bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex‐Amplitude Programmable Versatile Metasurface Platform Driven by Guided Wave
Authors: Han Jian‐Qiao , Meng Fan‐Yi , Guan Chunsheng , Wang Cong , Jin Tao , Cai Tong , Ding Chang , Burokur Shah Nawaz , Wu Qun , Ding Xumin
Published: March 2024

Metasurfaces have shown unparalleled controllability of electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, most of the metasurfaces need external spatial feeding sources, which renders practical implementation quite challenging. Here, a low‐profile programmable metasurface with 0.05λ0 thickness driven by guided waves is proposed to achieve dynamic control of both amplitude and phase simultaneously. The metasurface is fed by a guided wave traveling in a substrate‐integrated waveguide, avoiding external spatial sources and complex power divider networks. By manipulating the state of the p‐i‐n diodes embedded in each meta‐atom, the proposed metasurface enables 1‐bit amplitude switching between radiating and nonradiating states, as well as a 1‐bit phase switching between 0° and 180°. As a proof of concept, two advanced functionalities, namely, low sidelobe‐level beam scanning and Airy beam generation, are experimentally demonstrated with a single platform operating in the far‐ and near‐field respectively. Such complex‐amplitude, programmable, and low‐profile metasurfaces can overcome integration limitations of traditional metasurfaces, and open up new avenues for more accurate and advanced EM wave control within an unprecedented degree of freedom.
Pressure‐Induced Volumetric Negative Thermal Expansion in CoZr2 Superconductor
Authors: Watanabe Yuto , Arima Hiroto , Kawaguchi‐Imada Saori , Kadobayashi Hirokazu , Oka Kenta , Usui Hidetomo , Matsumoto Ryo , Takano Yoshihiko , Kawahata Takeshi , Kawashima Chizuru , Takahashi Hiroki , Yamashita Aichi , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu
Published: March 2024

The study investigates the thermal expansion and superconducting properties of a CuAl2‐type (tetragonal) superconductor CoZr2 under high pressures. High‐pressure synchrotron X‐ray diffraction is performed in a pressure range of 2.9 GPa < P < 10.4 GPa, and it is discovered that CoZr2 exhibits volumetric negative thermal expansion (NTE) under high pressures. Although uniaxial positive thermal expansion (PTE) along the a‐axis is observed under ambient pressure, it is suppressed by pressure, whereas a large uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis is maintained under the pressure regime. Because of the combination of the suppressed uniaxial PTE along the a‐axis and uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis, volumetric NTE is achieved under high pressure in CoZr2. The volumetric NTE mechanism is based on the flexible crystal structure caused by the soft Co–Co bond, as observed in the isostructural compound FeZr2, which exhibits a uniaxial NTE along the c‐axis. High‐pressure electrical resistance measurements of CoZr2 are performed and confirm superconductivity at 0.03 GPa < P < 41.9 GPa. Because of the coexistence of the two phenomena, volumetric NTE and superconductivity, in CoZr2 under high pressure, coexistence can be achieved under ambient pressure by tuning the chemical composition after the present observation.
Basic Farmland Construction in China: A cost‐effective investment for agricultural productivity and disaster resistance
Authors: Huang Kaixing , Wang Yang , Yan Wenshou , Dong Shuhui
Published: March 2024

Starting in 2006, China launched a project to carry out Basic Farmland Construction in 116 representative counties. The objective of this project was to enhance agricultural productivity. China invested 30 billion yuan in this project from 2006 to 2013. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, this study estimates that Basic Farmland Construction increased per capita agricultural output by 6.3%, crop sown area by 5%, and agricultural mechanization by 7.3%. The total benefits of the project far exceeded the total investments. By incorporating with rainfall shocks, this study finds that the project could mitigate most of the damage from droughts and floods.
Population assessment of the Endangered Kashmir Gray Langur (Semnopithecus ajax, Pocock 1928) using the double‐observer method
Authors: Hameed Shahid , Bashir Tawqir , Ali Mohammad N. , Khanyari Munib , Kumar Ajith
Published: March 2024

Primates are among the most threatened taxa globally, therefore, there is a need to estimate and monitor their populations. Kashmir Gray Langur Semnopithecus ajax is an endangered species for which there is no population estimate. We used double‐observer method to estimate its population size in the Kashmir region of North‐Western Himalaya. We walked 1284 km across 31 survey blocks spanning all three divisions of Kashmir viz., North, Central, and South Kashmir, covering an area of 411 km2. We counted a minimum of 1367 individual langurs from 27 groups. The detection probability for observer 1 (0.719) and observer 2 (0.656) resulted in a population estimate of 1496 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1367–1899) across 30 groups (with a mean group size of 51), giving a density estimate of 3.64 (3.33–4.62) langurs/km². We found double‐observer surveys to be suitable for the population estimation of langurs, and we make recommendations on how to effectively conduct primate surveys, especially in mountainous ecosystems. Our records extend the species distribution range beyond stated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Our findings also highlight that the Kashmir Himalaya is a stronghold of the species, where conservation efforts should focus.
Dementia, dementia's risk factors and premorbid brain structure are concentrated in disadvantaged areas: National register and birth‐cohort geographic analyses
Authors: Reuben Aaron , Richmond‐Rakerd Leah S. , Milne Barry , Shah Devesh , Pearson Amber , Hogan Sean , Ireland David , Keenan Ross , Knodt Annchen R. , Melzer Tracy , Poulton Richie , Ramrakha Sandhya , Whitman Ethan T. , Hariri Ahmad R. , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Dementia risk may be elevated in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Reasons for this remain unclear, and this elevation has yet to be shown at a national population level.

