bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretory Production of Heterologous Antimicrobial Peptides in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Long Wei , Apitius Lina , Lenz Patrick , Jakob Felix , Ruff Anna Joёlle , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: February 2025

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are host defense peptides that act against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. AMPs are of high interest as medicinal products, antimicrobial coatings, and for controlling biofilm formation. Applications and research of many AMPs are still hampered by insufficient titers and lack of production platforms that can tolerate high titers of AMPs. Corynebacterium glutamicum is an excellent microbial host for protein secretion and has been barely explored as a host for AMP production. Here, we report the successful production and secretion of two AMPs (amounts of up to 130 mg/L for liquid chromatography peak I [LCI] and 54 mg/L for Psoriasin) by C. glutamicum with low amounts of secreted byproducts.
Performance Optimization of Double U‐Tube Borehole Heat Exchanger for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Kerme Esa Dube , Fung Alan S. , Saghir M. Ziad
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an optimization study of the thermal performance of a double U‐tube borehole heat exchanger (BHE) with two independent circuits that can be used in borehole thermal energy storage. The study applies the Taguchi method and utility concept to obtain the optimum parameters for two objective functions: maximum heat transfer rate and thermal effectiveness of the BHE. A validated numerical heat transfer model with a fully implicit method is applied to compute the transient heat transfer in the BHE. The Taguchi optimization results revealed that the optimal factors (denoted with letters and numbers showing their levels) for achieving the maximum heat transfer rate and thermal effectiveness are A1B3C2D1E3F3G3H3 and A3B3C2D3E3F3G1H1, respectively. This resulted in an optimal heat transfer rate of 120 W/m and a thermal effectiveness of 69.3%. Using the utility concept method, a single set of optimal parameters (denoted by their levels as A3B3C3D2E3F3G2H3) is obtained to maximize the performance of the BHE. These parameters yielded an optimum heat transfer rate of 87.3 W/m and thermal effectiveness of 54.6%. Finally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that ground thermal conductivity, the inlet temperature of the working fluid, and borehole depth are the most influential parameters affecting the performance of the BHE. The study provides crucial information for performance improvement, enhanced energy savings, reduced environmental impact, and optimization of a hybrid ground source heat pump system that can be integrated with borehole thermal energy storage.
Understanding the Demand‐Side of an Illegal Market: A Case Study of the Prohibition of Menthol Cigarettes
Authors: Kenkel Don , Mathios Alan , Phillips Grace , Suryanarayana Revathy , Wang Hua , Zeng Sen
Published: February 2025

Economic research has long focused on illegal markets and the consequences of prohibitions. We provide a case study of the proposed prohibition of menthol cigarettes, which are smoked by almost 19 million people in the U.S. Illegal markets for menthol cigarettes could not only blunt the prohibition's intended consequence to reduce smoking but could also lead to unintended consequences. We use data from a discrete choice experiment. Our mixed logit model predicts a substantial potential consumer demand for illegal menthol cigarettes, especially if menthol e‐cigarettes are also illegal.
Convolutional Block Attention Module and Parallel Branch Architectures for Cervical Cell Classification
Authors: Cömert Zafer , Efil Ferat , Türkoğlu Muammer
Published: February 2025

Cervical cancer persists as a significant global health concern, underscoring the vital importance of early detection for effective treatment and enhanced patient outcomes. While traditional Pap smear tests remain an invaluable diagnostic tool, they are inherently time‐consuming and susceptible to human error. This study introduces an innovative approach that employs convolutional neural networks (CNN) to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cervical cell classification. The proposed model incorporates the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and parallel branch architectures, which facilitate enhanced feature extraction by focusing on crucial spatial and channel information. The process of feature extraction entails the identification and utilization of the most pertinent elements within an image for the purpose of classification. The proposed model was meticulously assessed on the SIPaKMeD dataset, attaining an exceptional degree of accuracy (92.82%), which surpassed the performance of traditional CNN models. The incorporation of sophisticated attention mechanisms enables the model to not only accurately classify images but also facilitate interpretability by emphasizing crucial regions within the images. This study highlights the transformative potential of cutting‐edge deep learning techniques in medical image analysis, particularly for cervical cancer screening, providing a powerful tool to support pathologists in early detection and accurate diagnosis. Future work will explore additional attention mechanisms and extend the application of this architecture to other medical imaging tasks, further enhancing its clinical utility and impact on patient outcomes.
Spectrum of Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases in Patients Presenting with Dyspepsia—A First Report from Myanmar
Authors: Aye Than Than , Tin Thiri , Aye Mya Thida , Win Thet Mar , Kyaw Aye Mya Mya , Aye Khin San , Tun Myint Naychi
Published: February 2025

Background

Dyspepsia is associated with a variety of benign and malignant gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the spectrum of upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in patients presenting with dyspepsia.

Methods

This is a retrospective study on consecutive patients with dyspepsia undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the gastroenterology department of Thingangyun General Hospital, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019.

