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The accurate estimation of the power number for closed clearance impellers holds significant importance in industries such as chemical, biochemical, paper and pulp, as well as paints, pigments, and polymers. Existing state‐of‐the‐art correlations for predicting power numbers, however, are inaccurate for impeller Reynolds number ReI>100. In this study, we compiled a dataset of 1470 data points from 15 research articles in the open literature, covering five types of impellers: (i) anchor; (ii) gate; (iii) single helical ribbon; (iv) double helical ribbon; and (v) helical ribbon with screw. Six machine learning models, namely artificial neural networks (ANN), CatBoost regressor, extra tree regressor, support vector regressor, random forest, and XGBoost regressor, were developed and compared. The results revealed that ANN emerged as the most efficient model, demonstrating the highest testing R2 value of 0.99 and the lowest testing MAPE of 7.3%. Further, we used the ANN model to develop a novel set of process correlations to estimate impeller power numbers for the industrially important anchor and double helical ribbon impellers: which significantly outperform the existing state‐of‐the‐art correlations available in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar thermal collectors, such as evacuated tube collectors (ETCs), are essential for harnessing renewable energy, yet their efficiency is often hindered by thermal losses and limited heat transfer. This study focuses on enhancing ETC performance for seawater desalination by using nanofluids as heat transfer fluids. These modifications aim to improve heat transfer rates, reduce thermal losses, increase the maximum temperature attainable, and minimize the collector area required. An experimental setup has been developed at Parul University in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Key parameters such as air mass flow rate, inclination angle, water mass flow rate, nanofluid volume percentage, and screw conveyor speed were optimized to achieve ideal temperature levels. Results indicate that the optimal configuration for steam generation includes a high air mass flow rate and a 40° inclination angle for the ETC. Additionally, a water mass flow rate of 10 LPH and a screw conveyor speed of 30 rpm are crucial for optimal performance. Data collected showed the highest solar energy levels between 12 PM and 1 PM, which significant decreases post this peak period. These findings highlight the potential of nanomaterial‐based enhancements in improving the efficiency and cost‐effectiveness of solar thermal systems for renewable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though an astonishing variety of spirooxindole derivatives has been synthesized until now, the look for rapid, highly efficacious, environmental‐friendly and more skilful methods is yet an ongoing challenge. Here, we present a microwave‐assisted synthetic approach for the one‐pot synthesis of spirooxindole‐pyrimidine and spiro‐chromeno indoline‐trione derivatives in water using graphite oxide (GO) as a charismatic heterogeneous metal‐free carbocatalyst.Microwave‐assisted synthesis reduces the reaction times from hours (conventional heating) to minutes. The use of a heterogeneous catalyst allows for efficient recovery and reusability up to eight cycles without losing much of its effectiveness, thereby enhancing sustainability. This method offers high product yields of diverse substrates with low catalyst loading and simple work‐up and catalyst handling. In addition, the antimicrobial activities for some randomly taken compounds have also been studied against gram positive bacteria Staphylococcos aureus (MTCC96) and gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli(MTCC730). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video Analytics is widely used by the internet‐based platforms to govern the mass consumption of videos. Traditionally, it is carried out from the decoded format of the videos. This requires the analytics server to perform both decoding and analytics computation. This process can be made fast and efficient if performed over the compressed format of the videos as it reduces the decoding stress over the analytics server. The field of video analytics from the binarized formats using modern deep learning techniques is still emerging and needs further exploration. This proposed work is based on the same notion. In this work, two analytics tasks that is, classification and object detection are carried out from the binarized videos. The binarized formats are produced by using an already‐designed end‐to‐end video compression network. The experiments have been carried out over standard datasets. The proposed MobileNetv2‐based classification network shows an accuracy of 66% over the YouTube UGC dataset and the YOLOX‐S‐based detection network shows mAP of 45% over IMAGENet datasets. The proposed work shows competitiveness and improvement in the detection outcomes on compressed data and also provides further motivation for the adoption of deep learning‐based video compression in practical analytics domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report an inexpensive first‐row transition metal Ni heterogeneous catalytic system for the Csp3‐mono alkylation of fluorene using alcohols as alkylating agents via borrowing hydrogen strategy. The catalytic protocol displayed versatility with high yields of the desired products using various types of primary alcohols, including aryl/hetero aryl methanols, and aliphatic alcohols as alkylating agents. The catalyst Ni NPs@N−C was synthesized via high‐temperature pyrolysis strategy, using ZIF‐8 as the sacrificial template. The Ni NPs@N−C catalyst was characterized by XPS, HR‐TEM, HAADF‐STEM, XRD and ICP‐MS. The catalyst is stable even in the air at room temperature, displayed excellent activity and could be recycled 5 times without appreciable loss of its activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the interest and knowing the importance of ferrocenyl conjugates, a direct amidation of ferrocenyl aldehyde has been developed under feasible conditions. Varieties of amines has been oxidatively coupled with ferrocene aldehyde in the presence of highly economical and robustly stable iron chalcogenide ironcarbonyl clusters [Fe3E2(CO)9, E= S, Se, and Te] and TBHP. The reaction worked in greener solvent water at a moderate temperature of 70 °C and the ferrocenyl‐amides in just 30 minutes. All the varieties of amines were found to be well tolerated for the present method, and due to the high medicinal importance of ferrocenyl‐amides, sole focus of this report was concentrates on the synthesis of various new ferrocenyl‐amides in good to excellent amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysis using low‐valent main‐group compounds is usually done under inert conditions; no example of such catalysis has been doable entirely in ambient conditions until now. This aspect is addressed in this work through an air‐ and water‐stable germylene cation [DPMGe][(OH)B(C6F5)3] (2) (DPM=dipyrromethene); it efficiently catalyzes aldehyde and ketone hydrosilylations under ambient conditions. Detailed theoretical studies reveal that compound 2's stability is bolstered by the interaction between the anion and germanium's frontier orbitals. However, the detachment of the anion (in the solution) alters the capability of compound 2 to render exceptional catalytic efficiency. Compound 2 was synthesized under ambient conditions by the equimolar reaction of DPMGeOH (1) with B(C6F5)3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a frequent additional finding on lung cancer screening (LCS) low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in LCS participants. We aimed to describe prevalence of incidental CAC detected on LDCT in LCS participants without prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD), evaluate their CVD risk and describe subsequent investigation and management. Methods: Prospective observational nested cohort study including all participants enrolled at a single Australian site of the International Lung Screen Trial. Baseline LDCTs were reviewed for CAC, and subsequent information collected regarding cardiovascular health. 