Similar Peak Research Articles

Abstract 12412: In Silico Evaluation of Dosing Regimens to Accommodate Coadministration of Mavacamten With Strong Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4 and Moderate Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 2C19 in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Mavacamten is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 and coadministration with strong CYP3A4 or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors is contraindicated in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the US prescribing information (USPI). Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of accommodating coadministration of mavacamten with strong CYP3A4 and moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors via simulations. Methods: Simulations of 5000 virtual patients with obstructive HCM uniformly distributed by CYP2C19 metabolizer phenotypes were performed using population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models. The USPI posology and variations were simulated to evaluate if short term (1 week) and long term (chronic) coadministration of CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors could be accommodated. Analogous to USPI posology development, comparisons were made by evaluating proportions of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 50% (safety) and Valsalva left ventricular outflow tract gradient [VLVOTg] < 30 mmHg (efficacy). Results: When initiating mavacamten with a CYP3A4 inhibitor, a posology using 2.5 mg starting dose, with coadministration stopped if LVEF < 50% at 2.5 mg, resulted in a similar peak proportion of CYP2C19 poor metabolizers with LVEF < 50% (5.7%) and LVEF < 40% (0.9%) compared to the USPI (2.7% and 0.3% respectively; Table ). When initiating mavacamten with a CYP2C19 inhibitor, a 2.5 mg starting dose resulted in a similar peak proportion of LVEF < 50% in CYP2C19 ultrarapid metabolizers to USPI. Optimal efficacy was achieved; in some patients, this was delayed owing to dose reduction. Interruption of mavacamten during short term administration of inhibitors transiently increased VLVOTg for the duration of interruption, with no effect on LVEF. Conclusion: Coadministration of mavacamten with CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors could be accommodated within the titration scheme with dose interruption or down titration.

Physical properties, sensory profile and storage stability of compound chocolates made with cocoa butter replacer consisting of mango kernel fat and rice bran oil

This study analyzed the physical properties of a dark compound chocolate made with a cocoa butter replacer (CBR). The CBR was made up of enzymatically produced mango kernel fat and rice bran oil. The control (dark chocolate) was produced using cocoa butter. For dark compound chocolates, 5 %, 20 %, and 50 % CBR were used, and all the samples were stored at 4 °C, 20 °C, and 33 °C for 12 weeks. Physical, sensory, and storage stability were assessed. The control and 5 % CBR chocolate demonstrated similar melting peaks (at 33 °C), color, and hardness (11–14 N at 20 °C) profiles. However, 20 % and 50 % CBRs compound chocolates had considerably lower melting peaks (about 31 °C), enthalpies (15–20 J/g), and hardness (3–6 N at 20 °C). Bloom formation started after week 6 at 20 °C for control, 5 %, and 20 % CBR chocolates. The earliest bloom formation was observed for all the chocolates stored at 33 °C, followed by chocolates stored at 20 °C. The chocolates were stable at 4 °C throughout the storage period of 12 weeks. Besides some of the physical properties, the overall sensory acceptance, mouthfeel, and taste were similar to the control chocolate with 20 % CBR compound chocolate.

