bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced thermal performance and entropy generation analysis in a novel cavity design with circular cylinder
Authors: Saha Bijan Krishna , Jihan Jahidul Islam , Ahammad Md. Zobaer , Saha Goutam , Saha Suvash C.
Published: January 2024

Analyzing fluid dynamics and heat transfer holds significant importance in the design and enhancement of engineering systems. The current investigation utilizes the finite element method to explore natural convection and heat transfer intricacies within a novel cavity containing an inner circular cylinder under steady and laminar flow conditions. The principal aim of this study is to assess the impact of Rayleigh number (Ra), Bejan number (Be), and the presence of adiabatic, hot, and cold cylinders on heat transfer, entropy generation, and fluid flow. The range of Ra considered in this investigation spans from 103 to 106, while the Prandtl number for the air is fixed at 0.71. The findings illustrate that the presence of a cylinder leads to higher Be as Ra increase, compared to scenarios where no cylinder is present. This observation suggests that buoyancy forces dominate in the absence of a cylinder, resulting in significantly enhanced convective heat transfer efficiency. However, the presence of a heated cylinder within the tooth‐shaped cavity exerts a substantial influence on the overall thermal performance of the system. Notably, the average Nusselt Number (Nu) experiences a remarkable increase of 41.97% under the influence of a heated cylinder, when compared to situations where a cold cylinder is present. This elevated average Nu signifies improved heat transfer characteristics, ultimately resulting in an overall improvement in the thermal system's efficiency.
In silico, in vitro, and in vivo validation of a microwave imaging system using a low‐profile Ultra Wide Band Archimedean spiral antenna to detect skin cancer
Authors: Kaur Komalpreet , Kaur Amanpreet
Published: January 2024

Microwave imaging (MI) is a noninvasive and nonionizing procedure for detection of cancerous cells in healthy body tissues using radiofrequency (RF) and microwaves. The procedure involves the use of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) antennas for sensing purposes. Therefore, this research article presents the design, development, and testing of a low‐profile UWB Archimedean spiral microstrip‐patch antenna (ASMA) for detection of skin cancer using monostatic radar‐based microwave imaging. The proposed ASMA consists of a spiral resonator with a defective ground structure and a slotted microstrip feed line with dimensions of 38 × 38 × 0.87 mm3. The proposed antenna shows an impedance bandwidth for the frequency range of 2.2–13.9 GHz, with a peak gain of 6.8 dB at 7.8 GHz. In silico analysis of the proposed ASMA for MI is carried out with Gaustav model using Computer Simulation Technology Microwave Studio. To validate the performance of the ASMA as a sensor for MI, a prototype of the same is fabricated and a four‐layered bio‐phantom of the human forearm is prepared for in vitro and in vivo testing of the proposed procedure. The validation of ASMA radiation properties is done using a Vector Network Analyser (E‐5063A) (VNA) and an anechoic chamber with the fabricated antenna at 10 mm away from the prepared bio‐phantom. The recorded S parameter data with bio‐phantom and the VNA is processed using different beamforming algorithms like Delay and Sum and Coherent Factor‐Delay Multiply and Sum (CF‐DMAS) to reconstruct the image of the scanned area. The reconstructed images are 97%–98% accurate. The proposed ASMA sensor is also safe for human exposure as it has a specific absorption rate of 0.0546 W/Kg at 5 GHz that complies with the safety guidelines of the Federal Communications Commission to minimize potential health risks associated with exposure to RF and microwave radiation.
Genetic variations in IKZF3, LET7‐a2, and CDKN2B‐AS1: Exploring associations with metabolic syndrome susceptibility and clinical manifestations
Authors: Paniri Alireza , Hosseini Mohammad Mahdi , Fattahi Sadegh , Amiribozorgi Galia , Asouri Mohsen , Maadi Mansooreh , Motamed Nima , Zamani Farhad , Akhavan‐Niaki Haleh
Published: January 2024

Background and aim

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of atherosclerosis and diabetes, but there are no approved predictive markers. This study assessed the role of specific genetic variations in MetS susceptibility and their impact on clinical manifestations.

Method

In this study, a genotype–phenotype assessment was performed for IKZF3 (rs907091), microRNA‐let‐7a‐2 (rs1143770), and lncRNA‐CDKN2B‐AS1 (rs1333045).

Results

Analyses indicate that while rs907091 and rs1143770 may have potential associations with MetS susceptibility and an increased risk of atherosclerosis and diabetes, there is an observed trend suggesting that the rs1333045 CC genotype may be associated with a decreased risk of MetS. The genotypes and allele frequencies of rs1333045 were significantly different between studied groups (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.81, p = 0.002, and OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.92, p = 0.008), with the CC genotype displaying increased levels of HDL. Furthermore, the rs907091 TT genotype was associated with increased triglyceride, cholesterol, and HOMA index in MetS patients. Subjects with the CC genotype for rs1143770 had higher HbA1c and BMI. In silico analyses illustrated that rs907091 C remarkably influences the secondary structure and the target site of a broad spectrum of microRNAs, especially hsa‐miR‐4497. Moreover, rs1333045 creates a binding site for seven different microRNAs.

