bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First results of EAST edge modeling with SOLPS‐ITER 3.2.0 on Extended Grid
Authors: Senichenkov Ilya , Kaveeva Elizaveta , Rozhansky Vladimir , Shtyrkhunov Nikita , Dolgova Ksenia , Ding Rui , Si Hang , Xu Guoliang
Published: January 2024

The processes in far scrape‐off layer (SOL) and the plasma interaction with the first‐wall (FW) elements may notably affect the tokamak discharge, since they define fuel and impurity recycling, material erosion and redeposition, wall surface heating, etc. For a long time, the far SOL description in most plasma edge transport codes was insufficient or absent at all, and so particle and heat fluxes onto the FW (except divertor plates) were out of consideration. Recently some codes, for example, SOLEDGE and SOLPS‐ITER are upgraded allowing for the extension of the computational grid up to real walls and for corresponding account of the vacuum vessel shape and all in‐vessel elements. The new release of SOLPS‐ITER (the version 3.2.0) required a development of a new code data structure and new approach to numerical approximation of fluid equations compatible with unstructured non‐orthogonal computational grid. Intensive testing of the new code in different conditions is still required. In the present contribution, such a testing is performed for the EAST disconnected double null (DDN) L‐mode discharge. For the first time, the SOLPS‐ITER 3.2.0 modeling results with drifts and currents turned on are presented, and a comparison to former SOLPS‐ITER version (3.0.8) is performed. The far SOL transport and its effects on the discharge performance are studied by comparing the computational results obtained on several meshes which differ by their width in equatorial midplane. A single null (SN) one (with mesh width limited by distance to the secondary separatrix) was examined versus two DDN meshes (one with actual and one with artificially extended targets to make mesh wider) and a true unstructured (the widest) mesh. The notable difference in results obtained on different meshes appears in those places where plasma density does not vanishes at the computational domain boundaries. For the cases on true unstructured (the widest) mesh, the particle and heat fluxes onto central column, limiters, far SOL part of targets, dome umbrella and other EAST far SOL in‐vessel structures are calculated for the first time by SOLPS‐ITER, allowing assessment of the plasma interaction with those surfaces.
Plant metabolic response to stress in an arid ecosystem is mediated by the presence of neighbors
Authors: Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia , López‐Climent Maria F. , Pérez‐Clemente Rosa M. , Arenas‐Sánchez Cristina , Sánchez‐Martín Ricardo , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Verdú Miguel
Published: January 2024

Plant neighbors in arid environments can ameliorate abiotic stress by reducing insolation, but they also attract herbivores and pathogens, especially when neighbors are close relatives that share similar antagonists. Plants' metabolic profiles provide a chemical fingerprint of the physiological processes behind plant responses to different environmental stresses. For example, abscisic acid and proline, mainly involved in stomatal closure and osmotic adjustment, can induce plant responses to abiotic stress, while jasmonic acid and salicylic acid primarily regulate plant defense to herbivory or pathogens. Neighbor plants can generate contrasting ecological contexts, modulating plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. We hypothesize that plant metabolic profile is modulated by its neighbors in a vegetation patch, expecting a higher investment in metabolites related to biotic‐stress tolerance (i.e., herbivory or pathogens) when growing associated with other plants, especially to phylogenetically close relatives, compared to plants growing alone. We show that plants from five species growing with neighbors invest more in biotic‐stress tolerance while their conspecifics, growing alone, invest more in abiotic‐stress tolerance. This tendency in plants' metabolic profiles was not affected by the phylogenetic diversity of their neighborhood. Linking physiological snapshots with community processes can contribute to elucidating metabolic profiles derived from plant–plant interactions.
Structural Optimization of Reactor for the Enhancement of CO2 Electrochemical Reduction Based on Gas–Liquid Mixing Flow Model
Authors: Ye Haolin , Xuan Xiaoxu , Wang Mengjie , Sun Jingxuan , Yang Mengqing , Zhang Xinyan , Guo Lijie , Sun Xun
Published: January 2024

The CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2ERR) is heralded for carbon dioxide and renewable energy utilization. However, complexities in catalyst optimization and reactor structure research hinder its practical application. Herein, rather than traditional catalyst optimization, emphasis is placed on refining the reactor structure to enhance gas–liquid mixing. The goal is to raise the CO2 concentration in the reaction zone and extend its residence refining CO2ERR. Building on prior reactor designs, this work introduces the N‐reactor (the nozzle‐type reactor) with a ring electrode suited for gas–liquid mixing and reaction interplay. Through finite element simulations using the gas–liquid flow model, compared with the S‐reactors (the wide‐straight‐type reactor and the narrow‐straight‐type reactor), the N‐reactor's ring electrode shows a 12.99% CO2 concentration rise in the electrode zone and a 67.11% surge at the cathode exit. As a consequence, the total concentration of the product methanol is increased by 6.37%, with a maximum concentration increase of 26.96% and a concentration increase of 49.08% at the cathode outlet. These results validate the feasibility of optimizing the reaction from the perspective of gas–liquid mixing flow and provide novel methods and ideas for further optimization of CO2ERR, contributing to the practical application of the technology.
Hydraulic fracturing method for relieving stress concentration in remaining coal pillar in overlying goaf
Authors: Shao Luying , Huang Bingxiang , Zhao Xinglong , Chen Shuliang
Published: January 2024

