bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological Properties of MoN (Ag‐W)‐MoS2 (W) Multilayer Films in Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Wu Gensheng , Song Fulei , Xie Jianjun , Yu Bo
Published: September 2024

In nitride films, an enhanced lubrication effect has been achieved through the incorporation of a soft metal element such as Ag. However, at medium and high temperatures, the favorable tribological properties cannot be sustained for an extended period due to the rapid depletion of Ag. To address this issue, a multilayer film design with W element doping is conceived to impede Ag depletion. MoN (Ag‐W)‐MoS2 (W) multilayer films with 4 different layers are prepared, and their tribological properties are systematically characterized across temperatures ranging from 25 to 800 °C. The results indicate that the tribological properties of four different multilayer films vary considerably at different temperatures. The 8‐layer multilayer film exhibits a relatively low friction coefficient that can be maintained at wide‐range temperatures. X‐ray diffractometer patterns are obtained before and after the friction test to elucidate the lubrication phases of different layers within the multilayer films at various temperatures. Additionally, 3D profiles of wear trajectory surfaces are generated, revealing enhanced wear resistance achieved by effectively inhibiting the migration of Ag. The low friction coefficient in multilayer films can be attributed to the oxidation of MoS2 and the generation of new lubrication phases, as confirmed by Raman spectra analysis.
A Strategy Involving Microporous Microneedles Integrated with CAR‐TREM2‐Macrophages for Scar Management by Regulating Fibrotic Microenvironment
Authors: Liu Min , Zhou Xin , Wang Yu , Zhao Wenyan , Zhao Xingli , Li Lang , Xue Fangchao , Zhang Qiao , Yan Juan , Su Yang , Zeng Wen
Published: September 2024

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) positive fibroblasts play a pivotal role in scar development following skin injury. Heterogeneous vascular endothelial cells (ECs) within scarred areas retain the capacity to drive tissue regeneration and repair. Simultaneously, TREM2 macrophages play a crucial role in the progression and resolution of fibrosis by engaging in mutual regulation with ECs. However, effective strategies to inhibit scar formation through multi‐factor regulation of the scar microenvironment remain a challenge. Here, CAR‐TREM2‐macrophages (CAR‐TREM2‐Ms) capable of targeting DPP4+ fibroblasts and modulating ECs subtype within the scar microenvironment are engineered to effectively prevent scarring. Hydrogel microporous microneedles (mMNs) are employed to deliver CAR‐TREM2‐Ms, which can effectively alleviate scar. Single‐cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis reveals that CAR‐TREM2‐Ms can modify ECs fibrotic phenotype and regulate fibrosis by suppressing the profibrotic gene leucine‐rich‐alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1 (Lrg1). In vitro experiments further demonstrate that CAR‐TREM2‐Ms improve the scar microenvironment by phagocytosing DPP4+ fibroblasts and suppressing TGFβ secretion. This, in turn, inhibits the phenotypic conversion of LRG1 ECs and provides multifactorial way of alleviating scars. This study uncovers the evidence that mMNs attached to CAR‐TREM2‐Ms may exert vital influences on skin scarring through the regulation of the skin scar microenvironment, providing a promising approach for treating posttraumatic scarring.
A Novel Self‐Amplifying mRNA with Decreased Cytotoxicity and Enhanced Protein Expression by Macrodomain Mutations
Authors: Gong Yue , Yong Danni , Liu Gensheng , Xu Jiang , Ding Jun , Jia William
Published: September 2024

The efficacy and safety of self‐amplifying mRNA (saRNA) have been demonstrated in COVID‐19 vaccine applications. Unlike conventional non‐replicating mRNA (nrmRNA), saRNA offers a key advantage: its self‐replication mechanism fosters efficient expression of the encoded protein, leading to substantial dose savings during administration. Consequently, there is a growing interest in further optimizing the expression efficiency of saRNA. In this study, in vitro adaptive passaging of saRNA is conducted under exogenous interferon pressure, which revealed several mutations in the nonstructural protein (NSP). Notably, two stable mutations, Q48P and I113F, situated in the NSP3 macrodomain (MD), attenuated its mono adenosine diphosphate ribose (MAR) hydrolysis activity and exhibited decreased replication but increased payload expression compared to wild‐type saRNA (wt saRNA). Transcriptome sequencing analysis unveils diminished activation of the double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensor and, consequently, a significantly reduced innate immune response compared to wt saRNA. Furthermore, the mutant saRNA demonstrated less translation inhibition and cell apoptosis than wt saRNA, culminating in higher protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. These findings underscore the potential of reducing saRNA replication‐dependent dsRNA‐induced innate immune responses through genetic modification as a valuable strategy for optimizing saRNA, enhancing payload translation efficiency, and mitigating saRNA cytotoxicity.
SPARK mentorship program for emergency services assistants underrepresented in medicine interested in physician assistant programs
Authors: Snietka Aline , Preiksaitis Carl , González‐Marqués Catalina , Landry Adaira
Published: September 2024

Background

Increasing diversity in the health care workforce has been shown to improve patient health care and create psychological safety for employees who feel marginalized and underrepresented. While several measures exist for increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the physician workforce, few programs target expanding representation among physician assistants (PAs). Despite increasing the role and responsibility of PAs in the emergency department (ED), there remains a significant lack of diversity within this group. The SPARK mentorship program, a combined mentorship and educational opportunity for emergency services assistants (ESAs; also called aides and technicians) who are underrepresented in medicine (UiM), may create a pathway to recruiting diverse individuals to PA careers in emergency medicine.

