bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and Efficient Inverse Design Framework for Multifunctional Metalenses
Authors: Zu Xixian , Sun Xiaoyu , Yan Wei , Sha Wei E. I. , Qiu Min
Published: October 2024

Over the past years, nanostructured metalenses with thin form factors have been extensively studied for their potential in consumer and industrial applications. Despite significant advancements, current metalenses struggle to achieve high numerical aperture (NA), manufacturable structures, broad working bandwidth, and extended depth of focus (DOF) simultaneously. This paper introduces a comprehensive inverse design framework that facilitates the rapid development of polarization‐insensitive 3D metalenses, effective in both frequency and spatial domains. The framework employs shape‐constrained topology optimization to define horizontal ring profiles, along with discrete particle swarm optimization to manage discretized ring heights. Two immersed silicon carbide metalenses are demonstrated to showcase this framework's capability, providing near‐unity NAs for enhanced photon collection. The first design is an extended DOF metalens, exhibiting a DOF over four times the light wavelength and achieving a maximum diffraction efficiency of 23%, close to the theoretical limit. The second design achieves broadband achromaticity, suppressing chromatic aberrations across a wide 300 nm bandwidth (850–1150 nm) while maintaining an average diffraction efficiency of 10%. This methodology serves as a valuable tool for deploying functional metalenses with implications for nanophotonics, quantum optics, and quantum nanotechnology.
Dual‐Polarization Huge Photonic Spin Hall Shift and Super‐Subwavelength Detecting Based on Topological Singularities in 1D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Liu Yufu , Wang Xianjun , Li Yunlin , Zhang Haoran , Wang Xuezhi , Lai Zhen , Jiang Xunya
Published: October 2024

Although light‐matter interaction and topology of photonic systems have been extensively studied, the topology induced novel light‐matter interaction phenomena in deep‐subwavelength region remain unexplored. Here, based on the non‐trivial topological singularity of 1D photonic crystals (PhCs), novel photonic spin Hall effects and abnormal beam behaviors are revealed in deep‐subwavelength region for the beams with nearly normal incidence, which beyond effective medium theory. The huge photonic spin Hall shift (PSHS) is observed around the singularity in the deep‐subwavelength region. The shape of reflected beam undergoes dramatic changes near the singularity, especially at the singularity, the reflected field is split as dipole‐like distribution for both polarizations. Physically, such a phenomenon is resulted from the destructive interference between the spin‐maintained beam and spin‐flipped beam. Based on these theoretical researches, super‐subwavelength thickness detecting, in which the wavelength is six orders of magnitude larger than the detecting scale, can be designed. Such sensitive detecting can also be applied to dielectric permittivity of PhC and background. Further more, by tuning the distance between two singularities in the deep‐subwavelength region, multi‐frequency channels sensitive detection and broadband platform with huge PSHS can be achieved. This system could be a platform to explore nontrivial light‐mater interaction in deep‐subwavelength region and to design of extremely sensitive detection devices.
Research of 1‐Octene C═C Bond Isomerization in High‐temperature Solution Copolymerization of Ethylene/1‐Octene
Authors: Li Junchen , Guo Qishun , Zhang Yu , Cao Chengang , Wang Yating , Jiang Tao
Published: October 2024

1‐Octene has a very high industrial value as one of the linear α‐olefins, but the industrial value is severely reduced when its double bond isomerizes to form endo‐octene. Thus, in this paper, the effect of reaction temperature, reaction time, type, and concentration of aluminum compounds on the double‐bond isomerization reaction of 1‐octene and the inhibition of the isomerization by the inhibitor, have been investigated. The mechanism of 1‐octene isomerization is studied by combining gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Modified methylaluminoxanes (MMAO‐3A), triethylaluminum (TEA), or triisobutylaluminum (TIBA) could significantly promote 1‐octene to undergo double‐bond isomerization reactions and the degree of isomerization of 1‐octene increased with increasing concentrations of aluminum compounds. In addition, inhibitors such as isooctanol or isooctylamine, can disrupt the structure of the reactive aluminum species and may retard the double bond isomerization reaction of 1‐octene. Therefore, reducing the concentration of aluminum compounds in the ethylene/1‐octene high‐temperature solution copolymerization system and the timely and sufficient use of an inhibitor at the end of the reaction are both effective in eliminating the 1‐octene double bond isomerization.
Toward In Vitro Vascular Wall Models: Digital Light Processing of Acrylate‐Endcapped Urethane‐Based Polymers into Tubular Constructs
Authors: Pien Nele , Pokholenko Ianina , Deroose Nicolas , Perneel Charlotte , Vinturelle Rafaelle , Meeremans Marguerite , Mantovani Diego , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , De Schauwer Catharina
Published: October 2024

