bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESIGN OF A NEWLY DEVELOPED NON-ATTACHED APNEA MONITOR FOR PATIENTS IN PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE
Authors: Hsu Cheung-Hwa
Published: December 2008

The conventional apnea monitor adopts disposable electrodes as sensors for apnea detection and thus inducing the problems of skin irritation and other side effects. To tackle these shortcomings, we develop a non-attached type of apnea monitor. The device monitors the temperature of the breathing airflow by means of thermo sensors. These airflow frequencies linked with respiratory rates are indicated on the monitor. There is absolutely no contact with the patients' skin, avoiding the possibilities of any skin irritation. The system detects temperature changes induced by breathing and analyzes the breathing frequency changes displayed by both LED array and computer monitor. The data are collected and analyzed simultaneously by a personal computer, which can link to the central nursery room. The device provides a convenient way for family or nurses to detect abnormal respiratory rate in real time so they can handle any emergency and give the necessary treatment immediately for those patients in persistent vegetative state. Clinic application is presented and function validation of the device, on the other hand, is performed as well.
DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF ACTIVE RFID POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICE
Authors: Wang Hsi-Wen , Chiang Shao-Shan , Wu Jeng-Hua , Lee Ren-Guey
Published: December 2008

This paper is mainly to implement an active RFID system for 2-dimensional positioning service for home healthcare applications. It elaborates on the research processes including designing, planning and building of the system. The proposed system uses four active tags for the reference addresses and an object equipped with an active tag. It transmits the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and the unique electronic product code (EPC) back to the tag reader through wireless transmission. Then the system employs the information, which is received from the tag reader via the monitor center, to compute the geometric relation between the reference tags and the object to determine the location of the object by the positioning algorithm. Because the radio signal is vulnerable to the interferences from the terrain and obstacles while propagating, the tag reader is likely to receive signals with bad quality thats result in errors. Therefore, this paper studies and sorts out several issues that could affect the positioning accuracy, and probes into the influence degree of distance errors by experiment. The experiment results show that the confidence rate of the distance error within 2.5 meters is as high as 95% of a 5 m × 5 m region where four coordinates references are arranged.
STRAIN ANALYSIS OF PARS INTERARTICULARIS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN THE SPONDYLOLYSIS REHABILITATION STRATEGIES
Authors: Kuo Ya-Wen , Wang Jaw-Lin
Published: December 2008

The rehabilitation and exercise strategy for spondylolysis is controversial. Both lordotic and anti-lordotic braces, and both flexion and extension oriented motions were advised for spondylolysis rehabilitation. However, the biomechanical outcomes of the two strategies were less understood. The objective of current study is to evaluate the effect of postural sway on the strain of pars interarticularis, and to find the mechanical mechanism of lordotic and anti-lordotic rehabilitation strategies for spondylolysis.

Two-motion-segment porcine cervical spine model (C3-C5, C6-T1) was used to simulate human lumbar spine. The loadings induced by anterior, neutral, posterior, anterolateral, lateral and posterolateral sways were simulated by applying vertical eccentric pointed loadings. Two uni-axial strain gages were applied on the dorsal surface of bilateral pars interarticularis of middle vertebrae. It was revealed that the pars strains induced by posterior, lateral, posterolateral sways were significantly greater than those induced by anterior, neutral and anterolateral sways. The ipsilateral pars strains were higher than the contralateral pars strains during lateral and posterolateral sways. However, pars strains of ipsilateral and contralateral side were similar during anterolateral sway. These results proved that the postural sway affects the strain of pars interarticularis. The anti-lordotic braces and exercise are likely to reduce the strain of pars interarticularis.
DESIGN AND RATIONALE OF A NEW TYPE PROGRESSIVE STRETCHING STATIC ADJUSTABLE ELBOW SPLINT FOR POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION AFTER ELBOW TRAUMA OR SURGERY
Authors: Wu Karl , Chang Chih-Hung , Chen Ja-Wine , Hou Sheng-Mou
Published: December 2008

Among all the joints in the human body, the elbow joint is the one which most easily suffers from stiffness. Thus, a progressive stretching static adjustable elbow splint is necessary for a post-traumatic or post-operative situation in treating of elbow problems. We developed a new type of static adjustable elbow splint, which can provide flexion and extension in a wide range of motion. The splint also has a self-adjustable spiral rod. Patients can adjust the motion arc according to his tolerance, which may reduce the iatrogenic injury caused by forceful manipulation. The splint has two rotation hinges to provide self-adjustment of rotation center. We can apply this new type of splint for post-operative rehabilitation of elbow surgery, such as fracture-dislocation fixation, contracture release, arthroplasty and non-operative treatment of elbow injury.
EFFECT OF PULSE NUMBER ON THE PULSE-BASED SYNCHRONIZED-AVERAGING ANALYSIS IN LASER DOPPLER SIGNAL
Authors: Hsiu Hsin , Chao Pin-Tsun , Chiang Wen-Rei , Hsu Chia-Liang , Jan Ming-Yie , Wang Wei-Kung , Wang Yuh-Ying Lin
Published: December 2008