Results

In this study, 1650 patients were recruited retrospectively. Forty‐nine patients were excluded due to incomplete data entry. There were 883 female (55%) out of 1601 patients. The mean age was 50.5 ± 15.82 years. The endoscopic findings were gastric/duodenal erosion (10.8%), erosive esophagitis (5.1%), duodenal ulcer (3.5%), gastric ulcer (4.4%), gastroesophageal varices (3.49%), esophageal cancer (0.8%), and gastric cancer (5.3%); in which early‐onset gastric cancer contributed for 17.6%. Miscellaneous diagnoses were 4.2%, and findings were normal at 62.5%. Significant endoscopy findings were diagnosed in patients over 45 years of age. Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 40.6% of the total study population, 52% of gastric cancers, 50% of gastric ulcers, 51.2% of duodenal ulcers, and 49.3% of gastric/duodenal erosions.

Conclusion

Significant endoscopic findings in dyspeptic patients are frequent in our data. A considerable number of gastric cancer were diagnosed in patients under 45 years of age. H. pylori is prevalent in our dyspepsia population. The age threshold of 40–45 years for both males and females could be reasonable for the use of endoscopy in patients with dyspepsia in our population.
Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis: Rising incidence, diagnostic delays, and the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors in hospitalized patients
Authors: Schutte Bryce , Savage Kalie , Merwin Matthew , Morris Matthew , Geringer Rage , Dilsaver Danielle B. , Plambeck Robert W. , Jagan Nikhil
Published: February 2025

In the setting of growing use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), little is known about the prevalence and impact of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA). We performed a retrospective analysis on patients with DKA in the Catholic Health Initiatives‐Omaha Health system from 2018 to 2023. Among the 510 patients meeting inclusion criteria; 455 (89.2%) had traditional DKA and 55 (10.8%) had eDKA. SGLT2i use was more likely in eDKA patients (44.4% vs. 0.03%). Compared with traditional DKA, those with eDKA had a significantly longer time to diagnosis (388 vs. 166 min, p < .001) and duration of DKA (2772 vs. 2005 min, p = .007). However, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) were similar between both DKA groups (171 vs. 170 h; 3.43 vs. 3.37 days, respectively). The unique biochemical profile of eDKA likely delays diagnosis and treatment, ultimately leading to similar LOS despite eDKA patients having lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores. Because the proportion of eDKA is rising, hospitalists must have a heightened awareness of eDKA as SGLT2i use increases.
Corporate Social Responsibility Expenditure and Financial Performance: The Case of Optional Spending and Mandatory Reporting in India
Authors: Mazumdar Smita , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Krishnamoorthy Bala , Mukherjee Sujata , Rego Shailaja
Published: February 2025

This study examined the correlation between Indian firms’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure and their financial performance (FFP) using disclosure data from 479 firms between 2014 and 2020. This period was notable for mandatory CSR reporting but optional spending. A panel regression analysis was employed to assess firm behavior from the perspectives of institutional, signaling, and value creation theories. This study found that firms’ CSR expenditure was notably lower than mandated spending in all sectors, except in the energy, material, and consumer‐staples sectors. Overall, CSR spending was associated with improved margins, supporting value creation theory. However, the impact varied across industries: the energy, material, industrial, consumer‐discretionary, and healthcare sectors exhibited a negative association, whereas the consumer‐staples sector showed a significant positive association. Thus, promoting CSR spending in sectors that benefit the most may be more effective than adopting a uniform approach across all sectors. Regulatory bodies should consider developing industry‐specific intervention plans to integrate CSR more effectively into mainstream business practices.
Impact of early enteral nutrition in critically ill children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Benjamin Ana Cristina Assumpção , Silva Humberto Magalhães , Uzun Raísa Sanches , Ventura Andrea Maria Cordeiro , Ferraz Isabel de Siqueira , Nogueira Roberto José Negrão , De Souza Tiago Henrique
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aims to evaluate the impact of early enteral nutrition (EEN) compared with late enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in critically ill children.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched until December 2024. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality, with secondary outcomes including duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and hospital. The meta‐analysis used a random‐effects model with inverse variance weighting.

Results

Twenty‐one studies (10,006 children) were included. Definitions of EEN varied across studies, ranging from 24 to 72 h. EEN was associated with decreased mortality in both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43–0.96; P = 0.03) and observational studies (OR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23–0.62; P < 0.001). A sensitivity analysis was conducted by combining studies with similar EEN definitions. EEN initiated within 24 h of PICU admission was not significantly associated with mortality (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.43–1.20; P = 0.21). However, EEN within 48 h was significantly associated with reduced mortality (OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25–0.56; P < 0.001). The certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) from RCTs was evaluated as low, whereas that from observational studies was evaluated as very low.

Conclusion

The evidence from this study suggests that EEN benefits critically ill children by reducing mortality and shortening hospital stays. However, the high risk of bias and very low certainty of the evidence highlight the need for further research.
Fabrication of composite gels based on soy protein isolate and κ‐carrageenan and delivery of riboflavin: insights into microstructure, gel properties and digestive characteristics
Authors: Tan Xiangyun , Song Yao , Shang Baiyu , Geng Mengjie , Teng Fei
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Riboflavin, a water‐soluble vitamin, is not synthesized in the human body. Hence, developing riboflavin carriers that can be retained in the gastrointestinal system for longer periods can facilitate riboflavin supplementation.