Cladribine and Cyclophosphamide Lymphodepletion Prior to Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Relapsed or Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Introduction : Chemotherapy-based lymphodepletion (LD) with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy) is a standard preparatory step for chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR T) therapy and its importance for optimal CAR T expansion and efficacy is well-established. An international Flu shortage required our center and others to utilize alternative agents for LD or risk interruption in patient therapy. When unable to utilize Flu as part of the LD regimen for patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (RR LBCL) that required CD19-directed CAR T as a standard of care therapy, our center adopted a standard operating procedure to substitute Flu with Cladribine (Clad), an alternate purine analogue with similar chemical structure, as part of Clad/Cy LD prior to axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel). Here we report outcomes in these patients. Methods : We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive RR LBCL patients who received Clad/Cy LD prior to axi-cel at Moffitt Cancer Center between 8/2022 and 1/2023, and compared outcomes to a historical cohort, consisting of 144 Flu/Cy axi-cel LBCL patients treated between 11/2017 and 2/2021. The Clad/Cy LD regimen, given as standard care, maintained Cy at 500 mg/m 2 and substituted Flu 30 mg/m 2 with Clad 5 mg/m 2/day with both agents given on Days -5, -4, and -3. For efficacy we compared best overall response (BOR) at 90 days and progression-free survival (PFS) comparing the two LD regimens. For safety we compared the rates of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity as graded by ASTCT criteria. We also performed correlative analyses exploring absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) kinetics, axi-cel expansion by quantitative PCR, and changes in the cytokine milieu as assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent Ella™ system (Bio-Techne, Oxford, UK) at serial time points following infusion. Results : 23 patients received Clad/Cy LD followed by axi-cel for R/R DLBCL. Baseline characteristics of the study cohort based on LD are shown in the Table. Compared to the historical cohort, Clad/Cy patients received axi-cel after fewer lines of treatment (median 2 [range, 1-3] vs 2 [range, 1-7]; Rank-Sum test p<0.01) and had a greater proportion of relapsed (not refractory) disease (52% vs 22%, p<0.01). The 90-day BOR did not differ between the Clad/Cy and Flu/Cy groups (79% vs 84%; P=0.54) with a similar distribution of complete (22% vs 24%) and partial responders (57% vs 60%). With a median follow-up of 4.6 (95% CI, 3.2-6.2) months for Clad/Cy and 24.2 (95% CI, 21.5-25.8) months for Flu/Cy cohorts, PFS was similar (Figure 1B, Log-Rank p=0.84). Rates of CRS grade ≥ 2 were higher in the Clad/Cy cohort (70% vs 44%; p=0.02), but no CRS grade ≥ 3 was observed in the Clad/Cy compared to 13 (9%) of Flu/Cy patients, including three grade 5 events. Neurotoxicity ≥ grade 2 (44% vs 43%; p=0.77) and peak C-reactive protein levels (15 vs Flu/Cy 12; p=0.3) did not differ for the Clad/Cy and Flu/Cy cohorts. Both regimens had comparable peak axi-cel copy numbers (Clad/Cy 7.9 × 10 6 vs Flu/Cy 5.1 × 10 6 copies/µg). Clad/Cy resulted in a predictable decrease in the ALC from Day -5 to Day 0, but a less profound degree of lymphopenia on Day 0 (0.04 vs 0.02; p<0.01) with ALC 0 achieved later (Day +2 [IQR, +1 to +4] vs Day +1 [IQR, -1 to +2] for Flu/Cy). The median magnitude of change of cytokine levels (Delta = Day -5 - Day 0 concentration) differed between Clad/Cy and Flu/Cy for all tested analytes except IL-6 (3.4 vs 4.6 pg/mL for Flu/Cy; p=0.29). Clad/Cy resulted in greater increases in IL-2 (0.5 vs 0.2 for Flu/Cy; p=0.01) and GM-CSF (2.0 vs 0.9 for Flu/Cy; p=0.03), whereas Flu/Cy had higher IL-15 (31.4 vs 16.8 for Clad/Cy; p<0.01). Interestingly, IFN-γ tended to increase in Clad/Cy and to decrease in Flu/Cy (1.2 vs 0.0; p=0.01). Conclusions : Clad/Cy LD is feasible for axi-cel conditioning in the treatment of RR LBCL. Although it resulted in less profound LD on the day of CAR T infusion, a later ALC nadir, and a different cytokine milieu compared to Flu/Cy, it was associated with similar peak axi-cel expansion and, at short term follow-up, there appears to be similar initial efficacy and toxicity. Future analyses focusing on response durability and long-term toxicities such as infections and post-CAR T cytopenias are warranted.

Molecular insights into the macrophage immunomodulatory effects of Scrophulariae Radix Polysaccharides.

Scrophulariae Radix (SR) has been widely used in Chinese herbal compound prescriptions, health care products and functional foods. The present study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from SR (SRPs) in macrophages and explore the potential mechanisms. The results showed that four SRPs fractions (SRPs40, SRPs60, SRPs80 and SRPs100) had similar absorption peaks and monosaccharide compositions, but the intensities of absorption peaks and monosaccharide contents were distinguished. All SRPs fractions significantly enhanced the pinocytic activity, promoted the production of NO and TNF-α, increased the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PTGS2) and TLR2, and elevated the phosphorylation levels of p38, ERK, JNK, p65 and IκB. Moreover, the production of NO and TNF-α stimulated by SRPs was dramatically suppressed by anti-TLR2 antibody. These results indicated that SRPs activated macrophages through MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways via recognition of TLR2.

