Search Results (678)

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing offers mask-free, high-resolution deposition across a broad range of ink viscosities, yet combining void-free filling of high-aspect-ratio through-glass vias (TGVs) with ultrafine drop-on-demand (DOD) line printing on the same platform requires balancing conflicting requirements: for example, high field strengths to drive ink into deep and narrow vias; sufficiently high ink viscosity to prevent gravity-induced leakage; and stable meniscus dynamics to avoid satellite droplets and charge accumulation on the glass surface. By coupling electrostatic field analysis with transient level-set simulations, we establish a dimensionless regime map that delineates stable cone-jetting regime; these predictions are validated by high-speed imaging and surface profilometry. Operating within this window, the platform achieves complete, void-free filling of 200 µm × 1.52 mm TGVs and continuous 10 µm-wide traces in a single print pass. Demonstrating its capabilities, we fabricate transparent Ku-band substrate-integrated waveguide antennas on borosilicate glass: the printed vias and arc feed elements exhibit a reflection coefficient minimum of –18 dB at 14.2 GHz, a –10 dB bandwidth of 12.8–16.2 GHz, and an 8 dBi peak gain with 37° beam tilt, closely matching full-wave predictions. This physics-driven, all-in-one EHD approach provides a scalable route to high-performance, glass-integrated RF devices and transparent electronics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (CFLD) is a significant complication in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), contributing to morbidity and mortality, with no universally accepted, reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection. Current diagnostic methods, including liver biopsy and imaging, remain resource-intensive and invasive. Non-invasive biomarkers like the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index have shown promise in diagnosing liver fibrosis in various chronic liver diseases. This study explores the potential of the FIB-4 index to predict CFLD in an adult CF population and assesses its correlation with transient elastography (TE) as a potential diagnostic tool. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the FIB-4 index for CFLD in adults with CF and investigate its relationship with TE-based liver stiffness measurements (LSM). Methods: The study was conducted in a regional cystic fibrosis unit, including 261 adult CF patients. FIB-4 scores were calculated using an online tool (mdcalc.com) based on patient age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and platelet count. In parallel, 29 patients underwent liver stiffness measurement using TE (Fibroscan^®). Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests for group comparisons and Pearson’s correlation to assess the relationship between FIB-4 scores and TE results. Results: The mean FIB-4 score in patients diagnosed with CFLD was higher (0.99 ± 0.83) compared to those without CFLD (0.64 ± 0.38), although the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). TE results for CFLD patients (5.9 kPa) also did not show a significant difference compared to non-CFLD patients (4.2 ± 1.6 kPa, p > 0.05). However, a positive correlation (r = 0.401, p = 0.031) was found between FIB-4 scores and TE-based LSM, suggesting a potential complementary diagnostic role. Conclusions: The FIB-4 index, while not sufficient as a standalone diagnostic tool for CFLD in adults with CF, demonstrates potential when used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods like TE. This study introduces a novel approach for integrating non-invasive diagnostic markers in CF care, offering a pathway for future clinical practice. The combination of FIB-4 and TE could serve as an accessible, cost-effective alternative to invasive diagnostic techniques, improving early diagnosis and management of CFLD in the CF population. Additionally, future research should explore the integration of these tools with emerging biomarkers and clinical features to refine diagnostic algorithms for CFLD, potentially reducing reliance on liver biopsies and improving patient outcomes. Full article