Methods

Our goal was to implement and evaluate a combined didactic and mentorship curriculum focused on recruiting ESAs UIM to become PAs in the ED. Using Kern's framework, an interprofessional group created a 3‐month mentorship program including individualized mentorship from senior PAs, didactic content covering the roles of PAs in the ED, and strategies to apply to PA school. This curriculum was implemented in 2022 for five ESAs following an application process. Outcomes were measured using the NIH Mentoring Evaluation Form and Munich Evaluation of Mentoring Questionnaire as well as longitudinal monitoring after the program to determine progress of ESAs toward a career as PAs.

Results

All five mentees completed the mentorship program. Postprogram surveys showed all participants described the program as meeting their expectations and being goal oriented. One‐year follow‐up demonstrated progress in all participants along their desired career path.

Conclusions

The SPARK mentorship program appears to be a feasible approach to creating a pathway for recruitment of ESAs UIM into the PA profession. Preliminary outcome data suggest that this curriculum was highly acceptable to participants and may have a positive impact on recruiting ESAs to become PAs. Continued evaluation is needed to determine what effect programs such as this one have on increasing diversity in the PA workforce.
Modeling the aspect ratio of commercial catalysts
Authors: Beeckman Jean W. L.
Published: September 2024

Mathematical modeling plays a diverse and crucial role in the chemical industry and academia. This manuscript describes how the physical and mechanical engineering disciplines help the commercialization of catalysts from evaluation to scale‐up and manufacturing. Forming and shaping the catalyst is the first basic step in the catalyst manufacturing industry. Part A shows some of the classic process methods that are employed for this purpose. Catalyst extrudates require proper engineering and process control of their aspect ratio. Catalyst extrudates with a high aspect ratio tend to yield a low reactor fill due to a loose packing. Catalyst extrudates with a low aspect ratio tend to yield high pressure drop. Part B introduces the tensile strength of the catalyst in order to predict the aspect ratio of catalyst extrudates in commercial plants. A force‐balance between the tensile strength of the catalyst and the impact forces due to collision experienced during manufacture leads to the dimensionless group . The group allows to introduce and quantify the severity of equipment and the severity of entire commercial plants.
Observer‐based output feedback control for a rotating beam with a general exosystem
Authors: Meng Tingting , Fu Qiang , He Xiuyu
Published: September 2024

This paper considers a rotating Euler‐Bernoulli beam system with no dampings, where disturbances and references are generated from a block diagonalizable exosystem. Two tracking errors are the only measurable outputs for the output regulation of the beam system. Firstly, a nominal exosystem is chosen to generate the same signals, and a nominal beam is obtained by finding the specially known coefficients of the disturbances and references. This makes a tracking error‐based observer easily designed for the nominal partial differential equation‐ordinary differential equation (PDE‐ODE) system. Observer‐based robust controls are then designed for the nominal beam system and further proved to guarantee the asymptotic convergence of the tracking errors and the boundedness of the states, although under unknown disturbances and references. Two simulation examples are provided to describe the effectiveness of the controls.
Dysregulated plasma autoantibodies are associated with B cell dysfunction in young Arab children with autism spectrum disorder in Qatar
Authors: Ltaief Samia M. , Nour‐Eldine Wared , Manaph Nimshitha Pavathuparambil Abdul , Tan Ti‐Myen , Anuar Nur Diana , Bensmail Ilham , George Jilbin , Abdesselem Houari B. , Al‐Shammari Abeer R.
Published: September 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as the occurrence of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have provided solid evidence of dysregulated immune system in ASD; however, limited studies have investigated autoantibody profiles in individuals with ASD. This study aims to screen plasma autoantibodies in a well‐defined cohort of young children with ASD (n = 100) and their matched controls (n = 60) utilizing a high‐throughput KoRectly Expressed (KREX) i‐Ome protein‐array technology. We identified differential protein expression of 16 autoantibodies in ASD, which were correlated with differential gene expression of these markers in independent ASD cohorts. Meanwhile, we identified a distinct list of 33 autoantibodies associated with ASD severity; several of which were correlated with maternal age and birth weight in ASD. In addition, we found dysregulated numbers of circulating B cells and activated HLADR+ B cells in ASD, which were correlated with altered levels of several autoantibodies. Further in‐depth analysis of B cell subpopulations revealed an increased frequency of activated naïve B cells in ASD, as well as an association of resting naïve B cells and transitional B cells with ASD severity. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed disrupted MAPK signaling in ASD, suggesting a potential relevance of this pathway to altered autoantibodies and B cell dysfunction in ASD. Finally, we found that a combination of eight autoantibodies associated with ASD severity showed an area under the curve (ROC‐AUC) of 0.937 (95% CI = 0.890, 0.983; p < 0.001), which demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy of the eight‐marker signature in the severity classification of ASD cases. Overall, this study determined dysregulated autoantibody profiles and B cell dysfunction in children with ASD and identified an eight‐autoantibody panel for ASD severity classification.
Additive Fließfertigung von leichtbaugerechten Präzisions‐Betonelementen
Authors: Lindner Marco , Gliniorz Ralf , Funke Henrik , Gelbrich Sandra
Published: September 2024

