bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Screening of Metal Dopants for In2O3 Catalyst to Tune Catalytic Performance of CO2 Hydrogenation to Formic Acid
Authors: Meng ZiChun , Sun XiaoYing , Tang YuQing , Yan BingJie , Zhao Zhen , Li Bo
Published: October 2024

The metal doping is an effective strategy to adjust catalytic performance for indium oxide catalyst in CO2 hydrogenation. In current work, a series dopant, Co, Fe, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, and Ru, are selected and examined in CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid by DFT based microkinetic simulation. It is found that substitutional doping is local effect, which mainly promotes the reactivity of adjacent oxygen atoms. The calculations of both CO2 adsorption and hydrogen molecule dissociation certify the positive effects induced by doping, and the adsorption energy of CO2 has a linear relation with the transferred charges for all investigated catalysts which helps to explain the C─O bond activation mechanism. Two pathways, formate and carboxyl, are investigated under same footing. It is noted that doping significantly reduces the hydrogenation barriers on two pathways compared with undoped surfaces. Moreover, the calculated TOF of formic acid formation is greatly increased on doped surfaces and Pt, Pd, and Ru are identified as the most active dopants. In the end, it is concluded that reaction obeys carboxyl mechanism and a valid descriptor of trans‐HCOOH* and H* formation energy is proposed for the screening of effective dopants.
Bi‐Doped In2O3 Nanofiber for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhao Yuanxiang , Lv Xinchun , Zhu Zifan , Yang Chen , Ma Xintao , Sun Yifei , Alodhayb Abdullah N. , Yi Xiaodong , Shi Wei , Chen Zhou
Published: October 2024

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) to formic acid (HCOOH) is attracted for superfluous CO2 removal and HCOOH production under ambient conditions. Indium‐based catalysts has considered as a good candidate material for CO2RR to HCOOH due to their environmentally friendly features. However, the catalytic efficiency is limited by the poor HCOOH Faradaic efficiency (FE) and high reaction overpotential of electrocatalyst, and the activity and stability of indium‐based catalysts are unsatisfactory, especially in industrial current density that is critical for commercialization. Herein, a fiber Bi‐doped In2O3 was synthesized through electrospinning method, and it demonstrate a FEHCOOH of 88.2% at −1.5 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode) with partial current density of −21.8 mA cm−2 in H type cell. Specially, the Bi‐In electrocatalyst also reach the industrial current density standard, which can work at −400 mA cm−2 current density with FEHCOOH of 92.7% (yield of HCOOH is 6.9 mmol h−1) in home‐made Flow cell. Importantly, Bi‐In shows 24 h long‐term stability test in −300 mA cm−2. The improvement catalytic activity of Bi‐In catalyst is ascribed to the optimized electronic structure of In site, and the reduced work function value of Bi‐In is beneficial for reducing the formation energy of the key *OCHO intermediates.
Optimization and modelling of bioethanol production by the fermentation of CCN‐51 cocoa mucilage using the sequential simplex method and the modified Gompertz model
Authors: Delgado Jorge , Serpa Andrea , Moreno Juan F. , Bernal Tamara , Posso Fausto , Tenesaca Oscar
Published: October 2024

This work deals with the optimization of bioethanol production through a fermentation process of CCN‐51 cocoa mucilage, based on increased concentrations of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Cocoa mucilage, considered biomass waste, was selected for its high productivity and the large volumes generated in the cocoa industrial chain in Ecuador. The optimization of the fermentation process was performed using the sequential simplex method with two variables, and the results were experimentally confirmed by quantifying bioethanol through the microdiffusion method. The best operational conditions corresponded to a temperature of 35°C and a pH of 4. Regarding the concentration of yeast, it was found that the optimal value was 8 g/L, since lower concentrations led to low productivities, while higher concentrations resulted in inadequate functioning of the bioreactor. The best results reached a productivity of 1.35 ± 0.04 g/L · h and a maximum bioethanol concentration of 28.3 ± 0.8 g/L for a processing time of 21 h. The production of bioethanol was modelled using the modified Gompertz equation and simulated in MATLAB®, yielding a bioethanol production rate of 2.42 g/L · h with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.95. These results contribute to the knowledge of bioethanol production using cocoa mucilage and seek to add a positive value to this residue, whose management and final disposition have both undesirable environmental and economic effects.
The Impact of QT‐Prolonging Medications and Drug–Drug Interactions on QTc Interval Prolongation in Hospitalized Patients: A Case‐Crossover Study
Authors: Chien Hsiu‐Ting , Lin Fang‐Ju , Juang Jyh‐Ming Jimmy , Lin Shu‐Wen
Published: October 2024

