Optimal Method Research Articles

Hydrodynamic shape optimization of an autonomous and remotely-operated vehicle via a multi-surrogate model

The design requirements for the hydrodynamic performance of underwater vehicles vary significantly depending on the application. Optimization without an initial model results in challenges such as large design domains, nonlinear complexity, and high data requirements. To optimize the hydrodynamic performance during the design process, in this paper, a multi-surrogate model was employed to progressively design the shape of an autonomous and remotely-operated vehicle. Based on the data characteristics of different stages, this approach strikes a balance among data quantity, prediction accuracy, and multi-objective requirements. An artificial neural network prediction surrogate model was constructed based on the principle of the minimum prediction factor using the optimal Latin hypercube sampling method. During the optimization of the design domain, the optimum objective was to minimize the dimensionless force (G(x)). During the multi-objective optimization stage, a regression kriging surrogate model was constructed based on a support vector product. The optimization objectives were to maximize volume and minimize dimensionless forces. This enabled the overall design process to attain optimal Pareto solutions within the design domain while simultaneously ensuring high prediction accuracy and minimum data requirements. The results obtained are consistent with the simulation comparison, thus verifying the reliability of the entire optimization process.

Integral reinforcement learning-based event-triggered optimal tracking control for modular robot manipulators via non-zero-sum game

Abstract Under an event-triggered mechanism, a non-zero-sum (NZS) game optimal tracking control method for modular robot manipulator (MRM) systems with input constraints is proposed using the adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) method based on integral reinforcement learning (IRL). First, a dynamic model of the MRM system is developed based on joint torque feedback technology, consisting of an n-joint subsystem related to interconnected dynamic coupling (IDC). Second, we design a robust compensation controller to handle the known model term and an optimal compensation controller to deal with the uncertainty term caused by the IDC and friction, respectively. In addition, a nonlinear disturbance observer is established to dispose of the negative effects caused by the uncertain sensor output disturbance. Third, based on differential game theory, we transform the optimal tracking control problem of the MRM system into an n-player NZS game problem. Then, the IRL-based ADP method is adopted, which relaxes the need for system partial unknown dynamic information, and only a critic neural network is used to solve the coupled Hamilton–Jacobi equation, so as to obtain the optimal control policy. Then, using Lyapunov theory, the tracking error of the MRM system is demonstrated to be uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm are verified through experiments.

Optimal melanin removal methods for HE staining, immunohistochemistry and molecular detection

Objective: To seek the optimal melanin-removal method for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry and molecular detection. Methods: Thirty-eight paraffin tissue samples of malignant melanoma diagnosed at the Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China between January 2018 and March 2022 were collected and used to make a tissue microarray. Melanin in these cases was removed using warm hydrogen peroxide, double oxidation depigmentation, modified potassium permanganate-oxalic acid or trichloroisocyanuric acid, followed by HE staining. The cases were divided into two cohorts: one was subject to the one of the above four methods to remove melanin first, followed by immunohistochemistry (SOX-10, Ki-67, HMB45 and Melan A), while the other was subject to immunohistochemical staining first and then a melanin removal. Following that, seventeen melanin-rich paraffin tissue samples were collected and depigmented using the methods described above. DNA extraction was then done, followed by assessments of DNA content and quality. Moreover, the completeness of melanin removal, the effect on HE and immunohistochemical staining, and the quality of DNA were compared between the depigmented methods. Results: Regarding the effectiveness of melanin removal, the modified potassium permanganate-oxalic acid and the warm hydrogen peroxide methods were the most effective, and both showed residual melanin in only 5.26% (2/38) of the cases. The trichloroisocyanuric acid method showed residual melanin in 10.53% (4/38) of the cases. The worst was the double oxidation depigmentation method, which showed pigment residue in 15.79% (6/38) of the cases. For HE staining, the percentage of good staining with the warm hydrogen peroxide method was 92.11%, higher than the other three methods. For immunohistochemical staining, the mean staining scores of immunohistochemistry first followed by melanin removal with modified potassium permanganate-oxalic acid, double oxidation and trichloroisocyanuric acid were 20.84, 26.63 and 35.02, respectively. These immunohistochemical staining scores were higher than those of melanin removal first followed by immunohistochemistry (8.70, 15.41 and 21.22, respectively). The mean staining score of melanin removal by warm hydrogen peroxide method followed by immunohistochemistry was 33.57, superior to that of immunohistochemistry followed by the melanin removal (19.96). Moreover, the staining scores of HMB45, MelanA and Ki-67 with immunohistochemical staining followed by trichloroisocyanuric acid method were 36.45, 33.79, and 36.24, respectively, while the staining score of SOX10 with melanin removal by warm hydrogen peroxide followed by immunohistochemistry was 34.39. The DNA was significantly degraded by modified potassium permanganate-oxalic acid, double oxidation depigmentation and trichloroisocyanuric acid, whereas the mean concentration of DNA extracted after melanin removal by hydrogen peroxide method was 59.59 μg/L, substantially higher than that of DNA extracted without melanin removal (30.3 μg/L, P=0.001). The A260/A280 of DNA extracted after melanin removal by hydrogen peroxide was between 1.8 and 2.0 in all cases, and the A260/A230 was above 2.0 in sixteen cases, suggesting high purity of DNA. However, the DNA extracted without removing the melanin showed poor purity, with A260/A280 below 1.8 in eight cases and A260/A230 below 2.0 in sixteen cases. Conclusions: Warm hydrogen peroxide showed the least melanin residue, superior HE staining and a minimal effect on DNA purity/quality compared to the other three methods. It thus appears most suitable for PCR, NGS and other molecular detection. Melanin removal with trichloroisocyanuric acid after immunohistochemical staining has the least melanin residual, and thus could be the most convenient and efficient. However, it is noted that the efficacy of the same depigmentation method varies with different antibodies. Therefore, the optimal depigmentation method should be selected based on the specific markers of interest.