The stress concentration caused by the presence of the remaining coal pillar in the overlying goaf can easily cause large deformation of the roadway in the lower seam and other problems. To solve this problem, the reasons for stress concentration caused by the remaining coal pillar in the overlying goaf were analyzed. A hydraulic fracturing method for relieving stress concentration has been proposed. By using hydraulic fracturing technology to remove the hanging roof on both sides of the coal pillar and weaken the coal pillar system, high stress is transferred to the goaf. The degree of stress concentration in coal pillars and surrounding rock of roadway can be reduced by 47% and 26%, respectively. This method can also solve the stress concentration problem of the remaining ore pillar in the overlying goaf of the metal ore. This method has been applied in the coal mine. The deformation of the surrounding rock of the test roadway after hydraulic fracturing has been reduced by more than 60%.
Air quality forecasting‐driven cloud resource allocation for sustainable energy consumption: An ensemble classifier approach
Authors: Kandan M. , Jayasakthi Velmurugan K. , Gururama Senthilvel P. , Sathish Kumar N.
Published: January 2024

In recent times, air quality prediction is turned out to be one of the important research topics among research communities to prevent lives from negative health impacts. Random fluctuations of PM2.5 level brought about by frequent variations in meteorological factors create difficulties air pollution management. Forecasting the quality of air using time series data serves as a defense mechanism against threatening hazards by providing immense support to take preventive measures. Besides, handling dynamic real time workloads, forecasted by the prediction model requires appropriate computing resources to distribute workloads based on demands. To achieve this goal, this paper proposes a new Air Quality Prediction‐enabled Resource Allocation scheme for cloud‐based software services, which offers dynamic adjustment of resources based on workload demands with high energy efficiency. The proposed system is a two phase system that executes both air quality prediction and resource allocation processes consecutively. A new weighted average ensemble classifier is designed by combining support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and gradient boosting machine (GBM) techniques to measure PM2.5 level on time series information of Beijing PM2.5 dataset. The system then dynamically allocates appropriate computing resources using crossover particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm based on the forecasted results of PM2.5 level. This system has the potential to contribute significantly to reducing energy consumption and improving air quality in cities worldwide. The experimental results conducted to determine the efficiency of the proposed system in terms of different metrics proves that it achieves greater performance with less error functions for PM2.5 level prediction as well as minimizes energy consumption for resource allocation when compared with existing methods.
Nanofiltration Ceramic Membranes as a Feasible Two‐Pronged Approach toward Desalination and Lithium Recovery
Authors: Kirk Chin Ho , Chong Chiang Yon Douglas , Wang Xingyang , Sun Jianguo , Zhao Qi , Wang John
Published: January 2024

Ceramic membranes are taking center stage for separation technologies in water treatment. Among them, ceramic nanofiltration membranes are at the forefront of membrane technologies. The desalination of seawater using ceramic nanofiltration membranes is a potential application toward increasing the global water supply and tackling water scarcity. However, while the high fabrication cost poses a challenge to their large‐scale applications, high‐value separation applications can help to offset the overall cost. In this regard, ceramic nanofiltration membranes can also be explored as a viable option for high‐value lithium extraction from the waste seawater brine. In order to determine the potential of nanofiltration ceramic membranes for desalination and lithium recovery from seawater, the current efficiency of salt rejection across various operation parameters must be thoroughly evaluated. Specifically, the interactions between the Donnan exclusion, steric exclusion, zeta potential, and salt concentration play an important role in determining the salt rejection efficiency. Several strategies are then proposed to guide ceramic nanofiltration membranes toward potentially practical applications regarding desalination and lithium recovery.
Factors associated with public and private healthcare utilization for outpatient care among older adults in India: A Wagstaff's decomposition of Anderson's behavioural model
Authors: Rahaman Margubur , Roy Avijit , Chouhan Pradip , Kapasia Nanigopal , Muhammad T.
Published: January 2024

