bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic field‐induced adaptive response in Schwann cells through DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and oxidative stress
Authors: Colciago Alessandra , Mohamed Tasnim , Colleoni Deborah , Melfi Valentina , Magnaghi Valerio
Published: July 2024

Schwannomas are benign tumors of the peripheral nervous system arising from the transformation of Schwann cells (SCs). On the whole, these tumors are related to alterations of the neurofibromin type 2 gene, coding for the oncosuppressor merlin, a cytoskeleton‐associated protein belonging to the ezrin–radixin–moesin family. However, the underlying mechanisms of schwannoma onset and progression are not fully elucidated, whereas one of the challenges might be the environment. In this light, the exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF), generated by the use of common electrical devices, has been defiantly suggested as the cause of SCs transformation even if the evidence was mostly epidemiologic. Indeed, insubstantial mechanisms have been so far identified to explain SCs oncotransformation. Recently, some in vitro evidence pointed out alterations in proliferation and migration abilities in SCs exposed to EMF (0.1 T, 50 Hz, 10 min). Here, we used the same experimental paradigma to discuss the involvement of putative epigenetic mechanisms in SCs adaptation to EMF and to explain the occurrence of hypoxic alterations after the exposure. Our findings indicate a set of environmental‐induced changes in SCs, toward a less‐physiological state, which may be pathologically relevant for the SCs differentiation and the schwannoma development.
Social tipping and climate change: The moderating role of social capital in bridging the gap between awareness and action
Authors: Kaçani Krisdela , Kokthi Elena , López‐Bonilla Luis Miguel , González‐Limón Myriam
Published: June 2024

Bridging the gap between awareness and action on environmental issues such as climate change often requires understanding the moderating roles of individual trust, institutional trust and civic engagement. This paper explores how social capital, through generalaised trust, trust in institutions and civic engagement, can either strengthen or weaken the agency on climate change on environmental behaviour. Linking climate change awareness to environmental behaviour through the mediation of perceived changes in quality of life is the chosen approach to explore the role of social capital. The results suggest that low levels of trust, whether interpersonal or institutional, reduce an individual's sense of agency by firstly reducing the impact of climate change awareness on quality of life, changing perceptions and consequently reducing environmental behaviour. Greater trust in institutions produces a stronger effect of climate change awareness on willingness to pay. On the other hand, civic engagement shows a significant effect when taxes are considered. The study suggests that the impact of social capital on environmental payments varies according to the type of payment (voluntary vs. mandatory). The mapping of the role of social capital in reducing the agency of climate change awareness in quality‐of‐life changes should be further explored, as the latter has proven to be a promising way to address climate change in developed and developing countries.
Harvest of epithelialized gingival grafts without application of hemostatic sutures: A randomized clinical trial using laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Palombo David , Dobos Andrea , Duran Mercedes Lopez , Esporrin Javier Sanz , Sanz Mariano
Published: June 2024

Background

This randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms and a 1:1 allocation ratio aimed to compare early microvascular healing (primary outcome), surgical times, and patient‐reported outcomes (PROM) after harvesting palatal epithelialized gingival grafts (EGG), where hemostasis was achieved with sutures and hemostatic sponges (control) or with a sutureless approach (test).

Methods

From a total of 33 patients, 34 EGG were harvested. Thirty‐two were randomized to the test/control group (n = 16) and two were excluded. Early palatal microvascular healing was assessed at 7, 14, and 30 days with laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). Postoperative bleeding, pain, discomfort, and analgesic consumption were assessed over 2 weeks with a dedicated questionnaire.

Results

A faster onset and resolution of postharvest hyperemia was observed in the test group where peak blood flow was reached at 7 days. No significant blood flow differences were observed between the groups at any of the evaluated timepoints. The mean surgical time was 13 min shorter in the test (p = 0.00). No significant differences were observed for postoperative bleeding and analgesic consumption at any timepoint.

Conclusions

The tested approach represents a viable alternative to the standard one, providing no relevant differences in microvascular, clinical, and patient‐related results, but with significantly shorter surgical times.
Two instances of successful oral desensitisation following hypersensitivity reaction in a patient receiving osimertinib: a case report
Authors: Bennett Georgia D. , Rosmalen‐Brinkley Krysti , Johnstone Kristoffer , Messina Genevieve
Published: June 2024

Background

Osimertinib is an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor (TKI) and an available therapy for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have an EGFR or T790M mutation. It has become the preferred TKI in this patient group as it is superior to first‐generation TKIs; however, osimertinib may be discontinued due to various toxicities or reactions.

Aim

We report two instances of successful osimertinib desensitisation in a 70‐year‐old woman requiring treatment for NSCLC following two hypersensitivity reactions presenting as angioedema and urticaria.

Clinical details

Osimertinib desensitisation started at 5 mg/day and was gradually increased to 80 mg/day over a period of 30 days.