Impact of Plate Thickness and Joint Geometry on Residual Stresses in 347H Stainless Steel Welds

Weldments of 347H stainless steel are potentially susceptible to stress relaxation cracking at elevated service temperatures. Mitigation of stress relaxation cracking susceptibility within a multipass weld requires a good understanding of welding practices and manufacturing techniques to control high tensile residual stresses. In this work, the dependence of residual stress distribution in 347H stainless steel on base plate thickness, joint geometry design, and preheating condition was systematically investigated by using three-dimensional finite element models. The finite element models were validated through good agreement between neutron diffraction measurements and calculated elastic strains. The single-V-groove welds with and without a preheating step all produced similar peak von Mises residual stresses, above 450 MPa, within both the fusion zone and heat-affected zone (HAZ). In plates thicker than 0.5 in. (12.7 mm), high tensile residual stress could be observed in a relatively large area, from the middle of the plate thickness to underneath the top surface. A double-V groove shifted the high tensile stress area to the middle thickness of the weld. A single-J-groove weld was able to confine the residual stress to a very small region near the middle thickness within the fusion zone and suppressed the von Mises residual stress within the HAZ to below 400 MPa.

Oscillatory shear stress is elevated in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and aortic regurgitation: a 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance cross-sectional study.

Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortic regurgitation have higher rate of aortic complications compared with patients with BAV and stenosis, as well as BAV without valvular disease. Aortic regurgitation alters blood haemodynamics not only in systole but also during diastole. We therefore sought to investigate wall shear stress (WSS) during the whole cardiac cycle in BAV with aortic regurgitation. Fifty-seven subjects that underwent 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging were included: 13 patients with BAVs without valve disease, 14 BAVs with aortic regurgitation, 15 BAVs with aortic stenosis, and 22 normal controls with tricuspid aortic valve. Peak and time averaged WSS in systole and diastole and the oscillatory shear index (OSI) in the ascending aorta were computed. Student's t-tests were used to compare values between the four groups where the data were normally distributed, and the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used otherwise. BAVs with regurgitation had similar peak and time averaged WSS compared with the patients with BAV without valve disease and with stenosis, and no regions of elevated WSS were found. BAV with aortic regurgitation had twice as high OSI as the other groups (P ≤ 0.001), and mainly in the outer mid-to-distal ascending aorta. OSI uniquely characterizes altered WSS patterns in BAVs with aortic regurgitation, and thus could be a haemodynamic marker specific for this specific group that is at higher risk of aortic complications. Future longitudinal studies are needed to verify this hypothesis.

Performance of modified hollow fiber membrane silver nanoparticles-zeolites Na–Y/PVDF composite used in membrane bioreactor for industrial wastewater treatment

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) deteriorates due to fouling on the membrane pores, which can reduce the membrane performance. To reduce membrane fouling, the addition of inorganic filler can enhance the antifouling properties. This study investigates two different membrane preparation by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and dip coating methods to modify hollow fiber membrane with Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs)-Zeolites used in MBR for industrial wastewater treatment. Performance was evaluated by analyzing the flux of water and wastewater, rejection, water content, and antifouling properties. Characterization result represented the synthesized silver nanoparticles had similar diffraction peak with commercial AgNPs, then the micrograph of AgNPs and zeolites addition membrane showed that the inorganic material had an octahedral shape representing zeolite crystal and irregular shape representing AgNPs. The addition of zeolites and AgNPs resulted in satisfying performance, increased flux, rejection, and antifouling properties.

Honing in on a topological zero-bias conductance peak

A popular signature of Majorana bound states in topological superconductors is the quantized zero-energy conductance peak. However, a similar zero energy conductance peak can also arise due to non-topological reasons. Here we show that these trivial and topological zero energy conductance peaks can be distinguished via the zero energy local density of states (LDOSs) and local magnetization density of states (LMDOSs). We find that the zero-energy LDOSs and the LMDOSs exhibit periodic oscillations for a trivial zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP). In contrast, these oscillations disappear for the topological ZBCP because of perfect Andreev reflection at zero energy in topological superconductor junctions. Our results suggest that the zero-energy LDOSs and the LMDOSs can be used as an experimental probe to distinguish a trivial zero-energy conductance peak from a topological zero-energy conductance peak.

