bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and in Silico Studies of Some New 1,2,3‐Triazolyltetrazole Bearing Indazole Derivatives as Potent Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Gujja Venkanna , Sadineni Kumaraswamy , Epuru Manohar Reddy , Rao Allaka Tejeswara , Banothu Venkanna , Gunda Shravan Kumar , Koppula Shiva Kumar
Published: November 2023

1,2,3‐Triazole and tetrazole derivatives bearing pyrrolidines are found to exhibit notable biological activity and have become useful scaffolds in medicinal chemistry for application in lead discovery and optimization. Novel indazole bearing 1,2,3‐triazolyltetrazoles were designed as potential antimicrobial candidates. The structure of duel heterocyclics was validated by a spectroscopic technique of infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR), and mass spectral data. Compounds 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4h were found to have a stronger antibacterial effect against Gram‐positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis, M. Luteus) and Gram‐negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) microorganisms with MICs ranging from 5±0.03–18±0.02 μM, respectively. Moreover, scaffolds 4a, 4h showed potent antifungal activity against A. flavus, M. gypsuem strains with MIC values of 10±0.02, 11±0.01 μM, which are similar activity that of the standard Itraconazole (MIC=8±0.02, 10±0.01 μM). The binding mode for compound 4 inside the catalytic pocket of S. aureus complexed with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and trimethoprim and produced a network of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions (3FRE). From in silico results, 4b demonstrated highly stable hydrogen binding amino acids Leu62(X) [N18…O, 2.47 Å], Arg44(X) [N17…N, 3.11 Å], Thr96(X) [N10…OG1, 3.05 Å], Gly94(X) [F7…N, 2.82 Å], and Gly43(X) [F7…N, 2.90 Å], which are plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient binding of the ligand in a crystal structure of antibacterial receptor. Furthermore, the physicochemical and ADME filtration molecular properties, estimation of toxicity, and bioactivity scores of these novel scaffolds were evaluated by using SwissADME and ADMETlab2.0 online protocols. Thus, the significant antimicrobial activity of indazole linked to duel heterocyclic compounds can be used for development of new antimicrobial agents with further modifications.
Operating performance assessment based on stacked performance‐relevant enhanced denoising auto‐encoder for industrial processes
Authors: Liu Yan , Ma Zhe , Wang Fuli , Ma Ruicheng , Chu Fei , Li Xinghua , Guan Changliang
Published: November 2023

As an effective way to ensure the economic benefits of enterprises, process operating performance assessment has attracted more and more attention from industry and academia in recent years. In this paper, a stacked performance‐relevant enhanced denoising autoencoder (SPEDAE) network is designed for the operating performance assessment of industrial processes. Compared to the original denoising auto‐encoder (DAE), each performance‐relevant enhanced denoising auto‐encoder (PEDAE) not only reconstructs the input features in the output layer, but also strives to reconstruct the original input data and the performance grade labels simultaneously. Then the SPEDAE is formed by stacking multiple PEDAEs layer by layer. Through this improved training strategy, SPEDAE can avoid accumulated information loss during the deep feature extraction process, improve the robustness of the network, and extract features closely related to the operating performance, thereby better completing the assessment task. The effectiveness of the proposed assessment method is validated on the case of gold cyanide leaching process. Compared with several methods, the proposed SPEDAE has the highest accuracy and reaches 99.85%, which demonstrates its superiority in operating performance assessment.
Regulating the Electron‐Deficient Component in A‐DA1D‐A Typed Small‐Molecule Acceptors for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells†
Authors: Wei Weifei , Ma Ruijie , Chen Zhanxiang , Xu Tongle , Li Gang , Luo Zhenghui
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Fine‐tuning of the electron‐deficient unit in A‐DA1D‐A typed small‐molecule acceptors (SMAs) plays a crucial role in developing efficient SMAs for organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, we developed a SMA based on benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3‐b]quinoxaline, designated as QW1, as well as three SMAs based on 1‐methylindoline‐2,3‐dione, identified as QW2, QW3, and QW4. Compared with QW2, QW1 displays slightly blue‐shifted absorption spectra and a lower LUMO energy level due to the stronger electron‐withdrawing capability of BTQx in contrast to MDO. On the other hand, the introduction of a bromine atom in QW3 and QW4 causes a blue shift in absorption and a reduction in the LUMO energy level compared to QW2. Density functional theory analysis reveals that QW1 exhibits the best molecular planarity, which endows QW1 with larger electron mobility and tighter molecular stacking. Consequently, PM6:QW1 device affords a better efficiency of 15.63% than those of the devices based on QW2 (14.25%), QW3 (13.21%) and QW4 (15.03%). Moreover, the QW4‐based device yields the highest open‐circuit voltage of 0.933 V, and the PM6:L8‐BO:QW4 ternary device realizes a PCE of 19.03%. Overall, our work demonstrates that regulation of electron‐deficient central units is an effective strategy to improve the photovoltaic performance of the resulting A‐DA1D‐A SMAs.
Improving Species Level‐taxonomic Assignment from 16S rRNA Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Bars‐Cortina David , Moratalla‐Navarro Ferran , García‐Serrano Ainhoa , Mach Núria , Riobó‐Mayo Lois , Vea‐Barbany Jordi , Rius‐Sansalvador Blanca , Murcia Silvia , Obón‐Santacana Mireia , Moreno Victor
Published: November 2023

Analysis of the bacterial community from a 16S rRNA gene sequencing technologies requires comparing the reads to a reference database. The challenging task involved in annotation relies on the currently available tools and 16S rRNA databases: SILVA, Greengenes and RDP. A successful annotation depends on the quality of the database. For instance, Greengenes and RDP have not been updated since 2013 and 2016, respectively. In addition, the nature of 16S sequencing technologies (short reads) focuses mainly on the V3‐V4 hypervariable region sequencing and hinders the species assignment, in contrast to whole shotgun metagenome sequencing.