Digital light processing (DLP) is emerging as a powerful tool for fabricating tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds, particularly for vascular TE and the development of representative in vitro vascular wall models. For the latter, biomaterials should mimick the biological and mechanical properties of native blood vessels. To fabricate tubular constructs, the DLP‐printing process is optimized by exploiting acrylate‐endcapped urethane‐based (AUP) polymers as the presence of the acrylate end groups render them suitable for DLP printing and desirable mechanical properties arise from the urethane segments. Four AUP variants are synthesized, exploring polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) backbones with varying acrylate functionalities (di‐acrylate versus hexa‐acrylate), namely UPEG2, UPEG6, UPPG2, and UPPG6. Tubular constructs with precise dimensions and morphology are fabricated. PPG‐based AUP polymers exhibit superior computer‐aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) mimicry compared to PEG‐based derivatives. Construct characterization reveals tunable mechanical properties, with elastic moduli ranging from 45 to 259 kPa, reaching values of the human blood vessels. In particular, UPPG6 shows a two‐fold higher elastic modulus compared to UPPG2. All materials show excellent biocompatibility. Additionally, surface modification with gelatin‐methacryloyl (GELMA) significantly enhances the cytocompatibility of UPPG2 scaffolds. This study demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating tubular constructs with tunable properties using DLP and AUP polymers.
Amine Exchange of Aminoalkylated Phenols as Dynamic Reaction in Benzoxazine/Amine‐Based Vitrimers
Authors: Wolf Adrian , Pursche Lea , Boskamp Laura , Koschek Katharina
Published: October 2024

Bisfunctional benzoxazine and polyether diamine‐based polymers show Arrhenius‐like stress‐relaxation varying with stoichiometry and polymerization temperatures proving vitrimeric behavior. Molecular structural investigations reveal the presence of different aminoalkylated phenols occurring at varying ratios depending on polymer composition and polymerization conditions. The vitrimeric mechanism is found to involve an amine exchange reaction of aminoalkylated phenols in an equilibrium reaction like a nucleophilic substitution reaction. As determined by molecular studies and dissolution experiments in reactive solvents, aliphatic and aromatic primary as well as aliphatic secondary amines in the polybenzoxazine structure can act as nucleophiles in reaction with electrophilic methylene bridges. Thus, aminoalkylated phenols proved to be a relevant structural motif resulting in a vitrimeric polybenzoxazine due to amine exchange reaction.
Helical Polyallenes: From Controlled Synthesis to Distinct Properties
Authors: Zong Yang , Gao Run‐Tan , Liu Na , Luo Jing , Chen Zheng , Wu Zong‐Quan
Published: October 2024

Polyallenes with appropriate pendants can form stable helices and exhibit significant optical activity. These helical polyallenes contain reactive double bonds that allow for further functionalization, making them a class of chiral functional materials with broad application prospects. This review article delves into the intricacies of synthesizing well‐defined helical polyallenes through controlled synthetic methodologies, including helix‐sense selective living polymerization, regioselective and asymmetric living polymerization, and one‐pot block copolymerization of allenes with aryl monomers. The systemically outlined characteristics of the resulting helical polyallenes and related copolymers are summarized include their unique chiroptical properties, stimuli‐responsiveness, helix‐induced chiral self‐assembly, and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Additionally, current challenges and future perspectives in the research of controlled synthesis, functionalities, and applications of helical polyallenes are discussed in detail.
Sex Differences in Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alpha‐Synucleinopathies: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Couture Vincent , Carmel Jean‐François , Rousseau Katerine , Létourneau Geneviève , Clerc Doris , Huot Philippe , Forget Marie‐France , Nguyen Quoc Dinh , Camicioli Richard , Desmarais Philippe
Published: October 2024

Background

Alpha‐synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), demonstrate sex differences with regard to prevalence, age of onset, and motor manifestations. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common early and late manifestations of these disorders.

Objectives

We aimed to describe sex differences in NPS across alpha‐synucleinopathies.

Methods

We searched Web of Science Core collection databases to identify observational studies published between January 1, 2000, and June 1, 2022, reporting the prevalence or severity of NPS among individuals with a diagnosis of PD, PDD, or DLB. Prevalence and severity were pooled for each NPS according to sex using random‐effects models.

Results

Two‐hundred‐and‐forty studies, representing 796,026 participants (45% females), were included in the meta‐analysis. Female sex was associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety (OR = 1.60 [95% CI: 1.40, 1.82]), depression (OR = 1.56 [1.45, 1.67]), fatigue (OR = 1.21 [1.02, 1.43]), and psychotic symptoms (OR = 1.26 [1.14, 1.40]) and more severe anxiety (g = 1.35 [95% CI: 0.58, 2.13]), depression (g = 1.57 [1.05, 2.08]), and fatigue (g = 0.86 [0.41, 1.32]), while male sex was associated with a higher prevalence of apathy (OR = 0.77 [0.63, 0.93]), impulse control disorders (OR = 0.67 [0.55, 0.82]), REM sleep behavior disorder (OR = 0.54 [0.42, 0.70]), hypersomnolence (OR = 0.67 [0.56, 0.80]), and suicide (OR = 0.30 [0.20, 0.44]).

Conclusions

NPS have different prevalences and severities in alpha‐synucleinopathies according to sex. These findings support consideration of sex in the elaboration of clinical tools.
Influence of Emulsion Lipid Droplet Crystallinity on Postprandial Endotoxin Transporters and Atherogenic And Inflammatory Profiles in Healthy Men – A Randomized Double‐Blind Crossover Acute Meal Study
Authors: Dassoff Erik S. , Hamad Samar , Campagna Elaina , Thilakarathna Surangi H. , Michalski Marie‐Caroline , Wright Amanda J.
Published: October 2024

Scope

Consumption of high‐fat meals is associated with increased endotoxemia, inflammation, and atherogenic profiles, with repeated postprandial responses suggested as contributors to chronically elevated risk factors. However, effects of lipid solid versus liquid state specifically have not been investigated.