RESULTS

The present study aimed to prepare a soy protein isolate (SPI)–κ‐carrageenan composite gel‐mediated riboflavin delivery model. Additionally, the effects of different concentrations of κ‐carrageenan on the micromorphology, gel strength and rheological properties of SPI gels were investigated. The results showed that incorporating high‐ concentration of κ‐carrageenan (0.4 g kg−1) effectively enhanced the interactions among SPI aggregates, increasing the gel frontal strength to 128.65 g and water‐holding capacity up to 81.67%. Additionally, κ‐carrageenan incorporation enhanced the gel network structure, reduced gel porosity and increased the density of the gel network structure. Compared with SPI gels, SPI–κ‐carrageenan composite gel facilitated the targeted release and in vivo degradation of riboflavin, at the same time as delaying the biodegradation of riboflavin in stored gels.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, the findings of the present study provide insights into SPI–κ‐carrageenan composite gels regarding gel properties and interaction mechanisms, as well as a strategy for the slow release of riboflavin in the gastrointestinal tract. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Predictors of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Recurrence and Complications Following Sistrunk Procedure
Authors: Campbell Brett A. , Kelly Zachary , Kim Hae‐Young , Cunningham Michael Joseph , Choi Sukgi S.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Recurrence is the primary complication of the Sistrunk procedure performed for the resection of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC). We aim to more confidently identify patients who may be predisposed to recurrence or other postoperative complications based on their clinical presentation and (or) perioperative course.

Methods

Our institution's electronic medical record was queried over a 23‐year period (2000–2023) for patients with TGDC who underwent a Sistrunk procedure. Demographics, clinical presentation, and outcomes data were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was the factors associated with postoperative TGDC recurrence. The secondary outcomes were the factors associated with Sistrunk procedure complications.

Results

A total of 357 patients underwent a Sistrunk procedure for TGDC at a mean age of 5.75 years and an average duration of follow‐up of 26.5 months. Age, gender, race, cutaneous tracts, tongue base findings, pre‐operative infection, number of pre‐operative infections, incision and drainage, needle aspiration, placement of a post‐operative drain, and the type of drain placed were unassociated with recurrence. The two factors associated with recurrence were postoperative infection (adjusted OR = 11.98 [95% CI: 3.38, 42.49], p = < 0.001) and postoperative seroma (adjusted OR = 5.03 [95% CI: 1.17, 21.62], p = −0.030). Male sex was significantly associated with postoperative complications (adjusted OR = 3.26 [95% CI: 1.55, 6.89], p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Recurrence of TGDC after a Sistrunk procedure is an ongoing challenge that occurs in approximately 5% of cases. Recurrence is likely due to two factors: inadequate surgical technique and (or) histological factors like remnant arborizing microscopic ductules. Postoperative infection and seroma do not cause recurrence but may be predictors of residual disease due to one of these two factors and warrant closer surveillance.

Level of Evidence

3.
Combining Selective Laser Sintering and Fused Deposition Modeling of Pharmaceutical Polymers: A Novel Approach to Prepare Intestine‐Targeted Tablets
Authors: Tranová Thao , Matzick Kevin , Loskot Jan , Macháčková Jana , Nevyhoštěná Marie , Macho Oliver , Trnčáková Vladimíra , Komersová Alena , Mužíková Jitka
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a novel approach to prepare an intestine‐targeting transport system with a controlled drug release profile, combining two 3D printing techniques: selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM). Material evaluations indicate that a mixture of Kollidon® VA64 with 20% of Kollicoat® IR and 0.2% of Aeroperl® has the best flow behavior and exhibits optimal printability at a laser speed of 90 mm s−1. The formulation is subsequently drug‐loaded and the printed cores are coated using the FDM technique. The core serves as a drug carrier and the FDM coating shell, consisting of 95% HPMC and 5% pectin, provides modified drug release and enhanced mechanical resistance of the tablet. The coating exhibits acid‐resistant properties, with no drug release in the pH of 1.2 during the first 120 min of dissolution testing. In the pH of 6.8, the release profile shows zero‐order kinetics with a constant release rate of 0.249% min−1 (in the time interval from 255 to 480 min). At the time point of 720 min, 92% of the drug is released. Dissolution testing thus demonstrates delayed and prolonged drug release. Combining both 3D printing methods shows great potential for personalized treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases.
Electrospinning in Drug Delivery: Progress and Future Outlook
Authors: Halim Nurfitrah , Nallusamy Nithiskanna , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Ramakrishna Seeram , Vigneswari Sevakumaran
Published: February 2025

