bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercondylar notch width and osteophyte width impact meniscal healing and clinical outcomes following transtibial pullout repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears
Authors: Hiranaka Takaaki , Furumatsu Takayuki , Yokoyama Yusuke , Higashihara Naohiro , Tamura Masanori , Kawada Koki , Xue Haowei , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between intercondylar notch width (ICNW), osteophyte width (OW), and the healing of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) following arthroscopic pullout repair.

Methods

The study included 155 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who underwent transtibial pullout repair. Meniscal healing status was evaluated on second‐look arthroscopy using a previously reported meniscus healing score. Patients were divided into two groups based on this score: the high healing score (group HH, healing score ≥ 8 points) and suboptimal healing score (group SO, healing score ≤ 6 points) groups. Computed tomography scans were performed on patients 1 week postsurgery. ICNW and OW widths were measured and relatively evaluated based on their ratio to the intercondylar distance (ICD), represented as the ICNW/ICD ratio (%) and OW/ICD ratio (%), respectively. Patient‐reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and on second‐look arthroscopy using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

There were no significant demographic differences between the SO and HH group (n = 35 and 120 patients, respectively). Regarding radiographic measurements, significant differences were observed in the ICNW/ICD ratio (group SO, 24.2%; group HH, 25.2%; p = 0.024), OW (group SO, 2.6 mm; group HH, 2.0 mm; p < 0.001), and OW/ICD ratio (group SO, 3.5%; group HH, 2.7%; p < 0.001). Both groups had similar preoperative clinical scores, but postoperative clinical scores, including KOOS‐activities of daily living (group SO, 83.4; group HH, 88.7; p = 0.035) and VAS (group SO, 19.1; group HH, 11.3; p = 0.005), were significantly better in group HH.

Conclusion

The study suggests that ICNW and OW may play a crucial role in MMPRT healing following arthroscopic pullout repair, as evidenced by the worse clinical outcomes associated with a narrower ICNW and wider OW. These findings highlight the potential significance of ICNW and OW assessments when evaluating meniscal repair indications.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Insights into the Excited State Dynamics of Donor–Acceptor Organic Photosensitizer for Precise Deep‐Brain Two‐Photon Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhao Hui , He Mubin , He Tingchao , Wu Zizi , Pan Yonghui , Gao Jia , Miao Xiaofei , Li Junzi , Ma Huili , Huang Wei , Hu Wenbo , Fan Quli
Published: January 2024

Organic photosensitizer with both large two‐photon absorption (σ) and efficient intersystem crossing (ISC) offers incomparable advantages in precise two‐photon photodynamic therapy. However, the current design strategy cannot achieve efficient ISC without compromising σ. Here, very efficient ISC and ultrahigh σ in organic photosensitizer (PFBT) for precise cerebrovascular two‐photon photodynamic therapy is simultaneously achieved. A hybridized local and charge‐transfer (1HLCT) excited state in PFBT, formed by incorporating benzothiadiazole into a typical polyfluorene (PF), is the key to initiating efficient ISC while bringing substantial σ enhancement (25 000 GM vs 10 000 GM) compared to PF. Mechanism studies identify that 1HLCT produces large spin‐orbit coupling and tiny singlet‐triplet energy gaps, together generating efficient ISC. These properties afford PFBT nanophotosensitizer a ≈2000‐fold increase in two‐photon photodynamic therapy efficiency than clinically‐used Photofrin, enabling in vivo deep‐brain cerebrovascular imaging and closure with unprecedented precision.
ITGA7 loss drives the differentiation of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Gao Rui , Wu Qiulei , Li Guoqing , Xu Xiaohan , Li Wenhan , Liu Pan , Wang Xiaoman , Cai Jing , Li Min , Wang Zehua
Published: January 2024

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent a major cellular component of the tumor (pre‐)metastatic niche and play an essential role in omental dissemination of ovarian cancer. The omentum is rich in adipose, and adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have been identified as a source of CAFs. However, the molecular events driving the phenotype shift of ADSCs remain largely unexplored. In this research, we focus on integrins, transmembrane receptors that have been widely involved in cellular plasticity. We found that integrin α7 (ITGA7) was the only member of the integrin family that positively correlated with both overall survival and progression‐free survival in ovarian cancer through GEPIA2. The immunohistochemistry signal of ITGA7 was apparent in the tumor stroma, and a lower omental ITGA7 level was associated with metastasis. Primary ADSCs were isolated from the omentum of patients with ovarian cancer and identified by cellular morphology, biomarkers, and multilineage differentiation. The conditional medium of ovarian cancer cells induced ITGA7 expression decrease and phenotypic changes in ADSCs. Downregulation of ITGA7 in primary omental ADSCs led to decrease in stemness properties and emerge of characteristic morphology and biomarkers of CAFs. Moreover, the conditioned medium of ADSCs with ITGA7 depletion exhibited enhanced abilities to improve the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Overall, these findings indicate that loss of ITGA7 may induce the differentiation of ADSCs to CAFs that contribute to a tumor‐supportive niche.
Digital technology adoption strategies for a contract farming supply chain under CVaR criterion
Authors: Liao Changhua , Lu Qihui
Published: January 2024