Here, we combine the results of three standard protocols for 16S rRNA amplicon annotation that utilize homology‐based methods, and we propose a new re‐annotation strategy to enlarge the percentage of amplicon sequence variants (ASV) classified up to the species level. Following the pattern (reference) method: DADA2 pipeline and SILVA v.138.1 reference database classification (Basic Protocol 1), our method maps the ASV sequences to custom nucleotide BLAST with the SILVA v.138.1 (Basic Protocol 2), and to the 16S database of Bacteria and Archaea of NCBI RefSeq Targeted Loci Project databases (Basic Protocol 3).

This new re‐annotation workflow was tested in 16S rRNA amplicon data from 156 human fecal samples. The proposed new strategy achieved an increase of nearly eight times the proportion of ASV classified at the species level in contrast to the reference method for the database used in the present research. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Sample inference and taxonomic profiling through DADA2 algorithm.

Basic Protocol 2: Custom BLASTN database creation and ASV taxonomical assignment.

Basic Protocol 3: ASV taxonomical assignment using NCBI RefSeq Targeted Loci Project database.

Basic Protocol 4: Definitive selection of lineages among the three methods.
Identifying physiological traits related with drought tolerance and water‐use efficiency in floral hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Morgan Wayne , Singh Jagdeep , Kesheimer Katelyn , Davis Jeanine , Sanz‐Saez Alvaro
Published: November 2023

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a reemerging crop that was once deeply rooted in many global civilizations. Due to climate change and the increasing risk of water‐deficit situations, it is important to use water judiciously. Hemp production has interested many producers; however, due to its past illegal status, there is a lack of research‐based knowledge about the physiological parameters that are affected by drought and which parameters could be responsible for drought tolerance. Therefore, our objective was to study and understand the effects of different drought intensities and timings on physiological parameters such as water‐use efficiency (WUE), photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and fluorescence parameters and determine if cultivar variation exists as this could mean the possibility of selection for drought‐tolerant cultivars. In addition, we tested if carbon isotope discrimination can be used to predict whole plant WUE as this technique is quick and allows moderate throughput for selection. Hemp cultivars BaOx and Cherry Mom were grown in a greenhouse from July to October during 2021 and 2022 under different water stress intensities and timings. During the water stress period, WUE was determined by the gravimetric method and photosynthetic traits were measured using two portable gas analyzers (LI‐6800). Moderate water stress (30%–50% field capacity) was found to have the least effect on physiological parameters studied, while intense water stresses significantly reduced many physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, stomatal conductance (gs), and electron transport rate (ETR). It was found that the cultivar BaOx had a greater WUE than Cherry Mom. This was confirmed with carbon isotope discrimination measurements, which were demonstrated to estimate WUE accurately, and therefore, this technique could be used for germplasm screening. Drought first decreased gs, which caused the reduction in photosynthesis, although cultivar variation in these traits was not observed. Twenty days after drought, negative effects on fluoresce parameters such as ETR were observed with the cultivar Cherry Mon being more affected. This study states that hemp is negatively affected by different timings and intensities of drought; however, there is physiological variation in the response between cultivars. More research is needed to investigate the sources of genotypic variation in physiological parameters to find the sources of drought tolerance.
Trajectories of therapeutic skills use and their dynamic relations to symptom change during cognitive‐behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa
Authors: D'Adamo Laura , Linardon Jake , Manasse Stephanie M. , Juarascio Adrienne S.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To examine trajectories of therapeutic skills use and weekly relations between skills use and symptom change during the enhanced version of cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT‐E) for bulimia nervosa (BN).

Method

Fifty‐five adults (M age: 39.0 ± 14.1; 83.9% female; 64.3% White, 93.6% non‐Hispanic/Latino) receiving CBT‐E for BN‐spectrum eating disorders (EDs) self‐monitored their use of five therapeutic skills (i.e., regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger and eating a range of macronutrients, breaking dietary rules, urge management strategies, and mood management strategies) several times per day during treatment. Patients also self‐reported their ED symptoms (i.e., frequency of binge eating, compensatory behaviors, and dietary restraint) weekly. We examined trajectories of use of each CBT‐E skill and temporal relations between skills use and ED symptoms from week‐to‐week during treatment.

Results

Participants showed significant increases in eating enough to prevent excessive hunger and eating a range of macronutrients from week‐to‐week (p < .05). Regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger, and eating a range of macronutrients 1 week predicted lower binge eating and compensatory behaviors the same week and the following week, and urge management strategy use predicted greater binge eating the same week and the following week (p < .05).

