bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Detection of Myocardial Involvement in Thalassemia Intermedia Patients: Multiparametric Mapping by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Meloni Antonella , Pistoia Laura , Garamella Davide , Parlato Alessandro , Positano Vincenzo , Ricchi Paolo , Casini Tommaso , De Marco Emanuela , Corigliano Elisabetta , Borsellino Zelia , Visceglie Domenico , De Caterina Raffaele , Pepe Alessia , Cademartiri Filippo
Published: October 2024

Background

No study has assessed myocardial T1 and T2 values in patients with beta‐thalassemia intermedia (β‐TI).

Purpose

To assess the prevalence of myocardial involvement in β‐TI patients by T2* relaxometry and native T1 and T2 mapping and to determine the correlation of myocardial relaxation times with demographic and clinical parameters.

Study Type

Prospective matched‐cohort study.

Subjects

42 β‐TI patients (27 females, 39.65 ± 12.32 years), enrolled in the Extension‐Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassaemia Network, and 42 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers (27 females, 40.01 ± 11.36 years) and thalassemia major (TM) patients (27 females, 39.27 ± 11.57 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T/multi‐echo gradient echo, modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery, multi‐echo fast‐spin‐echo, cine balanced steady‐state‐free precession, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences.

Assessment

Hepatic, pancreatic, and left ventricular (LV) T2* values, LV native T1 and T2 values, biventricular ejection fractions and volumes, and presence and extent of replacement myocardial fibrosis.

Statistical Tests

Comparisons between two groups were performed with two‐sample t tests, Wilcoxon's signed rank tests, or χ2 testing. Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's or Spearman's test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

β‐TI patients had significantly higher LV T2 values than healthy subjects (56.84 ± 4.03 vs. 52.46 ± 2.50 msec, P < 0.0001) and significantly higher LV T1 values than TM patients (1018.32 ± 48.94 vs. 966.66 ± 66.47 msec, P < 0.0001). In β‐TI, female gender was associated with significantly increased LV T1 (P = 0.041) and T2 values (P < 0.0001), while splenectomy and presence of regular transfusions were associated with significantly lower LV T1 values (P = 0.014 and P = 0.001, respectively). In β‐TI patients, all LV relaxation times were significantly correlated with each other (T2*‐T1: P = 0.003; T2*‐T2: P = 0.003; T1‐T2: P < 0.0001). Two patients with a reduced LV T2* also had a reduced LV T1, while only one had a reduced LV T2. Three patients had a reduced LV T1 but a normal LV T2*; 66.7% of the patients had an increased LV T2. All LV relaxation times were significantly correlated with pancreas T2* values (T2*: P = 0.033; T1: P < 0.0001; T2: P = 0.014). No LV relaxation time was associated (P > 0.05) with hepatic iron concentration, biventricular function parameters, or LGE presence.

Conclusion

The combined use of all three myocardial relaxation times has potential to improve sensitivity in the detection of early/subclinical myocardial involvement in β‐Tl patients.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Evaluating the thermal stability of an interior permanent magnet synchronous machine through iterative multi‐physics simulation
Authors: Garmut Mitja , Steentjes Simon , Petrun Martin
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the thermal operating capability of an interior permanent magnet synchronous machine. An iterative workflow is presented, combining electromagnetic modeling, control, power‐loss modeling, and thermal modeling to identify maximum thermal stable operating points. Special attention is given to the critical temperatures of winding and permanent magnets. A nonlinear reduced order model based on finite element method model was used to simulate the system, including an inverter model with space vector pulse width modulation in combination with field‐oriented control. Furthermore, an advanced iron core loss model and thermal lumped parameter model were employed. The presented approach allows for evaluating losses and their impact on steady‐state temperatures. The obtained results highlight the significant influence of space vector pulse width modulation on iron core losses and the importance of considering both advanced power‐loss models and adequate thermal models when analyzing the machine's thermal state. This research emphasizes the concept of a thermally stable envelope, providing a comprehensive understanding of the thermal boundaries under various operating conditions.
Bidirectional long‐short‐term memory‐based fractional power system stabilizer: Design, simulation, and real‐time validation
Authors: Jha Abhishek , Ray Dhruv , Sarkar Devesh Umesh , Prakash Tapan , Dewangan Niraj Kumar
Published: October 2024

Power oscillations in modern power grids are inherent phenomena that may threaten system reliability. Therefore, to ensure acceptable system reliability, effective damping of power oscillations is inevitably required. In this context, this article introduces a novel approach to designing fractional power system stabilizer (FPSS) for effective damping of power oscillations. Bidirectional long‐short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM) approach is adopted to predict the parameters of FPSS. The conventional phase compensation technique is used to train Bi‐LSTM network. To validate the efficacy of FPSS, different test scenarios of contingent operating conditions are simulated for the system. Comparative analysis is carried out with conventional power system stabilizers (PSSs) and optimization‐based PSS techniques. Additionally, a test scenario is performed against existing deep neural network‐based PSS methods to ascertain the robustness of the proposed PSS. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed Bi‐LSTM‐based FPSS is validated in real‐time simulation using an interfaced OPAL‐RT OP5700 hardware device.
Projected climatic exposure and velocities of precipitation extremes over India and its biogeographic zones
Authors: Sachan Disha , Kumari Amita , Kumar Pankaj
Published: October 2024