This study considers a contract farming supply chain consisting of a platform and a risk‐averse farmer with yield uncertainty. It establishes game theory models with and without digital technology under CVaR criterion and analyzes three digital cooperation mechanisms. We find that when the wholesale price is moderate, both parties will choose a cost‐sharing contract; when the wholesale price is high, both parties will choose to let the farmer bear the cost of digital investment; when the farmer uses digital technology to grow agricultural products, the platform should not provide the farmer with a low wholesale price, especially for the farmer with low risk aversion.
Subjective Cognitive Complaints in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Siciliano Mattia , Tessitore Alessandro , Morgante Francesca , Goldman Jennifer G. , Ricciardi Lucia
Published: January 2024

Background

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) are reported frequently, but their prevalence and association with changes on objective testing are not fully known.

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical correlates, and predictive value of SCCs in PD.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. From 204 abstracts, we selected 31 studies (n = 3441 patients), and from these, identified the prevalence, clinical features, associations with neuropsychiatric symptoms, and predictive values of SCCs in PD.

Results

The meta‐analysis showed an SCC prevalence of 36%. This prevalence, however, was significantly moderated by study heterogeneity regarding female sex, disease severity, levodopa equivalent daily dosage, exclusion from the overall sample of patients with objective cognitive impairment, and measurement instrument. SCC prevalence did not differ between de novo and treated PD patients. SCCs were weakly and negligibly associated with cognitive changes on objective testing in cross‐sectional studies. However, in cognitively healthy patients, SCCs had a risk ratio of 2.71 for later cognitive decline over a mean follow‐up of 3.16 years. Moreover, SCCs were moderately related to co‐occurring symptoms of depression, anxiety, or apathy and were more strongly related to these neuropsychiatric symptoms than objective cognitive functioning.

Conclusion

Our analyses suggest that SCCs in patients with and without objective cognitive impairment are frequent, occurring in more than one third of PD patients. Establishing uniform measurement instruments for identifying PD‐related SCCs is critical to understand their implications. Even in cases lacking evidence of objective cognitive impairment and where SCCs might reflect underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms, the possibility of later cognitive deterioration should not be excluded. Therefore, SCCs in PD patients warrant close monitoring for opportunities for targeted and effective interventions. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Longitudinal Associations of Magnetic Susceptibility with Clinical Severity in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Thomas George E.C. , Hannaway Naomi , Zarkali Angelika , Shmueli Karin , Weil Rimona S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Dementia is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but there is wide variation in its timing. A critical gap in PD research is the lack of quantifiable markers of progression, and methods to identify early stages of dementia. Atrophy‐based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has limited sensitivity in detecting or tracking changes relating to PD dementia, but quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), sensitive to brain tissue iron, shows potential for these purposes.

Objective

The objective of the paper is to study, for the first time, the longitudinal relationship between cognition and QSM in PD in detail.

Methods

We present a longitudinal study of clinical severity in PD using QSM, including 59 PD patients (without dementia at study onset), and 22 controls over 3 years.

Results

In PD, increased baseline susceptibility in the right temporal cortex, nucleus basalis of Meynert, and putamen was associated with greater cognitive severity after 3 years; and increased baseline susceptibility in basal ganglia, substantia nigra, red nucleus, insular cortex, and dentate nucleus was associated with greater motor severity after 3 years. Increased follow‐up susceptibility in these regions was associated with increased follow‐up cognitive and motor severity, with further involvement of hippocampus relating to cognitive severity. However, there were no consistent increases in susceptibility over 3 years.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that QSM may predict changes in cognitive severity many months prior to overt cognitive involvement in PD. However, we did not find robust longitudinal changes in QSM over the course of the study. Additional tissue metrics may be required together with QSM for it to monitor progression in clinical practice and therapeutic trials. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The emergence of machine learning force fields in drug design
Authors: Chen Mingan , Jiang Xinyu , Zhang Lehan , Chen Xiaoxu , Wen Yiming , Gu Zhiyong , Li Xutong , Zheng Mingyue
Published: January 2024

In the field of molecular simulation for drug design, traditional molecular mechanic force fields and quantum chemical theories have been instrumental but limited in terms of scalability and computational efficiency. To overcome these limitations, machine learning force fields (MLFFs) have emerged as a powerful tool capable of balancing accuracy with efficiency. MLFFs rely on the relationship between molecular structures and potential energy, bypassing the need for a preconceived notion of interaction representations. Their accuracy depends on the machine learning models used, and the quality and volume of training data sets. With recent advances in equivariant neural networks and high‐quality datasets, MLFFs have significantly improved their performance. This review explores MLFFs, emphasizing their potential in drug design. It elucidates MLFF principles, provides development and validation guidelines, and highlights successful MLFF implementations. It also addresses potential challenges in developing and applying MLFFs. The review concludes by illuminating the path ahead for MLFFs, outlining the challenges to be overcome and the opportunities to be harnessed. This inspires researchers to embrace MLFFs in their investigations as a new tool to perform molecular simulations in drug design.
Developing a compact coal quality rapid detection integrated machine based on laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Weiye , Yang Qi , Yu Ziyu , Zou Xiangbo , Qin Huaiqing , Chen Gongda , Ma Weizhe , Zhuo Junling , Chen Chuangting , Chen Xiaoxuan , Yao Shunchun , Lu Jidong
Published: January 2024