5‐year CVD risk was calculated using the AusCVD risk calculator. Results: 55% (226/408) of participants had CAC on LDCT and no prior history of CAD, including 23% with moderate–severe CAC. Mean age of participants with CAC was 65 years, 68% were male. 53% were currently smoking. Majority were high risk (51%) or intermediate risk (32%) of a cardiovascular event in 5 years. 21% of participants were re‐stratified to a higher CVD risk group when CAC detected on LCS was incorporated. Only 10% of participants with CAC received lifestyle advice (only 3% currently smoking received smoking cessation advice). 80% of participants at high‐risk did not meet guideline recommendations, with 47% of this group remaining without cholesterol lowering therapy. Conclusion: LCS with LDCT offers the potential to identify and communicate CVD risk in this population. This may improve health outcomes for high‐risk LCS participants and further personalize management once screening results are known. Almost 25% of screening participants had moderate–severe CAC detected on LDCT and no known history of coronary artery disease. Most of these participants were at high risk of CVD and were not meeting guideline recommendations for CVD care. LDCT detected CAC may be a useful tool to optimize CVD health. See relatededitorial [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Investigating the Functional and Architectural Diversity of Leaf Venation Networks" explores the diverse leaf venation network architectures in plants and the potential trade-offs among various leaf functions. A team of students led by Dr. Matos collected samples from the University of California Botanical Garden to study 31 functional and architectural leaf venation traits across 122 species. The dataset generated is being used to identify trade-offs in venation architecture-function and understand the evolutionary processes behind the diversity of networks. [Extracted from the article]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is approved for the treatment of certain cancers and precancer lesions. While early Photosensitizers (PS) have found their way to the clinic, research in the last two decades has led to the development of third‐generation PS, including photodynamic nanomedicine for improved tumor delivery and minimal systemic or phototoxicity. In terms of nanoparticle design for PDT, we are witnessing a shift from passive to active delivery for improved outcomes with reduced PS dosage. Tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises of a complex and dynamic landscape with myriad potential targets for photodynamic nanocarriers that are surface‐modified with ligands. Herein, we review ways to improvise PDT by actively targeting nanoparticles (NPs) to intracellular organelles such as mitochondria or lysosomes and so forth, overcoming the limitations caused by PDT‐induced hypoxia, disrupting the blood vascular networks in tumor tissues—vascular targeted PDT (VTP) and targeting immune cells for photoimmunotherapy. We propose that a synergistic outlook will help to address challenges such as deep‐seated tumors, metastasis, or relapse and would lead to robust PDT response in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayan plant Inula racemosa has medicinal properties and can be used to prevent or treat cancer. This is because it contains certain chemicals that are known to fight cancer cells with few or no side effects. I. racemosa has been used for this purpose for many years in traditional medicine and has shown promising results. The present study was crafted to explore the suppressive impacts on cellular proliferation of the root extract derived from I. racemosa via in vivo experimentation. I. racemosa (IR) root extract was tested at three different doses (100, 250, and 500 mg/Kg BW) for 18 weeks to assess its anti‐neoplastic activity against mammary tumors in female rats. The assessment included various parameters such as hematological and biochemical indices, tumor parameters, oxidative stress analysis, gross and histopathological lesion determination, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemical expression of Ki‐67, MMP‐9, and VEGF in mammary gland tissues, and molecular docking. The chemopreventive action of IR root extract was demonstrated by the inhibition of tumor parameters (tumor size and tumor volume), minimum changes in the liver (ALT, AST, and ALP) and kidney enzymes (BUN and creatinine), declined lipid peroxidation activity, decline gross, and histological changes in mammary gland tumors, reduced expression of KI‐67, MMP‐9, and VEGF and maximum binding affinity of isoalantolactone with VEGF through molecular docking. The study suggests that the active constituents (isoalantolactone and alantolactone) of I. racemosa roots have anti‐neoplastic activity against mammary tumors, making them a valuable therapeutic regimen for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐9) was synthesized via solvothermal reaction using cobalt (Co) salt and benzimidazole ligands in the presence of polyacrylonitrile. The precursor was electrospun to form carbon nanofibers (CNFs) creating freestanding, binder‐free supercapacitor electrodes. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and NaCl were added to the precursor solution to reduce fiber diameter and improve structural integrity during high‐temperature annealing. The Co/CNF sample achieved an areal capacitance of 316 mF cm−2 and an energy density of 0.043 mWh cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. The addition of NaCl and PVP reduced fiber diameter by 30% and increased capacitance by 3.6 times. The optimal sample maintained 96.2% of its capacitance over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, demonstrating strong electrochemical stability. Symmetrical pouch cells with the developed electrodes powered a light‐emitting diode and a humidity/temperature sensor, demonstrating their potential in portable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS‐HIPEC) has become standard treatment for peritoneal cancers and metastases, significantly enhancing survival rates. This study evaluated the relationship between tumor burden, hemodynamic management, and postoperative outcomes after CRS‐HIPEC. Methodology: This study included 203 patients undergoing CRS‐HIPEC. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02754115). Routine and advanced hemodynamic monitoring was performed. Data on fluid and blood transfusions, coagulation management, body temperature, blood gases, Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI), and chemotherapeutic agents used were collected. Postoperatively, complications using the Clavien–Dindo classification were employed. Primary outcomes assessed PCI's impact on hemodynamic parameters and fluid management, with secondary outcomes including postoperative complications, mortality, and length of ICU and hospital stays. Results: Patients with PCI > 20 experienced significantly longer surgeries (796.2 ± 158.3 min) as compared with patients with PCI 0–10 (551 ± 127 min) and patients with PCI between 11 and 20 (661.78 ± 137.7 min) (p ≤ 0.01). Patients with PCI > 20 received higher fluid requirements (mean: 5497.7 ± 2401.9 mL) as compared with PCI 0–10 (2631.2 ± 1459.9 mL) and PCI 10–20 (3964.65 ± 2044.6 mL) (p ≤ 0.01). Patients with PCI > 20 also had a prolonged ICU stays (median: 4 days) as compared with PCI 0–20 (median: 3 days). However, these differences were not significant in patients with PCI between 10 and 20. Significant differences in CI and SVI were observed among PCI groups during and after HIPEC. Significant differences were also observed among PCI groups for postoperative complications. Although 30‐day survival rates varied clinically, they did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: A higher PCI score was significantly associated with increased duration of surgery, fluid requirements, the need for invasive hemodynamic monitoring, postoperative complications, and longer ICU stays. Tailoring perioperative strategies based on PCI scores has the potential to optimize these outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02754115. