Search Results (901)

This study investigates a novel heat pipe integrated cooling system designed for thermal management of Tesla’s 4680 cylindrical lithium–ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). Through a comprehensive approach combining experimental analysis, 1-D AMESim simulations, and 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, the thermal performance of various wick structures and working fluid filling ratios was evaluated. The experimental setup utilized a triangular prism chamber housing three surrogate heater blocks to replicate the heat generation of 4680 cells under 1C, 2C, and 3C discharge rates. Results demonstrated that a blended fabric wick with a crown-shaped design (Wick 5) at a 30–40% filling ratio achieved the lowest maximum temperature (T_max of 47.0°C), minimal surface temperature deviation (ΔT_surface of 2.8°C), and optimal thermal resistance (R_th of 0.27°C/W) under 85 W heat input. CFD simulations validated experimental findings, confirming stable evaporation–condensation circulation at a 40% filling ratio, while identifying thermal limits at high heat loads (155 W). The proposed hybrid battery thermal management system (BTMS) offers significant potential for enhancing the performance and safety of high-energy density EV batteries. This research provides a foundation for optimizing thermal management in next-generation electric vehicles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a well-known complication of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG). Patients who underwent LPPG in the KLASS-04 trial, which was a multicenter prospective randomized control trial comparing LPPG and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG), showed an unneglectable incidence of long-term DGE compared to patients who underwent LDG. This study aimed to identify the multifactorial risk factors associated with DGE and to analyze the quality of life (QoL) of patients with DGE following LPPG. Methods: DGE was defined as “nearly normal diet residue” at least once in the endoscopic follow-up at 1, 2, and 3 years after the surgery. Clinicopathological features, surgical outcomes, and QoL were compared between the DGE and non-DGE groups. Results: DGE was observed in 21/124 patients (16.3%) who underwent LPPG. Patients without previous abdominal surgery had a higher incidence of DGE in the univariate (32% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.011) and logistic regression analyses (odds ratio: 0.106, 95% confidence interval: 0.014–0.824, p = 0.032). Patients with DGE reported more symptoms of nausea and vomiting (p = 0.004), constipation (p = 0.04), and a dry mouth (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Despite the strict protocol used to avoid well-known risk factors for DGE, such as damage to the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve, infrapyloric artery and vein, and short antral cuff, the LPPG group of the KLASS-04 trial exhibited a considerable incidence of DGE. No clinicopathological or surgical factors, other than the absence of a previous surgical history, were identified as multifactorial risk factors for DGE. However, DGE had a negative impact on the QoL of patients. Full article

Water, acetone, and TiO₂/nano-silver water (NSW) nanofluids were investigated as working fluids in loop thermosyphon battery thermal management systems (LTBMS) under simulated electric vehicle (EV) conditions to evaluate scalability and robustness across inclinations (0° to 60°) and ambient temperatures (−10 °C to 20 °C). Experimental conditions were established with 60 °C as the reference temperature, corresponding to the onset of battery thermal runaway, to ensure relevance to critical thermal management scenarios. Results indicate that LTBMS A maintained battery cell temperatures at 50.4 °C with water and 31.6 °C with acetone under a 50 W heat load. In contrast, LTBMS B achieved cell temperatures of 41.8 °C with water and 42.8 °C with 0.01 vol% TiO₂ nanofluid, however, performance deteriorated at higher nanofluid concentrations due to increased viscosity and related thermophysical constraints. In heating mode, LTBMS A elevated cell temperatures by 16 °C at an ambient temperature of −10 °C using acetone, while LTBMS B attained 52–55 °C at a 100 W heat load with nanofluids. The lightweight LTBMS design demonstrated superior thermal performance compared to conventional air-cooling systems and performance comparable to liquid-cooling systems. Pure water proved to be the most effective working fluid, while nanofluids require further optimization to enhance their practical applicability in EV thermal management. Full article