The First Evidence of Potential Antibacterial Activity of Laccase Enzyme from Indonesian White Rot Fungi against Pathogenic Bacteria

The antibacterial agent can be extracted from plants, animals, and microorganisms such as fungi. The potential antibacterial activity of laccase derived from fungi remains limited in current reports. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of laccase from Indonesian white rot fungi (WRF) and explore its potential as an antibacterial agent. The laccases were produced by Trametes hirsuta D7, Trametes hirsuta EDN 082, Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73, and Lentinus sajor-caju BRB 12 using oil palm empty fruit bunch as a substrate. The results showed that the Indonesian WRF tested produced brownish-yellow laccase. FTIR analysis demonstrated similar peak patterns but distinct absorption intensities among the laccases. Trametes hirsuta D7 gained 0.044 U/ml of the greatest laccase activity. Laccase, with minimal activity of 0.001 U/ml–0.026 U/ml, suppressed the propagation of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be inhibited by the laccase with a minimum activity of 0.002 U/ml–0.044 U/ml. However, S. aureus and E. coli showed the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration in the laccase activity range of 0.018 U/ml–0.308 U/ml. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria grow more slowly when the laccase is present, supposed the laccase as a potential antibacterial agent.

Comparative genomics analysis provides insights into evolution and stress responses of Lhcb genes in Rosaceae fruit crops

BackgroundLight-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding proteins (Lhcb) play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and the response to abiotic stress in higher plants. Previous studies have reported that Lhcb genes were involved in the phytochrome regulation and responded to different light and temperature conditions in Poaceae (such as maize). However, the evolution and functions of Lhcb genes remains poorly characterized in important Rosaceae species.ResultsIn this investigation, we conducted a genome-wide analysis and identified a total of 212 Lhcb genes across nine Rosaceae species. Specifically, we found 23 Lhcb genes in Fragaria vesca, 20 in Prunus armeniaca, 33 in Malus domestica ‘Gala’, 21 in Prunus persica, 33 in Rosa chinensis, 29 in Pyrus bretschneideri, 18 in Rubus occidentalis, 20 in Prunus mume, and 15 in Prunus salicina. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Lhcb gene family could be classified into seven major subfamilies, with members of each subfamily sharing similar conserved motifs. And, the functions of each subfamily was predicted based on the previous reports from other species. The Lhcb proteins were highly conserved within their respective subfamilies, suggesting similar functions. Interestingly, we observed similar peaks in Ks values (0.1–0.2) for Lhcb genes in apple and pear, indicating a recent whole genome duplication event (about 30 to 45 million years ago). Additionally, a few Lhcb genes underwent tandem duplication and were located across all chromosomes of nine species of Rosaceae. Furthermore, the analysis of the cis-acting elements in the 2000 bp promoter region upstream of the pear Lhcb gene revealed four main categories: light response correlation, stress response correlation, hormone response correlation, and plant growth. Quantitative expression analysis demonstrated that Lhcb genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns and responded differently to low-temperature stress in Rosaceae species.ConclusionsThese findings shed light on the evolution and phylogeny of Lhcb genes in Rosaceae and highlight the critical role of Lhcb in pear’s response to low temperatures. The results obtained provide valuable insights for further investigations into the functions of Lhcb genes in Rosaceae, and these functional genes will be used for further fruit tree breeding and improvement to cope with the current climate changes.

Investigating the effect of outsole configurations on rotational and translational traction using a mechanical prosthetic foot

Studded football boots and their interaction with the pitch surface play a major role in generating traction and on the risk of injuries and performance. The aim of this study was to establish a methodological framework to predict a safe zone of traction for different specific football movements in natural preloads. We measured peak pressure distribution among 17 male football players in four specific football movements (cutting 135°, sprinting, turning, and penalty kick) on artificial turf using a baseline football boot with an insole pressure sensor. A mechanical prosthetic foot was adjusted to replicate similar peak pressure distribution based on these four movements. Traction was measured under three preloads: 400, 600, and 800 N. They were lower than those measured with the players to avoid damage to the mechanical test device. This procedure was conducted for seven different outsole configurations. Rotational and translational traction was estimated for high preloads (above 2000 N) using an artificial neural network. Our findings show pressure distribution is an important bridge between subjective measurement (field tests) and objective measurement (laboratory tests) for accurate traction measurement. Artificial neural networks can aid in finding the upper and lower ranges of traction in the natural preloads. Such findings could help footwear developers, trainers, players, and governing institutions to choose an appropriate football boot outsole according to the safe zone of traction established in this study.