In India, an expanding ageing population will become a public health alarm, putting additional pressure on the healthcare system. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the factors associated with outpatient healthcare choices among older Indian adults. We used data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017–2018). A total of 34,588 individuals (age 45 years and over) who accessed outpatient healthcare services in the last 12 months during the survey were included in this research. A bivariate chi‐square test was used to present the percentage distribution of types of outpatient healthcare utilisation by background characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression and Wagstaff's decomposition analyses were employed to explore the interplay of outpatient healthcare utilisation and allied predisposing, enabling, and need factors and examine these factors' contributions to the wealth‐based inequalities in public, private, and other healthcare utilisation. Outpatient healthcare utilisation varied significantly according to socioeconomic and demographic factors. The findings suggest that consumption quintiles, place of residence, education, and health insurance were significant determinants of private and public healthcare utilisation and contributed to wealth‐based inequalities in healthcare choices. The current study emphasises the need to strengthen and promote public healthcare services.
The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors following discontinuation for long‐term response or toxicity in advanced or metastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancers: A retrospective study
Authors: Vacher Laure , Bernadach Maureen , Molnar Ioana , Passildas‐Jahanmohan Judith , Dubray‐Longeras Pascale
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

The treatment of metastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been revolutionized by the arrival of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). For patients without immune related adverse events (irAEs), it is recommended to continue the treatment as long as it provides clinical benefit or until unacceptable toxicity appears. The aim of our study was to evaluate survival data among patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC following ICI discontinuation for reasons of long‐term response or toxicity (irAEs).

Methods

We included all patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC treated with nivolumab and pembrolizumab at the Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont‐Ferrand, France (January 1, 2016 to May 31, 2019). We focused on two groups in this study population: “Voluntary treatment discontinuation” (medical decision as a result of long‐term response and patient decision) and “Treatment discontinuation due to toxicity” (irAEs). The primary endpoint was to evaluate the postdiscontinuation outcomes of these two groups: progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and rechallenge in the “voluntary discontinuation” group.

Results

The final analysis concerned 146 patients, including 10 (7%) in the “discontinuation due to toxicity” group, 11 (8%) in the “voluntary discontinuation” group, 100 (68%) who discontinued treatment as a result of progression and 25 (17%) whose treatment was still on‐going. The median PFS in the “discontinuation due to toxicity” group was not reached, and in the “voluntary discontinuation” group (n = 11) was 37 months (p = 0.4), versus 2 months in the progression group (p < 0.001). The median OS in “discontinuation due to toxicity,” and in the “voluntary discontinuation” groups was not reached (p = 0.5), versus 10 months in the progression group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Treatment discontinuation following long‐term response to ICI treatment showed sustained response and long‐term survival after discontinuation. The incidence of irAEs was associated with better long‐term survival, even after ICI discontinuation.
Sequential therapy versus quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A prospective double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tabesh Elham , Yadmehr Farzad , Feizi Awat , Khorvash Farzin , Sindarreh Setayesh , Hakamifard Atousa
Published: January 2024

Backgrounds and Aims

This controlled randomized clinical trial was designed to compare effectiveness, side effects, and severity of symptoms before and after therapy between quadruple (QT) and sequential regimens (SQ) for Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori).

Methods

Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received a 14‐day QT including pantoprazole 40 mg q12 h, bismuth subcitrate 240 mg q12 h, clarithromycin 500 mg q12 h, and amoxicillin 1000 mg q12 h and group B received ST including pantoprazole 40 mg q12 h and amoxicillin 1000 mg q12 h for the initial 5 days followed by pantoprazole 40 mg q12 h, clarithromycin 500 mg q12 h and tinidazole 500 mg q12 h for the next 5 days. Adverse drug reactions and patients' compliance were assessed after finishing the treatment course and also 4 weeks after. All patients were naive, therefore ST and QT were first‐line therapies. To evaluate severity of symptoms we used Short‐Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF‐LDQ) before taking the first dose of regimens, at the end of therapy, and also 4 weeks after (follow‐up).

Results

The mean age in Group A (n = 83) was 48.55 ± 12.56 and 47.24 ± 12.78 in Group B (n = 79). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gender, endoscopic findings, and also eradication rate. The analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in SF‐LDQ score between baseline and after therapy and baseline and follow‐up in both regimen groups. Both regimens were well tolerated by the majority of patients, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of adverse drug reactions

Conclusion

This study showed that ST can be used as an alternative first‐line therapy to QT in patients with H. pylori infection.
Circ_0087199 depletion attenuates lipopolysaccharides‐induced human periodontal ligament cell injury through the miR‐527/TLR4 axis
Authors: Wang Jing , Huo Na , Cai Chuan , Zhang Yu , Xiao Rui
Published: January 2024

Background

Circular RNAs participate in the development of periodontitis. The present work aims to reveal the role and mechanism of circ_0087199 in human periodontal ligament cell (PDLC) injury during periodontitis.

Methods

PDLCs were treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to establish a periodontitis cell model. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of circ_0087199, miR‐527, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). Western blot analysis assay was performed to assess protein expression. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation were investigated by cell counting kit‐8, EdU assay, flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Oxidative stress was evaluated by malondialdehyde assay kit and superoxide dismutase activity assay kit. The interaction between miR‐527 and circ_0087199 or TLR4 was confirmed by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Circ_0087199 and TLR4 expression levels were significantly increased, while miR‐527 was decreased in the periodontal ligament tissues of periodontitis patients and LPS‐stimulated PDLCs when compared with controls. LPS treatment inhibited cell viability and proliferation but induced cell apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress, whereas these effects were attenuated after circ_0087199 knockdown. Circ_0087199 bound to miR‐527 and regulated LPS‐caused PDLC damage by targeting miR‐527. Additionally, the overexpression of TLR4, a target gene of miR‐527, rescued miR‐527 mimic‐mediated effects on LPS‐treated PDLCs. Further, the regulation of circ_0087199 toward TLR4 involved miR‐527.