Conclusion

Further studies on other populations may help confirm these SNPs as useful predictive markers in assessing the MetS risk.
CGRP is essential for protection against alveolar epithelial cell necroptosis by activating the AMPK/L‐OPA1 signaling pathway during acute lung injury
Authors: Jiang Hui‐Ling , Yang Hui‐Hui , Liu Yu‐Biao , Duan Jia‐Xi , Guan Xin‐Xin , Zhang Chen‐Yu , Zhong Wen‐Jing , Jin Ling , Li Dai , Li Qing , Zhou Yong , Guan Cha‐Xiang
Published: January 2024

Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) necroptosis is critical to disrupt the alveolar barrier and provoke acute lung injury (ALI). Here, we define calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), the most abundant endogenous neuropeptide in the lung, as a novel modulator of AEC necroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI. Upon LPS‐induced ALI, overexpression of Cgrp significantly mitigates the inflammatory response, alleviates lung tissue damage, and decreases AEC necroptosis. Similarly, CGRP alleviated AEC necroptosis under the LPS challenge in vitro. Previously, we identified that long optic atrophy 1 (L‐OPA1) deficiency mediates mitochondrial fragmentation, leading to AEC necroptosis. In this study, we discovered that CGRP positively regulated mitochondrial fusion through stabilizing L‐OPA1. Mechanistically, we elucidate that CGRP activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Furthermore, the blockade of AMPK compromised the protective effect of CGRP against AEC necroptosis following the LPS challenge. Our study suggests that CRGP‐mediated activation of the AMPK/L‐OPA1 axis may have potent therapeutic benefits for patients with ALI or other diseases with necroptosis.
Extracellular vesicle‐mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin‐kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) in primary mouse hepatocytes
Authors: Ilahibaks Nazma F. , Kluiver Thomas A. , de Jong Olivier G. , de Jager Saskia C. A. , Schiffelers Raymond M. , Vader Pieter , Peng Weng Chuan , Lei Zhiyong , Sluijter Joost P. G.
Published: January 2024

The loss‐of‐function of the proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) gene has been associated with significant reductions in plasma serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels. Both CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR‐based editor‐mediated Pcsk9 inactivation have successfully lowered plasma LDL‐C and PCSK9 levels in preclinical models. Despite the promising preclinical results, these studies did not report how vehicle‐mediated CRISPR delivery inactivating Pcsk9 affected low‐density lipoprotein receptor recycling in vitro or ex vivo. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promise as a biocompatible delivery vehicle, and CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) has been demonstrated to mediate safe genome editing. Therefore, we investigated EV‐mediated RNP targeting of the Pcsk9 gene ex vivo in primary mouse hepatocytes. We engineered EVs with the rapamycin‐interacting heterodimer FK506‐binding protein (FKBP12) to contain its binding partner, the T82L mutant FKBP12‐rapamycin binding (FRB) domain, fused to the Cas9 protein. By integrating the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein on the EV membrane, the engineered Cas9 EVs were used for intracellular CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivery, achieving genome editing with an efficacy of ±28.1% in Cas9 stoplight reporter cells. Administration of Cas9 EVs in mouse hepatocytes successfully inactivated the Pcsk9 gene, leading to a reduction in Pcsk9 mRNA and increased uptake of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor and LDL‐C. These readouts can be used in future experiments to assess the efficacy of vehicle‐mediated delivery of genome editing technologies targeting Pcsk9. The ex vivo data could be a step towards reducing animal testing and serve as a precursor to future in vivo studies for EV‐mediated CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivery targeting Pcsk9.
Role of single and compound Pacific natural variability in extratropical cyclone activity over North America
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Mullens Esther
Published: January 2024

The role of large‐scale natural variability in influencing the distribution of midlatitude storm tracks and extratropical cyclones is well known. However, less understood is how compound natural variability—the concurrence of two modes of variability—influences the geospatial characteristics of extratropical cyclones. Here, we evaluate compound modes of Pacific‐North American variability—ENSO and PNA with the slow varying PDO—on extratropical cyclones over the North American region during 1950–2013, using an automated tracking algorithm applied to the Twentieth Century Reanalysis version 3 data. Seasonal analysis is conducted on spatial statistics including track, genesis and lysis density and some mean fields in varying compound phases. Spatial correlations of track density with seasonal mean of individual variability indices show that the PNA, ENSO and PDO enhance cyclone activity over Pacific storm track significantly while shifting the North American and Atlantic storm tracks in seasons, that is, equatorward in the positive phase. But the decadal variability of PDO moves the Atlantic storm track poleward, particularly in boreal winter. By comparing to the single Pacific variability impacts, compound Pacific variability results demonstrate the dominance of the higher‐frequency modes of ENSO and PNA on extratropical cyclone activity, while the slow varying PDO can modulate the ENSO‐ and PNA‐related cyclone variability. For example, during a negative PNA, cyclones over the North Atlantic become more (less) frequent during a positive (negative) PDO. The in‐phase modes of the PDO and ENSO influence Pacific storm track significantly, increasing (decreasing) cyclone frequency when both are positive (negative) in boreal winter. Results are linked to and used to explain the previous findings on how natural variability influences the occurrence of tornado outbreaks and high precipitation over the southeastern United States, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and other US regions. Understanding compound variability modulations may be useful to predict extratropical cyclone frequency, development and decay regions seasonally and to study the physical mechanisms of extreme weather events.
Inflammation and response to nutrition interventions
Authors: Wunderle Carla , Stumpf Franziska , Schuetz Philipp
Published: January 2024