Conclusions

Results showed temporal relationships between therapeutic skills use and symptom change on a weekly level, with evidence that using skills targeting dietary restraint was associated with lower BN symptoms. Findings highlight the promise of future work to elucidate the most potent CBT‐E skills for symptom improvement and inform more targeted interventions.

Public Significance

Findings showed weekly relationships between therapeutic skills use and symptom change during treatment, with evidence that using CBT‐E skills aimed to reduce dietary restraint (i.e., regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger, and eating a range of macronutrients) was associated with lower BN symptoms. Future work has the potential to identify the most potent CBT‐E skills for symptom improvement and inform more targeted interventions.
Limiting resources for soil microbial growth in climate change simulation treatments in the subarctic
Authors: Yuan Mingyue , Na Meng , Hicks Lettice C. , Rousk Johannes
Published: November 2023

The microbial use of resources to sustain life and reproduce influences for example, decomposition and plant nutrient provisioning. The study of “limiting factors” has shed light on the interaction between plants and their environment. Here, we investigated whether carbon (C), nitrogen (N), or phosphorus (P) was limiting for soil microorganisms in a subarctic tundra heath, and how changes in resource availability associated with climate change affected this. We studied samples in which changes in resource availability due to climate warming were simulated by the addition of birch litter and/or inorganic N. To these soils, we supplied factorial C (as glucose), N (as NH4NO3), and P (as KH2PO4/K2HPO4) additions (“limiting factor assays,” LFA), to determine the limiting factors. The combination of C and P induced large growth responses in all soils and, combined with a systematic tendency for growth increases by C, this suggested that total microbial growth was primarily limited by C and secondarily by P. The C limitation was alleviated by the field litter treatment and strengthened by N fertilization. The microbial growth response to the LFA‐C and LFA‐P addition was strongest in the field‐treatment that combined litter and N addition. We also found that bacteria were closer to P limitation than fungi. Our results suggest that, under a climate change scenario, increased C availability resulting from Arctic greening, treeline advance, and shrubification will reduce the microbial C limitation, while increased N availability resulting from warming will intensify the microbial C limitation. Our results also suggest that the synchronous increase of both C and N availability might lead to a progressive P limitation of microbial growth, primarily driven by bacteria being closer to P limitation. These shifts in microbial resource limitation might lead to a microbial targeting of the limiting element from organic matter, and also trigger competition for nutrients between plants and microorganisms, thus modulating the productivity of the ecosystem.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Annulation of 3‐Aryl‐2H‐benzo[e][1,2,4]thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides with Vinylene Carbonates
Authors: Ittamalla Chaitanya , Chary D.Yogananda , Balasubramanian Sridhar , Reddy B. V. Subba
Published: November 2023

A novel method has been developed for the synthesis of fused dihydroisoquinoline frameworks through a Rh(III)‐catalyzed annulation of 3‐aryl‐2H‐benzo[e][1,2,4]thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides with vinylene carbonates by C−H bond activation. This is the first report on the oxidative C−H functionalization of aryl‐2H‐benzo[e][1,2,4]thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxide with vinylene carbonate to afford angularly fused heterocycles in good yields with high functional group tolerance. In this approach, vinylene carbonate acts as a glycolaldehyde surrogate to construct the fused dihydroisoquinoline ring systems.
Cultivated meat manufacturing: Technology, trends, and challenges
Authors: Kirsch Marline , Morales‐Dalmau Jordi , Lavrentieva Antonina
Published: November 2023

The growing world population, public awareness of animal welfare, environmental impacts and changes in meat consumption leads to the search for novel approaches to food production. Novel foods include products with a new or specifically modified molecular structure, foods made from microorganisms, fungi, algae or insects, as well as from animal cell or tissue cultures. The latter approach is known by various names: “clean meat”, “in vitro meat” and “cell‐cultured” or “(cell‐)cultivated meat”. Here, cells isolated from agronomically important species are expanded ex vivo to produce cell biomass used in unstructured meat or to grow and differentiate cells on scaffolds to produce structured meat analogues. Despite the fast‐growing field and high financial interest from investors and governments, cultivated meat production still faces challenges ranging from cell source choice, affordable expansion, use of cruelty‐free and food‐grade media, regulatory issues and consumer acceptance. This overview discusses the above challenges and possible solutions and strategies in the production of cultivated meat. The review integrates multifaceted historical, social, and technological insights of the field, and provides both an engaging comprehensive introduction for general interested and a robust perspective for experts.
Medicinal foods and plants with antiaging properties: A review of in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Kazeem Mutiu Idowu , Mellem John Jason , Sabiu Saheed
Published: November 2023

