bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEXAS syndrome: Focus on dermatological manifestations and their histopathological correlate
Authors: Engelen Sofie , Dens Anne‐Catherine , Staels Frederik , Schrijvers Rik , Blockmans Daniel , Vanderschueren Steven , Betrains Albrecht , Woei‐A‐Jin F. J. Sherida H. , Vanstapel Arno , Bosisio Franscesca , De Haes Petra
Published: April 2024

Background

VEXAS ‘Vacuoles, E1 Enzyme, X‐linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic syndrome’ is a rare autoinflammatory syndrome, first described in October 2020 by Beck et al. It is caused by somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene, coding for the E1 enzyme, responsible for ubiquitination. It manifests in adulthood, mainly in men, with constitutional symptoms, haematological abnormalities and often skin lesions with neutrophilic dermatoses most frequently reported. Since skin lesions are a frequent and early manifestation, recognising these may prove very useful for diagnosis.

Objectives

To focus on the dermatological manifestations of VEXAS and their histopathological correlate.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data and revised skin biopsies of VEXAS patients diagnosed in our tertiary care centre, and compared those with the literature.

Results

We identified nine men between 62 and 84 years old. The most frequently encountered UBA1 mutation was p.Met41Thr. Skin manifestations occurred in all patients; mostly as erythematous to purpuric papules/plaques, often with annular pattern. Histopathological, early VEXAS lesions showed a gradient in infiltrate with neutrophils being concentrated in the superficial interstitium and lymphocytes situated deeper around the blood vessels. Later in the disease course, the pattern became more variable and less specific with more nuclear debris, histiocytes, neutrophils and ulceration. Haematological and constitutional manifestations were present in all patients, followed by musculoskeletal (88.8%), eye (77.7%) and cardiovascular manifestations (66.6%). Polychondritis was present in 6/9 (66.6%) patients, as were respiratory symptoms, though only 33.3% had proven lung disease. The mortality rate was 22% 10 months after diagnosis.

Conclusions

This is the first cohort which describes in detail VEXAS skin manifestations with revision of all available skin biopsies, which led to the conclusion that early histopathological abnormalities in VEXAS syndrome may be easy to recognise, while the histopathological image becomes less specific over time and mimics other diseases as VEXAS progresses.
Spatial variation of soil organic carbon under major rubber planting regions in China
Authors: Guo Xinwei , Zhao Linlin , Wu Zhixiang , Sun Rui , Yang Chuan , Fu Qingmao , Tan Zhenghong
Published: April 2024

Understanding the dynamic relationships between soil organic carbon (SOC) and stand age are essential to quantify and predict the terrestrial carbon sequestration potential. However, the spatial patterns in the response of rubber plantation SOC to stand age and their driving factors remain unclear. Based on SOC and its components measurement at different soil depths (0–40 cm) in rubber plantations under five different age classes (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30, and >30 years) in three major rubber cultivation regions in China, distribution pattern and controlling factors of SOC were investigated. We found that SOC and its components showed significant spatial variability vertically with soil depth and laterally across sampling sites. SOC contents in three major rubber cultivation regions range from 4.48 to 20.13 g kg−1 at a depth of 0–40 cm. Among the sampling sites, Jinghong had the highest SOC content at a depth of 0–10 cm (20.13 g kg−1). On a large‐scale, the relationship between SOC and stand age in rubber plantations did not show a consistent pattern among different sampling sites. Additionally, annual rainfall, soil moisture content, and soil pH had a stronger impact on SOC in rubber plantations compared to stand age. The results indicated that the spatial variability of SOC in rubber plantations with stand age could be influenced by specific soil properties and climate‐related variables at each sampling site. This study emphasized the significance of conducting multi‐site, multi‐scale studies to enhance our understanding of SOC dynamics and its influencing factors, and help to more accurately predict the dynamic changes of soil carbon storage in rubber plantations.
Contrasting responses of different mixotrophic protists to light and nutrient availability
Authors: Koppelle Sebastiaan , Ivanković Marina , Bengtsson Mia M. , Preiler Christian , Huisman Jef , Brussaard Corina P. D. , Engelmann Julia C. , Ptáčník Robert , Wilken Susanne
Published: April 2024

Mixotrophic protists are important members of aquatic microbial food webs where they can dominate bacterivory and strongly impact energy and nutrient flow. While light and nutrient availability are known to impact grazing rates by mixotrophs in laboratory studies, little is known about how changes in resource availability affect mixotrophic organisms in natural communities. Here, we performed a short‐term grazing assay using fluorescently labeled bacteria in a phosphorus‐limited subalpine mountain lake to test how the availability of light and nutrients affect mixotroph grazing rates. High grazing rates by a Pseudopedinella‐like dictyochophyte were unaffected by nutrient or light manipulation. In contrast, grazing rates by pigmented cryptophytes significantly decreased upon phosphorus addition, light deprivation, and a combination of both. We compare these findings with the seasonal analysis of a 4‐yr time‐series dataset of 18S rRNA gene amplicon abundances. While cryptophytes dominated in autumn and winter and were negatively related with water column stability, Pseudopedinella amplicon abundances showed a consistent spring–summer peak and were positively related with chlorophyll a concentrations. These results demonstrate the diversity in nutritional strategies among co‐occurring mixotrophic protists, which cannot be resolved by quantification of bulk grazing rates. Moreover, these different strategies result in distinct seasonal dynamics and coexistence of different mixotrophs, suggesting their respective trajectories into future aquatic ecosystems will also differ.
A Hybrid Organic‐Crystal‐Based Curved Waveguide Network for Producing, Splitting, and Transducing Multi‐Color Outputs
Authors: Rohullah Mehdi , Avulu Vinod Kumar , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: April 2024