Researchers have studied potential corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation from drug–drug interactions (DDIs), raising unresolved questions about their real‐world impact. This retrospective case‐crossover study investigated the effects of QT‐prolonging drugs and DDIs on QTc prolongation in hospitalized patients aged 45 years and above. The cohort comprised patients who had multiple hospitalizations and developed QTc prolongation (QTc > 500 ms or an increase of >60 ms from baseline) at least 24 hours after admission between 2011 and 2019. Conditional logistic regression compared drug exposure between hospitalizations with QTc prolongation (case window) and those without (reference window). Among 2,276 patients (mean age 71; 43.8% female), the use of QT‐prolonging drugs significantly increased the risk of QTc prolongation (odds ratio: 2.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.95–3.02)). The risk was higher with drugs of “known risks” (OR: 3.78 (2.91–4.90)) and “conditional risk” (OR: 2.08 (1.65–2.62)). DDIs, particularly involving multiple “known risk” drugs (OR: 7.86 (4.96–12.45)), strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitors (OR: 5.57 (2.75–11.30)), or the concurrent use of ≥4 QT‐prolonging drugs with any risk (OR: 5.28 (3.96–7.03)) substantially increased the risk. Cautious prescribing for patients with multiple risk factors is important to minimize the likelihood of QTc prolongation. However, when considering enhanced monitoring or drug choices, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the overall risk of QT prolongation against the benefits of treatment to ensure optimal patient care.
Maximizing genetic gains across agronomic and consumer preference traits in St. Augustinegrass breeding
Authors: Milla‐Lewis Susana R. , Gouveia Beatriz Tome , Kenworthy Kevin , Zhang Jing , Chandra Ambika , Miller Grady L. , Carbajal Esdras M. , Schwartz Brian , Raymer Paul , Pudzianowska Marta , Beard James H. , Unruh J. Bryan
Published: October 2024

Combining large multi‐environment trial (MET) datasets to decide which genotypes to move forward in the breeding process can be challenging, especially when dealing with negatively correlated traits. The use of a selection index has long been identified as an effective strategy in these situations. However, the method has found limited application in turfgrass breeding. The objective of this study was to use MET data for St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] breeding lines evaluated across the southern United States to compare genetic gains achieved with the additive additive genetic index (AI) versus the turf performance index (TPI) incorporating agronomic as well as consumer preference traits. The use of either selection index produced more positive genetic gains across traits than direct selection even in the presence of negative correlations. However, the higher genetic gains obtained with AI versus TPI indicate that the use of an index that weighs traits according to their importance is a better approach for selection. Moreover, under a more stringent selection intensity, none of the best lines identified with AI would have been selected with TPI emphasizing the importance of choosing selection criteria that provide a more nuanced ranking of lines. Additionally, higher heritability values and gains from selection were obtained for turfgrass quality under stress (drought and shade) than under normal conditions indicating that selection under stress environments might be more efficient. Most of the evaluated St. Augustinegrass lines outperformed the checks, further supporting the value of cross‐institutional breeding collaborations.
A New Wide Range and High Voltage Conversion Bidirectional DC/DC Converter for DC Microgrid
Authors: Panneerselvam Dhivya , Eswar Kodumur Meesala Ravi
Published: October 2024

Bidirectional DC/DC converters (BDCs) are crucial in energy storage integration with DC microgrid. In this article, a new wide‐range and high voltage conversion (VC) nonisolated BDC with simple structure having reasonable components (total 13) is proposed. The proposed BDC with symmetrical VC ratio delivers high conversion of voltage within the vicinity of 0.5 duty ratio in both boost and buck modes of operation. In addition, the proposed BDC has features of continuous currents at low and high voltage stages and reduced switch voltage stress. This article presents the proposed BDC with circuit configuration and its detailed steady‐state boost and buck mode analyses to verify achievable VC ratio and design consideration. With the designed practical model of the proposed BDC, loss analysis is exhibited to verify the conversion efficiency in boost and buck modes of operation. In real time, experimental prototype of the proposed BDC is operated with LAUNCHXL‐F28379D kit to realize switching pulse generation. The experimental response of the entire proposed BDC operation is captured at 200 W loading. The attained experimental results and discussions validate the proposed BDC operation with the mentioned features. Finally, a comparative analysis with existing BDCs is performed to prove the competence of the proposed BDC for DC microgrid.
A Novel Wiener‐Type Dynamic Neural Network Method for Large Signal Modeling of Power Amplifiers
Authors: Liu Wenyuan , Su Yi , Wang Shilin , Zhang Wei , Yan Shuxia , Feng Feng
Published: October 2024

A novel Wiener‐type dynamic neural network (Wiener‐type DNN) method for large signal modeling of power amplifiers (PAs) is proposed in this paper. In this method, the proposed model structure for the PA contains two Wiener‐type DNNs to describe the input impedance and the amplification efficiency, respectively. The Wiener‐type DNN includes a simplified linear dynamic equation module and a nonlinear static equation module. For the simplification process of the linear dynamic equation, it is proposed to process fundamental frequency components of the large signal harmonic data of the PA by vector fitting. The neural network is used to implement the static equation in the Wiener‐type DNN. The formulas for training the proposed Wiener‐type DNN model of the PA using large signal data are derived. The training algorithm of the PA model is proposed to improve the training efficiency. A Motorola MOSFET PA example and a Freescale lateral double‐diffused MOSFET PA example are present to validate the proposed Wiener‐type DNN method. For the Motorola MOSFET PA, a dynamic neural network (DNN) model and a time‐delay deep neural network (TDDNN) are established for comparison. For the Freescale PA, the DNN model is used for comparison experiment. The comparison figures show that the Wiener‐type DNN model has better convergence properties than the DNN model in the nonlinear region of the PA. The established accurate PA model is conducive to the design of subsequent communication circuits.
Metabolic–Bariatric Surgery Reduces Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Meta‐Analysis of Over 3.7 Million Adults, Independent of Type 2 Diabetes Status
Authors: Angelidi Angeliki M. , Martinou Eirini G. , Karamanis Dimitrios G.
Published: October 2024