METHODS

We tested whether dementia was more prevalent in disadvantaged neighborhoods across the New Zealand population (N = 1.41 million analytic sample) over a 20‐year observation. We then tested whether premorbid dementia risk factors and MRI‐measured brain‐structure antecedents were more prevalent among midlife residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods in a population‐representative NZ‐birth‐cohort (N = 938 analytic sample).

RESULTS

People residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods were at greater risk of dementia (HR per‐quintile‐disadvantage‐increase = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.08‐1.10) and, decades before clinical endpoints typically emerge, evidenced elevated dementia‐risk scores (CAIDE, LIBRA, Lancet, ANU‐ADRI, DunedinARB; β’s 0.31‐0.39) and displayed dementia‐associated brain structural deficits and cognitive difficulties/decline.

DISCUSSION

Disadvantaged neighborhoods have more residents with dementia, and decades before dementia is diagnosed, residents have more dementia‐risk factors and brain‐structure antecedents. Whether or not neighborhoods causally influence risk, they may offer scalable opportunities for primary dementia prevention.
Blood Pressure after Successful Endovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Gharaibeh Khaled , Aladamat Nameer , Mierzwa Adam T. , Rao Rahul , Alhajala Hisham , Al Kasab Sami , Anadani Mohammad , Burgess Richard , Zaidi Syed , Jumaa Mouhammad
Published: March 2024

Objective

There are limited data evaluating the optimum blood pressure (BP) goal post mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and its effect on outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO). The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intensive versus conventional BP control after reperfusion with MT via a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase to obtain articles related to BP control post MT through September 2023. The primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0‐2) at 3 months, while secondary outcomes included excellent outcome (mRS 0‐1), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality.

Results

Four RCTs with 1,566 patients (762 randomized into intensive BP control vs. 806 randomized into conventional BP control) were included. Analysis showed that there was a lower likelihood of functional independence (mRS 0‐2: odds ratio [OR]: 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.91, p = 0.009) in the more intensive treatment group compared with the conventional treatment group. There was no statistically significant difference in achieving excellent outcome (mRS0‐1: OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.63–1.07; p = 0.15), risk of sICH or mortality.

Interpretation

This systematic review and meta‐ analysis Indicates that in patients who achieved successful MT for acute ischemic stroke with LVO, intensive BP control was associated with a lower likelihood of functional independence at 3 months without significant difference in likelihood of achieving excellent outcome, sICH risk, or mortality. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:858–865
Cognitive Impairment Is Related to Glymphatic System Dysfunction in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Margoni Monica , Pagani Elisabetta , Meani Alessandro , Preziosa Paolo , Mistri Damiano , Gueye Mor , Moiola Lucia , Filippi Massimo , Rocca Maria Assunta
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether, compared to pediatric healthy controls (HCs), the glymphatic system is impaired in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients according to their cognitive status, and to assess its association with clinical disability and MRI measures of brain structural damage.

Methods

Sixty‐five pediatric MS patients (females = 62%; median age = 15.5 [interquartile range, IQR = 14.5;17.0] years) and 23 age‐ and sex‐matched HCs (females = 44%; median age = 14.1 [IQR = 11.8;16.2] years) underwent neurological, neuropsychological and 3.0 Tesla MRI assessment, including conventional and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We calculated the diffusion along the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) index, a proxy of glymphatic function. Cognitive impairment (Co‐I) was defined as impairment in at least 2 cognitive domains.

Results

No significant differences in DTI‐ALPS index were found between HCs and cognitively preserved (Co‐P) pediatric MS patients (estimated mean difference [EMD] = −0.002 [95% confidence interval = −0.069; 0.065], FDR‐p = 0.956). Compared to HCs and Co‐P patients, Co‐I pediatric MS patients (n = 20) showed significantly lower DTI‐ALPS index (EMD = −0.136 [95% confidence interval = −0.214; −0.058], FDR‐p ≤ 0.004). In HCs, no associations were observed between DTI‐ALPS index and normalized brain, cortical and thalamic volumes, and normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) (FDR‐p ≥ 0.348). In pediatric MS patients, higher brain WM lesion volume (LV), higher NAWM MD, lower normalized thalamic volume, and lower NAWM FA were associated with lower DTI‐ALPS index (FDR‐p ≤ 0.016). Random Forest selected lower DTI‐ALPS index (relative importance [RI] = 100%), higher brain WM LV (RI = 59.5%) NAWM MD (RI = 57.1%) and intelligence quotient (RI = 51.3%) as informative predictors of cognitive impairment (out‐of‐bag area under the curve = 0.762).