The complex interplay between nutrition and inflammation has become a major focus of research in recent years across different clinical settings and patient populations. Inflammation has been identified as a key driver for disease‐related malnutrition promoting anorexia, reduced food intake, muscle loss, and on a cellular level, insulin resistance, which together stimulate catabolism. However, these effects may well be bidirectional, and there is strong evidence showing that nutrition influences inflammation. Several single nutrients and dietary patterns with either proinflammatory or anti‐inflammatory properties have been studied, such as the long‐chain ω‐3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid. The Mediterranean diet combines several such nutrients and has been shown to improve medical outcomes in the outpatient setting. In addition, there is increasing evidence suggesting that inflammation affects the metabolism and modulates the response to nutrition support interventions. In fact, recent studies from the medical inpatient setting suggest that inflammation, mirrored by high levels of C‐reactive protein, diminishes the positive effects of nutrition support. This may explain the lack of positive effects of some nutrition trials in severely ill patients, whereas similar approaches to nutritional support have shown positive results in less severely ill patients. The use of biomarkers, such as C‐reactive protein, may help to identify patients with a lower response to nutrition, in whom other treatment options need to be used. There is need for additional research to understand how to best address the malnourished patient with inflammation by specifically lowering inflammation through anti‐inflammatory medical treatments and/or nutrition interventions.
Where did the water come from? Wetlands and shallow lakes in semi‐arid dunefields from South America during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition
Authors: Tripaldi Alfonsina , Ozán Ivana L. , Heider Guillermo , Orgeira María J. , Forman Steven L.
Published: January 2024

Stabilized and active dunes and sand sheet deposits abound in a small lake‐dotted semi‐arid region of the Western Pampean Dunefield, Argentina. Here, a multi‐scale and multi‐proxy study of three sites, across a hydrologic gradient from lakes to a dryland with groundwater levels at more than 25 m depth, analyzes calcareous and ferruginous rhizoliths, calcareous crusts, hypocoatings, pedogenic carbonate and amorphous Mn‐oxide precipitates within blowout dunes. These palustrine‐related features indicate significantly wetter conditions that allowed the development of shallow lakes and expanding wetlands during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition, limited by associated optically stimulated luminescence ages between ca. 14.7 and 11.6 ka. These wetter conditions, also identified in other nearby proxy records, may be associated with a strengthened South American Monsoon System, potentially during the Younger Dryas Chronozone, though other geological, ecological and climatic forcings cannot be ruled out with available data. Such a scenario lacks a modern analogue, since current hydrologic excess, evidenced in the formation of lakes and new rivers, is not observed in the localities which record paleolakes. This study underlines the variable conditions for pronounced hydrologic excess in semi‐arid eolian environments in western Argentina with complex ecological, anthropogenic and climatic linkages.
Distribution, abundance, and density of harbor porpoises in Hood Canal, Washington
Authors: Rone Brenda K. , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Falcone Erin A. , Keene Erin L. , Schorr Gregory S.
Published: January 2024

Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are the only cetaceans routinely sighted in Hood Canal, a narrow fjord that comprises the western edge of Puget Sound, Washington, USA. Harbor porpoises are sensitive to anthropogenic sounds, including noise from recreational and commercial vessel traffic, and the United States Navy, which conducts military training and testing within Hood Canal that can include underwater sound sources. This study was funded as part of the Navy monitoring program to assess potential impacts of naval activities on cetaceans. We conducted vessel‐based line‐transect surveys for harbor porpoises in Hood Canal in 2022–2023 to derive seasonal estimates of abundance and density. We carried out surveys over 37 days and surveyed the entire canal twice per season totaling 2,176 km of on‐effort track line. We recorded 809 on‐effort harbor porpoise groups and 1,385 individuals. Seasonal abundance estimates were lowest in winter (308 animals, 95% CI = 189–503) and gradually increased through spring and summer to a peak of 1,336 animals (95% CI = 826–2,160) in fall. Overall porpoise density was highest in central Hood Canal, an area that includes a designated United States Navy training range, though porpoise sightings were notably absent in a 21‐km2 area adjacent to the naval submarine base within this otherwise high‐density region. Though we collected only a single year of data, these results suggest that harbor porpoise abundance in Hood Canal increased significantly since it was last estimated (2013–2015). The notable seasonal fluctuation of harbor porpoise abundance suggests Hood Canal may host a larger percentage of the overall Washington Inland Waters stock during the fall season, raising important management considerations.
Improvement of vertigo symptoms and acoustic power absorbance in cases with endolymphatic hydrops
Authors: Kobayashi Masumi , Yoshida Tadao , Fukunaga Yukari , Hara Daisuke , Sugimoto Satofumi , Naganawa Shinji , Sone Michihiko
Published: January 2024

Objective

The pathophysiology and symptoms underlying Meniere's disease (MD) manifest as endolymphatic hydrops (EH), potentially impacting acoustic power absorbance in vestibular EH. The longitudinal effects of middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) and conservative therapies for EH by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on acoustic power absorbance on wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) were evaluated, and their changes were compared with clinical symptoms.