Climate change is leading to alterations in the dynamic and thermodynamic climate systems worldwide, including the Indian summer monsoon (ISM), which supports more than a billion population and drives the Indian economy. The anthropogenic climate change induces unprecedented transformations in the natural and ecological systems, such as the increased probability of precipitation extremes, changes in their frequency, duration and spatial variabilities. This current study aims to project the regional landscape‐based metric, velocity of climate change (VoCC) and associated climatic exposure regarding precipitation extremes (PEs) for India and its different biogeographic zones. The climate velocities of mean precipitation, 95th, 99.5th and 99.9th percentiles of precipitation for the ISM season are presented for the historical and three projected time slices under the RCP8.5 scenario. ROM, a state‐of‐the‐art regional earth system model over the CORDEX‐South Asia domain, was used in the study. It was observed that the intense and very intense rainfall (95th, 99.5th and 99.9th percentiles) was enhanced over most of the study region in the near‐ and mid‐future compared to the far‐future. The intense rainfall exhibited higher climate velocity than the mean and very intense precipitation in the near‐future. The southern part of the Indian subcontinent usually displayed positive VoCC values for the historical and near‐future time slices compared to the northern part of the Indian peninsula, particularly the intense and very intense precipitation. The climatic exposure for all‐India was also higher in the near‐ and mid‐future compared to the far‐future, especially for the intense rainfall followed by the mean and very intense rainfall. These results suggest the need for focusing the adaptation and mitigation measures towards managing the near‐term impacts of PEs in relation to the long‐term impacts, especially on the country's diverse flora.
Effect of emulsification step on calcium carbonate encapsulated eicosane and incorporation into geopolymer
Authors: Boland Y. , Fontaine G. , Bourbigot S. , Pierlot C.
Published: October 2024

The effect of the emulsification process of the organic n‐eicosane as a phase change material (PCM) in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDBS) as a surfactant has been studied regarding the properties of the CaCO3 microcapsules. Such microcapsules aim to limit interactions between the PCM and the matrix (i.e., leakage and unwanted reactions). Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the mean size of the n‐eicosane capsule is of the order of 5 μm. However, large non‐spherical objects which could be clusters of flocculated capsules or the results of encapsulation of coalescing n‐eicosane droplets, are observed, particularly when mechanical stirring (MS) is used rather than when an ultra‐turrax (UT) or sonotrode (S) is used in the initial emulsification step. These large, partially encapsulated objects could be the cause of the poor results in leakage tests. It is possible to encapsulate n‐eicosane inside a calcium carbonate shell, with a greater than 50% encapsulation ratio. The yield of encapsulated n‐eicosane measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is similar and shows that 55% n‐eicosane core in CaCO3 shell can be produced. Up to 33 wt.% CaCO3 microcapsules (with 55% n‐eicosane content) have been successfully incorporated into fresh geopolymer paste. This incorporation of 18% (55% × 33%) of PCM does not modify the hardening conditions of the geopolymer since demolding was possible after 2 days at room temperature. DSC curves confirm that the melting reaction with n‐eicosane is conserved inside the hardened geopolymer.
Plantain flour: production processes, technological characteristics, and its potential use in traditional African dishes – a review
Authors: Mundéné‐Timothée Junior Lawrence , Nouga Bissoue Achille , Nguimbou Richard Marcel , Bissim Samuel Magloire , Bouelet Ntsama Isabelle Sandrine , Bouopda Tamo Sylvain Parfait , Fokam Leonel , Mouangue Ruben , Njintang Yanou Nicolas
Published: October 2024

This review describes some processes for converting plantain pulp into flour and semolina and the influences that operating conditions can have on some of the technological characteristics (functional and pasting) of this flour. Some traditional African dishes that can be prepared with plantain flour are also presented. A literature review was conducted using a list of keywords and expressions on platforms such as Google, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The results show that work carried out to date has mainly focused on a few well known traditional bakery products such as bread, cakes, and biscuits. There has been relatively little research on transforming plantain pulp into flour as part of the preparation of traditional African dishes such as foutou or amala. This work has often been carried out in the laboratory, without any link to local artisanal processes or knowledge of consumer preferences. There is a need to standardize local culinary practices for processing plantain into flour or semolina. The data from this review opens the door for applied research into innovative technological procedures for processing plantain to add value to local dishes adapted to new urban lifestyles, to meet local consumer needs, and to reduce post‐harvest losses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hop as a phytogenic alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production
Authors: Kober Luisa , Strauch Sebastian M , Schwab Stefan , Becker Anna M , Erzinger Gilmar S , Castiglione Kathrin
Published: October 2024