Hybrid optical components and circuits that deal with multiple signal generation and processing are quintessential for neural networking systems. Herein, the study reports the fabrication of one such component, a hybrid directional coupler (HDC) from blue emissive (4,4′‐bis(2,6‐di(1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridin‐4‐yl)biphenyl) (BPP) and green emissive (E)‐1‐(((5‐bromopyridin‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol (BPyIN) pseudo‐plastic molecular crystals. Initially, a BPyIN microcrystal optical waveguide (OW1) is shaped into a strained waveguide with five bends using an atomic force microscopy cantilever‐tip aided mechanophotonics approach. Later, a singly bent BPyIN waveguide (OW2) is integrated into one of the bends at the coupling region on a strained waveguide to produce a 2 × 2 monolithic directional coupler (DC). Later, this 2 × 2 DC is extended to a HDC by integrating a blue emissive BPP waveguide (OW3) at another bend on the deformed waveguide. The fabricated HDC can effectively split the incident light into three parts with different split ratios and deliver multi‐color outputs depending on the port receiving the input signal. The spontaneous generation and processing of various signals produced in the circuit helps in understanding the functioning of complex optical neural networks. The demonstration of such innovative optical components manifests their utility for diverse applications in neural networking and quantum computing systems.
Freeform Liquid–Crystal Polarization Imaging Optics: A Practical Approach from Design to Fabrication
Authors: Pei Chunyang , Weng Jiacheng , Shu Tian , Fang Linyue , Hu Guangyin , Liu Yingli , Chen Ting , Wu Rengmao , Li Haifeng , Liu Xu
Published: April 2024

Freeform liquid–crystal polarization imaging optics (LPIOs) have vast potential for application in next‐generation interactive displays like augmented reality and virtual reality. However, tailoring the phase profile of a freeform LPIO for flexible aberration correction and diffraction efficiency control is still a big challenge due to the difficulties arising from the non‐zero étendue of an imaging system and the finite bandwidth of LPIOs. Here, a practical approach to creating freeform LPIOs from design to fabrication is proposed. A freeform polarization exposure is developed to produce a flexible, precise, and ultra‐high‐resolution photoalignment pattern for a freeform LPIO. A cooperative optimization is performed between the freeform LPIO and the freeform polarization exposure system to find the optimal phase of the freeform LPIO and the optimal surface profiles of the freeform lenses employed in the exposure system to produce freeform wavefronts. The optimal phase of the freeform LPIO is then achieved by superposition interference of the engineered freeform wavefronts via freeform polarization exposure. The effectiveness of the approach and the advantages of freeform LPIOs is experimentally demonstrated. The proposed approach will significantly promote the widespread applications of freeform LPIOs in the field of optics and photonics.
Baicalein promotes KDM4E to induce BICD1 and inhibit triple‐negative breast cancer progression by blocking PAR1 signaling
Authors: Dong Yun , He Gaojian , Chen Kun , He Xuefeng , Pan Meitong , Huang Xuemei , Yu Xiaolan , Xia Jiyi
Published: April 2024

Baicalein has been implicated in the chemotherapy overcoming triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, many unanswered questions remain regarding its role in treating TNBC. Here, we sought to demonstrate the molecular pathway mediated by baicalein in TNBC. Lysine‐specific demethylase 4E (KDM4E), reduced in TNBC cells, was identified as a target protein of baicalein, and baicalein enhanced the protein expression and stability of KDM4E in TNBC cells. Knockdown of KDM4E attenuated the inhibitory effect of baicalein on TNBC cell activity, as demonstrated by intensified mobility, viability, and apoptosis resistance in TNBC cells. KDM4E activated protein bicaudal D homolog 1 (BICD1) expression by reducing the deposition of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) in its promoter, whereas BICD1 promoted protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR1) endocytosis and blocked PAR1 signaling through physical interaction with PAR1. Knockdown of KDM4E strengthened the PAR1‐dependent activity of TNBC cells in response to thrombin activation, whereas TNBC progression activated by PAR1 signaling was blocked by combined overexpression of BICD1. Taken together, our data indicate that baicalein‐promoted KDM4E enhanced the expression of BICD1 and activated the inhibitory effect of BICD1 on PAR1 signaling, thereby inhibiting TNBC progression.
Global hydrological reanalyses: The value of river discharge information for world‐wide downstream applications – The example of the Global Flood Awareness System GloFAS
Authors: Prudhomme Christel , Zsótér Ervin , Matthews Gwyneth , Melet Angelique , Grimaldi Stefania , Zuo Hao , Hansford Eleanor , Harrigan Shaun , Mazzetti Cinzia , de Boisseson Eric , Salamon Peter , Garric Gilles
Published: April 2024