Chronic inguinal pain post-hernioplasty. Laparo-endoscopic surgery vs lichtenstein repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Annually, over 20million patients worldwide undergo inguinal hernia repair procedures. Surgery stands as the recommended treatment, however, a consensus on the optimal method is lacking. This study aims to conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of chronic inguinal pain and recurrence between laparo-endoscopic mesh repair (TAPP and TEP) versus Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia. Searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults, published in English and Spanish, comparing surgical outcomes among the Lichtenstein open technique, TAPP, and/or TEP. Adherence to the PRISMA guidelines was maintained in the methodology, and the CASP tool was employed to assess the quality of the articles. Statistical analysis involved mean [± standard deviation (SD)], Odds Ratio (OR), and Confidence Interval (CI). Eight RCTs encompassing 1,469 patients randomized to Lichtenstein repair (n = 755) and laparo-endoscopic repair (n = 714) were included. Laparo-endoscopic repair was associated with a lower likelihood of chronic inguinal pain compared to Lichtenstein repair (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.30-0.56], p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in recurrence rates between the laparo-endoscopic and the Lichtenstein group (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.57-1.86], p = 0.92). This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that laparo-endoscopic hernia surgery leads to a lower incidence of chronic inguinal pain compared to Lichtenstein repair, while maintaining similar rates of recurrence.

GREM2 inactivation increases trabecular bone mass in mice

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease affecting millions of individuals world-wide, with an increased risk of fracture, and a decreased quality of life. Despite its well-known consequences, the etiology of osteoporosis and optimal treatment methods are not fully understood. Human genetic studies have identified genetic variants within the FMN2/GREM2 locus to be associated with trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and vertebral and forearm fractures, but not with cortical bone parameters. GREM2 is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist. In this study, we employed Grem2-deficient mice to investigate whether GREM2 serves as the plausible causal gene for the fracture signal at the FMN2/GREM2 locus. We observed that Grem2 is moderately expressed in bone tissue and particularly in osteoblasts. Complete Grem2 gene deletion impacted mouse survival and body growth. Partial Grem2 inactivation in Grem2+/− female mice led to increased trabecular BMD of femur and increased trabecular bone mass in tibia due to increased trabecular thickness, with an unchanged cortical thickness, as compared with wildtype littermates. Furthermore, Grem2 inactivation stimulated osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by higher alkaline phosphatase (Alp), osteocalcin (Bglap), and osterix (Sp7) mRNA expression after BMP-2 stimulation in calvarial osteoblasts and osteoblasts from the long bones of Grem2−/− mice compared to wildtype littermates. These findings suggest that GREM2 is a possible target for novel osteoporotic treatments, to increase trabecular bone mass and prevent osteoporotic fractures.