Conclusion

Circ_0087199 knockdown attenuated LPS‐induced apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress of PDLCs by regulating the miR‐527/TLR4 pathway.
Efficacy, safety and the lymphocyte subsets changes of low‐dose IL‐2 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Qin‐Yi , Luo Jing , Wang Xin‐Miao , Di Jing‐Kai , Cao Yi‐Xin , Zhang Sheng‐Xiao
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Existing therapies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are efficacious only in certain patients. Developing new treatment methods is urgent. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐dose IL‐2 (LD‐IL‐2).

Methods

According to published data from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and FDA.gov, eight trials were included.

Results

After the LD‐IL‐2 treatment, 54.8% of patients had distinct clinical remission. The SRI‐4 response rates were 0.819 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.745–0.894), and the SELENA‐SLEDAI scores were significantly decreased (SMD = −2.109, 95% CI: [−3.271, −0.947], p < .001). Besides, the proportions of CD4+ T (SMD = 0.614, 95% CI: [0.250, 0.979], p = .001) and Treg cells (SMD = 1.096, 95% CI: [0.544, 1.649], p < .001) were increased dramatically after LD‐IL‐2 treatment, while there were no statistical differences in the proportions of CD8+ T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, and Th17 cells (p > .05). Besides, the proportions of Th17 (SMD = 1.121, 95% CI: [0.709, 1.533], p < .001) and Treg (SMD = 0.655, 95% CI: [0.273, 1.038], p = .001) were significantly increased after receiving subcutaneously 0.5 million IU of LD‐IL‐2 treatment per day for 5 days, but there were no statistical differences in the proportions of Treg after receiving 1 million IU every other day subcutaneously of LD‐IL‐2 treatment. Injection site reaction and fever were common side effects of IL‐2, which occurred in 33.1% and 14.4% of patients. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

LD‐IL‐2 was promising and well‐tolerated in treating SLE, which could promote Treg's proliferation and functional recovery. Injecting 0.5 million IU of IL‐2 daily can better induce the differentiation of Treg cells and maintain immune homeostasis than injecting 1 million IU every other day.
Association of fat distribution differences in infertile women with assisted reproductive outcomes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Song Xiao‐huan , Zhu Meng‐li , Zhang Chao , Wang Jie‐yu , Jia Yue‐di , Wang Dan‐ni
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the impacts of fat distribution on assisted reproductive outcomes in infertile women.

Methods

The study randomly recruited 576 infertile women who underwent assisted reproductive technology treatment at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between July and October 2022. Questionnaires and body composition measurements were administered to assess baseline information and fat distribution. The numbers of oocytes, zygotes presenting with two pronuclei (2PN), and available embryos were tracked at the end of the cycle. Multifactorial logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve models were used to explore the relationships between fat distribution and reproductive outcomes while controlling for confounding factors.

Results

The study found that the participants had a mean age of 30.82 years. The analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the amount of leg body fat mass (LBFM) and the distribution of reproductive outcomes. However, there was no significant correlation between the level of visceral fat and reproductive outcomes. After taking confounding factors into account, the multifactorial regression analysis showed that the total body fat mass and the number of oocytes (odds ratio (OR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–0.99), 2PN (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84–0.99), and embryos available for transfer (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.99) were negatively correlated. RCS modeling revealed a linear dose–response relationship between LBFM and assisted reproductive outcomes.

Conclusion

Fat distribution varies among infertile women, and higher amounts of fat are associated with poorer assisted reproductive outcomes.
Hydrogel foam dressings with angiogenic and immunomodulatory factors from mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lan Ziyang , Fletcher Alan , Bender Elizabeth C. , Huang Wenbai , Suggs Laura J. , Cosgriff‐Hernandez Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Stem cell therapy and skin substitutes address the stalled healing of chronic wounds in order to promote wound closure; however, the high cost and regulatory hurdles of these treatments limit patient access. A low‐cost method to induce bioactive healing has the potential to substantially improve patient care and prevent wound‐induced limb loss. A previous study reported that bioactive factors derived from apoptotic‐like mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrated anti‐inflammatory and proangiogenic effects and improved ischemic muscle regeneration. In this work, these MSC‐derived bioactive factors were loaded into a hydrogel foam to harness immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties from MSC components to facilitate chronic wound healing without the high cost and translational challenges of cell therapies. After incorporation of bioactive factors, the hydrogel foam retained high absorbency, moisture retention, and target water vapor transmission rate. High loading efficiency was confirmed and release studies indicated that over 90% of loaded factors were released within 24 h. Ethylene oxide sterilization and 4‐week storage did not affect the bioactive factor release profile or physical properties of the hydrogel foam dressing. Bioactivity retention of the released factors was also confirmed for as‐sterilized, 4°C‐stored, and −20°C‐stored bioactive hydrogel foams as determined by relevant gene expression levels in treated pro‐inflammatory (M1) macrophages. These results support the use of the bioactive dressings as an off‐the‐shelf product. Overall, this work reports a new method to achieve a first‐line wound dressing with the potential to reduce persistent inflammation and promote angiogenesis in chronic wounds.
Theory‐informed school counseling: Increasing efficacy through prevention‐focused practice and outcome research
Authors: Kim Hyunhee , Molina Citlali E. , Watkinson Jennifer S. , Leigh‐Osroosh Katheryne T. , Li Dan
Published: January 2024