Aging is a natural process by which organisms experience physiological decline leading to susceptibility to morbidity and mortality. There are no known antiaging drugs but there is a myriad of medicinal foods and plants that have been used in managing the state. Several studies have also been conducted on the antiaging properties of medicinal plants and foods, but these pieces of information are scattered. This paper attempts to integrate available information on medicinal foods and plants as well as isolated chemical compounds with antiaging potential. It also provides different models (in vitro and in vivo) that are used in evaluating the potency of natural products. Current literature on the subject was obtained from different databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. A total of 119 medicinal plants and 50 isolated compounds were reported in this study. Different models were also used to evaluate the efficacy of these plants which include in vitro (enzyme inhibition, use of cell lines) and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans, yeast, fruit fly, mice, and rats) models. It can be concluded that medicinal foods and plants are reservoirs of potential therapeutic agents that can efficiently modulate metabolic processes implicated in aging and its associated disorders.
Antifatigue effects and antioxidant activity in polysaccharide fractions from Chinese yam bulbils
Authors: Zhou Hai‐Xu , Zhang Xiao , Huang Ren‐gui , Su Tong‐chao
Published: November 2023

Polysaccharides are the principal component in Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) bulbils. The properties and antifatigue of polysaccharides from yam bulbils (PYB) were identified and compared. Their molecular weights (PYB‐1 and PYB‐2) were approximately 145 and 11 kDa, respectively, with active β‐configurations. Meanwhile, the antifatigue activities of PYBs were tested in mice via exhaustive swimming tests (EST). The EST results indicated that PYB‐1 and PYB‐2 significantly prolonged swimming time in mice (p < .05). Associated with this increase was a rise in hepatic glycogen content and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px)) activity, along with a decline in blood urea nitrogen, lactic acid, and malondialdehyde levels. The results showed that molecular weight might contribute to the antifatigue effects of PYBs. Additionally, antioxidant tests showed that PYB‐1 had stronger free‐radical scavenging activity than PYB‐2. Taken together, the findings indicated that PYBs exhibited effective antifatigue and antioxidant activities providing additional evidence supporting the use of PYBs as functional food ingredients for relieving fatigue.
The global burden of disease due to benign gynecological conditions: A call to action
Authors: Wijeratne Dileep , Gibson Joanna F. E. , Fiander Alison , Rafii‐Tabar Elizabeth , Thakar Ranee
Published: November 2023

Objective

Focusing on low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), this article uses data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database to highlight the burden of morbidity due to benign gynecological conditions (BGCs).

Methods

We analyzed 2019 morbidity data for all BGCs, measured as years lost to disability (YLDs). Disease burden was calculated for individual conditions, BGCs overall, and percentages of overall disease burden from all conditions. The same data extraction was performed for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS for comparison. The data were subcategorized by age and World Bank income level.

Results

BGCs are major causes of disease morbidity worldwide. For women aged 15 years and over in high‐income countries (HICs), 3 588 157 YLDs (3.94% of all YLDs) were due to BGC. In LMICs, 18 242 989 YLDs (5.35% of all YLDs) were due to BGCs. The highest burden of BGCs is seen during the reproductive years where conditions driven or exacerbated by reproductive hormones are the major causes of morbidity. In LMICs, for women aged 15–49, 14 574 100 YLDs (7.75% of all YLDs) were due to BGCs, declining to 3 152 313 YLDs (3.04%) in women aged 50–69 and 529 399 YLDs (1.06%) in women age 70+.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate a huge burden of morbidity due to BGCs. There is an urgent need for international stakeholders to prioritize the treatment and prevention of BGCs.
The impact of cascade training—A FIGO and WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research collaboration to improve access to quality family planning globally
Authors: Makins Anita , Hearing Francesca , Taghinejadi Neda , Kiarie James , Kabra Rita , Arulkumaran Sir Sabaratnam , Steyn Petrus
Published: November 2023

Globally, there are considerable barriers to accessing safe and effective contraceptive methods. Increased awareness and utilization among obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and allied health professionals of the WHO's tools and guidelines on contraception is a possible avenue to changing this. A cascade‐training model, based on regional training‐of‐trainer workshops followed by national workshops, was used to share key WHO global family planning tools and guidelines among OB/GYNs in 29 countries across three regions—Anglophone Africa, Middle East and Mediterraean, and Francophone West Africa. Monitoring and evaluation was performed through pre‐ and post‐knowledge questionnaires as well as in‐depth interviews of key informants before and after the training was instituted. The training increased both participants' knowledge and understanding of the relevant guidelines, as well as their confidence in using them. Qualitative data suggested that this improved in‐country clinical practice and influenced national policy through dissemination and engagement with country leadership. The cascade‐training model was a practical, locally adaptable means of disseminating up‐to‐date WHO family planning guidelines and tools. It resulted in sustainable changes in many participating countries, including training curriculum updates, policy changes, and increased government engagement with family planning. Future iterations of the initiative would benefit from additional support for multidisciplinary training.
High sensitivity of semimetal photodetection via Bose–Einstein condensation
Authors: Wu Tuntan , Qiu Qinxi , Li Yongzhen , Zhou Qiangguo , Ma Wanli , Li Jingbo , Jiang Lin , Zhou Wei , Huang Zhiming
Published: November 2023

The discovery of semiconductor has witnessed remarkable strides toward high performance of photodetectors attributed to its excellent carrier properties. However, semimetal, owning to the high carrier concentration and low carrier mobility compared to those of semiconductor, is generally considered unsuitable for photodetection. Herein, we demonstrate an outstanding photodetection in a layered semimetal titanium diselenide (TiSe2) in Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) state. High sensitivity of semimetal photodetector is realized in the range of visible, infrared and terahertz bands. The noise equivalent power (NEP) has threefold improvement at the visible and infrared wavebands, and significant decrease by one order of magnitude in the terahertz frequencies via BEC phenomenon, attributed to the electrical parameter variation after condensation. The best NEP value in the terahertz frequency is comparable to that of commercial Si photodetector. Our results show another recipe to fabricate high performance of photodetection via semimetal except for semiconductor and pave the way to exploit macroscopic quantum phenomena for optoelectronics.

