Marine-derived Streptomyces sp. isolated from the Persian Gulf as a novel source of melanin.

Thermoluminescent dosimetry properties of calcium oxide obtained from eggshells.

Upcycling of waste Ni-MH battery casing into Binder-Free electrode for efficient ethanol Electro-Oxidation.

The most important device in a wireless communication system is a power amplifier. For modern modulation techniques with a high Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR), efficient power amplifiers are essential. Varying inputs in high PAPR modulation techniques lead to low efficiency in the power amplifier. Doherty power amplifier can provide high efficiencies even at varying input power. In this paper, a 3.5-GHz Doherty power amplifier based on Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistors (GaN HEMT) has been designed. The PA efficiency is inherently dependent on the input and output matching circuits. To predict the matching circuit design and to reduce overall design time, a neural network model has also been created. The proposed Doherty design achieves a Power Added Efficiency (PAE) of more than 52%, with 44% at 6-dB back-off. The designed Doherty Power Amplifier is fabricated on FR4 substrate. The result of the fabricated power amplifier has been measured and compared with simulated results.

Background aim Despite the remarkable efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM), treatment response and toxicity exhibit considerable heterogeneity. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of baseline peripheral blood inflammatory ratios—namely, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)—in patients with R/R MM receiving CAR-T therapy, and to develop an integrated prognostic index based on these parameters. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 197 R/R MM patients who received CAR-T therapy. The optimal cut-off values for NLR, MLR, and PLR were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Associations between these ratios and treatment efficacy, CAR transgene expansion, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated. A composite Cellular Inflammatory Prognostic Index (CIPI) integrating NLR, MLR, and PLR was developed to assess prognostic stratification. Results Optimal cut-offs for NLR, MLR, and PLR were 2.55, 0.35, and 145, respectively. Patients with low baseline inflammatory ratios exhibited significantly higher CAR transgene expansion and were associated with better treatment responses than that of patients with high baseline inflammatory ratios. The low NLR group showed a superior objective response rate (93.8% vs. 81.2%, p = 0.037) and a longer median PFS was observed in the low NLR group compared with the high NLR group (18.6 vs. 10.9 months, p = 0.0012). Elevated inflammatory ratios correlated with high peak levels of IL-6 and ferritin and an increased incidence of severe CRS (≥ grade 3). The CIPI score effectively stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups with distinct PFS (median PFS: 18.9, 13.8, and 5.1 months, respectively; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the CIPI score was an independent prognostic factor for PFS, along with high tumor burden. Conclusion Baseline peripheral blood inflammatory ratios are closely associated with CAR-T cell efficacy and CRS severity in R/R MM patients receiving CAR-T therapy. The CIPI score represents a simple and reproducible prognostic biomarker that may help individualized risk stratification and inform treatment optimization in CAR-T therapy.

IntroductionA high peak knee abduction moment (pKAM) during change-of-direction (COD) movements is considered a risk factor for non-contact injury to the anterior cruciate ligament during multidirectional team sports. COD technique training aimed at avoiding injury-prone movement patterns can lead to reductions in the pKAM but may limit COD performance. In this study we investigated a novel constraints-led training approach based on a 1-on-1 laser tag game, which may optimize COD movement patterns simply through the game's constraints rather than technique instructions. Specifically, we investigated whether the constraints-led training approach reduces the pKAM but with COD performance maintained or even improved.MethodsTwelve highly active individuals (75% female) with experience in COD sports completed an eight-week laser tag training (LASG) intervention while COD biomechanics and performance were obtained from 3D motion capture and full-body musculoskeletal modeling of a maximum-speed 135° COD. Training effects in the LASG group were compared to training effects of traditional COD technique training (CODG) and linear sprint training (CG) obtained from a previous study.ResultsAfter the training, the LASG showed a statistically significant reduction in the pKAM compared to pre-training (p = 0.038, Cohen's d = 0.63) with magnitudes comparable to the CODG (p = 0.056, d = 0.58). Further, the LASG showed improvements in COD performance, quantified through statistically significant reductions in COD completion times (p < 0.001, d = 2.47), which was not observed for CODG (p = 0.898, d = 0.04).DiscussionIn conclusion, an eight-week laser tag training intervention can reduce the pKAM and improve performance during a maximum-speed COD and thus may be a useful tool in ACL injury prevention training.