Im Kontext der Industrie 4.0 steht in der modernen Fließfertigung die durchgängig digital gesteuerte Wertschöpfungskette im Fokus. Insbesondere die Kombination nach den Leichtbauprinzipien mit einer dünnen Spritzbetonschicht und rippenförmigen Stützkonstruktionen, z. B. für Fassadenelemente, führt zu hocheffizienten Bauteilen mit hoher Tragfähigkeit und hochwertigen Oberflächen. Die entwickelte kombinierte Betonspritz‐Extrusion‐Multitool‐Düse bietet die Möglichkeit sowohl des Spritzens als auch des Extrudierens. Darüber hinaus steht die automatisierte Integration von Ankern im Fokus der Fließfertigung, für die spezielle Anker und Werkzeugsysteme entwickelt wurden. Anhand der ermittelten Kennwerte konnten die Praktikabilität und die Produktivitätssteigerung nachgewiesen werden. Diese Daten bilden die Grundlage für einen Digitalen Zwilling in Vorbereitung auf Industrie 4.0. Die Produktivitätssteigerung in der additiven Fertigung führt zu positiven wirtschaftlichen Effekten. Anwendungen von hochfesten Leichtbaustrukturen im Bauwesen werden attraktiver und ermöglichen die Serienumsetzung freiformmodularer Konstruktionen.
Dunkelverfärbungen im unteren Wandbereich von Sichtbetonflächen
Authors: Deiters Macielle , Schack Tobias , Fischer Matthias , Kiltz Denis , Haist Michael
Published: September 2024

Die Sichtbetonbauweise stellt ein unersetzliches architektonisches Stilmittel insbesondere zur Gestaltung repräsentativer Bauwerke aus Beton dar. Trotz einer steigenden Vielfalt an Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten, z. B. mit farbigen oder strukturierten Elementen, liegt die Präferenz vieler Planer:innen und Bauherr:innen weiter auf in Ortbetonbauweise hergestellten glatten Sichtbetonflächen mit gleichmäßig heller Farbtönung. Zwar gibt es signifikante wissenschaftliche und technische Fortschritte, dennoch werden bei der Herstellung solcher Sichtbetonbauteile immer wieder optische Auffälligkeiten – und hier insbesondere Dunkelverfärbungen – beobachtet, die mit den bisherigen wissenschaftlichen Ansätzen nicht vollumfänglich erklärt werden können und die sich bislang auch technisch nicht ausschließen lassen. Im Rahmen eines vom Institut für Baustoffe der Leibniz Universität Hannover und dem Deutschen Beton‐ und Bautechnik‐Verein E. V. gemeinsam durchgeführten Forschungsprojekts wurden die Mechanismen bei der Ausbildung von Dunkelverfärbungen im unteren Wandbereich an Sichtbetonbauteilen systematisch untersucht. Hierbei konnte insbesondere ein direkter Einfluss von Schalungsvibrationen in Wechselwirkung mit den betontechnologischen Eigenschaften als zentraler Einflussparameter für Dunkelverfärbungen identifiziert werden. Die Auftretenswahrscheinlichkeit für derartige Verfärbungen nimmt stark zu, wenn bereits rücksteifende Betone (d. h. Betone, deren Alter sich dem Erstarrungsbeginn annähert) entweder direkt oder indirekt durch die Schalung zum Schwingen angeregt werden. Es konnte eine signifikante Wechselwirkung zwischen dem Zeitpunkt der Vibrationsanregung, den betontechnologischen Eigenschaften und den Vibrationsparametern (Frequenz und Amplitude) festgestellt werden.
Study on a reusable surfactant fracturing fluid and its application in Chang‐6 oil reservoir
Authors: Zhang Lei , He Xinyan , Jiang Wenxue , Yu Weichu , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2024

In order to improve the utilization of fracturing fluid and reduce the environmental pollution risk in large‐scale fracturing of oil reservoirs in Ordos Basin, a type of reusable surfactant fracturing fluid is developed. Its formula composition is 15 × 10−3 g/mL of the synthesized surfactant and 6 × 10−3 g/mL of composite acid. The synthesized surfactant is formed by using 13‐docosaenoic acid, 3‐dimethylaminopropylamine, sodium chloroacetate, and other raw materials. The dissolution time of the fracturing fluid is less than 1 min. Due to the reversible entanglement interactions between the surfactant micelles, it is a viscosity‐elastic fracturing fluid with good sand carrying capacity. It can remain basically unchanged after shearing. The surfactant fracturing fluid can be automatically broken to contact with the crude oil in the oil reservoir. The breaking time can be controlled within 100 min by adjusting the concentration of crude oil. After gel breaking, the viscosity is less than 2.9 mPa ∙ s and the residue content is less than 1.25 mg/L. The interfacial tension of oil and the breaking liquid is below 0.1 mN/m. Subsequently, the field application of the fracturing fluid in N190 oil well has been carried out successfully. The backflow fluid of the surfactant fracturing fluid is successfully reused three times, and the performance of the fracturing fluid prepared in the field is basically consistent with the results of laboratory experiments. The fracturing construction by using the developed surfactant fracturing fluid can achieve a good fracturing stimulation effect and save a large amount of water resources.
Identifying design criteria for implementing inherent safety in chemical process industries part 2: Design mechanism
Authors: Zakaria Zafirah , Kidam Kamarizan , Hassim Mimi H.
Published: September 2024