Red dichromatic imaging and linked color imaging as reliable image-enhanced endoscopic procedures for detecting the distal end of the palisade vessels in the columnar metaplastic mucosa of the gastroesophageal junction zone.

There is a consensus that identifying the distal end of the palisade vessels (DEPV) is important for diagnosing gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). However, optimum observation methods have not been established. This study investigated the use of effective image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) for DEPV detection. One hundred endoscopic images in 20 cases of columnar metaplastic mucosa of the GEJ recorded with white-light imaging (Olympus-WLI and Fujifilm-WLI) and IEEs (narrow-band imaging; RDI1/2/3, red dichromatic imaging; texture and color enhancement imaging 1/2; blue-laser imaging; and LCI, linked color imaging) from two manufacturers were extracted and evaluated by 10 evaluators. Up to 24 radial straight lines from the center of the lumen were placed on the image, and the evaluators placed markings according to confidence level (high, low, and not detectable) at the DEPV locations. The detectability and reproducibility at the rate of the confidence level and coefficient of variance of markings among the evaluator were analyzed. In total, 15,180 markings were obtained. In terms of detectability, RDI1 (49.4%), RDI2 (53.0%), RDI3 (54.1%), TXI2 (49.7%), and LCI (34.6%) had a significantly higher rate of high confidence among the IEEs in each manufacturer. By contrast, Olympus-WLI (40.6%), Fujifilm-WLI (17.6%), narrow-band imaging (15.9%), and blue laser imaging (9.8%) presented with a significantly lower rates of high confidence. Regarding reproducibility, RDI3 and LCI had the lowest coefficient of variance for each manufacturer. RDI and LCI could be reliable modalities for detecting DEPVs in the columnar metaplastic mucosa of the GEJ zone.

Helix Formation from Hydrogen Bond Kinetics in Alanine Homopeptides

We present an analysis of α-helix folding in the coarse-grained coordinate of number of formed helical hydrogen bonds (NHBs) for four alanine peptides (ALA)n, with n = 5, 8, 15, and 21 residues. Starting with multi-microsecond all-atom molecular dynamics trajectories in aqueous solution, we represent the system dynamics in a space of between four (for ALA5) and twenty (for ALA21) hydrogen-bonding microstates. In all cases, transitions changing the hydrogen bond count by 1–2 dominate and the coil formation, NHB 1 → 0, is the fastest process. The calculation of global maximum weight paths shows that, when analyzed at a sufficiently long lag time, folding in the NHB coordinate is consecutive, with direct folding, 0 → 3, for ALA5 and bottlenecks at transitions 4 → 6 for ALA8, 0 → 5 for ALA15, and 0 → 9 for ALA21. Further coarse-graining to 2–4 dimensions was performed with the optimal dimensionality reduction method, allowing the identification of crucial folding intermediates and time scales of their formation in ALA8, ALA15, and ALA21. The detailed analysis of hydrogen bonding patterns revealed that folding is initiated preferentially at both peptide termini. The kinetic model was also used to estimate diffusion and friction coefficients for helix propagation. The description of the helix formation process in the hydrogen bonding coordinate NHB was in good general agreement with the experimental data and qualitatively similar to previous kinetic models of higher dimensions based on structural clustering. Use of the low-dimensional hydrogen bonding picture thus provides a different, complementary way of describing the complex and fascinating mechanism of helix formation.