Myocardial hypertrophy (MH) represents a complex and heterogeneous condition in the pediatric and young adult population. While rare in children, MH encompasses a wide spectrum of physiological and pathological entities, ranging from transient hypertrophy in the infants of diabetic mothers to progressive genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathies (HCM) with significant morbidity and mortality. Differential diagnosis is critical, as many phenocopies—including metabolic, mitochondrial, and syndromic diseases—can mimic HCM. Echocardiography remains the first-line imaging modality, with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and molecular diagnostics increasingly used for detailed characterization. Risk stratification tools, such as the HCM Risk-Kids model, support clinical decision-making but must be integrated with individualized assessment. Advances in prenatal screening and genetic testing have significantly improved outcomes, though long-term management requires multidisciplinary care. Understanding age-specific presentations and the underlying etiologies is essential for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cardiac hypertrophy from fetal life through young adulthood, with a focus on etiologies, diagnostic approaches, imaging modalities, and therapeutic strategies, and aims to guide clinicians through the evolving landscape of MH, emphasizing early recognition, comprehensive evaluation, and personalized care. Full article

Vacuum degassing (VD) is a critical refining step in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking for producing clean steel with reduced nitrogen and hydrogen content. This study develops an Effective Equilibrium Reaction Zone (EERZ) model focused on denitrogenation (de-N) by simulating interfacial reactions at the bubble–steel interface (Z1). The model incorporates key process parameters such as argon flow rate, vacuum pressure, and initial nitrogen and sulfur concentrations. A robust empirical correlation was established between de-N efficiency and the mass of Z1, reducing prediction time from a day to under a minute. Additionally, the model was further improved by incorporating a dynamic surface exposure zone (Z_eye) to account for transient ladle eye effects on nitrogen removal under deep vacuum (<10 torr), validated using synchronized plant trials and Python-based video analysis. The integrated approach—combining thermodynamic-kinetic modeling, plant validation, and image-based diagnostics—provides a robust framework for optimizing VD control and enhancing nitrogen removal control in EAF-based steelmaking. Full article

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques are crucial for evaluating the condition of structures, enabling early maintenance interventions, and monitoring factors that could compromise structural integrity. Modal analysis studies the dynamic response of structures when subjected to vibrations, evaluating natural frequencies and vibration modes. This study focuses on detecting and comparing the natural frequencies of a 3-DoF structure under various excitation scenarios, including ambient vibration (in healthy and damaged conditions), two types of transient excitation, and three harmonic excitation variations. Signal processing techniques, specifically Power Spectral Density (PSD) and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), were employed. Each method provides valuable insights into frequency and time-frequency domain analysis. Under ambient vibration excitation, the damaged condition exhibits spectral differences in amplitude and frequency compared to the undamaged state. For the transient excitations, the scalogram images reveal localized energetic differences in frequency components over time, whereas PSD alone cannot observe these behaviors. For the harmonic excitations, PSD provides higher spectral resolution, while CWT adds insight into temporal energy evolution near resonance bands. This study discusses how these analyses provide sensitive features for damage detection applications, as well as the influence of different excitation types on the natural frequencies of the structure. Full article

Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) within the masticatory space are a rare but significant complication of oral and maxillofacial procedures. Despite advancements in orthognathic surgery, instrument breakage and accidental loss can lead to challenging secondary procedures. Clinical experience with retained foreign bodies in the masticatory space following orthognathic surgery and related dental procedures is summarized. Methods: A retrospective search was conducted in the surgical and radiological database of a tertiary referral center for maxillofacial surgery, covering procedures from January 2017 to December 2024. Patients were included if they had undergone orthognathic surgery and presented with a retained FB in the masticatory space confirmed through imaging. Clinical records, operative notes, imaging studies, and follow-up data were reviewed. Results: Out of 2092 procedures, four patients (0.19%) were identified. Two FBs were related to broken surgical instruments during orthognathic surgery (a suture needle and a burr fragment), while two were fractured local anesthesia needles during third molar extraction under local anesthesia. All FBs were located in deep compartments of the masticatory space (paramandibular or pterygopalatine region). Surgical retrieval via transoral approach under general anesthesia was successful in all cases. One patient experienced transient facial nerve dyskinesia; no long-term complications or recurrences were noted. Conclusions: Retained foreign bodies in the masticatory space are infrequent yet warrant prompt recognition and surgical management to mitigate the risk of infection, nerve damage, and repeated procedures. Thorough instrument checks, proper technique, and advanced imaging modalities are crucial for minimizing these complications in orthognathic surgery. Full article