Coal's calorific value and carbon content are crucial in calculating carbon emissions. Accurately detecting these two indicators is of great significance for carbon accounting. In this study, we developed a compact coal quality rapid detection integrated machine based on laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which can directly measure coal particle flow. A partial least squares model, based on data set selection according to cluster analysis results, was applied to establish the relationship between coal quality and plasma spectra. The R2 of the calorific value is .93, the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) is 0.41 MJ/kg, and the mean absolute error (MAE) is 0.33 MJ/kg. The R2 of carbon content is .94, the RMSEP is 0.97%, and the MAE is 0.91%. These results indicated that the developed compact coal quality rapid detection integrated machine could conduct precise coal quality analysis in real time.
Broadband CMOS unidirectional coupler using differential mode suppression
Authors: Tirmanwar Shubham , Ghosh Debapratim
Published: January 2024

This paper describes the design of a broadband, unidirectional coupler designed using complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. The proposed coupler achieves high isolation by using a differential mode suppressor, employing a differential splitter, followed by a common mode combiner. An intermediary network is used to match all stages to the ports. The coupler, fabricated using United Microelectronics Corporation 180 nm RF/MM technology, achieves better than 15 dB isolation from 0.2 to 1.5 GHz. For this band, it achieves a near flat coupling of 5 dB. The net coupler area is  mm2. Such broadband unidirectional couplers can be used in network analyzer testsets.
Prospective motion correction for brain MRI using spherical navigators
Authors: Hewlett Miriam , Oran Omer , Liu Junmin , Drangova Maria
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of performing prospective motion correction using spherical navigators (SNAVs).

Methods

SNAVs were interleaved in a 3D FLASH sequence with an additional short baseline scan (6.8 s) for fast rotation estimation. Assessment of SNAV‐based prospective motion correction was performed in six volunteers. Participant motion was guided using randomly generated stepwise prompts as well as prompts derived from real motion cases. Experiments were performed on a 3 T MRI scanner using a 32‐channel head coil.

Results

When optimized for real‐time application, SNAV‐based motion estimates were computed in 25.8 ± 1.3 ms. Phantom‐based quantification of rotation and translation accuracy indicated mean absolute errors of 0.10 ± 0.09° and 0.25 ± 0.14 mm, respectively. Implementing SNAV‐based motion estimates for prospective motion correction led to a clear improvement in image quality with minimal increase in scan time (<5%).

Conclusion

Optimization of SNAV processing for real‐time application enables prospective motion correction with low latency and minimal scan time requirements.
Optimizing background suppression for dual‐module velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling: Without using additional background‐suppression pulses
Authors: Guo Jia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Background suppression (BS) is recommended in arterial spin labeling (ASL) for improved SNR but is difficult to optimize in existing velocity‐selective ASL (VSASL) methods. Dual‐module VSASL (dm‐VSASL) enables delay‐insensitive, robust, and SNR‐efficient perfusion imaging, while allowing efficient BS, but its optimization has yet to be thoroughly investigated.

Methods

The inversion effects of the velocity‐selective labeling pulses, such as velocity‐selective inversion (VSI), can be used for BS, and were modeled for optimizing BS in dm‐VSASL. In vivo experiments using dual‐module VSI (dm‐VSI) were performed to compare two BS strategies: a conventional one with additional BS pulses and a new one without any BS pulse. Their BS performance, temporal noise, and temporal SNR were examined and compared, with pulsed and pseudo‐continuous ASL (PASL and PCASL) as the reference.

Results

The in vivo experiments validated the BS modeling. Strong positive linear correlations (r > 0.82, p < 0.0001) between the temporal noise and the tissue signal were found in PASL/PCASL and dm‐VSI. Optimal BS can be achieved with and without additional BS pulses in dm‐VSI; the latter improved the ASL signals by 8.5% in gray matter (p = 0.006) and 12.2% in white matter (p = 0.014) and tended to provide better temporal SNR. The dm‐VSI measured significantly higher ASL signal (p < 0.016) and temporal SNR (p < 0.018) than PASL and PCASL. Complex reconstruction was found necessary with aggressive BS.