There is intense research during the past few decades to design and fabricate drug delivery systems using the electrospinning system. Electrospinning is an efficient technique to produce nanofiber materials with different dimensions and morphologies by adjusting the processing parameters. Electrospinning is becoming an innovative technology that promotes the pursuit and maintenance of human health. Herein, the review discusses the contribution of electrospinning technology in drug delivery systems, summarising the modification of the various electrospinning system configurations and the effects of the process parameters on fibers, their application in drug delivery including carrier materials, loaded drugs and their release mechanisms and illustrates their various medical applications. Finally, this review discusses the challenges, bottlenecks, and development prospects of electrospinning technology in the field of drug delivery in terms of scaling up for clinical use and exploring potential solutions to pave the way to establish electrospinning for future drug delivery systems.
Tensile Strength of Continuous and Disordered Fibrous Mats: A Tale of Two‐Length Scales
Authors: Rawal Amit , Singh Danvendra , Maurya Alok , Szenti Imre , Kukovecz Akos , Kudisonga Christian , Heitzmann Michael
Published: February 2025

Continuous and disordered fibrous mats are ubiquitous multi‐scalar materials endowed with diverse functionalities and nonlinear mechanical properties. Gaining deeper insights into mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and breaking elongation, can broaden the scope of potential applications for these fibrous mats across various fields. Here, a unified tensile strength model applicable to electrospun and melt‐blown mats is presented that hinges on the tensile strength of constituent fibers, fiber orientation, fiber volume fraction, and the specimen dimensions considered during uniaxial tensile testing. Espoused by the established body of literature, fiber stretching has been considered a key deformation mechanism for predicting the tensile strength of these fibrous mats. Regardless of inconsistencies and anomalies in fiber morphology, a good agreement has been obtained between the theoretical and experimental values of tensile strengths of polylactic acid (PLA)‐based electrospun and polypropylene‐based melt‐blown mats. The model's robustness is evident in its successful prediction of a nearly two‐order magnitude reduction in tensile strength for electrospun mats compared to their constituent fibers. A roadmap to enhance the tensile strength of fibrous mats has been developed by analyzing key fiber and structural parameters. Further, higher‐order nematic orientation parameters quantified anisotropy in the fibrous mats before and after tensile loading.
Polymerization in Living Organisms for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yun Xin , Dong Yansong , Ge Zhishen
Published: February 2025

Intra‐tissue polymerization as a kind of polymerization reaction in biological tissues has the advantages of good biocompatibility, accurate localization, and dynamic response. In this review, the progress and applications of intra‐tissue polymerization technologies in biomedicine are summarized. The biomedical applications of polymerization in different tissues are discussed, including living neural tissues to improve neural device performance, preparation of electronic devices in plants and animals, polymerization in tumor tissues for therapeutic and monitoring purposes, and polymerization in skin tissues for wound monitoring and therapy. Various polymerization strategies, including electrochemical polymerization, enzymatic polymerization, photopolymerization, and free radical polymerization, are used and described in the different intra‐tissue polymerization methods. Moreover, the challenges in this field are discussed, such as the precise control of polymerization reactions and the development of biocompatible materials, and the future development direction of this field is also prospected.
From Reduction To Remediation: Sustainable Use of Algal Fibrous Mats for Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis and Dye Removal
Authors: Karaduman Fatma Rabia , Köksal Betül Öztürk , Metin Ayşegül Ülkü , Horzum Nesrin
Published: February 2025

Biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods that often rely on toxic reducing agents, offering an environmentally friendly approach to nanoparticle production. The use of nanofibrous substrates, algal nanofibers (Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Cystoseira barbata (Cb)), for the reduction process enhances the efficiency of nanoparticle formation, providing a larger surface area for reaction and ensuring uniform distribution of the synthesized nanoparticles. Following the biogenic synthesis of Ag nanoparticles and their stabilization with xanthan gum (XG), the resulting PAN/Cb/Ag@XG nanofibrous catalyst demonstrates excellent reusability, maintaining its activity and structural integrity even after multiple cycles of use. The stabilization with XG also ensures long‐term shelf life by preventing nanoparticle aggregation. Additionally, the nanofibrous material exhibits antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Its dual functionality—targeting harmful pathogens while avoiding secondary pollution—positions them as a sustainable and eco‐friendly solution for advanced water purification and disinfection systems.
Differential expression of the MYC‐Notch axis drives divergent responses to the front‐line therapy in central and peripheral extensive‐stage small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Luo Libo , Xia Rui , Mao Shiqi , Liu Qian , Du He , Jiang Tao , Yang Shuo , Wang Yan , Li Wei , Zhou Fei , Yu Jia , Gao Guanghui , Li Xuefei , Zhao Chao , Cheng Lei , Shi Jingyun , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhou Caicun , Chen Luonan , Ren Shengxiang , Wu Fengying
Published: February 2025