School counselors are front‐line providers to K‐12 students in the areas of learning, mental health, and career development, based on their foundation in prevention, development, wellness, and social justice. Although school counseling remains an important role within K‐12 schools, the profession faces existential threats to its continued existence due largely to the lack of applied outcome research validating its positive impact on student development. This conceptual article has two aims: (a) to reassert the unique importance of school counselors as a prevention provider who promote wellness, development, and social justice and (b) describe how theory‐informed school counseling practice is a solution using Advocating‐Student within Environment theory as an example. Implications for scholarship, training, and practice are described.
A novel hospitalist peer observation program to improve educational and operational rounding practices
Authors: Cohen Margot E. , Linganna Ashok , Kim Joyce , Orr Andrew R.
Published: January 2024

Academic hospitalists must balance trainee education with operational demands to round efficiently and optimize hospital throughput. Peer observation has been shown to support educator development, however, few hospitalists have formal training to optimize both skill sets. We sought to extend and adapt peer observation programs to equally focus on education and operations‐based outcomes. During the 2‐year study period, 76 of 98 (78%) eligible faculty participated in a structured, real‐time peer observation program. Immediately after observing a peer, 42% of respondents planned to adopt an operations‐related rounding behavior. Following program completion, 77% of respondents endorsed the implementation of a new rounding behavior learned from a peer, with a third of these behaviors related to clinical operations. Ninety‐five percent of respondents endorsed at least a moderate degree of program satisfaction. High levels of engagement and sustained behavior change following program participation suggest clinical operations are an important addition to peer observation programs and faculty development initiatives.
Gallbladder remnant: A potential source for biliary stones postcholecystectomy; a case report in a child with sickle cell disease
Authors: Miri Ahmad , Abdessalam Shahab , Powers Andria M. , Quiros‐Tejeira Ruben E. , Dike Chinenye R.
Published: January 2024

Stone formation in a gallbladder remnant is a rare postcholecystectomy complication. This report describes the case of gallstones in a gallbladder remnant of an adolescent with sickle cell disease (SCD) years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 15‐year‐old female with SCD presented to our gastroenterology clinic with concerns of recurrent choledocholithiasis despite cholecystectomy 2 years before presentation. About 4 months before presentation to our clinic, she was evaluated at the referring physician's emergency department for recurrent severe abdominal pain of 1 month duration. After admission to the hospital, common bile duct stones were seen on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MCRP) imaging and subsequently removed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). On review of her MRCP and ERCP at our hospital, a remnant of gallbladder containing multiple stones was identified. She subsequently underwent a laparoscopic resection of the gallbladder remnant. Clinicians should consider biliary duct imaging in children with biliary colic following cholecystectomy, especially those with history of chronic hemolysis.
Fat analogue emulsions stabilized by peanut protein microgel particles: microscale and nanoscale structure and stabilization process analysis
Authors: Du Liyang , Li Shaoyang , Meng Zong
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Biopolymer‐based microgels are being regarded increasingly as promising building blocks in food applications. This study aimed to clarify the evolution process of the network for fat analogue emulsions stabilized by peanut protein isolate (PPI) microgel particles. It also investigated the interfacial structure and characteristics of emulsions (50% oil phase, w/w) stabilized by microgels under different pH conditions.

RESULTS

There was an increasing interfacial adsorption capacity for PPI microgels over time (from 85.26% to the maximum of 89.78% at 24 h of storage) due to the aggregation of microgels around droplets and the development of cross‐linking microgel chains between adjacent interfaces. The increased β‐sheet content (from 35.51% to 41.12%) of adsorbed microgels indicated unfolding and the enhanced aggregation of microgels, which led to stronger droplet interaction. The network evolution observed with different microscopes clarified the transition to a self‐supporting emulsion. The uneven adsorption of large microgel aggregates at the oil–water interface promoted larger and deformed droplets, so more fat‐like medium internal phase emulsion stabilized by PPI microgel could be obtained by adjusting the microgel pH to 4.5. The interfacial membranes observed by scanning electron microscopy were thicker and coarser at pH 3.0 and 4.5 than those at pH 7.0 and 9.0. The adsorption of PPI microgel aggregates enhanced the structural strength and improved emulsion stability.