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Electrically driven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gaining popularity due to use in industrial, military, and civil applications. The UAVs have to execute complicated maneuvers in the air requires accurate control of the BLDC motor propeller systems. In this study, we propose easy to implement field‐oriented adaptive input‐output feedback linearizing control (AIOFL) for controlling propellers as per demand of flight controller. This study aims to compare the proposed field‐oriented AIOFL with usual six step control architecture with a focus on the typical back‐electromotive force (back‐EMF) shapes featured in the propeller motor. The proposed control architecture that does not only regulate speed and torque of the propeller with acceptable torque ripple but it also estimates the rotor magnetic flux and the stator resistance of the BLDC motor to know about stator/rotor condition monitoring, motor fault detection, and temperature rise. To ensure reliable operation in all operational conditions, closed loop stability of proposed speed controller is analyzed based on the Lyapunov method. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized to accurately tune the PI controller since the trial‐and‐error technique used to choose the PI controller gains resulted in the low stability and poor transient response of the controller. Finally, comprehensive numerical and experimental tests are performed and compared with conventional field‐oriented control to evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a model is highly crucial in cases where there are intricate geographical features, and conducting a forest inventory is both time‐consuming and expensive, requiring significant manual effort for measurement. Acquiring reliable data regarding the forest's condition and future progression is essential for making informed decisions about its management. Therefore, this research aimed to create an individual tree diameter growth model specifically for Terminalia alata (B. Heyne. ex Roth). This study was conducted in Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal, encompassing 14 districts in the Terai and Chure regions of Nepal. Individual tree data (diameter at breast height, tree height, crown height, crown cover, longitude, and latitude) from three different time periods (2011, 2017, and 2022) were obtained with 673 sample plots maintained for forest research assessment by Government of Nepal, and annual diameter growth was estimated. Multiple linear, linear mixed, and generalized additive models were employed to fit the growth modeling for individual tree diameter growth of T. alata. We observed higher mean diameter growth rates in 0–25 cm and 101–125 cm tree diameter classes (0.318 cm·yr−1). There were significant differences in diameter growth across tree quality classes, but no significant differences due to crown classes were observed. Although the generalized additive model (Adj. R2 = 0.32) performed better than the linear mixed model (adj. R2 = 0.23) and the multiple linear model (adj. R2 = 0.03), it still explained only a small proportion of the variance in diameter growth. This suggests that other factors, such as unmeasured environmental variables, biotic interactions, or complex nonlinear relationships, may play a significant role in explaining the variation. In addition, the low R2 values indicate that the models may need further refinement, possibly by incorporating interaction terms, random effects, or other possible nonlinear approaches. Future research should also consider the potential influence of spatial or temporal heterogeneity on the growth dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Methods Results Conclusions Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease (CeD) present with similar gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. DNA methylation‐based biomarkers have not been investigated as diagnostic biomarkers to classify these disorders. We aimed to study DNA methylation profiles of IBS, IBD, CeD, and healthy controls (HC), develop machine learning‐based classifiers, and identify associated gene ontology (GO) terms.Genome‐wide DNA methylation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 315 patients with IBS, IBD, CeD, and HC was measured using Illumina's 450K or EPIC arrays. A methylation dataset on 304 IBD and HC samples was used for external validation. Differential methylation was measured using general linear models. Classifiers were developed using penalized generalized linear models using double cross‐validation controlling for confounders. Functional enrichment was assessed using GO.Three hundred and fifteen participants (148 IBS, 47 IBD, 34 CeD, and 86 HC) had DNA methylation data. IBS‐IBD and IBD‐CeD showed the highest number of differentially methylated CpG sites followed by IBD‐HC, CeD‐HC, and IBS‐HC. IBS‐associated genes were enriched in cell adhesion and neuronal pathways, while IBD‐ and CeD‐associated markers were enriched in inflammation and MHC class II pathways, respectively (p < 0.05). Classification performances assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for IBS‐IBD, IBS‐CeD, and IBD‐CeD were 0.80 (95% CI = 0.7–0.87, p = 6.75E‐10), 0.78 (95% CI = 0.68–0.86, p = 4.57E‐10), and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.62–0.83, p = 0.03), respectively. The performance of IBD‐HC was successfully validated using external data (AUC = 0.74 [95% CI = 68–0.80, p < 0.001]).Blood‐based DNA methylation biomarkers can potentially distinguish chronic GI disorders that present with similar symptoms. GO suggested functional significance of the classifiers in disease‐specific pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Patients with AL amyloidosis can have persistent organ dysfunction despite achieving a haematological complete response (hemCR). We aimed to identify factors for organ non‐response among 143 patients who achieved hemCR for ≥6 months. Kidney, heart and liver non‐response were observed in 40/117 (34%), 19/68 (28%) and 3/17 (18%) patients respectively. Predisposing factors varied by organ system. Kidney non‐responders had more advanced organ dysfunction at diagnosis, whereas heart non‐responders had disproportionately more lambda‐typic amyloidogenic light chains. Most patients without an apparent reason for organ non‐response had detectable residual clonal disease. The interplay of factors impeding organ recovery in AL amyloidosis is complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The ability of seeds to restore their amino acid content and composition after the elimination of the most abundant seed storage proteins (SSPs) is well‐documented, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To better understand how seeds compensate for major proteomic disruptions, we conducted a comprehensive analysis on an Arabidopsis mutant lacking the three most abundant SSPs, the cruciferins. Our initial findings indicated that carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur levels, as well as total protein and oil content, remained unchanged in these mutants suggesting rebalanced seeds. Transcriptomics and proteomics performed during seed maturation of Col‐0 and the triple mutant revealed significant modulation in many components of the translational machinery, especially ribosomal proteins (RPs), and in the antioxidation response in the mutant. These findings suggest that RPs play a critical role in facilitating proteomic homeostasis during seed maturation when proteomic perturbation occurs. Biochemical and metabolic analyses of the triple mutant dry seeds revealed increased protein carbonylation and elevated glutathione levels further supporting the link between SSP accumulation and seed redox homeostasis. Overall, we propose that in response to significant proteomic perturbations, changes in the proteome and amino acid composition of seeds are accompanied by a broad remodeling of the translation apparatus. We postulate that these alterations are key elements in seed adaptability and robustness to large proteomic perturbations during seed maturation. Significance Statement: The disruption of the three most abundant seed storage proteins in Arabidopsis, the cruciferins, provides