Aims

To investigate the impact of Metabolic–Bariatric surgery (MBS) on pancreatic cancer (PCa) risk in individuals with obesity based on type 2 diabetes(T2D) status.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42022367749). The primary outcomes were the PCa incidence rates in participants with or without T2D who underwent MBS compared with the control (non‐MBS) group. Subgroup analyses based on the MBS types were performed and a random‐effects model was employed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by applying the leave‐one‐out meta‐analysis technique and excluding studies with a short follow‐up. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 index and Cochran's Q test. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's test and the risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias tool.

Results

Twelve studies, with 3,711,243 participants, were included. PCa risk was lower in the MBS group for both T2D and the overall population than in the non‐MBS group (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30–0.71 and RR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07–0.57, respectively), with consistent findings after excluding studies with < 3‐year follow‐up. A favourable impact was also observed in individuals without T2D (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.41–0.78). When comparing the types of MBS versus control, a significant difference was observed for sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (RR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12–0.46 for SG and RR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.25–1.09 for Roux‐En‐Y bypass). Egger's test showed no indication of publication bias (p = 0.417).

Conclusions

MBS is associated with reduced PCa risk regardless of T2D, with a more pronounced effect in T2D patients. Additional research is needed to investigate the impact of MBS types on PCa.
Elp1 function in placode‐derived neurons is critical for proper trigeminal ganglion development
Authors: Hines Margaret A. , Taneyhill Lisa A.
Published: October 2024

Background

The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve and functions in somatosensation. Cell bodies of this nerve are positioned in the trigeminal ganglion, which arises from the coalescence of neural crest and placode cells. While this dual cellular origin has been known for decades, the molecular mechanisms controlling trigeminal ganglion development remain obscure. We performed RNA sequencing on the forming chick trigeminal ganglion and identified Elongator acetyltransferase complex subunit 1 (Elp1) for further study. Mutations in ELP1 cause familial dysautonomia (FD), a fatal disorder characterized by the presence of smaller trigeminal nerves and sensory deficits. While Elp1 has established roles in neurogenesis, its function in placode cells during trigeminal gangliogenesis has not been investigated.

Results

To this end, we used morpholinos to deplete Elp1 from chick trigeminal placode cells. Elp1 knockdown decreased trigeminal ganglion size and led to aberrant innervation of the eye by placode‐derived neurons. Trigeminal nerve branches also appeared to exhibit reduced axon outgrowth to target tissues.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a new role for Elp1 in placode‐derived neurons during chick trigeminal ganglion development. These results have potential high significance to provide new insights into trigeminal ganglion development and the etiology of FD.
Urbanization alters sandy beach scavenging assemblages and dogs suppress ecosystem function
Authors: Gerraty Francis D. , Gobei‐Bacaylan Ann , Diel Kaia
Published: October 2024

Urbanization is rapidly transforming coastal landscapes around the world, altering the structure and function of marine, intertidal, and terrestrial ecosystems. In tandem, coastal areas are hotspots for human recreation, leading to shifts in wildlife behavior and activity patterns. Together, urban development and recreational use of wildlife habitats can shape wildlife behavior, abundance, and ecosystem dynamics at different spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we explore the impact of urbanization and human and domestic dog activity on the structure of vertebrate scavenging assemblages and the ecosystem functions they provide in sandy beach ecosystems across 40 km of the central California coast, USA. We surveyed vertebrate scavenging assemblages using baited camera traps on 17 beaches spanning a gradient of coastal urbanization. We found that urbanization extent within small spatial scales (i.e., 1 or 3 km radii of each site) and the rate of beach visitation by domestic dogs or humans were the best additive predictors of assemblage structure. We identified pronounced urbanization‐associated shifts in the composition of vertebrate scavenger guilds but found that the rate of carrion processing was more strongly influenced by domestic dog habitat use and diel period. Scavenging activity was substantially lower on beaches with more domestic dogs, suggesting that dogs interfere with critical scavenging ecosystem functions on sandy beaches. Our results underscore the pervasive and nuanced effects of urbanization and recreation on the dynamics of land–sea connectivity and suggest a need for comprehensive consideration of cross‐ecosystem linkages in ongoing shoreline conservation and development efforts.
Divergent Annulations of 5,6‐Dihydro‐4H‐1,2‐Oxazine N‐Oxides and Enol Diazoacetates for the Switchable Chemoselective Synthesis of Fused 1,2‐Oxazine Derivatives
Authors: Ostarkov Stepan N. , Lichtenstein Yana I. , Antonova Yulia A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Lesnikov Vladislav K. , Tabolin Andrey A.
Published: October 2024