With the rapid growth of the world's population, the demand for food is also increasing. Poultry accounts for 40% of the global meat sector and therefore represents a significant area for further growth. One starting point for increasing production is to refine the composition of feed to improve the efficiency of growth and nutrient utilization, prevent disease and at the same time reduce environmental impact. Similar considerations have led to the long‐standing sub‐therapeutic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal husbandry, which is associated with the threat of rising antimicrobial resistances and the resulting consequences for human and animal health. In order to circumvent these drawbacks, an increasing number of alternative feed additives are becoming more prevalent. The use of phytogenic feed additives, which includes hops (Humulus lupulus), is regarded as a viable alternative. In addition to its natural availability, hops have been demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects and there is increasing evidence of growth‐promoting effects in vivo. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program for Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Authors: Stockley Cecily , Bouchard‐Fortier Antoine , Mateshaytis Jennifer , Taqi Kadhim , Mack Lloyd , Nelson Gregg , Chong Michael , Deban Melina
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) can be associated with prolonged hospital stays. A novel Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) based on ERAS Society guidelines was designed and implemented. The primary outcome was ERAS compliance. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and postoperative complications.

Methods

A retrospective study on patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC between 2018 and 2022, with ERAS implementation in 2022. Health records were reviewed. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon tests, Student t‐test, and χ2 and binomial negative regression. Health Ethics Research Board approval was obtained.

Results

Eighty patients underwent CRS/HIPEC: 59 in the pre‐ERAS group and 21 in the post‐ERAS group. Groups were similar in age, comorbidities, and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index. ERAS compliance increased from 32.8% to 70.8% (p < 0.001). Median LOS decreased from 14 to 9 days (p < 0.001). Comparing pre‐ERAS to post‐ERAS showed no significant difference in the major morbidity rate (13.6% vs. 9.5%) or 30‐day readmission (9.4% vs. 4.8%) and no mortalities. Controlling for patient characteristics, the mean LOS decreased by 6.94 days (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Implementation of an ERAS CRS/HIPEC program is safe and allows for improved compliance to ERAS protocols and a significant reduction in LOS.
Sequencing of Immunotherapy and Outcomes in Operable Clinical Stage III Melanoma: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Dheer Anushka , Tortorello Gabriella N. , Shafique Neha , Farooq Mohammad S. , Mitchell Tara C. , Xu Xiaowei , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

The impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NIT) on overall survival (OS) in patients with resectable stage III melanoma remains unknown. We sought to identify factors associated with receipt of NIT and survival outcomes in patients with clinical stage III melanoma undergoing surgery.

Methods

The National Cancer Database (2016–2020) was used to identify patients with clinical stage III melanoma who underwent surgery and received either NIT or adjuvant immunotherapy (AIT) only. Multivariable regression, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox proportional hazard methods were used to analyze variables of interest.

Results

Patients with clinical N3 disease had 2.5 times the odds of NIT compared to those with N1 disease (95% CI 1.74–3.49). There was no difference in 3‐year OS between the two cohorts: 79% (95% CI 73%–85%) for NIT patients and 75% (95% CI 73%–76%) for AIT patients (p = 0.078). Patients with N2/N3 disease had improved 3‐year OS of 79% with NIT versus 71% for AIT‐only (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.97, p = 0.037).

Conclusions

NIT is given more selectively to clinical stage III patients with more advanced N category disease. Despite significant differences in N category between groups, there was no difference in OS observed at 3 years, and NIT was associated with a survival advantage among N2/N3 patients.
Dense vegetation hinders sediment transport toward saltmarsh interiors
Authors: Gourgue Olivier , Belliard Jean‐Philippe , Xu Yiyang , Kleinhans Maarten G. , Fagherazzi Sergio , Temmerman Stijn
Published: October 2024

To save saltmarshes and their valuable ecosystem services from sea level rise, it is crucial to understand their natural ability to gain elevation by sediment accretion. In that context, a widely accepted paradigm is that dense vegetation favors sediment accretion and hence saltmarsh resilience to sea level rise. Here, however, we reveal how dense vegetation can inhibit sediment accretion on saltmarsh platforms. Using a process‐based modeling approach to simulate biogeomorphic development of typical saltmarsh landscapes, we identify two key mechanisms by which vegetation hinders sediment transport from tidal channels toward saltmarsh interiors. First, vegetation concentrates tidal flow and sediment transport inside channels, reducing sediment supply to platforms. Second, vegetation enhances sediment deposition near channels, limiting sediment availability for platform interiors. Our findings suggest that the resilience of saltmarshes to sea level rise may be more limited than previously thought.
Disaster avoided: current state of the Baltic Sea without human intervention to reduce nutrient loads
Authors: Ehrnsten Eva , Humborg Christoph , Gustafsson Erik , Gustafsson Bo G.
Published: October 2024

