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The present study investigated the capability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in the forecast/simulation of five landfalling Bay of Bengal (BoB) cyclones during 2013. A 3D variational (3DVar) method of data assimilation of the WRF model was used to assimilate the Global Telecommunication System and satellite radiances to improve the initial conditions. The results demonstrated that the model has the ability to simulate the cyclone track, intensity and structure. The study also indicates that predicted storm track, landfall and intensity improved with the 3DVar technique compared to without it. This was due to better initial conditions in the 3DVar experiment. The predicted track errors of the five storms were compared to available global and regional forecasting systems and the results show that the model has the capability for prediction of cyclones over the BoB region. The forecasted mean track errors were about 70, 114, 182 and 184 km; minimum centre pressure was about 8, 10, 13, 13 hPa and maximum surface wind was about 6, 10, 9, 8 m·s−1 on day 1 to day 4 forecast respectively. The study also presents some of the important predicted diagnostic parameters such as temperature anomaly, divergence, heating rate, frozen hydrometeors, vorticity field, equivalent potential temperature, maximum reflectivity, accumulated rainfall and horizontal wind fields compared to available observations for the extremely severe cyclonic storm Phailin. The warm core structure of the Phailin cyclone was resolved in the model between 9 and 15 km compared to satellite observations. The statistical analysis, distribution and magnitude of forecasted accumulated rainfall are also compared to the rainfall of 174 automatic weather stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Transimpedance amplifier (TIA)-based optical receiver in active voltage-current feedback topology is designed for optical interconnects at 0.18 μ m CMOS technology. The proposed inductorless TIA incorporates a gain boosting amplifier in its path to achieve high gain and bandwidth. This gain boosting amplifier is based on a regulated gain cascode (RGC) amplifier. The RGC stage raises the g m of the circuit, reducing the input resistance of the input stage; as a result, the bandwidth extends. To further amplify the gain, a common source (CS) stage is used at the output without much effect on the system's overall bandwidth. An analytical model of the proposed TIA is developed and later simulated at room temperature in the Cadence Virtuoso analog design environment. The pre-layout and post-layout simulation results of the proposed TIA have been shown to validate its performance. It achieves a transimpedance gain of 62 d B Ω while consuming power of 14.5 mW from a 1.8 V supply voltage. The bandwidth is extended to 8.2 GHz from 1.83 GHz with an input photodiode capacitance of 300 fF. The current spectral density of input-referred noise is 31 pA/ H z. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial wilt or brown rot caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most damaging diseases of potato worldwide. Strains of R. solanacearum have conventionally been classified into five races (r) and six biovars (bvs). Based on variation of DNA sequences, R. solanacearum strains are now classified into four phylotypes that broadly reflect the ancestral relationships and geographical origin of the strains. These phylotypes can be further subdivided into sequevars based on phylogenetic analysis of the endoglucanase (egl) gene sequences. In the present study, bacterial wilt-infected potato plants/tubers were collected from various potato-growing regions of the East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya (India) during summer and autumn of 2012 and 2013. A total of 114 bacterial isolates were recovered, whose identity was confirmed as R. solanacearum by PCR with the species-specific primers 759/760. Using the biovar (bv) classification scheme, 67 isolates (58.8%) were categorized as bv 2T, 41 (35.9%) as bv 2 and six as bv3 (5.3%). A phylotype-specific multiplex PCR assigned 67 (58.8%) isolates to phylotype IV (bv2T), 41 (35.9%) to phylotype II (bv2) and six (5.3%) to phylotype I (bv3). A phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of the egl gene of all isolates clustered 59 phylotype IV (bv 2T) isolates closely to sequevar 8 (GenBank accession No. DQ657634). The remaining 8 phylotype IV (bv 2T) isolates did not cluster with any of the four sequevar, i.e. 8, 9, 10 and 11 that are defined with phylotype IV and formed a distinct sequevar group. All 41 phylotype II (bv 2) isolates clustered with sequevar 1 (EF371844); three phylotype I (bv 3) isolates with sequevar 30 (AB508598), and three phylotype I (bv 3) isolates with sequevar 47 (GU295014). This is the first study that demonstrates a considerable biovar and phylogenetic diversity among R. solanacearum that cause potato bacterial wilt in the Meghalaya state of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, permeability and site of intestinal absorption of propranolol have been reported using the Ussing chamber. In the present study, the utility of Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion to study permeability and site of intestinal absorption of propranolol was evaluated in rats. Drug permeability in different regions of rat intestine viz. duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon was measured. Propranolol (30 µg/ml) solution was perfused in situ in each intestinal segment of rats. Effective permeability (Peff) of propranolol in each segment was calculated and site of absorption was determined. The Peff of propranolol in rat duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon was calculated to be 0.3316x10-4 cm/s, 0.4035x10-4 cm/s, 0.5092x10-4 cm/s and 0.7167x10-4 cm/s, respectively. The above results suggest that permeability of propranolol was highest through colon compared to other intestinal sites, which is in close agreement to that reported previously. In conclusion, in situ single pass intestinal perfusion can be used effectively to study intestinal permeability