Pulse parameters calculated from the LDF waveform based on a time-domain synchronized averaging analysis were shown to be able to discriminate the difference in microvascular resistance. However, its applicability may depend on the validation of signal stationarity. In this study, our aim is to investigate the effect of pulse number, which may destroy the signal stationarity, on various pulse LDF parameters. Analysis was performed in data obtained on healthy volunteers. When one pulse parameter is deviated from the standard value for more than 10%, it was regarded as an error; EP (error probability) was then defined as the occurring probability of error. It was revealed in this study that average parameter deviations for FDT and PDT were smaller than 5% for all tested pulse numbers. If we set 10% as the parameter-deviation criterion as well as the acceptable EP range, there should be at least 120 pulses for FDT and PDT, and 210 pulses for FNA and PW. The study presented here has established the criteria for appropriate pulse number to achieve the signal stationarity; we can thus get accurate pulse parameters so that the microcirculatory discriminability of the pulse-based time-averaging analysis on LDF signal can be improved. The proposed quantitative method to verify the validation of signal stationarity when utilizing time-averaging can also be applied to analysis of other bio-signals.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM OF ARRHYTHMIA
Authors: Yuan Lun Ci , Feng Chu
Published: December 2008

With the intention of creating excellence in Dr. Lun Ci Yuan's diagnosis system in traditional Chinese medicine, multiple factors, criteria and types technique based on approximate reasoning is developed in this paper. The technique can sum up an expert's experience into computer. The diagnosis system has been successfully used to diagnose and treat arrhythmia.
A NOVEL TGD®DEVICE TO GENERATE THERAPEUTIC PLATELET GLUE
Authors: Tsai Jui-Che , Kuo Shyh Ming , Chang Shwu Jen , Manousakas Ioannis , Chen Tim-Mo
Published: December 2008

The surgical applications of platelet glue (a mixture of platelet gel and fibrin glue) are so far particularly prominent in plastic and orthopedic surgeries. It is shown to accelerate bone fracture and wound healing in many clinical practices. Over the years, one of the components used to prepare platelet glue (PG), thrombin, could only be obtained from pooled human plasma or bovine blood after repeated centrifugation processes. The quantity from this thrombin source is limited and its process deemed time consuming and the risk of infection does exist. Here, we present a stand alone device (TGD®, Thrombin Generation Device) which could prepare large quantities of human thrombin from autologous or single donor allogeneic plasma donations under sterile conditions. With this specific thrombin product, we could easily further mix with platelet and fibrinogen to prepare the platelet glue. PG not only contains various growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-β which are believed to be beneficial to wound healing but also increase the sticky strength in different operations. In this study, the reconstruction efficacy of PG combined with osteoconductive scaffold, biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold, for a post-operative calvarial bone defect was evaluated.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PARALLEL SURGICAL ROBOT WITH AUTOMATIC BONE DRILLING CARRIAGE FOR STEREOTACTIC NEUROSURGERY
Authors: Tsai Tzung-Cheng , Hsu Yeh-Liang
Published: December 2008

Robot-assisted surgery is an active interdisciplinary field. Conventional surgical robots are mostly serial architectures, which have the advantages of large workspace, high dexterity and maneuverability. The disadvantages are low stiffness and poor positioning accuracy compared to the parallel structure robots.

This paper presents the development of a parallel surgical robot for precise skull drilling in stereotactic neurosurgical operations. The dimensions of this robot are 35 × 35 × 45 cm 3, and its weight is about 6 kg. This surgical robot has 6° of freedom. The feed carriage of the bone drilling device mounted the parallel surgical robot provides one additional translational degree of freedom. A master-slave microcontroller-based system is designed for pose control. In applications for neurosurgical operation, the workspace is on the surface of a skull located at one side of the robot. This work analyzed asymmetric workspace on the surface of a sphere representing the skull. A special socket joint design that enlarges the asymmetric workspace of the robot for about 30% is also proposed.

This parallel surgical robot has been integrated with an automatic bone drilling carriage developed in our previous work to achieve completely automatic bone drilling.
THE BEHAVIOR OF RAT TOOTH GERM CELLS ON 3-HYDROXYL-BUTYRATE-CO-3-HYDROXY-HEXANOATE (PHBHHx) MEMBRANES
Authors: Chen Rung-Shu , Yu Bo-Yi , Chung Yi-Chen , Chen Min-Huey , Young Tai- Horng
Published: December 2008

Copolymers of 3-hydroxyvalerate (HV) and 3-hydroxyhexanoate (HHx) membranes are a new family of biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. The object of this study is to investigate the behavior of rat tooth germ cells on various 3-hydroxyl-butyrate-co-3-hydroxy-hexanoate (PHBHHx) membranes. In this study, PHBHHx membranes from three thin-film processes were used. PHBHHx membranes with different surface morphologies were prepared by phase inversion, electrospinning, and hot pressing. The morphologies of the PHBHHx membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tooth germ cells were isolated from four-day-old Wistar rats. The cellular adhesion, proliferation and viability were determined by SEM, BrdU (5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine) and MTT (3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; Thiazolyl blue) assay. In addition, the adherent behavior of tooth germ cells on various surface structures of PHBHHx was observed under a fluorescence microscope after staining of the cytoskeletal filamentous actin of the cells. It was found that cell compatibility of the PHBHHx membranes made from the phase inversion method (p-PHBHHx) was better than that of the other PHBHHx membranes. The results also revealed that tooth germ cells cultured on the PHBHHx membranes with porous surface structure were well spread relative to those on the fibrous structure of PHBHHx membranes. Therefore, PHBHHx membranes with a porous surface structure can encourage either cell adhesion or cell proliferation. PHBHHx membranes with a porous morphology satisfy biomaterial requirements for a scaffold for tooth regeneration.
NONRANDOMNESS INDEX APPLIED FOR HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN SURGICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS USING FREQUENCY AND RANK ORDER STATISTICS
Authors: Yeh Rong-Guan , Han Yin-Yi , Shieh Jiann-Shing , Wang Yu-Jung , Tseng Shih-Chun , Fu Yu-Chuan
Published: December 2008

