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Biochemical, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties of cactus pear accessions
Finite element analysis of the human mandible: a systematic review with meta-analysis of the essential input parameters
Correction: Long-term systemic androgen deprivation partially modulates neuroinflammation in male AppNL−G−F/NL−G−F mice
A novel enhanced FBR and low SAR MIMO antenna with limited ground plane for wearable devices
Abstract This study explores a novel approach to mitigate the challenge of a small ground plane inducing substantial back lobes in high front-to-back ratio (FBR) microstrip patch antennas. Introducing a combined technique employing rectangular strip and connecting strip methods, this research aims to counteract backward radiation by generating supplementary magnetic currents through an inductive effect. The hybrid method effectively reduces the backward radiation from the original patch. The proposed single antenna element occupies a notably smaller area (approximately 0.029 λ × 0.036 λ, where λ denotes the cutoff wavelength at 5.9 GHz), making it particularly suitable for wearable applications. Additionally, an equivalent circuit model illustrates the coordinated action, offering comprehensive insights into the physical mechanisms. The achieved FBR surpasses directivity by up to 6.03 dB, leading to a diminished specific absorption rate (SAR) when worn while maintaining minimal impact on radiation efficiency due to human presence, a crucial quality for wearable devices.
In-Situ Gelled Covalent Organic Framework Membrane with Vacancies-Enhanced Anhydrous Proton Conductivity
Nonlinear waveform optimization for wireless power transfer systems
Morphological variation and genetic diversity of Circinaria contorta (Megasporaceae, Ascomycota), including C. contorta subsp. albida subsp. nov.
Abstract Circinaria contorta is a widely distributed, crustose, saxicolous lichen, which thallus is composed of olive-brown, white pruinose areoles and crater-like apothecia. Although it is one of the more common taxa occurring on limestone substrata in Europe and a generic type species, no type specimen has ever been designated for this species, and there are only a very few studies concerning this taxon. During research on C. contorta in Poland, tree main phenotypes (groups A, B and C) were delineated within the sampled material. Molecular analyses of sequences of the genus Circinaria from worldwide sampling indicated that representatives of C. contorta did not form one clade but rather were distributed at different points within the phylogenetic tree, probably due to difficulties in the correct identification of this species. Analyses based on three molecular markers, namely nucITS rDNA, MCM7, and mtSSU rDNA sequences, showed that specimens representing the phenotypic groups A and C were intermixed on the phylogenetic tree within the C. contorta group. However, the specimens from group B formed a separate, well-supported clade and are described herein as a new taxon at subspecies rank, Circinaria contorta subsp. albida. Specimens of group C had phenotypic features similar to those of Circinaria hoffmanniana, suggesting that the taxonomic concept of this species needs clarification. Furthermore, the species concept of Circinaria contorta subsp. contorta has been specified by designating an epitype specimen collected in Germany. This specimen belonged to phenotypic group A and contained aspicilin as a secondary metabolite.
Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
Abstract Seismic isolation techniques are widely used to mitigate earthquake-induced damage in structures; however, their application in low-cost unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings remains limited. This study investigates the effectiveness of Unreinforced Elastomeric Isolators (UEIs) for improving the seismic resilience of URM structures through comprehensive shake-table testing. A half-scale, single-story masonry model was constructed based on similitude laws and tested under both isolated and non-isolated conditions. The UEI was designed and experimentally characterized before implementation. Free and forced vibration tests were conducted to determine the natural frequencies of the model, followed by shake table tests simulating seven earthquake ground motions. Results indicate that the non-isolated model experienced significant acceleration amplification, whereas the isolated model demonstrated reduced roof acceleration and overall seismic force transmission. Despite observable rocking motion in the isolated case, the total roof displacement was lower than in the non-isolated scenario. Comparisons of base shear and overturning moments further confirmed the improved seismic performance of the UEI-supported model. These findings highlight UEIs as a promising, cost-effective solution for seismic protection of masonry structures, paving the way for further optimization and real-world implementation.