as well as site of intestinal absorption of compounds in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen heterocycles are valuable structural elements in the molecules of antibacterial drugs approved and used to treat bacterial infections. Pyrrole is a five-atom heterocycle found in many natural compounds with biological activity, including antibacterial activity. Numerous compounds are being develop based on the pyrrole heterocycle as new potential antibacterial drugs. Due to the phenomenon of antibacterial resistance, there is a continuous need to create new effective antibacterials. In the scientific literature, we have identified the most relevant studies that aim to develop new compounds, such as pyrrole derivatives, that are proven to have antibacterial activity. Nature is an endless reservoir of inspiration for designing new compounds based on the structure of pyrrole heterocycles such as calcimycin, lynamycins, marinopyrroles, nargenicines, phallusialides, and others. However, many other synthetic compounds based on the pyrrole heterocycle have been developed and can be optimized in the future. The identified compounds were classified according to the type of chemical structure. The chemical structure–activity relationships, mechanisms of action, and antibacterial effectiveness of the most valuable compounds were highlighted. This review highlights scientific progress in designing new pyrrole-containing compounds and provides examples of lead compounds that can be successfully optimized further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SYNOPSIS: There is a widespread concern that a "replication crisis" exists in the social sciences. Accounting researchers echo this claim and add that little accounting replication research is published. We carry out a conservative study to identify articles published in six leading accounting journals from 1970 to 2016 that attempt to replicate prior financial accounting and auditing research. We find 248 articles that attempted to replicate, in whole or in part, 298 published papers' results typically in the context of extending the original finds. Highlights of our findings include: (1) the number and percentage of replicating articles have increased over the period; (2) 60 percent of all replication attempts are completely successful, 29 percent report mixed success, leaving 11 percent that fail to replicate. These findings suggest that the accounting academe publishes more replication research than previously documented and that published results are relatively robust when replicated. Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic is seasonally exposed to long periods of low temperatures and complete darkness. Consequently, perennial primary producers have to apply strategies to maximize energy efficiency. Global warming is occurring in the Arctic faster than the rest of the globe. The highest amplitude of temperature rise occurs during Polar Night. To determine the stress resistance of the ecosystem-engineering kelp Laminaria digitata against Arctic winter warming, non-meristematic discs of adult sporophytes from Porsangerfjorden (Finnmark, Norway) were kept in total darkness at 0°C and 5°C over a period of three months. Physiological variables, namely maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) and dry weight, as well as underlying biochemical variables including pigments, storage carbohydrates, total carbon and total nitrogen were monitored throughout the experiment. Although all samples remained in generally good condition with Fv/Fm values above 0.6, L. digitata performed better at 0°C than at 5°C. Depletion of metabolic products resulted in a constant decrease of dry weight over time. A strong decrease in mannitol and laminarin was observed, with greater reductions at 5°C than at 0°C. However, the total carbon content did not change, indicating that the sporophytes were not suffering from "starvation stress" during the long period of darkness. A decline was also observed in the accessory pigments and the pool of xanthophyll cycle pigments, particularly at 5°C. Our results indicate that L. digitata has a more active metabolism, but a lower physiological and biochemical performance at higher temperatures in the Arctic winter. Obviously, L. digitata is well adapted to Arctic Polar Night conditions, regardless of having its distributional center at lower latitudes. Despite a reduced vitality at higher temperatures, a serious decline in Arctic populations of L. digitata due to winter warming is not expected for the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Banded sheath blight (Bsb) disease, caused by Rhizoctonia solani , is an emerging problem in barnyard millet cultivation. One of the significant goals of pathogenomic research is to identify genes responsible for pathogenicity in the fungus. Methods: A virulence profiling-based approach was employed and six R. solani isolates were collected from various ecological zones of India. The morphological parameters and virulence of all of the six R. solani isolates were investigated. The most virulent strain was designated as RAP2 and its genome has been sequenced, assembled, and annotated. Results: The RAP2 genome is 43.63 megabases in size and comprises 10.95% repetitive DNA, within which 46% are retroelements, 8% are DNA transposons, and 46% are unidentified DNA. The Gene Ontology (GO) annotation of RAP2 proteins revealed that "phosphorylation", "membrane", and "ATP binding" have the highest gene enrichment in the "biological process", "cellular component" and "molecular function" domains, respectively. The genome comprises a majority of secretory proteins in the pectin lyase fold/virulence factor superfamily, which break down plant cell wall polymers to extract saccharides. The RAP2 genome is comparable to R. solani , which infects maize and rice, but it diverges further from soybean in terms of nucleotide-level genetic similarity. Orthologous clustering of RAP2 protein sequences with R. solani infecting maize, rice, and soybean yields 5606 proteins shared across all genomes. GO analysis of 25 proteins specific to the RAP2 genome found enrichment in the ethylene