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Therapeutic plasma exchange in refractory Susac's syndrome: A brief report
Authors: Salazar Ryan D. , Weidner Krystol R. , Alquist Caroline R.
Published: November 2023

Susac's syndrome (SuS) is an autoimmune endotheliopathy that typically presents with the clinical triad of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and branch retinal artery occlusion. It has a wide range of possible presentations, and its pathogenesis remains uncertain. Fulminant and refractory cases are difficult to treat, and no standard treatment protocol has been established. However, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been described as an adjunctive therapy in several SuS cases. Herein we present a case of a 63‐year‐old male with debilitating encephalopathy and recent hearing and vision loss, who responded favorably to TPE. Given this and other published reports of plasma exchange therapy for SuS, treatment protocols should consider TPE in early stages of disease.
Fractionated plasma separation and adsorption integrated with continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration in patients with acute liver failure: A single center experience from China
Authors: Dong Jianhua , Huang Li , Li Chuan , Wu Bian , Yang Xi , Ge Yongchun
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of fractionated plasma separation and adsorption integrated with continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (FPSA‐CVVH) treatment in patients with acute liver failure (ALF).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with ALF (serum total bilirubin >10 mg/dL or Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD] Score >18) hospitalized between August 2017 and August 2022. All patients had at least two sessions of FPSA‐CVVH. The primary measure of treatment efficacy was the reduction ratios (RRs) of bilirubin after each session of FPSA‐CVVH.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients with ALF were enrolled. The MELD score at baseline was 22.9 ± 7.5. The mean total bilirubin was 22.05 ± 5.94 mg/dL, direct bilirubin was 16.33 ± 4.60 mg/dL and indirect bilirubin was 3.43 ± 1.60 mg/dL. One hundred and eighty seven sessions of FPSA‐CVVH treatment lasting 8 hours each were performed. After a single session, serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were significantly decreased. RRs were 52.0% ± 7.6% for total bilirubin, 59.4% ± 13.0% for direct bilirubin and 36.9% ± 15.4% for indirect bilirubin. Twenty nine patients (37.2%) survived and were discharged from the hospital, 12 of them recovered their liver function while the remaining 17 patients needed intermittent artificial liver support therapy.

Conclusion

FPSA‐CVVH therapy is an effective artificial liver support therapy in patients with ALF. It may be considered as a “bridge technique” to the recovery of liver function in critical ill patients with ALF.
Analytical modelling of ultra‐small group delay variation of ultra‐broadband RF power amplifier using NSGA‐II algorithm
Authors: Kumar Kunal , Kumar Sandeep , Kanaujia Binod Kumar
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a ± 9.4 ps ultra‐small group delay (GD) variation of fully integrated 65 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) power amplifier (PA) over 6.5–17 GHz broadband for wireless application. The proposed CMOS PA is realised by using broadband stage, RLC inter‐stage and power stage topologies. The non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) is employed for PA parameter optimisation to ensure a small GD variation of ±9.4 ps over broadband with an excellent small signal gain flatness of 23.65 ± 1.85 for 6.5–17 GHz. The small GD variation of ±9.4 ps and ± 11.05 ps are attained under two cases of DC supply voltages of 2.4/1.2 V and 1.2/1.2 V, respectively. To the best of author's knowledge, the achieved GD variations are lowest among all CMOS PAs as reported so far. In addition, an analytical modelling of GD is derived to validating the minimum GD variation using zero‐pole compensation. With supply voltages of 2.4/1.2 V at 6.5 GHz, the large signal power gain, Psat and OP1dB are 26 dB, 19.3 dBm and 17.94 dBm, respectively, while peak power added efficiency (PAE) is 38.196%. At reduced supply voltages of 1.2/1.2 V, the PA achieves maximum power gain of 17.7 dB and peak PAE of 35% at 6.5 GHz. The CMOS PA occupies an area of 0.206 mm2.
Cloud characteristics over the Yunnan–Guizhou plateau as observed by MODIS and Himawari‐8
Authors: Yu Lu , Zhuge Xiaoyong , Yuan Weihua , Gao Ni , Li Jian , Fu Yunfei , Chen Fengjiao , Yao Bin , Tang Fei , Kan Wanlin
Published: November 2023