Methods

Eleven patients with definite MD or delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH), resistant to conservative therapies and who continued MEPT for 1 year, were included. Vertigo scores, hearing levels, acoustic power absorbance on WAI, and degrees of EH on 3‐T MRI were evaluated and compared before and after the treatments.

Results

One year after the start of MEPT, all cases showed symptomatic improvement in vertigo score; however, the degrees of EH showed no improvements except in one case. In the affected ears with EH, their absorbances on WAI improved, particularly at 1580–1905 or 2400–2953 Hz (p < .05).

Conclusion

Alleviation of vestibular symptoms with the therapy of MD was not necessarily associated with improved EH. Vestibular symptoms could be related to the change in the impedance of inner ear pressure, which was proven by the normalization of acoustic power absorbance. Assessments of acoustic power absorbance may provide useful information for physiological conditions and causative factors of vertigo in ears with EH.

Level of evidence

4
Who will undertake corporate social responsibility in supply chain encroachment? Manufacturer or retailer
Authors: Cheng Yonghong , Pan Jiaxin , Gong Yu
Published: January 2024

As the sustainable economy has become more of a consensus, supply chain members, both manufacturer (e.g., Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, Nike, and P&G) and retailer (e.g., Uniqlo, Walmart, and Bravo), are concentrated on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The literature in this area has investigated the role of CSR, but the optimal preference for CSR concern of supply chain members is not well understood, especially when manufacturer sells directly by implementing encroachment. This paper studies the optimal preference for CSR concern of supply chain members with considering manufacturer encroachment. We develop the supply chain with a manufacturer (M) and a retailer (R), where the manufacturer sells products via a retail channel which in turn sells them to the final consumers. The manufacturer can also implement encroachment to meet consumers directly. Meanwhile, by considering the manufacturer or retailer may have CSR concern, we explore four scenarios using a game‐theoretic framework. Several interesting findings are as follows. First, for the sake of profits, retailer CSR should be encouraged, which may achieve Pareto improvement under certain conditions. Notably, manufacturer encroachment may narrow the “win–win” situation. While for the sake of environmental protection and consumer well‐being, manufacturer CSR should be encouraged. Second, manufacturer implementing encroachment may not be blind, because it may be worse for itself when retailer has CSR concern. Third, manufacturer CSR may aggravate the cannibalization effect of encroaching, while retailer CSR may relieve it.
Gastro‐Intestinal Digested Bovine Milk Osteopontin Modulates Gut Barrier Biomarkers In Vitro
Authors: Li Lu , Chen Juchun , Zheng Yuxing , Lane Jonathan , Hu Ruibiao , Zhu Jianzhong , Fu Xiong , Huang Qiang , Liu Feitong , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2024

Scope

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein naturally present in mammals’ milk, associated with immune homeostasis and intestinal maturation. This study aims to investigate the protein digestion pattern and the cellular bioactivity of bovine milk OPN digesta in vitro.

Methods and results

A modified INFOGEST static in vitro infant digestion protocol and a Caco‐2/HT‐29 co‐culture cell model are employed to evaluate the digestion properties and the anti‐inflammatory effects of OPN. OPN is resistant to gastric hydrolysis but degraded into large peptides during intestinal digestion. Its 10 kDa digesta permeate with predicted extensive bioactivities protects the co‐culture cell model from the inflammation‐induced dysfunction by dose‐dependently recovering the expression of occludin, claudin‐3, and ZO‐1. Low dosage of OPN significantly decreases the production of IL‐8 and IL‐6, and downregulates the mRNA and protein expression of MyD88, NF‐κB p65, and IκB‐α, whereas a high dose evokes a mild pro‐inflammatory response. Interestingly, anti‐inflammatory effect of OPN digesta is stronger than lactoferrin and whey protein concentrate counterparts.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that the bioactive peptides released from in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion of bovine milk OPN alleviates intestinal epithelial cell inflammation by inhibiting NF‐κB pathway activation and potentiates the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium.
Polymer Versus Polymerization Fouling: Basic Deposition Mechanisms During Emulsion Polymerization by the Example of a Vinyl Acetate and Versa 10 Copolymer
Authors: Klinkert Annika , Friedrich Zoe , Glatt Elisabeth , Augustin Wolfgang , Scholl Stephan
Published: January 2024