Methods and results

This exploratory randomized crossover study tests the impact of lipid crystallinity on plasma levels of endotoxin transporters (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] binding protein [LBP] and soluble cluster of differentiation 14 [sCD14]) and select proinflammatory and atherogenic markers (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α], C‐reactive protein [CRP], interleukin‐1‐beta [IL‐1β], interferon‐gamma [IFN‐γ], interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule [sICAM], soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule [sVCAM], monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 [MCP‐1/CCL2], plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 [PAI‐1], and fibrinogen). Fasted healthy men (n = 14, 28 ± 5.5 years, 24.1 ± 2.6 kg m−2) consumed two 50 g palm stearin oil‐in‐water emulsions tempered to contain either liquid or crystalline lipid droplets at 37 °C on separate occasions with blood sampling at 0, 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐h post‐meal. Timepoint data, area under the curve, and peak concentration values are compared. Overall, no treatment effects are seen (p > 0.05). There are significant effects of time, with values decreasing from baseline, for TNF‐α, MCP‐1/CCL2, PAI‐1, and fibrinogen (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Responder analysis pointed to differential treatment effects associated with some participant baseline characteristics but, overall, palm‐stearin emulsion droplet crystallinity does not acutely affect plasma endotoxin transporters nor select inflammatory and atherogenic markers.
Hypoglycemic Effect of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Peel Polyphenols on Type 2 Diabetes Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites
Authors: Liu Qiuming , Ma Qingyu , Li Jiao , Sun Liping , Zhuang Yongliang
Published: October 2024

Scope

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease with a major global public health effect. Rambutan peel polyphenols (RPPs) have been reported to exert hypoglycemic activity. However, few studies have been explored from the viewpoint of gut microbiota and its metabolites.

Methods and results

RPPs are administered by gavage to a mice model of T2DM established by using a high‐fat diet combined with streptozotocin. It finds that RPPs treatment alleviates hyperglycemia symptoms by improving glucolipid metabolism and liver function. Immunohistochemistry indicates that the antihyperglycemic effect of RPPs is regulated by the IRS‐1/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. RPPs treatment remodels the structure of gut microbiota (Odoribacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lactobacillus, Turicibacter, Erysipelatoclostridium, and Tuzzerella) and enriches the metabolites (RPPs‐derived urolithins, short‐chain fatty acids, dehydrocholic acid, (+)‐catechin, dihydroberberine, pterostilbene, and artesunate) associated with diabetes regulation in T2DM mice. The effects of RPPs in ameliorating glycolipid metabolism disorders are correlated with differential gut microbiota and metabolites.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota and its metabolites are key targets for the hypoglycemic effects of RPPs.
David Garbers and the Birth of cAMP Biology in Mammalian Sperm
Authors: Visconti Pablo E. , Levin Lonny R. , Buck Jochen
Published: October 2024

Dr. David Garbers made many impactful contributions to science and vastly improved our understanding of sperm biology. In this review, we focus on his identification of a key role for the second messenger cAMP in mammalian sperm. As a graduate student David discovered that sperm motility, which is essential for sperm to fertilize the egg, is under the control of the (at the time) recently identified, prototypical second messenger cAMP. Fast‐forwarding to the present, agents which turn off sperm's ability to generate cAMP and block sperm motility are being investigated as potential nonhormonal contraceptives for men and women. Should these efforts prove successful, Dave's discoveries will prove to be the spark which ignited a revolution in human health.
Physics‐guided self‐supervised learning: Demonstration for generalized RF pulse design
Authors: Jang Albert , He Xingxin , Liu Fang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To introduce a new method for generalized RF pulse design using physics‐guided self‐supervised learning (GPS), which uses the Bloch equations as the guiding physics model.

Theory and Methods

The GPS framework consists of a neural network module and a physics module, where the physics module is a Bloch simulator for MRI applications. For RF pulse design, the neural network module maps an input target profile to an RF pulse, which is subsequently loaded into the physics module. Through the supervision of the physics module, the neural network module designs an RF pulse corresponding to the target profile. GPS was applied to design 1D selective, ‐insensitive, saturation, and multidimensional RF pulses, each conventionally requiring dedicated design algorithms. We further demonstrate our method's flexibility and versatility by compensating for experimental and scanner imperfections through online adaptation.

