stability, thus reducing plaque vulnerability. Finally, we discuss recent studies exploring effective AS treatments with pericyte-mediated anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

Applicability of Current Statutory Rules for Stability Requirements of Bangladesh Inland Passenger Vessels

_ Applicability of current Bangladesh inland vessels stability rule has been investigated for the local passenger vessels. Bangladesh inland vessel’s stability rule is exactly the same as international stability code (2008), despite of the different environmental load in navigational routes. The restricted waterways limit the dimension of the vessels. It has been found that domestic passenger vessels have changed their dimensions considerably from the year 1974 to 2009. But analysis shows, still most of the domestic passenger vessels exceed the dimensional ratio range that is specified in both the righting lever-based criteria and weather criterion of international code. The part of the weather criterion, specifically estimation method for the angle of roll due to wind and wave action has been studied in details. Different nationals have adopted values of governing parameters for extended range of vessel dimensions, which can also successfully cover all the Bangladesh domestic passenger vessels. As per the code 2008, for ships with values outside of the addressed range, the angle of roll may be determined with model experiments of a subject ship as alternative weather criterion. Bangladesh is still lacking both in facility and infrastructure for carrying model tests. This study shows that computer simulation can be used in exchange of experimental setup where the simulation result can be validated by Parameter Identification Technique, which is described as an alternative approach in the interim guideline of International Maritime Organization (IMO). Introduction Passenger vessel accident is a persistent phenomenon in Bangladesh inland waterways. Thousands of people have passed away due to these catastrophic incidents. The major two modes of failure that are responsible for accidents in waterways are identified as structural failure and stability failure (Islam et al. 2015a). Structural failure like collision also leads to stability failure (Damage Stability). Iqbal et al. (2008a, 2008b) analyzed the Bangladesh inland passenger vessels accident data of 25 years and found that in 49% cases, the failure was due to lose of intact stability. Raiyan et al. (2017) have done event tree analysis of marine accidents in Bangladesh taking initial condition as overloading. Literature study (Awal 2006; Awal et al. 2007; Awal et al. 2014; Islam et al. 2015b; Rahman 2017) shows that researchers have proposed many general recommendations from different point of view to prevent the passenger vessel accidents. But still now, no attempt has been made to analyze the currently applicable statutory rules for ensuring the safety in inland waterways, which is mainly Bangladesh Inland Vessels Stability Rule including Weather Criterion (Zulfikar 2005). Stability rules of inland vessels are to be governed by standard localized condition of the subjected parameters. The socioeconomic condition, local environment, as well as infrastructural development like availability of model test facilities need to be considered for smooth and proper application of stability rules which then can only ensure the safety of local vessels. This implies that the individual efforts of concern country in research and analysis are of great importance for the development of practicable stability rules of inland vessels.

Ensuring the Environmental Friendliness of Drillships during Their Operation in Special Ecological Regions of Northern Europe

The features of the operation of the drillship-type vessels in special ecological regions of Northern Europe are considered. The main gap in the study of these systems is to determine the optimal degree of recirculation. The requirements of the International Maritime Organization for the emission of nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gases of marine diesel engines are given. The aim of the study is to determine the optimal degree of recirculation of exhaust gases of a 16V32 STX-MAN marine diesel. During the research, the optimal degree of exhaust gas recirculation varied in the range of 0–21%, the load on the diesel—in the range of 35–95% of the rated power. It was established that in this case, the emission of nitrogen oxides decreases up to 7.7–33.6%, the specific fuel consumption increases up to 0.2–3.5%. It was also found that the use of gas recirculation in the range of 18–21% at loads of 35–55% leads to a critical increase in exhaust gas temperature. It is advisable to use exhaust gas recirculation in the range of 6–15% to ensure the environmental friendliness of the operation of the drillships. In these modes, the maximum reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions is ensured with a minimum increase in specific fuel consumption. Future studies should be directed at the development of the criteria for the environmental stability of sea vessels.

Comparison of the Behavior of Perivascular Cells (Pericytes and CD34+ Stromal Cell/Telocytes) in Sprouting and Intussusceptive Angiogenesis.