Central and peripheral extensive‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC) are reported to be two distinct tumor entities, but their responses to the front‐line therapies and underlying biological mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we first compared the outcomes of central and peripheral ES‐SCLC receiving front‐line chemotherapy or chemo‐immunotherapy with a cohort of 265 patients. Then we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) on nine treatment‐naïve ES‐SCLC samples to investigate potential mechanisms underlying the response differences. Under chemotherapy, the peripheral type had a lower objective response rate (44.8% vs. 71.2%, p = 0.008) and shorter progression‐free survival (median 3.4 vs. 5.1 months, p = 0.001) than the central type. When comparing chemo‐immunotherapy with chemotherapy, the peripheral type showed a greater potential to reduce progression (HR, 0.18 and 0.52, respectively) and death (HR, 0.44 and 0.91 respectively) risks than the central type. Concerning the scRNA‐seq data, the peripheral type was associated with chemo‐resistant and immune‐responsive tumoral and microenvironmental features, including a higher expression level of MYC‐Notch‐non‐neuroendocrine (MYC‐Notch‐non‐NE) axis and a more potent antigen presentation and immune activation status. Our results revealed that central and peripheral ES‐SCLC had distinct responses to front‐line treatments, potentially due to differential activation statuses of the MYC‐Notch‐non‐NE axis.
Review on Uniaxial Negative Thermal Expansion of Tr‐Zr Superconductors
Authors: Watanabe Yuto , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu
Published: February 2025

Thermal expansion is one of the most fundamental properties of materials, and control of thermal expansion is a key technology to provide productions such as electronic devices with high performance and high robustness to thermal shock. Studying negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials has been a hot issue in modern physics and material science because mechanisms of NTE cannot be understood by general thermal expansion theory, and NTE materials have the potential to fabricate zero thermal expansion materials by combination with positive thermal expansion (PTE) materials. NTE materials with a wide working temperature range are mainly ceramics or insulators. However, in 2022, uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis in a wide temperature range was observed in CuAl2‐type tetragonal CoZr2 superconductor. Since superconductors with a wide temperature range of NTE are quite rare, the discovery has attracted attention and plays an important role in leading further studies. In this article, we review the recent progress of the study on transition metal (Tr) zirconide TrZr2 with its unique NTE phenomena. We discuss how to control the uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis and the mechanisms of the NTE for TrZr2. We also introduce similar compounds TrZr3 exhibiting uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis even though crystal structures are different from TrZr2.
Maximal Operators Associated With Walsh‐Paley Systems on Dyadic Hardy Spaces
Authors: Goginava Ushangi , Memić Nacima , Mukhamemdov Farrukh
Published: February 2025

The concept of a critical point of the maximum operator associated with the Walsh‐Paley system is the focus of this study. Namely, a point is called critical
with respect to , if is bounded from to , for all and it is not bounded from to . The main result of the this paper states that if serves as a critical point, then is bounded from to . Additionally, we demonstrate that for every value , there exists a sequence of operators even over subset that is not uniformly bounded from to .
Wide Stopband Bandpass Filter With Higher‐Order Mode Suppression
Authors: Xu Ruofeng , Tang Wei , Xu Yinfang , Kong Xianglin , Wang Jun , Zhao Lei
Published: February 2025

To meet the requirement of band selection performance and low loss in wireless communication system, a wide stopband bandpass filter with higher‐order mode suppression is proposed in this paper. The filter utilizes the high‐pass characteristic of the Half Mode Substrate Integrated Waveguide (HMSIW) to produce a lower stop‐band. A quarter‐wavelength resonator is used to generate a transmission zero at the upper band. Thus, the bandpass effect is realized from 3.4 to 5.6 GHz. The 3 dB relative bandwidth reaches 46.7%, the in‐band insertion loss is less than 0.7 dB, and the return loss is better than −15 dB. The transverse slots of the resonant part cut the surface current flow and effectively suppress the higher‐order TE mode; the additional metal vias near the electric wall are equivalent to the inductors for storing magnetic energy, which reduce the harmonic interference of higher‐order TM modes. The −25dB stopband of the filter is from 6.5 to 17 GHz, thus a wide stopband of 3.7 times of center frequency is realized. The measured results are well matched with simulated ones. The filter has the characteristics of simple structure, low profile, low loss, and easy fabrication, which provides a novel concept for the design of high‐performance filtering devices in radar and aerospace systems.
Advanced prediction of multi‐leaf collimator leaf position using artificial neural network
Authors: Lv Jun , Chen Liuli , Zhu Zhiqiang , Long Pengcheng , Hu Liqin , Zhou Han , Shen Zetian ,   FDS Consortium
Published: February 2025

Background

Multi‐leaf collimators (MLCs) are crucial for modern radiotherapy as they ensure precise target irradiation through accurate leaf positioning. Accurate prediction of MLC leaf positions is vital for the effectiveness and safety of treatments.

Purpose

This study aims to establish three neural network models for predicting the delivered positions of MLCs in radiotherapy.

Methods

Fifty plans with sliding window dynamic intensity‐modulated radiation therapy delivery were selected from an Elekta linear accelerator, which features a 160‐leaf MLC system. The dose fraction, gantry angle, collimator angle, X1 and X2 jaw positions, Y1 and Y2 carriage positions, planned leaf positions, adjacent leaf positions, leaf gap, leaf velocity, and leaf acceleration were extracted from the planning data in the machine's log files and used as model inputs, with the delivered leaf positional serving as the target response. This establishes the input–output relationship for the neural network, and the predicted MLC positions are obtained through training. Particle Swarm Optimization Back Propagation Neural Network (PSOBPNN), Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), and Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) architectures were developed to predict MLC leaf positional deviations during treatment. The training was conducted on 70% of the sample data, with the remaining 30% used for validation and testing. Model performance was assessed using metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), regression plots, and error histograms.