Interpretation

Glymphatic system dysfunction occurs in pediatric MS, is associated with brain focal lesions, irreversible tissue loss accumulation and cognitive impairment. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:1080–1092
Antibacterial and cytotoxic performance of methenamine‐based poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) composite films
Authors: Dandan Doganci Merve , Doganci Erdinc , Balci Huseyin , Cetin Metin
Published: March 2024

In this study, antimicrobial plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films by incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and methenamine (MA) were prepared by solvent casting method. We investigated the effects of different concentrations of MA on the antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) which were types of gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria in turn. It was determined that as the rate of MA in the PLA/PEG film enhanced, its antimicrobial activity against both bacteria also increased. As a result, the maximum inhibitory effect for E. coli was seen in MA5, MA8, and M10 films, and it reduced the bacterial population by 100%. In S. aureus, the high inhibition effect was seen in the MA8 film, and it reduced the bacterial population by 95%. Moreover, as the MA concentration increases, the thermal stability of PLA/PEG films increases and approaches the thermal decomposition temperature of neat PLA. The incorporation of 0.5% MA to this system caused a significant increase in elongation at break values. It is concluded that a minimum concentration of MA is sufficient for high flexibility compared with pure PLA. These MA containing PLA/PEG composite films have potential applications as biodegradable flexible packaging materials.
Facile Preparation of Impalement Resistant, Mechanically Robust and Weather Resistant Photothermal Superhydrophobic Coatings for Anti‐/De‐icing
Authors: Wei Jinfei , Liang Weidong , Mao Mingyuan , Li Bucheng , Zhang Junping
Published: March 2024

Photothermal superhydrophobic coatings hold great promise in addressing the limitations of conventional superhydrophobic anti‐icing coatings. However, developing such coatings with excellent impalement resistance, mechanical robustness and weather resistance remains a significant challenge. Here, we report facile preparation of robust photothermal superhydrophobic coatings with all the above advantages. The coatings were prepared by spraying a dispersion consisting of fluorinated silica nanoparticles, a silicone‐modified polyester adhesive and photothermal carbon black nanoparticles onto Al alloy plates followed by thermal curing. Thermal curing caused migration of perfluorodecyl polysiloxane from within the coatings to the surface, effectively maintaining a low surface energy despite the presence of the adhesive. Therefore, combined with the hierarchical micro‐/nanostructure, dense yet rough nanostructure, adhesion of the adhesive and chemically inert components, the coatings exhibited remarkable superhydrophobicity, impalement resistance, mechanical robustness and weather resistance. Furthermore, the coatings demonstrated excellent photothermal effect even in the −10 °C, 80 % relative humidity and weak sunlight (0.2 sun) environment. Consequently, the coatings showed excellent passive anti‐icing and active de‐icing performance. Moreover, the coatings have good generalizability and scalability. We are confident that this study will accelerate the practical implementation of photothermal superhydrophobic coatings.
Cover Picture: Astron. Nachr. 1/2024
Authors: Bedin L. R. , Dietrich J. , Burgasser A. J. , Apai D. , Libralato M. , Griggio M. , Fontanive C. , Pourbaix D.
Published: March 2024

Motion on the sky of the brown dwarf binary system Luhman 16 AB. At a distance of less than 2 pc, it is known as the nearest pair of this type to Earth. (Top:) The entire 4.7ʹ × 4ʹ region surrounding Luhman 16 AB, as monitored by HST. (Bottom:) Zoom‐in of the 25ʺ × 7ʺ rectangular region indicated in red in the top panel, showing the complete trajectory in the sky of Luhman 16 A and B during the period of 7.4 years monitored by recent HST observations. The astrometric solution for the Luhman AB barycenter, with and without parallax is indicated by blue and magenta curves, respectively. For details about the search for a suspected exoplanet orbiting one of the brown dwarf components see Bedin et al., this issue, e230158.

image
In‐situ Construction of Self‐Healing Polyelectrolyte/Polyzwitterion Coacervate Framework for High‐Performance Silicon Anodes
Authors: Zhang Yingchuan , Han Yongkang , Lei Yike , Ni Jie , Zhou Weidong , Xiao Qiangfeng
Published: March 2024