Probable low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations in blazars from the ZTF survey

ABSTRACT We investigate the possible presence of quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) signals in 2103 blazars from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) time-domain survey. We detect a low-frequency QPO signal in five blazars observed over these 3.8-yr-long optical r-band ZTF light curves. These periods range from 144 to 196 d detected at ≳4σ significance levels in both the Lomb–Scargle periodogram and weighted wavelet Z-transform analyses. We find consistent results using the phase dispersion minimization technique. A similar peak is detected in the g-band light curves at a slightly lower significance of 3σ. Such nearly periodic signals on these time-scales in optical wavebands most likely originate from a precessing jet with high Lorentz factor, closely aligned to the observer’s line of sight or the movement of plasma blobs along a helical structure in the jet.

Associations between feeding and glucagon-like peptide-2 in healthy ponies.

Gastrointestinal peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), could play a direct role in the development of equine hyperinsulinaemia. To describe the secretory pattern of endogenous GLP-2 over 24 h in healthy ponies and determine whether oral administration of a synthetic GLP-2 peptide increases blood glucose or insulin responses to feeding. A cohort study followed by a randomised, controlled, cross-over study. In the cohort study, blood samples were collected every 2 h for 24 h in seven healthy ponies and plasma [GLP-2] was measured. In the cross-over study, 75 μg/kg bodyweight of synthetic GLP-2, or carrier only, was orally administered to 10 ponies twice daily for 10 days. The area under the curve (AUC0-3h ) of post-prandial blood glucose and insulin were determined before and after each treatment. Endogenous [GLP-2] ranged from <0.55 to 1.95 ± 0.29 [CI 0.27] ng/mL with similar peak concentrations in response to meals containing 88-180 g of non-structural carbohydrate, that were ~4-fold higher (P < 0.001) than the overnight nadir. After GLP-2 treatment peak plasma [GLP-2] increased from 1.1 [0.63-1.37] ng/mL to 1.54 [1.1-2.31] ng/mL (28.6%; P = 0.002), and AUC0-3h was larger (P = 0.01) than before treatment. The peptide decreased (7%; P = 0.003) peak blood glucose responses to feeding from 5.33 ± 0.45 mmol/L to 5.0 ± 0.21 mmol/L, but not AUC0-3h (P = 0.07). There was no effect on insulin secretion. The study only included healthy ponies and administration of a single dose of GLP-2. The diurnal pattern of GLP-2 secretion in ponies was similar to other species with no apparent effect of daylight. Although GLP-2 treatment did not increase post-prandial glucose or insulin responses to eating, studies using alternative dosing strategies for GLP-2 are required.

Dynamic properties of an aeroelastic transmission tower subjected to synoptic and downburst-like outflows

Electrical transmission towers can be vulnerable to high intensity non-synoptic wind events such as downbursts. This paper compares the wind-induced response of a single self-supported transmission tower subjected to experimentally produced downburst outflows and synoptic (i.e., atmospheric boundary layer (ABL)) winds. Wind tunnel tests were carried out on a 1:50 aeroelastic model of the tower. A similar mean wind speed was produced at 1/6th of tower height and tower height in the downburst and synoptic simulations, respectively. Lower drag coefficients were observed under downburst winds in comparison to synoptic winds for the case tested. Lower peak base shear and base moments were subsequently observed in the downburst case. However, the results indicate that the base dynamic response of a self-supported tower can be slightly higher under downburst wind loads in comparison to synoptic winds. Higher dynamic amplification factors (DAF) and deviations from the mean were observed in the base dynamic response to downburst winds in comparison to the synoptic case. This indicates that self-supported towers can be subjected to more wind-induced vibrations under downburst winds with similar peak wind speeds as the synoptic winds.