Inherent safety concepts are common knowledge today, but accidents with similar characteristics do recur. Research on accident causes found that design errors, especially equipment failure, contribute the highest percentage of accidents. The development of inherent safety tools has been increasing at a positive pace, but only a small number of these tools are applicable to equipment design. Ample amounts of inherent safety tools are only suitable to be used at the early design stage. This amplifies the fact that inherent safety tools are still conceptual (e.g., change process routes, change safer materials). This is in contrast to the circumstances, where tools are expected to reinforce the inherent safety of equipment. The objective of this research is to identify design mechanism that can help trigger design thinking for implementation of inherent safety in the chemical process industry. To identify such a design mechanism, 526 cases were collected, and knowledge of the mechanism was extracted from design changes and presented in this research paper. The mechanisms were classified according to equipment and inherent safety keywords. The significant design mechanisms from the overall summation were listed (turbulence, change heat transfer fluid, continuous removal, large surface area, corrosion resistance, seamless joint, thin film, dividing wall, on demand, and double wall).
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Aliphatic α‐Tertiary Aminonitriles via Organocatalytic Isomerization of Cyanoketimines
Authors: Xu Ling , Luo Jisheng , Deng Li
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Chiral α‐tertiary aminonitriles are valuable synthetic intermediates. They are also found in various structures of biologically active molecules. Therefore, numerous reports of catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral α‐aminonitriles continuously emerged during the past few decades. Great strides have been made for the synthesis of chiral α‐aryl and α‐branched alkyl aminonitriles. However, efficient methods for catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral α‐linear alkyl aminonitriles remain limited. We herein report a new synthetic approach to chiral α‐tertiary alkyl aminonitriles via catalytic asymmetric isomerization of cyanoketimines. The synthetic value of this method was illustrated by application to a concise catalytic asymmetric synthesis of vildagliptin.
New insights into the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Zell Lukas , Oetken Marco
Published: September 2024

Um das Themenfeld der Katalyse im Chemieunterricht zu erarbeiten, eignet sich besonders der katalytische Zerfall von Wasserstoffperoxid durch Molybdat‐Ionen. Dieses Experiment zeigt den alternative Reaktionsweg einer katalytischen Reaktion und das Produkt Sauerstoff kann beobachtet und nachgewiesen werden. Der Nachweis des zweiten Produkts, Wasser, ist durch die Verwendung wässriger Wasserstoffperoxidlösungen unmöglich. Durch einen experimentellen Kniff gelingt der Nachweis: anstelle einer Wasserstoffperoxidlösung verwendet man ein festes Wasserstoffperoxid‐Harnstoff‐Addukt, das macht es erstmals möglich Wasser als Produkt nachzuweisen.
Concurrent validity, cut‐offs and ability to change of patient‐reported outcome measures for rhinitis and asthma in MASK‐air®
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Sousa‐Pinto Bernardo , Anto Josep M. , Bedbrook Anna , Czarlewski Wienczyslawa , Ansotegui Ignacio J. , Bergmann Karl‐C. , Braido Fulvio , Brussino Luisa , Cecchi Lorenzo , Loureiro Claudia Chaves , Cruz Alvaro A. , Devillier Philippe , Fiocchi Alessandro , Gemicioglu Bilun , Haahtela Tari , Ivancevich Juan Carlos , Klimek Ludger , Kulus Marek , Kuna Piotr , Kupczyk Maciej , Kvedariene Violeta , Larenas‐Linnemann Desiree E. , Louis Gilles , Louis Renaud , Makris Michael , Morais‐Almeida Mario , Niedoszytko Marek , Ohta Ken , Ollert Markus , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Patella Vincenzo , Pétré Benoit , Pfaar Oliver , Puggioni Francesca , Quirce Santiago , Regateiro Frederico S. , Roche Nicolas , Rouadi Philip W. , Samolinski Boleslaw , Sastre Joaquin , Schleich Florence , Scichilone Nicola , Taborda‐Barata Luis , Toppila‐Salmi Sanna , Valiulis Arunas , Vardaloglu Koyuncu Ilgim , Ventura Maria Teresa , Yorgancioglu Arzu , Fonseca Joao A. , Zuberbier Torsten
Published: September 2024

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess a patient's health status at a particular point in time. They are essential in the development of person‐centred care. This paper reviews studies performed on PROMs for assessing AR and asthma control, in particular VAS scales that are included in the app MASK‐air® (Mobile Airways Sentinel networK) for asthma and rhinitis. VASs were initially developed on paper and pencil and tested for their criterion validity, cut‐offs and responsiveness. Then, a multicentric, multinational, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomised control trial (DB‐PC‐RCT) using an electronic VAS form was carried out. Finally, with the development of MASK‐air® in 2015, previously validated VAS questions were adapted to the digital format and further methodologic evaluations were performed. VAS for asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, work and EQ‐5D are included in the app. Additionally, two control‐medication scores for allergic symptoms of asthma (e‐DASTHMA) were validated for their criterion validity, cut‐offs and responsiveness.
Sharpening cooking skills in week‐long intensives at Hawai’i's Diamond Head, a conversation with Chef Roy Yamaguchi and Professor Grant Itomitsu
Authors: May Rachel
Published: September 2024