insights into how the translational heterogeneity (i.e., variability in protein synthesis across mRNAs or cell types, often driven by structural and compositional differences in the translational apparatus) and differential expression were critical in determining seed protein content and protein homeostasis throughout seed maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, the Colombian government and the leftist insurgency group FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – Ejército del Pueblo) signed an agreement that ensures women's greater participation in the peace implementation process, their access to benefits from the programs, and their ability to reform initiatives in the agreement. While applauded for adhering to the UNSCR 1325 normative commitments on women's roles in peace processes, it's unclear how adopting a gender perspective affects the entire agreement's implementation success. This article analyzes monthly data on the implementation of 578 stipulations and 70 subthemes (reforms or programs) and evaluates peace implementation from a gender perspective. The findings from the stipulation level analysis reveal an implementation gap between gender and gender‐neutral or non‐gender provisions. The subtheme level analyses further confirm this finding that gender provisions alone do not contribute to the overall peace implementation success; rather, implementing those provisions is foundational for advancing the overall peace implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions of anthropogenic aerosols are rapidly changing, in amounts, composition and geographical distribution. In East and South Asia in particular, strong aerosol trends combined with high population densities imply high potential vulnerability to climate change. Improved knowledge of how near‐term climate and weather influences these changes is urgently needed, to allow for better‐informed adaptation strategies. To understand and decompose the local and remote climate impacts of regional aerosol emission changes, we perform a set of Systematic Regional Aerosol Perturbations (SyRAP) using the reduced‐complexity climate model FORTE 2.0 (FORTE2). Absorbing and scattering aerosols are perturbed separately, over East Asia and South Asia, to assess their distinct influences on climate. In this paper, we first present an updated version of FORTE2, which includes treatment of aerosol‐cloud interactions. We then document and validate the local responses over a range of parameters, showing for instance that removing emissions of absorbing aerosols over both East Asia and South Asia is projected to cause a local drying, alongside a range of more widespread effects. We find that SyRAP‐FORTE2 is able to reproduce the responses to Asian aerosol changes documented in the literature, and that it can help us decompose regional climate impacts of aerosols from the two regions. Finally, we show how SyRAP‐FORTE2 has regionally linear responses in temperature and precipitation and can be used as input to emulators and tunable simple climate models, and as a ready‐made tool for projecting the local and remote effects of near‐term changes in Asian aerosol emissions. Plain Language Summary: Emissions of anthropogenic aerosols are rapidly changing, both in amounts, composition, and geographical distribution. Aerosol‐climate impacts follow patterns and time evolutions different to those from greenhouse gas‐driven surface warming, potentially enhancing climate risk. However, our understanding of these patterns and processes is still limited. In East and South Asia, strong aerosol trends and high population densities imply a high potential vulnerability to climate change. To allow for better‐informed adaptation strategies, there is an urgent need for improved knowledge of how near‐term climate and weather influences these changes. Here we perform a set of Systematic Regional Aerosol Perturbations (SyRAP) using the reduced‐complexity climate model FORTE 2 to decompose the climate impacts of regional aerosol emission changes. We developed a new functionality in the model, allowing for the ability to emulate the indirect aerosol effect—in isolation or in combination with aerosol radiation interactions. We investigate the separate roles of both light‐absorbing and ‐scattering aerosols, and the distinct impacts of emission perturbations in East versus South Asia. We find that SyRAP‐FORTE2 is able to reproduce the responses to Asian aerosol changes documented in the literature, and that it can help us decompose regional climate impacts of aerosols from the two regions. Key Points: Removing emissions of absorbing aerosols over both East Asia and South Asia is projected to cause a local dryingIn certain subregions, the impact of SO4 on precipitation is strongly dependent on the background climate stateResults show regionally linear responses in temperature and precipitation and can be used as input to emulators and simple climate models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cushing syndrome (CS) is the result of chronic exposure to glucocorticoid excess. CS in children is most often caused by the administration of exogenous steroids. Endogenous CS is rare in the paediatric population and is caused mainly by tumours of the pituitary and adrenal glands, with ectopic sources being extraordinarily rare before the age of 18 years. In addition, children and young adults with CS present with different epidemiology, management issues, prognosis and outcomes than older adult patients. This complex disorder needs early diagnosis and management to avoid the significant morbidity and even mortality that can result from chronic untreated CS. Methods: In this review, we present the complex case of a 7‐year‐old boy with CS that highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of paediatric CS patients, including the considerations for genetic predisposition and life‐long consequences of CS in children and young adults. Results: The diagnostic protocols for the evaluation of CS have been devised for adults and tested predominantly on adults. In this review, we discuss necessary modifications so that the testing can be adjusted for use in children. Additionally, pituitary adenomas in children are generally smaller and thus more difficult to recognize on pituitary imaging. Conclusions: The management of the case and its complexities underline the need for children with CS to be managed in a centre with experienced paediatric endocrinologists and skilled neurosurgeons both for their initial diagnosis and treatment as well as for their long‐term follow‐up and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is caused by functional and structural irregularity leading to impaired ejection or filling capacity of the heart. HF leads to chronic inflammatory conditions in the heart leads to weight loss, anorexia, and muscle atrophy known as cachexia. The present study was carried out to investigate the role of Ezetimibe, an NRF2 activator, in cardiac cachexia and to develop a treatment strategy for cardiac cachexia. Method: Balb/c mice of either sex at 6–8 weeks of age were given 2 mg/kg of doxorubicin in 0.9% sodium chloride solution intraperitoneally (i.p.) for the alternate days for the first week and then once a week for the next 4 weeks. After induction of cardiac atrophy, treatment with Ezetimibe (1.5 mg/kg, p.o) was given for the next 4 weeks. Result: In the cardiac cachectic animals, a significant decrease in body weight, food, and water intake was observed. Cardiac cachectic animals showed a significant increase in serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, VLDL, CK‐MB, LDH, and CRP levels. Cardiac atrophic index, heart weight to body weight ratios (HW/BW), right ventricular weight to heart weight ratios (RV/HW), and left ventricular weight to heart weight ratios (LV/HW), were significantly decreased in cardiac cachectic animals. The weights of the skeletal muscles such as EDL, gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, and quadriceps muscles, and the weight of adipose tissue such as subcutaneous, visceral, perirenal, and brown adipose tissue were significantly decreased in the cardiac cachectic group relative to the normal group. Treatment