Wave Spectral Analysis for designing Wave Energy Converters

When designing a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) it is inappropriate to consider overall bulk parameters, like for instance, the typical scatter diagrams Hs-Tp. The reason is that in most of the world wave conditions are complex and involve several long-term wave systems, each with different characteristics (Fig. 1a). This is true even for apparently simple basins like the Mediterranean or the North Sea, in the open ocean this is certainly the case with swells arriving from remote places. Naturally, each Wave System (WS) has different characteristics, like their seasonal variability, typical wave height, but most importantly, the wave period and the spectral width are fundamental design parameters. As WECs must resonate on the exciting force to effectively convert energy, that resonance depends on the wave period. On the other hand, the spectral width indicates how disperse is energy in frequency and direction, the broader the spectrum (more entropy) the more difficult to tap its energy. Therefore, a smart WEC’s design cannot aim to the full spectrum, but to the particular WS with the more favorable characteristics (high energy, narrow spectral band, low frequency). For the present application we focus on a site in the Galapagos Islands. Apart from the aforementioned spectral conditions, this tropical site offers a couple of additional advantages, namely a small seasonal variability, and the absence of high extremes (to be withstood by the device even if idle), with still an interesting average resource (~20 kW/m). At this site we find three main WSs (see Fig. 1, a and b). WS1 belongs to the southerly swells, from the Antarctic extra-tropical storms. WS2 corresponds to swells from the northern hemisphere. WS3 is due to the southern trade-winds, active locally in the area (wind-sea). Clearly, the target for energy conversion is WS1, but for a non-directional device (e.g., point absorber), WS2 is also interesting due to the similar peak frequency. In addition, WS1 and WS2 are seasonally complementary, as they are mainly active in the austral and boreal winters respectively. The identification and separation of these different WSs allows us to determine their characteristics and to obtain specific design parameters. The modulation strategy for the WEC design is the subject of a parallel paper.&#x0D; &#x0D; Fig. 1. a) (left) Spectral wave conditions in the Galapagos Islands. WS1: Antarctic swells, WS2: northern swells, WS3: southern trade-winds, WS4: Central America wind jets. The colorbar indicates number of occurrences within 1979-2015. b) (right) Average one dimensional spectra for the WSs in panel a. Data obtained from GLOSWAC: https://modemat.epn.edu.ec/nereo/.

Fabrication and characterization of an AlGaN light emitting diode with Al-doped ZnO as a current spreading tunnel junction layer

We fabricated an AlGaN light emitting diode (LED) with a heavily Al-doped n-type ZnO layer on a p-type contact layer as a tunnel junction (TJ) to improve carrier injection into the LED. We characterized its electrical and optical properties and compared them to those of an AlGaN LED without ZnO. From the I–V characteristic of the LED with ZnO, we observed a threshold voltage of circa 2 V, which could be due to Zener breakdown of the type II heterostructure of n-ZnO/p-GaN as a TJ. From the electroluminescence measurement, we observed a similar emission peak in both AlGaN LEDs at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths, but a broad emission band around 365 nm in the LED with ZnO. This emission could be originating from ZnO photoexcited by the UV LED emission. The dependence of these peak intensities on input currents shows that there is a monotonic increase in the light emission intensity for the UV LED emission, but a saturation behavior after the threshold voltage for the emission from the ZnO. This saturation behavior is attributed to an overflow of photoexcited electron–hole pairs into p-GaN, strongly suggesting that n-ZnO/p-GaN works as a TJ. Electroluminescence data also show that the presence of the ZnO film facilitates current spreading, which enables device operation at large input currents. Therefore, ZnO can work as a current spreading TJ layer and improve the performance of the AlGaN LED.

Acute Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training Compared with Equipment-Based Interval and Continuous Training.

Low-volume, time-efficient high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves whole-body (WB) callisthenics exercises, has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. However, the physiological and perceptual impact of WB-HIIT in comparison to specialised, equipment-based training is relatively less studied. This study compared the acute physiological and perceptual responses to a single session of WB-HIIT, ergometer-based HIIT (ERG-HIIT) and conventional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Fourteen physically inactive adults (age: 28.4 ± 6.5 years, VO2peak: 31.0 ± 6.2 mL· kg-1· min-1) underwent three main trials (WB-HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensity callisthenics workout; ERG: HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensity cycling bouts; MICT: 30-min cycling at 50% peak power output) in a randomized cross-over order 3-7 days apart. The mean session heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion were comparable across all three protocols (p > 0.05). WB-HIIT attained a similar peak HR (87.4 ± 9.4 %HRmax) as that of ERG-HIIT (83.0 ± 8.6 %HRmax), and significantly greater than that of MICT (78.7 ± 5.5 %HRmax, p = 0.001). However, WB-HIIT induced significantly higher blood lactate levels (7.2 ± 1.8 mmol/L) compared to both ERG-HIIT (5.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and MICT (3.1 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001). The participants reported higher self-efficacy and greater enjoyment with WB-HIIT compared to MICT (p < 0.05). The mean HR and perceived exertion responses to WB-HIIT are comparable to those of equipment-based HIIT and MICT; however, WB-HIIT results in greater metabolic strain than both other modalities. Despite this, the overall perceptual responses to WB-HIIT are positive, suggesting that it could be a viable exercise alternative, especially for individuals with limited exercise time and restricted access to facilities and equipment.