Outcomes

The patient continued osimertinib 80 mg daily for over a year until treatment was withheld for 4 weeks due to thrombocytopenia and diverticulitis. She restarted osimertinib, completing a second desensitisation to a reduced dose of 40 mg daily without serious adverse effect. The patient continues reduced‐dose osimertinib with stable disease.

Conclusion

This case report proposes an osimertinib desensitisation strategy useful for select patients experiencing osimertinib‐induced hypersensitivity reactions. It also demonstrates that if there is prolonged disruption to treatment, a second desensitisation can be completed successfully in the same patient so effective treatment in NSCLC may be continued.
Association of surgeon's sex, and surgeon‐patient dyad with financial outcomes among patients undergoing cancer surgery
Authors: Khan Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi , Munir Muhammad M. , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Khalil Mujtaba , Altaf Abdullah , Rashid Zayed , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Surgeon sex has been associated with perioperative clinical outcomes among patients undergoing oncologic surgery. There may be variations in financial outcomes relative to the surgeon‐patient dyad. We sought to define the association of surgeon's sex with perioperative financial outcomes following cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection of lung, breast, hepato‐pancreato‐biliary (HPB), or colorectal cancer between 2014 and 2021 were identified from the Medicare Standard Analytic Files. A generalized linear model with gamma regression was utilized to characterize the association between sex concordance and expenditures.

Results

Among 207,935 Medicare beneficiaries (breast: n = 14,753, 7.1%, lung: n = 59,644, 28.7%, HPB: n = 23,400, 11.3%, colorectal: n = 110,118, 53.0%), 87.8% (n = 182,643) and 12.2% (n = 25,292) of patients were treated by male and female surgeons, respectively. On multivariable analysis, female surgeon sex was associated with slightly reduced index expenditures (mean difference ‐$353, 95%CI ‐$580, ‐$126; p = 0.003). However, there were no differences in 90‐day post‐discharge inpatient (mean difference ‐$−225, 95%CI ‐$570, ‐$121; p = 0.205) and total expenditures (mean difference $133, 95%CI ‐$279, $545; p = 0.525).

Conclusions

There was minor risk‐adjusted variation in perioperative expenditures relative to surgeon sex. To improve perioperative financial outcomes, a diverse surgical workforce with respect to patient and surgeon sex is warranted.
Dense tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer are related to improved overall survival
Authors: Vaz da Silva Diego Greatti , de Ribeiro Heber Salvador de Castro , dos Santos Gabriel Oliveira , Lindote Marcus Vitor Nunes , Torres Silvio Mello , Diniz Alessandro Lansdskron , de Godoy André Luiz , de Farias Igor Correia , Felismino Tiago Cordeiro , da Costa Junior Wilson Luiz , Coimbra Felipe José Fernández
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) represent a host‐tumor interaction, frequently signifying an augmented immunological response. Nonetheless, implications with survival outcomes in patients with colorectal carcinoma liver metastasis (CRLM) warrant rigorous validation. The objective was to demonstrate the association between TILs and survival in patients with CRLM.

Method

In a retrospective evaluation conducted in a single institution, we assessed all patients who underwent hepatectomy due to CRLM between 2014 and 2018. Comprehensive medical documentation reviews were executed. TILs were assessed by a liver pathologist, blinded to the clinical information, in all surgical slides.

Results

This retrospective cohort included 112 patients. Median overall survival (OS) was 58 months and disease‐free survival (DFS) was 12 months for the entire cohort. Comparison between groups showed a median OS of 81 months in the dense TILs group and 40 months in the weak/absent group (p = 0.001), and DFS was 14 months versus 9 months (p = 0.041). Multivariable analysis showed that TILs were an independent predictor of OS (HR 1.95; p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Dense TILs are a pivotal prognostic indicator, correlating with enhanced OS. Including TILs information in histopathological evaluations should refine the clinical decision‐making process for this group of patients.
A case of Halyomorpha halys‐related dermatitis
Authors: Amin Mohammad Ashraful , Nahin Sabrina
Published: July 2024

Although the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has gained attention as an invasive agricultural pest, the dermatological implications of this bug's presence in human contacts are still relatively unknown. We provide a compelling example of contact dermatitis following the accidental crushing of a BMSB in a 35‐year‐old male.
Effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on parturition and reproductive output in wolverines
Authors: Brøseth Henrik
Published: June 2024

One of the selective advantages of delayed implantation in carnivores is the flexibility to decouple the time between mating and parturition, allowing both to occur when conditions are most favorable. Terrestrial carnivores with delayed implantation have evolved reduced maternal energy expenditure through shorter gestation length, smaller neonates, and smaller litters, with a possible linkage between maternal body condition and time of birth or litter size. Using data on wolverine (Gulo gulo) females and cubs from management removals covering the entire latitudinal gradient of the Scandinavian population in 2001‐2022, I assessed the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on variation in parturition date and litter size. Timing of parturition varied over 2 months, where 90% of the litters were born between 5 February and 11 March, with a birth peak on 23 February. Females living in winter grazing pastures of semi‐domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) gave birth earlier than those outside, and along an elevation gradient parturition date was delayed at higher altitudes. I did not find evidence of an effect of latitude on parturition date. Furthermore, older females had greater odds than younger females of having litters with 3 cubs rather than 1 cub. To minimize the risk of harvesting lactating females, management regulations should implement harvest seasons that extend no longer than the end of January.
Seagrass ecosystem recovery: Experimental removal and synthesis of disturbance studies
Authors: Tassone Spencer J. , Ewers Lewis Carolyn J. , McGlathery Karen J. , Pace Michael L.
Published: June 2024