The hydroxamate based HDAC inhibitor WMJ-J-09 induces colorectal cancer cell death by targeting tubulin and downregulating survivin
Abstract Aberrant expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is associated with cancer drug resistance and tumor progression. While considerable studies and effort have been devoted to developing novel HDAC inhibitors in cancer therapy, hydroxamate-based HDAC inhibitors have gained growing interest for their broad-spectrum anti-tumor properties. We developed a series of HDAC inhibitors featuring a hydroxamate moiety, and WMJ-J-09 was selected due to its potent cytotoxic effect in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, and its molecular mechanisms driving CRC cell death were characterized. WMJ-J-09 reduced cell viability, arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, and triggered apoptosis. Mechanistically, it activated LKB1-p38MAPK signaling, leading to p53 phosphorylation and acetylation, which elevated p21 and suppressed survivin levels. WMJ-J-09 also acetylated α-tubulin, impaired microtubule assembly, and acetylated survivin, resulting in proteasomal degradation. Both LKB1 siRNA and anacardic acid, a histone acetyltransferase inhibitor, reversed WMJ-J-09-reduced survivin, confirming its dual effects on survivin at transcriptional and post-translational levels. In vivo, the subcutaneous growth of HCT116 CRC xenografts was reduced by WMJ-J-09. In conclusion, WMJ-J-09 causes CRC cell death via the LKB1-p53-survivin signaling pathway and HDAC inhibition, leading to acetylation of α-tubulin, p53, and survivin. This study highlights WMJ-J-09’s potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for CRC treatment.
Validating ajzen’s theory of planned behavior in Saudi translation education programs using a reflective structural equation model
Causal role of immune cells in varicose veins: insights from a Mendelian randomization study
A hybrid GAN-based deep learning framework for thermogram-based breast cancer detection
Reduction of air-sea momentum flux due to whitecap residual foam observed during a laboratory experiment
The outcasts, the sick, and the undead: atypical burials of the late medieval to modern greater Poland
Abstract Past burial practices can provide insights into the social status of the inhumed and inform us of how the individuals were perceived by their community. Atypical or “deviant” burials may indicate that the deceased was considered an outcast, either due to disease, different provenance, criminal activity, or religious beliefs. To explore the importance of atypical burial practices in medieval and modern Poland, an interdisciplinary study was conducted on three Polish cemeteries (Dzwonowo, Skoki, and Wągrowiec) dating to the 14th -18th centuries CE. Twelve individuals were examined using archaeological evidence, anthropological analysis, and ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis. This study aimed to determine the underlying reasons behind the atypical nature of the burials (i.e., whether the individuals were outsiders, outcasts, relatives, or victims of infectious disease) and shed light on the complex interplay between health, social status, and community perception in medieval and modern Poland. The results revealed that a non-adult male and a middle-aged female, who were holding hands in a double burial in Skoki, possibly died from the plague. Yersinia pestis DNA was recovered from the non-adult individual, making it the third confirmed case of plague in Poland. Using the nonmetric skeletal traits, archaeological assemblage, and aDNA analysis, we identified several individuals as likely “outsiders” in the community. The results of this study expand our knowledge of past societal structures and cultural responses to disease as well as provide crucial context for interpreting burial patterns elsewhere in Europe.
Mechanisms and optimization for simultaneous removal of Cd(II) and Sb(V) from aqueous solutions using birnessite and fulvic acid composite
Medicaid expansion, dental visits and expenditures in veterans, older adults, and the foreign-born
Abstract We assessed the relationship between implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), indicated as a state expanding Medicaid, dental visits, and costs in U.S. military veterans, older adults ≥ 65 years, and foreign-born individuals. Using the 2012–2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys for a secondary data analysis, logistic and two-part regressions were used to model dental visits and costs as a function of key explanatory variables. Differences-in-differences estimates compared changes in dental visits and costs in Medicaid expansion to non- expansion states. Post-Medicaid expansion and ACA implementation, the foreign-born in Medicaid expansion states had higher odds of a dental visit compared to those in non-Medicaid expansion states (OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.05–1.32) in adjusted analysis. While they spent $31 more than the predicted per capita expenditure of $395, this increase was not statistically significant. The changes in dental visits and expenditures for veterans and older adults ≥ 65 years were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that the ACA, through expansion of Medicaid programs has improved access for the foreign-born while controlling costs. Health care reform initiatives like Medicaid expansion can enhance access to dental care and help mitigate the economic and access to care barriers vulnerable population groups like the foreign-born face.