Global hydrological reanalyses are modelled datasets providing information on river discharge evolution everywhere in the world. With multi‐decadal daily timeseries, they provide long‐term context to identify extreme hydrological events such as floods and droughts. By covering the majority of the world's land masses, they can fill the many gaps in river discharge in‐situ observational data, especially in the global South. These gaps impede knowledge of both hydrological status and future evolution and hamper the development of reliable early warning systems for hydrological‐related disaster reduction. River discharge is a natural integrator of the water cycle over land. Global hydrological reanalysis datasets offer an understanding of its spatio‐temporal variability and are therefore critical for addressing the water–energy–food–environment nexus. This paper describes how global hydrological reanalyses can fill the lack of ground measurements by using earth system or hydrological models to provide river discharge time series. Following an inventory of alternative sources of river discharge datasets, reviewing their advantages and limitations, the paper introduces the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) modelling chain and its reanalysis dataset as an example of a global hydrological reanalysis dataset. It then reviews examples of downstream applications for global hydrological reanalyses, including monitoring of land water resources and ocean dynamics, understanding large‐scale hydrological extreme fluctuations, early warning systems, earth system model diagnostics and the calibration and training of models, with examples from three Copernicus Services (Emergency Management, Marine and Climate Change).
An efficient iterative method for matrix sign function with application in stability analysis of control systems using spectrum splitting
Authors: Sharma Pallvi , Kansal Munish
Published: April 2024

The goal of this study is to construct a novel iterative method to compute the matrix sign function using a different approach. It is discussed that the new method is globally convergent and asymptotically stable. It achieves the sixth order of convergence and only requires five matrix–matrix multiplications. The obtained results are extended to compute the number of eigenvalues of a matrix in a specified region of the complex plane. This is done by performing appropriate sequence of matrix sign computations. An application of this technique has been discussed in stability analysis of linear time‐invariant dynamic systems in control theory. Numerical results have been given to justify the effectual performance and superiority of the proposed method. Matrices of various sizes have been considered for this purpose.
Thermal Degradation Kinetic Study of Expanded Perlite‐Modified Butadiene Rubber Composites
Authors: Edres Nada , Buniyatzadeh Irada , Aliyeva Solmaz , Turp Sinan Mehmet , Alosmanov Rasim
Published: April 2024

Mineral–rubber composites based on phosphorylated butadiene rubber (PhBR), including pure expanded perlite (EP) and modified phosphorylated expanded perlite (PhEP) as fillers, are developed. The process involves forming PhBR and its composites—EP/PhBR and PhEP/PhBR—through the oxidative chlorophosphorylation (OxCh) reaction. An in‐depth comparative analysis is conducted on the thermal destruction of the PhBR matrix and the EP/PhBR, and PhEP/PhBR composites. The thermogravimetric (TG)/differential thermogravimetry (DTG) analyses reveal three stages of thermal degradation for the PhBR matrix and both composites, highlighting the notable effects of EP and PhEP in the second and third stages of the degradation process. In comparison, the PhEP/PhBR composite exhibits reduced weight loss, the highest integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT) value, and a lower Tmax on the DTG curve, compared with the EP/PhBR composite and the PhBR matrix. The mechanism of the thermal destruction reaction and the kinetic parameters Ea and A are calculated using the model‐fitting Coats–Redfern method.
Large‐strain consolidation of vacuum preloading combined with partially penetrating prefabricated vertical drains
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhou You , Sun Liqiang , Jiang Huihuang , Lang Ruiqing , Chen Hao , Ren Yuxiao
Published: April 2024