Results

Both simulations and experiments show that GPS can design a variety of RF pulses with corresponding profiles that agree well with the target input. Despite these verifications, GPS‐designed pulses have unique differences compared to conventional designs, such as achieving ‐insensitivity using different mechanisms and using non‐sampled regions of the conventional design to lower its peak power. Experiments, both ex vivo and in vivo, further verify that it can also be used for online adaptation to correct system imperfections, such as / inhomogeneity.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the generalizability, versatility, and flexibility of the GPS method for designing RF pulses and showcases its utility in several applications.
Effect of Excess Pore Pressure on Earthquake‐Induced Displacement of Partially Saturated Sandy Soil Slopes: Flexible Sliding Block Analysis
Authors: Zhang Tong , Ji Jian , Du Shigui , Song Jian , Huang Wengui
Published: October 2024

The permanent displacement of earth slopes during earthquake shaking is a key indicator for landslide hazard assessment. Previous studies mostly attempt to evaluate the earthquake‐induced displacement of dry or saturated soil slopes, while it is less common to deal with partially saturated soils. In the present study, a simplified procedure is proposed to account for the seismic‐induced excess pore pressure in slopes with partially saturated sandy soils. The effect of matric suction, suction stress, and excess pore pressure on the yield acceleration of partially saturated sandy slopes is investigated, and the coupled Newmark sliding block method, known as the flexible soil columns with dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio, is modified to estimate the seismic slope displacement. Detailed discussions are made about the effect of different degrees of saturation on the excess pore pressure ratio, yield acceleration, and slope displacement. The numerical results show that the excess pore pressure ratio tends to exponentially increase with saturation, and the change of yield acceleration and displacement with saturation can be divided into suction stress dominant and excess pore water pressure dominant stages.
High‐Fidelity Data Augmentation for Few‐Shot Learning in Jet Grout Injection Applications
Authors: Atangana Njock Pierre Guy , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Zhang Ning
Published: October 2024

Contemporary geoengineering challenges grapple with the plateauing of both existing algorithms and their depth of insights, a phenomenon exacerbated by the scarcity of high‐fidelity data. Although existing solutions such as Monte‐Carlo method can generate abundant data, they are not sufficiently robust for ensuring the high fidelity of data. This study proposes a novel data augmentation framework that combines statistical and machine learning methods to generate high‐fidelity synthetic data, which closely align with field data in terms of the statistical and empirical attributes. The innovations of the proposed approach lie in the integration of Copulas theory for data generation, a developed geo‐regression anomaly detection (GRAD) for adjusting data attributes, and an evolutionary polynomial regression for data consistency enforcement. The multilayer perceptron (MLP) and a wide‐and‐deep (WaD) networks are applied to assess the effectiveness of high‐fidelity data augmentation using jet grouting data. The outcomes reveal the robustness of the synthetic data generation framework, achieving satisfactory fidelity in both empirical and statistical attributes. The proposed data augmentation improved the R2 and MAE achieved by MLP and WaD up to 28.37% under data fractions ranging from 0.2 to 1. MLP and WaD yielded comparable results in terms of accuracy and generalization ability across various augmented fractions. This indicates that the accuracy of synthetic data plays a pivotal role, suggesting improving data quality can be highly effective in boosting performance, regardless of the model complexity. This study contributes valuable insights to addressing the challenges of scare high‐fidelity data in geoengineering.
On the Nearest Kronecker Product Problem Under Orthonormal Constraints
Authors: Lin Matthew M. , Lu Bing‐Ze
Published: October 2024

The Kronecker product enlightens a sophisticated and esthetically pleasing algebraic structure that is a fundamental framework for diverse applications, such as signal processing, image analysis, and quantum computing. This study, proposing an iterative methodology grounded in Wirtinger calculus and polar decomposition, delves into the nearest Kronecker product problem under orthonormal constraints. The iterative approach ensures global convergence toward a local solution from any initial value. Numerical experiments are given to show the efficiency and effectiveness of our approach. Mainly, when the target matrix in the objective function is decomposable, the recovery of the original structure is achievable.
A mixed hexahedral solid‐shell finite element with self‐equilibrated isostatic assumed stresses for geometrically nonlinear problems
Authors: Liguori Francesco S. , Zucco Giovanni , Madeo Antonio
Published: October 2024

Mixed Finite Elements (FEs) with assumed stresses and displacements provide many advantages in analysing shell structures. They ensure good results for coarse meshes and provide an accurate representation of the stress field. The shell FEs within the family designated by the acronym Mixed Isostatic Self‐equilibrated Stresses (MISS) have demonstrated high performance in linear and nonlinear problems thanks to a self‐equilibrated stress assumption. This article extends the MISS family by introducing an eight nodes solid‐shell FE for the analysis of geometrically nonlinear structures. The element, named MISS‐4S, features 24 displacement variables and an isostatic stress representation ruled by 18 parameters. The displacement field is described only by translations, eliminating the need for complex finite rotation treatments in large displacements problems. A total Lagrangian formulation is adopted with the Green–Lagrange strain tensor and the second Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor. The numerical results concerning popular shell obstacle courses prove the accuracy and robustness of the proposed formulation when using regular or distorted meshes and demonstrate the absence of any locking phenomena. Finally, convergences for pointwise and energy quantities show the superior performance of MISS‐4S compared to other elements in the literature, highlighting that an isostatic and self‐equilibrated stress representation, already used in shell models, also gives advantages for solid‐shell FEs.
On the Use of Fidelity Transformation Method for Stress‐Constrained Reliability‐Based Topology Optimization of Continuum Structure With High Accuracy
Authors: Meng Zeng , Qian Qiaochu , Hao Peng
Published: October 2024