Silicon is considered as a promising candidate for anode materials due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity and natural abundance. However, the commercialization is severely hampered by the large strain and short cycle life. Herein, we have synthesized a reversible polyelectrolyte/polyzwitterion coacervate framework to achieve high‐performance silicon anodes with high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and stable cyclability. Such coacervate framework is formed via in‐situ free radical polymerization of zwitterionic 2‐methacryloyloxy ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) with polyacrylic acid (pAA) during heating the slurry. The resulting pAA/pMPC coacervate framework presents excellent adhesion, thermal stability, and negligible swelling in the electrolyte. Comparing with pAA, pAA/pMPC0.1 coacervate framework binder exhibits superior performance during charge/discharge. The ICE is improved from 84.41 %, to 87.61 %. After 250 cycles, the specific capacity of pAA/pMPC0.1 silicon anode is 1678 mAh g−1 with a retention of 78 % while the pAA silicon anode completely failed after less than 200 cycles. Such improvement is ascribed to the structural integrity of the electrode endowed by the self‐healing ability of pAA/pMPC coacervate framework. This work not only offers a feasible method to in‐situ construct coacervate framework with self‐healing capability to achieve high‐performance silicon anodes but also a compatible electrode preparation process for other high‐capacity materials.
Promoter screening and identification for metabolic regulation in Acremonium chrysogenum
Authors: Liu Ling , Li Runge , Zhang Xinrun , Chen Zhen , Mohsin Ali , Hang Haifeng , Tian Xiwei , Chu Ju
Published: March 2024

Acremonium chrysogenum is the major industrial producer of cephalosporin C (CPC), which is used as raw material for the production of significant cephalosporin antibiotics. Due to the lack of diverse promoter elements, the development of metabolic engineering transformation is relatively slow, resulting in a limited improvement on CPC production. In this study, based on the analysis of the transcriptome profile, 27 candidate promoters were selected to drive the expression of the reporter genes. The promoter activities of this library ranged from 0.0075 to 101 times of the control promoter PAngpdA. Simultaneously, a rapid screening method for potential bidirectional promoters was developed and 4 strong bidirectional promoters from 27 candidate options were identified and validated. Finally, the Golden Gate method was employed to combine promoter modules from the library with various target genes. Through a mixed transformation and screening process, high‐yielding strains AG‐6, AG‐18, and AG‐41 were identified, exhibiting an increase in CPC production of 30%, 35%, and 29%, respectively, compared to the control strain Ac‐∆axl2:: eGFP. Therefore, the utilization of this promoter library offers a broader range of synthetic biology toolkits for the genetic engineering transformation of A. chrysogenum, thus establishing a solid foundation for the precise regulation of gene expression.
Standardized approach for accurate and reliable model development of ion‐exchange chromatography based on parameter‐by‐parameter method and consideration of extra‐column effects
Authors: Chen Yu‐Cheng , Lu Hui‐Li , Wang Rong‐Zhu , Sun Guo , Zhang Xue‐Qin , Liang Jing‐Qi , Jungbauer Alois , Yao Shan‐Jing , Lin Dong‐Qiang
Published: March 2024

Developing an accurate and reliable model for chromatographic separation that meets regulatory requirements and ensures consistency in model development remains challenging. In order to address this challenge, a standardized approach was proposed in this study with ion‐exchange chromatography (IEC). The approach includes the following steps: liquid flow identification, system and column‐specific parameters determination and validation, multi‐component system identification, protein amount validation, steric mass action parameters determination and evaluation, and validation of the calibrated model's generalization ability. The parameter‐by‐parameter (PbP) calibration method and the consideration of extra‐column effects were integrated to enhance the accuracy of the developed models. The experiments designed for implementing the PbP method (five gradient experiments for model calibration and one stepwise experiment for model validation) not only streamline the experimental workload but also ensure the extrapolation abilities of the model. The effectiveness of the standardized approach is successfully validated through an application about the IEC separation of industrial antibody variants, and satisfactory results were observed with R2 ≈ 0.9 for the majority of calibration and validation experiments. The standardized approach proposed in this work contributes significantly to improve the accuracy and reliability of the developed IEC models. Models developed using this standardized approach are ready to be applied to a broader range of industrial separation systems, and are likely find further applications in model‐assisted decision‐making of process development.
Hybrid approach to management for a patient with culture negative infective endocarditis with profunda femoris mycotic pseudoaneurysm: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alshair Fahad M. , Baghaffar Abdullah H. , Fatani Mazin A. , jamjoom Reda A.
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Mycotic pseudoaneurysms can be a serious and life threatening complication of left sided infective endocarditis. They most commonly affect the major axial vessels. Profunda femoris artery (PFA) aneurysms are rare and present in only 0.5% of all peripheral aneurysms, regardless of the underlying etiology. We present a case of a patient who underwent mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation secondary to culture negative IE which was complicated by multiple mycotic pseudoaneurysm. The PFA pseudoaneurysm which was affected and was complicated with a large hematoma compressing the femoral nerve. This was managed by a staged hybrid approach. Endovascular stenting was performed first to seal the pseudoaneurysm and facilitate open surgical repair using a reversed interposition saphenous vein graft. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a PFA mycotic aneurysm (MA) being managed by a hybrid approach using endo‐vascular and open surgical repair. MAs and pseudoaneurysms are complex and life threatening conditions requiring meticulous planning for optimal management. Endovascular stenting can be considered as an alternative to surgical management in certain cases or as a bridge to definitive open surgical repair depending on anatomical location and associated complications.
Research on enhancing separation of ultra‐fine droplets using turbulators between adjacent demister plates in WFGD systems
Authors: Jia Yong , Yang Meilian , Bai Jin , Bu Shi
Published: March 2024