This fall, Kapi’olani Community College launches a collaboration between its Culinary Institute of the Pacific and the world‐renowned Culinary Institute of America, a program supported with $2 million in grants from the DBEDT and the Hawai’i State Legislature. The program kicks off this fall, offering intensive week‐long courses for industry professionals who want to develop their skills at a world‐class center located at one of the most iconic settings in the nation: Oahu's Diamond Head, known by native Hawaiins as Lē’ahi, a volcano designated as a national monument.
Aerodynamic breakup of emulsion droplets in airflow
Authors: Xu Zhikun , Liu Jinzhao , Zhang Houpeng , Wang Tianyou , Che Zhizhao
Published: September 2024

Aerodynamic breakup refers to the process where large droplets are fragmented into small droplets by the aerodynamic force in airflow, which plays a vital role in fluid atomization and spray applications. Previous research has primarily concentrated on the aerodynamic breakup of single‐component droplets, but investigations into the breakup of emulsion droplets are limited. This study experimentally investigated the aerodynamic breakup of water‐in‐oil emulsions in airflow, utilizing high‐speed photography to observe the breakup process and digital in‐line holography to measure fragment sizes. Comparative analyses between emulsion droplets and single‐component droplets are conducted to examine the breakup morphology, breakup regime, deformation characteristics, and fragment size distributions. The emulsion droplets exhibit higher apparent viscosity and shorter stretching lengths of the bag film and peripheral rim due to the presence of a dispersed phase. The breakup regime transitions of emulsions are modeled by integrating the viscosity model of emulsions and the transition model of the pure fluid. The fragment sizes of emulsion droplets are larger due to the shorter lengths of the bag film and peripheral rim.
Analyzing eight Turkish macroalgae: Fatty acids, proteins, and in silico biological activity profiles
Authors: Naz Mehmet , Şenol Halil , Okudan Emine Şükran , Sayın Selin , Konuklugil Belma , Topçu Gülaçtı
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the fatty acid (FA) compositions and proteins’ molecular weight profiles (MWP) of eight macroalgae species collected from the Antalya and Çanakkale in Turkiye: three red (Liagora viscida, Laurencia obtusa, Palisada perforata), three brown (Stypopodium schimperi, Cladostephus spongiosus, Halopteris scoparia), and two green (Caulerpa scalpelliformis, Penicillus capitatus). The potential bioactivities of the FAs were evaluated by in silico studies, focusing on anti‐cholinesterase, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects. The predominant FA across all species was palmitic acid comprising over 50% of total FAs in most species. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was abundant in seven of the eight species. Significant variations in MWPs were observed among species, with values ranging from <2532 to >67 000 Da. Brown algae generally exhibited higher MWP levels compared to red and green algae which showed distinctive profiles. In silico studies revealed that DHA exhibited the strongest binding affinity toward lipoxygenase acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes with −8.829, −10.636, and −7.984 kcal mol−1 docking scores, respectively. DHA demonstrated significant interactions with key residues, forming hydrogen bonds critical for enzymatic inhibition and potential therapeutic effects. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of DHA–protein complexes with low root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation values. This comprehensive analysis underscores the nutritional richness and potential bioactivity of macroalgae, particularly in terms of FA composition and protein profiles. The findings suggest that macroalgae, rich in DHA and other beneficial FAs, hold promise for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, warranting further exploration into their therapeutic potential.

Practical Applications: This study explores the fatty acid compositions and protein MWPs of eight macroalgae from Turkey's coasts. The findings suggest potential applications in aquaculture feeds and functional foods. Notably, DHA stands out for its antioxidant, cardioprotective, and cholinesterase inhibitor properties, making these macroalgae promising sources for obtaining DHA. The research supports practical applications in developing nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and aquaculture practices, harnessing the bioactive potential of these marine resources for human health and industry.
Long‐term exposure of sucralose induces neuroinflammation and ferroptosis in human microglia cells via SIRT1/NLRP3/IL‐1β/GPx4 signaling pathways
Authors: Hacioglu Ceyhan
Published: September 2024

Microglia serve as the primary defense mechanism in the brain. Artificial sweeteners are widely used as dietary supplements, though their long‐term effects remain uncertain. In this study, we investigated the effects of sucralose on microglia during prolonged exposure via the neuroinflammatory and ferroptosis pathways. Initially, human microglial clone 3 (HMC3) cells were exposed to sucralose (0–50 mM) for 24, 48, and 72 h to investigate the short‐term effects. Subsequently, HMC3 cells were treated with 1 mM sucralose for 7, 14, and 21 days to examine long‐term effects. We measured levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), Sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1), glutathione peroxidase‐4 (GPx4), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), ferrous iron (Fe2+), and caspase 3/7. Additionally, we analyzed the impact of sucralose on cell morphology, migration, and expression levels of IL‐1β, NLRP3, SIRT1, and GPx4. Sucralose inhibited cell viability and proliferation in HMC3 cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner and induced membrane and nuclear abnormalities. Moreover, sucralose significantly reduced the cell migration rate. Long‐term sucralose treatment decreased Fe2+, GPx4, GSH, and SIRT1 levels in HMC3 cells while increasing IL‐1β, MDA, NLRP3, 8‐OHdG, and caspase 3/7 activity. Sucralose treatment also enhanced microglial activation and neuroinflammation by upregulating IL‐1β and NLRP3 and downregulating SIRT1 and GPx4, thereby inducing ferroptosis and suppressing cell viability. Consequently, high concentrations or long‐term sucralose treatment may induce neuroinflammation and ferroptosis by targeting the SIRT1/NLRP3/IL‐1β/GPx4 pathway in HMC3 cells.
Revolutionizing Colon Histopathology Glandular Segmentation Using an Ensemble Network With Watershed Algorithm
Authors: Roy Bijoyeta , Gupta Mousumi , Goswami Bidyut Krishna
Published: September 2024