Net global losses of seagrasses have accelerated efforts to understand recovery from disturbances. Stressors causing disturbances (e.g., storms, heatwaves, boating) vary temporally and spatially within meadows potentially affecting recovery. To test differential recovery, we conducted a removal experiment at sites that differed in thermal stress for a temperate seagrass (Zostera marina). We also synthesized prior studies of seagrass recovery to assess general patterns. Seagrass shoots were removed from 28.3 m2 plots at edge and central sites of a meadow in South Bay, Virginia, USA. We hypothesized faster recovery for edge plots where greater oceanic exchange reduces thermal stress. Contrary to our hypothesis recovery was most rapid in the central meadow matching control site shoot density in 24 months. Recovery was incomplete at the meadow edge and estimated to require 158 months. Differences in recovery were likely due to storm‐driven sediment erosion at the edge sites. Based on data from prior recovery studies, which were primarily on monospecific meadows of Zostera, seagrasses recover across a broad range of conditions with a positive, nonlinear relationship between disturbance area and recovery time. Our experiment indicates position within a seagrass meadow affects disturbance susceptibility and length of recovery. Linking this finding to our literature synthesis suggests increased attention to spatial context will contribute to better understanding variation in recovery rates.
Angle‐Insensitive Spectral Imaging Based on Topology‐Optimized Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Cui Kaiyu , Huang Yidong , Zhang Wei , Feng Xue , Liu Fang
Published: June 2024

On‐chip spectral imaging based on engineered spectral modulation and computational spectral reconstruction provides a promising scheme for portable spectral cameras. However, the angle dependence of modulation units results in the angle sensitivity of spectral imaging, which limits its practical applications. Here, metal is utilized instead of dielectric materials to realize on‐chip angle‐robust computational spectral imaging based on a group of topology‐optimized plasmonic metasurface units under a 30° field‐of‐view, and demonstrate angle‐insensitive spectral imaging in the wavelength range of 450–750 nm for average polarization. Furthermore, it is experimentally verified that the angle‐insensitive spectral filtering effects of the fabricated metasurface units, and demonstrated angle‐robust spectral reconstruction with a fidelity of over 98% as well as spectral imaging for a standard color checker. This approach expands the application scale of spectral imaging, which has great potential on metal‐based on‐chip multimodal imaging with dimension of depth, polarization, spectrum and so on.
Nanostructures in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes: Principles and Recent Advances in the Light Extraction Strategy
Authors: Kang Kyungnam , Byeon Inseop , Kim Young Gu , Choi Jong‐ryul , Kim Donghyun
Published: June 2024

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) in recent years have emerged as a leading display technology and the popularity of OLEDs is attributed to their numerous advantages, including the ability to produce natural color, achieve a true black state, consume low consumption, exhibit fast response, and be compatible with flexible devices. However, limitations in the performance persist, e.g., the out‐coupling efficiency, which currently stands at ≈20% due to issues such as trapped modes and plasmon loss. Many researchers, therefore, have actively proposed the integration of various nanostructures to address the challenges and enhance OLED performance. The structures play a crucial role in facilitating strong optical interaction with surface plasmon and waveguide modes, thereby improving the extraction of trapped modes. To mitigate the confinement, layers to modulate the refractive index are introduced to extract the confined light and redirect it into the out‐coupled mode. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the principle and effectiveness of these nanostructures in enhancing OLED performance is provided. Various applications of OLEDs are explored based on nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanomeshes, metasurface, bioinspired structures, and scattering layers. By implementing and refining these nanostructures, significant advancements in OLED performance are anticipated.
A simply accessed approach of 2D‐shaping liquid metal in microwave device applications
Authors: Fang Xiaochuan , Kelly James R. , Alkaraki Shaker M. M.
Published: June 2024

In this letter, a simply accessed approach of 2D‐shaping liquid metal (LM) is presented. This approach allows a microwave device to take advantage of LM in both stretchability and removability. This approach is achieved based on the Young–Laplace theory of liquid surface tension, as well as the surface oxidization that LM possesses. An application example of this approach is demonstrated by a functional changeable microwave device. The proposed device operates in antenna mode when LM is not incorporated. Then, it can change to resonator mode after filling 2D‐shaped LM into fluidic channels. To our knowledge, it is the first device that is capable of changing its function using LM. The measured gain of the proposed microwave device is 7.1 dBi at 2.68 GHz when it operates in antenna mode. The measured insertion loss of the proposed microwave is 1.8 dB at 2.62 GHz when it operates in resonator mode.
Wide‐angle band‐pass FSS with high‐frequency selectivity based on SIW cavity technology
Authors: Li Jiaying , Zhao Zhenzhen , Liu Jianxia , Zhang Anxue
Published: July 2024

