Can Reference Materials Prepared Following CLSI C37-A Be Utilized Without Commutability Assessment? Perspectives Based on Lipid Measurements.

Background: Ensuring reference material (RM) commutability is crucial for evaluating measurement traceability in order to standardize laboratory tests. However, commutability assessment is not routinely performed. We assessed whether RMs prepared following CLSI C37-A guidelines could be used without assessing commutability by evaluating their commutability for four lipid measurements using the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and CLSI EP14 protocols.

Multi-Objective CFD Optimization of an Intermediate Diffuser Stage for PediaFlow Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device.

Background: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an essential design tool for ventricular assist devices (VADs), where the goal of maximizing performance often conflicts with biocompatibility. This tradeoff becomes even more pronounced in pediatric applications due to the stringent size constraints imposed by the smaller patient population. This study presents an automated CFD-driven shape optimization of a new intermediate diffuser stage for the PediaFlow pediatric VAD, positioned immediately downstream of the impeller to improve pressure recovery.

Multi-objective CFD optimization of an intermediate diffuser stage for PediaFlow pediatric ventricular assist device.

Background: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an essential design tool for ventricular assist devices (VADs), where the goal of maximizing performance often conflicts with biocompatibility. This tradeoff becomes even more pronounced in pediatric applications due to the stringent size constraints imposed by the smaller patient population. This study presents an automated CFD-driven shape optimization of a new intermediate diffuser stage for the PediaFlow pediatric VAD, positioned immediately downstream of the impeller to improve pressure recovery.

In Vitro Anthelmintic Effect of Selected Agents Against Microcotyle sebastis and Microcotyle caudata, the Gill Monogenean Parasites of Rockfish, Sebastes spp.

The in vitro efficacy of various anthelminthic agents was investigated against adults and eggs of the Microcotyle sebastis and M. caudata. Praziquantel (PZQ), ivermectin (IVM), trichlorfon (TCF), fenbendazole (FNBZ), febantel (FBT), flubendazole (FLBZ), thiabendazole (TBZ), formalin, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) were selected as test agents.

Ginsenoside-Enriched Sprouts Cultivated from Aquaponic System with a Novel Nutrient Solution Regulate LPS-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and UVB-Induced Photoaging Responses via MAPK/AP-1 Signaling Pathways.

sprouts (GSs) have attracted attention as functional resources due to their short cultivation time and enriched ginsenoside content. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivities of GSs cultivated using kelp fermentates (KF) as a nutrient solution under a smart-farming system. Ginsenoside-enriched extract (FGE), its water-soluble saponin fraction (WFGE), and 70% ethanol-soluble saponin fraction (EFGE) were analyzed for phytochemical contents and biological activities.

Identification of zoonotic pathogens in zoo animals in the Republic of Korea.

Zoo animals may harbor various zoonotic pathogens and may pose a potential risk to humans through close contact. Nevertheless, epidemiological data on zoonotic diseases are scarce. Here, we conducted an epidemiological investigation and genetic characterization of , species, , and in zoo animals in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and evaluated their zoonotic potential.

Ultrafast structural dynamics of carbon-carbon single-bond rotation in transient radical species at non-equilibrium.

Bond rotation is an important phenomenon governing the fate of reactions. In particular, heterogeneously substituted ethane derivatives provide distinct structural conformations around the bond, empowering them as ideal systems for studying the rotation along carbon-containing single bonds. However, structural dynamics of ultrafast single-bond rotation, especially along C-C• bonds, have remained elusive as tracking the detailed changes in structural parameters during the rotational isomerization is challenging with conventional spectroscopic tools.

Compact and Real-Time Radiation Dosimeter Using Silicon Photomultipliers for In Vivo Dosimetry in Radiation Therapy.

Existing dosimeters for radiation therapy are typically large, and their performance in in vivo system applications has not been assessed. This study develops a compact real-time dosimeter using silicon photomultipliers, plastic scintillators, and optical fibers and evaluates its in vivo applicability for radiation therapy. Dose calibration, dose-rate dependency and linearity, and short-term repeatability tests were conducted using solid water phantoms and bolus materials, and in vivo dosimetry was performed using an in-house phantom.

Thermal stresses in porcelain veneered lithium disilicate and zirconia dental crowns: Comparative analysis using a validated viscoelastic finite element model.

This study aims to investigate the effects of material compatibility, variable cooling rates, and crown geometry on thermal stress development in porcelain-veneered lithium disilicate (PVLD) and porcelain-veneered zirconia (PVZ) dental crown systems, and subsequently anticipate parameters for their optimum performance. An anatomically correct 3D crown model was developed from STL files generated using 3D scans of the experimental crown sample. Next, the viscoelastic finite element model (VFEM) based on the 3D crown model was developed and validated for anatomically correct bilayer PVLD and PVZ crown systems.

Context-Aware Integrated Navigation System Based on Deep Learning for Seamless Localization.

An integrated navigation system is a promising solution to improve positioning performance by complementing estimated positioning in each sensor, such as a global positioning system (GPS), an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and an odometer sensor. However, under GPS-disabled environments, such as urban canyons or tunnels where the GPS signals are difficult to receive, the positioning performance of the integrated navigation system decreases. Therefore, deep learning-based integrated navigation systems have been proposed to ensure seamless localization under various positioning conditions.