Results

The proposed neural network models demonstrated high accuracy in predicting MLC leaf positions. The PSOBPNN model demonstrated superior performance with an MAE of 0.0043 mm and an MSE of 0.00003 mm2. In comparison, the BPNN model achieved an MAE of 0.0241 mm and an MSE of 0.001 mm2, while the RBFNN model exhibited an MAE of 0.0331 mm and an MSE of 0.0019 mm2. The correlation coefficient (R = 0.9999) of models indicates a close match between predicted and delivered leaf positions for all MLC leaves.

Conclusion

Three models were evaluated for predicting the delivered MLC positions using data from an Elekta accelerator. The PSOBPNN model exhibited superior performance by achieving markedly lower MAE and MSE values while also demonstrating robust generalizability in predicting positions across various leaf indices, outperforming the conventional BPNN and RBFNN models.
Biological dose‐based fractional dose optimization of Bragg peak FLASH‐RT for lung cancer treatment
Authors: Zeng Yiling , Zhang Qi , Wang Wei , Liu Xu , Qin Bin , Pang Bo , Liu Muyu , Chen Shuoyan , Quan Hong , Chang Yu , Yang Zhiyong
Published: February 2025

Background

The FLASH effect is dose‐dependent, and fractional dose optimization may enhance it, improving normal tissue sparing.

Purpose

This study investigates the performance of fractional dose optimization in enhancing normal tissue sparing for Bragg peak FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH‐RT).

Methods

15 lung cancer patients, including eight with peripherally located tumors and seven with centrally located tumors, were retrospectively analyzed. A uniform fractionation prescription of 50 Gy in five fractions was utilized, corresponding to a biological equivalent dose (BED) of 100 Gy, calculated using an α/β value of 10 Gy. For each patient, uniform (UFD) and nonuniform fractional dose (non‐UFD) plans were designed. In UFD FLASH plans, five multi‐energy Bragg peak beams were optimized using single‐field optimization, each delivering 10 Gy to the target. In non‐UFD FLASH plans, fractional doses were optimized to enhance sparing effects while ensuring the target received a BED comparable to UFD plans. A dose‐dependent FLASH enhancement ratio (FER) was integrated with the BED to form the FER‐BED metric to compare the UFD and non‐UFD plans. An α/β value of 3 Gy was applied for normal tissues in the calculations.

Results

Bragg peak FLASH plans showed high dose conformality for both peripheral and central tumors, with all plans achieving a conformality index (the ratio of the volume receiving the prescribed dose to the CTV volume) below 1.2. In non‐UFD plans, fractional doses ranged from 5.0 Gy to 20.0 Gy. Compared to UFD plans, non‐UFD plans achieved similar BED coverage (BED98%: 96.6 Gy vs. 97.1 Gy, p = 0.256), while offering improved organ‐at‐risk sparing. Specifically, the FER‐BED15cc for the heart reduced by 10.5% (9.4 Gy vs. 10.5 Gy, p = 0.017) and the V6.7GyFER‐BED for the ipsilateral lung decreased by 4.3% (29 .1% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.008). No significant difference was observed in FER‐BED0.25cc of spinal cord (UFD: 7.1 Gy, non‐UFD: 6.9 Gy, p = 0.626) and FER‐BED5cc in esophagus (UFD: 0.4 Gy, non‐UFD: 0.4 Gy, p = 0.831).

Conclusions

Bragg peak FLASH‐RT achieved high dose conformality for both peripheral and central tumors. Fractional dose optimization, using a single beam per fraction delivery mode, enhanced normal tissue sparing by leveraging both fractionation and FLASH effects.
Influence of Aperture on Shear Behavior of Non‐Persistent Joint: Insights from Grain‐Based Modeling
Authors: Wang Zixin , Peng Jun , Xu Chuanhua , Wang Linfei , Dai Bibo
Published: February 2025

In the field of geomechanics and geotechnical engineering, joint is crucial as a common structure or flaw in rock material. The shear deformation, strength, and failure behavior of rock are significantly influenced by the structural properties of joints, which include arrangement, persistency, dip angle, and length. The shear strength and deformation behavior, as well as the related micro‐cracking process of a collection of 2D jointed rock masses with varying joint persistency and joint apertures under various normal stresses, are numerically investigated in this study using an improved grain‐based model (GBM) considering feldspar shape. The results show that joint persistency and normal stress have a larger influence on the shear strength and micro‐cracking behavior of rock when compared with joint aperture. In particular, the crack initiation stress (CIS) is not greatly affected by joint aperture, while the direct shear strength (DSS) and the shear modulus (G) slightly decrease with the increase of joint aperture. The developed micro‐cracks initiate primarily at both ends and the center of the rock bridge at the initial loading stage. The results from quantitative analysis of vertical stress of the numerical model reveal that higher joint persistency and lower normal stress result in a more uniform stress distribution. The influence of joint aperture, joint persistency, and normal stress on shear mechanical behavior and the micro‐cracking mechanism of rock is theoretically explained through macroscopic and microscopic force analysis.
Data‐Based Estimation of Critical Time Steps for Explicit Time Integration
Authors: Willmann Tobias , Schilling Maximilian , Bischoff Manfred
Published: February 2025