Excessive nutrient inputs have caused eutrophication of coastal ecosystems worldwide, triggering extensive algal blooms, oxygen‐depletion, and collapse of local fisheries. In the Baltic Sea, inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have been significantly reduced since the 1980s, but the environmental state shows little to no signs of recovery. However, a simulation with continued high loads from the mid‐1980s demonstrates that while the state has not improved yet, it would be considerably worse today without the load reductions (e.g., 82% larger oxygen‐free bottom areas and 104% and 58% higher wintertime concentrations of inorganic N and P, respectively, in the Baltic Proper). Additional simulations with current nutrient loads continuing into the future indicate that conditions will likely improve in the coming decades. This study underscores the significance of acting on early warning signs of eutrophication, and furthermore how sustained efforts to decrease nutrient loads can mitigate the severity of eutrophication.
Cholinergic Basal Forebrain Integrity and Cognition in Parkinson's Disease: A Reappraisal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence
Authors: Slater Nicola M. , Melzer Tracy R. , Myall Daniel J. , Anderson Tim J. , Dalrymple‐Alford John C.
Published: October 2024

Cognitive impairment is a well‐recognized and debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Degradation in the cortical cholinergic system is thought to be a key contributor. Both postmortem and in vivo cholinergic positron emission tomography (PET) studies have provided valuable evidence of cholinergic system changes in PD, which are pronounced in PD dementia (PDD). A growing body of literature has employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive, more cost‐effective alternative to PET, to examine cholinergic system structural changes in PD. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the methodologies and findings of studies that have focused on the relationship between cholinergic basal forebrain (cBF) integrity, based on T1‐ and diffusion‐weighted MRI, and cognitive function in PD. Nucleus basalis of Meynert (Ch4) volume has been consistently reduced in cognitively impaired PD samples and has shown potential utility as a prognostic indicator for future cognitive decline. However, the extent of structural changes in Ch4, especially in early stages of cognitive decline in PD, remains unclear. In addition, evidence for structural change in anterior cBF regions in PD has not been well established. This review underscores the importance of continued cross‐sectional and longitudinal research to elucidate the role of cholinergic dysfunction in the cognitive manifestations of PD. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Compact frequency‐reconfigurable circular patch antenna with varactor diode: Design, tuning, and compactness optimization
Authors: Cildir Abdulkadir , Gozel Mahmut Ahmet
Published: October 2024

In this study, a frequency‐reconfigurable circular patch antenna with a varactor diode has been presented. The proposed antenna has been designed and investigated in four steps: circular patch antenna (Antenna 1), antenna with double slots (Antenna 2), antenna with quad slots (Antenna 3), and antenna with varactor diode (Antenna 4). The proposed antenna has been made compact with rectangular slots and a hyperabrupt junction tuning varactor diode (SMV1249‐079LF). The proposed antenna has been designed and produced in 32 × 32 × 0.64 mm3 dimensions, approximately 80% minimized compared to a microstrip circular patch antenna operating at 850 MHZ resonance frequency. This frequency‐reconfigurable antenna can perform between the range of 0.85–1.3 GHz frequency with 0–3 V DC voltage tuning of the varactor diode. So, using with the varactor diode, the proposed antenna has obtained a 53% tuning range between 0.85 and 1.3 GHz frequencies. This study offers a different antenna design, compactness, and high tuning ratio compared to previous studies. This frequency reconfigurable antenna can be preferred with its wideband structure in different communications areas and wireless energy transfer systems.
The Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire: Factorial structure and measurement invariance in a psychiatric sample relative to the general population
Authors: Mijnster Teus , Wardenaar Klaas J. , Boersma Gretha J. , van Veen Maaike M. , Cath Daniëlle , Kerkhof Gerard A. , Lancel Marike
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Although common, sleep disorders often remain undiagnosed in psychiatric patients. A screening instrument, like the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (HSDQ) could improve this. Previous work indicated a 6‐factor structure for the HSDQ, but this hasn't been investigated in psychiatric patients.

Methods

HSDQ data was collected in a psychiatric‐outpatient sample (n = 1082) and general‐population sample (n = 2089). Internal reliability of the HSDQ was investigated and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were used to compare 1‐, 6‐, and second‐order 6‐factor models in both samples. Next, multigroup‐CFA was used to investigate measurement invariance.

Results

Except for one subscale, internal reliability was acceptable in both samples. The 6‐factor structure model fitted best in both samples and investigation of measurement invariance showed evidence for equality of the overall factor structure (configural invariance). Addition of equality constraints on factor loadings (metric invariance) and item thresholds (scalar invariance) showed good fit for all fit statistics, except for one. Exploratory analyses identified three items for metric and three different items for scalar invariance explaining this non‐invariance.

Conclusion

The HSDQ has a 6‐factor structure in psychiatric patients, which is comparable to the general population. However, due to the observed non‐invariance, users should be cautious with comparing HSDQ scores between psychiatric and general populations.
Characterizing diffusion‐controlled release of small‐molecules using quantitative MRI in view of applications to orthopedic infection
Authors: Hong Greg , Khazaee Tina , Cobos Santiago F. , Christiansen Spencer D. , Liu Junmin , Drangova Maria , Holdsworth David W.
Published: October 2024