response, which can cause spore germination and infection in host plants. Discussion: Interestingly, a 28-bp deletion in the RAP2 strain's cutinase domain was discovered in the cutinase protein, which might be important in the infection process, perhaps rendering the enzyme inactive or allowing the pathogen to infect barnyard millet while avoiding host defense. This study sheds light on the genetic makeup of R. solani , allowing researchers to discover critical genes related with pathogenicity as well as potential targets for fungicide development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic utility of CT-imaging-derived biomarkers in distinguishing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) resolution and its progression to chronic PE, as well as their association with clot burden. Materials and Methods: We utilized a cohort of 45 patients (19 male (42.2%)) and 96 corresponding CT scans with exertional dyspnea following an acute PE. These patients were referred for invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 2018 to 2022, for whom we have ground truth classification of chronic PE, as well as CT-derived features related to body composition, cardiopulmonary vasculature, and PE clot burden using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. We applied Lasso regularization to select parameters, followed by (1) Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions to analyze the relationship between clot burden and the selected parameters and (2) logistic regressions to differentiate between chronic and resolved patients. Results: Several body composition and cardiopulmonary factors showed statistically significant association with clot burden. A multivariate model based on cardiopulmonary features demonstrated superior performance in predicting PE resolution (AUC: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71–0.95), indicating significant associations between airway ratio (negative correlation), aorta diameter, and heart volume (positive correlation) with PE resolution. Other multivariate models integrating demographic features showed comparable performance, while models solely based on body composition and baseline clot burden demonstrated inferior performance. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that cardiopulmonary and demographic features hold prognostic value for predicting PE resolution, whereas body composition and baseline clot burden do not. Clinical Relevance: Our identified prognostic factors may facilitate the follow-up procedures for patients diagnosed with acute PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuning electrical properties of 2D materials through mechanical strain has predominantly focused on n‐type 2D materials like MoS2 and WS2, while p‐type 2D materials such as WSe2 remain relatively unexplored. Here, the impact of controlled mechanical strain on the electron transport characteristics of both mono and bi‐layer WSe2 is studied. Through coupling atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation techniques and conductive AFM, the ability to finely tune the electronic band structure of WSe2 is demonstrated. The research offers valuable mechanistic insights into understanding how WSe2's electronic properties respond to mechanical strain, a critical prerequisite for the development of flexible photoelectronic devices. It is also observed that under high pressure, the AFM tip/monolayer WSe2/metal substrate junction transitions from Schottky to Ohmic contact, attributed to significant charge injection from the substrate to the WSe2. These findings are significant for designing efficient metal/semiconductor contact in thin and flexible PMOS (p‐type Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we present a mathematical model for human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV -1) transmission, incorporating Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte immune impairment within a seasonal environment. The model divides the infected cell compartment into two sub-compartments: latently infected cells and productively infected cells. Additionally, we consider three possible routes of infection, allowing HIV to spread among susceptible cells via direct contact with the virus, latently infected cells, or productively infected cells. The system is analyzed, and the basic reproduction number is derived using an integral operator. We demonstrate that the HIV -free periodic trajectory is globally asymptotically stable if R 0 < 1 , while HIV persists when R 0 > 1. Several numerical simulations are provided to validate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical control methods to prevent crop damage have long been directly implicated in the selection of lepidoptera insect populations resistant to insecticides. More recently, new products featuring different modes of action (MoA), developed to mitigate the negative effects of control management on both producers and the environment, are rapidly losing efficacy due to the emergence of resistant insects. Among these, certain resistances are associated with molecular changes in the genomes of pest insects that are valuable for developing molecular markers for diagnostic tools, particularly the point mutations. Molecular diagnosis represents an innovative solution for insecticide resistance management (IRM) practices, allowing for the effective monitoring of insecticide resistance. This approach facilitates decision making by enabling the timely alternation between different modes of action (MoAs). In this context, this review focuses on the major lepidopteran pests that affect globally significant crops, discussing the impacts of insecticide resistance. It gathers literature on diagnostic methods; provides a comparative overview of the advantages of different techniques in terms of efficiency, cost, precision, sensitivity, and applicability; and highlights several novel diagnostic tools. Additionally, this review explores the coffee leaf miner, Leucoptera coffeella, as an applied model to illustrate potential approaches for more effective and sustainable control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread use of lithium‐ion