Perivascular cells in the pericytic microvasculature, pericytes and CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+SCs/TCs), have an important role in angiogenesis. We compare the behavior of these cells depending on whether the growth of endothelial cells (ECs) from the pre-existing microvasculature is toward the interstitium with vascular bud and neovessel formation (sprouting angiogenesis) or toward the vascular lumen with intravascular pillar development and vessel division (intussusceptive angiogenesis). Detachment from the vascular wall, mobilization, proliferation, recruitment, and differentiation of pericytes and CD34+SCs/TCs, as well as associated changes in vessel permeability and functionality, and modifications of the extracellular matrix are more intense, longer lasting over time, and with a greater energy cost in sprouting angiogenesis than in intussusceptive angiogenesis, in which some of the aforementioned events do not occur or are compensated for by others (e.g., sparse EC and pericyte proliferation by cell elongation and thinning). The governing mechanisms involve cell–cell contacts (e.g., peg-and-socket junctions between pericytes and ECs), multiple autocrine and paracrine signaling molecules and pathways (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, angiopoietins, transforming growth factor B, ephrins, semaphorins, and metalloproteinases), and other factors (e.g., hypoxia, vascular patency, and blood flow). Pericytes participate in vessel development, stabilization, maturation and regression in sprouting angiogenesis, and in interstitial tissue structure formation of the pillar core in intussusceptive angiogenesis. In sprouting angiogenesis, proliferating perivascular CD34+SCs/TCs are an important source of stromal cells during repair through granulation tissue formation and of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumors. Conversely, CD34+SCs/TCs have less participation as precursor cells in intussusceptive angiogenesis. The dysfunction of these mechanisms is involved in several diseases, including neoplasms, with therapeutic implications.

The Provenance, Providence, and Position of Endothelial Cells in Injured Spinal Cord Vascular Pathology.

Endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes are present in all blood vessels. Their position confers an important role in controlling oxygen and nutrient transportation to the different organs. ECs can adopt different morphologies based on their need and functions. Both ECs and pericytes express different surface markers that help in their identification, but heterogeneity and overlapping between markers among different cells pose a challenge for their precise identification. Spatiotemporal association of ECs and pericytes have great importance in sprout formation and vessel stabilization. Any traumatic injury in CNS may lead to vascular damage along with neuronal damage. Hence, ECs-pericyte interaction by physical contact and paracrine molecules is crucial in recovering the epicenter region by promoting angiogenesis. ECs can transform into other types of cells through endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), promoting wound healing in the epicenter region. Various signaling pathways mediate the interaction of ECs with pericytes that have an extensive role in angiogenesis. In this review, we discussed ECs and pericytes surface markers, the spatiotemporal association and interaction of ECs-pericytes, and signaling associated with the pathology of traumatic SCI. Linking the brain or spinal cord-specific pathologies and human vascular pathology will pave the way toward identifying new therapeutic targets and developing innovative preventive strategies. Endothelial-pericyte interaction strategic for formation of functional neo-vessels that are crucial for neurological recovery.

URANS prediction of excessive acceleration during lifting operation

The aim of this study is to investigate and quantify the dynamic stability of a sample vessel during lifting operation. Experimental and numerical test results in calm water and regular/irregular waves are presented. The objective is to evaluate the vulnerability of a fishing trawler to the Excessive Acceleration (EA) stability failure mode with vessel-specific operation, in this context, lifting. Level 1 and 2, and Level 3 assessment are undertaken. The influence of lifting operation on EA in calm water and the dynamic right lever are also examined. The vulnerability of the model to the EA stability failure mode with and without a suspended load is further investigated in regular and irregular waves. The study finds that ships with a relatively low bridge deck, is less likely to suffer from the EA stability failure mode, but with a suspended load, the exceedance probability is higher.

Intratumoral PDGFB gene predominantly expressed in endothelial cells is associated with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, but not with metastasis in breast cancer.

Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB) is known to play essential roles in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during development, and tumor growth and vessel stabilization in experimental models. However, whether these findings could be translated to breast cancer patients remains unclear. We hypothesized that PDGFB gene expression is associated with angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. A total of 7635 primary breast cancer patients with full transcriptome and clinical data available from 13 independent cohorts were analyzed using in silico approach. The median value was used to divide each cohort into high and low PDGFB expression groups. High PDGFB gene expression was associated with increased expression of angiogenesis-related genes, higher amount of vascular cell infiltrations, and with enrichment of angiogenesis gene set, lymphangiogenesis-related gene expressions, lymphangiogenesis-related cell infiltrations, and enrichmentof lymphangiogenesis gene set in GSE96058 and validated by TCGA cohorts; however, not with lymphatic metastasis. PDGFB expression was neither associated with cell proliferation as assessed by Ki67 expression nor with Nottingham histological grade, or response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We found that PDGFB was most extensively expressed by endothelial and perivascular-like cells in the tumor microenvironment, and minimally by cancer cells consistently in two single-cell sequence cohorts. High PDGFB expression enriched TGFβ, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, and cancer stem cell-associated pathways. However, no association with distant metastasis was observed. Disease-specific and disease-free survival were worse in the high PDGFB expression group consistently in TCGA and METABRIC cohorts. PDGFB is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells and is associated with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, but not with cellular proliferation or metastasis in breast cancer.

ENSURING THE SEAWORTHINESS OF A BULK VESSEL AT THE STAGE OF CARGO OPERATIONS

The seaworthiness includes the conformity of the parameters of the vessel's stability and strength to the permissible limits, which is provided during the port loading and discharging operations. Requirements concerning the ship's stability and strength are universal for all types of vessels and are postulated in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) codes and documents of the shipping registers of different countries. The cargo operations of bulk carriers are responsible moment, as it determines the level of their seaworthiness and maritime safety at the sea voyage. For bulkers raised strict requirements in regard of cargo distribution and ballast operations with continuous control of their stability and strength. The search of methods for optimal performing cargo operations of the bulk vessels with assurance of all seaworthy parameters at the safe level remains actual. The bulk carriers usually have instructions for their standard loading options provided by the ship's builder, the character of which depends on the specific cargo volume and the number of holds processed at the same time. For each standard variant of cargo operations, the instructions provide a sequence of stages of loading the vessel. At the end of each stage, the vessel must be in acceptable seaworthy condition. In the situation of non-standard loading of bulk carriers, which are not covered by the shipbuilder's instructions, there are difficulties with planning and conducting cargo operations to ensure proper seaworthiness of the vessel, efficient use of its carrying capacity. Ship personnel must independently deal with the distribution of cargo, sorting through various loading options, which is not always efficient and time consuming. At the same time, a number of restrictions on the seaworthiness of the vessel must be met. The purpose of this article is to analyze the possibilities of determining acceptable variants of loading of the bulk vessel, which satisfy the limitations imposed by parameters of the seaworthiness and marine safety. The limitations imposed by the requirements of continuous vessel’s seaworthiness were considered and divided into groups with a view to creating an optimization task. The general approach to formation of a number of permissible loading of the bulk vessel, proposed in the article, creates preconditions for setting the task of choosing the optimal strategy of carrying out cargo operations on the criteria of continuous observance of seaworthy characteristics of the vessel.

Dose-dependent dominance: How cell densities design stromal cell functions during soft tissue healing.

Regular soft tissue healing relies on the well-organized interaction of different stromal cell types with endothelial cells. However, spatiotemporal conditions might provoke high densities of one special stromal cell type, potentially leading to impaired healing. Detailed knowledge of the functions of rivaling stromal cell types aiming for tissue contraction and stabilization as well as vascular support is mandatory. By the application of an in vitro approach comprising the evaluation of cell proliferation, cell morphology, myofibroblastoid differentiation, and cytokine release, we verified a density-dependent modulation of these functions among juvenile and adult fibroblasts, pericytes, and adipose-derived stem cells during their interaction with microvascular endothelial cells in cocultures.Results indicate that juvenile fibroblasts rather support angiogenesis via paracrine regulation at the early stage of healing, a role potentially compromised in adult fibroblasts. In contrast, pericytes showed a more versatile character aiming at angiogenesis, vessel stabilization, and tissue contraction. Such a universal character was even more pronounced among adipose-derived stem cells. The explicit knowledge of the characteristic functions of stromal cell types is a prerequisite for the development of new analytical and therapeutic approaches for impaired soft tissue healing. The present study delivers new considerations concerning the roles of rivaling stromal cell types within a granulation tissue, pointing to extraordinary properties of pericytes and adipose-derived stem cells.