Conclusion

Guided by modeling, optimal BS can be achieved without any BS pulse in dm‐VSASL, further improving the ASL signal and the SNR performance.
Diagnosis and treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy in the United States: Recommendations from a panel of experts
Authors: Karam Chafic , Mauermann Michelle L. , Gonzalez‐Duarte Alejandra , Kaku Michelle C. , Ajroud‐Driss Senda , Brannagan Thomas H. , Polydefkis Michael
Published: January 2024

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv; v for variant) amyloidosis is a rare, multisystem, progressive, and fatal disease in which polyneuropathy is a cardinal manifestation. Due to a lack of United States (US)‐specific guidance on ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy, a panel of US‐based expert clinicians convened to address identification, monitoring, and treatment of this disease. ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy should be suspected in unexplained progressive neuropathy, especially if associated with systemic symptoms or family history. The diagnosis is confirmed through genetic testing, biopsy, or cardiac technetium‐based scintigraphy. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis, with gene‐silencing therapeutics recommended as a first‐line option. Consensus is lacking on what represents “disease progression” during treatment; however, the aggressive natural history of this disease should be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of any therapy.
Sharing or reselling? How does manufacturer handle used products?
Authors: Wang Mengnan , Zhang Juliang , Cheng T. C. E.
Published: January 2024

To encourage consumers to reuse their used products, some manufacturers launch second‐hand platforms while others adopt sharing platforms. Which platform benefits them more is an interesting problem for such manufacturers. To address this problem, we propose a two‐period model in which heterogeneous consumers decide whether to buy new products in Period 1 or to rent (buy) used products on the platform in Period 2. Under a proportional transaction fee, we show that the two platforms can benefit the manufacturer if the unit production cost is high, and the valuation difference is low or the number of high‐value consumers in Period 1 is fewer than in Period 2. Moreover, the two platforms are equivalent when the salvage value is 0. When the salvage value is positive, the second‐hand platform benefits the manufacturer more than the sharing platform. The sharing platform induces the manufacturer to set a higher sale price than the second‐hand platform when the unit production cost is high and there are fewer high‐value consumers in Period 1. Otherwise, the sale and reselling prices are higher under the second‐hand platform. We also consider the cases with a general consumer valuation distribution, multiple product life cycles, and a fixed transaction fee. Our findings can help manufacturers make the decision on platform choice to handle used products.
Reauditing and dual sourcing? Implication of collusion deterrence measures in ethical sourcing
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Yao Shiqing , Zhu Kaijie
Published: January 2024

We consider a supply chain in which a buyer sources from a supplier for the production of a product. The supplier's production process is subject to probable violations of either government regulations or ethical requirements. The sourcing contract offered by the buyer demands that the supplier exerts an effort to improve its production process, thus reducing the probability of the occurrence of supplier violation. Because the supplier's effort is hardly observable, the buyer has to send an auditor to perform an audit of the supplier's facility. The auditor in turn reports whether the supplier has exerted the effort or not. If the supplier fails to pass the audit, she may offer a side contract to the auditor, thus engaging in a supplier‐auditor collusion. We study how such supplier–auditor collusion may affect the buyer's outsourcing strategy. We find that the buyer should reduce the order quantity to deter the supplier–auditor collusion when the collusion penalty is relatively low. We further examine reaudit and dual sourcing, two mechanisms which could probably prevent supplier–auditor collusion. We find that a reaudit may complement the collusion penalty under certain conditions; using dual sourcing to deter collusion is viable only if supplier‐improvement techniques or procedures are effective. Finally, we extend our model by considering false positive audit error and linear penalty function. Our analytical and numerical results show that our insights are robust.
Thermoresponsive hollow polymeric shell nano/microparticles with interconnected nanoholes
Authors: Park Soo‐Yong , Jeon Chaeyoung , Song Gyeongju , Choi Kyung‐Man , Seo Bongkuk , Chung Ildoo
Published: January 2024

PNIPAAm‐grafted thermoresponsive hollow nano‐holed polymeric‐shell (HHPS) particles were fabricated from surface‐modified colloidal silica (CS) with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate (PEGME‐IPTES) and 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MPS) as templates. The polymeric shells were then synthesized through a “grafting‐through” approach via surface‐initiated polymerization of N‐isopropyl acrylamide (PNIPAAm) using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator, followed by the etching of CS with hydrofluoric acid to remove the CS core templates. CS nanoparticles and PEGME‐IPTES were presynthesized using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and distilled water in methanol with ammonia solution as a catalyst by the sol–gel method and using 3‐(triethoxysilyl) propyl isocyanate (IPTES) with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (PEGME) in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate. The chemical structures of bare and modified CS, PNIPAAm, PNIPAAm‐CS, and HHPS particles were characterized by FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopies. SEM and TEM images confirmed that the resulting HHPS particles had a significant number of interconnected nanoholes. To evaluate the LCST behaviors of HHPS particles, the transition of transmittance and the changes in particle diameter according to the temperature change were measured through UV‐vis spectroscopy, DLS, and microscopy.
Biodegradable compatibilizer modified corn stover/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composites
Authors: Xu Zhou , Qiao Xiuying , Sun Kang , Chen Yujie , Liu Hezhou
Published: January 2024