A system of vacuum preloading combined with partially penetrating prefabricated vertical drains (PP‐PVDs) is an effective solution for promoting the consolidation of the dredged marine clay. However, a significant and traditionally challenging‐to‐predict amount of deformation or settlement occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a three‐dimensional large‐strain consolidation model to consider the length of the vertical drain to determine the consolidation time and degree of consolidation (DoC), and associated settlement. The predictions using the proposed analytical model provide fair agreements with the field data and those in the literature. Parametric studies reveal that to achieve a 90% DoC within 100 days in soft soil, the optimal penetration depth for PP‐PVDs would be 0.7 times the depth of the soil layer. With the increase of DoC, the ratio of excess pore water pressure to applied vacuum pressure (u/P) in the whole soil layer moves toward 1.0. With the increase of PVD penetration ratio (H1/H), more DoC is required to dissipate the excess pore water pressure in the top improved soil layer.
Probabilistic assessment of existing shield tunnel longitudinal responses to tunnelling
Authors: Liang Rongzhu , Zhang Zhiwei , Wu Jin , Li Zhongchao , Cao Shian , Wu Wenbing
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a probabilistic‐based framework to assess the failure probability of the existing shield tunnel owing to undercrossing tunnelling. A novel deterministic model using the two‐phase analysis method is presented to evaluate the longitudinal behaviours of the in‐service shield tunnel. First, the tunnelling‐induced settlement is estimated using the Loganathan and Poulos’ method; second, the longitudinal beam‐spring model (LBSM), which can explicitly consider the circumferential joints, is applied to reflect the performances of the existing shield tunnel. Two well‐documented case histories are selected to validate the effectiveness of the deterministic analysis model. The predictions are also compared with previous analytical methods. Afterward, to improve the computational efficiency, a surrogate model is then established to replace deterministic model and perform the global sensitivity analysis (GSA). A probabilistic analysis is further performed to explore the tunnelling‐induced deformation characteristics of the shield tunnel by means of Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. Parametric analyses are further performed to explore the influences of key variables on the failure probabilities of the existing shield tunnel. The results show the proposed deterministic model gives a satisfactory prediction in tunnelling‐induced responses of the existing shield tunnel. The LBSM can reflect the segmental ring and joint deformations more realistically. The uncertainties in the ground elastic modulus, joint rotation stiffness and the joint shearing stiffness dominate the tunnel settlement, joint opening and dislocation, respectively. The failure probability of tunnel settlement is more sensitive to volume loss than that of the joint opening and dislocation. The whole system failure probability is identical to that of the tunnel settlement failure mode. By increasing the coefficient of variation (COV) of random variables, probability density function (PDF) curves for neutral and pessimistic conditions become lower and wider, and the maximum joint opening and dislocation positions corresponding to the peaks of PDF apparently deviate from that of the determinate results. Increasing the two tunnel clearances, the allowable volume loss for opening and dislocation increase linearly, but it has insignificant influence on the tunnel failure mode. However, enlarge the new tunnel diameter leads to rapid decrease in the allowable volume loss for all failure modes.
Reducing time and memory requirements in topology optimization of transient problems
Authors: Theulings M. J. B. , Maas R. , Noël L. , van Keulen F. , Langelaar M.
Published: April 2024

In topology optimization of transient problems, memory requirements and computational costs often become prohibitively large due to the backward‐in‐time adjoint equations. Common approaches such as the Checkpointing (CP) and Local‐in‐Time (LT) algorithms reduce memory requirements by dividing the temporal domain into intervals and by computing sensitivities on one interval at a time. The CP algorithm reduces memory by recomputing state solutions instead of storing them. This leads to a significant increase in computational cost. The LT algorithm introduces approximations in the adjoint solution to reduce memory requirements and leads to a minimal increase in computational effort. However, we show that convergence can be hampered using the LT algorithm due to errors in approximate adjoints. To reduce memory and/or computational time, we present two novel algorithms. The hybrid Checkpointing/Local‐in‐Time (CP/LT) algorithm improves the convergence behavior of the LT algorithm at the cost of an increased computational time but remains more efficient than the CP algorithm. The Parallel‐Local‐in‐Time (PLT) algorithm reduces the computational time through a temporal parallelization in which state and adjoint equations are solved simultaneously on multiple intervals. State and adjoint fields converge concurrently with the design. The effectiveness of each approach is illustrated with two‐dimensional density‐based topology optimization problems involving transient thermal or flow physics. Compared to the other discussed algorithms, we found a significant decrease in computational time for the PLT algorithm. Moreover, we show that under certain conditions, due to the use of approximations in the LT and PLT algorithms, they exhibit a bias toward designs with short characteristic times. Finally, based on the required memory reduction, computational cost, and convergence behavior of optimization problems, guidelines are provided for selecting the appropriate algorithms.
Are we on the same page? Individual interpretations of missions within human service nonprofits
Authors: Berlan David , Lim Sungdae , Campos Portia Diñoso
Published: April 2024

Without unique missions to serve a public purpose, nonprofits have no justification to exist. Much of the focus on mission in scholarship centers on concerns with mission drift and pressures from external actors. Yet internal dynamics may be just as important in developing a common mission and the coherent activities pursuing it. This research identifies the structural forces shaping organizational members' individual mission conceptions and leading them to emulate and converge around a shared dominant conception. We apply the concept of institutional isomorphism to 104 interviews conducted with staff, managers, board members, and volunteers from 14 human services nonprofits and explain the isomorphic pathways of individuals adopting dominant mission conceptions. Employing qualitative comparative analysis, we analyze the interviews capturing various combinations of individual backgrounds, motivations for joining the organization, and language used to share the mission with others. We find the presence of seven isomorphic pathways leading nonprofit professionals to adopt the dominant interpretations.
High Prevalence of Cochlear Nerve Deficiency in Pediatric Patients With Cochlear Aperture Stenosis
Authors: Dorismond Christina , Smetak Miriam R. , Perkins Elizabeth L. , Foust Alexandra M. , Sarma Asha , Virgin Frank W.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) is a common radiologic finding among unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) patients. It is generally detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is associated with higher cost, less availability, and possible need for sedation. Therefore, identifying computed tomography (CT) findings, such as cochlear aperture stenosis (CAS), that can reliably predict CND is valuable. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of CND in pediatric patients with CT‐diagnosed CAS.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

We included pediatric patients diagnosed with CAS on temporal bone CT and with available temporal bone MRI. For each patient, an otolaryngologist and a pediatric neuroradiologist measured the cochlear aperture width on CT to confirm CAS (cochlear aperture < 1.4 mm) and assessed the status of the cochlear nerve on MRI.