Colorectal adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of colon cancer, originates in the glandular structures of the intestines, presenting histopathological abnormalities in affected tissues. Accurate gland segmentation is crucial for identifying these potentially fatal abnormalities. While recent methodologies have shown success in segmenting glands in benign tissues, their efficacy diminishes when applied to malignant tissue segmentation. This study aims to develop a robust learning algorithm using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to segment glandular structures in colon histology images. The methodology employs a CNN based on the U‐Net architecture, augmented by a weighted ensemble network that integrates DenseNet 169, Inception V3, and Efficientnet B3 as backbone models. Additionally, the segmented gland boundaries are refined using the watershed algorithm. Evaluation on the Warwick‐QU dataset demonstrates promising results for the ensemble model, by achieving an F1 score of 0.928 and 0.913, object dice coefficient of 0.923 and 0.911, and Hausdorff distances of 38.97 and 33.76 on test sets A and B, respectively. These results are compared with outcomes from the GlaS challenge (MICCAI 2015) and existing research findings. Furthermore, our model is validated with a publicly available dataset named LC25000, and visual inspection reveals promising results, further validating the efficacy of our approach. The proposed ensemble methodology underscores the advantages of amalgamating diverse models, highlighting the potential of ensemble techniques to enhance segmentation tasks beyond individual model capabilities.
CafeNet: A Novel Multi‐Scale Context Aggregation and Multi‐Level Foreground Enhancement Network for Polyp Segmentation
Authors: Ji Zhanlin , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Zhiwu , Zhang Haiyang , Yuan Na , Zhang Xueji , Ganchev Ivan
Published: September 2024

The detection of polyps plays a significant role in colonoscopy examinations, cancer diagnosis, and early patient treatment. However, due to the diversity in the size, color, and shape of polyps, as well as the presence of low image contrast with the surrounding mucosa and fuzzy boundaries, precise polyp segmentation remains a challenging task. Furthermore, this task requires excellent real‐time performance to promptly and efficiently present predictive results to doctors during colonoscopy examinations. To address these challenges, a novel neural network, called CafeNet, is proposed in this paper for rapid and accurate polyp segmentation. CafeNet utilizes newly designed multi‐scale context aggregation (MCA) modules to adapt to the extensive variations in polyp morphology, covering small to large polyps by fusing simplified global contextual information and local information at different scales. Additionally, the proposed network utilizes newly designed multi‐level foreground enhancement (MFE) modules to compute and extract differential features between adjacent layers and uses the prediction output from the adjacent lower‐layer decoder as a guidance map to enhance the polyp information extracted by the upper‐layer encoder, thereby improving the contrast between polyps and the background. The polyp segmentation performance of the proposed CafeNet network is evaluated on five benchmark public datasets using six evaluation metrics. Experimental results indicate that CafeNet outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art networks, while also exhibiting the least parameter count along with excellent real‐time operational speed.
Enhancement of Semantic Segmentation by Image‐Level Fine‐Tuning to Overcome Image Pattern Imbalance in HRCT of Diffuse Infiltrative Lung Diseases
Authors: Ham Sungwon , Park Beomhee , Yun Jihye , Lee Sang Min , Seo Joon Beom , Kim Namkug
Published: September 2024

Diagnosing diffuse infiltrative lung diseases (DILD) using high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is challenging, even for expert radiologists, due to the complex and variable image patterns. Moreover, the imbalances among the six key DILD‐related patterns—normal, ground‐glass opacity, reticular opacity, honeycombing, emphysema, and consolidation—further complicate accurate segmentation and diagnosis. This study presents an enhanced U‐Net‐based segmentation technique aimed at addressing these challenges. The primary contribution of our work is the fine‐tuning of the U‐Net model using image‐level labels from 92 HRCT images that include various types of DILDs, such as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, usual interstitial pneumonia, and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. This approach helps to correct the imbalance among image patterns, improving the model's ability to accurately differentiate between them. By employing semantic lung segmentation and patch‐level machine learning, the fine‐tuned model demonstrated improved agreement with radiologists' evaluations compared to conventional methods. This suggests a significant enhancement in both segmentation accuracy and inter‐observer consistency. In conclusion, the fine‐tuned U‐Net model offers a more reliable tool for HRCT image segmentation, making it a valuable imaging biomarker for guiding treatment decisions in patients with DILD. By addressing the issue of pattern imbalances, our model significantly improves the accuracy of DILD diagnosis, which is crucial for effective patient care.
Noninvasive Detection of the Skin Structure and Inversed Retrieval of Chromophore Information Based on Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Jinyao , Li Dong , Chen Bin
Published: September 2024