CONCLUSION

This work could form a basis for further studies relating physical properties to the design of plant protein‐based fat analogues. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nutraceutical potential of olive pomace: insights from cell‐based and clinical studies
Authors: Monteiro Camila Sant'Anna , Adedara Isaac Adegboyega , Farombi Ebenezer Olatunde , Emanuelli Tatiana
Published: January 2024

Olive oil production yields a substantial volume of by‐products, constituting up to 80% of the processed fruits. The olive pomace by‐product represents a residue of significant interest due to the diverse bioactive compounds identified in it. However, a thorough characterization and elucidation of the biological activities of olive pomace are imperative to redirect its application for functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical purposes both for animals and humans. In this review, we examine data from experimental models, including immortalized human vascular endothelial cells, human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, non‐tumorigenic human hepatoma cells, and murine macrophages alongside clinical trials. These studies aim to validate the safety, nutritional value, and pharmacological effects of olive pomace. In vitro studies suggest that biophenols extracted from olive pomace possess antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties that could be beneficial in mitigating cardiovascular disorders, particularly atherosclerosis, hepatosteatosis, and dry‐eye disease. Protective effects against dry‐eye disease were confirmed in a mouse model assay. Olive pomace used in the feed for fish and poultry has demonstrated the ability to enhance animals' immunity and improve nutritional quality of meat and eggs. Human clinical trials are scarce and have revealed minimal biological changes following the consumption of olive pomace‐enriched foods. However, alterations in certain biomarkers tentatively suggest cardioprotective properties. The review underscores the value of olive pomace while addressing potential drawbacks and future perspectives, with a specific focus on the need for further investigation into the animal feed and human nutritional properties of olive pomace. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Serum miRNA Combined With Transvaginal Color Doppler Ultrasound Diagnosis Clinical Research on Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Jun , Wang Yin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To explore clinical value of miRNA‐18a, miRNA‐130a, and miRNA‐92a combined with transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TVCDS) in the diagnosis of cervical cancer (CC).

Methods

One hundred patients with pathologically confirmed CC (CC group), 100 patients with cervical epithelial neoplasia (disease group), and 100 patients with benign uterine lesions (control group) were selected. TVCDS was performed, and the levels of serum miRNA‐18a, miRNA‐130a, and miRNA‐92a were detected.

Results

The systolic blood velocity of the cancer group, the disease group, and the control group decreased sequentially, while the resistance index and pulsatility index increased sequentially. The serum miR‐18a, miR‐130a, miR‐92a, and expression levels of the patients' increased sequentially. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection, menopause, blood flow RI, serum miRNA‐18a, miRNA‐92a, and miRNA‐130a were the influencing factors of CC. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under curve of transvaginal Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of CC were 86.43%, 88.01%, 84.32%, and 0.913; serum miR‐18a were, respectively, 76.56, 81.30, 80.36, and 0.839; serum miR‐130a were 77.88%, 76.97%, 78.32%, and 0.0.864; serum miR‐92a were 71.04%, 80.39%, 80.74%, and 0.894; 90.33%, 95.14%, 91.25%, and 0.947, the area under curve of the combined detection of the 3 was greater than that of the single detection.

Conclusions

Serum miRNA combined with TVCDS has the advantages of it being noninvasive, and having high sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of CC.
Sparsity for Ultrafast Material Identification
Authors: Qu Yurui , Zhou Qingyi , Xiang Jin , Yu Zongfu
Published: January 2024

Mid‐infrared spectroscopy is often used to identify material. Thousands of spectral points are measured in a time‐consuming process using expensive table‐top instrument. However, material identification is a sparse problem, which in theory can be solved with just a few measurements. Here the sparsity of the problem is exploited to develop an ultra‐fast, portable, and inexpensive method to identify materials. In a single‐shot, a mid‐infrared camera can identify materials based on their spectroscopic signatures. This method does not require prior calibration, making it robust and versatile in handling a broad range of materials.
Polyetheramine‐Type Semi‐Biobased Long‐Chain Polyamide 1210 Elastomer: Synthesis, Structure, and Unique Thermal Behavior
Authors: Chen Xiangyang , Gong Shun , Zhao Biao , Pan Kai
Published: January 2024