A Comparison of Bias Mitigation Techniques for Educational Classification Tasks Using Supervised Machine Learning

Machine learning (ML) has become integral in educational decision-making through technologies such as learning analytics and educational data mining. However, the adoption of machine learning-driven tools without scrutiny risks perpetuating biases. Despite ongoing efforts to tackle fairness issues, their application to educational datasets remains limited. To address the mentioned gap in the literature, this research evaluates the effectiveness of four bias mitigation techniques in an educational dataset aiming at predicting students’ dropout rate. The overarching research question is: “How effective are the techniques of reweighting, resampling, and Reject Option-based Classification (ROC) pivoting in mitigating the predictive bias associated with high school dropout rates in the HSLS:09 dataset?" The effectiveness of these techniques was assessed based on performance metrics including false positive rate (FPR), accuracy, and F1 score. The study focused on the biological sex of students as the protected attribute. The reweighting technique was found to be ineffective, showing results identical to the baseline condition. Both uniform and preferential resampling techniques significantly reduced predictive bias, especially in the FPR metric but at the cost of reduced accuracy and F1 scores. The ROC pivot technique marginally reduced predictive bias while maintaining the original performance of the classifier, emerging as the optimal method for the HSLS:09 dataset. This research extends the understanding of bias mitigation in educational contexts, demonstrating practical applications of various techniques and providing insights for educators and policymakers. By focusing on an educational dataset, it contributes novel insights beyond the commonly studied datasets, highlighting the importance of context-specific approaches in bias mitigation.

Biochemical monitoring of 21-hydroxylase deficiency: a clinical utility of overnight fasting urine pregnanetriol.

21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in CYP21A2. Although this disorder has been known for several decades, many challenges related to its monitoring and treatment remain to be addressed. The present review is written to describe an overview of biochemical monitoring of this entity, with particular focus on overnight fasting urine pregnanetriol. We have conducted a decade-long research project to investigate methods of monitoring 21-OHD in children. Our latest studies on this topic have recently been published. One is a review of methods for monitoring 21-OHD. The other was to demonstrate that measuring the first morning PT level may be more practical and useful for biochemical monitoring of 21-OHD. The first morning pregnanetriol (PT), which was previously reported to reflect a long-term auxological data during the prepubertal period, correlated more significantly than the other timing PT in this study, with 17-OHP, before the morning medication. In conclusion, although the optimal method of monitoring this disease is still uncertain, the use of overnight fasting urine pregnanetriol (P3) as a marker of 21-OHD is scientifically sound and may be clinically practical.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: a respiratory review

This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic options for the respiratory aspects of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is a condition estimated to affect around 50% of the brachycephalic dog population, which, over recent decades, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity and ownership. Several primary and secondary respiratory abnormalities that can compromise the respiratory capacity of these patients should be considered. Diagnosis primarily takes the form of clinical examination and the use of an exercise tolerance test, with other diagnostics acting as a useful adjunct in fully detailing the abnormalities present. Treatments are mainly focussed on increasing the amount of space within the upper respiratory tract through removal of various primary and secondary anatomical abnormalities; however, the optimal methods are yet to be identified. While understanding of these breeds' respiratory issues has increased among owners and the veterinary profession, there are still many challenges and unknowns in the management of these patients. It is important veterinary professionals take an active approach to these patients and are able to effectively communicate which are affected in order to maximise the welfare of this cohort and uphold their ethical responsibilities to them.

Establishing a 4D-CT lung function related volumetric dose model to reduce radiation pneumonia

In order to study how to use pulmonary functional imaging obtained through 4D-CT fusion for radiotherapy planning, and transform traditional dose volume parameters into functional dose volume parameters, a functional dose volume parameter model that may reduce level 2 and above radiation pneumonia was obtained. 41 pulmonary tumor patients who underwent 4D-CT in our department from 2020 to 2023 were included. MIM Software (MIM 7.0.7; MIM Software Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA) was used to register adjacent phase CT images in the 4D-CT series. The three-dimensional displacement vector of CT pixels was obtained when changing from one respiratory state to another respiratory state, and this three-dimensional vector was quantitatively analyzed. Thus, a color schematic diagram reflecting the degree of changes in lung CT pixels during the breathing process, namely the distribution of ventilation function strength, is obtained. Finally, this diagram is fused with the localization CT image. Select areas with Jacobi > 1.2 as high lung function areas and outline them as fLung. Import the patient's DVH image again, fuse the lung ventilation image with the localization CT image, and obtain the volume of fLung different doses (V60, V55, V50, V45, V40, V35, V30, V25, V20, V15, V10, V5). Analyze the functional dose volume parameters related to the risk of level 2 and above radiation pneumonia using R language and create a predictive model. By using stepwise regression and optimal subset method to screen for independent variables V35, V30, V25, V20, V15, and V10, the prediction formula was obtained as follows: Risk = 0.23656–0.13784 * V35 + 0.37445 * V30-0.38317 * V25 + 0.21341 * V20-0.10209 * V15 + 0.03815 * V10. These six independent variables were analyzed using a column chart, and a calibration curve was drawn using the calibrate function. It was found that the Bias corrected line and the Apparent line were very close to the Ideal line, The consistency between the predicted value and the actual value is very good. By using the ROC function to plot the ROC curve and calculating the area under the curve: 0.8475, 95% CI 0.7237–0.9713, it can also be determined that the accuracy of the model is very high. In addition, we also used Lasso method and random forest method to filter out independent variables with different results, but the calibration curve drawn by the calibration function confirmed poor prediction performance. The function dose volume parameters V35, V30, V25, V20, V15, and V10 obtained through 4D-CT are key factors affecting radiation pneumonia. Establishing a predictive model can provide more accurate lung restriction basis for clinical radiotherapy planning.