The complexity of physiologic signals may carry hidden dynamical structures that are related to their underlying mechanisms. Based on rank order statistics of symbolic sequences, we applied this method to heart rate variability (HRV) in surgical intensive care units (SICU) in order to determine a nonrandomness index to help doctors diagnose patients more rapidly in a SICU in the future. Twenty one patients with 47 cases undergoing different types of neurosurgery were studied as group A. From this group, electrocardiograph (ECG) signals were collected. They lasting around 60 min for 29 cases selected from 16 patients with brain injury, 12 cases selected from 2 patients with septicemia, and 6 cases selected from 3 patients with mechanical ventilator. Ten college student volunteers as group B also provided ECG signals lasting around 60 min. Finally, ten randomized surrogate signals generated from a computer as group C were used as baseline for comparison with healthy volunteers and pathologic states in the SICU. The nonrandomness indexes of groups A, B, and C were 0.160 ± 0.100, 0.237 ± 0.051, and 0.030 ± 0.003, respectively. It was found that this index of patients in the SICU was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than healthy volunteers and significantly higher (P < 0.05) than randomized surrogate signals. These results demonstrate that the nonrandomness index based on rank order statistics concept can clearly distinguish pathologic states in SICU from the healthy group and the randomized surrogate signals.
COMPLEMENTARY ANALYSIS TO HEART SOUNDS WHILE USING THE SHORT TIME FOURIER AND THE CONTINUOUS WAVELET TRANSFORMS
Authors: Debbal S. M. , Bereksi-Reguig F.
Published: December 2008

This paper presents the analysis and comparisons of the short time Fourier transform (STFT) and the continuous wavelet transform techniques (CWT) to the four sounds analysis (S1, S2, S3 and S4). It is found that the spectrogram short-time Fourier transform (STFT), cannot perfectly detect the internals components of these sounds that the continuous wavelet transform. However, the short time Fourier transform can provide correctly the extent of time and frequency of these four sounds. Thus, the STFT and the CWT techniques provide more features and characteristics of the sounds that will hemp physicians to obtain qualitative and quantitative measurements of the time-frequency characteristics.
APPLICATION OF RELEVANT CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS FOR AN ERGONOMICAL AND SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Abdallah Ahmed
Published: December 2008

This paper reflects on the ergonomical criteria for a humane working atmosphere in industrial buildings while respecting and paying close attention to the physical, mental, and stressful demands of the work environment. It describes effective construction codes and standards of practice and their importance in ensuring a safe environment for working people. Also addressed are the objectives for a productive work environment and its organization. The paper considers the significance of a proper working environment, sufficient training in regards to weather exposure, the use of dangerous working materials, the use of proper ventilation, climate, and lighting to ensure that the productivity of the enterprise is met with common goals shared between employer and employee. The connection between the legal foundation and the design of industrial construction is the focus of this paper. It shows that the planning and executive persons are obliged to observe the relevant construction laws and regulations including standards and codes of practice focusing on the health and safety of the worker. Additionally discussed are the possible solutions and consequences for development in the production, constructional and ergonomical fields of design.
CERVICAL ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ACTIVITIES DURING NECK MOVEMENTS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS: VOLUNTARY RESPONSE INDEX ANALYSIS
Authors: Cheng Chih-Hsiu , Lin Kwan-Hwa , Lin Jiu-Jenq , Wang Jaw-Lin
Published: December 2008

The assessment of cervical muscle control patterns is important for the diagnosis of cervical dysfunction. Voluntary response index (VRI), including the similarity index (SI) and the magnitude (MAG), provides quantitative analysis of the surface electromyography (sEMG) pattern and total muscle voluntary activities respectively. This study was to investigate the effect of movement directions and speeds of the VRI response of cervical muscles in healthy subjects. The sEMG of bilateral sternocleidomastoid, semispinalis capitis, and splenius capitis were measured in thirteen asymptomatic young subjects. The subjects performed voluntary neck movements in flexion, extension, left and right side bending at fast, medium, and slow speeds. The results showed that SI ranged from 1–0.8 and MAG was generally less than 40 μV. The SI was significantly smallest and the MAG was largest at fast speed. The MAG was also significantly different among directions but the effect of direction on SI was only significant at fast speed. In conclusion, the movement speed and direction could affect the magnitude and control pattern of cervical muscles, such that both the speed and direction of the examined tasks should be carefully monitored during the assessment of cervical muscle activation.
EMG AND PLANTAR PRESSURE PATTERNS AFTER PROLONGED RUNNING
Authors: Wu Wen-Lan , Chang Jyh-Jong , Wu Jia-Hroung , Guo Lan-Yuen , Lin Hwai-Ting
Published: December 2008