Hydrogen is a promising zero-carbon fuel for internal combustion engines; however, the geometric optimization of injectors for low-pressure direct-injection (LPDI) systems under lean-burn conditions remains underexplored. This study presents a high-fidelity optimization framework that couples a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combustion model with a surrogate-assisted multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The CFD model was validated using particle image velocimetry (PIV) data from non-reacting flow experiments conducted in an optically accessible research engine developed by Sandia National Laboratories, ensuring accurate prediction of in-cylinder flow structures. The optimization focused on two critical geometric parameters: injector hole count and injection angle. Partial indicated mean effective pressure (pIMEP) and in-cylinder NO_x emissions were selected as conflicting objectives to balance performance and emissions. Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) was employed to resolve transient in-cylinder flow and combustion dynamics with high spatial accuracy. Among 22 evaluated configurations including both capped and uncapped designs, the injector featuring three holes at a 15.24° injection angle outperformed the baseline, delivering improved mixture uniformity, reduced knock tendency, and lower NO_x emissions. These results demonstrate the potential of geometry-based optimization for advancing hydrogen-fueled LPDI engines toward cleaner and more efficient combustion strategies. Full article

Cellulite, characterised by cutaneous dimpling, surface irregularities, and dermal atrophy skin texture, affects up to 90% of post-pubertal females. It is a multifactorial condition involving anatomical, hormonal, and metabolic components, primarily affecting the thighs and buttocks. Despite numerous available therapies, there remains a high demand for effective, non-invasive, and well-tolerated treatment options. This single-centre, in vivo, prospective study evaluated the efficacy of a non-pharmacological, thermogenic topical cream-gel combined with manual massage in women with symmetrical grade II or III cellulite (Nürnberger–Müller scale). A total of 56 female participants (aged 18–55 years) were enrolled and instructed to apply the product twice daily for eight weeks to the thighs and buttocks. Efficacy was assessed using instrumental skin profilometry (ANTERA^® 3D CS imaging system), dermatological clinical grading, and patient self-assessment questionnaires. Quantitative analysis showed a mean reduction of 23.5% in skin indentation volume (p < 0.01) and a mean decrease of 1.1 points on the cellulite severity scale by week 8. Patient-reported outcomes revealed 85.7% satisfaction with visible results and 91% satisfaction with product texture and ease of application. Dermatological evaluation confirmed no clinically significant adverse reactions, and only 3.5% of participants reported mild and transient skin sensitivity. These findings suggest that this topical cream-gel formulation, when used in conjunction with manual massage, represents a well-tolerated and non-invasive option for the cosmetic improvement of moderate to severe cellulite. Full article

Accumulating studies have shown that astrocytes are essential for regulating neurons at both synaptic and circuit levels. The main mechanism of brain astrocytic intracellular Ca²⁺ activity is through the release of Ca²⁺ via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2 (IP3R2) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Studies using IP3R2 knockout mouse models (Itpr2^−/−) have shown that eliminating IP3R2 leads to a significant reduction in astrocytic Ca²⁺ activity However, there is ongoing controversy regarding the effect of this IP3R2-dependent reduction in astrocytic Ca²⁺ transients on neuronal activity. In our study, we employed dual-color two-photon Ca²⁺ imaging to study astrocytes and neurons simultaneously in vibrissa somatosensory cortex (vS1) in awake-behaving wild-type and Itpr2^−/− mice. We systematically characterized and compared both recorded astrocytic and neuronal Ca²⁺ activities in wild-type and Itpr2^−/− mice during various animal behaviors, particularly during the transition period from stillness to locomotion. We report that vS1 astrocytic Ca²⁺ elevation in both wild-type and Itpr2^−/− mice was significantly modulated by free whisking and locomotion. However, vS1 neurons were only significantly modulated by locomotion in wild-type mice, but not in Itpr2^−/− mice. Our study suggests a non-synaptic modulatory mechanism on functions of astrocytic IP3R2-dependent Ca²⁺ transients to local neurons. Full article