Cloud descriptions and parameterizations are major sources of uncertainty in weather and climate modelling studies. In this study, we investigated the cloud properties over the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau (YGP) by using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Himawari‐8 (H8_Japan and H8_Zhuge) cloud datasets. Corresponding to their distinct terrain features, the cloud climate patterns on the western and eastern sides of the YGP are different. Our results show that the spatial patterns of the cloud parameters in all three datasets are very similar over the YGP, especially the cloud cover and cloud effective radius. The high cloud frequency region is located to the east of Yunnan–Guizhou quasi‐stationary front in cold season, and the largest gradient is along front. On frontal days, the regional differences in the cloud properties over the YGP are much more obvious, with the cloud cover across the front increasing from ~20%–35% on its western side to more than 95% on its eastern side. Furthermore, higher thin clouds with larger cloud effective radius typically exist on the western side of the front, while lower thick clouds with smaller particles appear on its eastern side. This study enhances our understanding how cloud characteristics impact by the frontal system and provide a valuable insight for the design and improvement of cloud microphysics parameters in weather forecast models over the YGP region.
Possible role of annexin A1/FPR2 pathway in COX2/NLRP3 inflammasome regulation in alveolar bone cells of estrogen‐deficient female rats with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sasso Gisela Rodrigues Da Silva , Cerri Paulo Sérgio , Sasso‐Cerri Estela , Simões Manuel Jesus , Gil Cristiane Damas , Florencio‐Silva Rinaldo
Published: November 2023

Background

Annexin A1 (ANXA1) and the NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome play important roles in bone remodeling. However, expression profiles of these factors in bone cells under diabetes mellitus (DM) and estrogen‐deficient conditions are poorly understood. This study investigated the immunoexpression of ANXA1 and its formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), as well as NLRP3 inflammasome mediators, during remodeling of the alveolar process in diabetic and estrogen‐deficient rats.

Methods

Twenty adult female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 5): Sham‐operated (SHAM) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats received a vehicle solution, and SHAM and OVX rats were intraperitoneally administered 60 mg/kg/body weight (BW) of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce DM (SHAM‐Di and OVX‐Di groups). After 7 weeks, the rats were euthanized and their maxillae were fixed in phosphate‐buffered 4% formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) and picrosirius red or subjected to immunohistochemical detection of ANXA1, FPR2, NLRP3, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2).

Results

Estrogen deficiency and DM were associated with deleterious effects in bone tissue, as evidenced by a lower number of osteocytes and higher number of empty lacunae in the SHAM‐Di and OVX‐Di groups compared to the nondiabetic groups. Both diabetic groups showed a smaller vascular area and weaker collagen fiber birefringence intensity in alveolar bone tissue. A significantly higher number of ANXA1/FPR2‐positive osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts was accompanied by a significantly higher number of these cells immunolabeled for COX2, NLRP3, and IL‐1β in the diabetic and OVX groups, especially in both estrogen‐deficient and diabetic rats.

Conclusion

These results indicate a possible role for the ANXA1/FPR2 pathway as a fine‐tuning/anti‐inflammatory regulator to counterbalance exacerbated COX2/NLRP3/IL‐1β activation in bone cells during bone remodeling under estrogen deficiency and DM.
Effects of ultrasonic pretreatment and drying approaches on the drying kinetics and rehydration of sprouted mung beans
Authors: Salehi Fakhreddin
Published: November 2023

Sprouting is one of the most traditional methods used to decrease most of the antinutritional elements in legumes. The assistance of ultrasound appears to enhance the drying step of the sprouted legumes. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of ultrasound pretreatment and drying methods (hot‐air and infrared) on the drying time, mass transfer kinetic, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff), and rehydration ratio of sprouted mung beans. The ultrasound process (40 kHz and 150 W) was performed in an ultrasonic bath for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. The results showed that the ultrasonic pretreatment increased the moisture diffusion capacity (higher moisture loss) and reduced the drying time of sprouted mung beans. Also, the drying time of samples in the infrared dryer was significantly less than that in the hot‐air dryer (p < .05). The Deff determined by Fick's second law was varied from 1.36 × 10−10 to 1.88 × 10−10 m2 s−1, and from 1.18 × 10−9 to 1.85 × 10−9 m2 s−1, for samples dried in hot‐air and infrared dryers, respectively. Comparing the coefficient of determination (r), sum of squared error (SSE), and root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 10 models, it was concluded that the Midilli model represents the drying characteristics of sprouted mung beans better than the others. The rehydration ratio of dried samples in hot‐air and infrared dryers increased when the ultrasound pretreatment time was increased. In general, the use of ultrasound pretreatment (about 20 min) and an infrared dryer is a promising drying technique for sprouted mung beans with higher mass transfer and a shorter drying time.
A new metric for sunlight exposure in rivers, lakes, and oceans
Authors: Gardner John R. , Doyle Martin W. , Ensign Scott H. , Kahler David M.
Published: November 2023

Vertical motion is an important driver of sunlight exposure in aquatic environments, shaping the growth and fate of materials and organisms. We derive a simple model accounting for turbulent depth fluctuations of particles to predict the depth that contributes the most sunlight exposure (effective depth) as well as the single depth that, if measured at one place over time, produces the same total sunlight exposure as a moving particle (functional depth). Field measurements of light and depth in rivers using neutrally buoyant drifters and buoys validate our model. Effective depth varied from 0.1 to 1.5 m below the water surface and was ~ 30% of the overall water depth on average. Functional depth varied from 0.67 to 2.3 m and was ~ 50% of the overall water depth on average. Functional and effective depth are physically based concepts incorporating turbulent motion, spatial variability, and water clarity offering new approaches to characterize light exposure in aquatic environments.
Impact of skin hydration on patterns of microthermal injury produced by fractional CO2 laser
Authors: Wenande Emily , Hastrup Anna , Fredman Gabriella Louise , Olesen Uffe Høgh , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Haedersdal Merete
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The impact of skin hydration on patterns of thermal injury produced by ablative fractional lasers (AFLs) is insufficiently examined under standardized conditions. Using skin with three different hydration levels, this study assessed the effect of hydration status on microchannel dimensions generated by a fractional CO2 laser.