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of prolonged running on lower limb muscle activity, foot pressure and foot contact area. The treadmill running test was performed at a running velocity of 12 km/h for 20 minutes. Twenty-nine male students from the Army Infantry School took part in this study. For all subjects in our study, a number of variables were analyzed by the prolonged running. The EMG variables included the signal maximum amplitude of EMG linear envelope of all the muscles. Meanwhile, maximal forces and peak foot pressures in 10 anatomically defined areas of the foot, and contact area of the whole foot were analyzed. Running EMG data in each of the phases (phase 2–4) were compared to those at the beginning of the run (phase 1). Dynamic pedography data in phase 4 was compared to those of phase 1. Pedography analysis revealed a significant increase in the maximal forces and peak pressures under the medial midfoot and all forefoot regions. From phase 1 to phase 4, the maximal force increased by 32% under the medial midfoot, 29% under the first metatarsal, 34% under the second and third metatarsal, and 21% under the fourth and fifth metatarsal. The peak pressure under the medial midfoot increased by 19%, under the first metatarsal increased by 21%, under the second and third metatarsal increased by 31%, and under the fourth and fifth metatarsal increased by 21%. The averaged maximum EMG amplitudes of almost all the muscles were increased gradually as time increased. Among them, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles reach a significant amplitude at the p < 0.05 level. In conclusion, our results showed that a prolonged running under a 20 minutes limitation led to a greater increase in muscle amplitude, midfoot and forefoot loading compared with the beginning of running.
SURFACE MORPHOLOGIES ON THE ADDITION OF TiO2 TO CALCIUM PHOSPHATE BIO-GLASS
Authors: Say Wen C. , Yeh Chin C. , Chen Chih-Hwa
Published: December 2008

Titanium dioxide is added into calcium phosphate bio-glass (CPG) to have crystalline phases of titanium phosphoric ( TiP 2 O 7) and calcium phosphoric ( CaP 2 O 7) on its surfaces. The bio-glass synthesis with the addition of titanium dioxide herein is denoted as TCPG. To elucidate their surface morphologies, both specimens of CPG and TCPG were immersed in Hanks' solution for two days before soaking in the mixed solutions of ( NH 4)2 HPO 4 and Ca ( NO 3)2 at 70°. Crystalline layers of titanium phosphoric were observed on the surfaces of TCPG from immersing in Hanks' solution. After which calcium pyrophosphate appeared on the second step of soaking process from the calcium ion contained solutions. Due to the absence of crystalline phases on the surfaces of CPG specimen, it can be deduced that the addition of titania ( TiO 2) causes the hydroxyapatite formation on the surface of bio-glass.
FALL DETECTION USING MODULAR NEURAL NETWORKS WITH BACK-PROJECTED OPTICAL FLOW
Authors: Huang Chieh-Ling , Chen E-Liang , Chung Pau-Choo
Published: December 2008

This paper presents a video-based algorithm for fall detection used the modular neural networks with the motion vectors computed by block-based optical flow back-projection (BOFB). From a video sequence, the moving object is extracted first and the pixels with high intensity variance in the extracted object are determined as feature points. The motion vector in this application is required to represent the actual motion displacement, rather than visually significant similarity. Therefore, we proposed BOFB which back-projects optical flows in a block to restore the motion vector from gradient-based optical flows that is employed to estimate the genuine motion of these feature points. The sequences of feature vectors are fed into the proposed Time-Delay Hierarchical modular Neural Network (TDHNN) for fall detection. The TDHNN consists of two major modular networks: several Time-Delay Neural Networks (TDNNs) trained by various feature characteristics and a Support Vector Machine (SVM) for final decision. This paper also purposed Slide Window Accumulate (SWA) mechanism for the increase of the robustness of the system in fall detection. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is efficacious and reliable in fall detection.
INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTIONS IN ASYMMETRIC PORPHYRINS ON INTRACELLULAR UPTAKE, SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION AND PHOTOTOXICITY IN HELA CELLS
Authors: Peng Cheng-Liang , Lai Ping-Shan , Shieh Ming-Jium
Published: December 2008

The asymmetric porphyrins with different substituents show various bioactivities in biomedical application. In this study, a series of asymmetric porphyrins with varying proportion of substituents, such as hydroxyphenyl and aminophenyl, were synthesized and characterized to evaluate their cell uptake, intracellular localization, cytotoxicities and phototoxicities in vitro. Among these synthesized porphyrins, 5-(4-aminophenyl)-10,15,20-tri-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-21,23H-porphyrin (porphyrin 5), which was mainly localized in mitochondria and with high quantum yields of singlet oxygen, is a potential candidate for photodynamic therapy. The effective phototoxicity of porphyrin 5 is mainly due to the higher extent in the cells and the selective mitochondria-localization. Comparing the partition coefficients of porphyrin derivatives, the best cellular uptake performs apparently with a partition coefficient (log p) ranging from about 1.7 to 1.9. In summary, higher quantum yields of singlet oxygen, and more specific mitochondrial localization of porphyrin 5 demonstrate its potential application in photodynamic therapy.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROPROCESSOR-BASED DIGITAL SIGNATURE FOR MOBILE-CARE DEVICE
Authors: Chou I.-Chi , Chiang Shao-Shan , Sie Guan-Yu , Lee Ren-Guey , Lin Chung-Chih
Published: December 2008