Reactions of 5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐1,2‐oxazine N‐oxides with enol diazoacetates were studied. A particular reaction path depends on the amount of catalyst and the order of the addition of the substrates. Use of Rh2(Oct)4 (2 mol.%) leads to chemoselective [3+3]‐annulation producing 1,2‐oxazine‐fused 1,2‐oxazine derivatives. With lower catalyst loadings (0.03 mol.%) enol diazoacetates are converted to cyclopropene derivatives, which in situ react with 1,2‐oxazine N‐oxides via tandem [3+2]‐cycloaddition‐rearrangement producing oxazine‐fused aziridines. Both transformations showed a wide substrate scope and produced target products with good yields and diastereoselectivity, thus allowing selective preparation of these rare heterocyclic systems. A mechanistic rationale for observed chemo‐ and stereo‐ selectivities was proposed.
Toward a systemic approach to evaluating evaluation capacity development
Authors: Williams Bob , Matt Elah , Klier Sarah , Chaplowe Scott G. , Korswagen Stefanie I.
Published: October 2024

In this article, we contribute to evaluation capacity development (ECD) research and practice by demonstrating how a systems‐based evaluation approach can be applied to a complex ECD initiative. Since 2013, the German evaluation institute, DEval, has implemented an ECD program focused on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This is a diverse, emergent program developed using a bottom‐up approach. DEval takes a facilitating rather than managerial role, supporting ECD among a range of stakeholders. The article discusses several issues related to evaluating this complex ECD program. The evaluation viewed the program as a system comprising two sub‐systems: one focused on improving the knowledge and skills of evaluators and stakeholders (capacity), and the other focused on fostering an enabling evaluation environment (capability). It drew on an evaluation tradition primarily focused on the consequences of evaluations. A focus on the consequences of evaluations is essentially one step beyond evaluation use (an instrumental orientation) toward usefulness (a value‐based orientation). The evaluation adopted a systemic approach to define the core boundaries of evaluation focus, acknowledging that various stakeholders perceive the evaluation differently based on their interests or stake. By aligning the evaluation with these perspectives, it could focus on what matters most to different stakeholder groups. Four key perspectives or framings were identified: the program itself, the transferability of the LAC lessons to ECD in other parts of the world, collaborations with global agencies undertaking ECD at a global level, and institutional practices within DEval.
Flavor compound geraniol induces inhibited nutrient utilization and developmental toxicity on embryonic–larval zebrafish
Authors: Luo Yumin , Han Run , Ren Zhengyu , Ai Nana , Yu Shaowen , Lee Simon Ming‐Yuen , Ge Wei , Chen Ying , Zheng Ying
Published: October 2024

Flavors are widely utilized in the food and oral pharmaceutical industry, particularly in products for children, to enhance palatability and promote ingestion willingness. The complex compositions of flavors potentially induce severer toxicity especially in children. In this study, zebrafish embryos are applied for toxicity screening of flavor and its compounds by immersing in flavor solutions followed by the assessment of morphology of zebrafish larvae. Geraniol is identified as the prominent toxic compound and is considered highly toxic to zebrafish embryo. In further toxicology study, geraniol demonstrates the concentration‐dependent developmental toxicity as the obvious reduction of body and eye lengths, as well as the increased prevalence of tail deformities, pericardial edema, and spine deformation. Zebrafish larvae treated with geraniol exhibit reduction in liver area and exocrine pancreas length, increase in yolk sac area, as well as elevation of triglycerides and total cholesterol, which indicate the inhibited nutrient utilization. Transcriptome analysis reveals that under geraniol treatment, 248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are downregulated, whereas 23 DEGs are upregulated, and 110 DEGs are related to metabolic process. Biological processes of lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, protein hydrolysis, and transmembrane transport, including their involved functional genes, are all downregulated. These findings reveal the developmental toxicity of geraniol by affecting the nutrient utilization‐related organs development and biological processes. This study establishes an efficient screening model for identifying toxic flavor compounds during developing stages, thereby elucidating the potential safety risks of geraniol exposure in zebrafish and providing a comprehensive understanding of its potential toxicity mechanism.
Impact of mentalization, identity diffusion and psychopathology on nonsuicidal self‐injury among adolescents
Authors: Menderes Ayşe Selma Yenen , Çuhadaroğlu Füsun
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) has become a major public health issue in adolescents. This cross‐sectional case‐controlled study aims to assess the impact of identity diffusion, psychopathology, and mentalization on NSSI in adolescence.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 153 adolescents (76.5% girls; Mage = 15.6 years). The sample included 56 clinical cases of NSSI, 45 psychiatric cases without NSSI, and 52 healthy controls, all recruited in Ankara, Türkiye, from June 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022. Mentalization was assessed by “The Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition” (MASC) which categorizes mentalizing as “correct mentalizing” “hypermentalizing” “undermentalizing” and “no‐mentalizing”. All participants filled in the Self‐Injurious Behavior Screening Questionnaire, Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence (AIDA), and Youth Self Report (YSR), and Inventory of Statements About Self‐injury (ISAS).