To enhance the performance of demister applied in wet flue gas desulphurization systems, flow turbulators are equipped between adjacent plates to reconstruct flow field. Both experimental and numerical approaches are employed to investigate the influence of various kinds of turbulator configurations upon removal of droplets within the range of 5–50 μm obeying Rosin‐Rammler distribution. Turbulators including spoiler, square column, concave groove, perforated concave groove, and triangular and cylinder columns are compared, among which spoiler provided the highest overall efficiency while square column yields the best graded efficiency for 5 μm droplets group. Furthermore, moving the spoiler towards the core region of the demister ducts received better performance due to augmented interaction between spoiler and drainage channels, which performed an essential role in droplets collection. Based on this knowledge, spoilers are optimized by changing their angle of attack and size; the result is positive since overall separation efficiency can be improved to 100%, along with graded efficiencies for 10 and 5 μm groups achieving 95.97% and 27.26%, respectively, much higher than those of baseline demister without turbulators. This study indicates that inertial‐based demisters have great potential in separating ultra‐fine droplets through reorganizing turbulence field, thus extra system loss can be avoided by abandoning additional filter components.
Hierarchical MPC‐based control structure for continuous biodiesel production
Authors: Patti Miguel A. , Braccia Lautaro , Feroldi Diego , Zumoffen David
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an advanced control strategy for a continuous biodiesel production plant based on a steady‐state optimizer and model predictive control (MPC). The proposed control system aims to optimize the production process and maintain product quality within required specifications. First, two steady‐state optimizers were developed with the aim of minimizing the steady‐state deviations of the manipulated and controlled variables and minimizing the biodiesel production cost. An MPC was then formulated to track the set points imposed by the steady‐state optimizers in real time and manipulate the control inputs accordingly. The scope of this work is limited to measured disturbances only. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated through dynamic simulation studies performed using HYSYS and MATLAB. The results obtained using the proposed control methodology show significant improvements in performance compared to conventional control strategies. Furthermore, it avoids the quality problem reflected in the amount of water in the final product that the original plant presented due to an inadequate design of the control strategy. Overall, the results of this research indicate that the proposed advanced control strategy has the potential to improve the efficiency and profitability of continuous biodiesel production plants.
Stereoselective α‐Glycosylation with GlcN3 Donors Enabled Collective Syntheses of Acinetobacter baumannii Capsular Polysaccharides K43, K47 and K88 Repeating Units†
Authors: Shou Kunxiu , Liu Shanshan , Zhang Yunqin , Xiao Guozhi
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Collective syntheses of A. baumannii CPS K43, K47 and K88 repeating units have been accomplished via a new α‐glycosylation method with GlcN3 as donors, which features: 1) mild reaction conditions, 2) good to high yields, 3) excellent stereoselectivities. The synthetic route also highlights an orthogonal one‐pot coupling strategy on the basis of glycosyl ortho‐(1‐phenylvinyl)benzoates for stereoselective constructions of both 1,2‐trans and 1,2‐cis glycosidic bonds, precluding the issues of aglycone transfer.
Design and analysis of frequency selective surface embedded broadband high gain miniaturized antenna
Authors: Tewary Tapas , Maity Smarajit , Roy Avisankar , Mandal Kaushik , Kundu Surajit , Bhunia Sunandan
Published: March 2024

Incorporating the better impedance matching capability of planar curved radiating patch, a miniaturized broadband planar antenna has been designed, analyzed, and integrated with frequency selective surface (FSS) to accomplish higher gain for various short‐range and long‐range modern wireless communication applications. Physical and electrical volume of the presented antenna is 25 × 20 × 1.6 
and 0.25
 × 0.20
 × 0.016
, respectively. The proposed radiating patch is constructed from a conventional rectangular patch by transforming the upper side of the patch into a semi‐circular shape and the lower side of the patch into a staircase‐like shape. Measured outcomes of the designed antenna show a very large operating bandwidth of 19.8 GHz (3–22.8 GHz) with a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 153.5% and bandwidth dimension ratio (BDR) of 3070. An equivalent circuit model (ECM) of the proposed antenna is developed using an advanced design system (ADS) circuit simulator. The frequency responses of the ECM are compared with the simulation done by CST Microwave Studio Suite software and measurement results, which show good agreement. An FSS structure with stop band from 2–28 GHz is positioned beneath the proposed antenna at optimal position (27 mm below the antenna) to enhance the gain up to 8.9 dBi. The presented antenna and FSS are fabricated on FR4 substrate and experimentally verified using standard microwave measurement setup.
Alzheimer's disease heterogeneity revealed by neuroanatomical normative modeling
Authors: Loreto Flavia , Verdi Serena , Kia Seyed Mostafa , Duvnjak Aleksandar , Hakeem Haneen , Fitzgerald Anna , Patel Neva , Lilja Johan , Win Zarni , Perry Richard , Marquand Andre F. , Cole James H. , Malhotra Paresh
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Overlooking the heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may lead to diagnostic delays and failures. Neuroanatomical normative modeling captures individual brain variation and may inform our understanding of individual differences in AD‐related atrophy.