It is important to ensure the data security of biosignals transmitted by a wireless network. This paper proposes a mobile-care device using Tame Transformation Signatures (TTS), which is a digital signature scheme from the family of asymmetric public key systems to encrypt the electrocardiogram (ECG) data. TTS has the advantages of high security, fast key generation, complex algorithm, less calculations and low signature delay. The proposed system consists of a mobile-care device to measure ECG signal, a key center to generate key pair, and a monitor center. The proposed ECG mobile-care device adopts the TI MSP430F449 microprocessor as the kernel and generates 8-byte hash codes and 10-byte signatures to sign the data. And the mobile-care device transmits the signed data through a wireless network to the server to decrypt. This paper describes the design and implementation of the proposed system in detail and also completely verifies the validity of the proposed system.
A potential tumor suppressor role of PLK2 in glioblastoma
Authors: Xia Xiangping , Wang Peirui , Xiao Hua , Ran Qishan , Li Yan , Yao Shengtao
Published: February 2025

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor with limited treatment options. Polo‐like kinase 2 (PLK2), a member of the polo‐like kinase family, has been variably implicated in cancer, but its role in GBM has not been fully elucidated. We utilized RNA‐seq data from multiple databases, including Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and conducted experiments on human glioma cell lines to explore PLK2's expression and function. The effects of PLK2 overexpression on GBM cell viability, proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis were assessed, and the tumorigenic potential of PLK2 was evaluated in a mouse model. PLK2 was consistently downregulated in GBM tissues compared to normal brain tissues across several datasets. Overexpression of PLK2 in GBM cell lines U87MG and U251 reduced their tumorigenic potential and enhanced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, with significant reductions observed in apoptosis markers. Our findings suggest that PLK2 may potentially function as a tumor suppressor in GBM. Hence, PLK2 overexpression could potentially be leveraged as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor progression and enhance apoptosis, providing new avenues for GBM treatment.
Cerebral autoregulation in patients with acute lacunar infarction: a reliable predictor of outcome
Authors: Si Xiang‐Kun , Xue Song , Zhou Xin , Guo Ya‐Nan , Du Wen‐Yu , Qu Yang , Sun Xin , Guo Zhen‐Ni
Published: February 2025

Objective

To further investigate the association between dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) and the outcomes in patients with acute lacunar infarction.

Methods

Patients were prospectively and consecutively enrolled at The First Hospital of Jilin University between 2016 and 2023. dCA was monitored at 1–3 and 7–10 days after the stroke. The outcomes were evaluated using a 3‐month modified Rankin Scale score. Binary and ordered logistic regression were employed to analyze the relationship between dCA parameters and outcomes. dCA‐based nomogram models were also developed to assess the predictive value of dCA for these patients.

Results

Overall, 332 patients were included in analysis. dCA showed no significant differences between bilateral cerebral hemispheres, as well as two measurement time points (all P > 0.05). Regression analyses showed that dCA at 1–3 and 7–10 days were independently associated with the outcomes of patients with acute lacunar infarction after adjusting for confounders (all P < 0.05). Incorporating dCA parameters into conventional risk factors enhanced the risk‐predictive ability of a 3‐month unfavorable outcome, significantly improving the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve from 0.798(95% confidence interval [CI], 0.748‐0.848) to 0.829(95% CI, 0.783‐0.875) (P = 0.046).

Interpretation

dCA remained consistent in bilateral cerebral hemispheres within acute and subacute periods among patients with lacunar infarction. It was independently associated with 3‐month outcomes and could be regarded as a reliable predictor for discriminating outcome.
Optogenetics and Its Application in Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Mei Guocheng , Pan Huiqiong , Xu Hang , Chen Kepei , Zheng Weihong , Xu Hualin , Chen Yuetong , Lin Wei , Yang Jie , Lin Zhenlang , Liu Zhiming , Zhang Min
Published: February 2025

Optogenetics is an emerging technology that uses the light‐responsive effects of photosensitive proteins to regulate the function of specific cells. This technique combines genetics with optics, allowing for the precise inhibition or activation of cell functions through the introduction of photosensitive proteins into target cells and subsequent light stimulation to activate these proteins. In recent years, numerous basic and clinical studies have demonstrated the unique advantages of this approach in the research and treatment of neurological disorders. This review aims to introduce the fundamental principles and techniques of optogenetics, as well as its applications in the research and treatment of neurological diseases.
A Novel Sandwich Aluminum Foam Composite Reinforced with Steel Prepared by Arc Spraying
Authors: Ren Daxin , Xu Yi , Du Wei , Wang Bingao , Lin YanLi , He Zhubin , Chen Yifei
Published: February 2025

Aluminum foam exhibits excellent energy‐absorption properties; however, the low stiffness of the material restricts its use as a standalone structural component. To address this limitation, arc spraying technology is employed to create an aluminum foam composite structure. By depositing molten steel droplets onto the aluminum foam surface, a reinforced composite structure of aluminum foam/steel is formed. The sprayed steel droplets effectively fill the pores present on the surface of the aluminum foam, creating a local interlocking effect. The hardness of the steel deposition coating ranges from 400 to 500 HV, which surpasses that of the aluminum foam by more than 400%. In both three‐point bending and compression experiments, the high‐hardness steel deposition layer significantly improved bending strength and compression resistance of the composite structure. Additionally, a gradient‐performance structure is designed based on varying coating thicknesses to achieve segmental directional deformation failure within the structural components.
Influence of Specific Ball‐Milling Energy on Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Zn–0.2 Graphene Nanoplatelet Composites
Authors: Kabir Humayun , Munir Khurram , Wen Cuie , Li Yuncang
Published: February 2025