This study analyzed the relationship between zooplankton communities and water quality characteristics, with a focus on total organic carbon (TOC), in 22 reservoirs within the Geum River basin that share similar climatic conditions but exhibit varying levels of pollution. Across all reservoirs, zooplankton community structures showed the highest correlations with TOC, suspended solids (SS), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and Secchi depth (SD), with stronger associations observed for rotifers and cladocerans compared to copepods. The classification of zooplankton community composition patterns, followed by an analysis of their associations with TOC concentrations, revealed relatively distinct differences between high-TOC and low-TOC reservoirs, indicating that TOC functions as a key determinant of community composition. Meanwhile, network analysis based on overall water quality characteristics indicated that patterns of water quality similarity among zooplankton-based communities differed somewhat from those based solely on TOC concentrations, suggesting that TOC may exert an independent influence on zooplankton community structure. In high-TOC reservoirs, typical eutrophic characteristics—such as elevated chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus, and suspended solids, along with reduced water transparency—were observed, accompanied by higher zooplankton abundance and a greater proportion of rotifers within the community. In contrast, low-TOC reservoirs, despite exhibiting no marked differences in other water quality variables, showed higher diversity of cladocerans alongside rotifers, further supporting the independent role of TOC in shaping zooplankton community structures. These findings highlight TOC not only as a general indicator of pollution but also as an ecologically significant factor influencing zooplankton community composition and carbon dynamics in reservoir ecosystems. They suggest that TOC should be considered a key variable in future assessments and management of lentic ecosystems. Full article

Vascular calcification significantly contributes to cardiovascular complications and limb loss in chronic kidney disease (CKD). To establish an optimal rat model for vascular calcification, we tested varying adenine concentrations and feeding durations in Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 72), divided into six groups (n = 12 each). The control group received a standard diet for 18 weeks. Group 1 was given 0.5% adenine for 4 weeks, followed by a standard diet. Group 2 received 0.5% adenine for 4 weeks, then 0.25% for 14 weeks. Group 3A received 0.5% adenine for 12 weeks and then standard diet; group 3B received 0.5% adenine for 12 weeks, followed by 0.25% for 6 weeks; group 3C received 0.5% adenine for 18 weeks. At week 18, vascular calcification was absent in the control and group 1. Groups 2 and 3A showed low incidence (12.5%), while groups 3B and 3C showed high incidence (66.7%). However, survival rates differed: 75.0% in 3B and 50.0% in 3C after 12 wk. Thus, 0.5% adenine for 12 weeks followed by 0.25% for 6 weeks effectively induced vascular calcification while maintaining acceptable survival, providing a practical model for studying CKD-related vascular pathology. Full article

Probiotics have recently gained attention as modulators of the gut–brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we identified probiotic strains with neuroprotective effects and investigated their mechanisms and safety. We screened strains based on their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and protect cells against H₂O₂-induced damage. The cell-free supernatants (CFS) of Lactobacillus gasseri MG4247 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MG4644 inhibited AChE activity and reduced cell damage and reactive oxygen species generation. These effects were mediated through inhibition of the MyD88/NF-κB pathway and modulation of the JNK/Bax-dependent apoptotic pathway in neuronal cells treated with H₂O₂. Whole-genome sequencing and antibiotic susceptibility testing confirmed the identity and safety of both strains. These findings suggest that MG4247 and MG4644, as probiotics, may help protect neuronal cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article

High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) enables the bandwidth required by modern AI and high-performance computing, yet its three dimensional stack traps heat and amplifies thermo mechanical stress. We first review how conventional solutions such as heat spreaders, microchannels, high density Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs), and Mass Reflow Molded Underfill (MR MUF) underfills lower but do not eliminate the internal thermal resistance that rises sharply beyond 12layer stacks. We then synthesize recent hybrid bonding studies, showing that an optimized Cu pad density, interface characteristic, and mechanical treatments can cut junction-to-junction thermal resistance by between 22.8% and 47%, raise vertical thermal conductivity by up to three times, and shrink the stack height by more than 15%. A meta-analysis identifies design thresholds such as at least 20% Cu coverage that balances heat flow, interfacial stress, and reliability. The review next traces the chain from Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) mismatch to Cu protrusion, delamination, and warpage and classifies mitigation strategies into (i) material selection including SiCN dielectrics, nano twinned Cu, and polymer composites, (ii) process technologies such as sub-200 °C plasma-activated bonding and Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) anneal co-optimization, and (iii) the structural design, including staggered stack and filleted corners. Integrating these levers suppresses stress hotspots and extends fatigue life in more than 16layer stacks. Finally, we outline a research roadmap combining a multiscale simulation with high layer prototyping to co-optimize thermal, mechanical, and electrical metrics for next-generation 20-layer HBM. Full article