Results

Fifty‐five patients, representing 65 ears, had CAS on CT measurement. Median cochlear aperture width in CAS ears was 0.70 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.40‐1.05 mm) versus 2.00 mm in non‐CAS ears (IQR: 1.80‐2.30 mm, P < .001). CND was found in 98.5% (n = 64/65) of CAS ears, while a normal cochlear nerve was found in 1.5% (n = 1/65) of CAS ears.

Conclusion

CND is highly prevalent among pediatric patients with CAS. This suggests that MRI may not be needed to assess for CND in USNHL patients with CAS, as initial CT may provide sufficient information to determine cochlear implant candidacy. We recommend thoughtful shared decision‐making with parents of USNHL patients when determining whether to pursue MRI in the setting of a CAS diagnosis.
Epistaxis Rates and Health Care Utilization in Patients With a Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Rohe Eric , Schmoker Sarah , Samson Kaeli , Carlson Kristy , Dowdall Jayme
Published: April 2024

Objective

Identify baseline epistaxis rates and epistaxis‐related health care utilization trends in the ventricular assist device (VAD) population.

Methods

Single center, retrospective cohort study consisting of chart review of adult VAD patients. Analysis of descriptive statistics was assessed using χ2 tests, independent sample t tests, or Fisher's exact when expected counts were low. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between epistaxis and variables of interest.

Results

Two hundred ninety patients were included in the analysis. Ninety‐eight (33.8%) patients developed epistaxis and 84 (29.0%) received medical attention. Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding had increased rates of epistaxis (42.4% vs 29.0%). Logistic regression analysis found GI bleeding to have an adjusted odds of developing epistaxis of 1.94 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12‐3.37) and kidney disease to have an adjusted odds of 1.83 (95% CI: 1.06, 3.13).

Discussion

VAD implantation improves survival and quality of life but also carries significant bleeding risks. At our institution, 29% of VAD patients received medical attention for epistaxis. GI bleeding and kidney disease were found to have increased adjusted odds of developing epistaxis. Fifty‐nine percent of epistaxis events occurred while inpatient and 32.8% of events were seen in the emergency department.

Implications for Practice

VAD patients are an at‐risk group that could potentially benefit from preventative nasal hydration regimen.
Burdens on the gateway to the state: Administrative burdens in the registration of people experiencing homelessness in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Robben Laure‐lise , Peeters Rik , Widlak Arjan
Published: April 2024

Population registries are the gateway to public services, benefits, and rights. However, despite clear formal rules and procedures, people eligible for registration may still face administrative burdens in obtaining access. In this article, we study the case of the municipal registration of people who experience homelessness in Belgium and the Netherlands—a group that typically suffers from administrative vulnerability. Using data from 61 interviews with social workers and civil servants, we find that burdens are constructed at the municipal level to disincentivize homeless people's access to registration. However, using the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework, we also identify mechanisms in the governance of population registrations and the decentralization of social policies that create incentives for strategic behavior by municipal policy makers and street‐level bureaucrats. By analyzing the interaction between multiple institutional levels, we contribute to understanding how structural mechanisms influence policymakers’ agency in the construction of administrative burdens.
Effect of hydroxyapatite and pulsed electromagnetic field on osteogenic differentiation of human stem cells seeded onto 3D‐printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for future bone graft transplantation
Authors: Scocozza F. , Bina V. , Caliogna L. , Brancato A. M. , Mosconi M. , Fassina L. , Conti M. , Gastaldi G.
Published: April 2024

Bone graft transplantation is a risky procedure mainly due to postoperative complications. Tissue engineering is an alternative to regenerating bone tissue by seeding mesenchymal stem cells into 3D scaffolds by osteoinductive signaling. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) is one of the most used biopolymers for fabricating scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. PCL is enriched with hydroxyapatite (HA) to promote the production of the bone‐mineralized matrix. Moreover, the application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on scaffolds loaded with HA can significantly benefit collagen and HA networks favoring the interaction between organic and mineral phases of bones. In this context, we investigated, for the first time, the effect exerted by a PEMF exposure on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) seeded onto 3D printed PCL‐HA scaffolds and cultured in growth and osteogenic medium (OM). After 21 days of culture, the results showed excellent colonization of scaffolds and the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by hASCs. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the deposition of collagen type I and osteopontin both on scaffolds. Gene expression analysis indicated that both HA crystal and PEMF treatment were able to trigger osteogenic differentiation, as documented by the increase of osteogenic markers. These results suggest that HA, osteogenic factors, and PEMFs converge on the same signaling pathways as there are no additive effects and no change in protein synthesis between scaffolds with HA or treated with PEMFs for cells cultured in OM. The proposed study lays the foundations for exploring new approaches in bone graft transplantation.
Feasibility of 18F‐DOPA and 18F‐FDG PET/CT for guiding decision‐making for localized incidental neuroblastoma in infants under 18 months of age
Authors: Hung Wan‐Ting , Liu Chia‐Ju , Liu Yen‐Lin , Ko Kuan‐Yin , Chou Shu‐Wei , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Yang Yung‐Li , Lu Meng‐Yao , Hsu Wen‐Ming
Published: April 2024

Background

Neuroblastoma varies widely in risk. Risk indicators in infants with incidental neuroblastoma refine treatment confidence for observation or intervention. The potential of functional imaging, particularly PET/CT, remains to be defined.