The specific amount of ball‐milling energy (SBME) plays a significant role in achieving a homogenous dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in metal matrix composites (MMCs). The dispersion of GNPs in the metal matrices, induced by SBME, can be adjusted to improve the mechanical and corrosion properties of the MMCs. Herein, high‐energy ball milling is utilized to disperse 0.2 wt% of GNPs into zinc (Zn) powders using different SBMEs. Ball‐milled powder mixtures (BMPMs) obtained at different SBMEs are cold‐compacted at 500 MPa and sintered at 420 °C. The morphology of the BMPMs and the microstructure of the Zn–0.2GNP composites (Zn‐based MMCs [ZMCs]) are evaluated utilizing X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Compression and electrochemical testing are performed on ZMCs to analyze the mechanical and corrosion properties. Results indicated that the GNPs are uniformly dispersed in the Zn powders at the optimal SBME of 32.82 kJ g−1. The microhardness, compressive yield strength, ultimate compressive strength, compressive strain, and reduced elastic modulus of the ZMC fabricated at 32.82 kJ g−1 SBME are 68.7 HV, 123, 247 MPa, 22.9%, and 89.04 GPa, respectively, improvements of 66%, ≈160, ≈201, ≈51, and ≈26% compared to the reference sample ball milled at 0.91 kJ g−1 SBME. The corrosion rate of the ZMCs declined with increasing SBMEs.
Electro‐Driven Surface‐Plus PtIr Nanocatalyst Degradation and Ion Channel Activation for Enhanced Tumor Dynamic Metal‐ion Therapy with Minimal Toxicity
Authors: Qu Chang , Shao Xinyue , Jia Ran , Zhao Xiaoling , Wang Binghao , Zhang Xian , Wang Jinping , An Hailong
Published: February 2025

Electrodynamic therapy (EDT), with its unique advantages, has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in tumor treatment. However, its efficiency is often limited by the low concentration of chloride ions (Cl⁻) within tumor cells, and the non‐degradability of the noble metal nanomaterials necessarily used in this strategy gives rise to safety concerns. Here, we identify voltage‐gated chloride channels (CLC‐7) as a potential chloride‐regulation target in melanoma and report an enhanced electro‐driven dynamic therapy strategy utilizing surface‐enhanced PtIr@M nanocatalysts to address above challenges. Under an alternating electric field (AEF), the activation of CLC‐7 channel promotes a massive influx of Cl⁻ from the extracellular side and enhances the catalysis of water dissociation on PtIr@M nanocatalysts to generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Moreover, PtIr@M with large surface area provides abundant exposed active sites that facilitate electro‐driven self‐dissociation and followed release of metal Pt ions, thereby inducing the DNA damage. More importantly, this electrically controlled degradation also effectively minimizes the toxicity associated with heavy metal accumulation. It is believed that this electro‐propelled ·OH and Pt ions generation for synergetic tumor therapy based on surface‐plus PtIr nanocatalyst represents a promising therapeutic strategy characterized by high‐efficiency and biodegradability.
A Transition‐Metal‐Based Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Coupling Glucose Upgrade with Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Lu Kang , Shen Yi
Published: February 2025

The integration of glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) and nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) in an electrolyzer affords a sustainable approach to produce high value‐added products and remove nitrate pollutants. Herein, a 3D hierarchical architecture consisting of defect‐rich copper–cobalt nanosheets immobilized by a cobalt phosphide‐modified nickel foam (D‐CuCo/CoP/NF) is rationally designed as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for GOR and NO3−RR. The resulting self‐standing electrode displayed remarkable GOR activity. Only 1.29 V vs. RHE is required to yield a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Glucose is efficiently converted into formate with a selectivity value of 93.4% and Faraday efficiency (FE) of 90.3%. The as‐prepared D‐CuCo/CoP/NF is also capable of transforming nitrates into valuable ammonia, leading to an FE value of 96.9% and a yield rate of 802.9 µmol cm−2 h−1. Such performance of D‐CuCo/CoP/NF renders it the best bifunctional electrocatalysts for GOR and NO3−RR. Mechanistic studies revealed that the defects in the catalyst greatly facilitated the adsorption of glucose and that both Cu(OH)2 and Co3+‐O/Co4+‐O species served as the active sites for the reaction. A GOR||NO3−RR hybrid flow cell is constructed using D‐CuCo/CoP/NF as a bifunctional electrode, resulting in a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.35 V.
Boron Phosphates In Situ Generated From Bilayer Coating Approach for Flame‐Retardant Applications
Authors: Ai Yuanfang , Chen Weixi , Wu Xi , Zheng Na , Tang Longcheng , Wang Dongqi , Tang Huang , Cao Kun
Published: February 2025