The detection of skin's structure lays the foundation for personalized laser surgery of vascular skin disease, which can be noninvasively achieved by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). A two‐step inverse Monte Carlo radiation method based on DRS under two source‐detector separations was proposed to quantify the skin structure, including chromophore concentration (melanin f
m and hemoglobin f
b), epidermal thickness t
epi, average vessel diameter D
ves, depth d
pws and thickness t
pws of the vascular layer for diseased skin. The method fitted the simulated DRS to the measured DRS iteratively, differences between which were described by a specific objective function to amplify blood absorption at 500–600 nm, and D
ves, d
pws, and t
pws were estimated based on f
m, f
b, and t
pws fitted in the first step. The results showed that the two‐step method dramatically improve the inversion accuracy with mean errors of f
m, f
b, t
pws, and d
pws less than 5%.
Optical Transparency Windows in Near‐Infrared and Short‐Wave Infrared for the Skin, Skull, and Brain: Fluorescence Bioimaging Using PbS Quantum Dots
Authors: Qu Jinghan , Golovynska Iuliia , Liu Jiantao , Qu Junle , Golovynskyi Sergii
Published: September 2024

Fluorescence imaging (FI) employing near‐infrared (NIR) light within the range of ~750–1350 nm enables biomedical imaging several millimeters beneath the tissue surface. More recent investigations into the short‐wave IR (SWIR) transparency windows between ~1550–1870 and 2100–2300 nm highlight their superior capabilities. This research presents a comparison of IR‐FI of PbS quantum dots, emitting at 990, 1310, and 1580 nm, through the mouse scalp skin, skull, and brain. The SWIR fluorescence is the most effectively transmitted signal, showing particularly significant enhancement when passing through the skull, which causes high light scattering. For the analysis of the imaging results and light propagation through the organs, their spectra of attenuation, absorption, and scattering coefficients are measured. In view of biomedical imaging, attenuation due to light scattering is a more destructive factor. Hence, the spatial resolution and imaging contrast can be improved by operating in SWIR due to decreased light scattering.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in siblings of children with Tourette syndrome in the EMTICS study
Authors: Sidiropoulou Olga , Glaus Jennifer , Hagstrøm Julie , Ranjbar Setareh , Rizzo Renata ,   EMTICS collaborative group, Hoekstra Pieter J. , Dietrich Andrea , Plessen Kerstin J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is associated with neuropsychiatric comorbidities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Even though comorbidities are the main source of impairment in individuals with TS, family aggregation between TS and other neuropsychiatric disorders has been little explored. We therefore investigated associations of tic severity in probands with symptoms of ASD, ADHD, and ODD in their siblings and the influence of tic severity, age, and sex.

Methods

The sample of the present study stems from the European Multicenter Tics in Children Study (EMTICS), a longitudinal observational study, with the present subsample of 196 probands with TS and their 220 full siblings (54.1% girls). We analyzed associations of probands’ tic severity with ASD, ADHD, and ODD symptoms in their siblings using generalized linear mixed‐effect negative binomial regression models.

Results

Higher tic severity in probands was associated with higher scores of ASD symptoms in their siblings (IRR = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.03–2.12, p = 0.034); after excluding the three items in the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire linked to stereotypies (that may be misinterpreted as tic‐like behaviors; IRR = 1.44 [95% CI] 0.99–2.09, p = 0.057) the effect size remained similar, yet reaching only near‐significance. Moreover, we demonstrated a significant interaction between probands’ tic severity and sex upon siblings’ symptoms of ADHD and ODD. Female siblings of probands with higher tic severity displayed more symptoms of ADHD and ODD, whereas this effect was absent in male siblings.

Conclusions

This multicenter study demonstrated a link between probands’ current tic severity and siblings’ neuropsychiatric symptoms. Our study suggests a familial link between TS and ASD‐like symptoms, competencies as well as sex‐specific associations with ADHD and ODD symptoms in female siblings. The current study sheds light on a broader family tendency and highlights the need for targeted prevention in this vulnerable population. Our findings, however, call for further studies to better understand the genetic and environmental aggregation of influences between individuals with TS, ADHD, and ODD and their siblings.
Biomechanical analysis of four different meniscus suturing techniques for posterior meniscal root pull‐out repair: A human cadaveric study
Authors: Chang Ting‐Yu , Yang Tai‐Hua , Lin Kuan‐Yu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To compare the biomechanical properties of the slip‐knot technique with three other transtibial pullout suture repair constructs for meniscal root tears.

Method

Thirty‐two fresh‐frozen cadaveric menisci were randomly allocated to four meniscus‐suture fixation constructs: Two simple‐sutures (TSS), two slip‐knot (TSK) sutures, two cinch‐loop (TCL) sutures, and two modified Mason–Allen (TMMA) sutures. Cyclic loading from 5 to 20 N was conducted for 1000 cycles at 0.5 Hz, and then loaded to failure at 0.5 mm/s. Parametric data (displacement during cyclic loading, ultimate load, yield load, and displacement at failure) were analysed using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), whereas nonparametric data (stiffness) were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

After 1000 cycles, the TCL construct significantly displaced the most (mean ± SD, 6.78 ± 1.32 mm; p < 0.001), followed by the TMMA (2.83 ± 0.90 mm), TSK (2.33 ± 0.57 mm), and TSS (2.03 ± 0.62 mm) groups. On ultimate failure load, there was no significant difference between the TSK group (123.48 ± 27.24 N, p > 0.05) and the other three groups (TSS, 94.65 ± 25.33 N; TMMA, 168.38 ± 23.24 N; TCL, 170.54 ± 57.32 N); however, it exhibited the least displacement (5.53 ± 1.25 mm) which was significantly shorter than those of the TCL (11.82 ± 4.25 mm, p < 0.001) and TMMA (9.53 ± 2.18 mm, p = 0.03) constructs. No significant difference in stiffness was observed among the four meniscus‐suture constructs.