Great environmental and economic benefits can be achieved by utilizing the agricultural residue corn stover (CS) to prepare the biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. However, CS contains polarized hydroxyl groups from its main component cellulose, thus leading to its poor wetting by hydrophobic PBAT. It is of great significance to promote the compatibility between CS and PBAT for the improvement of interfacial interactions and composite performance, but the compatibilizer modified CS/PBAT biocomposites have been rarely mentioned until now. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG), glycidyl methacylate (GMA), and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) were chosen to investigate the compatibilizer effect on the morphology, microstructure, thermal properties, mechanical strength, and water absorption capacity of the biodegradable CS/PBAT composites. The results reveal that the incorporated compatibilizers obviously improve the interface adhesion between CS and PBAT by reducing the hydrophilicity of CS surface. The enhanced interfacial bonding interactions effectively promote the crystallinity and mechanical strength of the CS/PBAT composites, but the initial degradation temperature and hydrophilicity of compatibilizers themselves also remarkably influence the composites’ thermostability and water absorption.

Highlights

The agricultural residue corn stover (CS) was used to reinforce PBAT.

Effects of three different compatibilizers on the composites were studied.

Compatibilizer improves the interface adhesion between CS and PBAT.

Compatibilizer promotes crystallinity and mechanical strength of composites.

The stability and hydrophilicity of compatibilizer affect those of composite.
Improving the ablative performance of epoxy‐modified vinyl silicone rubber composites by incorporating different types of reinforcing fibers
Authors: Zhang Hao , Huang Mingyan , Xing Yikai , Tian Jinfeng , Liang Mei , Zhou Shengtai , Zou Huawei
Published: January 2024

In this study, ablative resistance of single fiber‐ and hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy‐modified vinyl silicone rubber (EMVSR) composites was systematically studied. Three types of fibers, namely aramid fiber (AF), basalt fiber (BF), and carbon fiber (CF), were employed as the reinforcements. The results indicated that the incorporation of fiber reinforcements effectively suppressed the expansion and strengthened the char layer. Besides, the quality of char layer was quite different when different types of fibers were used. The char layer of AF‐modified samples had more surface defects, BF‐modified samples were brittle, and CF‐filled samples were dense and flat. The use of hybrid AF/BF fibers improved the ablation and anti‐erosion performance of EMVSR. Meanwhile, the thermal insulation performance was enhanced because the back‐face temperature was the lowest with the addition of 1 phr AF and 5 phr CF. The above results indicated that the ablation and anti‐erosion resistance and the quality of char layer as well as the thermal insulation behavior of EMVSR were significantly improved by incorporating fibrillar fillers, which demonstrate practical applications as flexible anti‐ablation materials for thermal protection systems.

Highlights

Epoxy‐modified vinyl silicone rubber was used for preparing ablative composites.

The effect of adding different fibers on the ablation properties was studied.

The presence of single fibers improved the strength of char layer.

The use of hybrid fibers was found effective in enhancing the ablative properties.

The intrinsic property and entanglement of fibers affected the ablative properties.
Assessment of tensile damage mechanism of open‐hole GLARE laminates based on acoustic emission and digital image correlation techniques
Authors: Hu Kejun , Zheng Yingxiao , Zhu Jixin , Shi Qinghe , Duan Liuyang , Han Wenqin
Published: January 2024

GLARE laminates have emerged as a favored option for the construction of fuselage and wing skins in large airliners, owing to their exceptional mechanical characteristics. Nevertheless, the incorporation of open‐hole designs poses a challenge as it disrupts the continuity of the laminates, resulting in stress concentration and subsequent damage. To investigate the impact of various layup orientations and hole sizes on the tensile properties of open‐hole GLARE laminates, this study conducted axial tensile tests. Additionally, the tensile damage process was monitored using DIC and AE techniques, enabling the identification of damage patterns and the analysis of their evolution. The results demonstrate a noteworthy decline in the ultimate strength and failure strain as the size of the opening increases. Moreover, the retention rate of failure strain displays a marked sensitivity to the layup orientation. In conjunction with observations made through DIC and SEM, the k‐means++ algorithm successfully clustered peak frequencies, thereby revealing distinct damage patterns and their corresponding frequency ranges as aluminum alloy damage [0–90 kHz], matrix cracking [104–174 kHz], fiber/matrix debonding [175–224 kHz], interlaminar delamination [234–300 kHz], and fiber fracture [304–469 kHz]. AE cumulative counts were utilized to evaluate the progression of individual damage modes. The results emphasize that matrix cracking demonstrates the most substantial cumulative counts, whereas damage to the fibers and aluminum alloy noticeably affects the load‐carrying capability of the laminate. Furthermore, the fibers/matrix debonding and interlaminar delamination, exhibit heightened susceptibility to layup orientation and hole size.

Highlights

The tensile performance evaluation of GLARE laminates with open‐hole varying layup orientations and hole sizes was investigated.

A combination of DIC and AE techniques was used to monitor the tensile damage process.

Damage pattern was identified based on the observations of DIC and SEM.