A new species of Janiralata Menzies, 1951 (Isopoda: Asellota, Janiridae) from Korea.

A new isopod species, Janiralata kwangsooi sp. nov., from Dokdo Island located in the East Sea off the Korean Peninsula is described here.

Development and Validation of a Prediction Model Using Sella Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Radiomics and Clinical Parameters for the Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency and Idiopathic Short Stature: Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study.

Background: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) are the major etiologies of short stature in children. For the diagnosis of GHD and ISS, meticulous evaluations are required, including growth hormone provocation tests, which are invasive and burdensome for children. Additionally, sella magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is necessary for assessing etiologies of GHD, which cannot evaluate hormonal secretion.

An experimental analysis of graph representation learning for Gene Ontology based protein function prediction.

Understanding protein function is crucial for deciphering biological systems and facilitating various biomedical applications. Computational methods for predicting Gene Ontology functions of proteins emerged in the 2000s to bridge the gap between the number of annotated proteins and the rapidly growing number of newly discovered amino acid sequences. Recently, there has been a surge in studies applying graph representation learning techniques to biological networks to enhance protein function prediction tools.

The carbon-iodine bond cleavage and isomerization of iodoform visualized with femtosecond X-ray liquidography.

Iodoform (CHI) has garnered significant attention for its unique ability to induce photo-cyclopropanation of olefins by releasing an iodine radical through C-I bond cleavage. However, the detailed mechanism underlying CHI photodissociation is still not fully understood. Here, we elucidate the ultrafast structural dynamics of CHI upon photoexcitation using femtosecond time-resolved X-ray liquidography (fs-TRXL) at an X-ray free-electron laser facility.

Dosimetric Comparison between the HyperArc and Conventional VMAT in Cervical Spine Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

This research aims to evaluate the usability of the HyperArc (HA) technique in stereotactic radiosurgery for cervical spine metastasis by comparing the dosimetry of the target and organs at risk, specifically the spinal cord, between HA and VMAT and conventional volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). A RANDO phantom and QFix Encompass and support system were used to simulate three target types (A, B, and C) based on RTOG0631 guidelines. Treatment plans included one VMAT and two HyperArc techniques with different SRS NTO values (100 and 250).

Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 on irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract, negatively impacting patients' quality of life. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 (RH 3201) on irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a total of 30 subjects with IBS-C were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 8 weeks of probiotics administration or placebo.

Data Clustering Utilization Technologies Using Medians of Current Values for Improving Arc Sensing in Unstructured Environments.

In the shipbuilding industry, welding automation using welding robots often relies on arc-sensing techniques due to spatial limitations. However, the reliability of the feedback current value, core sensing data, is reduced when welding target workpieces have significant curvature or gaps between curved workpieces due to the control of short-circuit transition, leading to seam tracking failure and subsequent damage to the workpieces. To address these problems, this study proposes a new algorithm, MBSC (median-based spatial clustering), based on the DBSCAN (density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) clustering algorithm.

Functionally graded bi-material interface for Porcelain Veneered Zirconia dental crowns: A study using viscoelastic finite element analysis.

Objectives: During the manufacturing of Porcelain Veneered Zirconia (PVZ) dental crowns, the veneer-core system undergoes high-temperature firing cycles and gets fused together which is then, under a controlled setting, cooled down to room temperature. During this cooling process, the mismatch in thermal properties between zirconia and porcelain leads to the development of transient and residual thermal stresses within the crown. These thermal stresses are inherent to the PVZ dental crown systems and render the crown structure weak, acting as a precursor to veneer chipping, fracture, and delamination.

Effect of illite pretreatment on germinated Brown rice with Special Reference to amino acids, antioxidants, texture, and mineral elements.

The pretreatment process of various foods has been reported to improve their nutritional properties. The soaking of brown rice improves the texture and nutrients, which are crucial for cooking and maintaining its high functional value. Illite, a clay mineral, has recently been discovered to improve the nutritional value of seeds.

In-depth correlation analysis between tear glucose and blood glucose using a wireless smart contact lens.

Tears have emerged as a promising alternative to blood for diagnosing diabetes. Despite increasing attempts to measure tear glucose using smart contact lenses, the controversy surrounding the correlation between tear glucose and blood glucose still limits the clinical usage of tears. Herein, we present an in-depth investigation of the correlation between tear glucose and blood glucose using a wireless and soft smart contact lens for continuous monitoring of tear glucose.

Dynamic three-dimensional structures of a metal-organic framework captured with femtosecond serial crystallography.

Crystalline systems consisting of small-molecule building blocks have emerged as promising materials with diverse applications. It is of great importance to characterize not only their static structures but also the conversion of their structures in response to external stimuli. Femtosecond time-resolved crystallography has the potential to probe the real-time dynamics of structural transitions, but, thus far, this has not been realized for chemical reactions in non-biological crystals.

Multiple roles for the cytoplasmic C-terminal domains of the yeast cell surface receptors Rgt2 and Snf3 in glucose sensing and signaling.

The plasma membrane proteins Rgt2 and Snf3 are glucose sensing receptors (GSRs) that generate an intracellular signal for the induction of gene expression in response to high and low extracellular glucose concentrations, respectively. The GSRs consist of a 12-transmembrane glucose recognition domain and a cytoplasmic C-terminal signaling tail. The GSR tails are dissimilar in length and sequence, but their distinct roles in glucose signal transduction are poorly understood.