batteries in electric vehicles, energy storage, and mobile terminals, there is an urgent need to develop cathode materials with specific properties. However, existing material control synthesis routes based on repetitive experiments are often costly and inefficient, which is unsuitable for the broader application of novel materials. The development of machine learning and its combination with materials design offers a potential pathway for optimizing materials. Here, we present a design synthesis paradigm for developing high energy Ni‐rich cathodes with thermal/kinetic simulation and propose a coupled image‐morphology machine learning model. The paradigm can accurately predict the reaction conditions required for synthesizing cathode precursors with specific morphologies, helping to shorten the experimental duration and costs. After the model‐guided design synthesis, cathode materials with different morphological characteristics can be obtained, and the best shows a high discharge capacity of 206 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 83% capacity retention after 200 cycles. This work provides guidance for designing cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, which may point the way to a fast and cost‐effective direction for controlling the morphology of all types of particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fused Filament Fabrication is an economic 3D printing process to produce lightweight polymersbased structures. Therefore, it is drawing a consistently increasing interest from industry and researchers. Flexural and impact properties are two of the critical performance measures for gauging the integrity of the printed structures. Since 2014, numerous studies have been carried out on this topic, however, their holistic overview with a focus on the flexural and impact properties has been barely presented in the literature. The current article reviews the relationship between the process parameters, both operating and geometrical, and these properties in detail. The cause-effect relationship is thoroughly examined considering material effect. This allows the identification of the complex interactive effects and conducive ranges of the important parameters to effectively control the process for achieving the desired mechanical properties. The review establishes that the crystallinity of post-printed polymers is a crucial factor in controlling the mechanical properties, and filled polymers generally offer better properties than unfilled ones if the right filler given the desired properties is chosen. Topology optimization, recyclability of polymers through FFF, and retention of polymer properties after printing are also discussed as innovative trends. Finally, limitations and research gaps are identified, and the latest ideas are proposed as a way forward for further development of the FFF technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stability is one of the most important factors restricting the practical application of metal organic frameworks (MOFs). In this work, we fabricate a highly defective HKUST-1 framework with a mixed valence of CuI/CuII by mechanical ball milling method. This defective HKUST-1 is embellished by functionalized ionic liquids as hydrophobic armor, making the hybrid HIL1@HKUST-1 exhibits outstanding water stability, remarkable SO2 adsorption (up to 5.71 mmol g-1), and record-breaking selectivity (1070 for SO2/CO2 and 31,515 for SO2/N2) at 25 °C and 0.1 bar, even in wet conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae‐derived natural compounds have shown significant potential in treating various health conditions, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the development of precise drug delivery systems and diagnostic tools utilizing these compounds. Central to this innovation are the vibrant pigments found in algae chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins which not only impart color but also possess notable nutritional, medicinal, and antioxidant properties. These pigments are extensively used in supplements and the food industry for their health benefits. Emerging research highlights the role of algal pigments in promoting gut health by modulating gut microbiota. This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic benefits of algae, recent progress in algal‐derived nanoparticle technology, and the synergistic effects of algae and their pigments on gut health. Novel insights and recent data underscore the transformative potential of algal compounds in modern medicine and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST's) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Majority of the GISTs are asymptomatic and often diagnosis is incidental. Synchronous second malignancies have been reported in patients with GIST. We report a case of 50-year-old female presenting with features of hollow viscous perforation, found to have ileal GIST with perforations along with a synchronous breast sarcoma. GIST with spontaneous perforation as its first clinical manifestation is rare. Synchronous occurrence of an ileal GIST with a breast sarcoma is unique and deserves reporting. This case report highlights the varied nature of clinical presentation of the GIST and also stresses on the importance of extensive search for the synchronous second malignancies in the extra abdominal sites as well.

'Sixteen and a half' syndrome is a recently coined terminology for a novel pontine neuro-ophthalmological condition. It is characterised by 'one and a half' syndrome with an additional ipsilateral seventh and eighth cranial nerve palsy (1½+7+8=16½). We hereby present a case with 'sixteen and a half' syndrome, characterised by facial asymmetry, conjugate gaze palsy and unilateral deafness with vertigo. As demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging, the responsible pontine lesion was a brainstem tuberculoma involving the ipsilateral abducens nucleus and the adjacent medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF), along with facial and vestibulocochlear nerve. The location of the tuberculoma and the clinical presentation is unusual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]