An approach based on Pearson's correlation coefficient and k‐means++ clustering algorithm was used for damage pattern recognition in GLARE laminates.

AE cumulative counts were employed to assess the evolution of each damage mode.
Chitin‐binding peptides from Capsicum annuum with antifungal activity and low toxicity to mammalian cells and Galleria mellonella larvae
Authors: Gonçalves Gabriella Rodrigues , Silva Marciele Souza , dos Santos Layrana Azevedo , Resende Larissa Maximiniano , Taveira Gabriel Bonan , Guimarães Thomas Zacarone Afonso , Ferreira Sarah Rodrigues , Oliveira Antonia Elenir Amancio , Nagano Celso Shiniti , Chaves Renata Pinheiro , de Oliveira Carvalho André , Rodrigues Rosana , da Motta Olney Vieira , Gomes Valdirene Moreira
Published: January 2024

In recent years, there have been several reports of the presence of toxic proteins in cultivated or wild plant species, which are implicated in plant defense mechanisms. The existence of these proteins raises the possibility of biotechnological applications originating from the development of new techniques to combat diseases caused by fungi. In this context, there are chitin‐binding proteins. Chitin is an essential component of the fungal cell wall, so chitin‐binding proteins are important in controlling fungal growth. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of peptides with chitin binding properties isolated from Capsicum annuum seeds on the growth of the genus Candida. Initially, proteins were extracted in phosphate pH 5.4, and a chitin column was equilibrated with sodium acetate (0.08 M, pH 4.5), where 50 mg of the peptide‐rich heated fraction from each species was applied. Subsequently, the retained material was eluted with 0.1 M HCl. Tricine SDS–PAGE was used to visualize the peptides. After chromatography, two fractions, F1 (not retained in the chitin column) and F2 (retained in the chitin column, named Ca‐F2), were obtained. Electrophoresis showed major protein bands between 3 and 14 kDa. Electrophoresis from chitin affinity chromatography also showed major bands between 3 and 14 kDa, especially for Ca‐F2 retained in the column. One peptide obtained from the F2 fraction was identified by mass spectrometry and showed similarity to seed 2S albumin, named Ca‐Alb2S. Ca‐F2 inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, was not toxic to mammalian cells and still had a high survival rate when tested in vivo on Galleria mellonella larvae. This is the first report of chitin‐binding peptides isolated from Capsicum seeds through an affinity column and their biological activities. These studies are at an early stage; therefore, other tests are needed to study the mechanism of action of the fraction, since the findings indicate great potential for the development of new antifungal molecules.
The multifaceted roles of small extracellular vesicles in metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironments
Authors: Chen Zhixian , Yam Judy Wai Ping , Mao Xiaowen
Published: January 2024

The link between metabolism and tumor progression has been extensively researched for a long time. With the increasing number of studies uncovering the multiple functions of metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironments, the regulatory network seems to become even more intricate at the same time. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV), as crucial mediators facilitating intercellular communications, exhibit significant involvement in regulating metabolic reprogramming within the complicated network of tumor microenvironments. sEV derived from tumor cells and those released by other cell populations such as tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can mutually influence each other, giving rise to diverse complex feedback loops. This review includes multiple studies conducted in recent years to summarize the functions of sEV in altering metabolism in various cell types within tumor microenvironments. Additionally, it aims to highlight potential therapeutic targets based on the commonly observed mechanisms identified in different studies.
Proteomic profiling of ovarian clear cell carcinomas identifies prognostic biomarkers for chemotherapy
Authors: Yue Liang , Gong Tingting , Jiang Wenhao , Qian Liujia , Gong Wangang , Sun Yaoting , Cai Xue , Xu Heli , Liu Fanghua , Wang He , Li Sainan , Zhu Yi , Zheng Zhiguo , Wu Qijun , Guo Tiannan
Published: January 2024

Clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) is a relatively rare subtype of ovarian cancer (OC) with high degree of resistance to standard chemotherapy. Little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms, and it remains a challenge to predict its prognosis after chemotherapy. Here, we first analyzed the proteome of 35 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) CCOC tissue specimens from a cohort of 32 patients with CCOC (H1 cohort) and characterized 8697 proteins using data‐independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA‐MS). We then performed proteomic analysis of 28 fresh frozen (FF) CCOC tissue specimens from an independent cohort of 24 patients with CCOC (H2 cohort), leading to the identification of 9409 proteins with DIA‐MS. After bioinformatics analysis, we narrowed our focus to 15 proteins significantly correlated with the recurrence free survival (RFS) in both cohorts. These proteins are mainly involved in DNA damage response, extracellular matrix (ECM), and mitochondrial metabolism. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)‐MS was adopted to validate the prognostic potential of the 15 proteins in the H1 cohort and an independent confirmation cohort (H3 cohort). Interferon‐inducible transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) was observed as a robust prognostic marker for CCOC in both PRM data and immunohistochemistry (IHC) data. Taken together, this study presents a CCOC proteomic data resource and a single promising protein, IFITM1, which could potentially predict the recurrence and survival of CCOC.
Distribution of neurovascular structures within the prostate gland and their relationship to complications after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Alanazi Ghazi , Alsubaie Najah , Nabi Ghulam , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Alashkham Abduelmenem
Published: January 2024

Background

Radical prostatectomy remains the main choice of treatment for prostate cancer. However, despite improvements in surgical techniques and neurovascular sparing procedures, rates of erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence remain variable. This is due, at least in part, to an incomplete understanding of neurovascular structures associated with the prostate. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive, detailed histological overview of the distribution of nerves and blood vessels within the prostate, facilitating subsequent correlation of prostatic neurovascular structures with patients' clinical outcomes after radical prostatectomy.