Finding the critical time step for conditionally stable time integration methods has been a decades‐long problem. The apparently obvious option of directly computing it from a generalized eigenvalue analysis, identifying the largest eigenfrequency of the discrete system, is usually impractical because of its numerical expense and because a stiffness matrix is often unavailable in the context of explicit analysis. There exist two popular approaches to efficiently estimate the critical time step: A characteristic element length can be estimated based on heuristic formulas. The resulting estimate, however, cannot be guaranteed to be conservative. Another approach is to reformulate and simplify the underlying eigenvalue problem on the element level and to use certain inequalities to derive an upper bound for the largest eigenvalue. This is conservative but may show poor performance by significantly under‐predicting the actual critical time step. Moreover, the necessary simplifications are usually specific to the investigated element formulation. Many works that develop time step estimators demonstrate their performance only for particular element configurations, making it difficult to compare the estimators. In this paper, data‐driven approaches for time step estimation for 2d‐elements that address several of the aforementioned problems are proposed. First, the set of all possible quadrilateral element geometries and its discrete representation are described. A detailed comparison of nine existing time step estimators based on more than ten million element configurations is presented. Additionally, the concept of an optimal safety factor function is introduced. This concept allows us to generate the optimal and conservative version of an existing estimator and thus solves two problems at the same time: It can be used to make non‐conservative estimators conservative and to improve the performance of estimators that are conservative by construction. Finally, we formulate time step estimation as a function approximation problem. It allows us to derive customizable time step estimators solely based on data. Through two examples, we demonstrate that this data‐driven approach yields time step estimators that outperform state‐of‐the‐art estimators in terms of accuracy while also being efficient to evaluate.
Associations between obesity class and ambulatory blood pressure curves in African American women
Authors: Murden Raphiel J. , Fields Nicole D. , Martin Zachary T. , Risk Benjamin B. , Alonso Alvaro , Manatunga Amita , Erving Christy L. , Moore Reneé , Udaipuria Shivika , Quyyumi Arshed , Vaccarino Viola , Lewis Tené T.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Studies of body size and blood pressure (BP) in African American women typically focus on obesity overall or collapse obesity classes II and III into a single subgroup, ignoring potential heterogeneity in associations across categories. Moreover, ambulatory BP outcomes are primarily analyzed as mean daytime and/or nighttime BP, without examination of circadian changes during the day‐to‐night transition or the full 24‐h cycle.

Methods

Functional data analysis methods were used to examine whether obesity categories modified ambulatory monitoring‐assessed BP circadian rhythm in a cohort of 407 African American women.

Results

Age‐adjusted systolic BP (SBP) was 4 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.4–8.4) higher among women with class I or II obesity than those with normal weight or overweight from 12:30 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. Age‐adjusted differences in SBP among women with class III obesity versus those with normal weight or overweight were 6 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.7–10.8) during daytime hours and increased to 11 mm Hg (95% CI: 5.8–16.0) overnight. Compared with all other BMI categories, SBP of women with class III obesity declined more slowly from day to night.

Conclusions

Circadian BP among African American women was distinct among those with class III obesity compared with those with other body weight categories, suggesting that intervention efforts in African American women should target this group.
Commingled synthetic and natural fibers preforms reinforced composites: a simultaneous comparison of mechanical properties
Authors: Karahan Mehmet , Abbas Adeel , Hussain Muzzamal
Published: February 2025

Commingling offering efficient engineering of dry prepregs has become an important technique for thermoplastic composites fabrication. Polypropylene is among the most consumed materials while preparing commingled thermoplastic preforms. However, the overall behaviors of composites may differ depending on the nature of reinforcing fibers. The study focuses on the development of commingled thermoplastic composites using polypropylene with different natural and synthetic fibers. Carbon, glass, linen, and hemp fibers were employed to analyze the behaviors simultaneously. Polypropylene yarn was plied with reinforcing fibers and then sheets were prepared using weaving technology. Tensile and impact characterization revealed crucial influence of reinforcing fibers on mechanical properties. Carbon fiber reinforced composite exhibited highest tensile characteristics with a modulus of 23.470 GPa; however, glass offering better through thickness properties entailed viable impact behaviors. Replacing reinforcing materials with hemp, and linen shifted properties toward ductile natures. Pretreated linen reinforced composite showed about 36% decrease in tensile strength, proving the negative contribution of natural fibers' pretreatments toward mechanical characteristics. In a nutshell, the developed composites can have successful applications in automotive, sports, and aerospace depending on the nature of mechanical properties obtained for each material.