Stress‐constrained reliability‐based topology optimization (RBTO) method has incurred considerable attention owing to its superiority of enhancing the structural safety. However, the traditional reliability methods encounter inaccurate issue for evaluating the failure probability of stress‐constrained structure. In this work, the failure mechanism of the stress‐constrained RBTO problem is analyzed for continuum structure, which reveals that the correlation between different stress constraints and utilization of aggregation function significantly impacts the accuracy. Then, a novel stress‐constrained system RBTO framework is suggested to enhance computational efficiency and accuracy for system reliability analysis. Furthermore, an accurate and efficient semi‐analytical method is suggested to approximate the performance functions through first‐order Taylor series expansion, in which the intricate implicit expressions are substituted by the straightforward analytic expressions. In addition, the fidelity transformation method is employed for converting the semi‐analytical RBTO method to classical RBTO method. To demonstrate the practicability of the proposed framework, three benchmark cases, including 2D and 3D problems, are tested. The results reveal that the proposed framework achieves high accuracy and efficiency.
Associations of takeaway outlets with takeaway food consumption and adiposity: longitudinal analysis of the Fenland cohort
Authors: Hoenink Jody C. , Burgoine Thomas , Forouhi Nita G. , Monsivais Pablo , Sharp Stephen J. , Panter Jenna , Adams Jean
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study builds on prior findings that link increased availability of takeaway food outlets in home, workplace, and commuting environments to greater takeaway consumption and adiposity. Using longitudinal data, we examine associations of takeaway availability at baseline with changes in consumption and adiposity between baseline and follow‐up.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Fenland Study, with baseline data from 2005 to 2015 and follow‐up from 2015 to 2020. Takeaway outlet availability within 1 mile of participants' home and workplace addresses, based on 2011 local authority data, was assessed. Outcomes included takeaway food consumption (from a food frequency questionnaire) and body fat percentage (measured via dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry) at follow‐up.

Results

Among 7581 participants (mean [SD] age, 49.3 [7.4] years) with a mean follow‐up of 6.7 years, no positive association was found between takeaway outlet availability at baseline and changes in consumption or body fat percentage. However, among the 12 associations tested, the highest combined home–workplace availability of takeaway outlets, compared with none, was associated with a 0.68 decrease in body fat percentage (95% CI: 0.24–1.12).

Conclusions

Although takeaway outlet availability was linked to greater consumption and adiposity at baseline, it did not predict changes over time, underscoring the complexity of dietary behaviors and their relationship with the neighborhood food environment.
Microscale modelling of non‐woven material compression
Authors: Wan Chengrui , Heider Yousef , Markert Bernd
Published: October 2024

This research presents a discrete numerical model designed to simulate the uniaxial compression of non‐woven materials composed of entangled, non‐cross‐linked fibre systems. These materials undergo varying compression states, particularly during processes such as needle‐punching in their production. Understanding the microstructure at different compression states is critical to accurately simulate the macroscopic behaviour of non‐woven materials in such scenarios. The implementation of our numerical model, which uses force‐based dynamics for discrete particles, incorporates recovery forces originating from fibre elasticity and repulsive forces at fibre contacts. The frictional behaviour of the fibres is also described in the numerical model. The algorithm has been optimised for improved computational efficiency when simulating large numbers of fibres. Given the initial configuration of the fibre system, the model is capable of simulating the compressed fibre system at any compression state. It also provides a load‐compression relationship, thus serving as a homogenisation method for understanding the mechanical behaviour of such microstructural materials.
Multi‐scale experimental investigation of porosity‐induced damage effects in filament‐wound carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites used in hydrogen storage tanks
Authors: Feki Imen , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Nouira Samia , Heripre Eva , Tie Bi Robert , Maeso Jean‐Baptiste , Thomas Cedric , Fitoussi Joseph
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen‐fueled vehicles, recognized for their environmental benefits as they emit only water vapor, represent a sustainable alternative to traditional cars. This paper investigates the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites used to manufacture lightweight hydrogen storage pressure vessels through the filament winding process. This fabrication technique, while common, often results in variable fiber orientations and porosity content that affect the mechanical properties of the composite structures. Our study uses tubes made from carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin with different angular fiber orientations (±15° and ±30°) and multilayer structures to analyze how these variations impact the mechanical properties and damage behavior of the composites. A series of tests, including physical–chemical characterizations, porosity measurements, and multiscale mechanical assessments such as tensile and loading‐unloading analysis have been conducted. The results demonstrate that porosity, measured in the range of 5%–7%, significantly impacts mechanical performance. Moreover, a 40% decrease in Young's modulus was observed between the ±15° and ±30° fiber orientations, and a 65% reduction was noted for the multilayer structure. Microscopically, the presence of porosity initiates cracks and leads to fiber/matrix decohesion and fiber breakage. Mesoscopically, these defects can merge to form transverse cracks and micro‐delaminations between layers, highlighting the complex behaviors of these composites under loading. This information is critical for improving the design and durability of hydrogen storage systems.

Highlights

Porosity, measured in the range of 5%–7%, significantly affects mechanical performance, reducing Young's modulus by up to 40% between ±15° and ±30° fiber orientations and by 65% in multilayer structures.