Procedure

A retrospective review of infants under 18 months diagnosed with incidental neuroblastoma from 2008 to May 2022 in our institute was conducted. Before October 2015, incidental patients were treated similarly to symptomatic cases, undergoing biopsy or surgical excision upon diagnosis (early cohort). Post October 2015 (late cohort), treatment decisions were guided by PET/CT findings, with 18F‐DOPA PET/CT confirming diagnosis and staging. For tumors with low 18F‐FDG uptake, an expectant observation approach was considered. Patient characteristics, diagnostic methods, image findings at diagnosis, treatment courses, and responses were compared between cohorts.

Results

Thirty infants less than 18 months were identified with incidental neuroblastoma and completed PET/CT at diagnosis. The early and late cohorts each comprised 15 patients. In the late cohort, nine out of 15 patients (60%) presented with localized FDG non‐avid tumors were offered the option of expectant observation. Of these, seven patients opted for observation, thereby avoiding surgery. Treatment outcomes were comparable between early and late cohorts, except for one mortality of a patient who, despite showing 18F‐FDG activity, declined treatment.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential utility of 18F‐DOPA and 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans in aiding clinical decision‐making for infants with localized, incidental neuroblastoma. Given the concerns regarding radiation exposure, such imaging may be valuable for cases with suspected metastasis, initial large tumor size, or growth during follow‐up.
Results of a long‐term, prospective study on complications of central venous catheter in pediatric patients with hematologic‐oncologic diseases
Authors: Garonzi Chiara , Zeni Francesca , Tridello Gloria , Giacomazzi Alice , Castagna Alberto , Esposto Maria Pia , Caddeo Giulia , Pezzella Vincenza , Zaccaron Ada , Bonetti Elisa , Vitale Virginia , Chinello Matteo , Balter Rita , Guardini Beatrice , Pedrazzoli Eleonora , Cesaro Simone
Published: April 2024

Background

Central venous catheter (CVC)‐related complications remain a significant cause of morbidity in pediatric hematology‐oncology. We prospectively surveyed the incidence of CVC‐related complications in children with hematologic‐oncologic diseases.

Procedure

Five‐hundred‐eighty‐one CVCs were inserted in 421 patients from January 2010 to June 2022 (153,731 CVC days observation; follow‐up data up to December 31, 2022).

Results

Overall, 671 complications were recorded (4.365/1000 CVC days): 49.7% malfunctions (1.88/1000 CVC days, 4.8% of CVC early removals), 23.9% bacteremia (0.90/1000, 15.1%), 19.6% mechanical complications (0.74/1000, 70.2%), 20.1% localized infections (0.76/1000, 17.1%), 0.5% thrombosis (0.02/1000, 33.3%). At multivariate analysis, risk factors for malfunction were Broviac–Hickman type of CVC (hazard ratio [HR] 2.5) or Port‐a‐cath (HR 3.4) or Proline (HR 4.3), p < .0001; for bacteremia double‐lumen CVC (HR 3.2, p < .0001); for mechanical complications age at CVC insertion under median (HR 4.5, p < .0001) and Broviac–Hickman (HR 1.6) or Proline (HR 2.7), p = .01; finally for localized infections Broviac–Hickman (HR 2.9) or Proline (HR 4.4), p = .0001. The 2‐year cumulative incidence of premature removal was 23.5%, and risk factors were age at CVC insertion under median (HR 2.4, p < .0001), Broviac–Hickman (HR 2.3) or Proline (HR 4.2), p < .0001.

Conclusions

Premature removal occurs in approximately 20%–25% of long‐term CVCs. A surveillance program has a fundamental role in identifying the risk factors for CVC complications and the areas of intervention to improve CVC management.
Active vibration control of piezoelectric multilayers FG‐CNTRC and FG‐GPLRC plates
Authors: Essedik Lazar Mohamed , Rachid Tiberkak , Madjid Ezzraimi , Taha Chettibi , Yasser Chiker , Mourad Bachene , Said Rechak
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the active vibration control of multilayer Functionally Graded Carbon NanoTube Reinforced polymer Composite (FG‐CNTRC) plates and multilayer functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced polymer composite (FG‐GPLRC) plates covered with a piezoelectric layer (PZTG1195N) serve as both actuators and sensors. The plate's heart is supposed to be reinforced nonlinearly using both types of reinforcement. Active vibration control of plates under uniform load was achieved by utilizing a velocity feedback control algorithm with a specific gain value. The finite element method is employed to analyze both the static and dynamic behavior of a square plate discretized into 9‐node quadratic finite elements with 5 ° of freedom per node. The material properties are assumed to change across the thickness direction following a power law distribution, exhibiting various patterns: Uniform Distribution (UD), as well as Functionally Graded types X, O, and A (FG‐X, FG‐O, and FG‐A). The geometrical nonlinear equations are solved by the Newmark integration method. This work begins by validating the natural frequencies of a Functionally Graded (FG) composite plate reinforced with four different distributions of Nano‐filler and then aims to show the effect of the nonlinear distribution of nanofillers on the plate's stiffness. The Results obtained after the execution of a developed code highlight the significance of employing a nonlinear distribution of nanofillers to attenuate vibrations.