with ezetimibe improves body weight, food intake, and water intake. Ezetimibe decreases serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, VLDL, CK‐MB, LDH and CRP levels. Cardiac atrophic markers such as HW/BW, RV/HW, and LV/HW were improved. The weight of skeletal muscles and adipose tissue was increased after treatment with ezetimibe. Conclusion: Our data showed that the NRF2 activator, Ezetimibe produces a beneficial effect on cardiac cachexia in the doxorubicin‐induced cardiac cachexia model. Ezetimibe was successful to reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines, ameliorate the effects on cardiac muscle wasting, lipid levels, fat tissues, and skeletal muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a new surgical technique for urethroplasty that aims to preserve the bulbospongiosus muscle in patients with proximal bulbar urethral strictures. By avoiding the traditional one-sided dissection approach and selectively cutting the muscle's monolateral insertion, this technique offers promising results in maintaining both micturition and sexual function. The study conducted on 19 patients showed positive outcomes with no recurrence of strictures and notable preservation of ejaculatory function, highlighting the importance of preserving the bulbospongiosus muscle in urethroplasty for improved postoperative outcomes and patient quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: Omalizumab is an anti‐immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody that was first approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of allergic asthma in 2003. The pivotal trials supporting the initial approval of omalizumab used dosing determined by patient's baseline IgE and body weight, with the goal of reducing the mean free IgE level to approximately 25 ng/mL or less. While the underlying parameters supporting the dosing table remained the same, subsequent studies and analyses have resulted in approved alternative versions of the dosing table, including the European Union (EU) asthma dosing table, which differs in weight bands and maximum allowable baseline IgE and omalizumab dose. In this study, we leveraged modelling and simulation approaches to predict and compare the free IgE reduction and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) improvement with omalizumab dosing based on the US and EU asthma dosing tables. Methods: Previously established population pharmacokinetic‐IgE and IgE‐FEV1 models were used to predict and compare post‐treatment free IgE and FEV1 based on the US and EU dosing tables. Clinical trial simulations (with virtual asthma populations) and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to provide both breadth and depth in the comparisons. Results: The US and EU asthma dosing tables were predicted to result in generally comparable free IgE suppression and FEV1 improvement. Conclusions: Despite the similar free IgE and FEV1 outcomes from simulations, this has not been clinically validated with respect to the registrational endpoint of reduction in annualized asthma exacerbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are a promising alternative material to indium tin oxide as flexible transparent electrodes owing to their excellent optoelectrical properties and mechanical performance. However, the main challenge is the poor stability under diverse environments, ranging from high humidity, chemical exposure, and dynamic mechanical deformation. Herein, ultralong AgNWs (≈100 μm) have been synthesized via controlling growth kinetics by a facile acetic acid‐assisted solvothermal method, further decorated with a thin Al2O3 layer by electrodeposition to form a core–shell architecture. The resultant films based on Ag‐Al2O3 core–shell nanowires (NWs) possess a higher conductivity while preserving the optical transparency due to the enhanced NWs contact. More importantly, the constructed films exhibit strong resistance to various conditions, such as exposure to high temperature/humidity and immersion in NaCl, HCl, and Na2S solutions. The laser‐etched interdigital electrodes based on the chemically stable AgNWs are further integrated with graphene oxide layer for humidity sensing and respiration monitoring. Furthermore, the developed NWs with superior mechanical stability are constructed as triboelectric nanogenerators for electricity generation, and reliable output performance has been demonstrated. This work provides a convenient, scalable, and cost‐effective solution that offers great potential for designing robust, transparent electrodes for next‐generation flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our objective was to prospectively investigate prediagnostic population‐based metabolome for risk of hospitalized gout (ie, most accurate, severe, and costly cases), accounting for serum urate. Methods: We conducted prediagnostic metabolome‐wide analyses among 249,677 UK Biobank participants with nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic profiling (N = 168 metabolites, including eight amino acids) from baseline blood samples (2006–2010) without a history of gout. We calculated multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) for hospitalized incident gout, before and after adjusting for serum urate levels; we included patients with nonhospitalized incident gout in a sensitivity analysis. Potential causal effects were evaluated with two‐sample Mendelian randomization. Results: Correcting for multiple testing, 107 metabolites were associated with incidence of hospitalized gout (n = 2,735) before urate adjustment, including glycine and glutamine (glutamine HR 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.75, P = 8.3 × 10−8; glycine HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61–0.78, P = 3.3 × 10−9 between extreme quintiles), and glycoprotein acetyls (HR 2.48, 95% CI 2.15–2.87, P = 1.96 × 10−34). Associations remained significant and directionally consistent following urate adjustment (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.98; HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.98; HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21–1.63 between extreme quintiles), respectively; corresponding HRs per SD were 0.91 (95% CI 0.86–0.97), 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.98), and 1.10 (95% CI 1.06–1.14). Findings persisted when including patients with nonhospitalized incident gout. Mendelian randomization corroborated their potential causal role on hyperuricemia or gout risk; with change in urate levels of −0.05 mg/dL (95% CI −0.08 to −0.01) and −0.12 mg/dL (95% CI −0.22 to −0.03) per SD of glycine and glutamine, respectively, and odds ratios of 0.94 (95% CI 0.88–1.00) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.67–0.97) for gout. Conclusion: These prospective findings with causal implications could lead to biomarker‐based risk prediction and potential supplementation‐based interventions with glycine or glutamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a debilitating neurological disorder that develops after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the high prevalence of PTE, current methods for predicting its occurrence remain limited. In this study, we aimed to identify imaging‐based markers for the prediction of PTE using machine learning. Specifically, we examined three imaging features: Lesion volumes, resting‐state fMRI‐based measures of functional connectivity, and amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF). We employed three machine‐learning methods, namely, kernel support vector machine (KSVM), random forest, and an artificial neural network (NN), to develop predictive models. Our results showed that the KSVM classifier, with all three feature types as input, achieved the best prediction accuracy of 0.78 AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve) using nested cross‐validation. Furthermore, we performed voxel‐wise and lobe‐wise group difference analyses to investigate the specific brain regions and features that the model found to be most helpful in distinguishing PTE from non‐PTE populations. Our statistical analysis uncovered significant differences in bilateral temporal lobes and cerebellum between PTE and non‐PTE