Biobased thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPAEs) have received increasing attention in both academia and industry. Here, a series of semi‐biobased long‐chain TPAEs are successfully synthesized via one‐step melt polymerization, employing polyamide 1210 (PA1210) and polyetheramines (PEAs) as hard and soft segments, respectively. The prepared TPAEs demonstrate excellent mechanical properties, energy dissipation capabilities, low density, good damping, high resilience, and low melting temperature. More interestingly, the properties of the TPAEs can be customized by adjusting the content and molecular weight of PEA. By varying the molecular weights of the PEAs, two different thermal behaviors can be observed in the prepared TPAEs. Specifically, PEA with low molecular weight has good compatibility with PA1210, leading to an increase in the conformation of the crystalline region and a significant decrease in melting temperature. Meanwhile, high molecular weight PEA causes strong phase separation with PA1210, leading to limited crystalline regions and inadequate physical cross‐linking, further resulting in suboptimal mechanical properties. This work provides new insights into the design and preparation of PEA‐type biobased long‐chain TPAEs.
What are the Key Phenomenological Clues to Diagnose Functional Tic‐Like Behaviors in the Pandemic Era?
Authors: Nilles Christelle , Martino Davide , Berg Lindsay , Fletcher Julian , Pringsheim Tamara
Published: January 2024

Background

Functional tic‐like behaviors (FTLBs) can be difficult to distinguish from tics.

Objectives

To describe the phenomenology of FTLBs in youth and assess the movements and vocalizations most suggestive of the diagnosis.

Methods

We compared the phenomenology of tics between youth (<20 yr) with FTLBs and with primary tics from our Registry in Calgary, Canada.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐six youths were included: 195 with primary tics (75% males; mean age: 10.8 yr) and 41 with FTLBs (98% females; 16.1 yr). In the bivariate models, FTLBs were most associated with copropraxia (OR = 15.5), saying words (OR = 14.5), coprolalia (OR = 13.1), popping (OR = 11.0), whistling (OR = 9.8), simple head movements (OR = 8.6), and self‐injurious behaviors (OR = 6.9). In the multivariable model, FTLBs were still associated with saying words (OR = 13.5) and simple head movements (OR = 6.3). Only 12.2% of youth with FTLBs had throat clearing tics (OR = 0.2).

Conclusions

This study shall help physicians diagnose youth with FTLBs according to the presence/association of specific movements and vocalizations.
An introduction of transaction session‐induced security scheme using blockchain technology: Understanding the features of Internet of Things–based financial security systems
Authors: Wen Wen , Han Xiao
Published: January 2024

Internet of Things (IoT)–based financial systems leverage the capabilities of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable seamless transactions and data exchange between devices. IoT‐based financial systems involve interconnected devices and services, such as payment terminals, wearables, and smart appliances, which collect, transmit, and process sensitive financial information. The study explores security methods incorporated in the financial systems designed using IoT and blockchain technologies to improve the background features. The study data were gathered from Complaint Data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 2018–2022, and data‐based analysis is used in this study for detecting illegitimate interrupted transactions. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) is used for the robustness and endogeneity test; descriptive statistics is utilized in this study. Financial security systems are introduced to reduce the forging and breaching of intruders amid transactions. This study offers a novel contribution to the field of blockchain technology by furnishing a comprehensive analysis of the features of IoT‐based financial security systems from the perspective of the transaction, broadening the understanding of the feature focusing on financial security, and providing practical recommendations to address the features of IoT‐based financial security systems in blockchain technology. The study highlights how IoT devices can securely record and verify financial transactions by leveraging the blockchain's distributed ledger, preventing tampering or unauthorized access. The results of the study identify that the TS3 program relies on the transaction gaps between financial sessions, security requests between successive transactions, and sessions saved depending on the time delay. The study finds that sessions were analyzed for violations and fraud using information stored on the blockchain. The study suggests the design and building of devices and sensors in an IoT in financial security systems. Transparency should contribute to setting data privacy and safety problems in financial security systems.
Algebraic method for LU decomposition in commutative quaternion based on semi‐tensor product of matrices and application to strict image authentication
Authors: Ding Wenxv , Li Ying , Liu Zhihong , Tao Ruyu , Zhang Mingcui
Published: January 2024