The deposition process during emulsion polymerization can be classified as both particulate and reaction fouling, but a deeper understanding of the deposition mechanism, especially in combination with the polymerization process, is lacking. Here, a more in‐depth understanding of the deposition mechanism is sought by investigating the fouling formation of a Vinyl acetate and Versa 10 copolymer on a heated stainless steel surface during emulsion polymerization. Its deposition behavior is also compared with the behavior of an already reacted polymer. All possible influencing factors are investigated separately, and the fouling is quantified by the mass based fouling resistance and the fouling layer composition. The fouling rates of both experimental approaches (ongoing reaction versus already reacted polymer) are used to determine the fraction of reaction fouling along the reaction pathway. The solids content and the driving temperature difference are identified as the main factors influencing fouling formation. The deposited material is composed of latex particles and emulsifier with particle size and number depending on the respective equilibrium composition of the fluid phase. The reaction fouling rate is correlated with the proportion of free initiator radicals and the amount of dissolved monomer in the aqueous phase.
Predicting dynamic, motion‐related changes in B0 field in the brain at a 7T MRI using a subject‐specific fine‐trained U‐net
Authors: Motyka Stanislav , Weiser Paul , Bachrata Beata , Hingerl Lukas , Strasser Bernhard , Hangel Gilbert , Niess Eva , Niess Fabian , Zaitsev Maxim , Robinson Simon Daniel , Langs Georg , Trattnig Siegfried , Bogner Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Subject movement during the MR examination is inevitable and causes not only image artifacts but also deteriorates the homogeneity of the main magnetic field (B0), which is a prerequisite for high quality data. Thus, characterization of changes to B0, for example induced by patient movement, is important for MR applications that are prone to B0 inhomogeneities.

Methods

We propose a deep learning based method to predict such changes within the brain from the change of the head position to facilitate retrospective or even real‐time correction. A 3D U‐net was trained on in vivo gradient‐echo brain 7T MRI data. The input consisted of B0 maps and anatomical images at an initial position, and anatomical images at a different head position (obtained by applying a rigid‐body transformation on the initial anatomical image). The output consisted of B0 maps at the new head positions. We further fine‐trained the network weights to each subject by measuring a limited number of head positions of the given subject, and trained the U‐net with these data.

Results

Our approach was compared to established dynamic B0 field mapping via interleaved navigators, which suffer from limited spatial resolution and the need for undesirable sequence modifications. Qualitative and quantitative comparison showed similar performance between an interleaved navigator‐equivalent method and proposed method.

Conclusion

It is feasible to predict B0 maps from rigid subject movement and, when combined with external tracking hardware, this information could be used to improve the quality of MR acquisitions without the use of navigators.
Quantifying 3D MR fingerprinting (3D‐MRF) reproducibility across subjects, sessions, and scanners automatically using MNI atlases
Authors: Dupuis Andrew , Chen Yong , Hansen Michael , Chow Kelvin , Sun Jessie E. P. , Badve Chaitra , Ma Dan , Griswold Mark A. , Boyacioglu Rasim
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Quantitative MRI techniques such as MR fingerprinting (MRF) promise more objective and comparable measurements of tissue properties at the point‐of‐care than weighted imaging. However, few direct cross‐modal comparisons of MRF's repeatability and reproducibility versus weighted acquisitions have been performed. This work proposes a novel fully automated pipeline for quantitatively comparing cross‐modal imaging performance in vivo via atlas‐based sampling.

Methods

We acquire whole‐brain 3D‐MRF, turbo spin echo, and MPRAGE sequences three times each on two scanners across 10 subjects, for a total of 60 multimodal datasets. The proposed automated registration and analysis pipeline uses linear and nonlinear registration to align all qualitative and quantitative DICOM stacks to Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) 152 space, then samples each dataset's native space through transformation inversion to compare performance within atlas regions across subjects, scanners, and repetitions.

Results

Voxel values within MRF‐derived maps were found to be more repeatable (σT1 = 1.90, σT2 = 3.20) across sessions than vendor‐reconstructed MPRAGE (σT1w = 6.04) or turbo spin echo (σT2w = 5.66) images. Additionally, MRF was found to be more reproducible across scanners (σT1 = 2.21, σT2 = 3.89) than either qualitative modality (σT1w = 7.84, σT2w = 7.76). Notably, differences between repeatability and reproducibility of in vivo MRF were insignificant, unlike the weighted images.

Conclusion

MRF data from many sessions and scanners can potentially be treated as a single dataset for harmonized analysis or longitudinal comparisons without the additional regularization steps needed for qualitative modalities.
NMR and multivariate methods: Identification of chemical markers in extracts of pedra‐ume‐caá and their antiglycation, antioxidant, and enzymatic inhibition activities
Authors: Oliveira Edinilze S. C. , Pontes Flávia L. D. , Acho Leonard D. R. , da Silva Bárbara Janaína P. , do Rosário Alessandro S. , Chaves Francisco Célio M. , Campos Francinete R. , Bezerra Jaqueline de A. , Lima Emerson S. , Machado Marcos B.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In Brazil, the plant group popularly known as “pedra‐ume‐caá” is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes, and its raw material is commonly sold.

Objective

The aim of the study was to apply a method for chemical identification of extracts of dry pedra‐ume‐caá leaves using HPLC–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and NMR and develop a multivariate model with NMR data to authenticate commercial samples. In addition, to evaluate the biological activities of the extracts.