EMG-Constrained and Ultrasound-Informed Muscle-Tendon Parameter Estimation in Post-Stroke Hemiparesis.

Secondary morphological and mechanical property changes in the muscle-tendon unit at the ankle joint are often observed in post-stroke individuals. These changes may alter the force generation capacity and affect daily activities such as locomotion. This work aimed to estimate subject-specific muscle-tendon parameters in individuals after stroke by solving the muscle redundancy problem using direct collocation optimal control methods based on experimental electromyography (EMG) signals and measured muscle fiber length. Subject-specific muscle-tendon parameters of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior were estimated in seven post-stroke individuals and seven healthy controls. We found that the maximum isometric force, tendon stiffness and optimal fiber length in the post-stroke group were considerably lower than in the control group. We also computed the root mean square error between estimated and experimental values of muscle excitation and fiber length. The musculoskeletal model with estimated subject-specific muscle tendon parameters (from the muscle redundancy solver), yielded better muscle excitation and fiber length estimations than did scaled generic parameters. Our findings also showed that the muscle redundancy solver can estimate muscle-tendon parameters that produce force behavior in better accordance with the experimentally-measured value. These muscle-tendon parameters in the post-stroke individuals were physiologically meaningful and may shed light on treatment and/or rehabilitation planning.

Evaluating the Potential of Green Light Exposure on Nociception-A Mini Review.

The capacity of animals to react to unpleasant stimuli that might endanger their integrity is known as nociception. Pharmacological treatments do not show satisfactory results in response to nociception. In the recent era, light therapy emerged as a potential non-pharmacological approach for treating various diseases, including seasonal affective disorders, migraine, pain, and others. Evaluating the potential of green light exposure on nociception involves studying its effects on different types of pain and pain-related conditions and determining the optimal exposure methods. This review provides the beneficial effects of green light on the reduction in the frequency of pain. The green light exposure on nociception changes the activity of pain-related genes and proteins in cells. This review could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms by which green light modulates pain. Overall, evaluating the potential of green light exposure on nociception requires a multidisciplinary approach and should consider the safety, efficacy, optimal dose, and duration of green light exposure and the type of pain. However, few studies have been reported so far; therefore, light therapy for treating migraines require more studies on animal models to provide precise results of light effects on nociception.

Optimization of Flavonoid Extraction from Abelmoschus manihot Flowers Using Ultrasonic Techniques: Predictive Modeling through Response Surface Methodology and Deep Neural Network and Biological Activity Assessment.