This work proposes and investigates a wide‐angle band‐pass frequency selective surface (FSS) with two sharp sidebands. The presented FSS element is made up of three metallic layers and two substrate layers in between, which are surrounded by a substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity. The top metallic layer is identical to the bottom layer, composed of a square patch etched with a hexagonal groove, while the middle layer is a similar patch but with rectangular notch edges. This structure achieves a second‐order band‐pass response with highly frequency selectivity on either side of the passband. At the same time, this FSS demonstrates excellent stability for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations with incident angles between 0° and 60°. The electric current and field distributions are demonstrated for deep analysis. Furthermore, an equivalent circuit model is developed to further understand the operating mechanisms. To verify the validity of the design, we construct a prototype of the SIW‐based FSS (SIW‐FSS) and measured it. There is a fair degree of agreement between the measured and simulated results. Finally, we loaded it onto the horn antenna and tested its application in filtering antennas.
Non‐fragile reliable guaranteed cost control and L2‐gain analysis for saturated switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Chen Wenxiang , Zhang Xinquan
Published: June 2024

For the nonlinear continuous‐time saturated switched system, this article investigates the problem of non‐fragile reliable guaranteed cost control of the system. Due to the simultaneous occurrence of controller perturbation, actuator saturation and actuator failure, when designing the cost function, this article considers three scenarios affecting the system performance, controller perturbation, actuator saturation and actuator failure, simultaneously in the cost function, which has not been investigated in the existing literature. For nonlinear switched systems, we derive some sufficient conditions to satisfy simultaneously the stabilization of non‐fragile reliable guaranteed cost control and the performance index. In order to ensure the exponential stabilization of the nonlinear switched systems and minimize the upper bound of cost function, a switching law and the non‐fragile reliable guaranteed cost state feedback controllers are designed by using the minimum dwell‐time method. Furthermore, by solving optimization problems with linear matrix inequality constraints, the minimum upper bound of the cost function and the performance of the system are determined. At the end of the article, we give a numerical example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A conceptual framework to explore considerations of the social implications in internet of things and smart city governance and policy: The case of Thailand
Authors: Choi Yon Jung , Kenney Lisa
Published: June 2024

Cities worldwide are increasingly turning to internet of things (IoT) and smart cities (SC) technologies to help address their needs and challenges. While many governments have developed smart city policies and plans, there is often a disproportionate focus on technological, digital, and economic aspects and a neglect for social implications like social justice, social equity, and social inclusion. Research has yet to fully explore how SC governance and policies consider these implications, and this is especially true in the Global South, where urbanization poses great challenges, but where resources are limited. Using Thailand as a case study, we created a conceptual framework to help explore the social implications of the country's IoT and SC governance and policies. Overall this exploration found that efforts to consider values such as social inclusion and social equity are generally missing from the country's national level SC governance and policies, but when looking at the local levels, we uncovered differences when SC efforts are top‐down versus bottom‐up. Our conceptual framework can be useful in other Global South contexts with emerging SC governance structures and policies.
Determining sulfur speciation in oxidatively crosslinked degradable polymers using sulfur K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Smith Melissa A. , Kalana U. L. D. Inush , Sterbinsky George E. , Wu Tianpin , Kiesewetter Matthew K. , Hayes Dugan
Published: June 2024

A new family of water‐degradable elastic polymers prepared by oxidative crosslinking of the parent polythionolactones shows promise in a broad range of applications, but the compositions of these materials elude conventional analytical methods. Here we use sulfur K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy to quantify the amounts of thioether, disulfide, sulfone, sulfate ester, and thionoester in each polymer and to rule out the presence of several other functional groups, including sulfonate, thiosulfonate, sulfate, and sulfoxide. We rationalize this speciation as a function of linker flexibility in the context of sulfinyl cycloaddition reactions and propose a mechanism of aggregation for the oxidized polymers. Our results correlate with swelling ratios but not with porosity nor crosslink density measurements, demonstrating the importance of pairing mechanical and chemical techniques when characterizing heterogeneous organic polymers. Finally, we take advantage of the proximity of the gold M4,5‐edges to the sulfur K‐edge to analyze the binding and reactivity of Au(III) with the crosslinked polymers.
Permafrost Distribution in the Southern Carpathians, Romania, Derived From Machine Learning Modeling
Authors: Popescu Răzvan , Filhol Simon , Etzelmüller Bernd , Vasile Mirela , Pleșoianu Alin , Vîrghileanu Marina , Onaca Alexandru , Șandric Ionuț , Săvulescu Ionuț , Cruceru Nicolae , Vespremeanu‐Stroe Alfred , Westermann Sebastian , Sîrbu Flavius , Mihai Bogdan , Nedelea Alexandru , Gascoin Simon
Published: June 2024