Methods

A hydration model (hyperhydrated‐, dehydrated‐ and control) was established in ex vivo porcine skin, validated by changes in surface conductance and sample mass. After, samples underwent AFL exposure using a CO2 laser (10,600 nm) at two examined pulse energies (10 and 30 mJ/mb, fixed 10% density, six repetitions per group). Histological assessment of distinct microchannels (n = 60) determined three standardized endpoints in H&E sections: (1) depth of microthermal treatment zones (MTZs), (2) depth of microscopic ablation zones (MAZs), and (3) coagulation zone (CZ) thickness. As a supplemental in vivo assessment, the same laser settings were applied to hyperhydrated‐ (7‐h occlusion) and normohydrated forearm skin (no pretreatment) of a human volunteer. Blinded measurement of MAZ depth (n = 30) was performed using noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Modest differences in microchannel dimensions were shown between hyperhydrated, dehydrated and control skin at both high and low pulse energy. Compared to controls, hyperhydration led to median reductions in MTZ and MAZ depth ranging from 5% to 8% (control vs. hyperhydrated at 30 mJ/mb; 848 vs. 797 µm (p < 0.003) (MAZ); 928 vs. 856 µm (p < 0.003) (MTZ)), while 14%–16% reductions were shown in dehydrated skin (control vs. dehydrated at 30 mJ/mb; MAZ: 848 vs. 727 µm (p < 0.003); MTZ: 928 vs. 782 µm (p < 0.003)). The impact of skin hydration on CZ thickness was in contrast limited. Corresponding with ex vivo findings, hyperhydration was similarly associated with lower ablative depth in vivo skin. Thus, median MAZ depth in hydrated skin was 10% and 14% lower than in control areas at 10 and 30 mJ/mb pulse energy, respectively (10 mJ: 210 vs. 180 µm (p < 0.001); 30 mJ: 335 vs. 300 µm (p < 0.001)).

Conclusion

Skin hydration status can exert a minimal impact on patterns of microthermal injury produced by fractional CO2 lasers, although the clinical implication in the context of laser therapy requires further study.
A miniaturized aperture‐coupled 4 × 4 MIMO array SIW antenna at K band
Authors: Tewari Nidhi , Joshi Neetu , Srivastava Shweta
Published: November 2023

A planar miniaturized rectangular substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity resonator with an array of patches is presented, which enhances the overall gain of antenna at the K band. The aperture‐coupled feeding is provided from SIW rectangular cavity resonator to reduce radiation losses as in microstrip feeding at a higher frequency. The resonating fields from the cavity excite an array of patches on the substrate. This is further replicated uniformly to design a 4 × 4 element multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna. The overall antenna dimension is 2λ × 3.1λ × 0.07λ, where λ is the operating wavelength. The compact structure configuration provides a high peak gain of 13.98 dBi resonating at 19.97 GHz in a broadside direction. An isolation of −17.53 dB is achieved by inserting metal pins. The envelope correlation coefficient of 0.0001 and total active reflection coefficient of −10 dB show characteristics of a high‐performing MIMO antenna. The antenna structure is simulated using HFSS ver. 2022, measured using Anritsu Vector Network Analyzer and Anechoic Chamber, the simulated and measured results are in good concurrence. The antenna is suitable for satellite communication, short‐range wireless applications in IoT, and radar.
Single institution experience with efgartigimod in patients with myasthenia gravis: Patient selection, dosing schedules, treatment response, and adverse events
Authors: Singer Madeline , Khella Sami , Bird Shawn , McIntosh Paul , Paudyal Bandhu , Wadhwani Anil , Quinn Colin , Karam Chafic
Published: November 2023

Introduction/Aims

Efgartigimod is a neonatal Fc receptor blocker and was the first approved medication in its class for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). As a novel therapy, little is known about the use of efgartigimod in clinical practice. This study aims to describe how efgartigimod is being incorporated into the current therapeutic landscape of MG.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of 17 patients with gMG treated with efgartigimod at the University of Pennsylvania between January 2022 and June 2023.

Results

Efgartigimod was selected mainly for patients who were treatment refractory, had side effects to other treatments, and/or required quick improvement in their symptoms. All patients had been previously treated with at least one medication for MG and had an average baseline Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) score of 9.1. The patients treated with efgartigimod improved their MG‐ADL score by an average of 5.5 points at 3 months (p < .001) and 7.1 points by 6 months (p < .001). Forty percent of patients achieved minimal symptom expression. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 43.7% of patients on efgartigimod, the most common being mild infection (urinary tract infection and thrush). There were no serious AEs.