Understanding the optimal extraction methods for flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers (AMF) is crucial for unlocking their potential benefits. This study aimed to optimize the efficiency of flavonoid extraction from AMF. After comparing extraction methods, the ultrasonic cell crusher demonstrated superior performance over conventional techniques. Four key factors-solid-to-liquid ratio (1:10 to 1:50 g·mL-1), ethanol concentration (55% to 95%), ultrasonic time (10 to 50 min), and ultrasonic power (5% to 25% of 900 W)-were investigated and normalized using the entropy weight method. This led to a comprehensive evaluation (CE). Optimization of extraction conditions for the ultrasonic cell crusher was achieved through response surface methodology and a deep neural network model, resulting in optimal parameters: ethanol volume fraction of 66%, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:21 g/mL, extraction efficiency of 9%, and extraction duration of 35 min, yielding a CE value of 23.14 (RSD < 1%). Additionally, the inhibitory effects of the optimized extracts against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) were assessed. The results revealed that AMF extract (AMFE) exhibits inhibitory effects on S. mutans, with concomitant inhibition of sucrase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The MIC of AMFE against planktonic S. mutans is 3 mg/mL, with an MBC of 6 mg/mL. Within the concentration range of 1/8 MIC to 2 MIC of AMFE, the activities of sucrase and LDH decreased by 318.934 U/mg prot and 61.844 U/mg prot, respectively. The antioxidant activity of AMFE was assessed using the potassium ferricyanide reduction and phosphomolybdenum methods. Additionally, the effect of AMFE on DPPH, ABTS, and ·OH free radical scavenging abilities was determined. The concentrations at which AMFE exhibited over 90% scavenging rate for ABTS and DPPH free radicals were found to be 0.125 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, respectively.

Analysis of the emotional coloring of text using machine and deep learning methods

The presented scientific article is a comprehensive study of machine learning and deep learning methods in the context of emotion recognition in text data. The main goal of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and comparison of various machine learning and deep learning methods to classify emotions in text. During the work, special attention was paid to the analysis of traditional machine learning algorithms, such as multinomial naive Bayes (MNB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and support vector machine (SVM), as well as the use of deep learning methods based on long short-term memory (LSTM). The experimental part of the study involves the analysis of different data sets covering a variety of text styles and contexts. The experimental results are analyzed in detail, identifying the advantages and limitations of each method. The article provides practical recommendations for choosing the optimal method depending on the specific tasks and context of the application. The data obtained is important for the development of intelligent systems that can effectively adapt to the emotional aspects of interaction with users. Overall, this work makes a significant contribution to the field of emotion recognition in text and provides a basis for further research in this area.

Establishment of a Mouse Model of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Induced Plastic Bronchitis.

Plastic bronchitis (PB) constitutes a life-threatening pulmonary disorder, predominantly attributed to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. The pathogenic mechanisms involved remain largely unexplored, leading to the absence of reliable approaches for early diagnosis and clear treatment. Thus, the present investigation aimed to develop an MP-induced mouse model of PB, thereby enhancing our understanding of this complex condition. In the first stage, healthy BALB/c mice were utilized to investigate the optimal methods for establishing PB. This involved the application of nebulization (15-20 min) and intratracheal administration (6-50 μL) with 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) concentrations ranging from 4.5% to 7.5%. Subsequently, the MP model was induced by administering an MP solution (2 mL/kg/day, 108 CFU/50 μL) via the intranasal route for a duration of five consecutive days. Ultimately, suitable techniques were employed to induce plastic bronchitis in the MP model. Pathological changes in lung tissue were analyzed, and immunohistochemistry was employed to ascertain the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The administration of 4.5% CEES via a 6 µL trachea was the optimal approach to establishing a PB model. This method primarily induced neutrophilic inflammation and fibrinous exudate. The MP-infected group manifested symptoms indicative of respiratory infection, including erect hair, oral and nasal secretions, and a decrease in body weight. Furthermore, the pathological score of the MP+CEES group surpassed that of the groups treated with MP or CEES independently. Notably, the MP+CEES group demonstrated significant activation of the VEGFR-3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, implying a substantial involvement of lymphatic vessel impairment in this pathology. This study successfully established a mouse model of PB induced by MP using a two-step method. Lymphatic vessel impairment is a pivotal element in the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this disease entity. This accomplishment will aid in further research into treatment methods for patients with PB caused by MP.