Intumescent flame‐retardant coatings offer excellent passive fire protection for flammable materials and steel. However, a key challenge is the conflict between increased melt viscosity from additive catalyst and chemical foaming behavior. Herein, “interfacial autocatalytic” strategy‐guided design of a double dopant‐free epoxy coating is reported with a 100 µm boron‐rich upper layer and a 300 µm phosphorus‐rich bottom layer. This coating generates BPO4 catalyst in situ at the interface during combustion, synergistically catalyzing charcoal formation with the expansion process. BPO4, with its better lattice arrangement, is able to form a dense ceramic layer of 5.5 µm ceramic layer from a stack of 10–40 nm nanoparticles, encapsulating an underlying 1.8 cm intumescent char layer. The coating demonstrates the superior thermal insulation with the heat‐resistant time for up to 50 min, a 271% delay in ignition time, an ultra‐low fire growth rate with 58% reduction, and a 33% reduction in total heat release. In addition to high transparency, this coating presents easy self‐healing, good mechanical properties, and water resistance. This autocatalytic strategy in a confined space‐time introduces a new method for enhancing catalytic charring flame retardancy.
Undifferentiated Human Amniotic Fluid Progenitor Cells Promote Bone Regeneration in Vivo
Authors: Vallmajo‐Martin Queralt , Kiveliö Anna‐Sofia , Metzger Stéphanie , Milleret Vincent , Lienemann Philipp S. , Carrara Bianca M. , Millan Christopher , Ghayor Chafik , Ochsenbein‐Koelble Nicole , Ehrbar Martin
Published: February 2025

The treatment of large bone defects requires bone tissue substitutes. However, the lack of accessible autologous bone, especially in newborns with spina bifida or cleft palate conditions, severely limits therapeutic options involving bone grafts. Here, an engineering approach to reconstruct bone is presented by combining human amniocentesis‐derived amniotic fluid progenitor cells (hAFCs) and a biomimetic, injectable, and fully synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel that is crosslinked enzymatically by transglutaminase FXIII (TG‐PEG). hAFCs are isolated by their colony‐forming capacity, expanded in vitro, and undergo osteogenic, chondrogenic, or adipogenic differentiation under appropriate stimulation. When encapsulated in TG‐PEG hydrogels, hAFCs rapidly deposit endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro. hAFC‐laden TG‐PEG hydrogels containing low concentrations of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐2) promote formation of ectopic bone organoids in vivo in a murine model without requiring prior in vitro differentiation. Strikingly, hAFC‐induced constructs form as much bone in this model as adult bone marrow‐derived stromal cells (hBMSCs), and significantly more than adipose‐derived stromal cells (hASCs).  Utilization of autologous hAFCs embedded in TG‐PEG hydrogels presents a promising therapeutic strategy for bone replacement, particularly in fetuses and newborns where limited stem cell availability can be overcome through minimally invasive harvest of amniotic fluid.
An Integrated Modular Vaccination System for Spatiotemporally Separated Perioperative Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Gao Feiyan , Liu Xinlong , Ma Zhongyi , Tang Mei , Tang Zhongjie , Wu Jin , Luo Min , Tang Yaqin , Wang Xiaoyou , Wang Bochu , Kim Betty Y.S. , Yang Zhaogang , Jiang Wen , Tang Peng , Li Chong
Published: February 2025

The perioperative period is crucial for determining postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis. Various factors in postoperative lesions can diminish the therapeutic effect of conventional chemoradiotherapy, while emerging immunotherapy is restricted. The combination use of inflammatory inhibitors during treatment is also controversial. Here, a modular microneedle prepared from engineered keratin proteins is reported, which spatially and temporally differentiates the microenvironment of immune cell activation required for immunotherapy from that of wound healing. The recombinant keratin‐84‐T‐based needle root layer, mainly retained in the epidermis, facilitated dendritic cell recruitment to achieve maximum antigen presentation of loaded vaccines. Meanwhile, the recombinant keratin‐81‐1Aα‐based needle tip layer, located within the dermis, rapidly mitigated inflammatory responses while promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Unlike simply mixing immunotherapy and wound treatment, this spatiotemporal segmentation approach maximized the efficacy of immune therapeutics while promoting wound healing, making it suitable for application throughout the perioperative period.
Sensor‐enabled Orthopedic Implants for Musculoskeletal Monitoring
Authors: Huang Jincai , Dong Hanqing , Zhang Wanmei , Cui Jixin , Li Qingang , Wang Junqiang , Zhao Zhe , Zang Xining
Published: February 2025

Next‐generation smart implants, in addition to providing essential mechanical and physiological functions, can self‐monitor, assess bone tissue health, and enable personalized treatment customization. However, integrating traditional orthopedic implants with sensing technologies and their clinical translation remain significant challenges due to stringent implantation requirements and the harsh biological environment. This article emphasizes the importance of biomechanical monitoring and reviews key strategies for integrating sensors with orthopedic implants. Furthermore, this work outlines specific research directions and future perspectives for this rapidly evolving field. Through interdisciplinary design and optimization of key components, these smart implants’ transdermal and transmuscular sensing and communication capabilities are expected to become more efficient and robust, ensuring the technological foundation for successful clinical translation.
Bio‐Inspired Advanced Warehouse System for Data Handling and Management
Authors: Kalluru Sohit Reddy , Reddy Gurijala Prasanna Kumar , Reddy Puli Venkata Obula , Kalluru Lohit Reddy
Published: February 2025