ABSTRACT Developing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is vital for the large‐scale deployment of rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a novel ternary‐atom catalyst, composed of Fe 2 ‐ and Ni‐coordinated, flower‐shaped, N‐doped carbon microparticles containing carbon vacancy sites (Fe 2 /Ni‐N‐C CV MFs), is synthesized using a facile two‐step heat‐treatment strategy. The material possesses Fe 2 ‒N 6 and Ni‒N 4 co‐structures as well as abundant carbon vacancy sites. These render the material remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic activity and outstanding stability in alkaline media. Density functional theory simulations indicate that: i) the Fe 2 ‒N 6 sites stabilize the reaction intermediate *OOH through bidentate adsorption, ii) the Ni‒N 4 sites favorably modulate the electronic states of Fe 2 ‒N 6 sites, and iii) the carbon vacancy sites around the metallic species hinder the dissolution of the metallic centers. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits a high peak power density of 264.4 mW cm ‒2 and excellent long‐term cycling stability for 1000 h in rechargeable ZABs. This work will not only guide the development of robust multi‐atom catalysts through the rational modulation of multi‐metallic and vacancy sites, but also provide a new approach to optimizing the electronic structures of the metal centers in such catalysts to enhance electrocatalytic performance.

Fatigue strength of peened-welded joints after single high compressive load peaks

Abstract Motivated by the comprehensive achievements of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in cooperative networking for ocean detection and observation, underwater positioning technology, which is one of the key technologies for AUV spatio-temporal measurements, has been put forward with higher requirements on multi-user, autonomous perception, and low-cost. In this paper, an inverted ultra-short baseline (iUSBL) scheme is proposed, and acoustic frequency combs (AFCs) are applied to underwater positioning for the first time. Four-way orthogonal AFCs with distinctive time–frequency features, high peak power, and high detectability are designed as broadband response signals, which are emitted separately from the four transducers of the iUSBL deployed on the seabed. Under the premise of time synchronization between the AUV and the underwater station, the one-way travel time (OWTT) and phase information of each received AFC responses signal are extracted through matched filtering and Fourier transform at the AUV node equipped with a single hydrophone. Finally, the iUSBL positioning method aided by the high-precision AFC distance measurement is adopted to achieve self-positioning. The results of the experiment in the practical environment proved that this low-cost system can realize self-positioning for AUVs with less than 1% slant range error.

To address the issues of limited soft-switching range and high inductor current peak in traditional single phase shift (SPS) modulation for AC–DC converters under a wide range of voltage conversion ratio conditions, this paper proposes an optimized modulation strategy based on SPS modulation. First, the steady-state operating characteristics under SPS modulation are analyzed, and the current-transfer equation is derived. A conversion coefficient is then introduced to transform the conventional phase-shift ratio into a new variable. Based on this, the time-domain characteristics of the inductor current peak and the constraints for zero voltage switching (ZVS) are analyzed. An analytical expression of the conversion coefficient is obtained, which ensures ZVS operation for all switches in the dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter and minimizes the inductor current peak. Finally, experiments verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed modulation strategy.

Understanding instrument–tissue interaction is vital for safe surgery. We used Abaqus to simulate arterial response to EasyEndo-Lite Staple rotation, focusing on abrupt motion and strain-rate effects. Sudden angular rotation produced high strain rates and peak stresses in the clamped arterial segment, reaching 1.4 MPa at 15° and ∼3.7 MPa at 30°. Rapid cessation of rotation increased forces by up to 28%, indicating elevated damage risk. The simulations provided detailed deformation and stress data across scenarios, demonstrating how optimizing instrument design and operating parameters could substantially reduce tissue trauma and improve surgical outcomes.