Access to cancer center information for patients with limited English proficiency from NCI Cancer Center websites.

e23124 Background: Patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) can experience health disparities in cancer care and clinical trial participation. This study sought to assess the availability of information on interpreter services, clinical trials, and second opinions from National Cancer Institute – Designated Cancer Center (NCI-DCC) websites for patients with LEP. Methods: The public facing websites of all 65 adult NCI-DCCs were reviewed from January 1, 2023 to May 15, 2023 to assess availability of English and translated, non-English information on interpreter services, second opinion programs, and clinical trials. Data abstraction was conducted through predefined criteria for website inspection and search bars. Three authors independently abstracted websites for content, with constant comparison until consensus was achieved. Chi-square tests were used to ascertain any significant association between the proportion of LEP populations served by the centers ( &gt; 5%) and their likelihood to provide translated information. Results: 92.3% of NCI-DCCs and their affiliated flagships hospitals provide information on interpreter services for patients with LEP. This information was translated into a non-English language approximately half of the time. All NCI-DCC center webpages provide information on clinical trials and 38.5% provide information regarding second opinions. There was no difference in the availability of translated information on interpreter services or second opinion programs based on percentage of LEP population. However, there was an association between higher LEP population and the provision of translated clinical trial pages. Conclusions: The majority of NCI-DCCs provide information on their webpages related to interpreter services and clinical trials. Half of these centers provide this information in a non-English language and there was an association between higher percentage of LEP populations in the NCI-DCC state and translated clinical trial pages. Future work should identify optimal methods to provide cancer related information to patients with LEP with the goal of improving clinical trial participation for LEP populations. [Table: see text]

Impact of Baking and Steaming of 3D printed Pearl millet - Banana pulp blends on physicochemical and sensory attributes

3D printing technology for preparing millet-based foods can positively impact the final product's consumer perception. Apart from printability, post-processing behavior is a critical aspect, having direct implications on the quality of 3D printed products. In this work, the impact of steaming and baking on the quality attributes of 3D printed pearl millet–banana pulp blends was investigated with emphasis on physicochemical and sensory attributes. Among two treatments, baked samples with pearl millet flour and banana pulp (PMF:BP) at 60:40 (%w/w) level scored highest in terms of sensory acceptance. This formulation had a protein content of 8.18 ± 0.09 g/100 g and dietary fiber content of 2.21 ± 0.02 g/100 g, also exhibiting better shape retention in comparison with steamed counterparts. An exclusive focus was given to studying the glycemic index of different formulations and the impact of post-processing conditions, revealing higher values for baked samples (75–86) as compared with steamed ones (67–72). In addition, principal component analyses were conducted to better explain the findings of this study. The results of this study offer insights into identifying the optimal post-processing method for 3D printed products made from millet.

An optimal design method for magnetorheological fluid sealing structure for beam director using multi-objective optimizer

For beam directors, tight optical path sealing and low rotational friction torque are critical aspects for the tracking and positioning performance. To maximize sealing pressure and minimize rotational friction torque, a magnetorheological fluid sealing (MRFS) structure design method based on multi-objective COOT (MOCOOT) algorithm optimizer was proposed in this work. The MOCOOT integrates archive, grid strategy, chaotic mapping strategy and COOT optimization algorithm. Firstly, the magnetic field strength of the sealing clearance was derived based on the equivalent magnetic circuit model, the sealing pressure formula of MRFS with pole teeth structures was established, and the friction torque model of MRFS based on Bingham equation was also developed. Then, according to the actual requirements of optical path sealing of beam directors, the constraint conditions of structure parameters were determined, and the optimization target model of sealing pressure and friction torque was constructed. As follows, a multi-objective version of COOT optimization algorithm, named MOCOOT, was proposed to optimize the structural parameters of MRFS structure. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified via pressure and rotating friction torque tests implemented on an established experimental platform.

Design of Magnetic Coupling Mechanism with Different Primary and Secondary Coils for Maximum Output Power

Output power is an important performance metric related to static or quasi-static wireless power transfer (WPT). As an important component of WPT, the electrical parameters of a magnetic coupling mechanism (MCM) are directly related to its output characteristics. Notably, an optimal WPT design is largely based on MCMs using the same primary and secondary coils. However, in some scenarios involving limited space, the physical structure and electrical parameters of the coils cannot be kept completely consistent. Based on the influence of physical parameters on coupling performance and system characteristics, an optimal design method for MCMs using different primary and secondary coils to ensure maximum output power is proposed. The best receiving coil within a limited space that achieves maximum power at a specific location was selected. Experiments were conducted, with the corresponding results verifying the correctness of theoretical and simulation analyses, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed method.