Materials and Methods

Dry extracts of Myrcia multiflora, Myrcia amazonica, Myrcia guianensis, Myrcia sylvatica, Eugenia punicifolia leaves, and 15 commercial samples (sold in Manaus and Belém, Brazil) were prepared by infusion. All the extracts were analysed using HPLC–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), NMR, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The antidiabetic effect of extracts was evaluated according to enzymatic inhibition. Their content of total phenols, cell viability, and antioxidant and antiglycation activities were also determined.

Results

HPLC‐HRMS and NMR analysis of these extracts permitted the identification of 17 compounds. 1H NMR data combined with multivariate analyses allowed us to conclude that catechin, myricitrin, quercitrin, and gallic and quinic acids are the main chemical markers of pedra‐ume‐caá species. These markers were identified in 15 commercial samples of pedra‐ume‐caá. Additionally, only the extracts of M. multiflora and E. punicifolia inhibited α‐glucosidase. All the extracts inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and showed free‐radical‐scavenging activity. These extracts did not present cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

This study revealed the chemical markers of matrices, and it was possible to differentiate the materials marketed as pedra‐ume‐caá. Moreover, this study corroborates the potential of these species for treating diabetes.
The effect of career‐related parental support on life satisfaction among vocational school students
Authors: Zeng Qing , Wang Jinqing , He Yingshi , Huang Feifei , Luo Huijun , Wu Jingwen , Zhang Minqiang
Published: January 2024

The current study examines hope and career adaptability as two potential mediators, parent–child closeness as a moderator of the relationship between career‐related parental support and life satisfaction. A total of 521 vocational high school students responded to this study. The result revealed that hope and career adaptability independently and serially mediated the relationship between parental career‐related support and life satisfaction. Moreover, the moderating effect of parent–child closeness on career‐related parental support and hope was found. When students' parent–child closeness was high (vs. low), the indirect pathway linking parental career‐related support to hope to career adaptability to life satisfaction was stronger. This study enlightens parents should give career‐related support to their children and establish a close bond with children.
Investigating school counselor–parent relationships, interaction, and involvement
Authors: Brown Timothy , Akkurt Mehmet , Green Dee‐Anna
Published: January 2024

Involvement of parents plays a crucial role in the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program. For this study, 404 parents participated in a national survey conducted in the United States. The purpose of the study was to investigate parents’ perceptions of their involvement with the school counseling program and their relationship with the school counselor. Results suggested concerns regarding school counselor communication and the involvement of parents in their child's education and planning after high school. Results also indicated participants held a positive perception of school counselors (e.g., hopeful, positive, and accepting), their competency, and they felt comfortable with the school counselor.
Impact of Aeolus horizontal line‐of‐sight wind observations on tropical cyclone forecasting in a global numerical weather prediction system
Authors: Okabe Izumi , Okamoto Kozo
Published: January 2024

The satellite Aeolus, carrying a Doppler Wind Lidar instrument, was launched in August 2018. It is the first mission of the European Space Agency to provide wind profiles globally with high vertical resolutions. The significant positive impact of assimilating the horizontal line‐of‐sight (HLOS) wind data from Aeolus on numerical weather prediction has been reported in many works. In this study, in terms of tropical cyclone (TC) forecasting, the impact of the assimilated data on the Japan Meteorological Agency's global model was investigated in detail. Especially, the direct effect in each analysis resulting from the increment was studied and validated using a reinitialised analysis experiment. The 23 TCs that occurred in the western North Pacific during the summer of 2020 were focused on in the validation period. The largest improvement of track forecasting was found for cases of the NEAR group in which Aeolus passed within 5 degrees of latitude and longitude from a TC centre. The cases of the EAST or WEST groups in which Aeolus passed east or west of the TC centre also indicated some improvements, suggesting that the prediction accuracy of wind upstream of a TC was important for track forecasting. In the NEAR group cases, the increase in positive bias of the TC central pressure was also observed in the cases wherein Aeolus passed inside the maximum wind radius of the TCs. This is explained by the inability to represent the vorticity field in the upper levels in the analyses. One of the possible reasons for this is the insufficient horizontal resolution of observation. We also include some case studies to assess how Aeolus data improved track forecasting and affected intensity forecasting of TCs, specifically.
Fixed‐time synchronization and energy cost estimation of delayed coupled neural networks
Authors: Xu Zhenyu , Zhu Song , Luo Weiwei , Liu Xiaoyang , Wen Shiping
Published: January 2024

This article concentrates on the fixed‐time synchronization (FTS) and energy cost (EC) problems of delayed coupled neural networks (NNs). A switching controller is proposed and some sufficient conditions are advanced to ensure FTS of delayed coupled NNs based on the comparison theorem. Following that, the required EC is estimated during the control process. The main results of FTS and EC for considered NNs are obtained based on the Lyapunov functions in the sense of vector 1‐norm, 2‐norm, and ‐norm, respectively. Under the same controller parameters, this article shows that the minimum estimation of settling time and EC are sometimes not in one norm sense. Finally, numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Robust optimal control of the multi‐input systems with unknown disturbance based on adaptive integral reinforcement learning Q‐function
Authors: Lv Yongfeng , Zhao Jun , Li Rong , Ren Xuemei
Published: January 2024