Acute Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training Compared with Equipment-Based Interval and Continuous Training

Low-volume, time-efficient high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves whole-body (WB) callisthenics exercises, has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. However, the physiological and perceptual impact of WB-HIIT in comparison to specialised, equipment-based training is relatively less studied. This study compared the acute physiological and perceptual responses to a single session of WB-HIIT, ergometer-based HIIT (ERG-HIIT) and conventional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Fourteen physically inactive adults (age: 28.4 ± 6.5 years, VO2peak: 31.0 ± 6.2 mL· kg-1· min-1) underwent three main trials (WB-HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensity callisthenics workout; ERG: HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensity cycling bouts; MICT: 30-min cycling at 50% peak power output) in a randomized cross-over order 3-7 days apart. The mean session heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion were comparable across all three protocols (p &gt; 0.05). WB-HIIT attained a similar peak HR (87.4 ± 9.4 %HRmax) as that of ERG-HIIT (83.0 ± 8.6 %HRmax), and significantly greater than that of MICT (78.7 ± 5.5 %HRmax, p = 0.001). However, WB-HIIT induced significantly higher blood lactate levels (7.2 ± 1.8 mmol/L) compared to both ERG-HIIT (5.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p &lt; 0.05) and MICT (3.1 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p &lt; 0.001). The participants reported higher self-efficacy and greater enjoyment with WB-HIIT compared to MICT (p &lt; 0.05). The mean HR and perceived exertion responses to WB-HIIT are comparable to those of equipment-based HIIT and MICT; however, WB-HIIT results in greater metabolic strain than both other modalities. Despite this, the overall perceptual responses to WB-HIIT are positive, suggesting that it could be a viable exercise alternative, especially for individuals with limited exercise time and restricted access to facilities and equipment.

Impact of stenosis resistance and coronary flow capacity on fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio discordance: acombined analysis of DEFINE-FLOW and IDEAL.

The pressure-derived parameters fractional flow reserve (FFR) and the emerging instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) are the most widely applied invasive coronary physiology indices to guide revascularisation. However, approximately 15-20% of intermediate stenoses show discordant FFR and iFR, and therapeutical consensus is lacking. We sought to associate hyperaemic stenosis resistance index, coronary flow reserve (CFR) and coronary flow capacity (CFC) to FFR/iFR discordance. We assessed pressure and flow measurements of 647 intermediate lesions (593patients) of two multi-centre international studies. FFR and iFR were discordant in 15% of all lesions (97 out of 647). FFR+/iFR- lesions had similar hyperaemic average peak velocity (hAPV), CFR and CFC as FFR-/iFR- lesions, whereas FFR-/iFR+ lesions had similar hAPV, CFR and CFC as FFR+/iFR+ lesions (p > 0.05 for all). FFR+/iFR- lesions were associated with lower baseline stenosis resistance, but not hyperaemic stenosis resistance, compared with FFR-/iFR+ lesions (p < 0.001). Discordance with FFR+/iFR- is characterised by maximal flow values, CFR, and CFC patterns similar to FFR-/iFR- concordance that justifies conservative therapy. Discordance with FFR-/iFR+ on the other hand, is characterised by low flow values, CFR, and CFC patterns similar to iFR+/FFR+ concordance that may benefit from percutaneous coronary intervention.

A study of crystallization behavior and magnetic property of Co-based alloy

The crystallization behavior and magnetic properties of Co-based alloy are investigated by DSC, XRD, TEM, VSM, and impedance analyzer. The results indicate that the non-isothermal crystallization of Co50Fe25Nb15B10 alloy has a significant glass transition with a supercooled liquid region of about 80 K. When the heat treatment is above crystallization temperature, some phases appear successively as the Co2B and (Co, Fe)21Nb2B6, and with the increase of annealing temperature, the values of coercivity Hc and saturation magnetic induction strength Bs increase correspondingly. After measuring the impedance effect of the Co-based alloy, it is found that the increase in impedance value is attributed to the decrease in magnetic anisotropy performance of the alloy, and the impedance curves of both amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys show a similar single peak trend. However, the crystallization phases after annealing form with a large size that hind the magnetization process resulting in a significant decrease of (ΔZ/Z)max value.