Calcium sulfate is an established carrier for localized drug delivery, but a means to non‐invasively measure drug release, which would improve our understanding of localized delivery, remains an unmet need. We aim to quantitatively estimate the diffusion‐controlled release of small molecules loaded into a calcium sulfate carrier through a gadobutrol‐based contrast agent, which acts as a surrogate small molecule. A central cylindrical core made of calcium sulfate, either alone or within a metal scaffold, is loaded with contrast agents that release into agar. Multi‐echo scans are acquired at multiple time points over 4 weeks and processed into R2* and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) maps. Mean R2* values are fit to a known drug delivery model, which are then compared with the decrease in core QSM. Fitting R2* measurements of calcium sulfate core while constraining constants to a drug release model results in an R2‐value of 0.991, yielding a diffusion constant of 4.59 × 10−11 m2 s−1. Incorporating the carrier within a metal scaffold results in a slower release. QSM shows the resulting loss of susceptibility in the non‐metal core but is unreliable around metal. R2* characterizes the released gadobutrol, and QSM detects the resulting decrease in core susceptibility. The addition of a porous metal scaffold slows the release of gadobutrol, as expected.
Phenotypes of Velopharyngeal Tube Law in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Woodson B. Tucker , Garcia Guilherme J. M.
Published: October 2024

Objective

The biomechanics of upper airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains poorly understood. The goal of this study is to compare the area‐pressure relationship (tube law) of the velopharynx at peak inspiration and peak expiration.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Academic tertiary medical center.

Methods

The velopharyngeal tube law was quantified in a convenience sample of 20 OSA patients via step reductions in nasal mask pressure during drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). The velopharyngeal airspace cross‐sectional area was estimated from endoscopy while luminal pressure was recorded with a catheter. The tube law was quantified for nasal mask pressures from 14 to 0 cmH2O at peak inspiration and at peak expiration in all patients. The tube law was also quantified during the breathing cycle at a constant nasal mask pressure of 4 cmH2O in 3 patients representing different phenotypes.

Results

Velopharyngeal compliance (the slope of the tube law) was not statistically different in the peak inspiration versus peak expiration tube laws. Three phenotypes were observed, namely inspiratory collapse (phenotype 1), expiratory collapse (phenotype 2 = palatal prolapse), and a mostly stable airway during inspiration and expiration that collapsed as CPAP was reduced (phenotype 3).

Conclusion

Velopharyngeal compliance is not significantly different at peak inspiration and peak expiration, which suggests that muscle tone is low when luminal pressure is above the closing pressure. Additional studies are needed to investigate how different phenotypes of velopharyngeal collapse may affect therapeutic outcomes.
Integrating genomics as clinical biomarkers in pediatric pulmonology
Authors: Forno Erick
Published: October 2024

Respiratory diseases often result from complex interactions between an individual's genetic predisposition and their exposure to various environmental and other risk factors. Here we will briefly review how various types of “omics”, particularly epigenomics and transcriptomics, hold promise for translation into clinical biomarkers in pediatric pulmonary medicine, using asthma and cystic fibrosis as examples.
Gambogic acid and chloroquine synergistically induce cell death via increasing mitochondria damage in human NSCLC cells
Authors: Sun Yanting , Wu Xiaoliu , Zhu Ming , Zhang Yuanying , Lv Min , Dai Liling , Yu Jun
Published: October 2024

Gambogic acid is a natural bioactive compound from the brownish resin of the Garcinia hanburyi trees, which has been shown to induce cell death of cancer cells with a synergistic effect together with other compounds. In the present study, we aim to investigate whether the combination of gambogic and chloroquine, one of the inhibitor of autophagy, could increase cell death in human NSCLC cells. As a result, gambogic acid and chloroquine synergistically suppress the growth of NSCLC cells (CI <0.9). Moreover, the combination of gambogic acid and chloroquine significantly promotes apoptosis than that either alone does. Mechanistically, the results demonstrate that gambogic acid increases PINK1 expression at mRNA and protein level, accompanied with downregulation of Tom20, suggesting the mitophagy process is activated. Both silencing PINK1 and treatment of chloroquine could inhibit mitophagy, therefore disrupting the clearance of damaged mitochondria. Thus, co‐treatment of gambogic acid and chloroquine results in an elevated level of ROS, which facilitates cell death. Taken together, our finding highlights that the synergistically inhibitory effect of gambogic acid and chloroquine on NSCLC cells is associated with the accumulation of mitochondrial damage.
Coping with temporariness: Space appropriation of South Asian migrants in Muscat, Oman
Authors: Farooq Aysha , Pfaffenbach Carmella
Published: October 2024

This article deals with the practices of South Asian migrant workers appropriating space in Muscat, Oman. Due to temporary employment contracts, low income, and long working hours, in addition to living in a fragmented car‐dependent city, their access to the city is spatially and temporally limited. This raises the question of their opportunities and limitations for space appropriation in Muscat. In this paper, we first describe the urban and political context that leads to their limitations and temporalities. We then establish a theoretical framework to define the roles of space, migration, and time. Adopting a qualitative approach combining interviews and observation, we then focus on one location as a case study and analyse how its visitors, low‐income and middle‐income migrant workers, appropriate space according to their daily needs. Highlighting the tension between rigid constraints and constant change, we conclude by presenting the social and spatial products of the process of space appropriation and respond to the discourse on the production of space through the lens of temporary migration.
Physiology‐based pharmacokinetic model with relative transcriptomics to evaluate tissue distribution and receptor occupancy of anifrolumab
Authors: Sharma Pradeep , Boulton David W. , Bertagnolli Lynn N. , Tang Weifeng
Published: October 2024