Fiber/matrix decohesion and crack initiation due to porosity lead to the formation of transverse cracks and micro‐delaminations between layers, affecting the durability of the composite.

Optimizing fiber orientation and reducing porosity are critical to improving the mechanical performance and long‐term durability of hydrogen storage vessels.
Highly sensitive and low detection limit bionic flexible sensor inspired by the eggshell
Authors: Lu Penglin , Xu Tianyi , Yuan Yingxin , Wang Xincheng , Lian Weiping , Li Chongbing , Yang Pengyu , Guan Shanshan
Published: October 2024

The high‐performance flexible pressure sensors demonstrate significant potential in wearable electronics, robotics, human‐machine interfaces, and healthcare. However, the preparation of bionic flexible sensors with high sensitivity and low detection limit is still a big challenge. This study proposes a bionic flexible sensor based on the hierarchical microstructure of eggshells, which improves sensing performance and reduces detection limits by constructing a bionic body with good microstructure. The developed sensor incorporates hierarchical microstructures and interlocked architectures, which complement each other to improve the sensor's sensing performance. The enhancement effect of microstructure on sensor sensitivity was studied by comparative experiments. Experimental results show that the eggshell‐inspired bionic flexible sensor in this study has a high sensitivity of 15.01 kPa−1 and a low detection limit (~4 Pa). In addition, the bionic sensor has a rapid response time (~180 ms) and excellent durability (~1000 cycles), making it a reliable platform for human body detection, dynamic load, and sound monitoring. This study provides great potential for innovative applications of bionic flexible sensors in electronic skin and sound monitoring.

Highlights

Hierarchical and interlocked microstructure enables the low detection limit.

A wide range of applications in weak physiological signals.

Effectively detect and distinguish different sounds.

A sustainable strategy to convert wasted resources into functional materials.
Parental Management Choices and Discordant Ultrasound Findings in Referrals for Fetal Spina Bifida
Authors: Van den Eede Emma , Vergote Simen , Van der Veeken Lennart , Russo Francesca , Van der Merwe Johannes , Mastrodima‐Polychroniou Sofia , De Catte Luc , Deprest Jan
Published: October 2024

Objective

The severity of spina bifida aperta can be assessed prenatally by ultrasound. Morphological findings assist parents in choosing between management options. We aimed to document those management choices since the introduction of fetal surgery, and compare initial ultrasound findings prior to referral to findings in a fetal surgery center.

Method

Single center cohort study of 245 consecutive fetuses with a second‐trimester diagnosis of SBA. Data included nature of referral (for assessment or for surgery), condition‐specific findings on ultrasound, and further management. We compared the reported findings on the initial ultrasound to ours for the presence of hindbrain herniation, lesion level, ventricular width, kyphosis, leg movement, and club feet.

Results

Seventy‐two percent (n = 177) of fetuses met the eligibility criteria for surgery; in 60% (n = 106) parents opted for fetal surgery. Of 136 patients specifically referred for surgery, 27 were ineligible (20%). Of the others, 93 proceeded with surgery. In up to 28% (n = 30) of surgery referrals, eligibility criteria such as lesion level (n = 30, 28%) or leg movement (72%, n = 78) as severity indicators were not reported.

Conclusion

Fetal surgery uptake was high in patients referred for surgery. Second assessment in a fetal surgery center often reveals additional relevant information.
The FDA Sentinel Real World Evidence Data Enterprise (RWE‐DE)
Authors: Desai Rishi J. , Marsolo Keith , Smith Joshua , Carrell David , Penfold Robert , Pillai Haritha S. , Lii Joyce , Ngan Kerry , Winter Robert , Adgent Margaret , Ramaprasan Arvind , Driscoll Meighan Rogers , Scarnecchia Daniel , Kiernan Daniel , Draper Christine , Lyons Jennifer G. , Khurshid Anjum , Maro Judith C. , Zimmerman Ruth , Brown Jeffrey , Bright Patricia , Hernández‐Muñoz José J. , Matheny Michael E. , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The US Food and Drug Administration's Sentinel Innovation Center aimed to establish a query‐ready, quality‐checked distributed data network containing electronic health records (EHRs) linked with insurance claims data for at least 10 million individuals to expand the utility of real‐world data for regulatory decision‐making.

Methods

In this report, we describe the resulting network, the Real‐World Evidence Data Enterprise (RWE‐DE), including data from two commercial EHR‐claims linked assets collectively termed the Commercial Network covering 21 million lives, and four academic partner institutions collectively termed the Development Network covering 4.5 million lives.

Results

We discuss provenance and completeness of the data converted in the Sentinel Common Data Model (SCDM), describe patient populations, and report on EHR‐claims linkage characterization for all contributing data sources. Further, we introduce a standardized process to store free‐text notes in the Development Network for efficient retrieval as needed.