METHODS

We applied neuroanatomical normative modeling to magnetic resonance imaging from a real‐world clinical cohort with confirmed AD (n = 86). Regional cortical thickness was compared to a healthy reference cohort (n = 33,072) and the number of outlying regions was summed (total outlier count) and mapped at individual‐ and group‐levels.

RESULTS

The superior temporal sulcus contained the highest proportion of outliers (60%). Elsewhere, overlap between patient atrophy patterns was low. Mean total outlier count was higher in patients who were non‐amnestic, at more advanced disease stages, and without depressive symptoms. Amyloid burden was negatively associated with outlier count.

DISCUSSION

Brain atrophy in AD is highly heterogeneous and neuroanatomical normative modeling can be used to explore anatomo‐clinical correlations in individual patients.
A dog's life: Early life histories influence methylation of glucocorticoid (NR3C1) and oxytocin (OXTR) receptor genes, cortisol levels, and attachment styles
Authors: Awalt Samantha L. , Boghean Lidia , Klinkebiel David , Strasser Rosemary
Published: March 2024

Early life deprivation and stress can contribute to life‐long, problematic consequences, including epigenetic variations related to behavior and health. Domestic dogs share human environments and social–cognitive traits, making them a promising comparative model to examine developmental plasticity. We examined 47 owner–dog dyads, including dogs rescued from abusive or neglectful environments, and matched control dogs for changes in DNA methylation of glucocorticoid (NR3C1) and oxytocin (OXTR) receptor genes previously shown to be affected by early life stress in other species including humans. We used an attachment paradigm, which included a separation event to examine cortisol levels and owner–dog attachment styles. Overall, dogs with adverse histories had different NR3C1 methylation patterns as a function of age and less OXTR methylation than comparison dogs. Dogs with adverse histories did not differ in their cortisol change from baseline to poststressor from comparison dogs, but the change in cortisol was associated with NR3C1 methylation. In addition, dogs with a history of early life stress had more insecure attachment styles; for every unit increase of OXTR methylation, the odds increased for insecure attachment style. This study demonstrates that adverse life histories lead to methylation differences, resulting in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis's dysregulation and differences in behavioral phenotypes.
Resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia moderates the within‐person relations of parental emotional expressivity and children's prosocial behaviors
Authors: Zhang Runzhu , Wang Zhenhong
Published: March 2024

Parental supportive emotional expressivity could contribute to children's prosocial behaviors, and such an effect may differ for children with different levels of resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). This study disentangled the stable differences across dyads (i.e., between‐person effects) from the dynamic associations between parental expressivity and children's prosocial behaviors within dyads (i.e., within‐person effects) and determined how resting RSA functioned as a susceptibility factor in such effects. The longitudinal design consisted of three measurements with a 1‐year interval performed among 208 school‐aged children (48.6% girls; Han nationality) and their parents (153 mothers and 55 fathers). The initial measurement was conducted when the children were 7 years old (Mage = 7.13, SDage = .33). Resting RSA was calculated at the first measurement; parents reported children's prosocial behaviors and parental expressivity at each of the three measurements. The results demonstrated significant between‐ and within‐person effects of parental expressivity on children's prosocial behaviors and found a moderating role of children's resting RSA in the within‐person effects. These findings suggest that children displayed more prosocial behaviors when parents showed more supportive expressivity both across and within dyads, and higher resting RSA operated as a differential susceptibility factor in the intraindividual fluctuations in parental expressivity.
Catastrophic storms, forest disturbance, and the natural history of Swainson's warbler
Authors: Graves Gary R.
Published: March 2024

The core breeding range of Swainson's warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) overlaps a zone of exceptionally high tornado frequency in southeastern North America. The importance of tornadoes in creating breeding habitat for this globally rare warbler and other disturbance‐dependent species has been largely overlooked. This paper estimates tornado frequency (1950–2021) and forest disturbance in the 240 counties and parishes in which breeding was documented from 1988 to 2014. The frequency of destructive tornadoes (EF1‐EF5) varied 6‐fold across the breeding range with a peak in the Gulf Coast states. Counties from east Texas to Alabama experienced the lowest median return interval of 5.4 years per 1000 km2, resulting in approximately 2477 ha of forest damage per 1000 km2 per century, based on current forestland cover. Tornadoes were significantly less frequent north and east of the core breeding range, with return intervals increasing to 9.1 years per 1000 km2 for breeding counties on the Atlantic coastal plain, 10.2 years per 1000 km2 in the Ozark Mountains, and 32.3 years per 1000 km2 in the Appalachian Mountains. Breeding counties within 150 km of the coastline from east Texas to North Carolina are also subjected to the highest frequency of hurricanes in the Western Hemisphere. Hurricanes often cause massive forest damage but archived meteorological and forestry data are insufficient to estimate the aggregate extent of forest disturbance in breeding counties. Nevertheless, the combined impact of tornadoes and hurricanes in the pre‐Anthropogenic era was likely sufficient to produce a dynamic mosaic of early‐successional forest crucial for the breeding ecology of Swainson's warbler. To ensure the long‐term survival of this rare warbler, it is advisable to develop habitat management plans that incorporate remote sensing data on early‐successional forest generated by catastrophic storms as well as anthropogenic activities.
Host plant‐mediation of viral transmission and its consequences for a native butterfly
Authors: Christensen Tara , Dyer Lee A. , Forister Matthew L. , Bowers M. Deane , Carper Adrian , Teglas Mike B. , Hurtado Paul , Smilanich Angela M.
Published: March 2024