Computer modeling of sporadic and isolated patches of mountain permafrost distribution is difficult to implement without overestimating it. The main challenge is to determine the very areas where the criteria for permafrost maintenance are met. This paper aims to modeling the permafrost distribution in the Southern Carpathians (SC), a typical marginal periglacial mountain range. For this purpose, a collection of 883 bottom temperature of late winter snow cover (BTS) points was used as a proxy for permafrost presence or absence in order to train several machine learning models. The performances of each model were evaluated with AUC with varying between 0.99 for Maxent and 0.74 for K‐nearest neighbors and most models (five) exhibiting values between 0.82 and 0.86. Other tests such as confusion matrices, sensitivity analyses, data shuffling, and data size reduction tests indicated that Maxent, AdaBoost, and support vector machine offered the best results while logistic regression, neural network, and gradient boosting exhibited rather poor permafrost distributions. The final ensemble median model indicated a total permafrost area of 19.2 km2 occupying 1%–9% of the alpine area of the studied massifs. NDVI proved crucial for permafrost prediction because it allows delimiting the debris surfaces where permafrost is probable.
Full random effects models (FREM): A practical usage guide
Authors: Jonsson E. Niclas , Nyberg Joakim
Published: June 2024

The full random‐effects model (FREM) is an innovative and relatively novel covariate modeling technique. It differs from other covariate modeling approaches in that it treats covariates as observations and captures their impact on model parameters using their covariances. These unique characteristics mean that FREM is insensitive to correlations between covariates and implicitly handles missing covariate data. In practice, this implies that covariates are less likely to be excluded from the modeling scope in light of the observed data. FREM has been shown to be a useful modeling method for small datasets, but its pre‐specification properties make it a very compelling modeling choice for late‐stage phases of drug development. The present tutorial aims to explain what FREM models are and how they can be used in practice.
High Bloch Surface Waves’ Biosensor Sensitivity Using All‐Dielectric Metasurface
Authors: Chikhi Malika , Amina Louhadj , Boukabrine Fouzia , Benseddik Nadia , Talbi Fouad
Published: June 2024

A theoretical study of a one‐dimensional photonic crystal (1D‐PhC) [TiO2/MgF2]2/TiO2/GaAs terminated by a dielectric metasurface consisting of periodically arranged TiO2 nanospheres for biosensing is proposed. The p polarized incident beam and the prism couplingtechnique are employed to excite Bloch surface waves considering a low biomolecular concentration sensing medium with refractive index changing from 1.33 to 1.34 RIU. The optical properties of the metasurface layer are calculated within the effective medium approximation. The findings reveal that integrating TiO2 nanosphere metasurfaces as the upper layer of a photonic structure allows simultaneous control of biosensor sensitivity and the reflectance curve's full width at half maximum by judiciously tuning its optical properties, relying on the filling fraction (f) and the size () of the TiO2 nanospheres. Moreover, The results show that the biosensor with the metasurface performs superior to the one without it.
Fabrication of Flexible Copper Microelectrodes Using Laser Direct Writing for Sensing Applications
Authors: Cheng Jian , Liu Xin , Kong Weichang , Lei Qingzheng , Yu Zhiyu , Liu Dun
Published: June 2024

The fabrication of flexible electronics has gained extensive attention due to the growing demand of flexible devices. Among various methods, laser direct writing technology has emerged as a promising approach due to its advantages of high processing accuracy and simplicity. This research focuses on the preparation of copper microelectrodes using laser‐induced reduction of CuO nanoparticles (Cu NPs) on polyethylene terephthalate films. First, the influence of various parameters on the conductivity of the copper microelectrodes is investigated. Second, flexible copper microelectrodes with a minimum resistivity of 62.29 μΩ cm and an adhesion grade of 4B level are successfully fabricated. Building upon these results, a capacitive pressure sensor is developed with optimal sensitivity of 3.99 Pa−1, good hysteresis of 3.99%, and response and recovery times of 1.2 and 1.3 s, respectively. Repeatability tests confirm the sensor's stability and fatigue resistance. This research provides valuable insights for the production of flexible sensors.
Fully Integrated and High‐Throughput Microfluidic System for Multiplexed Point‐Of‐Care Testing
Authors: Li Shunji , Zhang Ying , Liu Jingxuan , Wang Xing , Qian Chungen , Wang Jingjing , Wu Liqiang , Dai Chenxi , Yuan Huijuan , Wan Chao , Li Jiashuo , Du Wei , Feng Xiaojun , Li Yiwei , Chen Peng , Liu Bi‐Feng
Published: June 2024