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) increases right ventricular (RV) afterload, potentially leading to myocardial stress and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Although QTc prolongation has been suggested as a marker of RV dysfunction, its prevalence, clinical significance, and prognostic value in acute PE remain poorly defined. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical implications of QTc prolongation in patients with intermediate–high and high-risk acute PE. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 95 consecutive patients admitted with intermediate–high or high-risk PE between September 2021 and December 2023. QTc prolongation was defined as ≥470 ms in males and ≥480 ms in females. Clinical, imaging, and laboratory data were compared between patients with normal and prolonged QTc intervals. QTc was assessed at admission, after treatment, and prior to discharge. Results: QTc prolongation was observed in 28.4% of patients at presentation. This group had significantly higher lactate levels (2.3 vs. 1.8 mmol/L, p = 0.03) and a non-significant trend toward elevated troponin and lower oxygen saturation. No differences were observed in echocardiographic or CT-based RV dysfunction parameters. QTc values normalized by discharge irrespective of treatment modality. There was no association between QTc prolongation and in-hospital or long-term mortality. A trend toward more aspiration thrombectomy was noted in the prolonged QTc group (29.6% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.06). Conclusions: QTc prolongation is common in acute intermediate–high and high-risk PE and may reflect transient myocardial stress. While not predictive of clinical outcomes, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of QTc prolongation in patients presenting with dyspnea and chest pain. Full article

Dynamic impact experiments based on high-speed photography and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques were carried out on sandstone specimens containing arched holes to investigate the effect of the incident angle. In addition, the complex function method based on conformal mapping was used to theoretically calculate the transient dynamic stress distributions around the arched holes. The test results indicated that the strength and modulus of elasticity of the specimens under dynamic impact decreased and then increased with the increase of the inclination angle of the holes from 0 to 90° at intervals of 15°, reaching a minimum value at 60°, due to the large stress concentration at this angle leading to the shear failure of the specimen. During the experiment, rock debris ejections, spalling, and heaving were observed around the holes, and the rock debris ejections served as an indicator to identify the early fracture. The damage mechanism around the holes was revealed theoretically, i.e., the considerable compressive stress concentration in the perpendicular incidence direction around the arched hole and the tensile stress concentration on the incidence side led to the initiation of the damage around the cavity, and the theoretical results were in satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. In addition, the effect of the initial stress on the dynamic response of the arched tunnel was discussed. Full article

Historical masonry structures deteriorate over time, requiring restoration and strengthening. Hydraulic lime-based mortars (HLMs), due to their compatibility with historical materials, are commonly used for this purpose. This study examines the fire resistance of masonry walls constructed with HLMs. Masonry prisms with clay bricks were prepared using HLMs in accordance with material testing standards. Specimens were subjected to high temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 800 °C, followed by flexural–compression tests for mortar and compression tests for masonry prisms. A total of 20 masonry prism specimens, 15 brick specimens, and 15 mortar specimens were tested, including reference specimens at room temperature. Experimental results indicate that masonry prisms, clay bricks, and HLMs progressively lose their mechanical properties as temperature increases. The elastic modulus of masonry prisms was evaluated according to relevant standards, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted to validate temperature-dependent material properties. The stress–strain response of M15 HLM masonry prisms was determined, addressing the absence of such data in EN 1996-1-2. Additionally, compression test results were compared with digital image correlation (DIC) analyses to enhance measurement accuracy. This study provides critical insights into the thermal performance of masonry walls with HLMs, contributing to the development of fire-resistant restoration materials. Full article

Laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing has been widely explored for fabricating intricate metallic parts such as lattice structures with thin struts. However, L-PBF-fabricated small parts (e.g., thin struts) exhibit different morphological and mechanical characteristics compared to bulk-sized parts due to distinct scan lengths, affecting the melt pool behavior between transient and quasi-steady states. This study investigates the keyhole porosity in Ti6Al4V thin struts fabricated by L-PBF, incorporating a range of strut sizes, along with various levels of linear energy densities. Micro-scaled computed tomography and image analysis were employed for porosity measurements and evaluations. Generally, keyhole porosity lessens with decreasing energy density, though with varying patterns across a higher energy density range. Keyhole porosity in struts predictably becomes severe at high laser powers and/or low scan speeds. However, a major finding reveals that the porosity is reduced with decreasing strut size (if less than 1.25 mm diameter), plausibly because the keyhole formed has not reached a stable state to produce pores in a permanent way. This implies that a higher linear energy density, greater than commonly formulated in making bulk components, could be utilized in making small-scale features to ensure not only full melting but also minimum keyhole porosity. Full article

Background: Ifosfamide, an alkylating agent used for treating various cancers, can cause encephalopathy in 10–30% of adults and 8% of children. Methylene blue has been used to treat ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy (IIE). This study aimed to describe our institutional experience with IIE in children and young adults with cancer, including its clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes. Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of patients with cancer aged up to 30 years who developed IIE over 10 years. Results: Twenty-four patients (median age: 17.6 years, range: 4–30 years) were included; 54% were male, and 71% had bone/soft tissue sarcomas. Ifosfamide was administered alone or with other drugs (dose range: 1.5–3.3 g/m²/day). Twelve patients developed IIE after short intermittent infusions (1–3 h), and twelve developed it after continuous infusions (12–24 h). IIE occurred at a median cumulative ifosfamide dose of 18 g/m². Symptoms appeared within hours to five days and resolved within 24–120 h. An altered mental status was present in all except one patient. Twelve patients had grade 3 IIE (severe somnolence, agitation, and confusion), and five had grade 4 IIE (coma and seizures). Twenty patients (83%) received methylene blue, with symptom resolution in nineteen patients (83%). Imaging studies showed nonspecific findings. Ten patients were re-challenged with ifosfamide; five received prophylactic methylene blue treatment, of whom three had recurrence. Conclusions: IIE can occur with both short intermittent and continuous ifosfamide infusions and presents as an altered mental status, seizures, and, rarely, hemiparesis. Symptoms are transient, and methylene blue may help alleviate this neurotoxicity, but it does not completely prevent its recurrence. Full article

Background/Objectives: The insula is a deep, functionally heterogeneous region involved in various pathological conditions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue for neuromodulation, yet very few studies have directly investigated its effects on insular activity. Moreover, empirical evidence of target engagement of this region remains scarce. This study aimed to stimulate the insula with rTMS and assess blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal modulation using concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Ten participants were recruited, six of whom underwent a single session of 5 Hz high-frequency rTMS over the right insular cortex inside the MRI scanner. Stimulation was delivered using a compatible MRI-B91 TMS coil. Stimulation consisted of 10 trains of 10 s each, with a 50 s interval between trains. Frameless stereotactic neuronavigation ensured precise targeting. Paired t-tests were used to compare the mean BOLD signal obtained between stimulation trains with resting-state fMRI acquired before the rTMS stimulation session. A significant cluster threshold of q < 0.01 (False Discovery Rate; FDR) with a minimum cluster size of 10 voxels was applied. Results: Concurrent rTMS-fMRI revealed the significant modulation of BOLD activity within insular subregions. Increased activity was observed in the anterior, middle, and middle-inferior insula, while decreased activity was identified in the ventral anterior and posterior insula. Additionally, two participants reported transient dysgeusia following stimulation, which provides further evidence of insular modulation. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that rTMS can modulate distinct subregions of the insular cortex. The combination of region-specific BOLD responses and stimulation-induced dysgeusia supports the feasibility of using rTMS to modulate insular activity. Full article