Pathogens play a key role in insect population dynamics, contributing to short‐term fluctuations in abundance as well as long‐term demographic trends. Two key factors that influence the effects of entomopathogens on herbivorous insect populations are modes of pathogen transmission and larval host plants. In this study, we examined tritrophic interactions between a sequestering specialist lepidopteran, Euphydryas phaeton, and a viral pathogen, Junonia coenia densovirus, on its native host plant, Chelone glabra, and a novel host plant, Plantago lanceolata, to explore whether host plant mediates viral transmission, survival, and viral loads. A two‐factor factorial experiment was conducted in the laboratory with natal larval clusters randomly assigned to either the native or novel host plant and crossed with either uninoculated controls or viral inoculation (20% of individuals in the cluster inoculated). Diapausing clusters were overwintered in the laboratory and checked weekly for mortality. At the end of diapause, all surviving individuals were reared to adulthood to estimate survivorship. All individuals were screened to quantify viral loads, and estimate horizontal transmission postmortem. To test for vertical transmission, adults were mated, and the progeny were screened for viral presence. Within virus‐treated groups, we found evidence for both horizontal and vertical transmission. Larval clusters reared on the native host plant had slightly higher horizontal transmission. Survival probability was lower in clusters feeding on the native host plant, with inoculated groups reared on the native host plant experiencing complete mortality. Viral loads did not differ by the host plant, although viral loads decreased with increased sequestration of secondary compounds on both host plants. Our results indicate that the use of a novel host plant may confer fitness benefits in terms of survival and reduced viral transmission when larvae feeding on it are infected with this pathogen, supporting hypotheses of potential evolutionary advantages of a host range expansion in the context of tritrophic interactions.
A comprehensive overview of DC‐DC converters control methods and topologies in DC microgrids
Authors: Sarvi Mohammad , Zohdi Homa Zarei
Published: March 2024

Microgrids with large‐scale photovoltaic systems constitute a large part of distributed renewable generation in many grids around the world. Managing the performance of such microgrids and especially their interaction with the main power grid is a challenging task, because it requires the control of renewable resources. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of DC‐DC converter structures used in microgrids and presents a new classification for converters. This paper also provides an overview of the control techniques of DC‐DC converters in DC microgrids and the advantages and disadvantages of the control methods are discussed. In connection with the increasing penetration of distributed generation sources (DGS) and renewable sources in power systems and their power management has been raised as a major concern and methods for power management have been investigated in this paper. Finally, a DC microgrid system, which includes a solar system, wind turbine, and battery, is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink software and its performance is analyzed.
Mutation boosted salp swarm optimizer meets rough set theory: A novel approach to software defect detection
Authors: Sekaran Kripa , Lawrence Sherly Puspha Annabel
Published: March 2024

Software defect detection (SDD) is crucial to ensure the reliability of software systems and identify defects in classification. One of the key challenges in defect detection is to select more informative and relevant features from the vast pool of available software metrics. A novel approach is proposed in this paper that leverages mutation boosted salp swarm optimizer (MBSSO) and Rough Set Theory for feature selection (FS) in SDD. It efficiently explores the search space and incorporates a mutation boosting mechanism to overcome local optima. Rough Set Theory provides a formal framework for analyzing feature relevance and dependency, while MBSSO optimizes the search for the optimal feature subset. The proposed approach involves encoding the feature subsets using binary representation and designing a fitness function. The MBSSO algorithm explores the feature space, iteratively improving the feature subset based on the fitness function. The selected feature subset is then used to train a defect detection model using the Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) algorithm. The experimental validation is performed by Project Repository for Software Engineering (PROMISE) dataset and compared the performance of proposed approach against other FS methods and baselines. The experimental validation demonstrates that the proposed approach achieves superior performance and selected feature subset improves the accuracy and efficiency. This research contributes to the advancement of SDD by providing an effective and efficient FS technique using MBSSO and Rough Set Theory.
A systematic assessment of the revised Nutri‐Score algorithm: Potentials for the implementation of front‐of‐package nutrition labeling across Europe
Authors: Hafner Edvina , Pravst Igor
Published: March 2024