For every epidemic outbreak, the prevention and treatments in resource‐limited areas are always out of reach. Critical to this is that high accuracy, stability, and more comprehensive analytical techniques always rely on expensive and bulky instruments and large laboratories. Here, a fully integrated and high‐throughput microfluidic system is proposed for ultra‐multiple point‐of‐care immunoassay, termed Dac system. Specifically, the Dac system only requires a handheld portable device to automatically recycle repetitive multi‐step reactions including on‐demand liquid releasing, dispensing, metering, collecting, oscillatory mixing, and discharging. The Dac system performs high‐precision enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for up to 17 samples or targets simultaneously on a single chip. Furthermore, reagent consumption is only 2% compared to conventional ELISA, and microbubble‐accelerated reactions shorten the assay time by more than half. As a proof of concept, the multiplexed detections are achieved by detecting at least four infection targets for two samples simultaneously on a singular chip. Furthermore, the barcode‐based multi‐target results can rapidly distinguish between five similar cases, allowing for accurate therapeutic interventions. Compared to bulky clinical instruments, the accuracy of clinical inflammation classification is 92.38% (n = 105), with a quantitative correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9838, while the clinical specificity is 100% and the sensitivity is 98.93%.
Scanning Electrochemical Probe Lithography for Ultra‐Precision Machining of Micro‐Optical Elements with Freeform Curved Surface
Authors: Xu Hantao , Han Lianhuan , Huang Jianan , Du Bingqian , Zhan Dongping
Published: June 2024

Two challenges should be overcome for the ultra‐precision machining of micro‐optical element with freeform curved surface: one is the intricate geometry, the other is the hard‐to‐machining optical materials due to their hardness, brittleness or flexibility. Here scanning electrochemical probe lithography (SECPL) is developed, not only to meet the machining need of intricate geometry by 3D direct writing, but also to overcome the above mentioned mechanical properties by an electrochemical material removal mode. Through the electrochemical probe a localized anodic voltage is applied to drive the localized corrosion of GaAs. The material removal rate is obtained as a function of applied voltage, motion rate, scan segment, etc. Based on the material removal function, an arbitrary geometry can be converted to a spatially distributed voltage. Thus, a series of micro‐optical element are fabricated with a machining accuracy in the scale of 100 s of nanometers. Notably, the spiral phase plate shows an excellent performance to transfer parallel light to vortex beam. SECPL demonstrates its excellent controllability and accuracy for the ultra‐precision machining of micro‐optical devices with freeform curved surface, providing an alternative chemical approach besides the physical and mechanical techniques.
A General Strategy toward Self‐assembled Nanovaccine Based on Cationic Lentinan to Induce Potent Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses
Authors: Yu Ruihong , Jin Lan , Song Zuchen , Jiao Lina , Wang Zheng , Zhou Yantong , Ma Yan , Guan Sumei , Zhang Zhimin , Wang Deyun , Liu Huina , Sun Yuechao , Zhang Shun , Cai Ting , Sun Haifeng , Qiu Yawei , Miao Jinfeng , Liu Zhenguang
Published: June 2024

Adjuvants play a critical role in the induction of effective immune responses by vaccines. Here, a self‐assembling nanovaccine platform that integrates adjuvant functions into the delivery vehicle is prepared. Cationic Lentinan (CLNT) is mixed with ovalbumin (OVA) to obtain a self‐assembling nanovaccine (CLNTO nanovaccine), which induces the uptake and maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) via the toll‐like receptors 2/4 (TLR2/4) to produce effective antigen cross‐presentation. CLNTO nanovaccines target lymph nodes (LNs) and induce a robust OVA‐specific immune response via TLR and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways, retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I) receptor, and cytokine‐cytokine receptor interactions. In addition, CLNTO nanovaccines are found that promote the activation of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and induce the differentiation of germinal center (GC) B cells into memory B cells and plasma cells, thereby enhancing the immune response. Vaccination with CLNTO nanovaccine significantly inhibits the growth of ovalbumin (OVA)‐expressing B16 melanoma cell (B16‐OVA) tumors, indicating its great potential for cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, this study presents a simple, safe, and effective self‐assembling nanovaccine that induces helper T cell 1 (Th1) and helper T cell (Th2) immune responses, making it an effective vaccine delivery system.
A High‐Performance Passive Radiative Cooling Metafabric with Janus Wettability and Thermal Conduction
Authors: Du Peibo , Zhao Xingshun , Zhan Xiongwei , Li Xiaoyan , Hou Keru , Ji Yating , Fan Zhuizhui , Muhammad Javed , Ge Fengyan , Cai Zaisheng
Published: June 2024

With the development of industry and global warming, passive radiative cooling textiles have recently drawn great interest owing to saving energy consumption and preventing heat‐related illnesses. Nevertheless, existing cooling textiles often lack efficient sweat management capacity and wearable comfort under many practical conditions. Herein, a hierarchical cooling metafabric that integrates passive radiation, thermal conduction, sweat evaporation, and excellent wearable comfort is reported through an electrospinning strategy. The metafabric presents excellent solar reflectivity (99.7%, 0.3–2.5 µm) and selective infrared radiation (92.4%, 8–13 µm), given that the unique optical nature of materials and wettability gradient/micro‐nano hierarchical structure design. The strong moisture‐wicking effect (water vapor transmission (WVT) of 2985 g m−2 d−1 and directional water transport index (R) of 1029.8%) and high heat‐conduction capacity can synergistically enhance the radiative cooling efficiency of the metafabric. The outdoor experiment reveals that the metafabric can obtain cooling temperatures of 13.8 °C and 19.3 °C in the dry and sweating state, respectively. Meanwhile, the metafabric saves ≈19.3% of annual energy consumption compared with the buildings with HAVC systems in Shanghai. The metafabric also demonstrates desirable breathability, mechanical strength, and washability. The cost‐effective and high‐performance metafabric may offer a novel avenue for developing next‐generation personal cooling textiles.
Occurrence, ecology and management of Fascioloides magna in Bavaria, southern Germany
Authors: König Andreas , Ehrmantraut Christian
Published: June 2024