The emergence of plastics as an essential item in modern society has led to the problem of accumulating plastic waste. Accordingly, research is being conducted around the world to reduce the production of new plastics and develop technologies to recycle waste plastics. Among the existing waste plastic recycling technologies, oil production is possible through pyrolysis, but the pyrolysis oil produced in this way has a wide carbon range (more than C5–C25), and a very high olefin content (the presence of aromatic compounds), and the resulting high calorific value of pyrolysis oil is limited in its application range. In the case of oil obtained by pyrolyzing waste plastic containing Cl, there is a concern about corrosion in the reactor. Accordingly, it is possible to diversify the range of use of pyrolysis oil produced by suppressing corrosion through Cl removal as well as oil upgrading through cracking. Therefore, this study used red mud mixed with a series of adsorbents for Cl removal and pyrolysis oil upgrade. The adsorbent was physically mixed with a binder (kaolin or methylcellulose) and activated carbon, and the results before and after the reaction were confirmed through basic characteristic analysis. Full article

The widespread application of pesticides in agriculture has raised increasing concerns regarding their ecological impact, particularly in aquatic environments. Among these, α-cypermethrin, a highly active isomeric form of cypermethrin, has been extensively used due to its potent insecticidal efficacy and low mammalian toxicity. However, its toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms remains insufficiently understood at the metabolic level. In this study, a targeted metabolomics approach was employed to investigate the biochemical effects of α-cypermethrin in adult zebrafish. Acute toxicity was first determined to establish sublethal exposure concentrations (0.15 µg/L and 1.5 µg/L), followed by a 48 h exposure under a controlled flow-through system. GC-MS/MS-based analysis quantified 395 metabolites, and multivariate statistical models (principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)) revealed clear dose-dependent metabolic alterations at two time points. Pathway analysis identified disruptions in glycolysis, glycerolipid metabolism, amino acid turnover, and glutathione pathways. Notably, glutamate depletion and associated reductions in GABA (4-Aminobutanoate) and TCA (Tricarboxylic acid) cycle intermediates suggest oxidative stress-induced metabolic bottlenecks. These results provide mechanistic insights into α-cypermethrin-induced toxicity and demonstrate the utility of metabolite-level biomarkers for environmental monitoring. This study contributes to a systems-level understanding of how sublethal pesticide exposure affects vertebrate metabolism, offering a basis for improved ecological risk assessment and pesticide regulation. Full article

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the gene encoding alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). Deficiency of GLA results in the progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids in virtually all organs, resulting in a progressive multisystem disease. Due to multi-organ involvement in FD, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment with regular follow-ups is essential. The Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital (PNUYH) multidisciplinary care model of FD aims to provide detailed practice guidelines and evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, screening, and treatment of FD according to specialty. This guideline focuses on the “quarterback” type of multidisciplinary team (MDT) operation and is limited in its applicability to the Korean insurance system. However, it reflects our team’s extensive experience and insights into optimizing MDT operations within these constraints and is expected to be highly beneficial for centers initiating MDTs for the effective treatment of FD. Full article