Results

The NSSI group showed lower mentalizing capacity than the healthy control group (p = .011), and more no‐mentalizing errors than the other two groups (p = .014). Identity diffusion scores were higher in the NSSI group than in the other two groups (p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of maternal psychiatric disorder (p = .019, OR = 5.21), identity diffusion (p = .007, OR = 1.02), no mentalizing (p = .049, OR = 1.28), and total psychopathology symptoms (p = .009, OR = 1.12) had a significant impact on NSSI.

Conclusions

Current findings suggest that transdiagnostic approaches, including mentalization and identity diffusion, may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of NSSI and to the development of clinical interventions.
SRSF1 Is Crucial for Maintaining Satellite Cell Homeostasis During Skeletal Muscle Growth and Regeneration
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Peng Qian , Zhang Zhige , You Xue , Duan Huimin , Sha Rula , Yuan Ningyang , Li Zhigang , Xie Zhiqin , Han Jun , Feng Ying
Published: October 2024

Background

The splicing factor SRSF1 emerges as a mater regulator of cell proliferation, displaying high expression in actively proliferative satellite cells (SCs). In SRSF1 knockout mice (KO) generated via MyoD‐Cre, early mortality and muscle atrophy are observed during postnatal muscle growth. Despite these findings, the precise mechanisms through which SRSF1 loss influences SCs' functions and its role in muscle regeneration remain to be elucidated.

Methods

To unravel the exact mechanisms underlying the impact of SRSF1 deficiency SC functions, we employed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) on a mononuclear cell suspension isolated from the newborn diaphragm of KO and control mice. Concurrently, we subjected diaphragm muscles to RNA‐seq analysis to identify dysregulated splicing events associated with SRSF1 deletion. For the analysis of the effect of SRSF1 deletion on muscle regeneration, we generated mice with inducible SC‐specific Srsf1 ablation through Pax7‐CreER. SRSF1 ablation was induced by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen. Using cardiotoxin‐induced muscle injury, we examined the consequences of SRSF1 depletion on SC function through HE staining, immunostaining and EdU incorporation assay. C2C12 myoblasts and isolated myoblasts were employed to assess stem cell function and senescence.

Results

Utilizing scRNA‐seq analysis, we observed a noteworthy increase in activated and proliferating myoblasts when SRSF1 was absent. This increase was substantial, with the proportion rising from 28.68% in the control group to 77.06% in the knockout group. However, these myoblasts experienced mitotic abnormalities in the absence of SRSF1, resulting in cell cycle arrest and the onset of cellular senescence. In the knockout mice, the proportion of Pax7+ cells within improper niche positioning increased significantly to 25% compared to 12% in the control cells (n ≥ 10, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an observation of persistent cell cycle exit specifically in the Pax7+ cells deficient in SRSF1 (n = 6, p < 0.001). SRSF1 plays a pivotal role in regulating the splicing of Fgfr1op2, favouring the full‐length isoform crucial for mitotic spindle organization. Disrupting SRSF1 in C2C12 and primary myoblasts results in multipolar spindle formation (p < 0.001) and dysregulated splicing of Fgfr1op2 and triggers cellular senescence. Consequently, adult SCs lacking SRSF1 initially activate upon injury but face substantial challenge in proliferation (n = 4, p < 0.001), leading to a failure in muscle regeneration.

Conclusions

SRSF1 plays a critical role in SCs by ensuring proper splicing, maintaining mitotic progression and preventing premature senescence. These findings underscore the significant role of SRSF1 in controlling SC proliferation during skeletal muscle growth and regeneration.
Macroscopic and microscopic investigations of determining elasto‐mechanical properties of limequat fruit
Authors: Vatani Sanaz , Abbaspour‐Fard Mohammad Hossein , Khodabakhshian Rasool
Published: October 2024

Given the paramount importance of agricultural products in global health and food security, and the increasing consumer demand, understanding the mechanical behavior of these materials under various conditions is necessary yet challenging. Due to their heterogeneous and non‐uniform nature, determining their mechanical behavior is complex. This study employs atomic force microscopy (AFM) to determine the modulus of elasticity of limequat fruit at the microscopic scale and compares it with macroscopic methods. The analyses revealed a statistically significant difference (at the 1% level) in the mechanical behavior determined at the macroscopic scale. The highest modulus of elasticity, 0.752 MPa, was observed using Hertz's theory under complete placement between two parallel planes. The lowest, 0.059 MPa, was noted when a spherical probe compressed a rectangular sample. The average modulus of elasticity of the limequat peel was 2.007 MPa. At the microscopic scale, the modulus of elasticity of the fruit tissue ranged from 0.370 to 0.365 MPa, and for the peel, it was 0.246 MPa.