Steady-state microbunching (SSMB) represents an innovative light source concept capable of generating high-average-power, short-wavelength coherent radiation. To experimentally validate the quasi-SSMB, a turn-by-turn coherent modulation on electron bunches in a storage ring is critical. For this purpose, a dedicated phase-locked pulse laser system with high peak power and high repetition rate has been developed. Utilizing continuous-wave (CW) seed laser electro-optic gating in combination with a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) architecture, the laser system produces 1064 nm laser pulses with a pulse width of 0.5 ns, a repetition rate of 6.25 MHz, and a peak power of 32 kW. Based on an iodine frequency-stabilized CW seed laser as the frequency reference, an optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) achieves phase locking of the output pulse laser. Beat signal measurements demonstrate significant phase noise suppression in the 10 Hz-10 kHz range. This work proposes a method for achieving laser-based coherent modulation on electron bunch trains and demonstrates a versatile design scheme capable of generating phase-locked laser pulses with high repetition rate and high peak power.

Wingate-type repeated sprint intervals (SITWingate) rely on the attainment of high peak power output and the maintenance of average power output as mechanical acute responses that are critical for eliciting aerobic and anaerobic adaptations. In recreationally active participants, the starting cadence of a single WAnT has been shown to influence mechanical power indices. However, the effect of different starting cadences on mechanical power indices during a SITWingate protocol remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether different starting cadences in SITWingate alter mechanical power outputs. Eight recreationally active men (age: 21.1 ± 2.1 years; height: 179 ± 6.4 cm; body mass: 69.8 ± 7.1 kg) volunteered to participate. Participants completed two SIT protocols with different starting cadences (SIT80rpm and SIT120rpm) in sessions separated by ≥72 hours. Each protocol consisted of three 30-s all-out cycling bouts against a standardized load corresponding to 7.5% of body mass, interspersed with 4-min passive recovery. For each bout, peak power output, average power output, and total work were obtained. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated no significant main effect of starting cadence on peak power output, average power output, and total work (p &amp;gt; 0.340). Moreover, when the means of the three sprints were compared, no differences between protocols were detected for any variable (p ≥ 0.344). In conclusion, starting cadences (SIT80rpm vs. SIT120rpm) had no statistically significant effect on SITWingate performance indices among recreationally active men.

Eccentric braking plays a key role in flywheel exercises, contributing to strength gains and neuromuscular control. This case study examined how different inertial loads (0.035, 0.050, and 0.075 kg·m²) affect eccentric braking during the squat, using two-dimensional kinematic analysis. The aim of the study was to examine eccentric overload during the squat exercise under different inertial loads. One participant performed three sets of eight repetitions per load, with two additional reps for flywheel acceleration. Movements were recorded laterally with a digital camera and analysed using Tracker software, referencing the hip joint. Vertical coordinates (Y-axis) were smoothed using a five-point moving average. Velocity and acceleration were derived from the first and second derivatives, respectively. Negative acceleration peaks at the end of the downward motion identified the eccentric braking phase. At 0.035 kg·m², a larger range of motion and higher negative acceleration peaks were found, but with irregular patterns, indicating reduced motor control. The intermediate load (0.050 kg·m²) produced similarly high peaks with greater consistency across cycles. At 0.075 kg·m², movement was more constrained, with slower execution and smaller peaks, but with greater stability and control, suggesting refined motor coordination. These findings demonstrate that increasing inertial load directly influences eccentric braking: lighter loads yield high eccentric force but less control; intermediate loads balance force and stability; heavier loads reduce peak force yet enhance control. This underscores the importance of progressive load selection in flywheel training to match the stimulus to specific training goals.