Front‐of‐package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) is an important public health tool, and the introduction of harmonized FOPNL in Europe is one of the most ambitious food labeling changes in decades. Nutri‐Score (NS) has been considered for implementation across Europe. However, NS is subject to strong opposition, particularly from the food industry and some agricultural sectors (such as cheese and cured meat), but also from some nutrition scientists and public health professionals, which highlights that the system is not sufficiently aligned with food‐based dietary guidelines and the latest scientific literature. These concerns were recently addressed in a revised version of NS (NS2023), aiming to overcome the limitations of its predecessor (NS2021). Our aim was to assess whether these limitations were addressed and to investigate their alignment with dietary guidelines. A systematic literature review identified 20 limitations of NS, assigned to 3 groups (Food‐based, Component‐based, and Other Dimensions of Food Quality). Subsequent assessment of NS employed a large representative branded food database of 19,510 pre‐packed foods. Alignment with dietary guidelines was assessed based on agreement with the WHO Europe nutrient profile (WHOE). NS2023 was shown as notably stricter compared to NS2021 (7% fewer products received the higher grades A or B) and more aligned with WHOE (κNS2021 = .59, κNS2023 = .65). Overall, most (65%) of the limitations were addressed to some extent; these were mostly Food‐based limitations, followed by Component‐based, whereas the Other Dimension of Food Quality (processing, sustainability, portion sizes) remained mostly unaddressed. We can conclude that the revised NS2023 increased its potential for implementation across Europe. Our review identified all limitations, relevant or not, which were mentioned in the scientific literature. Therefore, some mentioned limitations may never be solvable in the scope of nutrient profiling. Others could be further addressed by adaptation of the visual presentation, but increased complexity of the labeling message would also reduce the potential of the FOPNL to support consumers in healthier food choices. Additional research is also necessary to explore the potential impact of the revised NS2023 on food reformulation and its perception among consumers.
Systemic versus localized Bacillus Calmette Guérin immunotherapy of bladder cancer promotes an anti‐tumoral microenvironment: Novel role of trained immunity
Authors: Atallah Aline , Grossman Arielle , Nauman Richard W. , Paré Jean‐François , Khan Adam , Siemens D. Robert , Cotechini Tiziana , Graham Charles H.
Published: March 2024

Treatment for higher‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) involves intravesical immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG); however, disease recurrence and progression occur frequently. Systemic immunity is critical for successful cancer immunotherapy; thus, recurrence of NMIBC may be due to suboptimal systemic activation of anti‐tumor immunity after local immunotherapy. We previously reported that systemically acquired trained immunity (a form of innate immune memory) in circulating monocytes is associated with increased time‐to‐recurrence in patients with NMIBC treated with BCG. Herein, we used a mouse model of NMIBC to compare the effects of intravesical versus intravenous (systemic) BCG immunotherapy on the local and peripheral immune microenvironments. We also assessed whether BCG‐induced trained immunity modulates anti‐tumor immune responses. Compared with intravesical BCG, which led to a tumor‐promoting immune microenvironment, intravenous BCG resulted in an anti‐tumoral bladder microenvironment characterized by increased proportions of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and decreased proportions of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells. Polarization toward anti‐tumoral immunity occurred in draining lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow following intravenous versus intravesical BCG treatment. Pre‐treatment with intravesical BCG was associated with increased rate of tumor growth compared with intravenous BCG pre‐treatment. Trained immunity contributed to remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, as co‐instillation of BCG‐trained macrophages with ovalbumin‐expressing bladder tumor cells increased the proportion of tumor‐specific CTLs. Furthermore, BCG‐trained dendritic cells exhibited enhanced antigen uptake and presentation and promoted CTL proliferation. Our data support the concept that systemic immune activation promotes anti‐tumor responses, and that BCG‐induced trained immunity is important in driving anti‐tumor adaptive immunity.
Does environmental credit affect bank loans? Evidence from Chinese A‐share listed firms
Authors: Yin Shihao , Lin Zhongguo , Li Panni , Peng Binbin
Published: March 2024

We investigate the effect of government‐initiated enterprise environmental credit ratings on firms' bank loans. While prior research indicates that companies with superior environmental performance tend to secure more bank loans, it is crucial to acknowledge that these performance metrics predominantly rely on voluntary corporate social responsibility or environmental, social, and governance disclosures made by the firms themselves or evaluated by third‐party agencies. Consequently, the evaluation results could be biased due to incomplete information disclosure, methodologies, or systems, raising concerns among scholars about potential “greenwashing” or symbolic environmental actions. In contrast, we employ a dataset comprising 27,388 observations from 2009 to 2021, applying propensity score matching and a time‐varying difference‐in‐difference model to better discern the relationship between firms' environmental credit ratings and their ability to obtain bank loans. Our findings highlight that firms participating in environmental credit evaluation can secure more bank loans compared to non‐participating firms. This effect is especially pronounced in regions with advanced green finance development. Further analysis shows that non‐state‐owned enterprises with excellent or good environmental credit ratings receive more loans, thus mitigating ownership bias in loan distribution. Overall, our results demonstrate that mandatory government environmental credit ratings mitigate information asymmetry by enabling lenders to better understand firms' environmental information.