The discovery of functional micropeptides encoded by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has challenged the traditional view that these transcripts lack coding potential. With the advancement of high-resolution translation profiling combined with enhanced MS-based techniques, numerous lncRNAs have been found to harbor small open reading frames (sORFs) that give rise to bioactive micropeptides. These peptides participate in diverse biological processes, particularly in cellular metabolism, by modulating enzymatic activity and metabolic pathways. However, the identification and functional characterization of these micropeptides remain technically challenging due to their small size, low abundance, and the need for rigorous downstream validation studies. This review encompasses a comprehensive overview of the biogenesis of lncRNA-derived micropeptides, methodologies for detecting and validating their expression, the molecular mechanisms governing their translation, and their emerging roles in metabolic regulation. By integrating current findings and technological advancements, we highlight the potential physiological and pathological implications of these micropeptides and outline future research directions in the field. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-grade endometrial cancer, including non-endometrioid and grade 3 endometrioid histologies, is associated with poor prognosis despite early-stage diagnosis. This study assessed the prognosis of early-stage high-grade endometrial cancer, identified prognostic factors, and evaluated the optimal candidates for adjuvant therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 106 patients with 2018 FIGO stage I–II high-grade endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomies between 2008 and 2022. Adjuvant therapy was determined by a multidisciplinary team. Survival outcomes were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression model. Results: Of 106 patients, 60 had non-endometrioid, and 46 had grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma; 69 (65.1%) received adjuvant therapy. After a median follow-up of 48.8 months, 37 patients experienced disease progression, and 21 died. Non-endometrioid histology was significantly associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.002). Lack of lymph node dissection, deeper invasion, and the omission of adjuvant therapy were additional adverse prognostic factors. Adjuvant therapy improved the overall survival (p = 0.009), disease-free survival (p = 0.021), and locoregional recurrence-free survival (p = 0.034) in patients with one or two risk factors. Conclusions: Non-endometrioid histology, deep invasion, and the lack of lymph node dissection are associated with worse survival in early-stage high-grade endometrial cancer. Adjuvant therapy should be considered in patients with these risk factors. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of age at symptom onset on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency and sleep-onset REM period (SOREMP) distribution in multiple sleep latency tests (MSLTs) in patients with narcolepsy. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter chart review of 135 newly diagnosed drug-naïve patients with narcolepsy who underwent MSLT and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for narcolepsy. The age at onset was defined as the first occurrence of excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy. We investigated sleep onset latency, REM sleep latency, and the presence of SORMEP in each nap trial of the MSLT. The clinical, polysomnography, and MSLT findings were compared between the early- and late-onset groups. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to assess the effect of age at onset as a continuous variable, and survival analyses confirmed its impact on the MSLT parameters. Results: The mean age at onset was 18.3 ± 8.8 years. Patients with early onset had a higher rate of SOREMPs than late-onset patients in the first MSLT nap (81.9% vs. 63.3%, p = 0.031). However, the severity of the narcolepsy symptoms did not differ between the groups. In linear regression analysis, age at onset was significantly associated with MSLT REM sleep latency (β = 0.049, p = 0.033) after adjusting for confounders. Survival analysis confirmed that an early onset of narcolepsy was associated with a higher probability of SOREMPs in the first MSLT nap (hazard ratio 0.955, p = 0.001). Conclusions: A younger age at narcolepsy onset was associated with shorter REM sleep latency and higher SOREMP probability in MSLT. These findings indicate that the early onset of narcolepsy may be linked to greater disease severity in terms of REM sleep dysregulation. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental pollutant implicated in various respiratory diseases. However, its impact on the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the acute inflammatory effects of PM exposure on the sinonasal mucosa and evaluate the natural recovery process in a controlled rat model. Ten-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to incense-derived PM in a custom-designed exposure chamber for 2 h daily for seven consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 14 days post-exposure. Histopathologic changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue staining, and mucosal gene expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-5 and MUC5AC was quantified using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. PM exposure induced significant histological alterations, including epithelial thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia, which peaked at 7 days post-exposure. Expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly elevated at 7 days compared to controls. The sinonasal mucosa in the 14-day post-exposure groups exhibited a remarkable decrease in goblet cell numbers, and IL-1β and TNF-α expression. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of PM resulted in acute inflammatory changes in the sinonasal mucosa of rats, including epithelial thickening and goblet cell hyperplasia. These changes were partially resolved after exposure ended, indicating that PM-induced sinonasal inflammation may be at least partially reversible. Full article

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses significant public health challenges due to its rapid mutation and drug resistance, necessitating novel antiviral strategies. Rhododendron brachycarpum, traditionally employed in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, contains bioactive flavonoids with potential antiviral effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-influenza activity of R. brachycarpum leaf extract and identified hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) as the active constituent. The crude extract and its n-butanol fraction markedly reduced IAV replication in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, with IC50/CC50 values of 74.51/201.09 μg/mL and 24.5/113.1 μg/mL, respectively. Hyperoside, purified via bioactivity-guided fractionation and HPLC analysis, demonstrated potent antiviral activity, with an IC50 of 66.59 μM (30.92 μg/mL) and a CC50 of 318.9 μM (148.1 μg/mL), indicating a favorable selectivity index. It significantly suppressed viral mRNA and protein expression in infected cells. Time-of-addition and hemagglutination inhibition assays suggested that hyperoside exerts antiviral effects during early infection stages, likely interfering with viral entry. In silico molecular docking analysis further supported this mechanism, revealing that hyperoside binds strongly to the receptor-binding domain of hemagglutinin (−11.5 kcal/mol), potentially blocking viral attachment. These findings reveal that hyperoside is a major antiviral component of R. brachycarpum and underscore its therapeutic potential as a natural antiviral candidate against IAV infections. Full article