Research Highlights

Working principles of this innovative technique were elaborated.

The AFM technique used provide elasto‐mechanical properties determination of cell walls of single living cells extracted from biological materials on the nanoscale.

By combining AFM topographical image and nano‐indentation of living fruit cells it will be possible to investigate cells' elasto‐mechanical properties.

Atomic force microscopy holds great potential for monitoring fruit mechanical properties of biological materials.
Impact of anisotropic conduction and premature atrial contraction on the fractionated atrial potentials
Authors: Toyama Hideko , Kumagai Koichiro
Published: October 2024

Background

Fractionated atrial potential (FAP) during sinus rhythm (SR) may be a new target for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effects of the direction of activation and premature atrial contraction (PAC) on FAP is unknown. Therefore, we examined the impact of anisotropic conduction and PAC on the distribution and areas of FAP.

Methods

FAP map in the left atrium was created in 40 patients with AF before ablation. The distribution and areas of FAP were compared during SR, distal coronary sinus (CS) pacing (S1) and extrastimulus (S2), and paced PAC after SR. FAP was defined as a potential with four or more fragmented deflections.

Results

FAPs during SR were found in the right and mid‐anterior walls and septum in most patients. During S1 compared to SR, FAPs significantly decreased in the right and mid‐anterior walls, appendage, septum, and right inferior wall, while significantly increased in the lateral wall. During S2 compared to S1, FAPs significantly increased in the mid anterior and right and mid posterior walls. During PAC compared to SR, FAPs significantly decreased in the right and mid anterior walls and roof, while significantly increased in the left anterior, left inferior and lateral walls. A rotational activation pattern at the FAP area during CS pacing was observed in 12 patients (30%), mostly in the left inferior wall.

Conclusions

The distribution and areas of FAP vary with anisotropic conduction and extrastimulus. Therefore, FAP should be evaluated not only during SR but also during extrastimulus from the distal CS.
Tropical cyclone landfalls in the Northwest Pacific under global warming
Authors: Kim So‐Hee , Ahn Joong‐Bae
Published: October 2024

This study projects the changes in tropical cyclone (TC) landfalls in the western North Pacific under shared socioeconomic pathway (SSPs) scenarios during the TC peak season by using low‐resolution global climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). Projections are based on the relationship between mid‐ and lower‐level atmospheric circulation and TC landfall frequency during the historical period from 1985 to 2014 and the future climate period from 2015 to 2100. The landfall areas for TCs are divided into northern East Asia (NEA), middle East Asia (MEA) and southern East Asia (SEA); the TC peak seasons are July–September for NEA and MEA, and July–November for SEA. To evaluate reproducibility, both ensemble and individual model outputs for mid‐ and lower‐level atmospheric circulations associated with TC landfall in each East Asian subregion are compared to the reanalysis. An ensemble of seven models with stable results for all three regions is more reasonable in simulating atmospheric circulation patterns than an ensemble of all CMIP6 models. The findings suggest that TC landfall is projected to increase by about 12% and 32% in NEA and MEA, respectively, in the late 21st century under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario compared to the historical period, while decreasing by 13% in SEA. These changes are consistent under both warming scenarios, and are more pronounced in the SSP5‐8.5 scenario compared to SSP1‐2.6, particularly in the later period of this century. An analysis of future atmospheric circulations suggests that global warming will weaken the western North Pacific subtropical high and cause its boundary to retreat eastward. This will lead to changes in the steering flow, which is closely related to TC tracks, resulting in TC landfalls to increase or decrease depending on the East Asian subregion.
Evaluating quality reward and other interventions to mitigate US drug shortages
Authors: Naumov Sergey , Noh In Joon , Zhao Hui
Published: October 2024

Drug shortages have been persistent in the United States for over a decade, posing serious threats to public health and the healthcare system. While previous research has investigated the causes and effects of drug shortages, there is a dearth of research exploring potential solutions to mitigate this problem. Using a system dynamics model of the US generic drug market, we evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of two existing policy interventions (expediting drug approvals and nudging manufacturers to ramp up their production) and the “quality reward” initiative that is being actively explored by the FDA and industry. Our results indicate that while the existing interventions can be helpful in addressing shortages, their long‐term effect seems limited. In contrast, quality reward can mitigate drug shortages in a sustainable way. However, a caveat of quality reward is the potential emergence of a monopolistic supply market with negative consequences. We suggest that a carefully designed quality disclosure mechanism can address this issue. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to quantitatively and comparatively evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of quality reward and other interventions on drug shortages and provide structural explanations for their performance.
Development and evaluation of an online training tool to aid in the diagnosis of chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Abo‐Tabik Maha , Parisi Rosa , Hann Mark , Tucker Rod , Willis Sarah , Ashcroft Darren M. , Griffiths Christopher E. M. ,   the Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA)
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP) is underdiagnosed, undertreated and mistaken for other skin conditions such as eczema, tinea corporis and pityriasis rosea.

Objectives

To develop and evaluate an online training tool to improve the diagnostic skills of nondermatologists for CPP.