In 2015, red deer infected with American liver fluke were discovered in the Veldenstein Forest area for the first time. This was the first detection of the fluke in a wild deer population in Bavaria. The aim of the study was to determine the American liver fluke prevalence rates in red deer, roe deer and wild boar in the Veldenstein Forest, as well as factors influencing these rates. Since 2018, the livers of 83% of the red deer culled in the study area have been examined, as well as those of the occasional roe deer and wild boar. The livers are classified by adspection and dissection into four levels of infection. The age of the animals was estimated based on dentition and tooth cementum annuli in the first molar (M1). The livers of 520 red deer, 226 roe deer and 75 wild boar were dissected. All wild boar livers tested negative. 3% of roe deer and 36% of red deer livers were positive. The red deer population was reduced to lower the prevalence, beginning in 2018. In the following years, it fell significantly. Medium and high infection levels were initially detected in 61% of adult red deer. Since 2018, the median number of flukes per infected liver has decreased significantly from 17.51 flukes/liver to 10.0 flukes/liver. On driven hunts, significantly more diseased deer were found than during hunting from raised hides. Furthermore, there are close correlations between the age of the red deer, infections, and the distance from the Pegnitz floodplains. The American liver fluke leads to the extinction of roe deer locally and to a massive infection and decimation of the red deer. Without a drastic reduction in the number of infected deer populations, there is a risk of large‐scale infection of native deer species across Bavaria.
Disorganised Collective Citizens’ Interest, Social Transformations and Technopopulism
Authors: Tudzarovska Emilija
Published: June 2024

New ways of doing politics, embodied in the appeal to populism, the appeal to technocracy, or both combined, that is, ‘technopopulism’, are revealing symptoms of crisis in citizens’ representation in democratic societies in the European Union. This type of doing politics indicates ruptures in the organised citizens’ interest, which are leading to the rise of new parties and party leaders promising to solve ‘the people’s’ problem in general, that is, populism, and of unelected technocrats that offer economic solutions and managerial approaches ‘for doing politics, but not policy’. It also a precursor in determining how countries can navigate systemic health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Both are symptoms of the same crisis of democratic representation of citizens’ organised interests. To unpack the causes, this chapter looks at the historical conditions under which technopopulism has risen since the 1990s. The Czech Republic in Central-East Europe and France in Western Europe, as two different cases with the same outcome, are used to illustrate the same path dependency of the conditions leading to the use of the logic of technopopulism. It argues that these ruptures are the result of the long processes that have led to disorganised citizens’ interests amidst the shift to neoliberal doctrine, the decline of party politics, and societal transformations in globalised societies.
Non-iterative Modal Resolution Calculi
Authors: Pattinson Dirk , Nalon Cláudia
Published: July 2024

Non-monotonic modal logics are typically interpreted over neighbourhood frames. For unary operators, this is just a set of worlds, together with an endofunction on predicates (subsets of worlds). It is known that all systems of not necessarily monotonic modal logics that are axiomatised by formulae of modal rank at most one (non-iterative modal logics) are Kripke-complete over neighbourhood semantics. In this paper, we give a uniform construction to obtain complete resolution calculi for all non-iterative logics. We show completeness for generative calculi (where new clauses with new literals are added to the clause set) by means of a canonical model construction. We then define absorptive calculi (where new clauses are generated by generalised resolution rules) and establish completeness by translating between generative and absorptive calculi. Instances of our construction re-prove completeness for already known calculi, but also give rise to a number of previously unknown complete calculi.
Experimental Study on the Impact of Thermal Stress on Aircraft Structural Performance
Authors: Bo Xiaoli
Published: June 2024

The local heat source of a civil aircraft affects the temperature of the lower panel structure of the center wing. In this paper, a local heat source is arranged on the lower panel structure of the center wing. The strain of the center wing lower panel skin under different temperature gradients under local thermal loads and the corresponding temperature gradients around the heat source were investigated. The natural mesh model and the fine finite element model were used to analyze the thermal load of the center wing lower panel. The temperature on the node was applied according to the real temperature in the test, and the analysis results were compared with the test values. After comparative analysis, the strain value of the natural mesh model has a high degree of fit with the test value, and the analysis results of the natural mesh model can be used to analyze the thermal stress intensity of the center wing lower panel.
Analysis of Deformation in Aircraft Skin Vacuum Adsorption Clamping
Authors: Xing Wenhao , Wang Aimin , Wu Long , Xu Baode , Zhang Jiayu , Yu Yuan
Published: June 2024