groups. Overall, our findings demonstrate the complementary prognostic value of MR‐based markers in PTE prediction and provide new insights into the underlying structural and functional alterations associated with PTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The enemy release hypothesis states that the invasion success of non‐native species is partly due to their escape from natural enemies, e.g., herbivores. Large‐scale studies of herbivory using multiple species across multiple sites are needed to test the generality of herbivory release in non‐native plants. Location: Europe. Methods: We carried out leaf‐herbivory surveys from 2007 to 2021 in 15 botanical gardens ranging in latitude from 47°N (Switzerland) to 63°N (Norway) to investigate how herbivory levels differed between (i) native and non‐native species, and (ii) native and non‐naturalised or naturalised species. Results: Overall, we found that herbivory levels were lower on non‐native than native species. In addition, we found that non‐naturalised plants suffered less herbivory than natives and that naturalised plants showed similar levels of herbivory to native plants. Main Conclusions: We find broad support for lower herbivory of non‐native plant species compared to natives. However, the stronger reduction in herbivory for non‐naturalised plants suggests that herbivore release may be transient and less pronounced for naturalised non‐native species that have become abundant and integrated into resident communities. This has implications for the management of naturalised non‐native plants, which are performing well in their non‐native ranges despite suffering comparable herbivory levels to native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appropriate pain management can facilitate rehabilitation after a hip fracture as patients transition back to the community setting. Differences in opioid prescribing by race may exist during this critical transition period. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of older adult U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with a hip fracture to examine whether the receipt and dose of opioids differs between Black and White patients as they transitioned back to the community setting. We stratified beneficiaries by whether they received institutional post‐acute care (PAC). Outcomes were (1) receipt of an opioid and (2) opioid doses in the first 90 days in the community in milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs; also presented in mg oxycodone). We estimated relative rates and risk differences of opioid receipt and dose differences using Poisson and linear regression models, respectively, using the parametric g‐formula to standardize for age and sex. Results: We identified 164,170 older adults with hip fracture (mean age = 82.7 years; 75% female; 72% with PAC; 46% with opioid use after fracture). Overall use of opioids in the community was similar between Black and white beneficiaries. Black beneficiaries had lower average doses in their first 90 days in both total cumulative doses (PAC group: 165 [95% CI −264 to −69] fewer MMEs [−248 mg oxycodone]; no PAC: 167 [95% CI −274 to −62] fewer MMEs [−251 mg oxycodone]) and average MME per days' supply of medication (PAC: −3.0 [−4.6 to −1.4] fewer MMEs per day [−4.5 mg oxycodone]; no PAC: −4.7 [−4.6 to −1.4] fewer MMEs per day [−7.1 mg oxycodone]). In secondary analyses, Asian beneficiaries experienced the greatest differences (e.g., 617–653 fewer cumulative mg oxycodone). Conclusion: Racial differences exist in pain management for Medicare beneficiaries after a hip fracture. Future work should examine whether these differences result in disparities in short‐ and long‐term health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic antibodies have predominantly been IgG‐based. However, the ongoing clinical trial of MOv18 IgE has highlighted the potential of using IgE antibodies in cancer therapy. While extensive studies targeting IgG glycosylation resulted in a rational basis for the development of enhanced biotherapeutics, IgE glycosylation remains an area with limited analyses. Previous studies on the role of IgE glycosylation present conflicting data with one study emphasizing the importance of N275 and T277 residues for FcεRI binding whereas another asserts the nonsignificance of IgE glycosylation in receptor interaction. While existing literature underscores the significance of glycans at the N275 position for binding to FcεR1 receptor and initiation of anaphylaxis, the role of other IgE glycosylation sites in folding or receptor binding remains elusive. This study systematically investigates the functional significance of N‐linked glycosylation sites in the heavy chain of IgE which validates the pivotal role of N275 residue in IgE secretion and stability. Replacement of this asparagine to non‐amine group moieties does not affect IgE function in vitro, yet substitution with aspartic acid compromises antibody yield. The deglycosylated IgE variant exhibits superior efficacy, challenging the conventional importance of glycosylation for effector function. In summary, our study unveils an intricate relationship between N‐glycosylation sites and the structural–functional dynamics of IgE antibodies. Furthermore, it offers novel insights into the IgE scaffold, paving the way for the development of more effective and stable IgE‐based therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Scutigeromorpha is a globally distributed, ancient group of centipedes with at least 400 million years of evolutionary history. We assess the biogeographic history of the order, with a particular focus on the Peninsular Indian Plate (PIP), a Gondwanan fragment. We hypothesize that continental vicariance explains the disjunct distribution of extant scutigeromorphs, that PIP scutigeromorphs are of ancient Gondwanan origins, and that East Gondwana vicariance explains the diversification of the subfamily Thereuoneminae into its Asian and Australian clades. Location: Global. Taxa: Centipedes, Scutigeromorpha. Methods: We use a novel molecular dataset sampled across the PIP and a global sequence database representing the geographic distribution of all families and subfamilies. We employ molecular phylogenetic analyses on two mitochondrial and three nuclear markers, molecular species delimitation and ancestral range estimation to reconstruct biogeographic history. Results: Ancestral scutigeromorphs were likely widely distributed across Gondwana and diverged prior to any continental vicariance. Their subsequent biogeography is shaped by continental vicariance, long‐distance dispersal and jump dispersal, indicating an ability to colonize areas far from their ancestral range. The PIP emerged as the ancestral range of Thereuoneminae, which started diversifying during the Cretaceous Period. Subsequent in‐situ diversification within the PIP and dispersals into Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands best explained the extant distribution of Thereuoneminae, more so than East Gondwana vicariance. Main Conclusions: The in‐situ diversification of PIP species and their ancient divergence suggest they represent Gondwanan relicts in a landmass whose biota is primarily dispersal‐driven. A single dispersal event from the PIP generated most of the extant diversity in Australia, another Gondwanan fragment. Furthermore, the discovery of 11 putative species from the PIP and the Andaman Islands, five times more than was known, highlights the Wallacean and Linnean shortfalls in tropical Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a predictor of right heart failure (RHF) and increased mortality following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, however the benefit of tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) at the time of LVAD implantation remains unclear. This study compares early and late mortality and RHF outcomes in patients with significant TR undergoing LVAD implantation with and without concomitant TVS. Methods: A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted for studies comparing patients with moderate or severe TR undergoing LVAD implantation with or without concomitant TVS. Meta‐analysis was performed for primary outcomes of early and