Type I interferons contribute to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and myositis. Anifrolumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to subunit 1 of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1). Results of phase IIb and phase III trials led to the approval of intravenous anifrolumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) alongside standard therapy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe SLE. Here, we built a population physiology‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of anifrolumab by utilizing the physiochemical properties of anifrolumab, binding kinetics to the Fc gamma neonatal receptor, and target‐mediated drug disposition properties. A novel relative transcriptomics approach was employed to determine IFNAR1 expression in tissues (blood, skin, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and muscle) using mRNA abundances from bioinformatic databases. The IFNAR1 expression and PBPK model were validated by testing their ability to predict clinical pharmacokinetics over a large dose range from different clinical scenarios after subcutaneous and intravenous anifrolumab dosing. The validated PBPK model predicted high unbound local concentrations of anifrolumab in blood, skin, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and muscle, which exceeded its IFNAR1 dissociation equilibrium constant values. The model also predicted high IFNAR1 occupancy with subcutaneous and intravenous anifrolumab dosing. The model predicted more sustained IFNAR1 occupancy ≥90% with subcutaneous anifrolumab 120 mg once‐weekly dosing vs. intravenous 300 mg Q4W dosing. The results informed the dosing of phase III studies of anifrolumab in new indications and present a novel approach to PBPK modeling coupled with relative transcriptomics in simulating pharmacokinetics of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
Real‐Time Heading Correction Control for Mars Rovers Considering Travel Terrain Differences Between Two Sides of the Suspension
Authors: Jia Zhicheng , Jin Jingfu , Dong Xinju , Zou Meng , He Lianbin
Published: October 2024

Existing Mars rovers usually adopt a split suspension with a rocker‐bogie on each side of the body to improve terrain adaptability. However, when exploring the Martian surface with complex terrain distribution, differential traveling conditions of the wheel sets on both sides can cause the Mars rover to deviate from its desired heading. This paper presents a coordinated wheel speed control method for Mars rovers that combines fuzzy control with active disturbance rejection control. This method can realize real‐time heading correction while compensating for the effects of differences in terrain shape and terrain type on both sides. Another advantage of the proposed method is that the control system does not rely on the motion model of the Mars rover's suspension and avoids real‐time acquisition of suspension attitude data, which improves the algorithm efficiency and portability. Finally, a series of experimental tests of multiterrain travel were conducted on a six‐wheeled Mars rover prototype deploying the control system. The experimental results show that the control system can effectively guarantee that the Mars rover tracks the desired heading while traveling, and can obtain beneficial effects in reducing the internal force between the wheels and facing some special driving scenes.
Oxygen Vacancies Regulated S‐Scheme Charge Transport Route in BiVO4‐OVs/g‐C3N4 Heterojunction for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Su Kangrui , Zheng Lingcheng , Liu Mei , Gao Juan , Shi Zeyu , Chen Changzhao , Li Yang , He Jie , Peng Mao
Published: October 2024

Oxygen vacancies (OVs) are widely considered as active sites in photocatalytic reactions, yet the crucial role of OVs in S‐scheme heterojunction photocatalysts requires deeper understanding. In this work, OVs at hetero‐interface regulated S‐scheme BiVO4‐OVs/g‐C3N4 photocatalysts are constructed. The Fermi‐level structures of BiVO4 and g‐C3N4 lead to a redistribution of charges at the heterojunction interface, inducing an internal electric field at the interface, which tends to promote the recombination of photogenerated carriers at the interface. Importantly, the introduction of OVs induces defect electronic states in the BiVO4 bandgap, creating indirect recombination energy level that serves as crucial intermediator for photogenerated carrier recombination in the S‐scheme heterojunction. As a result, the photocatalytic degradation rate on Rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracyclines (TCs) for the optimal sample is 10.7 and 11.8 times higher than the bare one, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate is also improved to 558 µmol g−1 h−1. This work shows the importance of OVs in heterostructure photocatalysis from both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects and may provide new insight into the rational design of S‐scheme photocatalysts.
Loading Precursors into Self‐Assembling Contacts for Improved Performance and Process Control in Evaporated Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Leyden Matthew R. , Škorjanc Viktor , Miaskiewicz Aleksandra , Severin Stefanie , Maniyarasu Suresh , Gries Thomas , Beckedahl Johannes , Scheler Florian , Simmonds Maxim , Holzhey Philippe , Kurpiers Jona , Korte Lars , Roß Marcel , Albrecht Steve
Published: October 2024