Methods

The study involved: (i) developing an online training tool to improve CPP diagnosis by nondermatologists; and (ii) evaluating the performance of the newly developed training tool by conducting a before‐and‐after exploratory investigation. Participants included three groups of primary care health professionals: general practitioners (GPs); nurses; and pharmacists. The tool contained written recommendations for the diagnosis of CPP in different skin colours and a medical artist's illustrations of psoriasis to overcome the lack of representative images of the disease in skin of colour and to illustrate the salient features more clearly than clinical photographs.

Results

In total, 60 participants completed the study (20 per participant group). The training tool improved participants' diagnostic skills for CPP. The diagnostic ability of GPs was, on average, higher than nurses and pharmacists before and after training. Participants found the training valuable and relevant to CPP diagnosis in primary care settings.

Conclusions

Our findings show that a training tool, using medical illustrations, for nondermatologists can be beneficial in terms of recognition of CPP. This may lead to more timely diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis and support relevant and faster referral to specialist dermatology clinics.
Global solvability and hypoellipticity for evolution operators on tori and spheres
Authors: Kirilov Alexandre , Kowacs André Pedroso , de Moraes Wagner Augusto Almeida
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we investigate global properties of a class of evolution differential operators defined on a product of tori and spheres. We present a comprehensive characterization of global solvability and hypoellipticity, providing necessary and sufficient conditions that involve Diophantine conditions and the connectedness of sublevel sets associated with the coefficients of the operator. Furthermore, we recover well‐known results from existing literature and introduce novel contributions.
Flow dynamics over cylinder in two‐dimensional benchmark problem: A finite element approximation
Authors: Nasreen Sadaf , Munir Taj , Ullah Saif , Zeb Hussan , Ameer Ahammad N. , Abdelghany Elkotb Mohamed
Published: October 2024

This research investigates 2D benchmark flow around a circular cylinder, utilizing the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations alongside the continuity and energy equations. The numerical solution is achieved through finite element discretization for space variable, combined with a second‐order Crank–Nicolson scheme for time integration. The computational results are derived using the FEATFLOW finite element based library package. Our study focuses on the dimensionless form of the flow equations and examines three key dimensionless parameters: drag, lift, and pressure drop. Upon applying finite element method (FEM) discretization, the system is converted into a set of linear or nonlinear ordinary differential equations or algebraic equations for steady‐state scenarios. We then apply the Newton–Raphson method as the outer nonlinear solver, and the multigrid method for efficiently resolving the linear subproblems. To ensure numerical accuracy, we evaluated the
and
errors, confirming that the experimental order of convergence matches the theoretical predictions. Flow profiles were both graphically represented and tabulated, offering a detailed understanding of the simulation results.
Design, construction, and use of a tapered‐spiral, quadrature 1H/23Na double‐tuned coil for in ovo MRI at 7 T
Authors: Choi Chang‐Hoon , Hong Suk‐Min , Felder Jörg , Bruch Maximilian , Worthoff Wieland A. , Krause Sandra , Shah N. Jon
Published: October 2024

Background

In ovo MR presents a promising and viable alternative to traditional in vivo small animal experiments. Sodium MRI complements proton MRI by providing potential access to tissue cellular metabolism. Despite its abundance, sodium MRI is challenged by lower MR sensitivity and faster relaxation times compared to proton MRI. Ensuring a high signal‐to‐noise ratio and effective B0 shimming is essential. Double‐tuned coils combining 23Na and 1H are frequently employed to achieve structural imaging and efficient shim adjustment.

Purpose

This study introduces a novel, highly optimized, double‐tuned coil design, specifically for MR scans of chick embryos.

Methods

A tapered‐spiral, double‐tuned coil was designed and constructed following careful consideration of design parameters. The performance of the coil was rigorously assessed through bench tests, and final validation was conducted on a 7 T MRI scanner using a chick embryo.

Results

Bench tests demonstrated that the return losses for both 1H and 23Na coils were better than − 30 dB, and isolation factors were better than − 21 dB, indicating that the double‐tuned coil was well‐set, with negligible coupling between channels. MR images of chick embryos, obtained using the coil, validated the feasibility of utilizing the design concept for in ovo applications.

Conclusions

The innovative design of the proposed double‐tuned coil, characterized by its unique arrangement, offers improved performance. This design has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of in ovo 1H and 23Na measurements.
Multi‐criteria hydraulic turbine optimization using a genetic algorithm and trust‐region postprocessing
Authors: Rentschler Tobias , Berkemeier Manuel Bastian , Fraas Stefan , Tismer Alexander , Raj Rohit , Peitz Sebastian , Riedelbauch Stefan
Published: October 2024