As a kind of commutative and associative four‐dimensional algebra, commutative quaternion has better applications in color image and signal processing than quaternion. Matrix decomposition is of great concern in the theoretical study and numerical calculation of commutative quaternion. Two kinds of disadvantages of commutative quaternion make the decomposition of commutative quaternion matrix extremely difficult. On one hand, commutative quaternion is not a kind of complete four dimensional division algebra because of the zero divisors. On the other hand, computing the inverse of commutative quaternion is very complicated. In this paper, the semi‐tensor product (STP) of matrices will be used to overcome the above two kinds of shortcomings. And we will propose a real structure‐preserving algorithm based on STP of matrices for commutative quaternion LU decomposition, which makes full use of high‐level operations, relation of operations between commutative quaternion matrices and their
‐representation matrices. Numerical experiments will be provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the real structure‐preserving algorithm based on STP of matrices. Meanwhile, we will apply the structure‐preserving algorithm for strict image authentication.
Numerical approximation based on deep convolutional neural network for high‐dimensional fully nonlinear merged PDEs and 2BSDEs
Authors: Xiao Xu , Qiu Wenlin , Nikan Omid
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes two efficient approximation methods to solve high‐dimensional fully nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) and second‐order backward stochastic differential equations (2BSDEs), where such high‐dimensional fully NPDEs are extremely difficult to solve because the computational cost of standard approximation methods grows exponentially with the number of dimensions. Therefore, we consider the following methods to overcome this difficulty. For the merged fully NPDEs and 2BSDEs system, combined with the time forward discretization and ReLU function, we use multiscale deep learning fusion and convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques to obtain two numerical approximation schemes, respectively. Finally, three practical high‐dimensional test problems involving Allen–Cahn, Black–Scholes–Barenblatt, and Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations are given so that the first proposed method exhibits higher efficiency and accuracy than the existing method, while the second proposed method can extend the dimensionality of the completely NPDEs–2BSDEs system over 400 dimensions, from which the numerical results highlight the effectiveness of proposed methods.
Two Prenylated Chalcones, 4‐Hydroxyderricin, and Xanthoangelol Prevent Postprandial Hyperglycemia by Promoting GLUT4 Translocation via the LKB1/AMPK Signaling Pathway in Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Odongo Kevin , Abe Ayane , Kawasaki Rina , Kawabata Kyuichi , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: January 2024

Scope

Stimulation of glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle is crucial for the prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia. Insulin and certain polyphenols enhance glucose uptake through the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the skeletal muscle. The previous study reports that prenylated chalcones, 4‐hydroxyderricin (4‐HD), and xanthoangelol (XAG) promote glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in L6 myotubes, but their underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the mechanism in L6 myotubes and confirms antihyperglycemia by 4‐HD and XAG.

Methods and results

In L6 myotubes, 4‐HD and XAG promote glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation through the activation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) signaling pathway without activating phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and Janus kinases (JAKs)/signal transducers and activators of transcriptions (STATs) pathways. Moreover, Compound C, an AMPK‐specific inhibitor, as well as siRNA targeting AMPK and LKB1 completely canceled 4‐HD and XAG‐increased glucose uptake. Consistently, oral administration of 4‐HD and XAG to male ICR mice suppresses acute hyperglycemia in an oral glucose tolerance test.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LKB1/AMPK pathway and subsequent GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells are involved in Ashitaba chalcone‐suppressed acute hyperglycemia.
Online measurement of birefringence of sensing fibers in the AFOCT system
Authors: Yang Xiao , Chen Mingkun , Chen Hui , Lu Yunqing , Wang Jin
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a novel scheme to online measure the birefringence of the sensing fiber in all‐fiber optic current transformer (AFOCT) system, which monitors the current on direct current (DC) transmission lines using the Faraday magneto‐optic effect in sensing fibers. In this scheme, by purposefully varying the difference of square‐wave modulated phases via the phase modulator in the AFOCT system, different system transmittances can be obtained. On the basis of the relationship between the system transmittance and linear and circular birefringences, an online measurement scheme of both the linear and circular birefringences of the sensing fibers can be established. In this scheme, the AFOCT system is described by the transmission model based on the Jones matrices, with which the current on DC transmission lines can be measured from the phase shift caused by the Faraday effect. Then, under different square‐wave modulated phases, the system transmittance models are constructed with respect to the linear and circular birefringences of the sensing fiber. For a given sensing fiber with certain linear and circular birefringences, the specific system transmittances are determined and are the curves in space in the respective system transmittance models. Subsequently, these curves in space can be projected onto the coordinate plane composed of the linear and circular birefringence coordinate axes, where the intersection point of the projected plane curves gives the to‐be‐measured values of the linear and circular birefringences of the sensing fiber. The proposed scheme is validated by the preset linear and circular birefringences of the sensing fiber, with different linear birefringences of the polarization‐maintaining fiber. The measurement results show the values consistent with the preset ones.
Dual‐band and dual‐polarized metasurface antenna for 5G application
Authors: Juan Yue , Cen Haoyu , Chang Yumei , Chen Chen
Published: January 2024

A dual‐band and dual‐polarized antenna based on a dual‐layer metasurface (DMTS) is proposed for 5G application. The proposed DMTS is designed on two substrates separated by an air loading layer using characteristic mode analysis (CMA). The upper metasurface (MTS) is an array of 4 × 4 square patches, while the lower MTS consists of a central rectangular patch and four parasitic patches. The DMTS is fed by a pair of orthogonal Y‐shaped microstrip line at its bottom through the I‐shaped slots located over them, while the loading slots are etched directly below the parasitic patch to effectively excite the edge portion. The proposed antenna offers −10 dB bandwidths of 13.6% (2.46–2.82 GHz) and 20.3% (3.18–3.9 GHz) and realizes peak gains of 9.53 and 10.9 dBi with an overall size of 0.88λ0 × 0.88λ0 × 0.057λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength of the center frequency at lower band), as well as an interport isolation of over 35 dB.