Organo‐lead‐halide perovskites are promising materials for solar cell applications with efficiencies now exceeding 26% for single junction, and over 33% for silicon tandem devices. Evaporation has proven viable for industrial scale‐up but presents challenges for perovskite materials. Perovskite precursor is introduced into self‐assembling MeO‐2PACz hole transport layers for application to 4 source perovskite coevaporation. This allows precursors that can be difficult to add via evaporation, like methylammonium chloride. These precursor molecules influence growth during evaporation, film behavior during annealing as measured by photoluminescence, and aid the conversion to perovskite as shown by X‐Ray diffraction. Devices have improved power conversion efficiency and stability compared to a control sample within the same evaporation. The best cells reach ≈21% efficiency and comparable performing ≈20% cells maintain their original efficiency after 1000 h of maximum power tracking at 25 °C. This process provides significant process flexibility for perovskite evaporation and requires no additional steps.
Sensitization and Mechanical Response of Cu‐Containing Steel Rods
Authors: Acharya Pranav , Gandra Ruthvik , Shyrokykh Tetiana , Mayer Charlotte , Hollinger Sebastien , Sridhar Seetharaman , Neithalath Narayanan
Published: October 2024

The iron and steel manufacturing sector significantly adds to global greenhouse gas emissions, caused primarily by the carbothermic reduction of iron ore. Recycling scrap steel offers an effective decarbonization strategy but introduces impurities like copper (Cu) that can negatively impact mechanical properties. This study investigates the effects of Cu content and heat treatment on the mechanical performance and sensitization of steel wire rods for tire manufacturing. Steel rods with 0.04 and 0.21 wt% Cu are heated to 1050 or 1200 °C, then air quenched, or furnace cooled. Tensile testing coupled with microscopic analysis is used to evaluate mechanical properties and assess the sensitization effects. Higher Cu content leads to larger sensitized zones with increased Cu precipitation along grain boundaries. Ductility and toughness, crucial for wire drawability, are found to be reduced, despite higher ultimate strength. Slower furnace cooling is seen to result in smaller sensitized zones compared to air quenching, suggesting a pivotal role of cooling rate in sensitization control. The findings provide insights into optimize heat treatment parameters and Cu content limits, balancing mechanical performance and maintaining drawability for enhanced scrap steel recycling in tire production.
Experimental and numerical investigation of low‐velocity impact behavior and failure mode of shear deficient RC beam strengthened with CFRP strips
Authors: Çalışkan Özlem , Aras Murat , Yılmaz Tolga , Anıl Özgür
Published: October 2024

It is well‐known that shear failure is a collapse mechanism that is the riskiest, fastest, and catastrophic and occurs with no visible signs of damage or prior warning for RC beams. Therefore, to prevent brittle shear failure, the RC beams should include sufficient shear reinforcement, such as stirrups, and be designed to have sufficient shear capacity. However, the RC beams' shear capacity becomes inadequate for various reasons. One of these reasons may be the acting of the impulsive impact load, which is uncommon and disregarded in the design phase on the RC beams. An experimental program was conducted to examine the impact behavior and failure mode of shear‐deficient RC beams in the scope of the present study. Besides, it aims to investigate the effectiveness of the strengthening method using CFRP strips in improving the general behavior, failure mode, and performance of shear‐deficient RC beams exposed to impact load. The time histories of the accelerations, displacements, impact loads, and strains in the CFRP strips were measured. They were interpreted how they are affected by experimental variables examined in the experimental study. Furthermore, the finite element model of the specimens was generated in the LS‐DYNA software, and the experimental and numerical results were compared by performing finite element analysis in terms of failure modes and general behavior.
Epithelial neutrophil localization and tight junction Claudin‐2 expression are innovative outcome predictors in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zammarchi Irene , Santacroce Giovanni , Puga‐Tejada Miguel , Hayes Brian , Crotty Rory , O’Driscoll Elaine , Majumder Snehali , Kaczmarczyk Wiktoria , Maeda Yasuharu , McCarthy Jane , Sugrue Kathleen , O’Sullivan Caitriona , Burke Louise , Ghosh Subrata , Iacucci Marietta
Published: October 2024

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in clinical and endoscopic remission may still experience disease relapse. Therefore, there is a need to identify outcome predictors. Recently, the role of neutrophils in predicting outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC) has been highlighted. Furthermore, the impairment of intestinal barrier plays a key role in forecasting disease outcomes in IBD.

Objective

This observational study aimed to assess the predictive role of neutrophils according to tissue localization and intestinal barrier protein expression in IBD.

Methods

IBD patients in clinical remission who underwent colonoscopy between January 2020 and June 2022 at two tertiary referral centres were enrolled. Patients with Mayo Endoscopic Score ≤1 (UC) and Simple Endoscopic Score ≤6 (Crohn's disease) were included. Histological activity was assessed using validated scores. Experienced pathologists evaluated neutrophil localization in the epithelium and lamina propria and immunohistochemical expression of Claudin‐2 and junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM‐A).