late mortality and RHF. Secondary outcomes included rate of stroke, renal failure, hospital and ICU length of stay. An overall survival curve was constructed using aggregated, reconstructed individual patient data from Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves. Results: Nine studies included 575 patients that underwent isolated LVAD and 308 patients whom received concomitant TVS. Both groups had similar rates of severe TR (46.5% vs. 45.6%). There was no significant difference seen in risk of early mortality (RR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.57–1.42; p = 0.64; I2 = 0%) or early RHF (RR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.66–1.19; p = 0.41; I2 = 57) and late outcomes remained comparable between both groups. The aggregated KM curve showed isolated LVAD to be associated with overall increased survival (HR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.05–1.93; p = 0.023). Conclusions: Undergoing concomitant TVS did not display increased benefit in terms of early or late mortality and RHF in patients with preoperative significant TR. Further data to evaluate the benefit of concomitant TVS stratified by TR severity or by other predictors of RHF will be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the impact of microstructure and residual stresses on the fracture behavior of as‐deposited thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Two distinct air plasma sprayed TBCs, Coating A (conventional lamellar porous) and Coating B (dense vertically cracked), were investigated. Coating A involved coarser but less dense powders as feedstock and a lower substrate temperature during deposition. Further, Coating A had ∼2.5$\sim 2.5$ times higher randomly oriented porosities, finer grains, lower hardness, and elastic stiffness. Strikingly, however, the fracture strength was higher for the porous as‐deposited Coating A. The answer to this apparent contradiction emerged from the intergranular residual stresses. These were measured using both X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution‐electron backscattered diffraction. Coating B, deposited at a higher substrate temperature, had clear growth selection of (102)$({1\ 0\ 2})$ oriented grains. These also had more out‐of‐plane normal and shear residual stresses. The growth selection induced residual stresses appeared responsible for the decohesion of Coating B from the substrate and, correspondingly, lower fracture strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is an immune complex–mediated hypersensitivity reaction linked as an adverse side effect to many drugs. There have been case reports of similar incidences in Nepal related to various medications. Here, we present a case of a 29‐year‐old lady who developed a generalized erythematous rash over her body and erosion of the oral mucous membrane. Two weeks back she gave a history of initiation of lamotrigine, olanzapine, and sertraline. Given the strong association between SJS and lamotrigine, and the usual presentation being within the first 8 weeks of exposure to susceptible medications; she was diagnosed as SJS/TEN induced by lamotrigine. On April 1, 2024, she was admitted to the ICU at KIST MCTH. All the medicines were withheld, and she was managed with corticosteroids and antihistamines. She improved significantly within 7 days. Early identification of SJS, discontinuation of triggering medicines, and prompt initiation of supportive therapy improved the prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite the plethora of published periodontal interventional and experimental studies, there are no reports evaluating the experience of the participants as a research subject or their willingness for repeat participation in a similar study. This study aimed to determine the participants' experience and willingness to participate again in periodontal experimental studies and to explore factors that affect the participants' research experience. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires from four completed experimental wound healing studies with 76 total participants were extracted and analyzed. The participants answered the same specific questions at their last study visit. The questions asked were "overall experience in the study" and "willingness to participate in the study again," with each question providing five levels/possible answers. Questionnaires also provided an opportunity for participants to offer open‐ended comments about their participation. Frequency distribution and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the participant's responses and study characteristics. Results: All 76 participants answered the specific questions. Overall, 88.2% of participants had a positive experience from their research participation, and 65.8% of them would participate again in such a study. Of the 76 participants, 50 were in studies that included multiple (≥2) experimental wounds, while 26 received only a single experimental wound. Participation experience was negatively associated with the number of wounds received (p < 0.001), while willingness to participate again was positively associated with participation experience (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Within the present study limitations, volunteers participating in periodontal experimental studies have an overall positive experience and express willingness for repeat participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials that combine spin‐crossover (SCO) and liquid crystal (LC) behavior have gained significant attention due to their potential applications in technological devices, attributed to their easy processability. Herein, we report three neutral heteroleptic Fe(II) complexes: [Fe(dpa‐C4)2(NCS)2] (1), [Fe(dpa‐C6)2(NCS)2] (2), and [Fe(dpa‐C16)2(NCS)2] (3) (dpa‐Cn=N‐alkyl‐N‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine; n=4, 6 and 16), which exhibit thermal‐induced spin transition behavior. The transition profiles and temperatures are effectively modulated by the length of the alkyl chains. Longer alkyl chains result in gradual and higher T1/2 values, while the shorter chains lead to abrupt SCO with lower T1/2 (i. e. T1/2=259 K (3) >237 K (2) >211 K (1)). Crystallographic studies reveal the impact of hydrophobic and hydrophilic packing in the crystal lattice, contributing to cooperativity and thereby affecting the SCO behavior. Complex 3 with long alkyl chain substitution, displayed non‐synchronized SCO‐LC behavior due to the thermal motion of the alkyl chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper presents a family of multiport Z‐source converters with minimal number of switches and passive components. The paper focuses on the development of a novel converter and its methodology for selecting the topology of common ground/noncommon ground Z‐source DC–DC single‐input dual‐output configurations, aimed at higher power density, enhancing operational efficiency, size, cost, and centralized power management across multiple ports. In comparison to conventional Z‐source single input single output converters, this design achieves high‐voltage conversion rates while concurrently delivering two distinct outputs with and without common ground, rendering it particularly advantageous for electric vehicle and isolated microgrid applications with renewable energy integration. The proposed converters undergo comprehensive analysis and comparison across various potential configurations. Specifically, configurations yielding equivalent output voltages are prioritized, facilitating their utility in multilevel inverter applications. The assessment encompasses the determination of maximum efficiency; voltage stresses on capacitors, diodes, and switches; inductor currents; and ripples under diverse loads and duty cycles for all configurations. Experimental results are provided to showcase the validity and capabilities of these converters. As research efforts on converter topologies continue to grow, it is expected that this paper will enhance comprehension of multiport Z‐source converter topologies ideas for numerous applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our efforts to design mono‐carbonyl analogues of curcumin with potential antiplasmodial