Highlights

Commingled yarns were used for preparing composites.

PP yarns were used as matrix in preparing synthetic and natural fiber composites.

Carbon fiber composites showed the highest mechanical properties.

Glass fiber composites showed the highest impact behaviors.

Pretreatment of natural fibers declines the mechanical properties.
Failure analysis of blind riveted CFRP/steel hybrid joints with different rivet diameters and simplified modeling considering failure behavior
Authors: Wang Chao , Yu Wanyuan , Cheng Aiguo , He Zhicheng
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate the effect of rivet diameters on the mechanical performance, failure behavior, and fracture characteristics of blind riveted (BR) CFRP‐CFRP (CC) and steel‐CFRP (SC) joints under shear and cross‐tension loadings. Specifically, an improved simplified model of BR (BR‐ISM) is developed to represent the mechanical performance under quasi‐static loading conditions while considering its failure behavior. The effects of different ply angles and riveting directions on the mechanical performance of the BR joints are further discussed. The results indicate that the larger rivet diameter can effectively improve the shear properties, while exhibiting a smaller effect on the cross‐tension properties. The peak force and energy absorption for the shear joint with a 6.4 mm rivet diameter are approximately 43% and 90.5% higher than those of the joint with a 4.8 mm rivet diameter. The rivet pulled‐out failure under shear loading mainly leads to fiber fracture, and rivet pulled‐out failure under cross‐tension loading mainly causes delamination failure. Compared to the ply angle, the riveting direction of CFRP to steel can significantly improve the mechanical properties of BR joints. CS joints demonstrate increases of at least 50% in peak force and 45% in energy absorption compared to SC joints. The numerical model of the BR‐ISM can accurately simulate fiber failure of BR joints, with absolute average prediction errors of 4.6% for peak force and 8.9% for energy absorption.

Highlights

The effect of rivet diameter on the failure behavior of CFRP/steel BR joints is studied.

The damage constitutive model MAT 58 of CFRP laminate is established.

An improved simplified model is developed to characterize the mechanical properties of BR joints.

The effects of ply angles and riveting directions on the mechanical properties of the BR joints are discussed.
Low Grade Pulmonary Spindle Cell Neoplasm in a 30‐Year‐Old Asymptomatic Female: A Diagnostic Dilemma: A Case Report
Authors: Juarez Jerica Eliesa , Rafanan Albert Lim , Yap Matthew Go
Published: February 2025

Pulmonary spindle cell carcinoma is a highly malignant rare variant of sarcomatoid lung carcinomas. This is a case of an asymptomatic 30‐year‐old Filipino female with an incidental finding of pulmonary nodules on chest x‐ray. Patient was diagnosed with Wilms tumor at the age of 2, S/P nephrectomy with no documented recurrence thereafter. Computed tomography (CT) chest scan showed non‐calcified fat density nodules in her right upper, middle and lower lobe. A positron emission tomography (PET) CT scan identified lobulated pulmonary mass with low‐grade metabolic activity. Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery with wedge resection of the right lung was done. Final biopsy noted fibroepithelial lesions in the parenchyma which composed of bland spindle cells. ER, SMA, desmin, and caldesmon were diffusely positive consistent with a low‐grade spindle cell neoplasm. Genetic testing showed CTNNB1 S45F subclonal mutations. No chemotherapy nor radiotherapy were done. Repeat PET CT of the whole body showed a decrease in size of the mass.
Design and Synthesis of Kaolin/Alumina Incorporated Biopolymeric Hybrid Composites for Efficient Malachite Green Adsorption
Authors: Sathiyajothi Vellaiyapillai , Viswanathan Natrayasamy , Periyasamy Soodamani , Naushad Mu.
Published: February 2025

The toxic dyes contaminated in water resources can cause dangerous diseases and severely affect the living organisms. In this research work, kaolin (KL) clay and alumina (AO) ceramic was incorporated with alginate (Alg) and chitosan (CS) biopolymers namely KLAOAlg and KLAOCS composites were developed and utilized for adsorption of most toxic malachite green (MG) dye. The morphology and physico‐chemical nature of the developed KLAOAlg and KLAOCS composites were investigated via SEM, FTIR, elemental mapping, XRD and EDAX analysis. The batch mode experiments were performed to investigate the different factors that affecting the MG adsorption including reaction time, pH, co‐ions, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of MG and temperature. Both KLAOAlg and KLAOCS composites reached their utmost adsorption capacity of 42.00 and 45.00 mg/g at a shaking time of 40 min with a composite dosage of 0.1 g and 100 mg/L MG solution. The equilibrium data collected for the adsorption of MG was most fit with the Langmuir isotherm, whereas the kinetic data aligned with the pseudo‐second‐order model. The results derived from thermodynamic considerations indicate that the adsorption process was endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous. The mechanism for superior adsorption of MG onto the KLAOAlg and KLAOCS composites is primarily driven by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. The regeneration test explored that the KLAOAlg and KLAOCS composites can be reused upto five cycles and utilized as promising adsorbents for MG removal.