Considering overshoot and chatter caused by the unknown interference, this article studies the adaptive robust optimal controls of continuous‐time (CT) multi‐input systems with an approximate dynamic programming (ADP) based Q‐function scheme. An adaptive integral reinforcement learning (IRL) scheme is proposed to study the optimal solutions of Q‐functions. First, multi‐input value functions are presented, and Nash equilibrium is analyzed. A complex Hamilton–Jacobi–Issacs (HJI) equation is constructed with the multi‐input system and the zero‐sum‐game‐based value function. It is a challenging task to solve the HJI equation for nonlinear system. Thus, A transformation of the HJI equation is constructed as a Q‐function. The neural network (NN) is applied to learn the solution of the transformed Q‐functions based on the adaptive IRL scheme. Moreover, an error information is added to the Q‐function for the issue of insufficient initial incentives to relax the persistent excitation (PE) condition. Simultaneously, an IRL signal of the critic networks is introduced to study the saddle‐point intractable solution, such that the system drift and NN derivatives in the HJI equation are relaxed. The convergence of weight parameters is proved, and the closed‐loop stability of the multi‐system with the proposed IRL Q‐function scheme is analyzed. Finally, a two‐engine driven F‐16 aircraft plant and a nonlinear system are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive IRL Q‐function scheme.
Into the ice: Exploration and data capturing in glacial moulins by a tethered robot
Authors: Polzin Max , Hughes Josie
Published: January 2024

Glacial moulins (cylindrical meltwater drainage shafts) provide valuable insights into glacier dynamics, but are inaccessible and hazardous environments for humans to study. Exploring them using passive sensor probes has revealed their complex geometry, which has limited further exploration with passive sensor probes. To overcome these challenges, we propose a tethered robot capable of autonomously exploring and capturing data in glacial moulins. Our novel robot is equipped with a tether to support its motion. Combined with novel estimation and control algorithms, the tethered robot is able to safely and efficiently maneuver in confined, chimney‐like structures, such as moulins. Laboratory and field experiments confirm the feasibility of the proposed design, showing successful localization in environments with no access to positional measurements. Field trials on the Mer de Glace glacier demonstrate the robot's capabilities, descending into the largest moulin to depths of 25 m, capturing valuable scientific data. Onboard sensors are used to capture data to reconstruct the moulin's three‐dimensional geometry and two sampling mechanisms are presented and evaluated to extract samples from the icy surface of the moulin. Our results show promising potential for future exploration of moulins, demonstrating the effectiveness of our tethered robot for safely gathering data from these hazardous environments.
Comparing real and simulated performance for an off‐road autonomous ground vehicle in obstacle avoidance
Authors: Carruth Daniel W. , Goodin Christopher , Dabbiru Lalitha , Scherrer Nicklaus , Moore Marc N. , Hudson Christopher H. , Cagle Lucas D. , Jayakumar Paramsothy
Published: January 2024

This field report presents the results of a study of obstacle detection and avoidance (ODOA) by an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) in off‐road driving conditions. This study included both real and simulated testing of the AGV and served as the third and final phase of a 3‐year research project studying the influence of environmental conditions over autonomous driving. We compare and contrast the results of the real and experimental field testing and report our findings on the influence of soft soil in ODOA performance by an AGV. We find that rutting in soft soil results in higher throttle effort but lower steering effort and speed. The results of these experiments will inform future studies of autonomous driving on off‐road environments.
Lipidomics Investigation Reveals the Reversibility of Hepatic Injury by Silica Nanoparticles in Rats After a 6‐Week Recovery Duration
Authors: Zhao Xinying , Zhu Yawen , Yao Qing , Zhao Bosen , Lin Guimiao , Zhang Min , Guo Caixia , Li Yanbo
Published: January 2024

Given the inevitable human exposure owing to its increasing production and utilization, the comprehensive safety evaluation of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) has sparked concerns. Substantial evidence indicated liver damage by inhaled SiNPs. Notwithstanding, few reports focused on the persistence or reversibility of hepatic injuries, and the intricate molecular mechanisms involved remain limited. Here, rats are intratracheally instilled with SiNPs in two regimens (a 3‐month exposure and a subsequent 6‐week recovery after terminating SiNPs administration) to assess the hepatic effects. Nontargeted lipidomics revealed alterations in lipid metabolites as a contributor to the hepatic response and recovery effects of SiNPs. In line with the functional analysis of differential lipid metabolites, SiNPs activated oxidative stress, and induced lipid peroxidation and lipid deposition in the liver, as evidenced by the elevated hepatic levels of ROS, MDA, TC, and TG. Of note, these indicators showed great improvements after a 6‐week recovery, even returning to the control levels. According to the correlation, ROC curve, and SEM analysis, 11 lipids identified as potential regulatory molecules for ameliorating liver injury by SiNPs. Collectively, the work first revealed the reversibility of SiNP‐elicited hepatotoxicity from the perspective of lipidomics and offered valuable laboratory evidence and therapeutic strategy to facilitate nanosafety.
MEMS‐Based Ultra‐High Frequency Wireless 10 × 10 QCM Sensor Array for Biochemical Sensing Applications
Authors: Kato Fumihito , Shinohara Junki , Yoshino Manabu , Suzuki Manabu , Ogi Hirotsugu
Published: January 2024