A two‐stage, multi‐objective optimization approach is proposed to improve the overall efficiency of the time‐consuming and computationally expensive optimization process for hydraulic turbines. The purpose is to optimize the shape of the turbine blades, designed using 30 parameters, in order to maximize its efficiency and minimize both the cavitation volume and the deviation between the desired and the calculated design head. In the first step of the routine, the genetic algorithm “Non‐Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA‐II)” is used to generate an initial approximation of the Pareto front that covers a wide variety of possible solutions, that is, optimal trade‐offs between the conflicting objectives. Subsequently, to ensure convergence, the trust region optimizer “Constrained Multiobjective Problem Optimizer with Model Information to Save Evaluations (CoMPrOMISE)” is used, which is initialized with individuals selected from the Pareto set generated by the genetic algorithm.
Outcomes of tunnelled cuffed centrally inserted central catheter removal: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Borello Eloise , Egan Sarah , Dale Stephanie , Barlow Alie , Hu Yanhong Jessika , Brasher Christopher , Oakley Ed
Published: October 2024

Background

Most children with cancer will require a central venous access device (CVAD) to administer cancer treatment. A commonly used CVAD is a tunnelled cuffed centrally inserted central catheter (TC‐CICC). There is little information available to guide best practice when removing this type of CVAD. At our institution, TC‐CICCs are removed by using either the traction or dissection methods. This study will describe the outcomes associated with each technique.

Methods/results

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken at a quaternary children's hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Data related to characteristics of TC‐CICC removal success, post‐removal complications and an economic evaluation were carried out. There were 149 patients who underwent traction removal and 100 who had their TC‐CICC removed using the dissection technique. In the traction group, 136/149 (91%) patients had their device successfully removed on the first attempt, whereas 99/100 (99%) were removed on the first attempt with dissection. Of the 136 successful traction removals, cuff status was documented in 72 cases. The cuff remained in situ in 46/72 (64%) cases, and six of 72 (8%) patients experienced a complication. There were no documented cases of cuff retention in the dissection group. In the 2019–2020 financial year, the estimated average cost of traction removal was A$387, whereas the estimated average cost of day case surgery was A$2560.

Conclusion

This study has highlighted that the traction technique is a safe, efficient and cost‐effective approach to TC‐CICC removal. Further research is required to understand the patient and family experience of TC‐CICC removal.
Optimizing the grasping behavior of a soft robot's gripper
Authors: Lin Yi , Fan Fang‐Yu , Lin Wei‐Chun , Lai Jing‐Shiuan , Shen Yung‐Kang , Ruslin Muhammad
Published: October 2024

In this study, smart composite materials based on 4D printing technology were used to determine the grasping ability of four‐claw gripper of soft robot. First, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is used to prepare polylactic acid (PLA) strips on the surface of a rectangular bamboo substrate to create a single‐claw gripper for a smart composite soft robot, while using stimulus (heat) to deform and recover its original shape. Here, the authors first evaluate the deformation and recovery angle of the single‐claw gripper of the smart composite soft robot, as well as various processing parameters such as heating temperature and time. This study then used FDM to print PLA ribbons on cross‐shaped bamboo sheets to design the four‐claw gripper of soft robot and its gripper technology was actuation type. Then, the four‐claw gripper of soft robot was used to grab the table tennis ball to test its grasping ability. Finally, four processing parameters (width of claw, pitch of PLA ribbon, heating temperature, and heating time) were applied to determine the grasping ability of the four‐claw gripper of soft robot. The optimal processing parameters for the grasping ability of the four‐claw gripper of soft robot were width of claw of 20.2 mm, pitch of PLA ribbon of 1 mm, heating temperature of 200°C, and the heating time of 15 s. The authors also applied the operation window of two processing parameters to discuss the success of the grasping ability of the four‐claw gripper of soft robot. The innovation of this study is the use of PLA/bamboo composite materials as the four‐claw gripper of soft robot and these materials are cheap, easy to obtain, and can be recycled naturally. This study uses a simple thermal stimulus to enable the four‐claw gripper of soft robot to easily grasp irregular objects.

Highlights

The innovative composite material of polylactic acid and bamboo fabricated by 3D printing.

Width of claw and heating temperature are the key factors on grasping ability.

Operating window of grasping ability appears on four‐claw gripper of soft robot.
Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymers: A Recent Approach to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding
Authors: Fareez Umar Naseef Mohamed , Loudiy Aymen , Erkartal Mustafa , Yilmaz Cagatay
Published: October 2024

Electromagnetic wave (EMW) radiation pollution is getting more severe as result of the advancement of electronic technology. Researching shielding materials with superior EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding characteristics is therefore crucial. Basalt fibers (BFs) have been an emerging candidate in the fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) category due to their favorable mechanical and chemical properties, along with being favorites in sustainability and having low production costs. Therefore, due to the rising need for cheaper and efficient alternatives in the EMI shielding industry, the EMI shielding is covered in terms of BF composite materials and their properties in this review, starting with the EMI shielding mechanism and followed by how BF composites affect the EMI properties. This review then covers the post‐treatments of BF composites and, finally, the factors of the composites that affect the EMI properties. Moreover, the EMI shielding applications in which BFRPs are used are comprehensively discussed as well. This review aspires to bridge an understanding between EMI shielding as a material property and the BF composites that are developed to aid in the EMI shielding application.