Discussion

This study found efgartigimod to be efficacious, well tolerated, and safe in patients with MG. Efgartigimod should be considered as an add‐on therapy, a bridge therapy, or as a monotherapy if patients have difficulty tolerating other treatments.
Weight change in chronic kidney disease: Association with mortality and kidney function
Authors: Singer Richard , Huang Hsin‐Chia
Published: November 2023

Background

Excess body weight is a risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but weight loss in CKD has been associated with higher mortality. Consequently, blanket weight loss recommendations in this population are controversial. Little data is available on the patterns of weight‐change in CKD. The authors aimed to describe weight‐changes in moderate/severe CKD and explore associations with mortality and renal endpoints in patients with overweight and obesity.

Methods

Non‐dialysis Canberra Hospital patients with estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were followed for up to 5.5 years. Weight‐change ≥5% was considered clinically significant. The renal endpoint was defined as the commencement of dialysis or transplant or a ≥40% fall in eGFR. Relationships between weight‐change in the first year of follow‐up and mortality or the renal endpoint were assessed using Cox‐regression.

Results

Three hundred ten patients (median age 75, median BMI 31 kg/m2) were identified. 68% had Stage‐4 CKD at baseline. Over 4.4‐years median follow‐up, 128 died and 140 had significant weight‐change. During the first year of follow‐up, 42 patients lost and 23 gained ≥5% body weight, of whom only 3 had intentionally lost weight. On multivariate regression, significant weight loss/gain at 1‐year was associated with 2.74 (p < 0.0005) and 2.67 (p = 0.003) hazard of subsequent death and with 2.51 (p = 0.004) and 2.20 (p = 0.05) hazard of the renal endpoint respectively. There was no association between baseline eGFR and subsequent weight change.

Conclusions

Patients with moderate/severe CKD experience significant weight‐change, but this has no relationship to baseline kidney function. Significant weight‐change is associated with higher subsequent mortality and loss of kidney function, but this association is likely significantly affected by confounding.
Design, manufacture, and experiments of lightweight CFRP hydraulic cylinder tube without metal liner
Authors: Li Yao , Shang Yaoxing , Wan Xiaofei , Jiao Zongxia , Yu Tian
Published: November 2023

Hydraulic cylinders are widely used in aircraft rudder surface control, landing gear retraction, flaps and speed brakes retraction, ground steering driving, and engine thrust reverser control. The huge weight of hydraulic cylinders severely limits the aircraft's potential for increased range, maneuverability, energy efficiency, and carrying capacity. To achieve the maximum weight reduction, the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) hydraulic tube without a metal liner is designed in this paper. In response to the lack of a parameter calculation method for CFRP hydraulic tubes, the accurate calculation method is developed through mechanical modeling and analysis of parameter influence law. For the structure design challenges of connection, sealing, and friction of CFRP hydraulic tube without metal liner, we have proposed and verified the wave contour inlaid structure, three leak‐proof solutions of the connection interface, the leak‐proof structure of the wound CFRP body and the seal friction pair. For the difficulties of multi‐material and high‐precision molding, a new process of split manufacturing‐combined molding is developed to achieve high‐precision and low‐cost manufacturing. Finally, the prototype is manufactured and tested by the presented method, and its weight reduction ratio is 56.64% compared with the original metal hydraulic tube. This study has further matured the application of CFRP hydraulic tubes without metal liners and has great lightweight benefits in aircraft.

Highlights

CFRP hydraulic tube without metal liner is designed to reduce weight.

An accurate calculation method of CFRP parameters is developed.

Connection structure, leak‐proof structure, and seal friction pair are designed.

The high‐precision and low‐cost molding process is innovatively proposed.
Preparation and characterization of snake plant fiber reinforced composite: A sustainable utilization of biowaste
Authors: Mishfa Kaniz Fatima , Alim Md. Abdul , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Habibullah MD , Tonmoy Mohd Abir Hossen , Jurkonienė Sigita , Shukhratov Sharof
Published: November 2023

Natural fibers are one of the most attractive materials in biocomposites due to their potential for sustainability. This study aims to prepare sustainable composite materials using fibers from Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant) and to investigate their mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties. The composite was prepared with epoxy resin through a manual hand lay‐up process, maintaining standard parameters with changeable reinforcement (10%, 20%, and 30%). The mechanical properties (tensile, impact, and flexural strength), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and water absorbency of the composites were evaluated. The result showed that the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance of the composites are 6.99 MPa, 10.77 MPa, and 14 J, respectively, for 30% fiber components, which are significantly higher than other composite materials. The SEM analysis showed a strong interfacial bond between the snake plant fiber and the epoxy resin. The FTIR analysis revealed a reduction in hemicellulose and lignin and an improvement in the interfacial adhesion between snake plant fiber and epoxy resin. The composites also demonstrated time‐dependent increases in water absorption, with the sample containing 30% fiber components showing the best absorbency performance at 0.88%.

Highlights

A study is being conducted on the effective and sustainable use of biowaste.

The composite materials loaded with 30% fibers had significantly high tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance.

The SEM analysis of snake plant fiber‐reinforced polymer composite showed a strong interfacial bond between fiber and epoxy resin.

The FTIR analysis of the composite revealed the reduction of hemicellulose and lignin.

The use of non‐renewable materials is reduced, and eco‐friendliness is promoted.