Large lightweight alloy skin panels are extensively utilized in the aerospace industry and serve as crucial components constituting the outer shells of aircraft, launch vehicles, manned spacecraft, and other equipment. However, due to their thin-walled nature and limited stiffness, they are susceptible to clamping deformation and machining-induced deformations. Vacuum adsorption technology is widely employed in aircraft manufacturing to mitigate part deformation during machining through the utilization of profiling molds. However, to achieve the milling and drilling tasks in a single clamping process, it is necessary to reserve drilling positions in the vacuum adsorption mold. Unfortunately, this leads to significant deformation of the aircraft skin at the reserved drilling positions during processing. This article utilizes finite element simulation technology to analyze the deformation of the aircraft skin during the vacuum adsorption clamping process. The simulation results indicate that the maximum deformation reaches 5.602 mm, which primarily occurs at the middle hole of the vacuum adsorption mold. To address this issue, the article proposes a solution of adding sealing strips around the reserved holes. This solution effectively reduces the deformation of the skin during the processing stage.
A Review on Safety Management Strategies: Theory and Practical Application of Lithium-Ion Power Batteries
Authors: Yi Xiaojian , Hu Lin , Liu Shuang , Zou Changfu
Published: June 2024

Battery safety in electric vehicles is a comprehensive engineering endeavor that requires meticulous consideration at every stage, including battery materials, battery pack design, and battery management systems (BMS). This review focuses on safety management strategies and practical applications of lithium-ion power batteries. The management of battery safety primarily encompasses charge and discharge safety, high-voltage safety, and thermal safety. Among these, charge and discharge safety management aims to prevent battery damage or safety incidents caused by overcharge or over discharge. High-voltage safety management involves detecting insulation faults, overcurrent, and other potential risks to prevent electrical hazards. Thermal safety management ensures individual battery cells, modules, and the battery pack maintain an optimal operating temperature range and uniform temperature distribution, thereby preventing thermal runaway.
Design of Expandable Electric Vehicle Drive Demonstration Teaching Platform
Authors: Zhao Zifeng , Chen Zele , Huang Shaojia , Fan Jianguo , Gao Lijie
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the new energy vehicle industry has been vigorously developed, and the demand for new energy vehicle practitioners and their knowledge of electric vehicles has been continuously increasing. In the undergraduate education of vehicle engineering, there is an urgent need for an electric drive demonstration teaching platform. This design aims to solve the teaching demonstration function of multiple configurations of electric vehicle drive systems on the same platform. The electric vehicle drive demonstration teaching platform is designed as an expandable way, which can meet the requirements of various combinations of different motor forms, battery types and capacities, control methods, etc. for platform loading and demonstration, achieving diversification of the teaching platform. It can also conduct experiments on various types of new energy vehicle configurations through connecting racks The expansion of the demonstration teaching platform meets the needs of teaching demonstrations and experiments related to electric vehicle drive systems.
Piecewise Linear Recursion Iterative Method for Form Finding and Force Analysis of Suspension Cable
Authors: Shang Renjie , Ren Linghao , Huang Pianpian
Published: June 2024

The suspension cable structure has the advantages of saving steel, light weight, beautiful in shape, and has been widely used in long-span bridges. In recent years, the suspension cable structure has been used in the flexible photovoltaic supports of small and medium-sized spans. The existing piecewise catenary method and finite element method have the problems of initial value sensitivity and easy divergence due to the highly geometric nonlinearity of suspension cable structure, and a practical calculation method of piecewise linearization of the suspension cable is proposed in this paper. The suspension cable is divided into n (n ≥ 40) segments. First, the initial values of inclination angle and tension of the left end of the suspension cable are given roughly, and the position of the right end of the suspension cable can be obtained by piecewise recursive method according to the external forces. Based on the deviation between the calculated position and the target position of the right end of the cable, the values of the inclination angle and tension of the left endpoint of the suspension cable are modified, and the second iteration is carried out. In this way about 3–6 iterations, the calculated position of the right end of the cable can converge to the target position, and the exact geometry and internal force of the suspension cable can be obtained. The method can be used to calculate the internal force and deformation of suspension bridges under static loads, and the results accuracy fully meets the engineering design requirements.
Design of Fiber Winding for Thick-Walled Cylinder with Uniform Residual Tension
Authors: Yang Zilong , Yang Fujiang
Published: June 2024

Fiber winding with metal cylinders as liners is the primary method used for producing high-speed rotors, flywheels, and pressure vessels. A design model was established for thick-walled cylindrical fiber winding by using the layer-by-layer stacking method of thin composite material rings in this article. The effect of liner structure and fiber type on prestress was analyzed. And the phenomenon of tension loss in no-twist fibers was studied. The winding tension of each layer was calculated accurately under the condition of uniform residual tension, which was the optimal process in engineering. Compared with the experimental results, the computational error of the model does not exceed 5%. The winding model developed in this article, which takes into account tension loss, can more accurately guide the design of winding tensions for thick-walled cylinders.