Still’s disease (SD) is a rare chronic autoinflammatory disease manifested by the development of high peak fever, joint involvement (arthralgias and arthritis), and the appearance of a salmon-colored maculopapular rash. The 2024 EULAR guidelines unified the diagnostic criteria for Still’s disease including fever ≥39°C (102.2°F), recurrent erythematous rash, musculoskeletal involvement, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and elevated CRP and ferritin. If S100 or interleukin (IL)18 levels can be determined, their elevated values will point in favor of SD. Also, treatment strategy have been modified with the administration of biologics of IL-1 or IL-6 inhibitors if glucocorticoids (GCs) are ineffective, and the use of methotrexate (MTX) is considered if biologic therapy cannot be initiated.This case report focuses on the situation of timely diagnosis of SD and resistance to standard therapy with GCs (including pulse therapy) and MTX. Due to insufficient availability of biologics, based on the existing experience of colchicine prescription in SD in the scientific literature, the patient’s therapy was modified with the addition of colchicine at a dose of 1 mg orally per day, after the administration of which regression of clinical manifestations and normalization of acute-phase markers were noted.This clinical experience demonstrates the feasibility of colchicine administration as an alternative to biologics to reduce disease activity if SD is refractory to GC and MTX therapy.

Coffee proteins are key precursors of roasting flavor. However, heat-driven changes in the bean proteome remain underexplored. This work aimed to investigate these changes and study proteomic markers of the coffee bean. The green and roasted coffee beans were quantified for their total soluble protein and compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) proteomics. The protein profiles identified by LC–MS were processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) modeling to identify possible roast-sensitive protein markers. The alkaline-aided aqueous extract protein concentration was reduced from 14–23 g to 3–10 g/100 g dry weight (DW). SDS–PAGE showed dominant 17–26, 34–43, and 55–72 kDa bands weakened after roasting, while high molecular peaks (>180 kDa) were present only in roasted samples. In-solution tryptic digestion yielded nine protein groups. PCA scores revealed partial separation of green and roasted groups, while PLS-DA delivered unambiguous classification (Q2 > 0.90 by cross-validation). The variable importance in projection scores highlighted that structural proteins in common plant beans are markedly down-regulated after roasting, indicating heat-induced structural disruption. The identified protein groups represent candidate markers associated with severe thermal treatment and provide possible molecular targets for investigating flavor precursor development.

Checkpoint inhibitor effectiveness after corticosteroids and second-line immunosuppressants for immune-related adverse events in non-small-cell lung cancer.

The theft of pratima in Balinese temples threatens the spiritual and cultural balance of the community. These sacred objects, regarded as manifestations of God in Hinduism, hold profound religious significance, and their loss represents both material and spiritual desecration. To address this issue, this study investigates a security system that leverages image enhancement for low-light detection. Four techniques—contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), adaptive histogram equalization (AHE), histogram equalization (HE), and gamma correction—were evaluated to improve image quality. CLAHE yielded the lowest mean squared error (MSE) of 21.16 and the highest peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 38.13 dB. For object detection, VGG-19 and AlexNet were assessed. The best configuration, VGG-19 with HE, reached 83.33% accuracy and 93.75% recall, and achieved a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) of 0.90±0.02 across five runs. Thresholds derived from the ROC analysis were selected using the Youden J statistic to balance sensitivity and specificity. The approach outperformed lightweight and classical baselines in AUC, indicating superior discrimination under low illumination. These findings show that superior image quality does not always align with higher detection accuracy, and they highlight the importance of pairing effective enhancement with robust detectors for temple security. The study contributes practical insights for preserving Balinese cultural and spiritual heritage by strengthening efforts to protect pratima against theft.

Performance study of a high efficiency grid peak regulation system using solid state hydrogen storage coupled with waste heat utilization

Dynamic assessment of the allocation of copper to cytochrome c oxidase using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).