Conclusions

Finally, we outline typical use cases for the RWE‐DE where it can broaden the reach of the types of questions that can be addressed by the Sentinel system.
The Use of Japanese Traditional (Kampo) Medicines Before and During Pregnancy in Japan: The Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three‐Generation Cohort Study
Authors: Noda Aoi , Arita Ryutaro , Obara Taku , Suzuki Satoko , Ohsawa Minoru , Obara Ryo , Morishita Kei , Ueno Fumihiko , Matsuzaki Fumiko , Shinoda Genki , Murakami Keiko , Orui Masatsugu , Ishikuro Mami , Kikuchi Akiko , Takayama Shin , Ishii Tadashi , Kuriyama Shinichi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicines are often used for pregnant women in Japan. However, no comprehensive studies have been conducted regarding the self‐reported use of these medicines during pregnancy. This study investigated the use of Kampo medicines during pregnancy in Japan using the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three‐Generation Cohort Study (TMM BirThree Cohort Study).

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to pregnant women participating in the TMM BirThree Cohort Study (July 2013 to March 2017) at approximately 12 weeks (early pregnancy) and 26 weeks (middle pregnancy). We analysed Kampo medicines use over three periods: (1) 12 months before pregnancy diagnosis, (2) the period between pregnancy diagnosis and around Week 12 of pregnancy and (3) from around Week 12 of pregnancy.

Results

In total, 19 220 women were included in the analysis. The proportions using prescribed Kampo medicines were 4.1% before pregnancy diagnosis, 4.5% from diagnosis to Week 12% and 4.5% after Week 12 of pregnancy. The most frequently prescribed Kampo medicines were tokishakuyakusan (1.0%) before pregnancy diagnosis, shoseiryuto (1.3%) from diagnosis to Week 12 and shoseiryuto (1.5%) Post‐week 12. Sixty of the pregnant women used Kampo medicines containing crude drugs, which should be administered cautiously during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The proportion of Kampo medicines use before and during pregnancy was 4%–5%. Some pregnant women used Kampo medicines containing crude drugs that should be administered cautiously during pregnancy. Further research is required to determine the safety of Kampo medicines during pregnancy.
Systematic expression analysis of cysteine‐rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis‐related 1 protein (CAP) superfamily in Arabidopsis
Authors: Matsuzawa Megumi , Nakayama Takumi , Sato Masa H. , Hirano Tomoko
Published: October 2024

The Cysteine‐rich secretory proteins (CRISPS), Antigen 5 (Ag5), and Pathogenesis‐related 1 (PR‐1) protein (CAP) superfamily members are found in multiple eukaryotic organisms, including yeasts, animals, and plants. Although one of the plant CAP family genes, PR‐1 is known to respond to pathogen infection in plants, the functions of other CAP family genes in Arabidopsis remain largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the similarities, loci, and expression patterns of 22 Arabidopsis CAP genes/proteins, providing a clue to elucidate their molecular functions. According to the promoter‐β‐glucuronidase (GUS) analysis, members of the Arabidopsis CAP family were expressed in various young tissues or organs, such as root and shoot meristems, reproductive tissues, and particularly at the lateral root initiation site before the formation of the lateral root primordium, with distinct expression specificity. In particular, CAP51, CAP52, and CAP53 were specifically expressed in the cortical cells at the lateral root developing regions, suggesting that these genes may function in lateral root development. Thus, the expression patterns of Arabidopsis CAP family genes suggest that CAP family proteins may have certain function in the expressed organs or tissues in Arabidopsis plant.
Dissecting the genetic architecture of sunflower disc diameter using genome‐wide association study
Authors: Delen Yavuz , Mural Ravi V. , Palali‐Delen Semra , Xu Gen , Schnable James C. , Dweikat Ismail , Yang Jinliang
Published: October 2024

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plays an essential role in meeting the demand for edible oil worldwide. The yield of sunflower seeds encompasses several component traits, including the disc diameter. Over three consecutive years, 2019, 2020, and 2022, we assessed phenotypic variation in disc diameter across a diverse set of sunflower accessions (N = 342) in replicated field trials. Upon aggregating the phenotypic data from multiple years, we estimated the broad sense heritability (H2) of the disc diameter trait to be 0.88. A subset of N = 274 accessions was genotyped by using the tunable genotyping‐by‐sequencing (tGBS) method, resulting in 226,779 high‐quality SNPs. Using these SNPs and the disc diameter phenotype, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) employing two statistical approaches: the mixed linear model (MLM) and the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (farmCPU). The MLM and farmCPU GWAS approaches identified 106 and 8 significant SNPs located close to 53 and 21 genes, respectively. The MLM analysis identified two significant peaks: a prominent signal on chromosome 10 and a relatively weaker signal on chromosome 16, both of which were also detected by farmCPU. The genetic loci associated with disc diameter, as well as the related candidate genes, present promising avenues for further functional validation and serve as a basis for sunflower oil yield improvement.
Detection of damage caused by Nezara viridula on soybean using novel imaging approaches based on computed tomography and image color analysis
Authors: Gibicsár Szilvia , Donkó Tamás , Fajtai Dániel , Keszthelyi Sándor
Published: October 2024