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor is one of the devices that enables label‐free evaluation of biomolecular reactions. Commercial QCM biosensors have less than 10 channels for detection and are not suitable for the screening. The sensitivity of the QCM biosensor increases as the quartz thickness becomes thinner; however, the limit of thinning is 60–330 μm. In this study, applying micromachining technology, a QCM sensor array chip of 15 mm square that had 100 ultra‐thin quartz resonators (2.5 μm) that were operated wirelessly was developed. And we succeeded in detecting the resonance spectrum through the device evaluation. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
“The Most Important Thing Is to Make Them Aware”: A Case Study of Teacher Metalanguage Knowledge and Explicit L2 Pronunciation Instruction
Authors: Gordon Joshua , Arias Roger Segura
Published: January 2024

Although explicit instruction is effective in helping second language (L2) learners develop intelligible pronunciation, it is necessary to understand why and how L2 teachers implement such explicit pronunciation instruction systematically in class. Because of its key role in enhancing learners’ pronunciation skills, understanding the rationale behind the implementation of explicit instruction by teachers in different contexts is necessary. A key aspect of analysis in the implementation of explicit pronunciation instruction is the teacher's metalanguage knowledge, which could showcase a key component of pronunciation teachers’ ability to present phonetic‐phonological content in an accessible manner to learners during explicit instruction. This case study analyzed an experienced English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language (EFL) teacher's metalanguage knowledge in L2 pronunciation instruction. Using qualitative data‐collection methods (e.g., semi‐structured interviews, classroom observations, and stimulated‐recall interviews), and Freeman's (2020) Knowledge Base of Language Teaching Framework, the results of this study showcase the way an experienced teacher's metalanguage knowledge influenced the implementation of explicit L2 pronunciation instruction, and how the teacher's metalanguage shaped the type of language available to learners in different activities in class. These results are also discussed in terms of their implications for training teachers in L2 pronunciation pedagogy.
Isolated traumatic orbital floor fracture: An analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: De Ravin Emma , Xu Katherine , Fritz Christian , Parhar Harman S. , Rajasekaran Karthik
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To date, no study provides a comprehensive analysis of traumatic orbital floor fractures across the United States. We aimed to characterize patient demographics, injury‐related variables, and operative management in this population.

Method

The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for open or closed orbital floor fractures from 2008 to 2016. Clinical data were extracted.

Results

Overall, 148,592 orbital floor fractures were identified, with 142,577 (95.9%) closed‐ and 6158 (4.1%) open‐type fractures. A total of 106,243 (71.5%) patients were male and the median patient age was 41 years. The majority of patients (79.2%) had abbreviated injury scale scores of ≤2, indicating minor/moderate injury. Fracture mechanism of injury (MOI) differed by gender, with the most frequent being unarmed fights in men (34.3%) and falls in women (14.0%). There were 29,600 patients (19.9%) with isolated orbital floor (I‐OF) fractures. The MOI most strongly associated with operative intervention of with I‐OF fractures were penetrating injuries caused by a firearm (odds ratio [OR]: 2.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62–5.20) and cuttings/piercings (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.29–3.65).

Conclusion

This large epidemiological study reveals that orbital floor fractures tend to present with minor or moderate injuries and are more likely to require operative intervention in setting of firearm or cut/pierce injuries.
Stationary Creep
Authors: Sandström Rolf
Published: January 2024

An introduction to creep and its main characterstics are given. Stationary creep has been studied extensively in the literature. Stationary creep is a result of a balance between work hardening and recovery processes, which allows for a continues plastic deformation without raising the stress. The starting point for the basic modeling of creep is a differential equation for the dislocation density that describes how it varies with strain or time. The model explains how the dislocation density is influenced by work hardening and recovery. From the dislocation model, a basic equation for the creep rate is derived that is in many respects similar to the classical Bird, Mukherjee and Dorn (BMD) formula but with the values of the parameters given. By taking the role of strain induced vacancies into account, the applicability of the BMD equation is widely expanded because the basic model can also handle low temperatures and high stresses that is usually referred to as the power-law break down regime. It is illustrated that the creep model can represent the creep rate for pure metals such as Al and Ni.
Stress Strain Curves
Authors: Sandström Rolf
Published: January 2024

Traditionally, stress strain curves for example from tensile testing are described with empirical models with a number of adjustable parameters such as Hollomon, Ludwik, Voce and Swift. With such models it is difficult or impossible to generalize and extrapolate. A model in the form of Voce equation is derived from the same basic dislocation model used for the creep models with the values of constants computed. The derived model is used to describe stress strain curves for Cu including their temperature and strain rate dependence. The dynamic recovery constant ω plays a central to show how the work hardening deviates from a linear behaviour. The temperature dependence of ω is analyzed and shown to be related to that of the shear modulus. In the literature it is frequently assumed that dynamic recovery is controlled by cross-slip. However, the measured activation energy for dynamic recovery is many times smaller than the energy required to make partial dislocations brought together and form a constriction, which is necessary to enable cross-slip, so this is an unlikely possibility.