Results

Of 60 UC and 76 CD patients, 59.7% had histological activity. 25.8% of patients developed an adverse outcome within 12 months. Neutrophils in the epithelium predicted adverse outcomes for UC (hazard ratio [HR] 5.198, p = 0.01) and CD (HR 4.377, p = 0.03) patients in endoscopic remission. Claudin‐2 expression correlated with endoscopic and histological activity and predicted outcomes in UC. Similar results were found for JAM‐A in CD despite this protein showing less specificity as a barrier predictor of outcome.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential role of epithelial neutrophil localization and Claudin‐2 ‘leaky gut’ expression as tools for predicting IBD outcomes and guiding further patient‐tailored therapy.
Blade Surface Pressure Measurements in the Field and Their Usage for Aerodynamic Model Validation
Authors: Fritz Erik , Boorsma Koen , Caboni Marco , Herrig Andreas
Published: October 2024

This study presents results from a long‐term measurement campaign on a research wind turbine in the field. Pressure measurements are conducted at 25% blade radius over several months. Together with inflow measurements provided by a LiDAR system, they form an extensive dataset, which is used in the validation of numerical aerodynamic models. The model validation is conducted based on both ten‐minute average data as well as time‐resolved unsteady data. Initially, it is investigated how representative ten‐minute average pressure measurements are of the underlying unsteady aerodynamics. Binned ten‐minute average pressure distributions are then analysed together with their numerical counterpart, consisting of a combination of rotor and airfoil level aerodynamic/aeroelastic simulation results using average environmental and operating conditions as input. Finally, time‐resolved measurements and simulation results are compared, validating the aeroelastic tools' capability to reproduce unsteady aerodynamics.

Overall, reasonable agreement is found between numerical simulations and field experiment data showcasing two aspects: Numerical tools based on blade element momentum theory and panel methods with viscous‐inviscid interaction remain relevant for simulating modern multi‐megawatt wind turbines, and long‐term pressure measurements provide invaluable means for validating such tools.
Deriving Models from Field Test Data to Forecast Brake System Limits in Fuel Cell Heavy-Duty Trucks
Authors: Mun Seongjae , Park Jinhui , Lee Hongwoo , Ahn Changsun
Published: October 2024

Evaluating braking system limits is crucial in designing heavy-duty trucks, often requiring extensive time and resources through field and dynamometer testing. To reduce these demands, modeling approaches have been widely adopted. However, it faces challenges in complex configurations like fuel cell trucks due to interactions between brake and energy systems, particularly regenerative braking, a feature absent in conventional heavy-duty trucks. This paper presents a model that simplifies the representation of these systems in fuel cell trucks, using data-driven models based on field tests. It details constructing and validating a comprehensive brake system model specifically for downhill scenarios in fuel cell trucks, achieving around 99% accuracy in predicting brake limits.
Numerical Study on Vibration Characteristics of Non-pneumatic Tire Coupled with Quarter-Car Model
Authors: Washimi Yuta , Suzuki Takuma , Okano Toshihiko , Sasaki Kensuke
Published: October 2024

Non-Pneumatic Tires are primarily recognized for their puncture-free attributes, particularly suitable for specialized vehicles. However, not only the advantages, but also vehicle characteristics such as noise, vibration, and harshness need to be considered in case of application to standard passenger cars. To address this, estimating the vibration characteristics of NPT, considering the nonlinear behavior of the tire and its interaction with other car components, is important for vehicle development and chassis control. In this study, tire finite element analysis combined with the multibody simulation of a quarter-car model is employed. The vibration characteristics of a passenger car equipped with NPT are investigated on a specific tire construction and a car model in comparison to a pneumatic tire. It was found that the NPT exhibits high-frequency characteristic vibrations, although the overall trend is qualitatively similar to that of the pneumatic tire when the vertical stiffness and the contact properties are set to be close to those of the pneumatic tire.
Energy-Efficient Optimal Torque Vectoring for a Four-Motor High-Performance Electric Vehicle
Authors: Prost Mattéo , Cvok Ivan , Velenis Efstathios
Published: October 2024

The paper presents and compares an optimal control allocation (CA) and model predictive control (MPC)-based torque vectoring (TV) for improved energy efficiency of electric vehicle with four independent electric motors. Offline and online (instantaneous) optimisation-based CA are designed for front-rear torque distribution. For overall wheel torque allocation, a production-ready MPC-based TV is extended with energy consumption minimisation terms. CA and MPC rely on power loss curves of differently sized front and rear powertrains that are fitted with polynomial regression models. Performance of both strategies is evaluated in high-fidelity nonlinear simulation environment in terms of energy efficiency improvement on standard driving cycles and impact on the vehicle dynamics in lateral manoeuvres. Results demonstrate consistent reduction of the energy consumption and preservation of the vehicle handling behaviour.
A Lateral Control Based on Physics Informed Neural Networks for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Hegedűs Tamás , Fényes Dániel , Németh Balázs , Tan Vu Van , Gáspár Péter
Published: October 2024

In the paper, a lateral control strategy is presented using Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) for automated vehicles. The main idea is that the physics information is incorporated into the training process, which leads to an improvement in the performance level of the control algorithm. Moreover, in the highly nonlinear range of the lateral dynamics, which is not properly covered by the training dataset, the stability of the vehicle is guaranteed. The results are compared to a conventional neural network trained to control the vehicle.