Conclusion

The slip‐knot technique has proven to be a simple, yet robust and stable meniscal root fixation option; moreover, it exhibited superiority over the more complex modified Mason–Allen suture construct in resisting displacement at the ultimate failure load.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Evaluation of Soil–Structure Interface Models Considering Cyclic Loading Effect
Authors: Wang Hai‐Lin , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Gu Xiao‐Qiang , Jin Yin‐Fu
Published: September 2024

The simulation of the soil–structure interface (SSI) under cyclic loading is critically important in geotechnical engineering. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the cyclic behaviors exhibited at the SSI. However, existing model evaluations primarily rely on direct comparisons between experiments and simulations, with limited analysis focused on specific behaviors like accumulated normal displacement and stress degradation under cyclic loading. This study proposes and adapts six SSI models, including three nonlinear incremental models and three elastoplastic models. These models incorporate nonlinear shear modulus, critical state theory, and particle breakage effects to enhance their capability to capture SSI behaviors. Utilizing optimization‐based calibration for a fair comparison, the model parameters are fine‐tuned based on the experimental data. Comprehensive assessments including global comparisons and specific behaviors like accumulated normal displacement and stress degradation are carried out to evaluate the models' performance. The results indicate that all models effectively replicate the typical behaviors of SSI systems. By incorporating the particle breakage effect, the models can represent both the reversible and irreversible normal displacements under cyclic loading with better performance. The irreversible normal displacement remains stable and is solely influenced by the soil properties rather than the stress level. Moreover, the models successfully capture the stress degradation under constant normal stiffness caused by the irreversible normal displacement.
Investigation of Suffusion Under Torsional Shear Conditions With CFD‐DEM
Authors: Song Shun‐Xiang , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Liu Ya‐Jing , Wang Pei , Cheng Yi‐Pik
Published: September 2024

This study investigates, for the first time ever, the suffusion on gap‐graded granular soils under torsional shear conditions from a microscopic perspective. A numerical model of the hollow cylinder torsional shear test (HCTST) using the discrete element method (DEM) is first developed, where an algorithm for simulating the real inner and outer rubber membranes of the hollow cylinder apparatus (HCA) is introduced. After the validation, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach is introduced for the coupling between the particle and fluid phases. Then, a series of the coupled CFD‐DEM suffusion simulations considering the rotation of the major principal stress axis (α) and intermediate principal stress ratio (b) are conducted. It is found that more fine particles are eroded in cases having smaller α and b, and the clogging phenomenon in the middle zones becomes more significant as both α and b increase. From the microscopic perspective, the specimens whose contact anisotropy principal direction is close to the fluid direction will lose more fines, and the anisotropy magnitude also plays an important role. In addition, the differences in structure and vertical connectivity of the pores in HCTST samples under various complex loading conditions cause fine particles to have different migration paths, further resulting in different fines mass loss.
Advancements in sea ice dynamics modeling based on a mixed least‐squares finite element study with nonconforming stress approximation
Authors: Hellebrand Sonja , Schwarz Carina , Schröder Jörg
Published: September 2024

The seasonal growth and decay of the (Antarctic) sea ice has great impact on the local as well as the world's climate. Thus, the numerical analysis to forecast the sea ice dynamics with all its impact factors and the mutual influence on the climate is of great interest. This contribution studies the application of the least‐squares finite element method (FEM) to the coupled problem considering the ocean velocity, the stresses, the sea ice concentration, and the sea ice thickness. By using conforming and nonconforming approximation spaces for the stresses, their advantages and disadvantages are shown and discussed.
Two‐phase flows simulations in a space‐time framework for injection molding applications: Comparison with experimental results
Authors: Ferrer‐Fabón Blanca , Kahve Cemi , Alms Jonathan , Behr Marek , Hopmann Christian
Published: September 2024

High‐resolution numerical simulations of the injection molding process are crucial for precise process and part behavior prediction and tool fabrication. However, the complex flow behavior with high shear rates, rapid cooling as well as the nonlinear material properties post many challenges, and efficient high‐resolution numerical analysis is still subject to research. This study presents a simplified numerical description of the polymer flow and cooling during the injection phase, aiming for efficient and yet accurate simulations of the process. The in‐house finite‐element solver XNS is used to simulate the polymer and air flows, as a two‐phase flow, using the level‐set method. The injected polymer is characterized as a shear‐thinning flow using the non‐Newtonian Cross‐Williams‐Landel‐Ferry rheology model. To reduce the computational time, other polymer model effects such as a precise crystallization kinetics model during the injection phase have been neglected as a result of the findings of a previous study. Heading towards more efficient computations, we use a space‐time discretization, which has a higher convergence rate than commonly used time discretizations and can allow future mesh refinement in time, particularly convenient for our application. The results of the simulation are compared to the propagation of the flow front in an injection molding process of a plate part. The flow front is traced in‐situ by three aligned infrared sensors that detect the temperature increase from the mold wall. The time of flow front propagation between two sensors is in good agreement with experimental results. The peak temperature is calculated lower as compared to the experiment; however the temperature gradients are in good agreement validating the numerical model presented here.