Highlights

FG composite and sandwich plates reinforced with GPLs and CNTs.

Effect of nonlinear nanofillers distribution of reinforcement on free and forced vibration.

The ability of the nonlinear distribution of nanofillers to attenuate forced vibrations.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of BN/PEK‐CN composites by bionic polydopamine modified BN
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Zhenzhen , Qu Minjie , Zhao Jian , Wang Zhichao
Published: April 2024

The rapid advancement of energy, electronic, and microelectronic technology has resulted in a surge of interest in the study of functional composites. One of the current hotspots in this field is the exploitation of polymer composites with excellent thermal conductivity and great thermal stability. Based upon the composition of the adhesion proteins of shellfish, dopamine chemistry was applied to the non‐chemical surface modification of chemically inert fillers by generating polydopamine (PDA) films on their surfaces. In this paper, we utilized poly(aryl ether nitrile ketone) (PEK‐CN) resin as matrix and DA modified boron nitride (BN) as filler to prepare BN@PDA/PEK‐CN composites by hot‐pressing method. The thermal conductivity and thermal stability of the composites for a given BN loading can be enhanced by surface functionalization of BN. The composites based on 30%BN@PDA/PEK‐CN exhibited a through‐plane thermal conductivity (λ⊥) of 0.941 Wm−1 K−1, upward 275% from a pure resin matrix and higher than that of the untreated 30 wt% BN/PEK‐CN composites (0.713 Wm−1 K−1). The Heat resistance index (THRI) of 30% BN@PDA/PEK‐CN was subsequently raised to 329.8°C. Overall, our developed BN@PDA/PEK‐CN composites exhibit favorable thermal conductivity along with remarkable thermal stability, making them highly promising for utilization in electronic packaging applications.

Highlights

BN@PDA/PEK‐CN were prepared via a DA self‐polymerization bionic mussel strategy.

Thermal conductivity (λ⊥) increased to 0.941 Wm−1 K−1 for 30% BN@PDA/PEK‐CN.

The THRI increased to 329.8°C, with an increase of 61.1°C.
Influence of selected contaminations and melt filtration on the properties of ABS and ABS recyclate
Authors: Liedl Barbara , Burgstaller Christoph
Published: April 2024

Plastic recyclates can be contaminated with a variety of impurities due to their previous life, which cannot always be perfectly separated in recycling pretreatment steps. Hence melt filtration is an important step in reprocessing plastic recyclates to achieve material of sufficient purity, but it also leads to more stress on the material due to higher pressures and longer processing times. In our study, we investigated the influence of typical particulate impurities as may occur in recyclate on the mechanical and rheological properties of ABS. Even low amounts of contaminations lowered the key properties. Melt filtration of post‐consumer ABS recyclate with different mesh size melt screens showed little improvement of mechanical properties, but longer idle times and loss of material. Damage to the material caused by finer filtration could be shown by thermal measurements.

Highlights

Determination of properties of ABS contaminated with 0.5–2.0 wt.% of selected impurities (wood and rubber particles).

Melt filtration of post‐consumer ABS recyclate with different melt screens.

Investigation of process and properties of filtered ABS recyclate.
Engineering bio‐brick protein scaffolds for organizing enzyme assemblies
Authors: Ledesma‐Fernandez Alba , Velasco‐Lozano Susana , Campos‐Muelas Pedro , Madrid Ricardo , López‐Gallego Fernando , Cortajarena Aitziber L.
Published: April 2024

Enzyme scaffolding is an emerging approach for enhancing the catalytic efficiency of multi‐enzymatic cascades by controlling their spatial organization and stoichiometry. This study introduces a novel family of engineered SCAffolding Bricks, named SCABs, utilizing the consensus tetratricopeptide repeat (CTPR) domain for organized multi‐enzyme systems. Two SCAB systems are developed, one employing head‐to‐tail interactions with reversible covalent disulfide bonds, the other relying on non‐covalent metal‐driven assembly via engineered metal coordinating interfaces. Enzymes are directly fused to SCAB modules, triggering assembly in a non‐reducing environment or by metal presence. A proof‐of‐concept with formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and L‐alanine dehydrogenase (AlaDH) shows enhanced specific productivity by 3.6‐fold compared to free enzymes, with the covalent stapling outperforming the metal‐driven assembly. This enhancement likely stems from higher‐order supramolecular assembly and improved NADH cofactor regeneration, resulting in more efficient cascades. This study underscores the potential of protein engineering to tailor scaffolds, leveraging supramolecular spatial‐organizing tools, for more efficient enzymatic cascade reactions.
Lipid exchange of apolipoprotein A‐I amyloidogenic variants in reconstituted high‐density lipoprotein with artificial membranes
Authors: Correa Yubexi , Ravel Mathilde , Imbert Marie , Waldie Sarah , Clifton Luke , Terry Ann , Roosen‐Runge Felix , Lagerstedt Jens O. , Moir Michael , Darwish Tamim , Cárdenas Marité , Del Giudice Rita
Published: April 2024

High‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) are responsible for removing cholesterol from arterial walls, through a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. The main protein in HDL, apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I), is essential to this process, and changes in its sequence significantly alter HDL structure and functions. ApoA‐I amyloidogenic variants, associated with a particular hereditary degenerative disease, are particularly effective at facilitating cholesterol removal, thus protecting carriers from cardiovascular disease. Thus, it is conceivable that reconstituted HDL (rHDL) formulations containing ApoA‐I proteins with functional/structural features similar to those of amyloidogenic variants hold potential as a promising therapeutic approach. Here we explored the effect of protein cargo and lipid composition on the function of rHDL containing one of the ApoA‐I amyloidogenic variants G26R or L174S by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and neutron reflectometry. Moreover, small‐angle x‐ray scattering uncovered the structural and functional differences between rHDL particles, which could help to comprehend higher cholesterol efflux activity and apparent lower phospholipid (PL) affinity. Our findings indicate distinct trends in lipid exchange (removal vs. deposition) capacities of various rHDL particles, with the rHDL containing the ApoA‐I amyloidogenic variants showing a markedly lower ability to remove lipids from artificial membranes compared to the rHDL containing the native protein. This effect strongly depends on the level of PL unsaturation and on the particles' ultrastructure. The study highlights the importance of the protein cargo, along with lipid composition, in shaping rHDL structure, contributing to our understanding of lipid–protein interactions and their behavior.
An AK‐MCS‐based probabilistic fatigue life prediction framework for turbine disc with a mean stress correction model
Authors: Wang Yun , Li Yan‐Feng , Huang Hong‐Zhong , Bai Song
Published: April 2024

The turbine disc plays a crucial role in aerospace engine, significantly influencing both their fatigue life and overall reliability. Due to the substantial uncertainties present, devising a method for the probabilistic analysis of turbine disc fatigue life becomes crucial. This paper introduces a novel framework that combines adaptive Kriging Monte Carlo simulation (AK‐MCS) with a mean stress correction model to evaluate fatigue life distribution effectively. AK‐MCS, stands out as an algorithm that constructs a Kriging model, effectively reducing the need for an extensive finite element analysis. Furthermore, a mean stress correction model is proposed for the Masson‐Coffin equation tailored for fatigue life prediction of GH4133 disc material. This model has been empirically validated to be effective. The presented framework for probabilistic fatigue life analysis not only holds considerable engineering value but also offers innovative approaches for tackling analogous challenges in the field.
Theoretical designs of ORR/OER single‐atom catalysts TM@Ti2CT2 (T = O, S, Cl)
Authors: Shen Pengcheng , Li Jice , Zhang Zhizhao , Liu Hui , Liang LiMin , Chen Cong , Li Ying
Published: April 2024

Driven by the goal of establishing a fossil‐fuel‐free and nuclear‐power‐free economy based on renewable energy, metal‐air batteries are regarded as promising energy conversion and storage devices. Developing efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) bifunctional electrocatalysts for the air electrode of metal‐air batteries is becoming increasingly important. In this work, 36 transition metal (TM) single‐atom catalysts are designed based on MXenes Ti2CT2 with different surface terminal atoms (T = O, S, Cl), and their ORR/OER catalytic activity and stability are evaluated by the density functional theory. Ni@Ti2CO2, Pd@Ti2CS2, and Co@Ti2CCl2 are found to exhibit good catalytic activity with ORR/OER overpotentials of .54 V/.62 V, .59 V/.29 V, .44 V/.40 V. The aggregation behavior of three catalysts is estimated by comparing the average binding energy of one, two, three, and four TM atoms anchored on Ti2CT2. This work cannot only provide a theoretical guide to develop bifunctional single‐atom catalysts, but also help us understand the effect of terminal atoms on the electronic structures and catalytic activity of TM@Ti2CT2.
A clinical trial termination prediction model based on denoising autoencoder and deep survival regression
Authors: Qi Huamei , Yang Wenhui , Zou Wenqin , Hu Yuxuan
Published: April 2024

Effective clinical trials are necessary for understanding medical advances but early termination of trials can result in unnecessary waste of resources. Survival models can be used to predict survival probabilities in such trials. However, survival data from clinical trials are sparse, and DeepSurv cannot accurately capture their effective features, making the models weak in generalization and decreasing their prediction accuracy. In this paper, we propose a survival prediction model for clinical trial completion based on the combination of denoising autoencoder (DAE) and DeepSurv models. The DAE is used to obtain a robust representation of features by breaking the loop of raw features after autoencoder training, and then the robust features are provided to DeepSurv as input for training. The clinical trial dataset for training the model was obtained from the ClinicalTrials.gov dataset. A study of clinical trial completion in pregnant women was conducted in response to the fact that many current clinical trials exclude pregnant women. The experimental results showed that the denoising autoencoder and deep survival regression (DAE‐DSR) model was able to extract meaningful and robust features for survival analysis; the C‐index of the training and test datasets were 0.74 and 0.75 respectively. Compared with the Cox proportional hazards model and DeepSurv model, the survival analysis curves obtained by using DAE‐DSR model had more prominent features, and the model was more robust and performed better in actual prediction.