activity, diarylidenecyclopentanone (DACP) derivatives, Ia–Iu and II–V, have been synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, UV–Vis, and mass spectrometry. Structure of one of these DACPs has been verified by single crystal XRD. At the outset, all 25 DACPs were first screened at 12.5 µM for their in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine (CQ)‐sensitive Pf3D7. The three most potent compounds (In, It, and Ik) were further tested at <10 µM concentrations against Pf3D7, PfINDO (CQ resistant), and PfMRA‐1240 (Artemisinin resistant) strains for determination of their IC50s and resistance indices. The drug profile of the DACPs was found to be very promising, with the most active compound It (IC50 1.39 µM against PfINDO) showing a selectivity index of ∼17 tested using HUH‐7 and HEK‐293T mammalian cell lines. Molecular docking studies with Pf pyridoxal synthase showed a good correlation between docking scores of DACPs and in vitro antiplasmodial activity. Further, high conformity with Lipinski's parameters indicates that these DACPs are promising antiplasmodial lead compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Biological Market Models are common evolutionary frameworks to understand the maintenance of mutualism in mycorrhizas. 'Surplus C' hypotheses provide an alternative framework where stoichiometry and source–sink dynamics govern mycorrhizal function. A critical difference between these frameworks is whether carbon transfer from plants is regulated by nutrient transfer from fungi or through source–sink dynamics. In this review, we: provide a historical perspective; summarize studies that asked whether plants transfer more carbon to fungi that transfer more nutrients; conduct a meta‐analysis to assess whether mycorrhizal plant growth suppressions are related to carbon transfer; and review literature on cellular mechanisms for carbon transfer. In sum, current knowledge does not indicate that carbon transfer from plants is directly regulated by nutrient delivery from fungi. Further, mycorrhizal plant growth responses were linked to nutrient uptake rather than carbon transfer. These findings are more consistent with 'Surplus C' hypotheses than Biological Market Models. However, we also identify research gaps, and future research may uncover a mechanism directly linking carbon and nutrient transfer. Until then, we urge caution when applying economic terminology to describe mycorrhizas. We present a synthesis of ideas, consider knowledge gaps, and suggest experiments to advance the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We describe the proportion of VZV infection in central nervous system (CNS) infectious syndromes in a single Israeli medical center. Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted in Kaplan Medical Center (a secondary hospital, Israel) between July 1, 2014, and March 31, 2019. Included were adult patients (≥ 16 years old) with CNS infection with an aseptic CSF profile that were subjected to molecular tests for herpes viruses, HSV either 1 or 2, VZV, enteroviruses, and IgM for West Nile virus (WNV). Results: Clinical presentation suggestive of CNS infection led to lumbar puncture and CSF analysis in 1500 patients yielding 178 cases with aseptic CSF profile. For 62/109 (55.9%) cases of meningitis, the etiology remained unknown, enterovirus accounted for 21 cases (18.9%), VZV for 16 (14.4%), and HSV 1 for 7 (6.3%). One case each of bacterial, fungal, and parainfluenza virus accounted for the other 3 cases. For 30/63 (47.6%) cases of encephalitis, the etiology remained unknown, HSV accounted for 11 cases (17.5%), VZV for 8 (12.7%), and WNV for 10 (15.9%); in two cases, enterovirus was identified and one case of influenza A and one of mycoplasma, accounted for the rest. In six patients with myelitis VZV was identified in 4 (66.7%). Notably, a typical herpetic rash was identified in only 11/28 (39.28%) of cases of VZV CNS infection. Conclusions: VZV is a significant cause of viral CNS infections. In the majority of patients with neurologic syndrome and evident VZV there is no association with a typical herpetic rash. These results apply to Israeli population and likely to other populations with similar background of VZV past infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Acanthamoeba​ species are recognized as the most prevalent free‐living amoebae (FLA). They can cause granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and pulmonary and ocular infections. The present study aimed to isolate and identify Acanthamoeba genotypes in cancer patients referred to Kashan's hospitals in Central Iran. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted with oral and nasal swab samples collected from a hundred cancer patients referred to Kashan's Beheshti and Yasrebi hospitals during 2019–2020. The samples were cultured in 1.5% non‐nutrient agar (NNA) with heat‐killed Escherichia coli and examined for "FLA." A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay amplifying the 18S rRNA gene was performed, and Acanthamoeba‐positive isolates were subjected to nucleotide sequencing to identify their genotypes. Results: The prevalence of Acanthamoeba infection was 51% in the oral cavity and 38% in the nasal samples of cancer patients. The most frequent Acanthamoeba cysts were (51.3%) wrinkled polygonal and sized 9.55‐11.5 μm (Group II). Acanthamoeba genotypes T4, T11, and T5 were identified in the oral cavity samples, whereas T4 and T11 were detected in the nasal samples. Conclusion: The prevalence of Acanthamoeba infection in oral and nasal cancer patients was higher in Kashan, Iran, compared to other countries. Due to the high rate of oral Acanthamoeba contamination, oral sampling is recommended for better detection of this protozoan. Since T4 is the predominant genotype that can cause serious diseases in high‐risk groups, increasing physicians' awareness of infections associated with Acanthamoeba and preventive and control measures are strongly suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Censorship involves, inter alia, adopting a certain type of epistemic policy. While much has been written on the harms and benefits of free expression and the associated rights thereof, the epistemic preconditions of justified censorship are relatively underexplored. In this paper, I argue that examining intrapersonal norms of how we ought to treat evidence that might come to us over time can shed light on interpersonal norms of evidence generation and sharing that are relevant in the context of censorship. The upshot is that justified censorship requires the censor to meet a very high epistemic burden regarding the target proposition(s)—importantly, one that exceeds knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MA‐MIMO) has been hailed as an auspicious technology for the future generation of wireless communications because it can considerably increase the capacity of the communication network. However, using the maximum likelihood (ML) direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimate method is severely constrained in actual systems because of the computationally expensive multi‐dimensional searching procedure. This paper proposes a novel approach to estimate DOA and channels by incorporating deep learning into the MA‐MIMO system. Here, a deep belief network (DBN) is used to learn both the spatial structures in the angle domain and the statistics of the wireless channel through both online and offline learning procedures. Also, a bald eagle search (BES) Optimization is used along with DBN to attain high precision through optimal training. The proposed model can estimate the channel based on the predicted DOA and the complex gain. According to numerical results, the suggested method performs significantly better than state‐of‐the‐art methods, particularly in tough conditions like low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and a finite number of snapshots. The proposed DBN‐BES technique accomplishes less root mean square error (RMSE) as 0.01 for SNR of 5 dB in elevation calculation and 0.02 for SNR of 5 dB in azimuth calculation. Also, the proposed algorithm greatly reduces computational complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]