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important leguminous plant, in which pests trigger significant damage every year. Important members of this community are insects with piercing‐sucking mouthpart, especially the southern green stinkbug, Nezara viridula L.. This insect with its extraoral digestion causes visible alterations (morphological and color changes) in the seeds. We aimed to obtain precise information about the extent and nature of damage in soybeans caused by N. viridula using nondestructive imaging methods. Two infestation conditions were applied: one with controlled numbers of pests (six insects/15 pods) and another with naturally occurring pests (samples collected from the apical part of the plant and samples from whole plants). An intact control group was also included, resulting in four treatment groups. Seed samples were analyzed by computed tomography (CT) and image color analysis under laboratory conditions. According to our CT findings, the damage caused by N. viridula changed the radiodensity, volume, and shape (Solidity) of the soybean seeds during the pod‐filling and maturing period. Radiodensity was significantly reduced in all three damaged categories compared to the intact sample; the mean radiodensity reduction range was 49–412 HU. The seed volume also decreased significantly (25%–80% decrease), with a threefold reduction for samples exposed to regulated damage compared to natural ones. The samples exposed to natural damage showed significant but minor reduction in solidity, while samples exposed to regulated damage showed a prominent decrease (~12%). Image color analysis showed that the damaged samples were well distinguishable, and the differences were statistically verifiable. The achieved data derived from our external and internal imaging approaches contribute to a better understanding of the internal chemical processes, and CT analysis helps to understand the alteration trends of the hidden structure of seeds caused by a pest. Our results can contribute to the development of a practically applicable system based on image analysis, which can identify lots damaged by insects.
Optimizing the aggregate structure and charge carrier transport performance of D‐A conjugated polymer films using nonpolar solvents
Authors: Bai Yun , Liu Changhui , Xu Chunwei , Yang Yunyun , Shen Zhibang , Chen Yu , Zhou Hao
Published: October 2024

Solution‐processed conjugated polymers have been widely used in the fields of electronic skin, wearable devices, and organic optoelectronic devices, due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, flexibility, and low cost. The aggregate structure of conjugated polymers determines the efficiency of charge carrier transport, thereby affecting the optoelectronic performance of the devices. In this work, we regulated the crystalline behavior and aggregated state structure of D‐A conjugated polymers by controlling the interaction between solvents and conjugated polymers. By using the Hansen solubility parameter radius (Ra) to screen different polar and nonpolar solvents, we found that in nonpolar solvents with a larger Ra, the polymer exhibited strong intermolecular aggregation, while in solvents with a smaller Ra, the polymer showed almost no ordered aggregation. During the subsequent film formation process, we extended the crystallization time of the conjugated polymer by controlling the solvent atmosphere. Films prepared in nonpolar solvents with a larger Ra showed the formation of large‐sized fibers, exhibiting a mixed orientation of face‐on and edge‐on. On the other hand, films prepared in solvents with a smaller Ra formed smaller fibers, mainly with an edge‐on orientation. In‐situ film absorption spectroscopy indicated that the aggregation state of the polymer in nonpolar solvents with a larger Ra could be maintained through a memory effect during the film formation process, while the aggregation behavior of the polymer in solvents with a smaller Ra underwent significant changes. Ultimately, the films prepared in solvents with a larger Ra exhibited higher charge carrier mobility.
Pneumothorax as the first presentation of multiple exostosis
Authors: Khoury Lana , Jabarin Maysaa , Hamad Saied Mohamad
Published: October 2024

This article underscores the critical importance of thorough physical examinations and the need to investigate secondary causes in cases of refractory pneumothorax. The identification of hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) as the underlying condition highlights the necessity of considering rare etiologies, particularly in atypical presentations. While exostoses typically affect long bones, they can also involve the ribs and scapulae, leading to complications such as pneumothorax. In pediatric patients, where multiple symptoms may arise from a single condition, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
PPARγ/ETV2 axis regulates endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Lee Dong Hun , Kim Minseong , Chang Sarah S. , Lee Raham , Jang Andrew J. , Kim Juyoung , Ma Jing , Passineau Michael J. , Benza Raymond L. , Karmouty‐Quintana Harry , Lam Wilbur A. , Kopp Benjamin T. , Sutliff Roy L. , Hart C. Michael , Park Changwon , Kang Bum‐Yong
Published: October 2024

Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) plays an important role in pulmonary hypertension (PH) but the molecular mechanisms regulating EndoMT remain to be defined. We demonstrate that the axis of the transcription factors PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor gamma) and ETV2 (ETS variant 2) play important roles in the pathogenesis of PH. Decreased levels of the expression of PPARγ and ETV2 along with reduced endothelial and increased EndoMT markers are consistently observed in lungs and pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, in hypoxia‐exposed mouse lungs, human PAECs, and in induced‐EndoMT cells. Etv2+/− mice spontaneously developed PH and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), associated with increased EndoMT markers and decreased EC markers. Interestingly, chronic hypoxia exacerbated right ventricular systolic pressure and RVH in Etv2+/− mice. PPARγ transcriptionally activates the ETV2 promoter. Consistently, while mice overexpressing endothelial PPARγ increases the expression of ETV2 and endothelial markers with reduced EndoMT markers, endothelial PPARγ KO mice show decreased ETV2 expression and enhanced EndoMT markers. Inducible overexpression of ETV2 under induced‐EndoMT cell model reduces number of cells with mesenchymal morphology and decreases expression of mesenchymal markers with increased EC makers, compared to control. Therefore, our study suggests that PPARγ‐ETV2 signaling regulates PH pathogenesis through EndoMT.