Big data analytics involves gathering data in a variety of forms and sources cleaning it up, customizing it, and then loading it into a data warehouse. Transformation algorithms are required for processing but this raises computation costs because it is stored across all locations in the data warehouse and has redundancy issues. Therefore, Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) is crucial to extract the data from various sources, transform it to meet analytical needs, and load it into a data warehouse. Hence, a novel Chimp‐based K‐means Tabu Warehouse System (CbKTWS) is proposed to handle large data in an ETL process based on cloud architecture. The key novelty of this work is managing the data resources in the data warehouse system with the help of chimp fitness. Moreover, the data is extracted using the chimp optimization's searching function and significant dimensional elimination of the information is executed by employing the habits created by a chimp optimizer during the transformation phase of the ETL process. Finally, the taboo search with the k‐means technique is used to create efficient data with a variety of nodes. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the suggested approach is assessed and contrasted with the earlier approaches using metrics like error, data accuracy, and processing time.
Ribonuclease 1 Induces T‐Cell Dysfunction and Impairs CD8+ T‐Cell Cytotoxicity to Benefit Tumor Growth through Hijacking STAT1
Authors: Yang Wen‐Hao , Huang Bao‐Yue , Rao Hsing‐Yu , Ye Peng , Chen Bi , Wang Hao‐Ching , Chung Chih‐Hung , Wu Heng‐Hsiung , Yen Hung‐Rong , Wang Shao‐Chun , Cha Jong‐Ho , Yan Xiuwen , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Hung Mien‐Chie
Published: February 2025

T‐cell‐based immunotherapy holds promise for eliminating cancer through T‐cell activation. However, prolonged interaction between T cells and tumors and the presence of immunosuppressive factors can diminish T‐cell cytotoxicity, leading to treatment failure. Here, ribonuclease 1 (RNase1), which degrades RNA, reduced the expression of effector cytokines and increases immune checkpoint protein levels, inducing T‐cell dysfunction. RNase1 expression is positively associated with exhausted T‐cell gene signatures and immune checkpoint proteins across several cancer types. Cancer cells expressing RNase1 are resistant to CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated killing. RNase1 promotes tumor growth in immunocompetent, but not in immunodeficient, mouse models and inhibits CD8+ T‐cell activity in vivo. Mechanistically, RNase1 enters T cells and deactivates signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), causing T‐cell dysfunction. Loss of RNase1‐STAT1 interaction restores CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxicity. Notably, a study has found RNase1 might activate CD4+ T cells to inhibit breast cancer growth, while another has indicated it causes immunosuppression in liver cancer. The current research shows that RNase1 does not impact CD4+ T cells in vivo. Overall, the study supports the immunosuppressive role of RNase1 in cancer of negatively regulating STAT1 to impair CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxicity. Targeting the RNase1‐STAT1 interaction could prevent CD8+ T‐cell dysfunction in RNase1‐highly expressing cancer patients.
Cortical Morphometric Similarity Remodeling in Traumatic Brain Injury Links Cognitive Impairments with Transcriptional Changes and Type‐Specific Cells
Authors: Pan Yizhen , Wang Zhuonan , Zhang Xiang , Zhao Wenpu , Zhang Haonan , Li Xuan , Jia Xiaoyan , Ji Qiuyu , Yin Bo , Bai Guanghui , Wu Tingting , Lee Zhiqi , Ding Jierui , Shi Lei , Zhang Jie , Salat David H. , Bai Lijun
Published: February 2025

The heterogeneous injuries and resulting cognitive deficits pose significant challenges in the clinical management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, the pathophysiological mechanisms related to heterogeneities of mTBI are still unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying brain remodeling by examining the morphometric similarity (MS) alterations and corresponding transcriptomic signatures across adult and pediatric mTBI (adult mTBI: 112 acute patients, 47 follow‐up chronic patients, 66 healthy controls [HCs]; pediatric mTBI: 30 acute patients, 31 HCs). A healthy adult cohort (N = 840) is included to derive the modularized brain MS networks representing interregional cortical connectivity. Subsequently, cortical MS remodeling patterns are identified involving mostly MS increases in the frontal modules with typical high MS and decreases in the occipital module with typical low MS, with more pronounced changes observed in the developing brain with mTBI. The abnormal MS changes are correlated with variable cognitive impairments. Moreover, cortical MS remodeling is also associated with the genes enriched in CA1 pyramidal cells and neuron‐specific biological processes. The transcription‐related cortical remodeling in mTBI might reveal the disruption of brain cellular architecture. Therapeutic modalities to intervene in specific cortex and tackle CA1 over‐activation might better encircle the neurobiology of TBI.
Moisture Harvesting by the Structure Regulation of Hygroscopic Hydrogel for Energy and Water Sustainability
Authors: Du Yujie , Zheng Yongliang , Liu Hong , Zhao Shujing , Wang Xiaomian , Yang Lin
Published: February 2025

Water and energy are the cornerstones of human development, with more than half of the world's population facing water scarcity issues. Atmospheric moisture is widely distributed around the globe, and the rational utilization of moisture can create tremendous value. Here, the sources of hygroscopic materials, methods of manufacturing hydrogels, properties of these hydrogels, and potential energy applications are concluded. To make the hydrogels with high hydrophilicity, ultrasonic oscillation, freeze drying, and spin coating can be used as the synthesis strategies. The main focus is on the characteristic parameters of hydrogels with water uptake, dehydration temperature, conductivity, mechanical stability, swelling behaviors, and heat transfer coefficient. These unique features will affect the performances of assembles, devices, and instruments. Subsequently, the potential applications of hydrogels are summarized, such as moisture harvesting and splitting with fuel production, dehumidification, thermal management in electronic devices, solar water evaporation, and electricity production. Finally, future directions and issues of interest are proposed to promote the diverse development of hydrogels and relational systems.