Methods

Neurovascular structures within the prostate were investigated in a total of 309 slides obtained from 15 patients who underwent non‐nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify and distinguish between parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, whereas hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to identify blood vessels. The total number, density, and relative position of nerves and blood vessels were established using quantitative morphometry and illustrated using visualization approaches. Patient‐specific outcome data were then used to establish whether the internal distribution of nerves and blood vessels within the prostate correlated with the nature and extent of complications after surgery. One‐way analysis of variance tests and unpaired t tests were applied to establish statistically significant differences across the measured variables.

Results

Nerves and blood vessels were present across all prostatic levels and regions. However, their number and density varied considerably between regions. Assessment of the precise positioning of neurovascular structures revealed that the majority of nerve fibers were located within the dorsal and peripheral aspects of the gland. In contrast, blood vessels were predominantly located within ventral and dorsal midline regions. The number of intraprostatic nerves was found to be significantly lower in patients who recovered their continence within 12 months of surgery, compared to those whose recovery took 12 months or longer.

Conclusion

We report an unexpected disconnect between the localization and positioning of nerve fibers and blood vessels within the prostate. Moreover, individual variability in the density of intraprostatic neurovascular structures appears to correlate with the successful recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy, suggesting that differences in intrinsic neurovascular arrangements of the prostate influence postoperative outcomes.
The blockade of the TGF‐β pathway alleviates abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism of lipodystrophy not obesity
Authors: Xu Wen‐Dong , Lai Shui‐Zheng , Zhao Jia , Wei Shi‐Jie , Fang Xue‐Ying , Liu Yi‐Yi , Rong Xiang‐Lu , Guo Jiao
Published: January 2024

TGF‐β is thought to be involved in the physiological functions of early organ development and pathological changes in substantial organ fibrosis, while studies around adipose tissue function and systemic disorders of glucolipid metabolism are still scarce. In this investigation, two animal models, aP2‐SREBP‐1c mice and ob/ob mice, were used. TGF‐β pathway showed up‐regulated in the inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) of the two models. SB431542, a TGF‐β inhibitor, successfully increased inguinal white adipocyte size by more than 1.5 times and decreased the weight of Peripheral organs including liver, Spleen and Kidney to 73.05%/62.18%/73.23% of pre‐administration weights. The iWAT showed elevated expression of GLUTs and lipases, followed by a recovery of circulation GLU, TG, NEFA, and GLYCEROL to the wild‐type levels in aP2‐SREBP‐1c mice. In contrast, TGF‐β inhibition did not have similar effects on that of ob/ob mice. In vitro, TGF‐β blocker treated mature adipocytes had considerably higher levels of glycerol and triglycerides than the control group, whereas GLUTs and lipases expression levels were unchanged. These findings show that inhibiting the abnormally upregulated TGF‐β pathway will only restore iWAT expansion and ameliorate the global metabolic malfunction of glucose and lipids in lipodystrophy, not obesity.
Risk identification of integral pressurized water reactor (IPWR) cooling system using a combination HAZOP, FMEA, and FTA methods
Authors: Deswandri Deswandri , Sudarno Sudarno , Tyas Ratih Luhuring , Kumaraningrum Anggraini Ratih , Maerani Restu , Hidayatullah Ibnu Maulana , Sahlan Muhamad , Shariff Azmi Mohd , Hermansyah Heri
Published: January 2024

Integral Pressurized Water Reactor (IPWR) is gaining attention for use in Indonesia due to lower initial capital investment, sitting flexibility, and high level of inherent safety. IPWR relies heavily on passive cooling systems that have many advantages but lacks operational experience because no one operates commercially. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a risk analysis related to passive cooling system failures that may occur during operation. Even if conventional risk analysis methods are applied singularly, the results still have shortcomings. This study aims to integrate the use of the Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) methods to identify risks in the IPWR primary cooling system during normal operation. HAZOP was used to identify hazards, FTA analyzed the root causes of the critical problems, and the basic event's FMEA was developed for risk ranking and mitigation measures. This combined methodology makes risk assessment more systematic and comprehensive because it manages entity‐wide risk. The results offer valuable insights for stakeholders involved in decision‐making regarding the development of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Indonesia.
Landau‐Level Spectrum and the Effect of Spin–Orbit Coupling in Monolayer Graphene on Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Rao Qing , Xue Hongxia , Ki Dong‐Keun
Published: January 2024

In graphene on transition metal dichalcogenides, two types of spin–orbit coupling (SOC)—Rashba and spin–valley Zeeman SOCs—can coexist that modify graphene's electronic band differently. Herein, it is shown that the Landau levels (LLs) are also affected by these SOCs distinctively enough to estimate their relative strengths from the Landau fan diagram. A simple theoretical model is used to calculate the LL spectra of graphene for different SOC strengths, revealing that when the total SOC is strong enough (i.e., when it is comparable to the half of the energy gap between the LLs of an intrinsic graphene), the corresponding LLs will split and cross with others depending sensitively on the relative strengths of the SOC terms. To demonstrate how one can use it to estimate the relative SOC strengths, the four key features that are well separated from the complex background are first identified and compared with experiment to show that in the sample investigated, the Rashba SOC is stronger than the spin–valley Zeeman SOC consistent with other spectroscopic measurements. The study therefore provides a simple and practical strategy to analyze the LL spectrum in graphene with SOC before carrying out more in‐depth measurements.
Theoretical research on Pd cluster catalysts for the direct dehydrogenation of propane to propylene
Authors: Wang Chun , Kang Lihua
Published: January 2024

In this article, the feasibility of catalytic dehydrogenation of propane by Pd clusters (Pd7, Pd6C, Pd6Si, Pd6Ge, and Pd6Sn) was investigated by using density functional theory (DFT). It was found that Pd6Sn has the strongest electron mobility and the ability to activate CH bonds, and the highest adsorption barrier (−75.16 kcal/mol) with propylene. The first pathway of the Pd6Sn‐catalyzed primary reaction has the lowest decisive step barrier (16.65 kcal/mol), and the second pathway of the secondary reaction has the highest decisive step barrier (62.25 kcal/mol). It was demonstrated that both the catalyst's electron‐leaping ability and the ability to activate CH bonds were the key factors affecting the activity, and the adsorption strength of the catalyst to the product was the main factor affecting the selectivity. It was shown that Pd cluster‐catalyzed PDH is theoretically feasible and Pd6Sn is likely to be a potential cluster catalyst for propane dehydrogenation.
First principle studies on structural, electronic, elastic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of XGeCl3 (X = Rb/Cs): Promising compounds for green energy application
Authors: Behera Debidatta , Boudjelal M. , Batouche M. , Seddik T. , Hemidi Dj. , Mukherjee Sanat Kumar
Published: January 2024

This study employed density functional theory (DFT) embedded in Wien2K code to evaluate the physical features of the XGeCl3 (X = Rb/Cs) cubic halide perovskites. The structural optimization has been performed considering generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and electronic properties have been computed considering modified Becke‐Johnson potential (mBJ). The formation energy and phonon dispersion analysis establish the stability of the investigated compounds. Mechanical stability is further confirmed by the computed diverse elastic coefficients. It has been discovered that the examined substances are naturally ductile. The refractive index, reflectivity, and absorption coefficient, are among the optical parameters that have been estimated and analyzed. Interesting results have been obtained for the transport properties of XGeCl3 (X = Rb/Cs). The XGeCl3 (X = Rb/Cs) exhibits a high Seebeck coefficient (X = Rb/Cs) and the largest figure of merit (about 0.99), indicating significant potential for thermoelectric applications.
High‐intensity bird migration along Alpine valleys calls for protective measures against anthropogenically induced avian mortality
Authors: Hirschhofer Simon , Liechti Felix , Ranacher Peter , Weibel Robert , Schmid Baptiste
Published: January 2024

The Alps are a natural barrier for avian broad‐front migration in Central Europe. While most birds that approach the Alps are deflected and circumvent the mountains, some choose to make the crossing. Here, they are funnelled and channelled in valleys, leading to high bird densities. Many Alpine valleys are suitable locations for wind farms, potentially creating a conflict between wind energy production and bird conservation. Collisions can be reduced by temporarily shutting down wind turbines. This however requires timely coordination, either by locally monitoring migration intensity or by extrapolating and forecasting migratory fluxes from other sites. However, little is known about the timing and intensity of bird migration in valleys of the central Alps, especially during spring migration. This study presents a 2‐year quantification of avian migration across the Alps. We collected terrestrial radar data at three sites: two located in Alpine valleys and one in the lowland, close to the northern foothills of the Alps. We found high migration traffic rates (MTR) during both migration seasons in the Alpine valleys, with outstanding numbers of migrants during the spring season. The strong alignment of the flight directions with the main orientation of alpine valleys highlights the importance of valleys and the connected passes in channelling migratory fluxes through the Alps. However, extrapolating migration intensities and forecasting peak migration events for inner Alpine sites is difficult, likely due to how migratory patterns and activity are influenced by the complexity of the local topography and the associated dynamic wind and weather conditions. Instead, we call for year‐round on‐site monitoring of migration intensities and strategies tailored to the local context to reduce the risk of bird strikes at wind turbines in the Alps.